Display control device

Abstract

The invention provides a display control device. A display control device is provided with a control unit that executes a process for causing a display unit to display, on the basis of peripheral information about the periphery of a vehicle that can be detected by the vehicle, a vehicle image indicating the vehicle when viewed from a virtual viewpoint, and a detection status of the peripheral information. When the vehicle is in a towed state in which a towed object is towed, the display mode of the detection condition is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a display control device. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent 7048398 discloses a vehicle control device capable of implementing autonomous driving that provides a sense of security to occupants. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Furthermore, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent 7048398, images showing the vehicle itself and images showing the surrounding conditions of the vehicle are displayed on a display unit (see Figure 8 of Japanese Patent 7048398). However, this technology does not utilize the perspective of changing the display mode of the display unit based on whether the vehicle is towing an object, thus leaving room for improvement in the display method for the display unit during towing.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display and control device that enables vehicle occupants to monitor changes in the detection status of surrounding information corresponding to the presence or absence of a towing object.

[0005] The display control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a control unit that performs the following processing: based on the surrounding information of the vehicle's surroundings that the vehicle can detect, the display unit displays a vehicle image representing the vehicle as observed from a virtual viewpoint and the detection status of the surrounding information, and if the vehicle is in a towing state where it is towing an object, the display mode of the detection status is changed.

[0006] In the display control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the control unit causes the display unit to display the vehicle image and the detection status of the surrounding information based on the surrounding information of the vehicle. Furthermore, the control unit changes the display method of the detection status when the vehicle is in a towing state. Therefore, in this display control device, the occupants of the vehicle can monitor the changes in the detection status corresponding to the presence or absence of a towing object.

[0007] In the first aspect of this disclosure, in the display control device, the control unit performs the following process: when the vehicle is in the traction state, it displays an image of the traction object representing the traction object in conjunction with the vehicle image.

[0008] In the display control device of the first aspect of this disclosure, the control unit displays an image of the towed object linked to an image of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a towing state. Therefore, in this display control device, the occupant can monitor the towed object being towed by the vehicle based on the content displayed on the display unit.

[0009] In the first aspect of this disclosure, in the display control device, the control unit performs the following process: when displaying the image of the tractor, the configuration of the vehicle image in the display unit is offset toward the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0010] In the display control device of the first aspect of this disclosure, when displaying an image of the towing object, the control unit offsets the arrangement of the vehicle image on the display unit toward the direction of vehicle travel. Therefore, compared to a structure where the arrangement of the vehicle image is not adjusted when displaying an image of the towing object, this display control device can suppress the situation where the image of the towing object is fully visible.

[0011] In the first aspect of this disclosure, in the display control device, the control unit performs the following process: when the vehicle is in the traction state, the display unit displays information indicating that a specific driving assistance function has not been performed.

[0012] In the display control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, when the vehicle is in a towing state, the control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating that a specific driving assistance function has not been activated. Therefore, in this display control device, the occupant can understand, based on the content displayed on the display unit, whether a specific driving assistance function has been activated while the vehicle is in a towing state.

[0013] In the first aspect of this disclosure, in the display control device, the control unit performs the following processing: when the vehicle is in the traction state, the display unit displays information indicating that the acceleration performance of the vehicle has changed.

[0014] In the display control device according to the first aspect of this disclosure, the control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating a change in the vehicle's acceleration performance when the vehicle is in a towing state. Therefore, in this display control device, the occupant can understand the change in the vehicle's acceleration performance during towing based on the content displayed on the display unit.

[0015] As explained above, the display control device disclosed herein enables vehicle occupants to monitor changes in the detection status of surrounding information corresponding to the presence or absence of a towing object. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The features, advantages, technical and industrial significance of representative embodiments of the present invention will be depicted in the following drawings for reference, wherein the same symbols denote the same elements.

[0017] Figure 1 A block diagram representing the hardware structure of a vehicle.

[0018] Figure 2 A flowchart to represent the process of a specific procedure.

[0019] Figure 3 This is the first display example shown on the monitor.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a second display example shown on the monitor.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a third display example shown on the monitor.

[0022] Figure 6 This is the fourth display example shown on the monitor. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The vehicle 10 described below is an example of this embodiment.

[0024] First Implementation Method

[0025] First, the vehicle 10 involved in the first embodiment of this embodiment will be described.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of vehicle 10. (Example:) Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 includes an instrument cluster ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20. Vehicle 10 is an example of a "vehicle" according to this disclosure, and instrument cluster ECU 20 is an example of a "display control device" according to this disclosure.

[0027] The instrument cluster ECU 20 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a memory 24, an in-vehicle communication I / F (Interface) 25, an input / output I / F 26, and a wireless communication I / F 27. The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, memory 24, in-vehicle communication I / F 25, input / output I / F 26, and wireless communication I / F 27 are interconnected via an internal bus 28 in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other.

[0028] CPU 21 is the central processing unit, which executes various programs or controls various parts. That is, CPU 21 reads programs from ROM 22 or memory 24 and uses RAM 23 as the working area to execute the programs. CPU 21 implements the control of the above-mentioned structures and various arithmetic operations according to the programs recorded in ROM 22 or memory 24.

[0029] ROM22 stores various programs and data. RAM23 serves as a working area for temporarily storing programs or data.

[0030] The storage device 24 is composed of a storage device such as eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard) or UFS (Universal Flash Storage) and stores various programs and data. The storage device 24 stores a display control program 24A. The display control program 24A is used to cause the CPU 21 to perform specific processes described later (see [reference]). Figure 2 (The program).

[0031] The in-vehicle communication I / F25 is an interface for connecting with other ECUs 30. This interface uses a CAN-based communication standard. The in-vehicle communication I / F25 is connected to the external bus 29. Additionally, although not shown in the diagram, multiple ECUs are configured besides ECU 30 for each function of the vehicle 10.

[0032] Input / output I / F26 is an interface used to communicate with onboard equipment 40 mounted on vehicle 10.

[0033] The vehicle-mounted equipment 40 refers to various devices mounted on the vehicle 10. As an example of the vehicle-mounted equipment 40, the vehicle 10 includes a sensor group 42 and a monitor 44.

[0034] As an example, sensor group 42 may include, for instance, a 3D-LiDAR sensor, a millimeter-wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a turn signal sensor, an accelerometer position sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a gyroscope sensor. Furthermore, as an example, sensor group 42 may include sensors such as an accelerometer for detecting the state of vehicle 10 and the conditions around vehicle 10, as well as multiple cameras for capturing images of the surroundings of vehicle 10. Sensor group 42 outputs the detection results from each sensor and the images captured by each camera to instrument ECU 20 and ECU 30, etc.

[0035] Monitor 44 is an instrument display that is installed on an instrument panel located in front of the driver's seat of vehicle 10 and is used to display suggestions for operations related to the functions of vehicle 10 and images related to explanations of those functions. Monitor 44 is an example of the "display unit" of this disclosure.

[0036] The I / F27 wireless communication module is used for communicating with external devices. This wireless communication module utilizes communication standards such as 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0037] Furthermore, as a functional structure, the CPU 21 of the instrument ECU 20 has an acquisition unit 21A and a control unit 21B. Each functional structure is implemented by the CPU 21 reading and executing the display control program 24A stored in the memory 24.

[0038] The acquisition unit 21A acquires various types of information. For example, as various types of information, the acquisition unit 21A acquires surrounding information about the area around the vehicle 10 that the vehicle 10 can detect. The surrounding information includes detection results obtained by each sensor constituting the sensor group 42, and captured images obtained by each camera, etc.

[0039] The control unit 21B performs display control related to the display on the monitor 44. For example, as part of this display control, the control unit 21B, based on the surrounding information acquired by the acquisition unit 21A, causes the monitor 44 to display a vehicle image 10A representing the vehicle 10 as observed from a virtual viewpoint (see reference). Figure 3 (etc.). The virtual viewpoint is set in a three-dimensional virtual space with the position of vehicle image 10A as the origin, and is defined by the viewpoint coordinates and viewpoint angle (orientation) in the virtual space. As an example, the virtual viewpoint is a viewpoint observed from a specific viewpoint coordinate on the upper side of vehicle image 10A in the virtual space at a specific viewpoint angle.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of a specific procedure performed by the instrument cluster ECU 20. The CPU 21 performs the specific procedure by reading the display control program 24A from the memory 24, expanding it in the RAM 23, and executing it. As an example, the specific procedure is automatically and repeatedly performed at fixed intervals.

[0041] exist Figure 2 In step S10, CPU 21 obtains the surrounding information of vehicle 10. Then, CPU 21 proceeds to step S11.

[0042] In S11, the CPU 21, based on the peripheral information obtained in S10, causes the monitor 44 to display various images. These images include a vehicle image 10A and a road image 74 representing the road on which the vehicle 10 is traveling (see reference). Figure 3 (etc.), and the range image 76 representing the detection status of surrounding information (refer to) Figure 3 (etc.) etc. Specific examples of these various images will be described later. Then, CPU21 proceeds to S12.

[0043] In S12, CPU21 determines whether vehicle 10 is in a towing state, specifically towing an object. The towing object could be, for example, a camping trailer, a boat trailer, or a motorcycle trailer. If CPU21 determines that it is in a towing state (S12: Yes), it proceeds to S13. Conversely, if CPU21 determines that it is not in a towing state (S12: No), it proceeds to S14. As an example, CPU21 determines that it is in a towing state when the driver, who is a passenger of vehicle 10, operates a predetermined button (not shown) on the vehicle-mounted equipment 40.

[0044] In S13, CPU21 performs display control for the traction state. A specific example of this display control will be described later. Then, CPU21 proceeds to S14.

[0045] In S14, CPU21 updates the display content of monitor 44 based on the peripheral information obtained in S10. For example, if the speed of vehicle 10 increases or decreases, CPU21 updates the speed information 72 (described later) displayed on monitor 44. Figure 3 The values ​​shown in (etc.) are changed. Furthermore, when vehicle 10 approaches other vehicles, CPU 21 narrows the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle image 10A in monitor 44 and the image representing the other vehicle. Then, CPU 21 proceeds to S15.

[0046] In S15, CPU 21 determines whether a predetermined termination condition is met. If the CPU 21 determines that the termination condition is met (S15: Yes), it terminates the specific process. Conversely, if the CPU 21 determines that the termination condition is not met (S15: No), it returns to S10. As an example, CPU 21 determines that the termination condition is met when the ignition switch of vehicle 10 is off.

[0047] Next, use Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 Let's now describe an example of how monitor 44 displays.

[0048] Figure 3This is a first explanatory diagram showing an example of a display in display area X of monitor 44. Display area X is a portion of monitor 44 and is configured to allow a driver seated in the driver's seat to visually confirm the display through an opening in the steering wheel. As an example, Figure 3 The display shows the content when vehicle 10 is not in a towing state.

[0049] exist Figure 3 The upper part of the display area X shows gear shift information 70 and vehicle speed information 72.

[0050] Shift information 70 indicates the shift position of vehicle 10. Figure 3 In the middle, the shift information 70 is displayed as "D", indicating that the shift position is D gear.

[0051] Speed ​​information 72 indicates the speed of vehicle 10. Figure 3 In the text, the speed information 72 is displayed as "54km / h", indicating that the vehicle speed is 54km / h.

[0052] In addition, Figure 3 In the display area X shown, a road image 74 is displayed below the gear shift information 70 and vehicle speed information 72. The road image 74 is an image of the roads surrounding the vehicle 10, represented by map data stored in an external server or storage device 24, etc.

[0053] Moreover, in Figure 3 In the image 74, vehicle image 10A and range image 76 are displayed.

[0054] Vehicle image 10A is an image generated based on an illustration design of vehicle 10 represented by illustration data stored in storage 24. As an example, vehicle 10 is traveling in the middle lane of a three-lane road on one side. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the image, vehicle image 10A is displayed in the central lane of the road shown in road image 74 from a viewpoint observed from the aforementioned virtual viewpoint.

[0055] Range image 76 is a graphic image representing the detection status of surrounding information. As an example, range image 76 is composed of a front range image 76A and a rear range image 76B, wherein the front range image 76A represents the detection status of surrounding information on the front side of vehicle 10 in the same lane as vehicle 10, and the rear range image 76B represents the detection status of surrounding information on the rear side of vehicle 10 in the same lane.

[0056] The forward range image 76A is displayed at the upper part of the vehicle image 10A, corresponding to the aforementioned front side of the vehicle 10. As an example, the forward range image 76A is trapezoidal in shape, and dotted textures are applied within the trapezoid.

[0057] The rear view image 76B is displayed at the lower part of the vehicle image 10A, corresponding to the rear side of the vehicle 10 described above. As an example, the rear view image 76B is trapezoidal in shape, and the same dot pattern as the front view image 76A is applied within the trapezoid.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a second explanatory diagram showing an example of a display being shown in display area X of monitor 44. As an example, Figure 4 The display shows the content when vehicle 10 is in a towing state.

[0059] exist Figure 4 The display area X shown displays vehicle image 10A, gear shift information 70, vehicle speed information 72, road image 74, forward range image 76A, and rear range image 76B. Furthermore, the display method of the information other than the rear range image 76B is different from... Figure 3 Similarly, the explanation is omitted.

[0060] Here, as a display control for the traction state in S13 above, the CPU21 changes the display mode of the rear range image 76B when the traction state is in effect from the state when the traction state is not in effect. For example, Figure 4 The rear area image 76B shown has a dotted texture applied within the trapezoid. Figure 3 Unlike other trapezoids, the interior of this trapezoid is colored gray.

[0061] Here, multiple display modes corresponding to the detection status of surrounding information are provided in the range image 76. In this embodiment, as these multiple display modes, a normal mode is provided to indicate a normal detection status, and a special mode is provided to indicate a special detection status. The normal mode is... Figure 3 The frontal image 76A and the rearal image 76B, and Figure 4 The method of applying dotted textures within the trapezoid shown in the front area image 76A. A specific method is... Figure 4 The area behind the trapezoid shown in image 76B is colored gray.

[0062] As explained above, in the instrument cluster ECU 20, the CPU 21, based on the surrounding information of the vehicle 10, causes the monitor 44 to display the vehicle image 10A and the range image 76 indicating the detection status of the surrounding information. Furthermore, the CPU 21 changes the display method of the range image 76 when the vehicle 10 is in a towing state. Figure 4 In the example shown, CPU 21 changes the display mode of the rear range image 76B, which represents the detection situation at the rear of vehicle 10, from the normal mode to a special mode.

[0063] Here, when vehicle 10 is in a towing state, the detection range of the sensors in sensor group 42 that detect surrounding information behind vehicle 10 is narrowed due to the presence of a towing object connected to the rear of vehicle 10. Furthermore, when vehicle 10 is in a towing state, since the towing object is reflected in the image captured by the camera in sensor group 42 that captures images of the rear of vehicle 10, the area behind vehicle 10 that can be identified based on this image is narrowed. Therefore, in this embodiment, by changing the display mode of the rear range image 76B, which represents the detection status of surrounding information behind vehicle 10, when vehicle 10 is in a towing state, the driver is informed of the narrowing of the sensor detection range. With this structure, the driver of vehicle 10 can monitor changes in the detection status of surrounding information corresponding to the presence or absence of a towing object in the instrument ECU 20.

[0064] Second Implementation Method

[0065] Next, the vehicle 10 involved in the second embodiment of this embodiment will be described, omitting or simplifying the parts that are repeated with the above embodiment.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a third explanatory diagram showing an example of a display being shown in display area X of monitor 44. As an example, Figure 5 The display shows the situation where vehicle 10 is towing a camping trailer.

[0067] exist Figure 5 In the display area X shown, except for Figure 4 In addition to the information shown, the towing object image 80, attention information 82, and acceleration performance information 84 are also displayed. In this case, as a display control for the towing state in S13 above, the CPU 21 causes the monitor 44 to display the towing object image 80, attention information 82, and acceleration performance information 84, and changes the display mode of the rear range image 76B from the normal mode to a special mode.

[0068] The towed image 80 is an image generated based on an illustration design of a camping trailer represented by illustration data stored in the storage 24. The CPU 21 identifies the type of towed vehicle based on images captured by cameras that capture images of the rear of the vehicle 10, which are included in the sensor group 42, and depicts the illustration design corresponding to the towed vehicle specified in the illustration data on the monitor 44.

[0069] Furthermore, when displaying the towing object image 80, the CPU 21 shifts the arrangement of the vehicle image 10A on the monitor 44 away from the display area of ​​the towing object image 80 by the direction of travel of the vehicle 10. For example, the CPU 21 shifts the arrangement of the vehicle image 10A directly or indirectly by changing the coordinates of the vehicle image 10A in a three-dimensional virtual space or by changing the viewpoint angle (or orientation) in that virtual space. Thus, Figure 5 The vehicle image 10A shown is... Figure 3 The vehicle image 10A shown is positioned on the upper side of the display area X.

[0070] Note that information 82 indicates that a specific driver assistance function has not been executed. As an example, in this implementation, the specific driver assistance function is set to LCA (Lane Change Assist). Therefore, in... Figure 5 In the middle, as attention information 82, it is displayed as "LCA→×", indicating that LCA was not executed when vehicle 10 was in traction state.

[0071] Acceleration performance information 84 indicates a change in the acceleration performance of vehicle 10. When vehicle 10 is in a towing state, its acceleration performance decreases because it is moving while towing the towing object; therefore, the accelerator opening needs to be increased compared to a non-towing state. Therefore, in Figure 5 In the middle, as acceleration performance information 84, an icon indicating the accelerator pedal is displayed, indicating that when the vehicle 10 is in a traction state, the acceleration performance of the vehicle 10 has changed, so the accelerator opening needs to be increased.

[0072] In addition, Figure 5 In the example shown, an image 80 representing a camping trailer is illustrated as a towing object. However, if the CPU 21 specifies a different type of towing object than the camping trailer based on the images captured by the camera, images representing different types of towing objects are displayed in the display area X.

[0073] Figure 6This is a fourth explanatory diagram showing an example of a display being shown in display area X of monitor 44. As an example, Figure 6 The display shows the situation where 10 pairs of marine trailers are used as towing vehicles.

[0074] exist Figure 6 The display area X shown displays vehicle image 10A, gear shift information 70, vehicle speed information 72, road image 74, forward range image 76A, rear range image 76B, attention information 82, acceleration performance information 84, and towing object image 90. Furthermore, due to the different display methods of the aforementioned information, except for the towing object image 90... Figure 5 Similarly, the explanation is omitted.

[0075] Image 90 is an image generated based on an illustration design of a marine trailer represented by illustration data stored in memory 24. CPU 21 identifies the type of towing object as a marine trailer based on the image captured by the camera, and displays the illustration design corresponding to the marine trailer in the illustration data on monitor 44.

[0076] As explained above, in the instrument ECU 20, as a function of the control unit 21B, the CPU 21 displays the images 80 and 90 of the towed object in conjunction with the vehicle image 10A when the vehicle 10 is in a towing state. Thus, in this instrument ECU 20, the driver can monitor the towed object being towed by the vehicle 10 based on the display content on the monitor 44.

[0077] Furthermore, in the instrument ECU 20, as a function of the control unit 21B, the CPU 21, when displaying the images 80 and 90 of the towed object, shifts the arrangement of the vehicle image 10A in the monitor 44 toward the direction of travel of the vehicle 10. Therefore, in this instrument ECU 20, compared to a structure that does not adjust the arrangement of the vehicle image 10A when displaying the images 80 and 90 of the towed object, it is possible to prevent the images 80 and 90 of the towed object from being fully visible.

[0078] Furthermore, in the instrument cluster ECU 20, as a function of the control unit 21B, the CPU 21 causes the monitor 44 to display attention information 82 indicating that LCA (Lead Assist Control) has not been activated as a specific driver assistance function when the vehicle 10 is in a towing state. Thus, in this instrument cluster ECU 20, the driver can understand the situation where LCA has not been activated while in a towing state based on the display on the monitor 44.

[0079] Furthermore, in the instrument cluster ECU 20, as a function of the control unit 21B, the CPU 21 causes the monitor 44 to display acceleration performance information 84 indicating changes in the acceleration performance of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is in a towing state. Thus, in this instrument cluster ECU 20, the driver can monitor the changes in the acceleration performance of the vehicle 10 under towing conditions based on the display on the monitor 44.

[0080] other

[0081] While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described. Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims. In other words, these modifications or alterations naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0082] Furthermore, the effects described in the above embodiments are illustrative or exemplary and are not limited to the effects described in the above embodiments. That is to say, the technology involved in this disclosure can achieve other effects known to those skilled in the art based on the descriptions in the above embodiments, while performing or replacing the effects described in the above embodiments.

[0083] The processing described in the above embodiments can also be implemented using dedicated hardware circuitry. In this case, it can be performed by a single piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the display control program 24A is stored in the memory 24. However, it is not limited to this, and the display control program 24A may also be stored in the ROM 22.

[0085] In the above embodiments, as an example of changing the display mode of the detection status of surrounding information, the display mode of the rear range image 76B is changed in the first embodiment, and in the second embodiment, the display mode of the rear range image 76B is changed, and the images of the towed objects 80 and 90 are displayed in an additional manner. However, it is not limited to this. As an example of changing the display mode of the detection status, it is also possible to implement the following processing: in the towing state, the display mode of the rear range image 76B is not changed, but only the images of the towed objects 80 and 90 are displayed.

[0086] While in the above embodiments, the display method of the surrounding information detection status is changed uniformly when the vehicle is in a towing state, regardless of the type of towing object, this is not a limitation. For example, if the towing object is a narrow vehicle such as a motorcycle trailer, the display method of the detection status may not be changed even when the vehicle is in a towing state. Similarly, if the towing object is a narrow vehicle, the execution of specific driver assistance functions may not be restricted even when the vehicle is in a towing state. Furthermore, if the towing object is equipped with a sensor capable of detecting information around the towing object, the vehicle 10 acquires the detection results from that sensor. Thus, even when the vehicle is in a towing state, the display method of the detection status may not be changed, and the execution of specific driver assistance functions may not be restricted.

[0087] The way information indicating that a specific driver assistance function was not activated when vehicle 10 was in towing mode is not limited to the manner shown in the above-mentioned notice information 82. For example, the information such as "LCA unavailable" can also be expressed directly using text.

[0088] The way information indicating a change in the acceleration performance of vehicle 10 when it is in a traction state is not limited to the method shown in the acceleration performance information 84 above. For example, the rear of the vehicle body in the vehicle image 10A may be lowered, or sweat markers and exclamation marks may be displayed around the vehicle image 10A.

[0089] The general and special methods of the range image 76 are not limited to those shown in the above embodiments. Of course, different textures and colors may be applied as a general or special method than those described in the above embodiments.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 can also display auxiliary information on the monitor 44 to assist in driving the vehicle 10 while it is in a towing state. As auxiliary information, the CPU 21 can display, for example, the timing and amount of steering wheel operation during curves, as well as images taken from the rear of the vehicle 10 or from above during curves. Therefore, compared to when it is not in a towing state, it can assist in driving the vehicle 10 while it is in a towing state, where the difficulty of driving during curves is increased.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the CPU 21 may also adjust at least one of the working intensity and working timing of the predetermined driving assistance function when the vehicle 10 is in a traction state. For example, when the vehicle 10 is in a traction state, the CPU 21 may increase the accelerator opening during the execution of ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), a predetermined driving assistance function, compared to the situation when the vehicle is not in a traction state. Furthermore, under the same conditions, the CPU 21 may also adjust the working intensity to reduce the braking force. Additionally, when the vehicle 10 is in a traction state, the CPU 21 may reduce the braking force during the execution of PCS (Pre-Collision System), a predetermined driving assistance function, compared to the situation when the vehicle is not in a traction state. Simultaneously, the CPU 21 may also adjust the working intensity and working timing, for example, by advancing the braking start time.

[0092] In the above embodiments, the display portion of the towing vehicle images 80 and 90 in the display area X of the monitor 44 is not particularly limited. For example, as in the above embodiments, the towing vehicle images 80 and 90 may be displayed in the display area X in a manner that allows for a comprehensive understanding of the overall situation of the camping trailer or boat trailer serving as the towing vehicle. Furthermore, the towing vehicle images 80 and 90 may also display only a portion of the camping trailer or boat trailer serving as the towing vehicle in the display area X.

[0093] In the above embodiment, when displaying images 80 and 90 of the towing objects, the CPU 21 shifts the arrangement of the vehicle image 10A in the monitor 44 away from the display area of ​​the towing objects 80 and 90 in the direction of travel of the vehicle 10. However, it is not limited to this; in the above case, the CPU 21 may shift the arrangement of the vehicle image 10A in the monitor 44 away from the display area of ​​the towing objects 80 and 90 by an amount greater than that. In this case, space will be created below the towing objects 80 and 90 in the monitor 44.

[0094] In the above embodiments, the monitor 44, which serves as an instrument display, is described as an example of the "display unit" of this disclosure; however, the example of a "display unit" is not limited to an instrument display. For example, an example of a "display unit" could also be a central display and other displays such as a head-up display (HUD). Furthermore, an example of a "display unit" could also be a combination of multiple displays such as an instrument display and a central display.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the instrument ECU20 is configured to execute... Figure 2The specific processing is shown. However, it is not limited to this; the specific processing can also be the processing performed by the instrument ECU 20 in cooperation with other ECUs.

[0096] Alternatively, the specific processing that the CPU 21 reads and executes in the above embodiment can also be performed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of processors in this case include FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, as well as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) and other processors with specially designed circuit structures for performing specific processing, i.e., dedicated electrical circuits. Furthermore, the specific processing can be performed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit composed of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0097] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes the display control program 24A being pre-stored (installed) in the storage device 24, it is not a limitation. The display control program 24A may also be provided as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (CompactDisk Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Additionally, the display control program 24A may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the technology of this invention can also be applied to programs and program products.

Claims

1. A display control device, wherein, The system includes a control unit that performs the following processing: Based on the surrounding information that the vehicle can detect, the display unit displays a vehicle image representing the vehicle as observed from a virtual viewpoint, as well as the detection status of the surrounding information. Furthermore, if the vehicle is in a towing state, the display method of the detection status is changed.

2. The display control device as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit performs the following process: when the vehicle is in the traction state, it displays the image of the traction object representing the traction object in conjunction with the image of the vehicle.

3. The display control device as described in claim 2, wherein, The control unit performs the following process: when displaying the image of the towing object, the configuration of the vehicle image in the display unit is offset toward the direction of travel of the vehicle.

4. The display control device as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit performs the following process: when the vehicle is in the traction state, the display unit displays information indicating that a specific driving assistance function has not been executed.

5. The display control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control unit performs the following process: when the vehicle is in the traction state, the display unit displays information indicating that the vehicle's acceleration performance has changed.

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