Display control device for vehicle

Abstract

The present application aims to provide a display control device for a vehicle that can easily display the control range of a driving assist function at the time of a lane change to an occupant, thereby improving the occupant's sense of security. The display control device for a vehicle is provided with: a detection unit that detects an instruction for a lane change of a vehicle when a driving assist function of the vehicle is effective; and a display control unit that displays a path image indicating a lane change path of the vehicle from a travel lane in which the vehicle is traveling to a target lane in which a lane change is to be made with respect to a display region provided on the vehicle, and displays the path image in a manner changed based on an end point of the path image indicating the end of the lane change path, when the detection unit detects the instruction for the lane change.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control device that, after initiating lane change assist control, can perform lane change assist control that allows the vehicle to cross multiple lanes even without the occupant operating the control components. This vehicle control device includes a control unit that, when operated by a control component operable by the vehicle's occupants, enables the vehicle to perform lane change assist control. When the control unit performs a first operation on the control component, it performs a first lane change assist control that moves the vehicle from the driving lane (traveling lane) to an adjacent lane. When it performs a second operation on the control component, different from the first operation, it performs a second lane change assist control that moves the vehicle from the driving lane across the adjacent lane to a lane on the opposite side of the driving lane (a separate lane).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-079068 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle control device described in Patent Document 1, when the occupant performs LCA (Lane Change Assist Control), a driving trajectory image indicating the lane change path is displayed on a display around the driver's seat. While displaying the driving trajectory image during LCA execution, there is room for improvement in making it easier for the occupant to understand the scope of LCA-based control performed on the lane change path.

[0005] The technical objective of this invention is to provide a display control device for vehicles that can easily and understandably display the control range of driving assistance functions during lane changes to the occupants, thereby improving the occupants' sense of security.

[0006] According to technical solution 1, the vehicle display control device comprises: a detection unit that detects a lane change instruction for the vehicle when the vehicle's driving assistance function is active; and a display control unit that, when the detection unit detects the lane change instruction, displays a path image representing the lane change path of the vehicle from its current driving lane to the target lane for which the lane change is to be performed, on a display area provided on the vehicle, and changes the path image based on the endpoint of the path image indicating the end of the lane change path. According to technical solution 1, the vehicle display control device can easily and understandably display the control range of the driving assistance function during lane changes to the occupants, thereby improving the occupants' sense of security.

[0007] In the vehicle display control device described in technical solution 1, the display control unit changes the display mode of the path image from the end point towards the starting point at a predetermined, near position. According to the vehicle display control device described in technical solution 2, by easily displaying the end of the control for the driving assistance function based on lane change to the occupant, the predictability of the occupant's driving operation can be improved.

[0008] In the vehicle display control device described in technical solution 2, the display control unit of technical solution 3 displays the path image in a gradual transition from the starting point to the ending point. According to the vehicle display control device described in technical solution 3, occupants can intuitively understand the termination of control of the driving assistance function based on lane change.

[0009] In the vehicle display control device of technical solution 4, as an indication for lane change, the detection unit detects an indication to overtake a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle; and as a path image, the display control unit displays a first path image and a second path image: the first path image represents the lane change path when changing lanes from the driving lane to the target lane behind the preceding vehicle; the second path image represents the lane change path when changing lanes from the driving lane after the lane change to the target lane in front of the preceding vehicle. According to the vehicle display control device of technical solution 4, by easily displaying the control range of driving assistance functions related to lane changes for overtaking, the sense of security for occupants can be improved.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the technology of the present invention, the control range of the driving assistance function during lane change can be displayed to the occupants in an easy-to-understand manner, thereby improving the occupants' sense of security. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the vehicle display control device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the vehicle display control device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3A This is an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3B This is an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3C This is an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display processing flow according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display processing flow involved in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] [First Implementation]

[0021] The vehicle display control device 10 installed in the vehicle 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the vehicle) according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle display control device 10 of the first embodiment is configured to include an electronic control unit (ECU) 28.

[0023] ECU28 is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU) 30, a read-only memory (ROM) 32, a random access memory (RAM) 34, a memory 36, and an input / output interface 38. The components are communicatively connected to each other via an internal bus 39.

[0024] CPU 30 is the central processing unit, executing various programs or controlling various parts. Specifically, CPU 30 reads programs from ROM 32 or memory 36 and uses RAM 34 as its working area to execute the programs. Furthermore, CPU 30 performs control and various arithmetic operations on the aforementioned structures according to the programs recorded in ROM 32 or memory 36.

[0025] ROM 32 stores various programs and data. RAM 34 serves as a temporary storage area for programs or data. Memory 36, consisting of a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), is a non-temporary recording medium storing various programs and data, including the operating system. In this embodiment, display programs for display processing are stored in ROM 32 or memory 36. Furthermore, various input / output devices are connected to input / output interface 38.

[0026] Here, ECU28 is electrically connected to the autonomous driving ECU40. Like ECU28, the autonomous driving ECU40 is also composed of components not shown, such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, memory, and input / output interfaces.

[0027] The autonomous driving ECU 40 is connected to a sensor group 42 for detecting the current status of the vehicle and an actuator group 44 for controlling the vehicle's movement. The sensor group 42 includes multiple sensors from various sources, such as cameras, radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), and GPS sensors. The camera captures images of the vehicle's surroundings. The radar detects the distance and direction of objects around the vehicle using radio waves. The LiDAR detects the distance and direction of objects around the vehicle using laser beams. The GPS sensor detects the vehicle's current position. Furthermore, the sensor group 42 is configured to include sensors for detecting the occupants' status. For example, it may include biosensors that detect the occupants' heart rate and alertness.

[0028] The actuator assembly 44 includes an acceleration / deceleration actuator for adjusting the vehicle's acceleration and deceleration, and a steering actuator for driving the vehicle's steering mechanism. The autonomous driving ECU 40 controls the operation of the actuator assembly 44 based on the current state of the vehicle detected by the sensor assembly 42, thereby enabling autonomous driving. Furthermore, the autonomous driving ECU 40 stores a predetermined path representing a planned route for the vehicle in its storage unit, and the autonomous driving ECU 40 directs the vehicle to travel along the predetermined path stored in the storage unit.

[0029] A head-up display (HUD) 23 and an instrument cluster 25 are connected to the ECU 28. The first display unit 24 is composed of a projection surface projected by the HUD 23. The second display unit 26 is a display unit shown on the instrument cluster 25, which is located in front of the driver's seat in the dashboard (not shown) located at the front of the vehicle interior of the vehicle 12. Both the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are positioned in a location that the driver can visually perceive. The first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are examples of "display areas located within the vehicle".

[0030] A throttle position sensor 46 and a steering sensor 48 are connected to the ECU 28. The throttle position sensor 46 is a sensor that detects the position of the accelerator pedal (not shown) located under the driver's seat. The steering sensor 48 is a sensor that detects the load applied to the steering wheel 16 by the occupant. That is, the steering sensor 48 in this embodiment is configured such that it does not detect the load when the steering wheel 16 is operated by the automatic driving ECU 40 during autonomous driving, but detects the load when the occupant operates the steering wheel 16.

[0031] The vehicle display control device 10 uses the aforementioned hardware resources to implement various functions. (Reference) Figure 2 The functional structure of the vehicle display control device 10 is explained.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle display control device 10 is configured with a functional structure including a driving mode acquisition unit 52, a detection unit 54, a route acquisition unit 56, and a display control unit 58. Each functional structure is implemented by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading and executing programs.

[0033] The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires whether the vehicle 12 is in a manual or automatic operating mode. In this embodiment, the manual operating mode refers to a mode in which the vehicle 12 is driven by occupant operation. Furthermore, the automatic driving mode in this embodiment refers to a driving mode in which the vehicle 12 is driven without occupant acceleration operation. For example, the automatic driving mode in this embodiment refers to the situation where adaptive cruise control (ACC) is operating. ACC is a driving assistance function that uses the camera and radar (monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar) included in the sensor group 42 to identify vehicles ahead and assist in following while maintaining a distance corresponding to the vehicle speed. The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires information related to the operating mode, for example, based on signals from the automatic driving ECU 40. Furthermore, the automatic driving mode may refer to the operation of advanced driving (AD). AD is a highly advanced driver assistance function that performs steering / acceleration / deceleration control under driver supervision on dedicated roads (capable of hands-free driving at Level 2).

[0034] The detection unit 54 has the function of detecting the operating instructions of driving assistance functions. Specifically, the detection unit 54 detects the operating instructions of LCA (Lane Change Assist Control). Here, LCA is a driving assistance function initiated by the occupant's flashing light operation. Furthermore, LCA implements steering assistance and surrounding monitoring assistance during lane changes, and automatically turns off the turn signal after the lane change. The detection unit 54 detects the operating instructions of LCA, for example, based on signals from the automatic driving ECU 40.

[0035] The path acquisition unit 56 has the function of acquiring the lane change path of the vehicle 12. Specifically, the path acquisition unit 56 acquires the lane change path of the vehicle 12 when performing a lane change based on LCA, as analyzed by the autonomous driving ECU 40. Here, the autonomous driving ECU 40 determines the lane change path of the vehicle 12 based on factors such as the vehicle speed, the presence or absence of surrounding obstacles, and the recognition range.

[0036] The display control unit 58 displays the surrounding information of the vehicle 12 on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 installed in the vehicle interior. Specifically, the display control unit 58 acquires signals from the sensor group 42 and displays the surrounding information of the vehicle 12 based on the acquired signals on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26.

[0037] Furthermore, when the driving mode acquired by the driving mode acquisition unit 52 is automatic driving mode and an LCA operation instruction is detected, the display control unit 58 displays a trajectory image, representing the lane change path based on LCA, on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Specifically, the display control unit 58 displays the trajectory image in the display areas of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 at positions corresponding to the path acquired by the path acquisition unit 56. The trajectory image is an example of a "path image".

[0038] Then, the display control unit 58 has the function of changing the way the trajectory image is displayed based on the endpoint (hereinafter also referred to as the endpoint) of the trajectory image representing the end position of the lane change path. For example, the display control unit 58 causes a gradual display from the endpoint of the trajectory image to a position a predetermined amount before the starting point. Here, the starting point of the trajectory image is the position representing the starting point of the lane change path. In this embodiment, the starting point of the trajectory image coincides with the position where the vehicle image M1 is displayed, as described later. As an example, the starting point of the trajectory image is the position of the rear wheel where the vehicle image M1 is displayed.

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C This section describes a portion of the display screen on the second display unit 26 when ACC is active. In this embodiment, the example described is a lane change from the lane through which vehicle 12 travels (hereinafter also referred to as the driving lane) to the adjacent lane on the right. Furthermore, the forward / backward direction refers to the forward / backward direction relative to the straight-ahead direction of vehicle 12, which corresponds to the up / down direction of the second display unit 26. The left / right direction refers to the left / right direction of vehicle 12, which corresponds to the left / right direction of the second display unit 26. The adjacent lane on the right is an example of a "target lane".

[0040] like Figure 3AAs shown, the second display unit 26 displays the vehicle image M1, other vehicle images M2, trajectory image M3L, and lane image M4. In this embodiment, the trajectory image M3 includes trajectory image M3L and trajectory image M3M (see reference). Figure 3B ) and trajectory image M3S (reference) Figure 3C Furthermore, lane image M4 is an image of the simulated driving lane and its adjacent lanes.

[0041] The vehicle image M1 is an image of the simulated vehicle 12. The vehicle image M1 is overlaid on the lower part of the display area within the second display unit 26 and is overlaid on the trajectory image M3 and the lane image M4. Figure 3A The vehicle image M1 shown is displayed as a passenger car in the position representing the driving lane.

[0042] Other vehicle image M2 is an image simulating other vehicles existing around vehicle 12. Other vehicle image M2 changes its display position and size according to the relative position of vehicle 12 and other vehicles, and is overlaid on lane image M4. Figure 3A The other vehicle image M2 shown is displayed as a passenger car in an image representing the driving lane and located approximately 100m in front of vehicle 12. Other vehicles include four-wheeled vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles.

[0043] The trajectory image M3 is an image representing the lane-changing path of vehicle 12. Trajectory image M3 is overlaid on lane image M4. In this embodiment, trajectory image M3 is displayed as a green band extending from the position where vehicle image M1 is displayed towards the end point of the lane-changing path. Furthermore, the width of trajectory image M3 is displayed as narrower than the width of lane 1 shown in lane image M4.

[0044] Furthermore, the trajectory image M3 is displayed with a gradual increase in transparency as it approaches the end of the lane change path. The gradient processing of the trajectory image M3 begins a predetermined amount before the end of the lane change path, based on the length of the trajectory image M3. In addition to the gradient change in transparency, the trajectory image M3 can also be displayed with changes in shape, color, animation, etc., to alter its form.

[0045] Figure 3AThe trajectory image M3L shown is displayed when the acquired lane change path is 80m long. Furthermore, in trajectory image M3L, the portion corresponding to distance L1 between dimension line A and dimension line B is displayed with a gradient. The gradient of trajectory image M3L gradually fades from the position indicated by dimension line B to the position indicated by dimension line A, until trajectory image M3L is no longer displayed. The position indicated by dimension line A represents the end point of the lane change path. The position indicated by dimension line B represents the position 20m directly ahead of the end point of the lane change path.

[0046] Thus, by displaying the trajectory image M3L, the path of vehicle 12 during the LCA lane change is shown. Furthermore, by displaying the trajectory image M3L with a gradient effect, occupants can intuitively understand the termination of LCA-based control.

[0047] like Figure 3B As shown, the second display unit 26 displays the vehicle image M1, other vehicle images M2, trajectory images M3M, and lane images M4. Regarding the vehicle image M1 and lane images M4, ... Figure 3A The details are the same, therefore, they are omitted.

[0048] Figure 3B The other vehicle image M2 shown is in the adjacent lane to the right of the driving lane and is displayed as an image of a passenger car at a position indicating a distance of about 70m in front of vehicle 12.

[0049] Trajectory image M3M is the trajectory image displayed when the acquired lane change path length is 60m. (See trajectory image M3L for reference.) Figure 3A Compared to the previous image M2, trajectory image M3M is shorter. Furthermore, trajectory image M3M is displayed ahead of other vehicle images M2. Also, in trajectory image M3M, the portion representing the distance L2 between dimension line A and dimension line B is displayed with a gradient. As an example, Figure 3B The position indicated by dimension line B represents the position 15m directly ahead of the end of the lane change path.

[0050] Thus, trajectory image M3M appears shorter compared to trajectory image M3L, indicating that the interval controlled by LCA is... Figure 3A The situation is relatively short. Furthermore, by grading the trajectory image M3M and displaying it directly in front of other vehicle images M2, it indicates that the LCA-based control ends as the vehicle approaches other vehicles shown in other vehicle images M2.

[0051] like Figure 3CAs shown, the second display unit 26 displays the vehicle image M1, other vehicle images M2, trajectory image M3S, and lane image M4. Regarding the vehicle image M1 and lane image M4, ... Figure 3A The details are the same, therefore, they are omitted.

[0052] Figure 3C The other vehicle image M2 shown is a passenger car located in the adjacent lane to the destination of the lane change and approximately 50m ahead of vehicle 12.

[0053] Trajectory image M3S is the trajectory image displayed when the acquired lane change path length is 40m. (See trajectory image M3M for reference.) Figure 3B Compared to the previous image M2, trajectory image M3S is shorter. Furthermore, trajectory image M3S is displayed directly in front of the other vehicle image M2. Also, in trajectory image M3S, the portion representing the distance L3 between dimension line A and dimension line B is displayed with a gradient. As an example, Figure 3C The position indicated by dimension line B represents the position 10m directly ahead of the end of the lane change path.

[0054] Thus, trajectory image M3S appears shorter compared to trajectory image M3M, indicating that the interval controlled by LCA is... Figure 3B The situation is relatively short. Furthermore, by grading the trajectory image M3S and displaying it directly in front of other vehicle images M2, it indicates that the LCA-based control ends as the vehicle approaches other vehicles shown in other vehicle images M2.

[0055] like Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the distance of the gradual change is adjusted and displayed according to the length of the lane change path, thereby reducing discomfort to the occupants when the length of the lane change path varies. Furthermore, by gradually changing the distance from the end point of the trajectory image M3 towards the starting point from a predetermined position ahead, the occupants can easily understand the end of LCA-based control, thus improving the predictability of their driving operations. In the above example, lane change paths of 80m, 60m, and 40m were described, but the length of the lane change path is not limited to these. The starting position of the trajectory image M3 can be changed according to the acquired length of the lane change path.

[0056] In addition, in the above Figures 3A to 3CIn the description, an example of the display screen of the second display unit 26 was described, but in this embodiment, the display screen can be configured to be displayed on at least one of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Furthermore, if the display area of ​​the first display unit 24 is narrower than the display area of ​​the second display unit 26, it can be configured to display a portion of the image of the second display unit 26 (for example, only the trajectory image M3) on the first display unit 24.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display processing flow according to the first embodiment. This display processing is performed by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading a program from the ROM 32 or memory 36, expanding it in the RAM 34, and executing it. As an example, Figure 4 The processing shown is a process that is repeatedly executed while vehicle 12 is in motion.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In step S100, CPU 30 determines whether ACC is valid. Specifically, CPU 30 acquires the driving mode of vehicle 12 and determines whether the acquired driving mode is an automatic driving mode. If CPU 30 determines that ACC is valid (step S100: Yes), it proceeds to step S101. On the other hand, if CPU 30 determines that ACC is invalid (step S100: No), it ends the display process.

[0059] In step S101, CPU30 detects the LCA operating indication. That is, if the ACC of vehicle 12 is active and the LCA operating indication is detected, CPU30 proceeds to step S102.

[0060] In step S102, CPU30 acquires the lane change path. Specifically, CPU30 acquires the lane change path of vehicle 12 based on LCA, analyzed by autonomous driving ECU40, from the driving lane to the adjacent lane of the lane change destination.

[0061] In step S103, CPU30 determines the display range of trajectory image M3 based on the acquired lane change path. Specifically, CPU30 determines the coordinates of each position representing the start, end, and end of the curve towards the adjacent lane from the lane change path acquired in step S102. For example, CPU30 determines the coordinates of the position representing the distance from vehicle 12 80m ahead in the adjacent lane to the lane change destination as the coordinates of the end point of the lane change path.

[0062] In step S104, the CPU 30 determines the starting position of the gradient based on the endpoint of the trajectory image M3. Specifically, the CPU 30 determines the starting position of the gradient from the coordinates of the position indicating a predetermined amount forward from the starting point of the coordinates representing the endpoint of the lane change path determined in step S103. For example, in the adjacent lane of the lane change target, the CPU 30 determines the coordinates of the position indicating 20m before the endpoint of the lane change path as the coordinates to start applying the gradient to the trajectory image M3. That is, the CPU 30 sets the interval between the coordinates of the position directly in front of the position indicating 20m before the endpoint of the lane change path and the coordinates indicating the endpoint of the lane change path as the interval for applying the gradient to the trajectory image M3.

[0063] In step S105, CPU 30 displays the trajectory image M3 with the applied gradient. Specifically, CPU 30 displays the trajectory image M3L, which has undergone gradient processing from the starting gradient position determined in step S104 to the position representing the end point of the lane change path, on the second display unit 26 (reference). Figure 3A Then, CPU30 finishes display processing.

[0064] In addition, the CPU30 can change and display the position of the trajectory image M3 according to the driving position of the vehicle 12 until the lane change control of the LCA-based vehicle 12 ends, and does not display the trajectory image M3 when the lane change control of the LCA-based vehicle 12 ends.

[0065] In the first embodiment, when the ACC of the vehicle 12 is active and the LCA operation instruction is detected, the vehicle display control device 10 displays a trajectory image M3 on the second display unit 26, starting from a position a predetermined distance ahead of the endpoint, and gradually transitioning the image from the starting point to the endpoint. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the vehicle display control device can improve the occupant's sense of security by making the LCA-based control range easy to understand.

[0066] [Second Implementation]

[0067] In the first embodiment, the vehicle display control device 10 displays a trajectory image M3 upon detecting an LCA (Limited Access Control) operation indication. In the second embodiment, the vehicle display control device 10 displays multiple trajectory images M3 upon detecting an overtake control operation indication. The differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Other structural details are the same as in the above embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0068] The detection unit 54 detects the operating instructions for overtaking control. For example, the detection unit 54 detects the operating instructions for overtaking control based on signals from the automatic driving ECU 40. As an example, overtaking control is a driving assistance function that operates when AD (Advanced Driver Assistance System) is active.

[0069] The path acquisition unit 56 has the function of acquiring the overtaking path of vehicle 12. Specifically, the path acquisition unit 56 acquires the path of vehicle 12 when it overtakes a vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as the advancing vehicle) by overtaking control, as analyzed by the automatic driving ECU 40. The path acquisition unit 56 acquires the lane change path from the driving lane behind the leading vehicle to the overtaking lane and the lane change path in front of the leading vehicle for returning from the overtaking lane to the driving lane.

[0070] The display control unit 58 displays multiple trajectory images. Specifically, the display control unit 58 displays trajectory images corresponding to the lane change paths from the driving lane to the overtaking lane and from the overtaking lane to the driving lane, respectively, acquired from the path acquisition unit 56. Furthermore, the display control unit 58 may not display trajectory images in areas corresponding to the intervals between the multiple lane change paths where lane change control has not been performed.

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 5 A portion of the display screen on the second display unit 26 when AD is active will be described. In this embodiment, the case in which vehicle 12 changes from the driving lane to the overtaking lane and then back to the driving lane via overtaking control will be described as an example.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, the second display unit 26 displays the vehicle image M1, other vehicle images M2, trajectory images M3B and M3F, and lane image M4. Regarding the vehicle image M1 and lane image M4, ... Figure 3A The details are the same, therefore, they are omitted.

[0073] Figure 5 The other vehicle image M2 shown is an image simulating a vehicle ahead that is being overtaken. As an example, the other vehicle image M2 is shown as an image of a passenger car in an image representing a position approximately 40m ahead of vehicle 12 in the driving lane.

[0074] Trajectory image M3B is an image representing the lane change path used for lane change on the overtaking lane behind the preceding vehicle. Figure 5The trajectory image M3B shown is displayed behind other vehicle images M2, assuming vehicle 12 has a lane change path of 40m in the overtaking lane used for lane changing. In trajectory image M3B, the portion representing the distance L4 between dimension line A1 and dimension line B1 is displayed with a gradient. As an example, Figure 5 The position indicated by dimension line B1 represents the location 10m directly ahead of the end of the lane change path. Track image M3B is an example of the "first path image".

[0075] The trajectory image M3F is an image representing the lane change path used to return to the driving lane ahead. Figure 5 The trajectory image M3B shown is a trajectory image displayed when the length of the lane change path for returning to the driving lane in front of other vehicle images M2 is 40m. In trajectory image M3F, the portion representing the distance L5 between dimension line A2 and dimension line B2 is displayed with a gradient. As an example, Figure 5 The position indicated by dimension line B2 represents the location 10m directly ahead of the end of the lane change path. Track image M3F is an example of the "Second Path Image".

[0076] Thus, by displaying trajectory images M3B and M3F, the control range of lane change based on overtaking control of vehicle 12 is represented.

[0077] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display processing flow according to the second embodiment. This display processing is performed by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading a program from the ROM 32 or memory 36, expanding it in the RAM 34, and executing it. As an example, Figure 6 The processing shown is a process that is repeatedly executed while vehicle 12 is in motion.

[0078] exist Figure 6 In step S200, the CPU 30 determines whether the AD is valid. If the CPU 30 determines that the AD is valid (step S200: Yes), it proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that the AD is invalid (step S200: No), it ends the display process.

[0079] In step S201, CPU30 detects the overtaking control operation indication. That is, if the AD of vehicle 12 is active and the overtaking control operation indication is detected, CPU30 proceeds to step S202.

[0080] In step S202, CPU30 acquires the overtaking path. Specifically, CPU30 acquires the overtaking path of vehicle 12 based on overtaking control, as analyzed by the autonomous driving ECU40. CPU30 acquires the lane change path from the driving lane of vehicle 12 to the adjacent lane of the lane change destination, and the lane change path for returning from the adjacent lane to the driving lane.

[0081] In step S203, the CPU 30 determines the display range of multiple trajectory images based on the acquired overtaking path. Specifically, in the lane change path from the driving lane to the adjacent lane acquired in step S202, the CPU 30 determines the coordinates representing the starting point, ending point, and endpoint of the bend towards the adjacent lane. Furthermore, in the lane change path used to return from the adjacent lane to the driving lane, the CPU 30 determines the coordinates representing the starting point, ending point, and endpoint of the bend towards the driving lane.

[0082] In step S204, the CPU30 determines the starting position of the transition based on the endpoint of each trajectory image M3. Specifically, the CPU30 determines the starting position of the transition from the coordinates of the starting point representing the endpoint position of each lane change path determined in step S203, which represents the position a specified distance in advance.

[0083] In step S205, CPU 30 displays multiple trajectory images M3 to which a gradient has been applied. Specifically, CPU 30 displays trajectory images M3F and M3B, which have undergone gradient processing from the starting gradient position determined in step S204 to the position representing the end point of the lane change path, on the second display unit 26 (see reference). Figure 5 Then, CPU30 finishes display processing.

[0084] The vehicle display control device of the second embodiment detects an indication to overtake a preceding vehicle and displays trajectory images M3B and M3F. By easily displaying the control range of the driving assistance functions involved in lane changing for overtaking, the sense of security for occupants can be improved.

[0085] Furthermore, the structure of the vehicle display control device 10 described in the above embodiment is an example, and can be modified as needed without departing from the main idea. Also, the processing flow of the program described in the above embodiment is an example, and unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps can be added, or the processing order can be changed without departing from the main idea.

[0086] Furthermore, various processors other than the CPU can also execute the processes by which the CPU reads and executes the software (program) in the above embodiments. Examples of processors at this time include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and programmable logic devices (PLDs) whose circuit structure can be changed after manufacturing, as well as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and other processors with circuit structures specifically designed for executing specific processes, i.e., dedicated circuits.

[0087] Furthermore, while the above embodiments describe the method of pre-storing (installing) the information processing program in the memory, this is not a limitation. The program can be provided on recording media such as Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM), and Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. The program can also be downloaded from an external device via a network. This invention is also applicable to programs and program products.

[0088] Symbol Explanation

[0089] 10-Vehicle display control device, 12-Vehicle, 24-First display unit, 26-Second display unit, 52-Driving mode acquisition unit, 54-Detection unit, 58-Display control unit, M3-Trajectory image (path image), M3B-Trajectory image (first path image), M3F-Trajectory image (second path image).

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle, characterized in that, have: The detection unit, when the vehicle's driver assistance functions are effective, detects lane change indications for the vehicle; and The display control unit, when the detection unit detects the lane change instruction, displays a path image representing the lane change path of the vehicle from its current driving lane to the target lane for which the lane change is to be performed, in a display area provided on the vehicle, and displays the path image in a manner that changes based on the endpoint of the path image indicating the end of the lane change path.

2. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display control unit changes the display mode of the path image from the end point towards the starting point by a predetermined amount and a position closer to the beginning.

3. The vehicle display control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The display control unit displays the path image in a gradient from the starting point to the ending point.

4. The vehicle display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, As an indication of lane change, the detection unit detects an indication of overtaking a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle. As the path image, the display control unit displays a first path image and a second path image: the first path image represents the lane change path when changing lanes from the driving lane to the target lane behind the preceding vehicle; The second path image represents the lane change path when the vehicle changes lanes from the driving lane to the target lane in front of the preceding vehicle.

Images