Display control device for vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a display control apparatus for a vehicle. A display control device for a vehicle is provided with a display control unit for controlling a display area provided in the vicinity of a driver's seat of the vehicle. And displays a lane image in which a travel lane on which the host vehicle travels is simulated, and an icon indicating a reward that can be obtained by passing the host vehicle through the travel lane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a display control device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2023-028544 (Patent Document 1) discloses a reward system that awards reward points to users who engage in CO2-reducing travel by selecting a driving route (CO2-reducing route) that reduces CO2 emissions relative to a reference driving route while the vehicle is traveling from the current location to the destination. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 can provide incentives for reducing CO 2 emissions, but there is still room for improvement in providing incentives for safe driving.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle display control device capable of displaying guidance for the driver to drive safely while adding an incentive.

[0006] Methods for solving problems

[0007] A vehicle display control device according to a first embodiment includes a display control unit that causes a display area provided around the driver's seat of a host vehicle to display a lane image simulating the lane in which the host vehicle is traveling and an icon representing a reward that can be obtained by driving the host vehicle through the lane. The vehicle display control device according to the first embodiment can display a reward in addition to guidance for safe driving.

[0008] A second aspect of the vehicle display control device is the vehicle display control device according to the first aspect, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires a path of the driving lane that the vehicle can safely traverse, and the display control unit causes the icon to be displayed on the path on the lane image corresponding to the path. The second aspect of the vehicle display control device can encourage the driver to traverse the path determined to be safe to traverse.

[0009] A third aspect of the vehicle display control device is the vehicle display control device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the display control unit causes the icon to be displayed when the path of the driving lane is in a straight-forward direction. The third aspect of the vehicle display control device can encourage the driver to drive straight in the straight-forward direction.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the vehicle display control device is the vehicle display control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the display control unit causes the icon to be displayed in a variable manner based on the speed of the vehicle and the speed limit of the lane in which the vehicle is traveling. Therefore, the fourth aspect of the vehicle display control device can encourage the driver to travel at a speed that does not exceed the speed limit.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the vehicle display control device is the vehicle display control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein, when a stop position requiring the host vehicle to stop exists in the driving lane, the display control unit causes the icon to be displayed in a variable manner based on the time the host vehicle has been stopped at the stop position. The fifth aspect of the vehicle display control device can prompt the driver to stop the host vehicle.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to display a reward in addition to guidance for the driver to drive safely. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is an example of the display screen of the second display unit 26 when the vehicle's travel path is a straight-forward direction during manual driving.

[0017] Figure 4A This is an example of the display screen of the second display unit 26 when the display of the icon changes during manual driving.

[0018] Figure 4B This is an example of the display screen of the second display unit 26 when the display of the icon changes during manual driving.

[0019] Figure 4CThis is an example of the display screen of the second display unit 26 when the display of the icon changes during manual driving.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of display processing in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the granting process in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A vehicle display control device 10 mounted on a vehicle 12 (hereinafter also referred to as a host vehicle) according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle 12 is an example of a "host vehicle."

[0023] (Hardware Configuration of Vehicle Display Control Device 10)

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle display control device 10 of the present embodiment is configured to include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 28 .

[0025] The ECU 28 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34 , a storage 36 , and an input / output interface 38 . These components are connected to each other via an internal bus 39 so as to be communicable with each other.

[0026] The CPU 30 is a central processing unit (CPU) that executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 30 reads programs from the ROM 32 or storage 36 and executes them using the RAM 34 as a workspace. Furthermore, the CPU 30 controls the various components described above and performs various calculations according to the programs stored in the ROM 32 or storage 36.

[0027] ROM32 stores various programs and various data. RAM34 temporarily stores programs or data as a work area. Storage 36 is composed of HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and is a non-temporary recording medium that stores various programs including an operating system, and various data. In this embodiment, display programs and application programs for implementing display processing and application processing are stored in ROM32 or storage 36. In addition, various input and output devices are connected to the input and output interface 38.

[0028] Here, the ECU 28 is electrically connected to the automatic driving ECU 40. The automatic driving ECU 40 is configured to include a CPU, ROM, RAM, memory, input / output interface, and the like (not shown), similarly to the ECU 28.

[0029] The autonomous driving ECU 40 is connected to a sensor group 42 that detects the current condition of the vehicle and an actuator group 44 that controls the driving of the vehicle. The sensor group 42 includes a plurality of sensors from various sensors such as cameras, radars, optical radars (LIDAR; Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), and GPS (global positioning system) sensors. The camera captures the surroundings of the vehicle. The radar detects the distance and direction to objects around the vehicle using radio waves. The optical radar detects the distance and direction to objects around the vehicle using lasers. The GPS sensor detects the current position of the vehicle. In addition, the sensor group 42 is configured to include sensors that detect the status of the occupants. For example, the sensor group 42 may also be configured to include a biosensor that detects the heart rate and level of alertness of the occupants.

[0030] The actuator group 44 includes acceleration and deceleration actuators that adjust the vehicle's acceleration and deceleration, and a steering actuator that drives the vehicle's steering system. The autonomous driving ECU 40 controls the operation of the actuator group 44 based on the current vehicle conditions detected by the sensor group 42, thereby implementing autonomous driving of the vehicle. Furthermore, the autonomous driving ECU 40 stores a planned route representing the route the vehicle is scheduled to travel, and the autonomous driving ECU 40 causes the vehicle to travel along the planned route stored in the storage unit.

[0031] The head-up display device 23 and the instrument 25 are connected to the ECU 28. The first display unit 24 is composed of a projection surface projected by the head-up display device 23. In addition, the second display unit 26 is a display unit displayed on the instrument 25, and the instrument 25 is located in front of the driver's seat in the instrument panel (not shown) provided at the front of the vehicle cabin of the vehicle 12. Moreover, the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are provided at positions where the driver can visually confirm them. In this way, the vehicle display control device 10, the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 constitute a vehicle display system. The first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are an example of a "display area provided around the driver's seat."

[0032] An accelerator position sensor 46 and a steering sensor 48 are connected to the ECU 28. The accelerator position sensor 46 detects the position of an accelerator pedal (not shown) located below the driver's seat. Furthermore, the steering sensor 48 detects the load applied to the steering wheel 16 by the occupant. Specifically, the steering sensor 48 of this embodiment does not detect the load when the steering wheel 16 is operated by the automatic driving ECU 40 during automatic driving, but detects the load when the steering wheel 16 is operated by the occupant.

[0033] (Functional Structure of Vehicle Display Control Device 10)

[0034] The vehicle display control device 10 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. Figure 2 To explain.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle display control device 10 includes a driving mode acquisition unit 52, a display control unit 54, an acquisition unit 56, and a provision unit 58 as functional components. Each functional component is implemented by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading and executing a program.

[0036] The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires whether the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is a manual driving mode or an automatic driving mode. Here, the manual driving mode in the present embodiment refers to a driving mode in which the vehicle 12 is driven by the driving operation of the occupant. In addition, the automatic driving mode in the present embodiment refers to a driving mode in which the vehicle 12 is driven without the accelerator operation performed by the occupant. As an example, the automatic driving mode in the present embodiment refers to the operation of the adaptive cruise control (ACC). ACC is a driving assistance function that uses the camera and radar (monocular camera and millimeter wave radar) included in the sensor group 42 to identify the leading vehicle and assist the following driving while maintaining the inter-vehicle distance corresponding to the vehicle speed. The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires information related to the driving mode based on a signal from the automatic driving ECU 40, for example.

[0037] The display control unit 54 displays information about the surroundings of the vehicle 12 on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 provided in the vehicle cabin. Specifically, the display control unit 54 receives signals from the sensor group 42 and displays information about the surroundings of the vehicle 12 based on the received signals on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26.

[0038] Furthermore, when the driving mode acquired by the driving mode acquisition unit 52 is at least the manual driving mode, the display control unit 54 displays an icon indicating an obtainable reward on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Specifically, the display control unit 54 displays the reward icon M3 (see FIG. 1 ) at a position corresponding to the path acquired by the acquisition unit 56 described later in the display area of ​​the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Figure 3 ) is displayed. In addition, the display control unit 54 displays the reward icon M3 in conjunction with the location corresponding to the location where the reward icon M3 was once displayed. That is, as the vehicle 12 approaches the location corresponding to the location where the reward icon M3 is displayed, the display control unit 54 enlarges and displays the reward icon M3 at the lower part of the display area of ​​the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Moreover, when it is determined that the reward icon M3 has been obtained by the giving unit 58 described later, the display control unit 54 makes the reward icon M3 non-displayed. The reward icon M3 is an example of an "icon".

[0039] Furthermore, the display control unit 54 displays the bonus icon M3 in a variable manner according to the speed of the vehicle 12 and the maximum speed of the lane in which the vehicle 12 is traveling. Specifically, the display control unit 54 displays a plurality of bonus icons M3 gradually, and does not display the plurality of bonus icons M3 in their entirety when the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the lane in which the vehicle 12 is traveling. The maximum speed is an example of a "speed limit". In addition, the display control unit 54 displays the bonus icon M3P (refer to Figure 4C ) is displayed in a changing manner according to the time when the vehicle 12 stops. Here, the position where a temporary stop is required includes right in front of a stop line based on a road sign indicating a temporary stop, near the front of a crosswalk with pedestrians, and just before crossing an intersection. Specifically, the display control unit 54 changes the reward icon M3P from a length of time (for example, 3 seconds) predetermined as the time for a temporary stop to a shorter display according to the time when the vehicle 12 stops. The position where a temporary stop is required is an example of a "stop position where the vehicle needs to stop." The reward icon M3P is an example of an "icon."

[0040] The acquisition unit 56 acquires a path that the vehicle 12 can safely travel. Specifically, the acquisition unit 56 acquires the path that the vehicle 12 can safely travel, as analyzed by the automatic driving ECU 40. The path that the vehicle 12 can safely travel is an example of a path in a driving lane that the vehicle can safely pass through.

[0041] The giving unit 58 gives a reward to the driver who performs safe driving. Specifically, when the giving unit 58 determines that the reward icon M3 is obtained, the giving unit 58 gives a reward to the driver. For example, the giving unit 58 gives a reward to the driver in the vehicle image M1 (refer to the vehicle image M2) which simulates the vehicle 12. Figure 3 ) is displayed at the same position as the reward icon M3 (refer to Figure 3 ) is displayed, it is determined that the bonus icon M3 is obtained. That is, the giving unit 58 determines that the bonus icon M3 is obtained when the vehicle 12 arrives at a location corresponding to the location where the bonus icon M3 is displayed.

[0042] Furthermore, the overlap between the displayed location of the vehicle image M1 and the displayed location of the reward icon M3 refers to the situation where the coordinates of the vehicle image M1 and the reward icon M3 on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are within a predetermined range, or the spatial coordinates corresponding to the vehicle image M1 and the spatial coordinates corresponding to the reward icon M3 are within a predetermined range. Rewards given to drivers include, for example, various merchandise, points exchangeable for services, or events that stimulate the driver's five senses while driving, such as sound effects, display effects, and steering wheel vibrations. For example, the driver can exchange earned points for a facelift panel that changes the décor of the instrument panel 25. Alternatively, a determination area may be provided in a portion of the vehicle image M1, and the reward icon M3 may be determined to have been obtained only when the determination area overlaps with the location where the reward icon M3 is displayed. Furthermore, if the reward icon M3 is determined to have been obtained even though it is not fully displayed, no reward may be given.

[0043] Hereinafter, a portion of the display screen of the second display unit 26 displayed by the function of the display control unit 54 during manual driving will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 as well as Figures 4A to 4C To explain.

[0044] Figure 3 This is an example of a display screen of the second display unit 26 when the vehicle 12 is traveling in a straight forward direction. Figure 3 As shown, the second display unit 26 displays a vehicle image M1, a lane image M2 simulating the lane in which the vehicle 12 is traveling, and a bonus icon M3. Furthermore, the bonus icon M3 can be displayed not only when the lane is substantially straight but also when the lane is curved and has no branches.

[0045] Here, the vehicle image M1 is displayed in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26. Furthermore, the vehicle image M1 is displayed superimposed on the lane image M2 at the lower portion of the display area. As an example, Figure 3 In FIG, the vehicle image M1 is displayed as an image representing a white sedan.

[0046] The lane image M2 is displayed superimposed on the vehicle image M1 and the bonus icon M3. Figure 3 In FIG, the lane image M2 is displayed in a gray trapezoidal shape. In addition, when the driving lane is curved, the lane image M2 may be displayed in a curved manner to indicate the curve.

[0047] A plurality of bonus icons M3 are displayed in front of the vehicle image M1 and overlapped on the lane image M2. Figure 3 In the figure, five bonus icons M3 are displayed. Here, "the front of the vehicle image M1" is the traveling direction of the vehicle 12, and it is consistent with the upward direction in the second display unit 26. In addition, the bonus icon M3 is displayed by changing the display position and size according to the relative position relationship with the vehicle image M1. For example, Figure 3 In the embodiment, a plurality of bonus icons M3 are displayed linearly as circular icons floating above the lane image M2. The bonus icons M3 are displayed in a reduced size as they move away from the vehicle image M1 at the upper portion of the display area within the second display unit 26. The shape of the bonus icons M3 is not limited to a circle, and may be a variety of shapes such as a triangle, a square, a star, or a heart.

[0048] In addition, the reward icon M3 is displayed on the near front side as the vehicle 12 approaches the location corresponding to the location where the reward icon M3 is displayed. Here, the "near front side" is the direction approaching the vehicle image M1, and it is consistent with the downward direction in the second display unit 26. Specifically, the reward icon M3 is displayed in a manner that gradually moves toward the near front side of the vehicle image M1 at a speed corresponding to the speed at which the vehicle 12 is traveling. In addition, the reward icon M3 can also be displayed in a manner that changes the interval according to the speed of the vehicle 12. For example, when the speed of the vehicle 12 is Figure 3 In the case of a low speed compared to the state of the vehicle 12, the interval between the bonus icons M3 is narrowed. In addition, on the contrary, when the speed of the vehicle 12 is Figure 3 When the state is faster than that of , the bonus icons M3 are displayed with the intervals between them being wider.

[0049] Thus, by displaying the bonus icon M3 superimposed on the lane image M2, a path that the vehicle 12 can safely travel is displayed. In addition, by displaying the bonus icon M3 so as to gradually move toward the front, it is displayed that the vehicle 12 is traveling.

[0050] Figures 4A to 4C This is an example of a display screen of the second display unit 26 when the display of the icon changes. Figures 4A to 4C As shown, the bonus icon M3 is displayed in a variable manner according to the surrounding conditions and the condition of the vehicle 12 .

[0051] like Figure 4AAs shown, when vehicle 12 detects another vehicle parked outside its lane, an image M4 of another vehicle simulating the other vehicle is displayed. Furthermore, a bonus icon M3 is displayed on a path that avoids the other vehicle image M4. By displaying the bonus icon M3 on the path that avoids the other vehicle image M4, a path that vehicle 12 can safely travel is displayed. The path that avoids the other vehicle image M4 is an example of a "path on the lane image."

[0052] like Figure 4B As shown, a plurality of reward icons M3 gradually rise from the front side and in sequence from the location of the road surface corresponding to the lane image M2, and rise to the Figure 3 Here, "ascending" means moving toward the position indicated by Figure 4B Furthermore, when the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the driving lane, the closer it moves to the front of the vehicle image M1, the less likely it is that the bonus icon M3 will be in a completely raised state (refer to Figure 3 ) for display. Specifically, three reward icons M3 are incompletely displayed from the near front side of the vehicle image M1, and two reward icons M3 on the depth side are set to not be displayed. Here, the "depth side" is the direction away from the vehicle image M1, and it is consistent with the upward direction in the second display unit 26. Moreover, the first reward icon M3 from the near front side is displayed in a state just before it is completely raised, the second reward icon M3 from the near front side is displayed in contact with the lane image M2, and the third reward icon M3 from the near front side is displayed in a manner half-buried in the lane image M2. In addition, the fourth and fifth reward icons M3 from the near front side are set to not be displayed at all. In this way, by displaying the reward icons M3 in an ascending manner from the near front side of the vehicle image M1 and setting the reward icons M3 on the depth side of the vehicle image M1 to not be displayed, the situation that the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the driving lane is displayed.

[0053] like Figure 4C As shown, in front of the vehicle image M1 and at the position where a temporary stop is required, a horizontal cylindrical reward icon M3P is displayed with the near front side as the bottom surface and the height toward the depth side. The height of the reward icon M3P represents the scheduled time for the vehicle 12 to make a temporary stop, and the height increases toward the near front side ( Figure 4CThe reward icon M3P is displayed in a manner that changes in height (in the direction of the dotted arrow). By displaying the reward icon M3P at a height that changes depending on the time the vehicle 12 stops, it is indicated that the vehicle 12 needs to temporarily stop. Alternatively, the reward icon M3P can be continuously given to the driver while the vehicle 12 stops for a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, the shape of the reward icon M3P is not limited to a cylinder; it can be a three-dimensional column with a base in a variety of shapes, such as a triangle, a square, a star, or a heart.

[0054] In addition, in the above Figure 3 as well as Figures 4A to 4C In the description of FIG, an example of the display screen of the second display unit 26 is described, but in this embodiment, the display screen can be configured to be displayed on at least one of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. In addition, when the display area of ​​the first display unit 24 is narrower than the display area of ​​the second display unit 26, a portion of the image of the second display unit 26 (for example, only the reward icon M3) can be displayed on the first display unit 24.

[0055] (effect)

[0056] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of display processing implemented by the vehicle display control device 10. The display processing is executed by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and expanding it into the RAM 34 for execution. As an example, Figure 5 The display process shown is repeatedly executed while the vehicle 12 is traveling when the driver selects to display the bonus icon M3 .

[0057] exist Figure 5 In step S100, the CPU 30 obtains the driving mode. Specifically, the CPU 30 obtains whether the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the manual driving mode or the automatic driving mode.

[0058] In step S101, the CPU 30 determines whether the driving mode is the manual driving mode. If the CPU 30 determines that the driving mode is the manual driving mode (step S101: Yes), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that the driving mode is not the manual driving mode (step S101: No), the process returns to step S100.

[0059] In step S102, the CPU 30 displays the vehicle image M1, the lane image M2, and the bonus icon M3. Specifically, the CPU 30 displays the vehicle image M1, the lane image M2, and the plurality of bonus icons M3 in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26 (see FIG. Figure 3 ).

[0060] In step S103, the CPU 30 determines whether an obstacle has been detected in the driving lane. If the CPU 30 determines that an obstacle has been detected in the driving lane (step S103: Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that an obstacle has not been detected in the driving lane (step S103: No), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0061] In step S104 , the CPU 30 acquires a safe travel route. Specifically, the CPU 30 acquires a route in which the vehicle 12 can travel while avoiding the obstacle detected in step S103 .

[0062] In step S105, the CPU 30 displays the reward icon M3 on the path corresponding to the acquired driving path. Specifically, the CPU 30 displays a plurality of reward icons M3 in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26 and at positions corresponding to the path acquired in step S104 (see FIG. Figure 4A ).

[0063] In step S106, the CPU 30 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the driving lane. If the CPU 30 determines that the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the driving lane (step S106: Yes), the CPU 30 proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that the speed of the vehicle 12 does not exceed the maximum speed of the driving lane (step S106: No), the CPU 30 proceeds to step S108.

[0064] In step S107, CPU30 implements the display when exceeding the maximum speed. Specifically, CPU30 makes a plurality of reward icons M3 displayed in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26 be displayed in a state of rising midway, or is set to not be displayed (refer to Figure 4B ).

[0065] In step S108 , the CPU 30 determines whether a temporary stop is necessary.

[0066] If the CPU 30 determines that a temporary stop is necessary based on information about the surroundings of the vehicle 12 (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S109. If the CPU 30 determines that a temporary stop is not necessary based on information about the surroundings of the vehicle 12 (step S108: No), the process returns to step S100.

[0067] In step S109, the CPU 30 performs the display when temporarily stopped. Specifically, the CPU 30 displays the reward icon M3P in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26 (see Figure 4C ). Then, the CPU 30 returns to step S100.

[0068] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the provision process implemented by the vehicle display control device 10. The provision process is executed by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading the program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and expanding it into the RAM 34 for execution. As an example, Figure 6 The illustrated administration process is repeatedly executed while the vehicle 12 is traveling.

[0069] exist Figure 6 In step S200, the CPU 30 determines whether the reward icon M3 is obtained. When the CPU 30 determines that the reward icon M3 is obtained (step S200: Yes), the CPU 30 proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, when the CPU 30 determines that the reward icon M3 is not obtained (step S200: No), the CPU 30 ends the granting process.

[0070] In step S201, CPU30 gives points. Specifically, CPU30 gives points to the driver of vehicle 12. In addition, the points given can be managed by an external server (not shown) and the like in a manner associated with the driver's information. Then, CPU30 ends the giving process. In addition, the giving of points is not limited to giving whenever it is determined that a reward icon M3 is obtained. For example, points can also be given when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of reward icons M3 are obtained, and points can also be given (actuated) based on the number of reward icons M3 obtained before reaching the destination.

[0071] As described above, the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment displays the lane image M2 and the reward icon M3 on the second display unit 26 provided near the driver's seat of the vehicle 12. Therefore, the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment can display a reward in addition to guidance for the driver to drive safely.

[0072] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the reward icon M3 is displayed on a path that avoids other vehicle images M4 and corresponds to a path that the vehicle 12 can safely travel. Therefore, the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment can encourage the driver to travel on a path that has been analyzed to be safe to travel.

[0073] The vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment displays the bonus icon M3 when the vehicle 12 is traveling in a straight line.

[0074] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment, when the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the driving lane, the bonus icon M3 is not displayed in its entirety. Therefore, the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment can encourage the driver to drive at a speed that does not exceed the speed limit.

[0075] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the reward icon M3P is displayed with a shortened duration according to the time the vehicle 12 stops at the location where the temporary stop of the vehicle 12 is required. Therefore, the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment can encourage the driver to temporarily stop the vehicle 12.

[0076] (Other Embodiments)

[0077] In the above embodiment, the vehicle display control device 10 displays the reward icon M3 during manual driving, but the present invention is not limited to this. The vehicle display control device 10 may also display the reward icon M3 during automatic driving. According to the vehicle display control device 10 of this embodiment, the driver can practice safe driving and earn rewards by concentrating on steering wheel operation.

[0078] The vehicle display control device 10 may hide the bonus icon M3 based on the driver's steering wheel operation. For example, the vehicle display control device 10 may hide the bonus icon M3 when the driver sharply turns the steering wheel.

[0079] The vehicle display control device 10 may hide the bonus icon M3 based on the time the driver gazes at the bonus icon M3 during driving. For example, the vehicle display control device 10 may hide the bonus icon M3 if the driver gazes at the bonus icon M3 for more than two seconds.

[0080] The vehicle display control device 10 may display the bonus icons M3 in a variable manner when the speed of the vehicle 12 is lower than the minimum speed of the driving lane. Specifically, the vehicle display control device 10 does not display the multiple bonus icons M3 in their entirety when the speed of the vehicle 12 is lower than the minimum speed of the driving lane. For example, Figure 3 In the example, the first and second bonus icons M3 from the front side of the vehicle image M1 are not displayed, and the third and subsequent bonus icons M3 from the front side are displayed.

[0081] In addition, the control processing that is executed by the CPU 30 reading the software (program) in the above embodiment can also be executed by various processors other than the CPU. As the processor in this case, examples include PLD (Programmable Logic Device) whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) which is a processor with a circuit structure specially designed for executing specific processing, that is, a dedicated electrical circuit. In addition, the control processing can be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). In addition, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0082] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes a method in which the program is pre-stored (installed) in ROM 32 or storage 36, the present invention is not limited thereto. The program may also be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Furthermore, the program may be downloaded from an external device via a network.

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle, wherein: A display control unit is provided for displaying a lane image simulating a lane in which the vehicle is traveling and an icon indicating a reward that can be obtained by passing the vehicle through the lane in a display area provided around the driver's seat of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein: An acquisition unit is provided for acquiring a path of the driving lane through which the host vehicle can safely pass. The display control unit displays the icon at a position on the lane image corresponding to the acquired path of the driving lane.

3. The vehicle display control device according to claim 2, wherein: The display control unit displays the icon when the acquired path of the driving lane is a straight-forward direction.

4. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein: The display control unit displays the icon in a changing manner based on the speed of the host vehicle and the speed limit of the driving lane.

5. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein: When there is a stop position on the driving lane where the host vehicle needs to stop, the display control unit displays the icon in a changing manner based on a time period during which the host vehicle stops at the stop position.

Images