Display control device for vehicle, display control method for vehicle, and display control program for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display control device for a vehicle, a display control method for a vehicle, and a display control program for a vehicle, the display control device for a vehicle comprising: a first image generation unit for generating a first image displayed at a display position based on the position of an object in front of the vehicle; and a second image generation unit that generates a second image different from the first image. When the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image in a display area provided in the front of the vehicle interior and including a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image, the display control unit performs control so as to display the first image at a position not overlapping with the second image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display control method, and a vehicle display control program. Background Art

[0002] A display system is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-037634, which displays information of a preceding vehicle obtained through vehicle-to-vehicle communication in a display area on a front windshield. In the technology disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-037634, it is proposed that a vehicle image of another vehicle representing information of the preceding vehicle is associated with the position of the preceding vehicle seen through the front windshield and displayed in a first display area, and a vehicle image of the own vehicle representing information of the own vehicle is displayed in a second display area.

[0003] It should be noted that, in the case of displaying an image based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle as in the technology described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-037634, the position of the image in the display area changes due to the change in the relative position relationship between the vehicle and the object. Therefore, if the image overlaps with other images due to displaying the image at the display position based on the position of the object, there is a concern that the display of each image becomes unclear. On the other hand, in the case where the overlap of the images is avoided by deleting one of the images, the amount of information in the display area decreases, and there is a concern that it has a negative impact on the proper recognition of vehicle information by the occupant. This point is not considered in the technology described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-037634, and there is room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display control method, and a vehicle display control program that can clearly display each image without reducing the amount of information in the display area in a display area for displaying an image based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle and other images.

[0005] A vehicle display control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first image generation unit that generates a first image to be displayed at a display position based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle; a second image generation unit that generates a second image different from the first image; and a display control unit that, when the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image in a display area including a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image and provided in the front part of the vehicle compartment, controls the first image to be displayed at a position where it does not overlap with the second image.

[0006] In the vehicle display control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a first image is generated by a first image generation unit at a display position based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle. In addition, a second image different from the first image is generated by a second image generation unit. The first image and the second image are displayed in a display area provided at the front part of the vehicle interior under the control of a display control unit.

[0007] The display area includes a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image. In the display area, when the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image, the display control unit controls to display the first image at a position where it does not overlap with the second image. Therefore, even when the display position of the first image moves significantly due to a change in the relative position relationship between the own vehicle and the object, the first image is displayed at a position where it does not overlap with the second image. As a result, each image can be clearly displayed without reducing the amount of information in the display area. Here, the "case where the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image" does not mean that the first image is actually displayed in a state overlapping with the second image on the display area, but means a case where it is predicted that the display position of the first image will overlap with the second image based on the display position information on the display area of the generated first image and second image.

[0008] The vehicle display control device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is completed on the basis of the configuration described in the first aspect, and the above-mentioned second image is fixedly displayed at a position in the above-mentioned second area by the above-mentioned display control unit.

[0009] In the vehicle display control device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, different from the first image displayed based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle, the second image is fixedly displayed at a position. Therefore, when the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image, the display control unit controls to display the first image at a position where it does not overlap with the second image without changing the display position of the second image. Thereby, the line-of-sight movement of the occupant when observing the image in the display area can be reduced, and the vehicle can travel more smoothly and safely.

[0010] The vehicle display control device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is completed on the basis of the configuration described in the first aspect or the second aspect, and at least the area above the vehicle of the above-mentioned second area of the above-mentioned display area is assigned as the above-mentioned first area. When the display position of the first image moves from the above-mentioned first area toward the above-mentioned second area and overlaps with the above-mentioned second image due to the approach of the above-mentioned object, the above-mentioned display control unit fixes the display of the first image at the upper end side of the second area.

[0011] If the vehicle approaches an object, the display position of the first image moves from the first area toward the second area and sometimes overlaps with the second image. In such a case, in the vehicle display control device described in the third aspect, the display control unit fixes and displays the first image on the upper end side of the second area. Therefore, the display position of the first image is fixed along the movement trajectory accompanying the approach of the object. As a result, when an object on the front side of the vehicle approaches, the discomfort felt by the occupant can be reduced, and the vehicle can travel more smoothly and safely.

[0012] The vehicle display control device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is completed on the basis of the configuration described in the first aspect or the second aspect. When a specified driving system based on the position of the above object operates, the first image generation unit generates the first image. After the display position of the first image in the display area does not overlap with the second image due to the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the object, the display control unit starts displaying the first image.

[0013] In the vehicle display control device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, when a specified driving system based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle operates, the first image generation unit generates the first image. Moreover, after the display position of the first image in the display area does not overlap with the second image due to the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the object, the display control unit starts displaying the first image. For example, when an object on the front side of the vehicle approaches the vehicle urgently during the operation of the driving system, there is a case where the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image. In such a case, the display control unit does not display the first image and starts displaying the first image after the display position of the first image does not overlap with the second image. As a result, when the display of the first image starts, the first image is displayed corresponding to the position of the object on the front side of the vehicle. Thus, the discomfort felt by the occupant can be reduced, and the vehicle can travel more smoothly and safely.

[0014] The vehicle display control device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is completed on the basis of the configuration described in the first aspect or the second aspect. The display control unit expands the first area by allocating a part of the second area as the first area along with the start of the display of the first image.

[0015] In the vehicle display control device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the display control unit expands the first area by allocating a part of the second area as the first area along with the start of the display of the first image. As a result, by expanding the area where the first image can be displayed based on the position of the object, it is possible to expect a reduction in the frequency of the situation where the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image, and thus the vehicle can travel more smoothly and safely.

[0016] The vehicle display control device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is completed on the basis of the configuration described in the first aspect or the second aspect. The first image is composed of an AR image, and the AR image is displayed by the display control unit so as to overlap with the scenery on the front side of the vehicle observed from inside the vehicle compartment at the display position based on the position of the object in the display area.

[0017] In the vehicle display control device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the first image is composed of an AR image and is displayed so as to overlap with the scenery on the front side of the vehicle observed from inside the vehicle compartment. Thereby, the occupant can intuitively understand the information represented by the image and respond, and the driving of the vehicle is smoother and safer.

[0018] The vehicle display control method according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a process executed by a computer: generating a first image to be displayed at a display position based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle, generating a second image different from the first image, and when the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image in a display area including a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image and provided in the front part of the vehicle compartment, controlling to display the first image at a position not overlapping with the second image.

[0019] The vehicle display control program according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure generates a first image to be displayed at a display position based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle, generates a second image different from the first image, and when the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image in a display area including a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image and provided in the front part of the vehicle compartment, controls to display the first image at a position not overlapping with the second image.

[0020] As described above, the vehicle display control device, the vehicle display control method, and the vehicle display control program according to the present disclosure can clearly display each image in a display area for displaying an image based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle and other images without reducing the amount of information in the display area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of observing the front part of the vehicle compartment of a vehicle to which the vehicle display control device according to the present embodiment is applied from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle display control device according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example in which a second image is displayed in the display area in a state where the AR display function is turned off.

[0025] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example in which a first image and a second image are displayed in the display area in a state where the AR display function is turned on.

[0026] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example in which a first image and a second image are displayed in the display area in a state where a preceding vehicle, which is an object on the front side of the vehicle, approaches the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the display process flow in the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a modified example in which a first image and a second image are displayed in the display area in a state where the AR display function is turned on. Detailed Embodiment

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to Figures 1 to 7 the vehicle display control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0030] As Figure 1 shown, an instrument panel 14 is provided at the front part inside the vehicle compartment of the vehicle 12. The instrument panel 14 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side of the vehicle of the instrument panel 14. That is, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is a right-hand drive vehicle with the steering wheel 16 provided on the right side, and the driver's seat 28 is set on the right side of the vehicle.

[0031] A windshield 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 14. The windshield 18 extends in the vehicle up-and-down direction and the vehicle width direction to divide the inside of the vehicle compartment and the outside of the vehicle compartment.

[0032] The right side end of the windshield 18 is fixed to the front pillar 20 on the right side of the vehicle. Specifically, the front pillar 20 extends substantially in the vehicle up-and-down direction, and the windshield 18 is fixed to the end portion on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the front pillar 20. In addition, the front end of the front side glass 22 is fixed to the end portion on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the front pillar 20. Further, the left side end of the windshield 18 is fixed to a front pillar on the left side of the vehicle (not shown).

[0033] Here, an instrument display 24 is provided on the instrument panel 14. The instrument display 24 is provided in front of the driver's seat 28 on the right side of the vehicle of the instrument panel 14, and is an area where a prescribed image is displayed by an instrument display device 44 (see Figure 2 ) which is a vehicle display device. The instrument display 24 is connected to various instrument devices mounted on the vehicle 12, and is provided at a position where it enters the field of view in a state where the driver looks straight ahead at the vehicle.

[0034] A center display 25 is provided at the center portion in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 14. The center display 25 of the present embodiment is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with the vertical direction as the length direction as an example, and is an area where a prescribed image is displayed by a center display device 46 (see Figure 2 ) which is a vehicle display device.

[0035] A head-up display display area 26 (hereinafter simply referred to as "display area 26") is provided on the windshield 18. The display area 26 is set above the vehicle of the instrument display 24, and is constituted by a projection surface projected by a head-up display device 48 (see Figure 2 ) which is a vehicle display device. Specifically, a head-up display device 48 is provided on the front side of the vehicle of the instrument panel 14, and an image is projected from the head-up display device 48 onto the display area 26 of the windshield 18. That is, the display area 26 is a part of the windshield 18 that becomes the projection surface of the head-up display device 48.

[0036] Here, a vehicle display control device 10 is provided in the vehicle 12. The vehicle display control device 10 of the present embodiment is constituted by, for example, one or more ECUs (Electronic Control Unit). Further, the vehicle display control device 10 of the present embodiment causes various images to be displayed on the display area 26 of the head-up display device 48. The vehicle display control device 10 controls the display positions of the images so that the images do not overlap each other, thereby making the vehicle travel smoothly and safely.

[0037] (Hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device 10)

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device 10. As Figure 2As shown, the vehicle display control device 10 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processor 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a storage 36, a communication I / F (communication interface) 38, and an input / output I / F (input / output interface) 40. Each component is connected via a bus 42 to be communicable with each other.

[0039] The CPU 30 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 30 reads a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and uses the RAM 34 as a working area to execute the program. The CPU 30 controls the above-mentioned components and performs various arithmetic processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0040] The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 34 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 36 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs and various data including an operating system. In the present embodiment, programs and various data for performing the display process described later are stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0041] The communication I / F 38 is an interface for the vehicle display control device 10 to communicate with an external server and other devices. For example, standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be used.

[0042] The input / output I / F 40 is electrically connected to the instrument display device 44, the center display device 46, and the head-up display device 48. The instrument display device 44 causes the instrument display 24 to display specified information. The center display device 46 causes the center display 25 to display specified information. The head-up display device 48 causes the display area 26 to display specified information.

[0043] In addition, the input / output I / F 40 is electrically connected to the object detection unit 50 and the driving system control unit 54.

[0044] The object detection unit 50 can detect objects existing around the vehicle (front, side, rear). Moreover, the object detection unit 50 can obtain various information related to the detected objects, such as the distance and azimuth angle to the objects. The objects to be detected include pedestrians, two-wheeled vehicles, other vehicles, road signs, driving lane markings, and guiding signs, etc. In the detection of objects, for example, detection sensors 52 respectively provided at the front, side, and rear of the vehicle 12 are used. The detection sensors 52 are constituted by combining well-known sensors represented by cameras, ultrasonic sensors, millimeter-wave radars, lidar, etc.

[0045] The driving system control unit 54 can control various driving systems mounted on the vehicle 12. The various driving systems include driving systems based on the positions of the objects detected by the object detection unit 50. The driving systems based on the positions of the objects detected by the object detection unit 50 include an automatic driving system and a driving assistance system. The driving assistance system includes various ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistant System) such as a stop system, a start system, an ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) system, and an LTA (Lane Tracking Assist) system for avoiding contact between the detected object and the vehicle 12. The driving system control unit 54 makes the various driving systems work by automatically performing part or all of the operations of the accelerator, brake, direction indicator, steering device, etc. of the vehicle 12 by controlling various actuators mounted on the vehicle 12.

[0046] (Functional configuration of the in-vehicle display control device 10)

[0047] The in-vehicle display control device 10 uses the above-mentioned hardware resources to implement various functions. Refer to Figure 3 The functional configuration implemented by the in-vehicle display control device 10 will be described.

[0048] As Figure 3 shown, the in-vehicle display control device 10 is configured to include a first image generation unit 60, a second image generation unit 62, an overlap determination unit 64, and a display control unit 66 as functional configurations. Each functional configuration is implemented by the CPU 30 reading and executing the programs stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0049] The first image generation unit 60 generates a first image to be displayed in the display area 26. The first image is an image displayed at the display position based on the position of the object on the front side of the vehicle, and the display position is determined corresponding to the relative position relationship between the vehicle 12 (this vehicle) and the object. For example, when an object on the front side of the vehicle is detected by the object detection unit 50 along with the operation of a prescribed driving system, the first image generation unit 60 generates the first image as an image indicating the position of the detected object.

[0050] AsFigure 5 As shown, the first image M1 of the present embodiment is composed of an AR image. The AR image is an image depicted using Augmented Reality technology. That is, the scenery on the front side of the vehicle is seen through the windshield 18 in the display area 26, and the first image M1 is superimposed and displayed with respect to this scenery. Therefore, the first image is displayed on the virtual space set in the display area 26 in a way that gives a sense of depth. When the display position of the first image M1 moves from the depth to the front of the virtual space, it is displayed with the image size gradually increasing. Thus, the occupant observing the display area can intuitively grasp the approach and departure of the object on the front side of the vehicle.

[0051] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the AR image display function of the head-up display device 48 is turned on by the operation of the occupant, the first image is generated by the first image generation unit 60.

[0052] In Figure 5 the example shown, it shows a state in which the preceding vehicle X is detected as an object on the front side of the vehicle due to the operation of the ACC system of the vehicle 12. As shown in this figure, if the AR image display function is turned on, the first image M1 is displayed as an image indicating the position of the preceding vehicle X. The first image M1 is superimposed and displayed on the rear position of the preceding vehicle X seen through the windshield 18.

[0053] The second image generation unit 62 generates the second image of the display area 26 to be displayed in the display area 26. The second image is different from the first image and is an image with a fixed display position in the display area 26. As an example, this second image is an image indicating information related to the driving of the vehicle 12, such as the vehicle speed of the vehicle 12 and the driving system in operation.

[0054] In Figure 4 the example shown, two second images M2 composed of the speed display M21 indicating the speed of the vehicle 12 and the driving system display M22 indicating the driving system in operation are fixedly displayed at a specified position in the display area 26. Here, the driving system display M22 shows that a specified driving system represented by the ACC system and the like is in operation. The driving system display M22 is displayed when the AR image display function of the head-up display device 48 is turned off. That is, in a state where the AR image display function is turned off, the driving system display M22 as the second image M2 is displayed, and if the AR image display function is turned on, the first image M1 is displayed instead of the driving system display M22.

[0055] The overlapping determination unit 64 determines the overlap between the display position of the first image and the second image on the display area 26. Specifically, based on the display position information on the display areas of the generated first image and second image, if it is predicted that the coordinates of the first image on the display area 26 overlap with the coordinates of the second image, the overlapping determination unit 64 determines that the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image.

[0056] As Figure 4 shown, in the present embodiment, the display area 26 on the windshield 18 includes a first area 100 assigned to the display of the first image and a second area 200 assigned to the display of the second image. As an example, the overlapping determination unit 64 determines that the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image when the display position (coordinates) of the first image generated by the first image generation unit 60 is within the second area.

[0057] The display control unit 66 causes the first image generated by the first image generation unit 60 and the second image generated by the second image generation unit 62 to be displayed on the display area 26. Here, with reference to Figures 4 to 6 , an example in which the first image and the second image are displayed on the display area 26 when the ACC system of the vehicle 12 is operating will be described.

[0058] Figure 4 shows a state in which the AR image display function of the head-up display device 48 is turned off by the operation of the occupant. Therefore, the first image is not displayed in the first area 100 on the display area 26. On the other hand, the speed display M21 and the driving system display M22 are displayed as the second image M2 in the second area 200 on the display area.

[0059] Here, the second area 200 is a rectangular area developed at the lower center of the display area 26. The first area 100 expands to the left and right sides and the upper side of the second area 200 so as to surround the periphery of the second area 200. As will be described later, when the range of the AR image display function of the head-up display device 48 is changed between on and off, at least the area above the vehicle of the second area 200 is assigned to the first area 100.

[0060] In the state where the AR image display function is turned off, the second area 200 has a main area 201 that constitutes the lower part of the second area and a sub-area 202 that constitutes the upper part of the second area. In both the on state and the off state of the AR image display function, the main area 201 is assigned to the second area. In the state where the AR image display function is turned off and a specified driving system is operating, the sub-area 202 is assigned to the second area.

[0061] In the present embodiment, a speed display M21 is displayed in the main area 201. A driving system display M22 is displayed in the sub-area 202 above the main area 201.

[0062] In Figure 5 is shown a state in which the AR image display function of the head-up display device 48 is turned on by an operation of an occupant. The display control unit 66 deletes the second image M2 (driving system display M22) displayed in the sub-area 202 of the second area 200, and starts displaying the first image M1 instead of the second image M2.

[0063] Here, when deleting the driving system display M22 displayed in the sub-area 202 of the second area 200, the display control unit 66 changes the sub-area 202 to the first area 100. That is, the display control unit 66 expands the first area 100 by allocating a part of the second area 200 to the first area 100 along with the start of displaying the first image M1.

[0064] In addition, the display control unit 66 controls based on the determination result of the overlap determination unit 64 such that the first image M1 and the second image M2 are displayed at non-overlapping positions.

[0065] Based on the determination result of the overlap determination unit 64, the display control unit 66 starts displaying the first image M1 after the display position of the first image M1 in the display area 26 becomes a state non-overlapping with the second image M2. That is, when the ACC system is operating and the distance between the vehicle 12 (this vehicle) and the preceding vehicle X approaches, the first image M1 is not displayed until the distance between the vehicle 12 and the preceding vehicle X is ensured.

[0066] Specifically, as Figure 5 shown, when the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle 12 and the preceding vehicle X maintains an adaptive distance preset by the ACC system, the display position based on the position of the preceding vehicle X corresponds to the position within the first area 100. Therefore, in the overlap determination unit 64, since it is determined that the display position of the first image does not overlap with the second image M2 displayed in the second area 200, the first image M1 starts to be displayed overlapping with the rear position of the preceding vehicle X.

[0067] Thereby, the first image M1 is displayed at a position overlapping with the preceding vehicle X seen through the windshield 18, and the occupant can clearly recognize the detection of the preceding vehicle X along with the operation of the ACC system.

[0068] On the other hand, when the preceding vehicle X approaches the vehicle 12 due to an emergency stop or emergency deceleration of the preceding vehicle X during the operation of the ACC system, the display position of the first image M1 moves from the upper part of the first area 100 into the second area 200. In this case, the overlapping determination unit 64 determines that the display position of the first image M1 overlaps with the second image M2 (speed display M21). Therefore, the display control unit 66 controls the display position of the first image M1 to move to a position where it does not overlap with the second image M2.

[0069] Specifically, as Figure 6 shown, the first image M1 is fixedly displayed at the position of the first area 100 on the upper end side of the second area 200. As a result, the first image M1 and the second image M2 (speed display M21) are continuously displayed at non-overlapping positions. As a result, it is possible to avoid the overlapping of the images with each other and clearly display each image.

[0070] (Function)

[0071] Next, the function of the present embodiment will be described.

[0072] (An example of display processing)

[0073] An example of the display processing in the vehicle display control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described using the Figure 7 shown flowchart. For example, this display processing is executed when a specified driving system based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle is operating. The CPU 30 reads a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and expands it in the RAM 34 to execute the display processing.

[0074] The CPU 30 determines whether there is a detected object on the front side of the vehicle in step S101. Specifically, when an object related to the operating driving system is detected on the front side of the vehicle using the function of the object detection unit 50, the determination in step S101 is affirmative, and the CPU 30 moves to the processing in step S102. On the other hand, when no object is detected on the front side of the vehicle, the CPU 30 negates the determination in step S101 and moves to the processing in step S110.

[0075] The CPU 30 determines whether the AR image display function is turned on / off in step S102. When the AR image display function is turned on, the determination in step S102 is affirmative, and the CPU 30 moves to the processing in step S103. On the other hand, when the AR image display function is not turned on, the determination in step S102 is negated, and it moves to the processing in step S104.

[0076] In step S103 (when the AR image display function is turned on), the CPU 30 deletes the second image M2 displayed in the sub-region 202 of the second region 200 and allocates the sub-region 202 to the first region 100. Specifically, the sub-region 202 is removed from the second region 200 shown in Figure 4 , and the second region 200 is reduced to the region shown in Figure 5 . As a result, the first region 100 is expanded, and the region where the first image M1 can be displayed overlapping with the detected object is expanded.

[0077] In step S104 (when the AR image display function is turned off), the CPU 30 causes the sub-region 202 to display the second image M2 without displaying the first image M1. In this state, as shown in Figure 4 , the second image M2 (speed display M21, driving system display M22) is displayed in each of the main region 201 and the sub-region 202 that make up the second region 200.

[0078] In step S105, the CPU 30 determines whether there is an overlap between the display position based on the position of the detected object and the second image. For the determination in step S105, when the driving system is operating, the determination is negative when the distance between the vehicle 12 and the detected object is sufficiently ensured, and the determination is positive when the vehicle 12 approaches the detected object. Specifically, through the function of the overlap determination unit 64, when it is determined that the display position based on the detected object overlaps with the second image M2 displayed in the main region 201, the determination in step S105 is positive, and the CPU 30 returns to the process of step S105 without displaying the first image M1. Thus, it is possible to avoid starting the display of the first image M1 in a state where there is a gap between the position of an object approaching the vehicle 12 and the display position of the first image immediately after the driving system starts operating. On the other hand, when it is determined by the function of the overlap determination unit 64 that the display position based on the detected object does not overlap with the second image M2 displayed in the main region 201, the determination in step S105 is negative, and the CPU 30 moves to the process of step S106.

[0079] In step S106, the CPU 30 displays the first image M1 at the display position based on the position of the detected object. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5 , the first image M1 indicating the position of the object is displayed overlapping with the object (the preceding vehicle X) seen through the windshield 18.

[0080] In step S107, the CPU 30 determines whether there is an overlap between the display position based on the position of the detected object and the second image. The determination in step S107 is made after the display of the first image M1 starts.

[0081] Similar to step S105, the determination in step S107 is made based on the function of the overlap determination unit 64. If the determination in step S107 is negative, the CPU 30 proceeds to the processing in step S108 and displays the first image M1 in the same manner as in step S106. On the other hand, when the determination in step S107 is affirmed due to the emergency approach of the vehicle 12 to the detected object or the like, the CPU 30 proceeds to the processing in step S109.

[0082] When the display position based on the position of the detected object overlaps with the main area 201 of the second area 200 due to the emergency approach of the vehicle 12 to the detected object or the like, the CPU 30 controls in step S109 so that the first image M1 and the second image M2 are displayed at non-overlapping positions. Specifically, as Figure 6 shown, the first image M1 is fixedly displayed above the main area 201.

[0083] The CPU 30 determines whether the driving system is operating in step S110. When the driving system is stopped, the determination in step S110 is affirmed, and the CPU 30 ends the display process. On the other hand, when the driving system is operating, the determination in step S110 is negative, and the CPU 30 returns to the processing in step S101.

[0084] As described above, in the vehicle display control device 10 of the present embodiment, along with the operation of the driving system based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle represented by the ACC system or the like, the display area 26 on the windshield 18 displays the first image M1.

[0085] The first image M1 is overlapped and displayed with the object seen through the windshield 18 by being displayed at the display position based on the position of the object. On the other hand, when the display position of the first image M1 overlaps with the second image M2 due to the approach of the vehicle 12 to the object, the vehicle display control device 10 controls so that the first image M1 is displayed at a position that does not overlap with the second image M2.

[0086] According to the above control, even when the display position of the first image M1 moves significantly due to the change in the relative position relationship between the own vehicle and the object on the front side of the vehicle, the first image M1 is displayed at a position that does not overlap with the second image M2. As a result, each image can be clearly displayed without reducing the amount of information in the display area 26.

[0087] Specifically, as Figure 5As shown, if an object (the preceding vehicle X) approaches the vehicle 12, the first image M1 is fixedly displayed on the upper end side of the second region 200 (the main region 201). Thus, since the display position of the first image M1 is fixed along the movement trajectory of the object approaching from the front side of the vehicle 12, the discomfort felt by the occupant can be reduced. As a result, the vehicle travels more smoothly and safely.

[0088] In addition, in the present embodiment, unlike the first image M1 displayed based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle, the display position of the second image M2 is fixed within the second region 200. Therefore, when the display position of the first image M1 overlaps with the second image M2, the display control unit 66 controls to display the first image M1 at a position not overlapping with the second image without changing the display position of the second image M2. Thus, the occupant can reduce the eye movement when observing the images in the display area 26, and the vehicle travels more smoothly and safely.

[0089] In addition, in the present embodiment, when a prescribed driving system based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle operates, the first image generation unit 60 generates the first image M1. Moreover, after the display position of the first image M1 in the display area 26 becomes a state not overlapping with the second image M2 according to the relative position relationship between the vehicle 12 (this vehicle) and the object, the display control unit 66 starts the display of the first image M1. For example, when an object on the front side of the vehicle approaches this vehicle emergently when the driving system operates, there is a case where the display position of the first image M1 overlaps with the second image M2. In such a case, the display control unit 66 does not display the first image M1, but starts the display of the first image M1 after the display position of the first image M1 becomes a state not overlapping with the second image M2. As a result, at the start of the display of the first image M1, the first image M1 is displayed corresponding to the position of the object on the front side of the vehicle. Thus, the discomfort felt by the occupant can be reduced, and the vehicle travels more smoothly and safely.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, along with the start of the display of the first image M1, the first region 100 is expanded by allocating the sub-region 202 of the second region 200 as the first region 100. Thus, the area where the first image M1 can be displayed based on the position of the object is expanded, and it can be expected that the frequency of the situation where the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image is reduced, so the vehicle travels more smoothly and safely.

[0091] (Modification 1)

[0092] As Figure 8As shown, in this modification example, after the display of the first image M1 starts, the second region 200 also includes the sub-region 202. It is also possible to simultaneously display the driving system display M22 and the first image M1 indicating the position of the preceding vehicle X without reducing the second region 200 as in this modification example. In this case, when the preceding vehicle X approaches the vehicle 12, the first image M1 can be fixedly displayed on the upper end side of the sub-region which is the second region 200.

[0093] (Modification Example 2)

[0094] Although not shown, the second region 200 may be composed only of the main region 201. In this case, the driving system display M22 can be omitted, or it can be displayed in the main region 201.

[0095] As described above, the vehicle display device according to the embodiment has been described, but it can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiment, it is configured to display the first image and the second image in the display area 26 of the display area, but it is not limited thereto. That is, it is also possible to Figure 1 display the first image and the second image in the display areas of the instrument display 24 and the center display 25 shown. In this case, the first image can be overlapped and displayed on the image of the scenery photographed on the front side of the vehicle.

[0096] Moreover, the processing executed by reading the program by the CPU 30 in the above embodiment can be executed by various processors other than the CPU 30. As the processor in this case, examples include a processor having a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) having a dedicated circuit configuration designed to execute a specific process, and a dedicated circuit. In addition, the virtual item display process can be executed by one of these various processors, or can be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types. For example, it can be executed by a plurality of FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. In addition, the hardware configuration of these various processors is more specifically a circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0097] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the memory 36 is configured to store various data, but it is not limited thereto. For example, non-transitory recording media such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory can be used as the storage unit. In this case, various programs and data are stored in these recording media.

[0098] (Note)

[0099] (1) A vehicle display control device, comprising:

[0100] A first image generation unit that generates a first image to be displayed at a display position based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle;

[0101] A second image generation unit that generates a second image different from the first image; and

[0102] A display control unit that, when the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image in a display area including a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image and provided at the front part inside the vehicle compartment, controls to display the first image at a position not overlapping with the second image.

[0103] (2) The vehicle display control device according to (1), wherein

[0104] The second image has a fixed display position in the second area by the display control unit.

[0105] (3) The vehicle display control device according to (1) or (2), wherein

[0106] At least the area above the vehicle of the second area of the display area is assigned as the first area,

[0107] When the display position of the first image moves from the first area toward the second area and overlaps with the second image due to the approach of the object, the display control unit fixes the display of the first image at the upper end side of the second area.

[0108] (4) The vehicle display control device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0109] If a specified driving system based on the position of the object operates, the first image generation unit generates the first image,

[0110] After the display position of the first image in the display area does not overlap with the second image due to the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the above object, the display control unit starts displaying the first image.

[0111] (5) The vehicle display control device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein

[0112] Along with the start of the display of the first image, the display control unit expands the first area by allocating a part of the second area as the first area.

[0113] (6) The vehicle display control device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein

[0114] The first image is composed of an AR image, and the AR image is displayed by the display control unit so as to overlap with the scenery on the front side of the vehicle observed from inside the vehicle compartment at the display position based on the position of the object displayed in the display area.

[0115] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-185959 filed on November 21, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0116] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference, and the incorporation of each document, patent application, and technical standard by reference is to the same extent as the case where they are specifically and separately described.

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle, wherein, comprising: a first image generation unit that generates a first image to be displayed at a display position based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle; a second image generation unit that generates a second image different from the first image; and a display control unit that, when the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image in a display area including a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image and provided at the front part inside the vehicle compartment, controls to display the first image at a position not overlapping with the second image.

2. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, the second image has a fixed display position in the second area by the display control unit.

3. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, at least an area above the vehicle of the second area of the display area is assigned as the first area, when the display position of the first image moves from the first area toward the second area and overlaps with the second image due to the approach of the object, the display control unit fixes the display of the first image at the upper end side of the second area.

4. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, if a specified driving system based on the position of the object operates, the first image generation unit generates the first image, after the display position of the first image in the display area does not overlap with the second image due to the relative position relationship between the vehicle and the object, the display control unit starts the display of the first image.

5. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the display control unit expands the first area by allocating a part of the second area as the first area along with the start of the display of the first image.

6. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the first image is composed of an AR image, and the AR image is displayed by the display control unit to overlap with the scenery on the front side of the vehicle observed from inside the vehicle compartment through the display position based on the position of the object in the display area.

7. A display control method for a vehicle, wherein, the following processing is performed by a computer: generating a first image to be displayed at a display position based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle, generating a second image different from the first image, when the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image in a display area including a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image and provided at the front part inside the vehicle compartment, controlling to display the first image at a position not overlapping with the second image.

8. A display control program for a vehicle, wherein, for causing a computer to perform the following processing: generating a first image to be displayed at a display position based on the position of an object on the front side of the vehicle, generating a second image different from the first image, When the display position of the first image overlaps with the second image in a display area that includes a first area assigned to the display of the first image and a second area assigned to the display of the second image and is provided at the front part inside the vehicle compartment, control is performed so that the first image is displayed at a position where it does not overlap with the second image.

Images