Display control device for vehicle, display control method for vehicle, and program

Abstract

To provide a display control device for vehicle, display control method for vehicle, and program that enable occupants to intuitively understand the reason why a driving assistance function has been activated.SOLUTION: A display control device for vehicle is configured to display predetermined information in a display region around a driver's seat when at least one driving assistance function of acceleration / deceleration or steering is activated and includes: a support reason display unit that displays an image indicating the reason for the activation of the driving assistance function in the display region; and a mark display unit that displays a mark according to the type of the driving assistance function near the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a display control unit that, when a deceleration target is detected, displays an image for notifying the driver of the detected deceleration target in a deceleration display area on a display inside the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-133777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the device described in Patent Document 1, traffic lights, vehicles, etc. are only displayed on the display, so occupants may not be able to understand why the driving assistance function has been activated just by glancing at the display.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display control method, and a program that allow an occupant to intuitively understand the reason why a driving assistance function has been activated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle display control device of claim 1 is a vehicle display control device that displays predetermined information in a display area around the driver's seat when at least one of driving assistance functions, namely acceleration / deceleration and steering, is activated, and has an assistance reason display unit that displays an image in the display area indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated, and a mark display unit that displays a mark according to the type of driving assistance function near the image.

[0007] In the vehicle display control device according to claim 1, when at least one driving support function of acceleration / deceleration and steering is activated, predetermined information is displayed in a display area around the driver's seat. Specifically, the support reason display unit displays an image indicating the reason why the driving support function was activated in the display area. This allows the driver to understand the reason why the driving support function was activated by visually checking the image displayed in the display area.

[0008] The mark display unit also displays a mark corresponding to the type of driving support function near the image, allowing the driver to understand the type of driving support function at a glance.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention provides a display control device for a vehicle according to the first aspect, wherein the mark display unit displays a figure surrounding the image as the mark, and displays marks of different shapes depending on the type of driving support function.

[0010] In the vehicle display control device according to claim 2, the mark display unit surrounds the image with figures of different shapes depending on the type of driving support function, so that the occupant can understand the type of driving support function just by looking at the shape of the figure.

[0011] The vehicle display control device according to claim 3 is the same as claim 1, in which the mark display unit displays different marks when assisting acceleration, deceleration, and steering of the vehicle.

[0012] In the vehicle display control device according to claim 3, the occupant can know whether acceleration, deceleration, or steering is being assisted simply by looking at the mark.

[0013] The vehicle display control device according to claim 4 is the same as claim 1, wherein the mark display unit displays different marks depending on whether the vehicle is in a manual driving mode in which the driver performs all operations or an automatic driving mode in which at least some operations are performed automatically.

[0014] In the vehicle display control device according to claim 4, different marks are displayed depending on whether the driving mode is manual or automatic, so that it is possible to know in which driving mode the driving support function is operating.

[0015] The vehicle display control device according to claim 5 is the same as claim 1, in which the mark display unit displays the mark in different positions depending on whether the mode is a manual driving mode in which the driver performs all operations or an automatic driving mode in which at least some operations are performed automatically.

[0016] In the display control device for a vehicle according to claim 5, the occupant can know in which driving mode the driving support function is operating simply by checking the position of the mark.

[0017] The vehicle display control device according to claim 6 is the same as claim 1, wherein the assistance reason display unit displays different images at least when the distance to the preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value, when traveling around a curve, when the distance to a traffic light with its stop light on is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and when the distance to a stop position is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0018] In the vehicle display control device of claim 6, the occupant can understand by simply glancing at the image whether the reason the driving assistance function was activated was because the distance to the vehicle ahead was less than a predetermined value, because the vehicle was traveling around a curve, because the distance to a traffic light with its stop light on was less than a predetermined value, or because the distance to a stop position was less than a predetermined value.

[0019] The display control method for a vehicle according to claim 7 is a display control method for a vehicle that displays predetermined information in a display area around the driver's seat when at least one driving assistance function of acceleration / deceleration and steering is activated, and displays an image indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated in the display area, and displays a mark corresponding to the type of driving assistance function near the image.

[0020] The program of claim 8 is a program that causes a computer to execute a process of displaying predetermined information in a display area around the driver's seat when at least one driving assistance function of acceleration / deceleration and steering is activated, and causes the computer to execute a process of displaying an image in the display area indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated, and displaying a mark corresponding to the type of driving assistance function near the image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] As described above, the vehicle display control device, vehicle display control method, and program according to the present invention allow the occupant to intuitively understand the reason why a driving assistance function has been activated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a front portion of a vehicle interior of a vehicle to which a vehicular display control device according to an embodiment is applied, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display area in the embodiment, illustrating a state in which a deceleration support function is activated during manual driving. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display area in the embodiment, illustrating a state in which a deceleration support function is activated during manual driving. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display area in the embodiment, illustrating a state in which a deceleration support function is activated during manual driving. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display area in the embodiment, illustrating a state in which a deceleration support function is activated during manual driving. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display area in an embodiment, illustrating a state in which a deceleration assistance function is operating during autonomous driving. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display area in an embodiment, illustrating a state in which a deceleration assistance function is operating during autonomous driving. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display area in an embodiment, illustrating a state in which a deceleration assistance function is operating during autonomous driving. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display area in an embodiment, illustrating a state in which a deceleration assistance function is operating during autonomous driving. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a display process according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display area in a first modified example, showing a state in which a deceleration support function is operating during autonomous driving. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a display area in a second modified example, showing a state in which a deceleration support function is operating during autonomous driving. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A vehicle display control system 10 including a vehicle display control device 28 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the arrow UP in Fig. 1 indicates the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and the arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction. In the following description, the vertical direction and the left-right direction refer to the up and down in the vehicle vertical direction and the left and right in the vehicle width direction, respectively.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, an instrument panel 14 is provided in the front of the cabin of a vehicle 12. The instrument panel 14 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side of the instrument panel 14. That is, in this embodiment, as an example, the vehicle is a right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side, and the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may also be applied to a vehicle in which the driver's seat is located on the left side of the vehicle.

[0025] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 14. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vertical and lateral directions of the vehicle, and separates the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle.

[0026] The right end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a front pillar 20 on the right side of the vehicle. The front pillar 20 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the front ends of front side windows 22 are fixed to the outer end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction. The left end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a front pillar on the left side of the vehicle (not shown).

[0027] Here, a first display unit 24 having an image display area V1 is provided on the instrument panel 14. The first display unit 24 is configured as a meter display provided in front of the driver's seat on the vehicle right side of the instrument panel 14. The first display unit 24 is connected to various meter devices mounted on the vehicle 12, and is provided in a position within the driver's field of view when the driver is looking forward.

[0028] The instrument panel 14 is provided with a second display unit 25 having an image display area V2. The second display unit 25 is configured by a center display disposed in the center of the instrument panel 14 in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] The windshield glass 18 is provided with a third display unit 26 having an image display area V3. The third display unit 26 is set above the first display unit 24 and is configured as a projection surface onto which an image is projected by a head-up display device 46 (see FIG. 2 ) serving as a display device. Specifically, the head-up display device 46 capable of projecting an image is provided on the vehicle front side of the instrument panel 14, and an image is projected from this head-up display device 46 onto the third display unit 26 of the windshield glass 18. In other words, the third display unit 26 is configured as part of the windshield glass 18 that serves as the projection surface for the head-up display device 46.

[0030] The vehicle 12 is provided with a vehicle display control device 28 that constitutes the vehicle display control system 10. The vehicle display control device 28 of this embodiment is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that performs various controls. The vehicle display control device 28 of this embodiment is configured to display predetermined information in at least one of the display areas V1, V2, and V3 around the driver's seat when at least one of the driving assistance functions of acceleration / deceleration and steering is activated.

[0031] (Hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device 28) 2, the vehicle display control device 28 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a storage 36, a communication interface (communication I / F) 38, and an input / output interface (input / output I / F) 40. Each component is connected to each other via an internal bus 42 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0032] The CPU 30 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 30 reads programs from the ROM 32 or storage 36 and executes the programs using the RAM 34 as a work area. The CPU 30 also controls the above-mentioned components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 32 or storage 36.

[0033] The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 34 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 36 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and is a non-temporary recording medium that stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In this embodiment, the ROM 32 or the storage 36 stores a display program for performing display processing and the like.

[0034] The communication interface 38 is an interface through which the vehicle display control device 28 communicates with a server and other devices, and uses standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network), Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE (Long Term Evolution), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0035] The input / output interface 40 is connected to a gaze detection sensor 44, the first display unit 24, the second display unit 25, and a head-up display device 46. An image is projected onto the third display unit 26 by the head-up display device 46.

[0036] The gaze detection sensor 44 is provided, for example, on the instrument panel 14, and is arranged facing the face of the occupant (driver) seated in the driver's seat. The gaze detection sensor 44 detects the gaze direction of the occupant by recognizing the eyes of the occupant using principles such as the corneal reflex method and the scleral reflex method.

[0037] (Functional configuration of the vehicle display control device 28) The vehicular display control device 28 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. The functional configuration realized by the vehicular display control device 28 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0038] 3, the vehicle display control device 28 is configured to include, as functional components, a driving mode acquisition unit 52, a driving support function information acquisition unit 54, a support reason display unit 56, and a mark display unit 58. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 30 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0039] The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires the driving mode of the vehicle 12. As an example, the vehicle 12 of this embodiment has a manual driving mode in which the driver performs all operations, and an automatic driving mode in which at least some operations are performed automatically. The automatic driving mode also includes active cruise control, which is a driving assistance function that assists with acceleration / deceleration and steering only when the occupant holds the steering wheel. The automatic driving mode also includes a hands-off driving mode in which the driving assistance function operates even if the occupant takes their hands off the steering wheel as long as they pay attention to the area ahead of the vehicle.

[0040] For example, in a hands-off state, if it is detected based on a signal from the line-of-sight detection sensor 44 that the occupant's line of sight is directed forward of the vehicle, the driving assistance function may be continued.

[0041] The driving support function information acquisition unit 54 acquires information about the driving support functions that are in operation. Specifically, signals may be acquired from actuators such as a steering actuator, an accelerator actuator, and a brake actuator (not shown). The steering actuator steers the vehicle 12. The accelerator actuator accelerates the vehicle 12. The brake actuator decelerates the vehicle 12.

[0042] For example, when the vehicle 12 is being steered by a steering actuator, the driving assistance function information acquisition unit 54 acquires information regarding the driving assistance function, thereby determining that the driving assistance function for steering the vehicle 12 is operating.

[0043] Also, for example, when the vehicle 12 is being accelerated by an accelerator actuator, the driving support function information acquisition unit 54 acquires information related to the driving support function, thereby determining that the driving support function that accelerates the vehicle 12 is operating. Furthermore, when the vehicle 12 is being decelerated by a brake actuator, the driving support function information acquisition unit 54 acquires information related to the driving support function, thereby determining that the driving support function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is operating.

[0044] The assistance reason display unit 56 displays an image indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated in the display area. In the present embodiment, as an example, the assistance reason display unit 56 is configured to display a predetermined image in the display area V3.

[0045] Furthermore, the assistance reason display unit 56 of this embodiment displays different images at least when the distance to the preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value, when the vehicle is traveling around a curve, when the distance to a traffic light that is lit with a stop light color is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and when the distance to a stop position is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Examples of image display will be described later.

[0046] The mark display unit 58 displays a mark according to the type of driving support function near the image. As an example, the mark display unit 58 of the present embodiment is configured to display a figure surrounding the image as a mark, and to display marks of different shapes according to the type of driving support function.

[0047] In this embodiment, as an example, the mark display unit 58 is configured to display the mark in different positions depending on whether the vehicle is in a manual driving mode in which the driver performs all operations or an automatic driving mode in which at least some operations are performed automatically. Also, the mark display unit 58 is configured to display different marks depending on whether the vehicle is in an active cruise control mode in which the occupant needs to hold the steering wheel or a hands-off mode in which the occupant does not need to hold the steering wheel.

[0048] (Display example) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the display area V3 in the embodiment, and shows a state in which the deceleration support function is operating during manual driving.

[0049] 4, a first image 62 indicating the current speed of the vehicle 12 is displayed in the upper part of the display area V3. The speed of the vehicle 12 is calculated based on a signal detected by a vehicle speed sensor (not shown).

[0050] A second image 64 indicating the current shift position of the vehicle 12 is displayed to the left of the first image 62. In Fig. 4, an image resembling "D" indicating the drive range is displayed as the second image 64.

[0051] A third image 66 that resembles the vehicle is displayed at the bottom of the display area V3. An image that resembles the lane in which the vehicle 12 is traveling is displayed around the third image 66, and is colored in a predetermined color that matches the driving mode. For example, in this embodiment, the road along the lane is displayed in gray.

[0052] A fourth image 68 indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated is displayed between the first image 62 and the third image 66. Specifically, an image of a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the vehicle 12 is displayed as the fourth image 68.

[0053] Moreover, a mark 70 according to the type of driving support function is displayed near the fourth image 68. The mark 70 in this embodiment is displayed as a figure that surrounds the fourth image 68, and is a substantially rectangular figure. Moreover, the mark 70 may be displayed in gray, similar to the road.

[0054] In manual driving mode, the fourth image 68 is displayed in the display area V3 at approximately the same time that the driving assistance function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is activated, allowing the occupant to intuitively understand that deceleration has occurred because the distance to the preceding vehicle has fallen below a predetermined value.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the deceleration assist function is operating during manual driving, similar to FIG.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, a first image 62 showing the current speed of the vehicle 12 is displayed at the top of the display area V3, and a second image 64 showing the current shift position of the vehicle 12 is displayed to the left of the first image 62.

[0057] In addition, a fourth image 68 indicating the reason why the driving support function was activated is displayed below the first image 62. Specifically, an image resembling an arrow indicating a curve is displayed as the fourth image 68. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular mark 70 is displayed so as to surround the fourth image 68.

[0058] In manual driving mode, the fourth image 68 is displayed in the display area V3 at approximately the same time that the driving assistance function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is activated, allowing the occupant to intuitively understand that the vehicle has decelerated due to entering the curve at a relatively high speed.

[0059] 6 shows a state in which the deceleration assist function is operating during manual driving, similar to FIG. 4, and a first image 62, a second image 64, and a third image 66 are similar to those in FIG.

[0060] 6, a fourth image 68 indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated is displayed below the first image 62. Specifically, an image imitating a traffic light with its light on indicating a stop is displayed as the fourth image 68. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular mark 70 is displayed so as to surround the fourth image 68.

[0061] In manual driving mode, the fourth image 68 is displayed in the display area V3 at approximately the same time that the driving assistance function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is activated, allowing the occupant to intuitively understand that deceleration has occurred because the distance to the traffic light that is lit with a stop light color has become less than a predetermined value.

[0062] 7 shows a state in which the deceleration assist function is operating during manual driving, similar to FIG. 4, and a first image 62, a second image 64, and a third image 66 are similar to those in FIG.

[0063] 7, a fourth image 68 indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated is displayed below the first image 62. Specifically, an image resembling a stop sign is displayed as the fourth image 68. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular mark 70 is displayed so as to surround the fourth image 68.

[0064] In manual driving mode, the fourth image 68 is displayed in the display area V3 at approximately the same time that the driving assistance function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is activated, allowing the occupant to intuitively understand that deceleration has occurred because the distance to the stop point has become less than a predetermined value.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the display area V3 in the embodiment, and shows a state in which the deceleration support function is operating during autonomous driving.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, a first image 62 showing the current speed of the vehicle 12 is displayed at the top of the display area V3, and a second image 64 showing the current shift position of the vehicle 12 is displayed to the left of the first image 62.

[0067] A fifth image 63 indicating the set speed of the vehicle 12 is displayed to the right of the first image 62. In this embodiment, the fifth image 63 displays an image indicating that the vehicle speed is set to 80 km / h. Therefore, the vehicle 12 is configured to maintain a speed of 80 km / h without the occupant operating the accelerator pedal when the distance to the preceding vehicle is sufficiently large. The set speed can be changed as needed by the occupant's operation.

[0068] A sixth image 72 showing the preceding vehicle is displayed below the first image 62. In addition, in the sixth image 72, a straight line is drawn below the image of the preceding vehicle, indicating that the system of the vehicle 12 recognizes the preceding vehicle.

[0069] A seventh image 74, which resembles a plurality of lines, is displayed between the sixth image 72 and the third image 66, which represents the vehicle. The number of lines displayed as the seventh image 74 increases or decreases depending on the distance to the vehicle ahead. For example, if the distance to the vehicle ahead decreases, the number of lines displayed as the seventh image 74 decreases.

[0070] In this embodiment, the roads are displayed in green along the lanes, but this is not limiting and the roads may be displayed in a color other than green. It is preferable to change the color of the roads depending on whether the vehicle is in manual driving mode or autonomous driving mode, but the roads may be displayed in the same color.

[0071] An eighth image 76, which simulates a vehicle traveling in the adjacent lane, is displayed to the left of the third image 66. The vehicle 12 is provided with a plurality of sensors capable of detecting the surrounding conditions, and surrounding vehicles detected by these sensors are displayed in the display area V3.

[0072] Here, a ninth image 78 indicating the reason why the driving support function was activated is displayed to the left of the third image 66. Specifically, an image resembling an arrow indicating a curve is displayed as the ninth image 78. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular mark 80 is displayed so as to surround the ninth image 78.

[0073] In the autonomous driving mode, the ninth image 78 is displayed in the display area V3 at approximately the same time that a driving assistance function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is activated, allowing the occupant to intuitively understand that deceleration has occurred due to the vehicle entering a curve at a relatively high speed. Note that in FIG. 8, the eighth image 86 and the ninth image 78 overlap because other vehicles are traveling around the vehicle 12, but if there are no other vehicles traveling, only the ninth image 78 is displayed in the same position. In this way, in this embodiment, an image indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated is displayed in a different position in the manual driving mode and the autonomous driving mode.

[0074] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display area V3 in the embodiment, showing a state in which the deceleration support function is activated during autonomous driving. In FIG. 9, the first image 62, the second image 64, the third image 66, the fifth image 63, the sixth image 72, the seventh image 74, and the eighth image 76 are the same as those in FIG. 8.

[0075] 9, a ninth image 78 indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated is displayed to the left of the third image 66. Specifically, an image resembling a stop sign is displayed as the ninth image 78. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular mark 80 is displayed so as to surround the ninth image 78.

[0076] In the autonomous driving mode, the ninth image 78 is displayed in the display area V3 at approximately the same time that the driving assistance function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is activated, allowing the occupant to intuitively understand that deceleration has occurred because the distance to the stop point has become less than a predetermined value.

[0077] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display area V3 in the embodiment, showing a state in which the deceleration support function is activated during autonomous driving. In FIG. 10, the first image 62, the second image 64, the third image 66, the fifth image 63, the sixth image 72, the seventh image 74, and the eighth image 76 are the same as those in FIG. 8.

[0078] 10, a ninth image 78 indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated is displayed to the left of the third image 66. Specifically, an image imitating a sign indicating a roundabout is displayed as the ninth image 78. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular mark 80 is displayed so as to surround the ninth image 78.

[0079] In the autonomous driving mode, the ninth image 78 is displayed in the display area V3 at approximately the same time that the driving assistance function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is activated, allowing the occupants to intuitively understand that the deceleration has occurred because the vehicle speed entering the roundabout is above a predetermined value.

[0080] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display area V3 in the embodiment, showing a state in which the deceleration support function is activated during autonomous driving. In FIG. 11, the first image 62, the second image 64, the third image 66, the fifth image 63, the sixth image 72, the seventh image 74, and the eighth image 76 are the same as those in FIG. 8.

[0081] 11, a ninth image 78 indicating the reason why the driving assistance function was activated is displayed to the left of the third image 66. Specifically, an image resembling a toll booth is displayed as the ninth image 78. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular mark 80 is displayed surrounding the ninth image 78.

[0082] In the autonomous driving mode, the ninth image 78 is displayed in the display area V3 at approximately the same time that the driving assistance function that decelerates the vehicle 12 is activated, allowing the occupant to intuitively understand that the vehicle has decelerated because the distance to the toll gate has fallen below a predetermined value.

[0083] In the hands-off driving mode, the same displays as those in Figures 8 to 11 are displayed, but the road and the mark 80 may be displayed in different colors. For example, in the general active cruise control mode, the road and the mark 80 may be displayed in green, and in the hands-off driving mode, the road and the mark 80 may be displayed in blue.

[0084] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0085] (Display processing) An example of a display process for displaying a predetermined image on the third display unit 26, which is the projection screen of the head-up display device 46, will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. This display process is executed by the CPU 30 reading a display program from the ROM 32 or storage 36, expanding it in the RAM 34, and executing it.

[0086] In step S102, the CPU 30 acquires the driving mode. Specifically, the CPU 30 acquires information about the driving mode of the vehicle 12 using the function of the driving mode acquisition unit 52.

[0087] The CPU 30 acquires the surrounding conditions in step S104. Specifically, the CPU 30 acquires data relating to the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 12 based on signals from sensors mounted on the vehicle 12.

[0088] In step S106, the CPU 30 determines whether the driving support function is operating. For example, the CPU 30 determines that the driving support function is operating when any of the actuators, such as the steering actuator, accelerator actuator, and brake actuator, is operating based on information acquired from the actuators.

[0089] If the CPU 30 determines in step S106 that the driving support function is operating, the process proceeds to step S108. If the CPU 30 determines in step S106 that the driving support function is not operating, the display process ends.

[0090] In step S108, the CPU 30 determines whether the vehicle 12 is in the manual driving mode. Specifically, if the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the manual driving mode based on the information acquired in step S102, the CPU 30 proceeds to processing in step S112. On the other hand, if the vehicle 12 is in the automatic driving mode, the CPU 30 determines that the vehicle 12 is not in the manual driving mode, and proceeds to processing in step S110.

[0091] If the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the manual driving mode, the CPU 30 displays the fourth image 68 and the mark 70 at a predetermined position in step S112. Specifically, the CPU 30 uses the function of the assistance reason display unit 56 to display the fourth image 68 corresponding to the reason for assistance in the display area V3. The CPU 30 also uses the function of the mark display unit 58 to display the mark 70 corresponding to the type of driving assistance function. In this way, the fourth image 68 and the mark 70 shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 are displayed. Then, the CPU 30 ends the display process.

[0092] On the other hand, if the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the autonomous driving mode, the CPU 30 displays the ninth image 78 and the mark 80 at a predetermined position in step S110. Specifically, the CPU 30 uses the function of the support reason display unit 56 to display the ninth image 78 corresponding to the support reason in the display area V3. The CPU 30 also uses the function of the mark display unit 58 to display the mark 80 corresponding to the type of driving support function. In this way, the ninth image 78 and the mark 80 shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 are displayed. Then, the CPU 30 ends the display process.

[0093] As described above, the vehicle display control system 10 including the vehicle display control device 28 according to this embodiment displays predetermined information in the display areas V1 to V3 around the driver's seat when at least one of the driving support functions, acceleration / deceleration and steering, is activated. Specifically, the support reason display unit 56 displays the fourth image 68 or the ninth image indicating the reason why the driving support function was activated in the display area V3 or the like. This allows the driver to understand the reason why the driving support function was activated by visually checking the image displayed in the display area V3 or the like.

[0094] In this embodiment, the mark display unit 58 displays a mark 70 or a mark 80 according to the type of driving support function near the image, allowing the driver to understand the type of driving support function at a glance.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mark display unit 58 surrounds the image with a figure of a different shape depending on the type of driving support function, so that the occupant can understand the type of driving support function just by looking at the shape of the figure.

[0096] In particular, the mark display unit 58 of this embodiment displays different marks when assisting acceleration, deceleration, and steering of the vehicle, respectively, so that the occupant can know whether acceleration, deceleration, or steering is being assisted just by looking at the marks.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, by displaying different marks for the manual driving mode and the autonomous driving mode, it is possible to know which driving mode the driving assistance function is operating in. In particular, in this embodiment, even in the autonomous driving mode, the active cruise control mode and the hands-off mode are displayed in different colors, so it is easy to know in which driving mode the driving assistance function is operating.

[0098] In this embodiment, the positions of the images and marks are different between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode, so the occupant can understand in which driving mode the driving assistance function is operating simply by checking the position of the mark.

[0099] The above describes the vehicle display control system 10 according to the embodiment, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which a predetermined image is displayed in the display region V3 of the third display unit 26 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a predetermined image is displayed in the display region V1 of the first display unit 24 or the display region V2 of the second display unit 25 may also be adopted.

[0100] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 to 11, a substantially rectangular figure surrounding the ninth image 78 is displayed as the mark 80, but this is not limiting. For example, modified configurations shown in Figures 13 and 14 may be adopted.

[0101] (First Modification) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the display area in the first modified example, showing a state in which the deceleration support function is activated during autonomous driving. As shown in Fig. 13, an image resembling an arrow indicating a curve is displayed as a ninth image 78 indicating the reason why the driving support function is activated. In addition, a circular mark 90 is displayed so as to surround the ninth image 78.

[0102] (Second Modification) Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the display area in the second modified example, showing a state in which the deceleration support function is activated during autonomous driving. As shown in Fig. 14, an image resembling an arrow indicating a curve is displayed as a ninth image 78 indicating the reason why the driving support function is activated. In addition, a triangular mark 90 is displayed surrounding the ninth image 78.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a driving assistance function for deceleration of the vehicle 12 has been described, but similar displays may also be made for driving assistance functions such as acceleration and steering of the vehicle 12. For example, a rectangular mark may be displayed when the type of driving assistance function is deceleration, a circular mark may be displayed when the type of driving assistance function is acceleration, and a triangular mark may be displayed when the type of driving assistance function is steering.

[0104] Furthermore, the color of the mark may be changed during each of deceleration, steering, and acceleration driving assistance. For example, during deceleration driving assistance, the circular mark may be displayed in red, during steering driving assistance, the circular mark may be displayed in a color other than red, such as green, and during acceleration driving assistance, the circular mark may be displayed in a color other than red or green, such as yellow. In this case, the color of the mark's edge is not limited to being changed, and the color within the mark's frame may also be changed.

[0105] Furthermore, even if the mark is the same circular mark, the mark may be displayed in different shapes, such as a double circle, a circle with a thick line, or a circle with a wavy line, depending on the type of driving support function.

[0106] Furthermore, the mark is not limited to a shape surrounding the image. For example, a mark corresponding to the type of driving support function may be displayed adjacent to the image. Specifically, when decelerating, an animated downward arrow may be displayed adjacent to the image as the mark.

[0107] Furthermore, the processing performed by the CPU 30 after reading the program in the above embodiment may be performed by various processors other than the CPU 30. Examples of such processors include programmable logic devices (PLDs) whose circuit configuration can be changed after fabrication, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and dedicated electrical circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to perform specific processing. The processing may be performed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types, such as multiple FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA. The hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0108] In the above embodiment, various data is stored in the storage 36, but this is not limiting. For example, a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory may be used as the storage unit. In this case, various programs and data are stored in these recording media.

[0109] Furthermore, the processing flow described in the above embodiment is an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 28 Vehicle display control device 56 Support reason display section 58 Mark display section 68, 78 images 70, 80 marks V3 display area

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle that displays predetermined information in a display area around a driver's seat when at least one driving support function of acceleration / deceleration and steering is activated, an assistance reason display unit that displays an image indicating a reason why the driving assistance function is activated in the display area; a mark display unit that displays a mark corresponding to a type of driving support function near the image; A display control device for a vehicle.

2. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the mark display unit displays a figure surrounding the image as the mark, and displays marks of different shapes depending on the type of driving support function.

3. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the mark display unit displays different marks when assisting acceleration of the vehicle, when assisting deceleration, and when assisting steering of the vehicle.

4. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the mark display unit displays different marks depending on whether the vehicle is in a manual driving mode in which a driver performs all operations or an automatic driving mode in which at least a part of operations is performed automatically.

5. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the mark display unit displays the mark at different positions depending on whether the vehicle is in a manual driving mode in which a driver performs all operations or an automatic driving mode in which at least a part of operations is performed automatically.

6. 2. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein the assistance reason display unit displays different images at least when the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined value, when the vehicle is traveling around a curve and the distance to a traffic light with its stop light on is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and when the distance to a stop position is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

7. A display control method for a vehicle, which displays predetermined information in a display area around a driver's seat when at least one driving support function of acceleration / deceleration and steering is activated, comprising: displaying an image indicating the reason why the driving support function was activated in the display area; a mark corresponding to a type of driving support function is displayed near the image; A display control method for a vehicle.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of displaying predetermined information in a display area around a driver's seat when at least one driving support function of acceleration / deceleration and steering is activated, displaying an image indicating the reason why the driving support function was activated in the display area; a mark corresponding to a type of driving support function is displayed near the image; A program that causes a computer to carry out processing.

Images