Display control device

Abstract

A display control device includes a control section that displays a vehicle image representing a vehicle traveling on a first travel lane at a predetermined position of a road surface image representing the first travel lane until the vehicle exceeds a first range set for the first travel lane, and releases the fixed display at the predetermined position and continuously moves the vehicle image in accordance with a movement of the vehicle when it is detected that a light of the vehicle is turned on to indicate an intention to change a travel lane from the first travel lane to a second travel lane.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 7048398 discloses a vehicle control device capable of providing reassurance to occupants through automated driving. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the technology related to Japanese Patent No. 7048398, an image representing the vehicle and its surrounding conditions is displayed on the display unit (for example, see Figure 8 of Japanese Patent No. 7048398).

[0004] Thus, it is known to display information about the vehicle's surroundings onto the display unit itself. However, in the prior art, for example, an image representing the vehicle is displayed in a fixed position on the display screen. However, in such a fixed display, for example, in a scenario where the vehicle is changing lanes, the correspondence between the actual movement of the vehicle in the scenery and the displayed image is low, and there is a problem that the sense of unity between the displayed content and reality is easily compromised.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display control device that enables the driver to intuitively grasp the movement of the vehicle by displaying information related to the vehicle and its surrounding conditions when the vehicle is changing lanes.

[0006] The display control device according to the first embodiment includes a control unit that fixes a vehicle image representing a vehicle traveling in a first driving lane to a preset position representing a road surface image of the first driving lane and displays it on a display unit until the vehicle exceeds a first range set for the first driving lane. When the control unit detects the illumination of a light of a vehicle indicating an intention to change lanes from the first driving lane to the second driving lane, it deactivates the fixed display at the preset position and continuously moves the vehicle image according to the movement of the vehicle.

[0007] In the display control device according to the first embodiment, the control unit fixes the vehicle image representing a vehicle traveling in the first driving lane to a preset position representing the road surface image of the first driving lane on the display unit until the vehicle exceeds a first range set for the first driving lane. However, when the control unit detects the illumination of a vehicle's light indicating an intention to change lanes from the first driving lane to the second driving lane, it deactivates the fixed display at the preset position and continuously moves the vehicle image according to the vehicle's movement. Thus, according to this display control device, in scenarios where a vehicle is changing lanes, when displaying information related to the vehicle and its surroundings, the driver can intuitively grasp the vehicle's movement through the displayed information.

[0008] In the first embodiment, the display control device involved in the second embodiment, when the control unit detects that the light is on, continuously moves the vehicle image according to the movement of the vehicle in the second driving lane, even after the vehicle has entered the second driving lane.

[0009] In the display control device of the second scheme, when the control unit detects that a light is on, it continuously moves the vehicle image according to the movement of vehicles in the second driving lane, even after the vehicle has entered the second driving lane. Therefore, according to this display control device, by continuously moving the vehicle image even after a lane change, the driver can easily and intuitively grasp the movement of surrounding vehicles, improving visual recognition.

[0010] In the third embodiment, the display control device, in the first or second embodiment, uses a turn indicator light. When the vehicle enters a second range that is narrower than the first range for a third driving lane located on the side opposite to the direction indicated by the turn indicator light, the control unit fixes the vehicle image at the preset position representing the road surface image of the third driving lane.

[0011] In the display control device of the third embodiment, the light is a turn indicator light. Furthermore, when the vehicle enters a second range defined for a third driving lane located on the side opposite to the direction indicated by the turn indicator light, the control unit fixes the vehicle image at a predetermined position representing the road surface image of the third driving lane. Thus, according to this display control device, irregular displacement of the vehicle image representing a vehicle undergoing unpredictable movement is prevented on the screen, improving the driver's visual recognition.

[0012] In any of the first to third schemes, the display control device involved in the fourth scheme, when multiple vehicles are traveling in the first driving lane, releases the fixed display at the preset position of a vehicle image indicating that the light has been detected, and continuously moves the vehicle image according to the movement of the vehicle.

[0013] In the display control device of the fourth embodiment, when multiple vehicles are traveling in the first driving lane, the control unit deactivates the fixed display of a vehicle image at a preset position for the vehicle whose light has been detected to be illuminated, and continuously moves the vehicle image according to the movement of the vehicle. Therefore, according to this display control device, only the vehicle images of vehicles with a clear intention to change lanes can be dynamically moved, making it easier for the driver to intuitively grasp the movement of surrounding vehicles and improving visual recognition.

[0014] In any of the first to third embodiments, the display control device involved in the fifth embodiment, when multiple vehicles are traveling in the first driving lane, releases the fixed display of multiple vehicle images representing the multiple vehicles at the preset position based on the detection of the illumination of the light of one vehicle, and continuously moves each vehicle image according to the movement of each vehicle.

[0015] In the display control device of the fifth embodiment, when multiple vehicles are traveling in the first driving lane, the control unit, upon detecting the illumination of a vehicle's light, de-fixes the fixed display of multiple vehicle images at preset positions and continuously moves each vehicle image according to the movement of each vehicle. Therefore, with this display control device, it is easier to intuitively grasp the behavior of surrounding vehicles, improving the driver's visual recognition.

[0016] As explained above, in the display control device disclosed herein, when a vehicle changes lanes, the display of information related to the vehicle and its surrounding conditions enables the driver to intuitively grasp the vehicle's movement through the displayed information. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the vehicle.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the procedure.

[0020] Figure 3 This is the first explanatory diagram illustrating the vehicle's driving conditions.

[0021] Figure 4 This is the first display example shown on the monitor.

[0022] Figure 5 This is the second explanatory diagram illustrating the vehicle's driving conditions.

[0023] Figure 6 This is the second display example shown on the monitor. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The vehicle involved in this embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the vehicle includes the vehicle 10 driven by a specific driver (see reference 10). Figure 3 (etc.), and other vehicles 100 driven by a driver different from that specific driver (see reference) Figure 3 wait).

[0025] (First Embodiment)

[0026] First, the first embodiment of the vehicle involved in this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, this vehicle 10 and other vehicles 100 have substantially the same structure, so this vehicle 10 will be used as a representative example in the following description.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the vehicle 10. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 10 includes an instrument cluster ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20. The instrument cluster ECU 20 is an example of a "display control device" in this disclosure.

[0028] The instrument cluster ECU 20 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, a storage device 24, an in-vehicle communication I / F (Interface) 25, an input / output I / F 26, and a wireless communication I / F 27. These components are interconnected and can communicate with each other via an internal bus 28.

[0029] CPU 21 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various parts. Specifically, CPU 21 reads programs from ROM 22 or storage device 24 and executes the programs using RAM 23 as the working area. CPU 21 performs control of the aforementioned structures and various arithmetic operations according to the programs recorded in ROM 22 or storage device 24. CPU 21 is an example of a "processor" disclosed herein.

[0030] ROM22 stores various programs and data. RAM23 serves as a temporary storage area for programs or data.

[0031] Storage device 24 is composed of storage media such as eMMC (embedded Multi Media Card) or UFS (Universal Flash Storage) and stores various programs and data. Information processing program 24A is stored in storage device 24. Information processing program 24A is used to cause CPU 21 to perform the determination process described later (see reference). Figure 2 (The program).

[0032] The in-vehicle communication I / F25 is an interface for connecting with other ECUs 30, using a communication standard based on the CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol. The in-vehicle communication I / F25 connects to the external bus 29. Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the ECU is not limited to ECU 30; multiple ECUs may be present depending on the various functions of this vehicle 10.

[0033] The input / output I / F26 is an interface for communicating with the on-board equipment 40 mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0034] The vehicle-mounted equipment 40 refers to various devices installed on the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10, as an example of the vehicle-mounted equipment 40, includes a sensor array 42, a monitor 44, and turn signals 46.

[0035] The sensor group 42 is configured to include various sensors and camera units for detecting the state of the vehicle 10 and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the sensor group 42 includes, for example, various sensors such as 3D-LiDAR sensors, millimeter-wave sensors, infrared sensors, turn signal sensors, accelerometer position sensors, gear shift sensors, vehicle speed sensors, steering angle sensors, angular velocity sensors, GPS (Global Positioning System) sensors, illuminance sensors, gyroscope sensors, and acceleration sensors, as well as multiple cameras for capturing images of the surroundings of the vehicle 10. The sensor group 42 outputs the detection results of each sensor and the images captured by each camera to predetermined electronic control units such as the instrument cluster ECU 20 and ECU 30.

[0036] Monitor 44 is an instrument display located on the dashboard in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle 10, used to display suggestions for actions related to the functions of the vehicle 10, and images related to explanations of those functions. Monitor 44 is an example of a "display unit" in this disclosure.

[0037] The turn signal indicator 46 is a turn signal indicator provided to visually notify the outside of the intention to change the direction of travel of the vehicle 10, and is located at the front and rear of the vehicle body.

[0038] The I / F27 wireless communication module is a wireless communication module used for communicating with external devices. This wireless communication module uses communication standards such as 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0039] Furthermore, the CPU 21 of the instrument ECU 20 has an acquisition unit 21A, a control unit 21B, a setting unit 21C, and an application unit 21D as a functional structure. Each functional structure is implemented by the CPU 21 reading and executing the information processing program 24A stored in the storage device 24.

[0040] The acquisition unit 21A acquires various types of information available in the vehicle 10. Specifically, the acquisition unit 21A acquires detection information such as the results detected by the various sensors constituting the sensor group 42 and the images captured by each camera.

[0041] The control unit 21B performs display control related to the display on the monitor 44. For example, in the control unit 21B, as part of this display control, based on the detection information acquired by the acquisition unit 21A, the control unit displays the vehicle image 10A (see reference 10A) representing the vehicle 10 as viewed from the virtual viewpoint. Figure 4 (etc.) and a surrounding environment image indicating the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 10 are displayed on the monitor 44. Furthermore, specific examples of the surrounding environment image will be described later.

[0042] Here, "virtual viewpoint" refers to a viewpoint set in a three-dimensional virtual space with the position of the vehicle image 10A as the origin. This virtual viewpoint is defined by predetermined viewpoint coordinates and viewpoint angle (orientation) in the virtual space. As an example, this virtual viewpoint is a viewpoint overlooking the vehicle 10 and its surroundings from specific viewpoint coordinates located above the vehicle image 10A in the virtual space and from a specific viewpoint angle. Control unit 21B is an example of a "control unit" in this disclosure.

[0043] The setting unit 21C sets a control range for controlling the display position of the vehicle image representing each vehicle in each driving lane in which the vehicle 10 and other vehicles 100 travel. Here, the control range refers to a specific area with the center position in the width direction of each driving lane as a reference.

[0044] Based on the detection information acquired by the acquisition unit 21A, the setting unit 21C estimates the center position of each driving lane in the width direction. Then, using this center position as a reference, the setting unit 21C sets a starting range with a width of Xm on both sides and an ending range with a width of Ym on both sides as control ranges on each driving lane. Here, Xm and Ym are set to be narrower than the driving lane width Zm, and the width of the starting range Xm is set to be wider than the width of the ending range Ym.

[0045] For example, in a road with three lanes on one side, the setting unit 21C independently sets the starting range and the ending range for each lane. Furthermore, the starting range is an example of the "first range" in this disclosure, and the ending range is an example of the "second range" in this disclosure.

[0046] Application unit 21D applies the control range set by setting unit 21C to each vehicle, including vehicle 10 and other vehicles 100. Based on the detection information obtained by acquisition unit 21A, application unit 21D determines each vehicle existing around vehicle 10 (for example, only vehicle 10, vehicle 10 and other vehicles 100), and then infers the current driving lane of each vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "current driving lane").

[0047] As an example, Application Unit 21D estimates the current driving lane of each vehicle based on the vehicle's occupancy ratio for each lane.

[0048] Furthermore, the application unit 21D applies a start range to the current driving lane and an end range to driving lanes outside the current driving lane in each vehicle. This allows for appropriate display control corresponding to the start and end of movement for each vehicle.

[0049] For example, when vehicle 10 and other vehicles 100 are on a road with three lanes on one side, application unit 21D sets three lane quantities for each vehicle's independent control range, applying a vehicle-specific control range. Further specific examples regarding the control range will be described later.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the data executed by the instrument cluster ECU 20. The CPU 21 reads the information processing program 24A from the storage device 24 and executes it in RAM 23 to perform the determining process. As an example, this determining process is automatically and repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals while the vehicle image 10A and the surrounding environment image are displayed on the monitor 44.

[0051] exist Figure 2In step S10, CPU 21 acquires the detection information detectable by the vehicle 10. This detection information includes, for example, target object information detected by a 3D-LiDAR sensor and video images captured by various cameras. Then, CPU 21 proceeds to step S11.

[0052] In step S11, CPU21 determines the positional relationship of each vehicle relative to each lane based on the detection information obtained in step S10, and applies the control range corresponding to the positional relationship to each vehicle. Then, CPU21 proceeds to step S12.

[0053] In step S12, CPU 21 determines whether there is a vehicle exceeding the starting range applied in step S11. If CPU 21 determines that no vehicle exceeds the starting range (step S12: "Yes"), it proceeds to step S13. Conversely, if CPU 21 determines that a vehicle exceeds the starting range (step S12: "No"), it proceeds to step S15. As an example, if CPU 21 determines, based on detection information, that most of the vehicle body has moved outside the starting range, it determines that a vehicle exceeds the starting range.

[0054] In step S13, CPU 21 determines whether there is a vehicle that has been given a lane change sign. In this embodiment, CPU 21 is configured to give a lane change sign to a vehicle whose turn indicator light 46 is illuminated. Here, if CPU 21 determines that there is a vehicle that has been given a lane change sign (step S13: "Yes"), it proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if CPU 21 determines that there is no vehicle that has been given a lane change sign (step S13: "No"), it proceeds to step S14.

[0055] In step S14, the CPU 21 fixes the vehicle images representing each vehicle to a preset position on the road surface image 65 representing the driving lane of each vehicle and displays it. In this embodiment, the preset position is the center position in the width direction of the road surface image 65. Then, the CPU 21 proceeds to step S17.

[0056] In step S15, CPU21 deactivates the fixed display of the road surface image 65 at a preset position for vehicle images representing vehicles exceeding the starting range or vehicles given lane change signs. Then, CPU21 proceeds to step S16.

[0057] In step S16, CPU 21 updates the displayed content of vehicle images representing vehicles that have exceeded the starting range or vehicles given lane change signs. Specifically, CPU 21 controls the continuous movement of the vehicle image based on the actual movement of the vehicle. Then, CPU 21 proceeds to step S17.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, even when entering step S15, the vehicle image representing a vehicle that has not exceeded the starting range and has not been given a lane change sign is fixed to a preset position of the road surface image 65 representing the driving lane in which the vehicle is traveling and displayed.

[0059] In step S17, CPU 21 determines whether the predetermined termination condition is met. If the termination condition is met (step S17: "Yes"), CPU 21 terminates the determination process. Conversely, if the termination condition is not met (step S17: "No"), CPU 21 returns to step S10. As an example, CPU 21 determines that the termination condition is met when the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is off.

[0060] Next, use Figures 3-6 This explains the changes in the display content of the monitor 44 based on the above-described determination process.

[0061] Figure 3 This is the first explanatory diagram illustrating the vehicle's driving conditions. In Figure 3 The road shown has three lanes: the central lane L1, the left-hand lane L2, and the right-hand lane L3.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, vehicle 10 is traveling in the center of the central lane L1 in the width direction, ahead of it, while other vehicles 100 are traveling to the left of the center of the central lane L1 in the width direction. In this case, CPU 21 applies a starting range 11 to the central lane L1, which is the current driving lane, and an ending range 12 to the left lane L2 and the right lane L3 for vehicle 10 and other vehicles 100.

[0063] Figure 4 This is a first explanatory diagram showing a display example of a predetermined display area on monitor 44. This predetermined display area is a portion of monitor 44 and is configured to be visually identifiable by the driver, seated in the driver's seat, through an opening in the steering wheel. Specifically, Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 The example shown corresponds to the driving status of the vehicle.

[0064] like Figure 4As shown, gear information 70 and vehicle speed information 72 are displayed at the top of monitor 44.

[0065] Gear information 70 indicates the gear position (10) of this vehicle. Figure 4 If it is displayed as "D", it means that the gear is in D mode.

[0066] Speed ​​information 72 indicates the speed of this vehicle 10. Figure 4 The display shows "54km / h", indicating that the vehicle speed is 54km / h.

[0067] Additionally, below the gear information 70 and vehicle speed information 72, the vehicle image 10A and the surrounding environment image are displayed. This surrounding environment image includes the road surface image 65 and other vehicle images 10B.

[0068] On the road surface image 65, a dividing line image 67 is displayed to separate the driving lanes within the lane. Thus, the lanes are divided into three lanes: driving lane 65A corresponding to the central lane L1, driving lane 65B corresponding to the left driving lane L2, and driving lane 65C corresponding to the right driving lane L3. Figure 4 In the middle, on the driving lane 65A, the image 10A of this vehicle and the images 10B of other vehicles are displayed.

[0069] This vehicle image 10A is an illustrated image representing this vehicle 10 generated according to a predetermined illustration design. As described above, this vehicle 10 is traveling in the center of the width direction of the central lane L1 and is located within the starting range 11 set for the central lane L1. Therefore, this vehicle image 10A is positioned in the center of the width direction of the driving lane 65A so that it is fixedly displayed from the viewpoint of the virtual viewpoint.

[0070] Other vehicle image 10B is an illustration image of other vehicles 100 that precede this vehicle 10, generated according to a predetermined illustration design. For example... Figure 3 As shown, other vehicles 100 are traveling in the central lane L1, but their positions are to the left of the center of the central lane L1 in the width direction. However, most of the other vehicle 100's body has not moved outside the starting range 11 set for the central lane L1, so the other vehicle image 10B is fixedly displayed above the image of this vehicle image 10A from the virtual viewpoint, with the other vehicle image 10B positioned in the center of the width direction of the driving lane 65A.

[0071] Figure 5 This is the second explanatory diagram illustrating the vehicle's driving conditions. In Figure 5 The image shows the state of the turn indicator 46, which is located on the left side of the body of another vehicle 100, being illuminated.

[0072] In this situation, the CPU 21 of vehicle 10 determines that the other vehicle 100 intends to change lanes based on the illumination of the turn indicator 46 of the other vehicle 100, and deactivates the fixed display of the other vehicle image 10B. Then, it tracks the movement of the other vehicle 100 and continuously moves the display of the other vehicle image 10B.

[0073] More specifically, CPU21 releases control over the current lane and the lane in which other vehicles 100 are traveling in the direction indicated by the turn signal 46. Thus, in Figure 5 In the state shown, for other vehicles 100, the termination range 12 is applied only to the right lane L3, and the application of the control range in the central lane L1 and the left lane L2 is deactivated.

[0074] Figure 6 This is a second explanatory diagram showing a display example of a predetermined display area displayed on a monitor 44. Specifically, Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 The example shown corresponds to the driving status of the vehicle.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, with the fixed display of other vehicle image 10B being deactivated, the display position of other vehicle image 10B moves to the left of the center of the width direction of the central lane L1, which corresponds to the actual driving position of other vehicle 100.

[0076] Subsequently, in conjunction with other vehicles 100 changing lanes to the left driving lane L2, the image 10B of other vehicles is continuously moved and displayed from driving lane 65A to driving lane 65B. Furthermore, even after other vehicles 100 enter the left driving lane L2, since no control range is applied to the left driving lane L2, the image 10B of other vehicles continues to be continuously moved and displayed according to the changes in the driving positions of other vehicles 100 in the left driving lane L2.

[0077] As explained above, in the instrument cluster ECU 20, the CPU 21 fixes the image 10B of other vehicles 100, representing other vehicles 100 traveling in the central lane L1, to the center of the width direction of the driving lane 65A representing the central lane L1 and displays it on the monitor 44 until the other vehicle 100 exceeds the starting range 11 set for the central lane L1. However, when the CPU 21 detects the illumination of the direction indicator 46, indicating the intention to change lanes from the central lane L1 to the left driving lane L2, it de-fixes the display at the center of the width direction of the driving lane 65A and continuously moves the image 10B of other vehicles according to the movement of the other vehicles 100. Thus, according to this instrument cluster ECU 20, in the scenario where other vehicles 100 change lanes, when displaying information related to other vehicles 100 and their surrounding conditions, the driver can intuitively grasp the movement of other vehicles 100 through the displayed information. Furthermore, other vehicle 100 is an example of "vehicle" in this disclosure, other vehicle image 10B is an example of "vehicle image" in this disclosure, central lane L1 is an example of "first driving lane" in this disclosure, and left driving lane L2 is an example of "second driving lane" in this disclosure.

[0078] Furthermore, in the instrument cluster ECU 20, when the CPU 21 detects the illumination of the turn indicator 46, it continuously moves the image 10B of other vehicles 100 according to their movement within the left lane L2, even after another vehicle 100 has entered the left lane L2. Thus, according to the instrument cluster ECU 20, the image 10B of other vehicles moves continuously even after a lane change, making it easier for the driver to intuitively grasp the movement of other vehicles 100 and improving visual recognition.

[0079] Here, due to driver error, changes in surrounding conditions, etc., vehicles sometimes travel in a direction different from the direction indicated by the turn indicator 46. It is difficult to predict the path forward of such vehicles, requiring careful processing in the display. In such situations, in the instrument ECU 20, when another vehicle 100 enters the termination range 12 set for the right lane L3 located on the side opposite to the direction indicated by the turn indicator 46, the CPU 21 fixes the image 10B of the other vehicle to the center of the width direction of the lane 65C representing the right lane L3 and displays it. For example, in Figure 5 In the situation shown, if another vehicle 100 enters the right-hand lane L3 and most of its body is within the termination range 12 set for the right-hand lane L3, this control is executed. In this case, CPU 21... Figure 6In the example of the monitor 44 shown, after the image of another vehicle 10B is moved to the center in the width direction of the driving lane 65C, it is fixed in that position and displayed. Thus, according to the instrument ECU 20, the image of another vehicle 10B, which is undergoing unpredictable movements, is prevented from irregularly shifting on the screen, improving the driver's visual recognition. Furthermore, the right driving lane L3 is an example of the "third driving lane" in this disclosure.

[0080] Furthermore, in the instrument cluster ECU 20, when multiple vehicles, including the vehicle 10 and other vehicles 100, are traveling in the central lane L1, the CPU 21 de-fixes the fixed display of the other vehicle image 10B at the center of the width direction of the lane 65A for the vehicle that has detected the turn indicator light 46 illuminating, specifically the other vehicle 100, and continuously moves the other vehicle image 10B according to the movement of the other vehicle 100. In this case, the vehicle image 10A representing the vehicle 10 continues to be fixedly displayed at the center of the width direction of the lane 65A. Thus, according to this instrument cluster ECU 20, only the other vehicle image 10B of the other vehicle 100 that clearly indicates the intention to change lanes can be dynamically moved, so the driver can easily and intuitively grasp the movement of surrounding vehicles, improving visual recognition.

[0081] (Second Implementation)

[0082] Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle involved in this embodiment will be described, while omitting or simplifying the parts that are repeated with the above embodiment.

[0083] In the above embodiment, when multiple vehicles are traveling in the central central lane L1, a structure is adopted in which the fixed display of the vehicle image of the vehicle that has detected the illumination of the turn indicator 46 is released in the width direction of the driving lane 65A. However, it is not limited to this.

[0084] In the instrument ECU 20 according to the second embodiment, when multiple vehicles, including the vehicle 10 and other vehicles 100, are traveling in the central lane L1, the CPU 21, upon detecting the illumination of the turn indicator 46 of one vehicle, specifically another vehicle 100, deactivates the fixed display at the center of the width direction of the lane 65A, which displays multiple vehicle images of those vehicles, and continuously moves each vehicle image according to the movement of each vehicle. In this case, the CPU 21 continuously moves the other vehicle image 10B according to the movement of the other vehicle 100, and also continuously moves the vehicle image 10A according to the movement of the vehicle 10. Therefore, with this instrument ECU 20, it is easier to intuitively grasp the behavior of surrounding vehicles, improving the driver's visual recognition.

[0085] (other)

[0086] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of the technology of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described above. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims, and such modifications or alterations should naturally be understood to fall within the scope of the technology of this disclosure.

[0087] Furthermore, the effects described in the above embodiments are illustrative or exemplary and are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. That is, the technology involved in this disclosure, together with or in place of the effects described in the above embodiments, produces other effects that are obvious to those skilled in the art based on the descriptions in the above embodiments.

[0088] The processing described in the above embodiments can also be implemented using dedicated hardware circuitry. In this case, it can be executed by one piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the information processing program 24A is stored in the storage device 24. However, it is not limited to this, and the information processing program 24A may also be stored in the ROM 22.

[0090] In the above embodiments, an example of "vehicle" in this disclosure is not limited to other vehicles 100, but may also be the vehicle 10 itself. In this case, the CPU 21, based on the detection of the illumination of the direction indicator 46 of the vehicle 10, deactivates the fixed display at the center of the driving lane 65A in the width direction of the vehicle image 10A, and continuously moves the vehicle image 10A according to the movement of the vehicle 10.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the light indicating the vehicle's intention to change lanes is not limited to the turn signal indicator 46. For example, the light could also be a hazard indicator. In this case, the CPU 21 performs the same processing as when the turn signal indicator 46 is illuminated, based on the detection of the hazard indicator's illumination.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 of the vehicle 10, upon detecting the illumination of the turn indicator 46 of another vehicle 100, deactivates the starting range 11 applied to the current lane of the other vehicle 100 and the ending range 12 applied to the driving lane in the direction indicated by the turn indicator 46. However, the control range to be deactivated is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 21 may also deactivate only the starting range 11 applied to the current lane in this situation, while maintaining the ending range 12 applied to the other driving lane. With such a structure, for example, even if the other vehicle 100 continuously changes lanes, a fixed position of the other vehicle image 10B can be set once, and display processing based on this fixed position can be performed as the starting point for subsequent lane changes.

[0093] Furthermore, while maintaining the termination range 12 in applications to other driving lanes, the CPU 21 can also be configured to dynamically change the width of the termination range 12 based on the driving characteristics of other vehicles 100. For example, the CPU 21 can infer the lateral acceleration of other vehicles 100 based on detection information, and set the termination range 12 to be relatively narrow if an emergency lane change is determined, and set the termination range 12 to be wider if a slow lane change is performed.

[0094] Furthermore, in maintaining the termination range 12 for applications in other driving lanes, the CPU 21 can also be configured to set a timeout period for the applicable termination range 12. For example, the CPU 21 can also, after a predetermined timeout period, perform processing to switch the control range for the driving lane where the other vehicle 100 is located after changing lanes from the termination range 12 to the starting range 11. With this configuration, appropriate display control for the next movement start of the other vehicle 100 can be performed.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 may also be configured to infer the strength of the lane-changing intention of a vehicle operating based on the turn signal and control the display of the vehicle image accordingly. For example, the CPU 21 calculates an intention score based on the time-varying detection information related to turn signal operation pressure, steering angle change, vehicle speed gradient, and distance to surrounding vehicles obtained via the sensor group 42. If the intention score is above a predetermined value, the fixed display of the vehicle image is deactivated; if it is below the predetermined value, the fixed display is maintained.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the CPU21 can also be configured to determine, based on past history, whether a lane change has actually occurred after the turn indicator light is illuminated, and perform display control corresponding to the reliability of the turn indicator light illumination intention. For example, the CPU21 accumulates detection information related to the turn indicator light illumination signal, rudder angle change, and lane change obtained through the sensor group 42 in a time sequence, calculates the reliability based on the detection information, and deactivates the fixed display of the vehicle image for vehicles with a reliability of a predetermined value or higher, while maintaining the fixed display for vehicles with a reliability of less than the predetermined value.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the CPU 21 may also be configured to dynamically control the timing of display switching based on the time distribution from the illumination of the turn indicator light to the start of lane change. For example, the CPU 21 may be configured to accumulate detection information related to the illumination time of the turn indicator light and the timing of the rudder angle change obtained by the sensor group 42 in a time sequence, compare it with the statistical model based on the situation stored in the storage device 24, calculate an appropriate display switching time, and release the fixed display of the vehicle image at the timing corresponding to the calculation result.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the CPU 21 may also be configured to suppress display switching and perform a warning display to prevent misidentification when a malfunction or accidental illumination of the turn indicator light is suspected. For example, the CPU 21 may be configured to maintain a fixed display of the vehicle image and display a warning icon on the monitor 44 when it is determined, based on waveform information obtained via the in-vehicle communication I / F 25 related to the period, voltage, or illumination duration of the turn indicator light illumination signal, that the waveform information is outside a predetermined range.

[0099] Furthermore, various processors other than the CPU can execute the determination process performed by the CPU 21 reading the software (program) in the above embodiment. Examples of processors at this time include FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) and PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) whose circuit structures can be changed after manufacturing, as well as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and other processors with circuit structures specifically designed for performing specific processes, i.e., dedicated electrical circuits. In addition, the determination process can be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, and a combination of CPU and FPGA). Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is more specifically an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0100] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes pre-storing (installing) the information processing program 24A onto the storage device 24, it is not limited to this method. The information processing program 24A may also be provided as a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Additionally, the information processing program 24A may be configured to be downloaded from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to programs and program products.

Claims

1. A display control device comprising a control unit that fixes a vehicle image representing a vehicle traveling in a first driving lane to a predetermined position representing a road surface image of the first driving lane and displays it on a display unit until the vehicle exceeds a first range set for the first driving lane, and upon detecting the illumination of a light of the vehicle indicating an intention to change lanes from the first driving lane to a second driving lane, deactivates the fixed display at the predetermined position, and continuously moves the vehicle image according to the movement of the vehicle.

2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein, When the control unit detects that the light is on, it continuously moves the vehicle image according to the movement of the vehicle in the second driving lane, even after the vehicle has entered the second driving lane.

3. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein, The light in question is a turn signal indicator. When the vehicle enters a second range that is narrower than the first range and is located on the side opposite to the direction indicated by the direction indicator, the control unit fixes the vehicle image at the preset position of the road surface image representing the third driving lane.

4. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein, When multiple vehicles are traveling in the first driving lane, the control unit deactivates the fixed display at the preset position for a vehicle image indicating that the light has been detected, and continuously moves the vehicle image according to the movement of the vehicle.

5. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein, When multiple vehicles are traveling in the first driving lane, the control unit, upon detecting the illumination of a vehicle's light, deactivates the fixed display of multiple vehicle images at a preset position and continuously moves each vehicle image according to the movement of each vehicle.

Images