Warning display device, warning display method, program, and warning display system for vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a warning display device, a warning display method, a warning display program, and a warning display system for a vehicle, which can improve the excessive display of warning during the driving of the vehicle and the display that cannot be transmitted to passengers. The present invention is provided with: a display unit disposed below a vehicle windshield; an illumination unit which is disposed in at least a partial region of the windshield and which allows a light image of the light emitted from the light source to be visually recognized by an occupant via a light receiving body; and a control unit that, on the basis of the acquired surrounding environment information, determines whether the state of the vehicle is a first state or a second state having a higher risk of collision than the first state, and performs first notification control if the state is the first state, and performs second notification control if the state is the second state. In the first state, the control unit performs second notification control, and in the second state, a light image notifying that the state is in the first state is displayed in a first display mode, and a first warning image notifying that the state is in the first state is displayed in the display unit. A light image notifying that the state is the second state is displayed in a second display mode on the illumination unit, and a second warning image is displayed on the display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a warning display device, method, procedure, and vehicle warning display system that provides warnings in a manner corresponding to the level of collision risk with obstacles, including other vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing number of displays installed in the vehicle interior, there is a growing demand for synchronized displays between them. However, in existing technology, each display is processed separately by its own control unit. This results in a situation where some control units must allocate resources to processes other than display, leading to a decrease in processing speed and timing discrepancies between displays that should be synchronized across multiple screens. Consequently, users experience a sense of disharmony when multiple displays are synchronized.

[0003] To address this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technology for a vehicle control device comprising: a display processing unit that performs output preprocessing on linked images of the CID and the instrument cluster MID, which are displayed in conjunction with a central information display (CID) and an instrument cluster MID; a first image output unit that outputs the linked images of the CID, which have undergone output preprocessing by the display processing unit, to the CID; and a second image output unit that outputs the linked images of the instrument cluster MID, which have undergone output preprocessing by the display processing unit, to the instrument cluster MID. According to the technology described in Patent Document 1, since the display processing unit performs output preprocessing on the linked images, which are images of each of the multiple displays displayed in conjunction with the central information display, as information that can be output to the displays, compared to the case where output preprocessing is performed separately by the control devices for each display, timing deviations in the output preprocessing of the linked images for each display can be suppressed.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-197664 (Refer to paragraph

[0007] )

[0009] , Figure 2 ) Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] As described above, according to the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to link two different displays together without making the user feel a sense of incongruity caused by the deviation in display timing. However, in scenarios such as displays used for vehicle safety driving assistance, when two different displays are always linked together, even in situations where the risk of collision with other vehicles is low, the same warning image is displayed on both displays. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the situation where other information is blocked, resulting in excessive notification, or the display becomes obscured by the warning image and fails to convey the intended message to the occupant.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a warning display device, method, procedure, and vehicle warning display system that improves the over-displaying of warnings while the vehicle is in motion and the display of warnings that fails to convey intent to the occupants, for example by displaying warnings in a manner corresponding to the level of collision risk with obstacles including other vehicles.

[0010] Other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following exemplary embodiments and preferred embodiments, as well as the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0012] Hereinafter, in order to facilitate understanding of the general outline of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated.

[0013] A first aspect of the present invention is a warning display device comprising: a display unit disposed below the windshield of a vehicle, which displays a warning image when a collision risk arises between the vehicle and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit disposed in at least a portion of the windshield, including a light source for illuminating a light receiver, wherein light emitted from the light source passes through the light receiver to enable an occupant to visually recognize a light image; and a control unit that acquires information about the vehicle's surrounding environment, and based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment, determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or in a second state where the collision risk is higher than in the first state, or acquires the collision risk from an external source, and if the collision risk is in a second state... In the first state, the control unit performs a first state notification control. In the first state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state. If the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit performs a second state notification control. In the second state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

[0014] Here, "collision risk" refers to a risk level indicating the degree of danger of a collision between the vehicle (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles. It is a parameter that indicates a higher probability of a collision between the vehicle and the obstacle. For example, if the risk level is determined using five stages from 1 to 5, level 1 is the lowest risk level, equivalent to almost no risk of collision with an obstacle (in other words, sufficiently low). Level 5 indicates a very high probability of a collision with an obstacle, or a level where a collision is unavoidable. Here, a risk level of "1" or "2" is referred to as "low collision risk level 1," and a risk level of "3," "4," or "5" is referred to as "high collision risk level 2."

[0015] Furthermore, regarding collision risk, it is also possible to determine it independently of the aforementioned risk levels, by comparing it with a threshold value based on the distance between the vehicle and obstacles, including other vehicles. Alternatively, collision risk may not be determined by the control unit, but rather by the control unit acquiring and calculating values ​​from driver assistance devices such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that implement Forward Collision Warning (FCW).

[0016] In addition, "vehicle's surrounding environment information" refers to information about obstacles, including other vehicles within the vehicle's all-around field of vision (the presence or absence of obstacles, distance to obstacles, etc.), such as information obtained through cameras and satellite positioning systems (GPS) that capture images of the vehicle's all-around field of vision, or through LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).

[0017] In the first approach, the control unit determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state with a higher collision risk compared to the first state based on acquired information about the vehicle's surrounding environment, or by acquiring the collision risk from an external source. Furthermore, if the collision risk is in the first state, a first state notification control is performed. In this first state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state. On the other hand, if the collision risk is in the second state, a second state notification control is performed. In this second state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image. In this way, the control unit determines the collision risk with obstacles based on the acquired information about the vehicle's surrounding environment (or obtains it from the vehicle's ECU (driver assistance device) that implements ADAS such as FCW), and divides the notification control into a first state with a relatively low collision risk and a second state with a relatively high collision risk. In other words, by performing first-state notification control in the first state with a relatively low collision risk and second-state notification control in the second state with a relatively high collision risk, appropriate warnings can be displayed on each of the interconnected lighting and display units in a manner corresponding to the collision risk. This can improve the over-display of warnings while the vehicle is in motion and the display that fails to convey the intended message to the occupants.

[0018] In addition, according to the first method, the light emitted by the illumination unit is positioned higher than the display unit so that the light image is visually recognized. Therefore, the occupant (driver) does not need to shift their gaze from looking at the front through the windshield for driving, but can grasp the collision risk through the display method of the illumination unit (first display method, second display method), which also helps to drive safely.

[0019] In the second method subordinate to the first method, the control unit may perform the following control: In the first state notification control, the illumination unit displays the light image notifying the first state in the first display mode, and the display unit displays the first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the first state, wherein the first display mode is displayed at a first intensity; In the second state notification control, the illumination unit displays the light image notifying the second state in the second display mode, and the display unit displays the second warning image composed of the characters or graphic characters notifying the second state, and a frame image or background image arranged around the characters or graphic characters and in the same color family as the light image in the illumination unit, wherein the second display mode is displayed at a second intensity higher than the first intensity.

[0020] Here, "homogeneous colors" refers to colors whose angle from the center of the color wheel is 60° or less, and more preferably colors whose angle from the center of the color wheel is 30° or less. Furthermore, a color wheel is a ring-shaped arrangement of hues to systematize colors, specifying hues in units of 0 to 360 degrees.

[0021] In the second method, the control unit performs the following control: In the first state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image notifying the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the first state, wherein the first display mode is displayed at a first intensity; and in the second state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image notifying the second state in a second display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters notifying the second state, and a frame image or background image arranged around the characters or graphic characters and in the same color family as the light image in the illumination unit, wherein the second display mode is displayed at a second intensity higher than the first intensity. Specifically, in the first state where the collision risk is relatively low, for example, as... Figure 8As shown in (a), the illumination unit 11 displays a light image at a first intensity (first display mode) with low brightness illumination or slow-cycle flashing, while the display unit 12 displays a first warning image with a small icon in the upper right corner. On the other hand, in a second state where the risk of collision is relatively high, for example, as... Figure 8 As shown in (b), the illumination unit 11 displays a light image at a second intensity (second display mode), such as a high brightness or a fast-cycle flashing, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image. The second warning image displays graphic characters in a larger central position and illuminates the frame in a color similar to that of the illumination unit 11, thereby enabling appropriate attention reminders to the occupants based on the collision risk.

[0022] In particular, in the second state where the risk of collision is high, the intensity of the light image displayed by the illumination unit 11 is increased by illuminating it with high brightness or flashing it at high speed, and large graphic characters are displayed in the center of the display unit 12 with a frame of the same color as the illumination unit 11, thereby increasing its visibility and attracting the attention of the occupants. On the other hand, in the first state where the risk of collision is low, the light image is displayed in the illumination unit 11 with a first intensity (first display mode), such as illuminating it with low brightness or flashing it with a slow period, and a warning image is displayed in the upper right corner of the display unit 12 with small graphic characters. Therefore, it does not obstruct other information and can also improve the situation where the display is hidden in the warning image and fails to convey the intention to the occupants.

[0023] In a third method subordinate to the first or second method, the control unit may perform the following control: in the first status notification control, the display unit displays the first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the first status at a first size; in the second status notification control, the display unit displays the second warning image composed of the characters or graphic characters representing the second status at a second size larger than the first size.

[0024] In the third method, the control unit performs the following control: in the first state notification control, a first warning image consisting of characters or graphic characters representing the first state is displayed on the display unit at a first size; in the second state notification control, a second warning image consisting of characters or graphic characters representing the second state is displayed on the display unit at a second size larger than the first size. Thus, by displaying the characters or graphic characters displayed on the display unit at a small size (first warning image) in the first state where the collision risk is low, and at a large size (second warning image) in the second state where the collision risk is high, appropriate attention reminders can be given to the occupants based on the collision risk.

[0025] In the fourth approach, which is subordinate to the first to third approaches, the control unit may perform the following control in the second state notification control: display the second warning image, which is composed of characters or graphic characters representing the second state, in a position closer to the center than the first warning image composed of the characters or graphic characters displayed by the first state notification control.

[0026] In the fourth approach, since the control unit performs the following control in the second state notification control: a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the second state is displayed in a position closer to the center than the first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters displayed through the first state notification control, the occupants can notice the second warning image, and the situation of high collision risk can be easily conveyed.

[0027] In the fifth method, which is subordinate to the first to fourth methods, the control unit may perform the following control in the second state notification control: display the second warning image, which is a pop-up window overlaid on other images, representing the second state, and set the frame of the pop-up window to a color of the same color family as the light image in the lighting unit.

[0028] In the fifth method, the control unit performs the following control in the second state notification control: It displays a second warning image, which is a pop-up window overlaid with other images, representing the second state (characters or graphics). The frame of the pop-up window is set to a color similar to the light image in the illumination unit. Thus, when the display unit displays the characters or graphics as a pop-up window, by setting its frame to a color similar to the light image in the illumination unit, the relevance of each display is easily conveyed to the occupant. Furthermore, the pop-up window itself is also overlaid on an image containing information such as vehicle speed, allowing the occupant to easily grasp the collision risk.

[0029] In a sixth method, which is subordinate to the first to fifth methods, a distance measuring unit is connected to detect the presence or absence of the obstacle and, if the obstacle is detected, measures the distance to the obstacle. The control unit has: a first threshold for determining whether to evaluate the collision risk; and a second threshold for determining whether to classify the collision risk as high when evaluating the collision risk. The control unit evaluates the collision risk by referring to the distance information of the obstacle measured and acquired by the distance measuring unit, the first threshold, and the second threshold.

[0030] Here, "first threshold" refers to any distance value selected within the range of 0 to 100 meters between the vehicle (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles, and "second threshold" refers to any distance value smaller than the first threshold within the aforementioned distance range. Furthermore, the distance range used here varies depending on whether the vehicle is traveling on a highway or in urban areas.

[0031] In the sixth method, the control unit has: a first threshold for determining whether to evaluate collision risk; and a second threshold for determining whether to classify collision risk as high when evaluating collision risk. The control unit evaluates collision risk by referring to distance information to obstacles measured and acquired by the distance measurement unit, and the first and second thresholds. For example, the control unit compares the distance information measured by the distance measurement unit with the first threshold. If the distance information is below the first threshold, it further compares it with the second threshold. If the distance information exceeds the second threshold, a first state of low collision risk is determined. For example, the display of the lighting unit is changed to a first display mode corresponding to the distance information, and a first warning image composed of small characters or graphic characters is displayed on the display unit. On the other hand, if the second threshold is below, a second state of high collision risk is determined. For example, the display of the lighting unit can be changed to a second display mode corresponding to the distance information, and a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters larger than those in the first state can be displayed on the display unit. In this way, multiple thresholds are prepared using only the distance information between the vehicle (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles, measured by the distance measurement unit, thereby making it easy to determine collision risk.

[0032] In the seventh method, which belongs to the first to fifth methods, a direction indicator indicating the turning direction of the vehicle may also be connected. If the control unit does not obtain input information from the direction indicator when the distance measurement unit detects the obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, or if the distance information indicates a direction opposite to the direction indicated by the input information, the collision risk is determined to be low. If the distance information indicates a direction the same as the input information obtained from the direction indicator, the collision risk is determined to be high.

[0033] Here, "prescribed threshold" refers to any distance value selected within the range of 0 to 100 meters between the vehicle and obstacles, including other vehicles. However, the distance range used here varies depending on whether the vehicle is traveling on a highway or in urban areas. Additionally, "distance information in the opposite direction to the direction shown in the input information" refers to a direction where the risk of collision with other vehicles (obstacles) is low, while "distance information in the same direction as the direction shown in the input information obtained from the direction indicator" refers to a direction where the risk of collision with other vehicles (obstacles) is high.

[0034] In the seventh method, when the distance measurement unit detects an obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, and there is no information input from the direction indicator, or the input information indicates a direction opposite to the direction shown by the distance information (the direction in which the obstacle is detected), the control unit determines that the collision risk is low. On the other hand, if the input information obtained from the direction indicator indicates a direction in the same direction as the direction shown by the distance information (the direction in which the obstacle is detected), the control unit determines that the collision risk is high. In this way, in addition to using the distance measurement unit to measure the distance between the vehicle (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles, the input information from the direction indicator is also used to evaluate the collision risk. By using the direction indicator to determine the occupant's intention to change lanes and comparing their turning direction with the direction shown by the distance information, the collision risk can be evaluated more appropriately.

[0035] In the eighth method, which belongs to the first to fifth methods, an inertial measurement unit is also connected to detect the behavior of the vehicle. When the distance measurement unit detects the obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, the control unit determines that the collision risk is high if the inertial measurement unit detects the turning direction of the vehicle and the turning direction is consistent with the direction shown by the distance information. If the inertial measurement unit does not detect the turning action caused by the lane change of the vehicle, or detects the turning action and the direction shown by the turning action is inconsistent with the direction shown by the distance information, the collision risk is low.

[0036] Here, "the steering direction is consistent with the direction shown by the distance information" refers, for example, the direction in which obstacles, including other vehicles, approach the vehicle, and "the steering direction is inconsistent with the direction shown by the distance information" refers, for example, the direction in which obstacles, including other vehicles, move away from the vehicle.

[0037] In the eighth method, when the distance measurement unit detects an obstacle and the distance information exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the inertial measurement unit detects a steering action of the occupant caused by lane change that is consistent with the direction indicated by the distance information, the control unit determines that the collision risk is high. Conversely, if the inertial measurement unit does not detect a steering action caused by lane change, or detects a steering action that is inconsistent with the direction indicated by the distance information, the control unit determines that the collision risk is low. Thus, by using the inertial measurement unit to detect the vehicle's behavior caused by lane change, even without input information from the direction indicator, the vehicle's steering direction can be detected, and an appropriate collision risk assessment can be performed.

[0038] The ninth method is a warning display method for a warning display device, the warning display device comprising: a display unit disposed below the windshield of a vehicle, which displays a warning image when a collision risk arises between the vehicle and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit disposed in at least a portion of the windshield, including a light source for illuminating a light receiver, wherein light emitted from the light source passes through the light receiver to enable an occupant to visually recognize a light image; and a control unit, the warning display method comprising the following steps: the control unit acquires information about the vehicle's surrounding environment, and based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment, determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or in a second state where the collision risk is higher than in the first state, or acquires information from an external source. The system describes a collision risk; if the collision risk is in the first state, the control unit performs a first state notification control, in which the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state; and if the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit performs a second state notification control, in which the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

[0039] In the ninth method, the control unit first determines, based on externally acquired information about the vehicle's surrounding environment, whether the collision risk is in a first state, a second state with a higher collision risk compared to the first state, or whether the collision risk is acquired externally. Next, if the collision risk is in the first state, the control unit performs first state notification control. In this first state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image indicating the collision risk is in the first state. Conversely, if the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit performs second state notification control. In this second state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image. In this way, the control unit determines the collision risk with obstacles based on the acquired information about the vehicle's surrounding environment, and divides the notification control into a first state with a relatively low collision risk and a second state with a relatively high collision risk. In other words, by performing first-state notification control in the first state with a relatively low collision risk and second-state notification control in the second state with a relatively high collision risk, appropriate warnings can be displayed on the lighting unit and display unit, which operate in conjunction with each other, in a manner corresponding to the collision risk. This improves the situation of excessive display of warnings while the vehicle is in motion and displays that fail to convey the intended meaning to the occupants. In addition, since the light emitted by the lighting unit is positioned higher than the display unit, the occupants do not need to shift their gaze from looking directly at the road through the windshield to drive, but can grasp the collision risk through the display of the lighting unit, thus contributing to safe driving.

[0040] The tenth method is a warning display procedure for a warning display device, the warning display device comprising: a display unit disposed below the windshield of a vehicle, which displays a warning image when a collision risk arises between the vehicle and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit disposed in at least a portion of the windshield, including a light source for illuminating a light receiver, wherein light emitted from the light source passes through the light receiver to allow an occupant to visually recognize a light image; and a control unit, wherein a processor of the control unit performs the following processing: acquiring information about the vehicle's surrounding environment, and based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment, determining whether the collision risk is in a first state or in a second state where the collision risk is higher than the first state, or from... The collision risk is acquired externally; if the collision risk is in the first state, a first state notification control is performed, in which the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state; and if the collision risk is in the second state, a second state notification control is performed, in which the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

[0041] In the tenth method, the processor of the control unit sequentially reads and executes a warning display program recorded in the memory. First, based on the vehicle's surrounding environment information obtained from the outside, it is determined whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state with a higher collision risk compared to the first state, or the collision risk is obtained from the outside. Furthermore, if the collision risk is in the first state, a first state notification control is performed. In this first state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state. On the other hand, if the collision risk is in the second state, a second state notification control is performed. In this second state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image. In this way, by assessing the risk of collision with obstacles based on the acquired information about the vehicle's surrounding environment, and dividing the notification control into a first state with a relatively low collision risk and a second state with a relatively high collision risk, in other words, by performing first-state notification control in the first state with a relatively low collision risk and second-state notification control in the second state with a relatively high collision risk, appropriate warnings can be displayed on each of the interconnected lighting and display units in a manner corresponding to the collision risk. This improves the situation of excessive display of warnings while the vehicle is in motion and displays that fail to convey the intended message to the occupants. Furthermore, since the lighting unit emits light and the light receiver, which is visually perceived, is positioned higher than the display unit, the occupants do not need to shift their gaze from looking directly at the road through the windshield to drive, but can still perceive the collision risk through the display of the lighting unit, thus contributing to safer driving.

[0042] The eleventh method is a vehicle warning display system, comprising: an environmental information monitoring device that monitors the vehicle's surrounding environment; a driving assistance device that detects environmental information acquired from the environmental information monitoring device and the vehicle's behavior, and assists occupants in driving operations; and a warning display device, wherein the warning display device has: a display unit disposed below the vehicle's windshield, displaying a warning image when a collision risk arises between the vehicle and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit disposed in at least a portion of the windshield, including a light source that illuminates a light receiver, allowing occupants to visually recognize a light image through the light emitted from the light source; and a control unit that acquires environmental information about the vehicle's surrounding environment from the environmental information monitoring device, and determines, based on the acquired environmental information, whether the collision risk is present. The control unit performs a first state notification control if the collision risk is in a first state or a second state with a higher collision risk compared to the first state, or if the collision risk is obtained from the driving assistance device. If the collision risk is in the first state, the control unit performs a first state notification control. In the first state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state. If the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit performs a second state notification control. In the second state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

[0043] In the eleventh method, the warning display device determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state with a higher collision risk compared to the first state based on the vehicle's surrounding environment information obtained from the environmental information monitoring device, or by obtaining the collision risk from an external driver assistance device. If the collision risk is in the first state, a first state notification control is performed. In the first state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state. On the other hand, if the collision risk is in the second state, a second state notification control is performed. In the second state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image. In this way, the warning display device determines the collision risk with obstacles based on the acquired information about the vehicle's surrounding environment (or from the vehicle's ECU (driver assistance system) implementing ADAS such as FCW). It divides the notification control into a first state with a relatively low collision risk and a second state with a relatively high collision risk. In other words, by performing first-state notification control in the first state with a relatively low collision risk and second-state notification control in the second state with a relatively high collision risk, the lighting unit and display unit, which operate in tandem, can provide appropriate warnings in a manner corresponding to the collision risk. This provides a warning display system that improves over-displaying warnings while the vehicle is in motion and avoids displays that fail to convey the intended message to the occupants. Furthermore, since the light emitted by the lighting unit is positioned higher than the display unit, the occupants do not need to shift their gaze from looking directly at the road through the windshield to drive, and can grasp the collision risk through the display of the lighting unit, thus contributing to safer driving.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments of the invention can be further modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic enlarged view of the area near the steering handle when the warning display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the mounting structure of the illumination section of a warning display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the system structure of a vehicle warning display system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating the basic processing operations of the warning display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5 It means Figure 4 The flowchart shows an example of the detailed sequence of the "Collision Risk Assessment" process (step ST15) (Collision Risk Assessment 1).

[0050] Figure 6 It means Figure 4 The flowchart shows an example of the detailed sequence of the "Collision Risk Assessment" process (step ST15) (Collision Risk Assessment 2).

[0051] Figure 7 It means Figure 4 The flowchart shows an example of the detailed sequence of the "Collision Risk Assessment" process (step ST15) (Collision Risk Assessment 3).

[0052] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of warning patterns on the lighting and display sections that vary depending on the risk of a collision.

[0053] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates an example of a vehicle driving scenario where multiple thresholds are used to evaluate collision risk using only the distance measurement unit.

[0054] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates an example of a vehicle driving scenario when using a distance measurement unit and a direction indicator to assess collision risk.

[0055] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of a vehicle driving scenario when using a distance measurement unit and an inertial measurement unit to assess collision risk.

[0056] Figure 12A This diagram illustrates an example of a warning mode displayed on the lighting and display sections when the collision risk is determined to be low in the first state.

[0057] Figure 12B This diagram illustrates an example of a warning mode displayed on the lighting and display sections when a second-state condition is deemed to indicate a high risk of collision. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The preferred embodiments described below are intended to facilitate a good understanding of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art should note that the invention is not unduly limited to the embodiments described below (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment").

[0059] (Structure of the implementation method)

[0060] Reference Figure 1 . Figure 1This is a schematic enlarged view of the area near the steering handle 2 when the warning display device 10 of this embodiment is applied to a motorized two-wheeled vehicle. Figure 1 As shown, the front fascia 3, which serves as the windshield and is installed in front of the vehicle 1 (motorized two-wheeled vehicle) opposite the occupant (driver), is a windshield made of transparent PC material (transparent resin glass) through injection molding, and is installed to regulate the airflow during driving. The front fascia 3 can control the wind blowing on the occupant riding in the motorized two-wheeled vehicle and ensure the occupant's forward visibility. In addition, a control unit including a display unit 12 and a control unit 13 (not shown) is mounted approximately in the center of the steering handle 2, which extends from the vehicle body to the left and right. Figure 3 The warning display device 10 of this embodiment further includes an illumination unit 11, which is arranged in a divided manner in the left and right regions above the front enclosure 3. Additionally, reference numeral 4 indicates a side mirror.

[0061] In the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, the illumination unit 11 is, for example, as follows: Figure 2 As shown in one example of its mounting structure, it is composed of a light source 111 that emits light toward a light receiver 112 disposed on at least a portion of the front enclosure 3, enabling the occupant (driver) to visually recognize a light image based on the light emitted from the light source 111. The light receiver 112 is disposed in a left-right area above the front enclosure 3 in a manner that allows its directionality to be identified. The control unit 13 guides the display light toward the light receiver 112 by illuminating or flashing the light source 111 in a predetermined color, and by emitting the light guided to the light receiver 112 toward the occupant, the occupant can visually recognize a light image.

[0062] The light source 111 may be composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode), which can be a single light source emitting light of one hue (emitted color), or multiple light sources emitting light of different hues (emitted colors). Alternatively, the hue can be changed by combining the three primary color light sources 111. Furthermore, the light receiver 112 may not be separately arranged in the left and right regions of the front enclosure 3, but may be formed as a single unit in a shape that allows for regional identification.

[0063] The display unit 12 is located below the front bulkhead 3, near the rotation center of the steering handle 2 of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle. The display unit 12 is, for example, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) type liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 12 is capable of displaying warning images in cases where a collision risk arises between the vehicle 1 and obstacles, including other vehicles.

[0064] According to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, since the illumination unit 11 is positioned higher than the display unit 12, the occupant (driver) can easily grasp the light image without shifting their gaze from a state of focused driving by illuminating or flashing the light source 111. Furthermore, the illumination unit 11 can also direct the light guided to the light receiver 112 towards the occupant instead of towards the occupant, so that the reflected light is visually perceived as a virtual image by the occupant. For example, Japanese Patent No. 6435611 describes in detail a technique for visually perceiving reflected light as a virtual image in this manner.

[0065] The control unit 13 can acquire information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 (here, a motorized two-wheeled vehicle), and based on the acquired information, determine whether the "collision risk" is in a first state or a second state with a higher collision risk compared to the first state, or from external factors (e.g., referring to...). Figure 3 The driving assistance device 30) acquires collision risk. If the collision risk is in a first state, the control unit 13 performs first state notification control. In the first state notification control, the illumination unit 11 displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state. If the collision risk is in a second state, the control unit 13 performs second state notification control. In the second state notification control, the illumination unit 11 displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

[0066] Here, "surrounding environment information of vehicle 1" refers to information about obstacles, including other vehicles within the all-around field of vision of vehicle 1 (the presence or absence of obstacles, distance to obstacles, etc.), such as information obtained from an environmental information monitoring device 20 consisting of a camera capturing the all-around field of vision of vehicle 1 and GPS or LiDAR. LiDAR can use near-infrared light, visible light, or ultraviolet light to illuminate an object, and use a light sensor to capture the reflected light to determine the distance to the object. Furthermore, "collision risk" refers to a risk level indicating the degree of danger of a collision between the vehicle and an obstacle; it is a parameter that indicates the higher the value, the higher the probability of a collision. For example, if the risk level is determined using five levels from 1 to 5, level 1 is the lowest risk level, equivalent to almost no risk of collision with an obstacle (in other words, sufficiently low), and level 5 indicates a very high probability of a collision with an obstacle, or a level where a collision is unavoidable. Here, when the risk level is determined to be, for example, "1" or "2", it is called "the first state of low collision risk", and when the risk level is determined to be, for example, "3", "4" or "5", it is called "the second state of high collision risk".

[0067] Furthermore, collision risk can also be determined independently of the risk level, and as described later, by comparing it with a threshold value based on the distance between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles. Alternatively, collision risk can be determined by the control unit 13, rather than by the control unit 13 obtaining a value calculated by a driver assistance device 30, such as FCW (Forward Collision Warning), for use.

[0068] Reference Figure 3 . Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the system structure of the vehicle warning display system 100 according to this embodiment. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle warning display system 100 of this embodiment includes: an environmental information monitoring device 20 that monitors the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 (here, a motorized two-wheeled vehicle); a driving assistance device 30 that detects the surrounding environment information of the vehicle 1 obtained from the environmental information monitoring device 20 and the behavior of the vehicle 1 to assist the driving operation of the occupants riding in the vehicle 1; and the warning display device 10 of this embodiment. The warning display device 10, the environmental information monitoring device 20, and the driving assistance device 30 of this embodiment are connected to each other in a manner that enables bidirectional communication via a CAN (Control Area Network), which serves as an in-vehicle LAN.

[0069] The warning display device 10 includes an illumination unit 11, a display unit 12, and a control unit 13. The illumination unit 11 includes a light receiver 112 (see reference 13) that directs light to at least a portion of the windshield (front bulkhead 3) of the vehicle 1 (here, a motorized two-wheeled vehicle). Figure 2 ) Light source 111 (refer to) Figure 2 The light source 111 emits light through a light receiver 112, allowing the occupant to visually perceive the light image. Furthermore, the display unit 12 is positioned below the windshield (front section 3) of the vehicle 1 (here, a motorized two-wheeled vehicle), and can display a warning image in the event of a collision risk between the vehicle 1 and obstacles, including other vehicles.

[0070] The control unit 13 can acquire environmental information about the vehicle 1's surroundings from the environmental information monitoring device 20, and based on the acquired environmental information, determine whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state where the collision risk is higher than in the first state. Furthermore, the control unit 13 can also acquire collision risk information from the driver assistance device 30 that implements ADAS such as FCW. If the collision risk is in the first state (low risk), the control unit 13 performs "first state notification control," in which the illumination unit 11 displays a light image indicating the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image indicating the first state. Conversely, if the collision risk is in the second state (high risk), the control unit 13 can perform "second state notification control," in which the illumination unit 11 displays a light image indicating the second state (different from the first display mode), and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 13 can perform the following controls: In "first state notification control," the illumination 11 displays a light image notifying a first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters (icons) representing the first state, wherein the first display mode displays at a first intensity. In "second state notification control," the illumination unit 11 displays a light image notifying a second state in a second display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters notifying a second state, a frame image or a background image arranged around the characters or graphic characters and in the same color family as the light image in the illumination unit 11, wherein the second display mode displays at a second intensity higher than the first intensity.

[0072] Here, "homogeneous colors" refers to colors whose angle from the center of the color wheel is 60° or less, and more preferably colors whose angle from the center of the color wheel is 30° or less. Furthermore, a color wheel is a ring-shaped arrangement of hues to systematize colors, specifying hues in units of 0 to 360 degrees.

[0073] In addition, the control unit 13 can perform the following control: in "first state notification control", the display unit 12 displays a first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing a first state with low collision risk at a first size; in "second state notification control", the display unit 12 displays a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing a second state with high collision risk at a second size larger than the first size.

[0074] In addition, in the "Second State Notification Control", the control unit 13 can perform the following control: display a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the second state in a position closer to the center than the first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters displayed by the first state notification control.

[0075] In addition, in the "Second State Notification Control", the control unit 13 can perform the following control: display a second warning image that overlays the character or graphic character representing the second state as a pop-up window on top of other images, and set the frame of the pop-up window to a color of the same color family as the light image in the lighting unit 11.

[0076] In addition to the environmental information monitoring device 20 and the driving assistance device 30 connected to the control unit 13, at least one of the following is connected: a distance measurement unit 14, a direction indicator 15, and an inertial measurement unit 16. The distance measurement unit 14, for example, is a distance sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of obstacles using ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, millimeter waves, etc., and measuring the distance to the obstacle when it is detected; it can be replaced by the environmental information monitoring device 20. Furthermore, the direction indicator 15 is, for example, provided with... Figure 1 The switch on the steering handle 2 of the vehicle 1 (two-wheeled vehicle) shown can be operated to the left or right. It is a direction indicator that operates in conjunction with an indicator (not shown) and sends left or right input information to the control unit 13 by the switch operation performed by the passenger (driver).

[0077] Furthermore, the inertial measurement unit 16 is an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) or similar device that detects the behavior of the vehicle 1 (here, a motorized two-wheeled vehicle), and is capable of detecting the three-dimensional inertial motion of the vehicle 1 (translational and rotational motion in the orthogonal three-axis directions). Alternatively, without using an IMU, the position information of the vehicle 1 can be located using GPS, and image processing can be performed on the omnidirectional images of the vehicle 1 captured by cameras or the like, thereby detecting behaviors such as steering actions of the vehicle 1.

[0078] The control unit 13 has: a first threshold for determining whether to evaluate collision risk; and a second threshold for determining whether to classify collision risk as high when evaluating collision risk. The control unit 13 can evaluate collision risk by referring to the distance information to the obstacle measured and acquired by the distance measurement unit 14, the first threshold, and the second threshold. Here, the "first threshold" refers to any distance value selected within the distance range of 0 to 100 m between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles, and the "second threshold" refers to any distance value smaller than the first threshold within the aforementioned distance range. Furthermore, the distance range used here varies depending on whether driving on a highway or in urban areas.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 13 can determine a low collision risk when the distance measurement unit 14 detects an obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, provided there is no input information obtained from the direction indicator 15 or the distance information indicates a direction opposite to the direction shown by the input information; conversely, it can determine a high collision risk when the distance information indicates a direction in the same direction as the input information obtained from the direction indicator 15. Here, "predetermined threshold" refers to any distance value selected within the range of 0 to 100 meters between the vehicle and obstacles, including other vehicles. However, the distance range used here varies depending on whether the vehicle is traveling on a highway or in urban areas. Additionally, "a direction opposite to the direction shown by the input information" refers, for example, a direction where the collision risk is low as other vehicles (obstacles) move away from the vehicle. "A direction in the same direction as the direction shown by the input information obtained from the direction indicator 15" refers, for example, a direction where the collision risk is high as other vehicles (obstacles) approach the vehicle.

[0080] Furthermore, the control unit 13 can determine a high collision risk if the distance measurement unit 14 detects an obstacle and the distance information exceeds a predetermined threshold, and the inertial measurement unit 16 detects a steering action caused by the occupant's lane change, and the steering action is consistent with the direction indicated by the distance information. Conversely, if the inertial measurement unit 16 does not detect a steering action caused by the vehicle 1's lane change, or detects a steering action inconsistent with the direction indicated by the distance information, it determines a low collision risk. Here, "the steering direction being consistent with the direction indicated by the distance information" refers, for example, to the direction in which an obstacle, including other vehicles, approaches the vehicle, and "the steering direction being inconsistent with the direction indicated by the distance information" refers, for example, to the direction in which an obstacle, including other vehicles, moves away from the vehicle.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 13 is equipped with a processor (CPU: Central Processing Unit) including a memory. The memory contains storage elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory: Temporary Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory), which are allocated a program area and a working area. Here, the warning display program of this embodiment, executed by the processor, is allocated and stored in the program area, and threshold information such as a first threshold and a second threshold preset regarding distance information used in determining collision risk, the collision risk generated by the warning display program, and the display mode (or screen information) displayed on the lighting unit 11 and the display unit 12 are allocated and stored in the working area.

[0082] (The actions of the implementation method)

[0083] Below, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 right Figures 1-3 The operation of the warning display device 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the basic processing operations of the warning display device 10 in this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of a warning mode on the lighting unit 11 and display unit 12 that varies according to the risk of collision.

[0084] exist Figure 4In the process, the control unit 13 first detects the starting of the vehicle 1 (step ST11). Here, the vehicle ECU (not shown) detects the ignition switch (IG) being turned on (IG-ON) and notifies the control unit 13, enabling the control unit 13 to detect the starting of the vehicle 1. When the control unit 1 detects the starting of the vehicle 1 (step ST11 "Yes"), it acquires environmental information about the vehicle 1's surroundings from the environmental information monitoring device 20 connected via CAN 40 (step ST12). The environmental information about the vehicle 1 is acquired by the environmental information monitoring device 20, for example, from a camera capturing an all-around view of the vehicle 1, or from LiDAR, etc.

[0085] Next, if, based on the acquired surrounding environment information, it is confirmed that there are obstacles, including other vehicles (step ST13 "Yes"), the control unit 13 acquires distance information between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and the obstacles, including other vehicles (step ST14). Then, based on the surrounding environment information of vehicle 1 acquired from the environmental information monitoring device 20, the control unit 13 determines the collision risk between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles (step ST15). Here, collision risk refers to a risk level indicating the degree of danger of a collision between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles; it is a parameter indicating that the higher the value, the higher the probability of a collision between the obstacle and vehicle 1 (this vehicle). For example, if the risk level is determined using five levels from 1 to 5, level 1 is the lowest risk level, equivalent to almost no risk of colliding with the obstacle (in other words, sufficiently low), and level 5 is a level indicating a very high probability of a collision between the obstacle and the vehicle, or a state where a collision is unavoidable.

[0086] In the collision risk determination process of step ST15, the control unit 13 determines whether the collision risk is in a first state (low collision risk) or a second state (higher collision risk than the first state). Here, "collision risk in the first state" means that the risk level is determined to be, for example, "1" or "2", and "collision risk in the second state" means that the risk level is determined to be, for example, "3", "4", or "5". Alternatively, the collision risk can be determined by the control unit 13, or obtained by the control unit 13 from the vehicle ECU (driver assistance device 30) connected to the CAN 40, which implements ADAS such as FCW, and calculated the collision risk.

[0087] If the collision risk is in the first state (risk level "1" or "2") (step ST16 "Yes"), the control unit 13 performs "first state notification control" (step ST17). In this "first state notification control," the illumination unit 11 displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state. On the other hand, if the collision risk is in the second state (risk level "3", "4", or "5") (step ST18 "Yes"), the control unit 13 performs "second state notification control" (step ST19). In this "second state notification control," the illumination unit 11 displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image different from the first warning image. Furthermore, the collision risk can also be determined independently of the risk level, by comparing it with a threshold value based on the distance between the vehicle and obstacles, including other vehicles.

[0088] The control unit 13 performs the following control: In "first state notification control," the illumination unit 11 displays a light image notifying the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the first state, wherein the first display mode is performed at a first intensity. Furthermore, in "second state notification control," the illumination unit 11 displays a light image notifying the second state in a second display mode, and the display unit 12 displays characters or graphic characters notifying the second state, and a second warning image composed of a frame image or background image arranged around the characters or graphic characters and in the same color family as the light image in the illumination unit 11, wherein the second display mode is performed at a second intensity higher than the first intensity.

[0089] Specifically, in the first state where the collision risk is low, for example, the control unit 13... Figure 8 As shown in (a), in the illumination unit 11, a light image is displayed at a first intensity (first display mode) such as low brightness illumination or slow-cycle flashing, and in the display unit 12, a first warning image showing small graphic characters (icons) is displayed in the upper right corner. On the other hand, in the second state where the risk of collision is high, for example, as... Figure 8As shown in (b), the lighting unit 11 displays a light image at a second intensity (second display mode), such as a high brightness illumination or a fast-cycle flashing, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image in a larger central position. The second warning image displays graphic characters (icons) and illuminates the frame in a color that is the same as that of the lighting unit 11, thereby enabling appropriate attention reminders to the occupants based on the collision risk. Especially in the second state where the risk of collision is high, the intensity of the light image displayed by the illumination unit 11 is increased by illuminating it with high brightness or flashing it at high speed, and large graphic characters are displayed in the center of the display unit 12 with a frame of the same color as the illumination unit 11, thereby increasing its visibility and attracting the attention of the occupants. On the other hand, in the first state where the risk of collision is low, the light image is displayed in the illumination unit 11 with a first intensity (first display mode), such as illuminating it with low brightness or flashing it with a slow period, and a warning image is displayed in the upper right corner of the display unit 12 with small graphic characters (icons). Therefore, it does not obstruct other information and can also improve the situation where the display is hidden in the warning image and cannot convey the intention to the occupants.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 13 can also perform the following control: in "first state notification control," a first warning image consisting of characters or graphic characters (icons) representing the first state is displayed on the display unit 12 at a first size; in "second state notification control," a second warning image consisting of characters or graphic characters representing the second state is displayed on the display unit 12 at a second size larger than the first size. Thus, regarding the characters or graphic characters displayed on the display unit 12, they are displayed at a small size (first warning image) in the first state where the collision risk is low, and at a large size (second warning image) in the second state where the collision risk is high, thereby enabling appropriate attention reminders to the occupants based on the collision risk.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 13 can also perform the following control in the "Second State Notification Control": display a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters (icons) representing the second state in a more central position than the first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters (icons) displayed in the "First State Notification Control". Therefore, the occupant can notice the second warning image, easily conveying a high collision risk. Additionally, the control unit 13 can also perform the following control in the "Second State Notification Control": display a second warning image that overlays characters or graphic characters (icons) representing the second state as a pop-up window on other images, setting the frame of the pop-up window to a color similar to the light image in the illumination unit 11. In this way, when the display unit 12 displays characters or graphic characters (icons) as pop-ups, by setting their frames to a color similar to the light image in the illumination unit 11, the relevance of each display is easily conveyed to the occupant. Furthermore, the pop-up window itself is also overlaid on information images such as vehicle speed, allowing the occupant to easily grasp the collision risk.

[0092] Figures 5-7 It is aimed at Figure 4 The detailed sequence of the "Collision Risk Assessment" process (step ST15) is illustrated with three flowcharts, representing Collision Risk Assessment 1, Collision Risk Assessment 2, and Collision Risk Assessment 3, respectively. Additionally, Figure 9 This is a motion concept diagram illustrating an example of a driving scenario for vehicle 1 when only the distance measurement unit 14 is used and collision risk is evaluated using multiple thresholds. Figure 10 This is a motion concept diagram illustrating an example of a driving scenario for vehicle 1 when using the distance measurement unit 14 and the direction indicator 15 to assess collision risk. Figure 11 This is a motion concept diagram illustrating an example of a driving scenario of vehicle 1 when using distance measurement unit 14 and inertial measurement unit 16 to evaluate collision risk.

[0093] Below, refer to Figures 5-7 as well as Figures 9-11 The following section provides a detailed explanation of the order of collision risk assessment and processing, using three examples (Collision Risk Assessment 1, Collision Risk Assessment 2, and Collision Risk Assessment 3).

[0094] Figure 5 The flowchart shown in Figure 1 illustrates the collision risk assessment method, where collision risk is assessed using only the distance measurement unit 14 and multiple thresholds are prepared. Figure 9The illustration shows a scenario where vehicle 1 (a two-wheeled vehicle) is traveling in the left lane, and other vehicles (four-wheeled vehicles) are traveling in the right lane (in a second state with high collision risk, the occupants indicate their intention to change lanes to the right by operating the direction indicator 15). It shows how the distance measurement unit 14 of vehicle 1 detects other vehicles as obstacles. Here, the control unit 13 internally stores a first threshold for determining whether to evaluate collision risk and a second threshold for determining whether to classify collision risk as high when evaluating collision risk. It can evaluate collision risk by referring to the distance information of obstacles measured and acquired by the distance measurement unit 14, and the first and second thresholds. Here, the "first threshold" refers to any distance value selected within the range of 0 to 100 meters between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles. The "second threshold" refers to any distance value smaller than the first threshold within the aforementioned distance range. However, the aforementioned distance range varies depending on whether driving on a highway or in urban areas.

[0095] The distance measurement unit 14 constantly monitors the area around vehicle 1 (this vehicle) for obstacles, including other vehicles. If obstacles are present, it measures the distance to the obstacle and transmits the distance information obtained from the measurement to the control unit 13. Figure 5 As shown in the flowchart, when evaluating collision risk, the control unit 13 first compares the distance information measured by the distance measurement unit 14 with a first threshold to determine whether the distance information is below the first threshold (step ST151a). Here, if the distance information exceeds the first threshold (step ST151a "No"), the control unit 13 ends the collision risk determination process, resets the display mode of the lighting unit 11, and resets the display unit 12 if a warning image is displayed, thus ending the collision risk evaluation process.

[0096] On the other hand, if the distance information is below the first threshold (step ST151a "Yes"), the control unit 13 further compares the distance information with a second threshold smaller than the first threshold to determine whether the distance information is below the second threshold (step ST152a). Here, if the distance information exceeds the second threshold (step ST152a "No"), for example, the display of the lighting unit 11 is changed to a first display mode corresponding to the distance information, and a first warning image composed of small characters or graphic characters is displayed on the display unit 12. On the other hand, if the distance information is below the second threshold (ST152a "Yes"), the control unit 13 determines a second state with high collision risk (step ST153a), for example, the display of the lighting unit 11 is changed to a second display mode corresponding to the distance information, and a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters larger than those in the first state is displayed on the display unit 12.

[0097] In this way, multiple thresholds can be prepared using only the distance information between vehicle 1 (the vehicle itself) and obstacles, including other vehicles, measured by the distance measurement unit 14, thereby determining the collision risk.

[0098] Next, we will explain the assessment of collision risk. Figure 6 The flowchart shown in section 2 illustrates the assessment of collision risk using distance measurement unit 14 and direction indicator 15. Figure 10 The scenario depicts a vehicle 1 (a motorized two-wheeled vehicle) traveling in the left lane, with other vehicles (four-wheeled vehicles) traveling in the right lane. In a second state with a high risk of collision, the occupant indicates their intention to change lanes to the right (with right turn input) by operating the direction indicator 15.

[0099] The distance measurement unit 14 constantly monitors the area around vehicle 1 (this vehicle) for obstacles, including other vehicles. If obstacles are present, it measures the distance to the obstacle and transmits the distance information obtained from the measurement to the control unit 13. Figure 6 As shown in the flowchart, when evaluating collision risk, the control unit 13 compares the distance information measured by the distance measurement unit 14 with a "prescribed threshold" to determine whether the distance information is less than the prescribed threshold (step ST151b). Here, the "prescribed threshold" refers to any distance value selected within the range of 0 to 100 m between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles. However, this distance range varies depending on whether the vehicle is traveling on a highway or in urban areas.

[0100] Here, if the distance information is above a predetermined threshold (step ST151b "No"), the control unit 13 ends the collision risk determination process and resets the display mode of the lighting unit 11 and the display of the warning image on the display unit 12. On the other hand, if the distance information is below the predetermined threshold (step ST151b "Yes"), the control unit 13 further determines whether there is input information from the direction indicator 15 (step ST152b). Here, if there is no input information from the direction indicator 15 (step ST152b "No"), the control unit 13 determines that the collision risk is low (step ST156b), for example, changing the display of the lighting unit 11 to a first display mode corresponding to the distance information, and displaying a first warning image composed of small characters or graphic characters on the display unit 12.

[0101] On the other hand, when input information is transmitted from the direction indicator 15, the control unit 13 takes in the input information (here, right turn input) (step ST153b) and compares the input information with the distance information (step ST154b). Here, if the distance information indicates the same direction as the input information, in other words, if another vehicle is approaching vehicle 1 (this vehicle) (step ST154b "Yes"), the control unit 13 determines a second state with high collision risk (step ST155b). For example, it changes the display of the lighting unit 11 to a second display mode corresponding to the distance information and displays a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters larger than those in the first state on the display unit 12. In addition, if the distance information indicates the opposite direction to the input information, in other words, if other vehicles are moving away from vehicle 1 (this vehicle) (step ST154b "No"), it determines a first state with low collision risk (ST156b). For example, it changes the display of the lighting unit 11 to a first display mode corresponding to the distance information and displays a first warning image composed of small characters or graphic characters on the display unit 12.

[0102] In this way, when the distance measurement unit 14 detects an obstacle and the distance information is below a predetermined threshold, and there is no information input from the direction indicator 15, or the distance information indicates a direction opposite to the direction shown by the input information (the direction in which the obstacle is detected), the control unit 13 determines a first state of low collision risk. On the other hand, when the input information obtained from the direction indicator 15 indicates a direction in the same direction as the direction shown by the distance information (the direction in which the obstacle is detected), the control unit 13 determines a second state of high collision risk. Thus, in addition to the distance measurement unit 14 measuring the distance between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles including other vehicles, the control unit 13 also uses input information from the direction indicator 15 (the occupant's intention to change lanes) to evaluate collision risk, thereby enabling a more appropriate assessment of collision risk.

[0103] Next, we will explain the assessment of collision risk 3. Figure 7 The collision risk assessment 3 shown indicates the situation where the collision risk is assessed using the distance measurement unit 14 and the inertial measurement unit 16. Figure 11 The diagram shows a driving scenario where vehicle 1 (a motorized two-wheeled vehicle) is traveling in the left lane and other vehicles (four-wheeled vehicles) are traveling in the right lane. In a second state with a high risk of collision, the behavior of vehicle 1 is detected by the inertial measurement unit 16, and the vehicle performs a steering action in conjunction with a lane change.

[0104] The distance measurement unit 14 constantly monitors the area around vehicle 1 (this vehicle) for obstacles, including other vehicles. If obstacles are present, it measures the distance to the obstacle and transmits the distance information obtained from the measurement to the control unit 13. Figure 7 As shown, when evaluating collision risk, the control unit 13 compares the distance information measured by the distance measurement unit 14 with a preset threshold and determines whether the distance information is less than the preset threshold (step ST151c). Here, the "preset threshold" refers to any distance value selected within the range of 0 to 100m between the vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles, including other vehicles.

[0105] Here, if the distance information exceeds a predetermined threshold (step ST151c "No"), the control unit 13 terminates the collision risk determination process, resets the display mode of the lighting unit 11 and the display of the warning image on the display unit 12, and terminates the collision risk evaluation 3 process. On the other hand, if the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold (step ST151c "Yes"), the control unit 13 further determines whether there is input information from the inertial measurement unit 16 related to the behavior of the vehicle 1 (steering action caused by lane change) (step ST152c). Here, if no steering action caused by lane change is detected according to the input information transmitted from the inertial measurement unit 16 (step ST152c "No"), the control unit 13 determines a first state of low collision risk (step ST155c), for example, changes the display of the lighting unit 11 to a first display mode corresponding to the distance information, and displays a first warning image composed of small characters or graphic characters on the display unit 12.

[0106] On the other hand, when the inertial measurement unit 16 detects a steering action caused by lane change (step ST152c "Yes"), the control unit 13 further compares the direction shown by the distance information measured by the distance measurement unit 14 to determine whether the direction shown by the distance information is consistent with the steering direction of the vehicle 1 (step ST153c). Here, if the distance information measured by the distance measurement unit 14 is consistent with the direction shown by the steering action accompanying the lane change as indicated by the inertial measurement unit 16 (step ST153c "Yes"), the control unit 13 determines a second state with high collision risk (step ST154c), for example, changing the display of the lighting unit 11 to a second display mode corresponding to the distance information, and displaying a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters larger than those in the first state on the display unit 12. Furthermore, if the distance information measured by the distance measurement unit 14 is inconsistent with the steering direction caused by lane change as indicated by the behavior of vehicle 1 measured by the inertial measurement unit 16 (step ST153c "No"), the control unit 13 determines that the collision risk is low in the first state (step ST155c), for example, changing the display of the lighting unit 11 to a first display mode corresponding to the distance information, and displaying a first warning image composed of small characters or graphic characters on the display unit 12.

[0107] Thus, when the distance measurement unit 14 detects an obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, and the inertial measurement unit 16 detects the steering action of vehicle 1 accompanying a lane change, and the steering direction of vehicle 1 is consistent with the direction indicated by the distance information, the control unit 13 determines that the collision risk is high. On the other hand, when the inertial measurement unit 16 does not detect the steering action of vehicle 1 accompanying a lane change, or the steering direction of vehicle 1 accompanying a lane change is inconsistent with the direction indicated by the distance information, the control unit 13 determines that the collision risk is low. In this way, by using the inertial measurement unit 16 to detect the behavior of vehicle 1, even without the input information generated by the direction indicator 15, the occupant's driving operation can be detected, and an appropriate collision risk assessment can be performed. Furthermore, here, the steering direction of vehicle 1 accompanying a lane change being consistent with the direction indicated by the distance information means that an obstacle, including other vehicles, is approaching vehicle 1, and the steering direction of vehicle 1 accompanying a lane change being inconsistent with the direction indicated by the distance information means that vehicle 1 is moving away from obstacles, including other vehicles.

[0108] Furthermore, in the warning display device 10 of this embodiment described above, examples were given of evaluating collision risk by using only the distance measurement unit 14 to prepare multiple thresholds, or by using the distance measurement unit 14 and the direction indicator 15 to evaluate collision risk, or by using the distance measurement unit 14 and the inertial measurement unit 16 to evaluate collision risk. However, by combining them to evaluate collision risk, a more reliable collision risk evaluation can be performed.

[0109] exist Figure 12A This illustrates an example of a warning mode on the lighting unit 11 and display unit 12 in a first state where the collision risk is determined to be low. Figure 12B An example of a warning mode on the lighting unit 11 and display unit 12 is shown when a second state is determined to be a high risk of collision. Figure 12A The warning mode shown is an example of the display of the lighting unit 11 and the display unit 12 in the case of a first state where the collision risk is determined to be low. In the lighting unit 11, the warning is displayed in a first display mode, such as low brightness illumination or slow-cycle flashing. In the display unit 12, since the collision risk is low, in order to avoid interfering with normal display such as speed display, warning images such as pop-up windows are not displayed, but a first warning image ("first state notification control") is displayed only as small graphic characters at the end of the screen.

[0110] on the other hand, Figure 12B The warning mode shown is an example of the warning mode displayed by the lighting unit 11 and the display unit 12 when the second state is determined to be a high collision risk. In the lighting unit 11, in contrast to the first display mode when the collision risk is low, a second display mode is displayed, such as high brightness illumination or fast-cycle flashing. On the display unit 12, since the possibility of collision is high if the occupant (driver) does not avoid the obstacle, a second warning image ("second state notification control") is displayed to clearly convey the situation to the driver through a pop-up window of the warning image or the illumination of the screen frame. In this way, by performing "first state notification control" in the first state of low collision risk and "second state notification control" in the second state of high collision risk, appropriate warnings can be displayed in the lighting unit 11 and the display unit 12, which operate in a linked manner, in a manner corresponding to the collision risk. This can improve the over-display of warnings while the vehicle 1 is in motion and the display that fails to convey the intention to the occupant.

[0111] (Modified Example)

[0112] Furthermore, the warning display device 10 according to this embodiment is described only for a motorized two-wheeled vehicle that is a vehicle 1 and has a front enclosure 3 that serves as a windshield. However, it can also be applied to a four-wheeled vehicle equipped with a HUD (Head-Up Display), which serves as an illumination unit 11 that directs light to the light receiver 112 towards the windshield instead of towards the occupant, so that the reflected light is directed towards the occupant and perceived as a virtual image.

[0113] (Effects of the implementation method)

[0114] As explained above, the warning display device 10 of this embodiment is, for example, Figures 1-3As shown, the vehicle includes: a display unit 12 disposed below the windshield (front bulkhead 3) of the vehicle 1, which displays a warning image when a collision risk arises between the vehicle 1 and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit 11 disposed in at least a portion of the windshield, including a light source 111 that illuminates a light receiver 112, and allows the occupant to visually recognize a light image through the light receiver 112 emitted from the light source 111; and a control unit 13 that acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1, and based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment, determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or in a second state where the collision risk is higher than that in the first state, or acquires the collision risk from the outside. Furthermore, if the collision risk is in a first state, the control unit 13 performs "first state notification control," in which the illumination unit 11 displays a light image notifying that the collision risk is in a first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image notifying that the collision risk is in a first state. If the collision risk is in a second state, "second state notification control" is performed, in which the illumination unit 11 displays a light image notifying that the collision risk is in a second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

[0115] According to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 13 determines the collision risk with an obstacle based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1 (or obtains it from the vehicle ECU (driving assistance device 30) implementing ADAS such as FCW), and divides the notification control into a first state with a relatively low collision risk and a second state with a relatively high collision risk. In other words, by performing "first state notification control" in the first state with a relatively low collision risk and "second state notification control" in the second state with a relatively high collision risk, appropriate warnings can be displayed in a manner corresponding to the collision risk in the linked lighting unit 11 and display unit 12, which can improve the over-display of warnings while the vehicle is in motion and the display that fails to convey the intended message to the occupants. In addition, the lighting unit 11 emits light, and the light image is positioned at a higher position than the display unit 12 by the light receiver 112 for visual recognition. Therefore, the occupants do not need to shift their gaze from looking directly at the front through the windshield (front bulkhead 3) for driving, and can grasp the collision risk through the display method of the lighting unit 11, thus contributing to safe driving.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 13 performs the following control: In "first state notification control," the illumination unit 11 displays a light image notifying the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the first state, wherein the first display mode displays at a first intensity. Moreover, in "second state notification control," the illumination unit 11 displays a light image notifying the second state in a second display mode, and the display unit 12 displays characters or graphic characters notifying the second state, and a second warning image composed of a frame image or background image arranged around the characters or graphic characters and in the same color family as the light image in the illumination unit 11, wherein the second display mode displays at a second intensity higher than the first intensity. In particular, in the second state where the risk of collision is high, the intensity of the light image displayed by the illumination unit 11 is increased by illuminating it with high brightness or flashing it at high speed, and large graphic characters are displayed in the center of the display unit 12 with a frame of the same color as the illumination unit 11, thereby increasing its visibility and attracting the attention of the occupants. On the other hand, in the first state where the risk of collision is low, the light image is displayed by the illumination unit 11 at a first intensity (first display mode), for example, by illuminating it with low brightness or flashing it with a slow period, and a warning image is displayed in small graphic characters in the upper right corner of the display unit 12. Therefore, it does not obstruct other information and can also improve the situation where the display is hidden in the warning image and fails to convey the intention to the occupants.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 13 performs the following control: in "first state notification control," a first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing a first state is displayed on the display unit 12 at a first size; in "second state notification control," a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing a second state is displayed on the display unit 12 at a second size larger than the first size. Thus, regarding the characters or graphic characters displayed on the display unit 12, they are displayed at a small size (first warning image) in the first state where the collision risk is low, and at a large size (second warning image) in the second state where the collision risk is high, thereby enabling appropriate attention reminders to occupants based on the collision risk.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 13 performs the following control in the "second state notification control": a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the second state is displayed at a position closer to the center than the first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters displayed by the first state notification control, so that the occupant can notice the second warning image, thereby easily conveying the situation of high collision risk.

[0119] Furthermore, according to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 13 performs the following control in "Second State Notification Control": displays a second warning image that overlays a character or graphic character representing the second state as a pop-up window on other images, and sets the frame of the pop-up window to a color of the same family as the light image in the illumination unit 11. In this way, when the display unit 12 displays the character or graphic character as a pop-up window, by setting its frame to the same color family as the light image in the illumination unit 11, the relevance of each display is easily conveyed to the occupant. In addition, the pop-up window itself is also overlaid on an information image such as vehicle speed, thereby allowing the occupant to easily grasp the collision risk.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 13 has a first threshold for deciding whether to evaluate the collision risk and a second threshold for deciding whether to determine the collision risk as high when evaluating the collision risk. The control unit 13 evaluates the collision risk by referring to the distance information to the obstacle measured and acquired by the distance measurement unit 14, and the first and second thresholds. For example, the control unit 13 compares the distance information measured by the distance measurement unit 14 with the first threshold. If the distance information is below the first threshold, it further compares it with the second threshold. If the distance information exceeds the second threshold, it determines a first state of low collision risk. For example, the display of the illumination unit 11 is changed to a first display mode corresponding to the distance information, and a first warning image composed of small characters or graphic characters is displayed on the display unit 12. On the other hand, if the second threshold is below, it determines a second state of high collision risk. For example, the display of the illumination unit 11 can be changed to a second display mode corresponding to the distance information, and a second warning image composed of characters or graphic characters larger than those in the first state is displayed on the display unit 12. In this way, multiple thresholds can be prepared using only the distance information between vehicle 1 (the vehicle itself) and obstacles, including other vehicles, measured by the distance measurement unit 14, thereby making it easy to determine the collision risk.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, when the distance measurement unit 14 detects an obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, and there is no information input from the direction indicator 15, or the input information indicates a direction opposite to the direction shown by the distance information (the direction in which the obstacle is detected), the control unit 13 determines that the collision risk is low. On the other hand, when the input information obtained from the direction indicator 15 indicates a direction in the same direction as the direction shown by the distance information (the direction in which the obstacle is detected), the collision risk is determined to be high. In this way, in addition to the distance measurement unit 14, which measures the distance between vehicle 1 (this vehicle) and obstacles including other vehicles, the input information from the direction indicator 15 is also used to evaluate the collision risk. As a result, the occupant's intention to change lanes is determined by the direction indicator 15, and by comparing the direction of the change with the direction shown by the distance information, the collision risk can be evaluated more appropriately.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the warning display device 10 of this embodiment, when the distance measurement unit 14 detects an obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, and the inertial measurement unit 16 detects a steering action of the occupant caused by lane change, and the direction is consistent with the direction shown by the distance information (including the direction in which obstacles from other vehicles approach the vehicle), the control unit 13 determines that the collision risk is high. Conversely, when the inertial measurement unit 16 does not detect a steering action of the vehicle 1 caused by lane change, or detects a steering action but the direction is inconsistent with the distance information (including the direction in which obstacles from other vehicles move away from the vehicle), the collision risk is low. Thus, by using the inertial measurement unit 16 to detect the behavior of the vehicle 1 based on lane change, the steering direction of the vehicle 1 can be detected even without the input information from the direction indicator 15, enabling an appropriate assessment of collision risk.

[0123] The warning display method of this embodiment is a warning display method of the warning display device 10, which is, for example, as... Figures 1-3 As shown, the vehicle includes: a display unit 12 disposed below the windshield (front bulkhead 3) of the vehicle 1, which displays a warning image in the event of a collision risk between the vehicle 1 and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit 11 disposed in at least a portion of the windshield (front bulkhead 3), including a light source 111 that illuminates a light receiver 112, allowing the occupant to visually recognize a light image through the light emitted from the light source 111 via the light receiver 112; and a control unit 13. Furthermore, this warning display method includes, for example, […]. Figure 4As shown, the procedure includes the following steps: the control unit 13 acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1, and based on the acquired information, determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state with a higher collision risk compared to the first state, or acquires the collision risk from the outside (ST11-ST15); if the collision risk is in the first state, the control unit 13 performs a first state notification control, in which the lighting unit 11 displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state (ST16 "Yes"-ST17); if the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit performs a second state notification control, in which the lighting unit 11 displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image different from the first warning image (ST18 "Yes"-ST19).

[0124] According to the warning display method of this embodiment, the control unit 13 determines the collision risk with an obstacle based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1. It divides the notification control into a first state with a relatively low collision risk and a second state with a relatively high collision risk. In other words, by performing "first state notification control" in the first state with a relatively low collision risk and "second state notification control" in the second state with a relatively high collision risk, appropriate warnings can be displayed in a manner corresponding to the collision risk in the linked lighting unit 11 and display unit 12, respectively. This improves the over-displaying of warnings while the vehicle is in motion and avoids displays that fail to convey the intended message to the occupants. Furthermore, the lighting unit 11 emits light, and the light image is positioned higher than the display unit 12 by the light receiver 112, so the occupants do not need to shift their gaze from looking directly at the road through the windshield (front fascia 3) for driving, but can still perceive the collision risk through the display method of the lighting unit 11, thus contributing to safe driving.

[0125] The warning display program in this embodiment is the warning display program of the warning display device 10, which is, for example, such as... Figures 1-3 As shown, the vehicle includes: a display unit 12 disposed below the windshield (front bulkhead 3) of the vehicle 1, which displays a warning image in the event of a collision risk between the vehicle 1 and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit 11 disposed in at least a portion of the windshield (front bulkhead 3), including a light source 111 that illuminates a light receiver 112, allowing the occupant to visually recognize a light image through the light receiver 112 emitted from the light source 111; and a control unit 13. Furthermore, for example, as... Figure 4As shown, the warning display program causes the processor in the control unit 13 to perform the following processing: acquire information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1, and based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment, determine whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state with a higher collision risk than the first state, or acquire the collision risk from the outside (steps ST11 to ST15); if the collision risk is in the first state, "first state notification control" is performed, in which the lighting unit 11 displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state (steps ST16 "Yes", ST17); if the collision risk is in the second state, "second state notification control" is performed, in which the lighting unit 11 displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image different from the first warning image (steps ST18 "Yes", ST19).

[0126] According to the warning display program of this embodiment, the processor of the control unit 13 sequentially reads and executes the warning display program recorded in the memory. Based on the acquired information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1, the risk of collision with an obstacle is determined. Notification control is divided into a first state with a relatively low collision risk and a second state with a relatively high collision risk. In other words, by performing "first state notification control" in the first state with a relatively low collision risk and "second state notification control" in the second state with a relatively high collision risk, appropriate warnings can be displayed in the linked lighting unit 11 and display unit 12 in a manner corresponding to the collision risk. This improves the over-displaying of warnings while the vehicle is in motion and avoids displays that fail to convey the intended message to the occupants. Furthermore, the lighting unit 11 emits light, and the light image is positioned higher than the display unit 12 by the light receiver 112, so the occupant does not need to shift their gaze from looking directly through the windshield (front fascia 3) to drive, and can grasp the collision risk through the display method of the lighting unit 11, thus contributing to safe driving.

[0127] The vehicle warning display system 100 of this embodiment is, for example, as shown in the example... Figure 3As shown, the system includes: an environmental information monitoring device 20 that monitors the surrounding environment of the vehicle 1; a driving assistance device 30 that detects environmental information obtained from the environmental information monitoring device 20 and the behavior of the vehicle 1 to assist the driving operation of the occupants of the vehicle 1; and a warning display device 10. Furthermore, in this warning display system 100, the warning display device 10 includes: a display unit 12 disposed below the windshield (front bulkhead 3) of the vehicle 1, which displays a warning image in the event of a collision risk between the vehicle 1 and an obstacle, including other vehicles; and an illumination unit 11 disposed in at least a portion of the area of ​​the windshield (front bulkhead 3), including a light receiver 112 (see reference). Figure 2 ) Light source 111 (refer to) Figure 2 The system provides a light source 111 that emits light from a light source 111, which is then transmitted to the occupant via a light receiver 112 to create a visual image. The control unit 13 acquires ambient environmental information about the vehicle 1 from the environmental information monitoring device 20. Based on this information, it determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state where the collision risk is higher than in the first state. Alternatively, it acquires the collision risk from the driver assistance device 30. If the collision risk is in the first state, the control unit 13 performs "first state notification control." In this "first state notification control," the lighting unit 11 displays a light image indicating the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a first warning image indicating the collision risk is in the first state. If the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit 13 performs "second state notification control." In this second state notification control, the lighting unit 11 displays a light image indicating the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit 12 displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

[0128] According to the vehicle warning display system 100 of this embodiment, the warning display device 10 determines the collision risk with an obstacle based on the surrounding environment information of the vehicle 1 obtained from the environmental information monitoring device 20, or obtains the collision risk from the vehicle ECU (driving assistance device 30) that implements ADAS such as FCW. The system divides the notification control into a first state with a relatively low collision risk and a second state with a relatively high collision risk. In other words, by performing "first state notification control" in the first state with a relatively low collision risk and "second state notification control" in the second state with a relatively high collision risk, the system can provide appropriate warnings on each of the lighting unit 11 and the display unit 12 that operate in conjunction with each other in a manner corresponding to the collision risk. The vehicle warning display system 100 can provide improved over-display of warnings while the vehicle is in motion and displays that fail to convey the intended message to the occupants. In addition, the light emitted by the lighting unit 11 is positioned higher than the display unit 12 so that the light image is visually recognized by the light receiver 112. Therefore, the occupant does not need to move their eyes from the state of looking at the front through the windshield (front bulkhead 3) for driving, but can grasp the collision risk through the display method of the lighting unit 11, thus contributing to safe driving.

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the above examples. In addition, those skilled in the art should be able to easily modify the embodiments of the above examples within the scope of the claims.

[0130] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0131] 1…Vehicle (motorized two-wheeled vehicle); 2…Steering handle; 3…Front panel (windshield); 4…Side mirror; 10…Warning display device; 11…Lighting unit; 12…Display unit; 13…Control unit; 14…Distance measuring unit; 15…Direction indicator; 16…Inertial measurement unit; 20…Environmental information monitoring device; 30…Driver assistance device; 40…CAN; 100…Warning display system for vehicles; 111…Light source; 112…Light receiver.

Claims

1. A warning display device, characterized in that, The warning display device has: The display unit, located below the windshield of the vehicle, displays a warning image in the event of a risk of collision between the vehicle and an obstacle, including other vehicles. An illumination unit, disposed over at least a portion of the windshield, includes a light source that illuminates a light receiver, and enables an occupant to visually recognize a light image by means of light emitted from the light source passing through the light receiver; and The control unit acquires information about the vehicle's surrounding environment and, based on this information, determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state where the collision risk is higher than the first state, or acquires the collision risk from an external source. If the collision risk is in the first state, the control unit performs a first state notification control. In the first state notification control, the illumination unit displays the light image notifying that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image notifying that the collision risk is in the first state. If the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit performs second state notification control. In the second state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

2. The warning display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following controls: In the first status notification control The illumination unit displays the light image notifying the first state in the first display mode, and the display unit displays the first warning image composed of characters or graphic characters representing the first state, wherein the first display mode is displayed at a first intensity; In the second state notification control The illumination unit displays the light image notifying the second state in the second display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image consisting of the character or graphic character notifying the second state and a frame image or background image arranged around the character or graphic character and in the same color family as the light image in the illumination unit, wherein the second display mode displays at a second intensity higher than the first intensity.

3. The warning display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following controls: In the first status notification control The first warning image, composed of characters or graphic characters representing the first state, is displayed at a first size on the display unit; In the second state notification control The display unit displays the second warning image, which is composed of the characters or graphic characters representing the second state, at a second size larger than the first size.

4. The warning display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following controls: In the second state notification control The second warning image, composed of characters or graphic characters representing the second state, is displayed in a more central position than the first warning image, composed of the same characters or graphic characters, displayed via the first state notification control.

5. The warning display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs the following controls: In the second state notification control The display shows the second warning image, which is a pop-up window overlaid on other images, representing the second state. The frame of the pop-up window is set to a color of the same color family as the light image in the lighting unit.

6. The warning display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The warning display device is connected to a distance measuring unit, which detects the presence or absence of the obstacle and, if the obstacle is detected, measures the distance to the obstacle. The control unit has: A first threshold is used to determine whether to evaluate the collision risk based on the distance to the obstacle; and a second threshold is used to determine whether to classify the collision risk as high when evaluating the collision risk, wherein the control unit evaluates the collision risk by referring to the distance information of the obstacle measured and obtained by the distance measurement unit, the first threshold and the second threshold.

7. The warning display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The warning display device is also connected to a direction indicator that shows the vehicle's turning direction. If the distance measurement unit detects the obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, and there is no input information obtained from the direction indicator, or the distance information indicates a direction opposite to the direction indicated by the input information, the control unit determines that the collision risk is low. If the distance information indicates a direction in the same direction as the input information obtained from the direction indicator, the control unit determines that the collision risk is high.

8. The warning display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The warning display device is also connected to an inertial measurement unit that detects the behavior of the vehicle. When the distance measurement unit detects the obstacle and the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, and the inertial measurement unit detects the vehicle's steering direction and the steering direction is consistent with the direction indicated by the distance information, the control unit determines that the collision risk is high. Conversely, when the inertial measurement unit does not detect the vehicle's steering action caused by lane change, or detects the steering action and the direction indicated by the steering action is inconsistent with the direction indicated by the distance information, the control unit determines that the collision risk is low.

9. A warning display method, characterized in that, This warning display method is a warning display method for a warning display device, which includes: a display unit disposed below the windshield of a vehicle, displaying a warning image when a collision risk arises between the vehicle and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit disposed in at least a portion of the windshield, including a light source that illuminates a light receiver, allowing an occupant to visually recognize a light image through the light emitted from the light source; and a control unit, wherein... The warning display method includes the following steps: The control unit acquires information about the vehicle's surrounding environment and, based on the acquired information, determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or in a second state where the collision risk is higher than that in the first state, or acquires the collision risk from the outside. If the collision risk is in the first state, the control unit performs a first state notification control. In this first state notification control, the illumination unit displays a light image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image indicating that the collision risk is in the first state; and If the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit performs second state notification control. In the second state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

10. A warning display program, characterized in that, This warning display program is a warning display program for a warning display device, which includes: a display unit disposed below the windshield of a vehicle, displaying a warning image in the event of a collision risk between the vehicle and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit disposed in at least a portion of the windshield, including a light source that illuminates a light receiver, allowing an occupant to visually recognize a light image through the light emitted from the light source; and a control unit. The warning display program causes the processor in the control unit to perform the following processing: The vehicle's surrounding environment information is obtained, and based on the obtained surrounding environment information, it is determined whether the collision risk is in a first state or in a second state where the collision risk is higher than the first state, or the collision risk is obtained from the outside. If the collision risk is in the first state, a first state notification control is performed. In the first state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying that the collision risk is in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image notifying that the collision risk is in the first state. as well as If the collision risk is in the second state, a second state notification control is performed. In the second state notification control, the illumination unit displays the light image notifying that the collision risk is in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

11. A warning display system for vehicles, characterized in that, The vehicle warning display system includes: an environmental information monitoring device that monitors the vehicle's surrounding environment; a driving assistance device that detects environmental information obtained from the environmental information monitoring device and the vehicle's behavior, and assists the occupants of the vehicle in driving operations; and a warning display device, wherein... The warning display device has: A display unit, disposed below the windshield of the vehicle, displays a warning image in the event of a collision risk between the vehicle and an obstacle, including other vehicles; an illumination unit, disposed in at least a portion of the windshield, includes a light source that illuminates a light receiver, allowing an occupant to visually recognize a light image as light emitted from the light source passes through the light receiver; and a control unit acquires ambient environmental information about the vehicle from the environmental information monitoring device, and based on the acquired ambient environmental information, determines whether the collision risk is in a first state or a second state where the collision risk is higher than the first state, or acquires the collision risk from the driver assistance device. If the collision risk is in the first state, the control unit performs a first state notification control. In the first state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state in a first display mode, and the display unit displays a first warning image notifying the collision risk of being in the first state. If the collision risk is in the second state, the control unit performs a second state notification control. In the second state notification control, the lighting unit displays the light image notifying the collision risk of being in the second state in a second display mode different from the first display mode, and the display unit displays a second warning image different from the first warning image.

Images