Information processing device, parking assist method, and program

Abstract

To improve a technique for assisting a parking operation of a vehicle.SOLUTION: An information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11 and a display unit 14. The control unit 11 detects a parking space to which a vehicle is parked as a rectangular region having a long side direction and a short side direction and causes the display part to display guide information related to an angle difference between the long side direction of the rectangular region and a vehicle front-back direction on a back view screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a parking support method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to assist the parking operation of a vehicle, a parking support device that guides to a set target parking position is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A parking space for an automobile is demarcated by white lines or the like provided on the road surface, and has a rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-rear direction of the automobile and a lateral direction corresponding to the left-right direction of the automobile. When the front-rear direction of the parked automobile and the longitudinal direction of the parking space are not substantially parallel, there is a possibility that the automobile may not fit within the parking space. In order to fit the automobile within the parking space, it is desirable to park the automobile so that the front-rear direction of the automobile and the longitudinal direction of the parking space are substantially parallel. Thus, there has been room for improvement in the technology for assisting the parking operation of a vehicle.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to improve the technology for assisting the parking operation of a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit and a display unit, and the control unit detects a parking space at the destination of parking as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, Display, on the screen of the back view, guide information regarding the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by the display unit.

[0007] A parking assistance method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a parking assistance method executed by an information processing device, detecting a parking space at a parking destination as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction; displaying, on the screen of the back view, guide information regarding the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and includes.

[0008] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to detect a parking space at a parking destination as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction; display, on the screen of the back view, guide information regarding the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and execute.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the technique for assisting the parking operation of a vehicle is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0012] (Overview of Embodiment) With reference to FIG. 1, an overview of the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle 1 and an information processing device 10 mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0013] The vehicle 1 is, for example, an automobile, but is not limited thereto and may be any vehicle. The automobile is, for example, a gasoline automobile, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or a fuel cell vehicle (FCV), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0014] The information processing device 10 is any device used by the occupants of the vehicle 1. For example, a dedicated in-vehicle device can be adopted as the information processing device 10.

[0015] First, an overview of this embodiment will be described, and details will be described later. The information processing device 10 detects a parking space at the destination of parking as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. Further, the information processing device 10 displays guide information regarding the angle difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the front-rear direction of the vehicle on the screen of the back view.

[0016] Thus, according to this embodiment, the parking space at the destination of parking is detected as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and guide information regarding the angle difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the front-rear direction of the vehicle is presented. Therefore, in terms of being able to provide guide information that can assist in making the front-rear direction of the vehicle and the longitudinal direction of the parking space substantially parallel, the parking operation assistance technology of the vehicle is improved.

[0017] (Configuration of Information Processing Device) Next, each component of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described in detail. The information processing apparatus 10 is an arbitrary apparatus used by a user.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input unit 13, a display unit 14, a communication unit 15, and an imaging unit 16.

[0019] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one dedicated circuit, or a combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or a GPU (graphics processing unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The control unit 11 executes processing related to the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 while controlling each unit of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0020] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM (random access memory) or a ROM (read only memory). The RAM is, for example, an SRAM (static random access memory) or a DRAM (dynamic random access memory). The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory). The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores data used for the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 and data obtained by the operation of the information processing apparatus 10.

[0021] The input unit 13 includes at least one input interface. The input interface is, for example, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, or a touch screen provided integrally with a display. The input interface may also be, for example, a sound sensor that accepts voice input, or a camera that accepts gesture input. The input unit 13 accepts an operation of inputting data used for the operation of the information processing apparatus 10. Instead of being provided in the information processing apparatus 10, the input unit 13 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 10 as an external input device. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (Registered Trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), or Bluetooth (Registered Trademark) can be used.

[0022] The display unit 14 includes at least one display output interface. The output interface is, for example, a display that displays a rear view or the like. The rear view is image information indicating the out-of-vehicle scenery behind the vehicle. The display is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (electro luminescence) display. The display unit 14 displays and outputs data obtained by the operation of the information processing apparatus 10. Instead of being provided in the information processing apparatus 10, the display unit 14 may be connected to the information processing apparatus 10 as an external output device. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (Registered Trademark), or Bluetooth (Registered Trademark) can be used.

[0023] The communication unit 15 is provided with a communication interface for connecting to a network. The communication unit 15 may be provided with a communication interface for connecting to a CAN. The communication interface for connecting to a network corresponds to a mobile communication standard or the like, but is not limited thereto and may correspond to any communication standard. In the present embodiment, an information processing device 10 included in a certain mobile body is wirelessly connected to an information processing device included in another mobile body via the communication unit 15 and the network. The communication unit 15 receives data used for the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the information processing device 10.

[0024] The imaging unit 16 includes an in-vehicle camera that generates an image of the out-of-vehicle scenery behind the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the "image" may be a still image or a moving image. The in-vehicle camera included in the imaging unit 16 may be a monocular camera or a stereo camera. The imaging unit 16 is provided on the vehicle 1 so as to be able to image the out-of-vehicle scenery behind the vehicle 1. By the imaging unit 16 imaging the out-of-vehicle scenery behind the vehicle 1, the above-described back view can be displayed on the display unit 14.

[0025] The functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by executing a program according to the present embodiment by a processor corresponding to the information processing device 10. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operation of the information processing device 10, thereby causing the computer to function as the information processing device 10. That is, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the operation of the information processing device 10 according to the program.

[0026] In this embodiment, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes non-transitory computer-readable media, such as magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or semiconductor memories. The distribution of the program can be carried out, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium such as a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a CD-ROM (compact disc read only memory) on which the program is recorded. Also, the distribution of the program can be carried out by storing the program in the storage of an external server and transmitting the program from the external server to other computers. The program may also be provided as a program product.

[0027] Some or all of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 may be realized by a dedicated circuit corresponding to the control unit 11. That is, some or all of the functions of the information processing apparatus 10 may be realized by hardware.

[0028] (Operation of the information processing apparatus) With reference to FIG. 3, the operation of the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0029] Step S100: The control unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 10 detects the parking space at the destination of parking as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. Any method can be adopted for the detection of the parking space. For example, the detection process of the parking space may be performed by image recognition of the rear image captured by the imaging unit 16.

[0030] Step S200: The control unit 11 displays, on the back view screen by the display unit 14, the guide information regarding the angle difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an example of a user interface 100 including the above guide image. The user interface 100 includes a rectangular area 200 indicating a parking space and guide information 300. The rectangular area 200 is detected based on white lines 210, white lines 220, and parking blocks 230. As described above, the guide information 300 includes information regarding the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. In FIG. 4, the guide information 300 includes that such an angular difference is θ degrees.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 5, such an angular difference is a value determined based on the angle between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area 200 and the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle 1. Specifically, the angular difference is an angle θ formed between an auxiliary line 400 in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area 200 and an auxiliary line 500 in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle 1.

[0033] The guide information 300 may include driving support information indicating a driving operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero. For example, the guide information 300 in FIG. 4 includes, as such driving support information, the direction of a steering operation. Specifically, the guide information 300 in FIG. 4 includes driving support information such as "Please turn the steering wheel to the left". Thereby, the driver can easily perform a driving operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero. Further, the driving support information may include the amount of a steering operation. For example, the driving support information may include information on the angle of turning the steering wheel as the amount of the steering operation.

[0034] As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment detects a parking space to be parked as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and presents guide information regarding the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. Therefore, in terms of being able to provide guide information that can assist such that the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle and the longitudinal direction of the parking space are substantially parallel, the technology for assisting the parking operation of the vehicle is improved.

[0035] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and alterations are included within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each component or each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and it is possible to combine or divide a plurality of components or steps, etc. into one.

[0036] For example, the control unit 11 may predict the movement path during parking and notify the driver to that effect if it determines that a switching operation is necessary.

[0037] Also, for example, the control unit 11 may store the actual movement trajectory during parking and the ideal movement trajectory, and display them on the display unit so that they can be compared afterwards.

[0038] Also, the guidance information may include information regarding the difference between the center of the rectangular area and the center of the vehicle. Thereby, it is possible to assist the driver's parking operation such that the vehicle fits within the center of the rectangular area.

[0039] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be exemplified below. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. [Appendix 1] An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit and a display unit, wherein the control unit detects a parking space to be parked as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and displays guide information regarding the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the screen of the rear view by the display unit information processing apparatus. [Appendix 2] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the control unit displays driving assistance information indicating a driving operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero on the display unit. [Appendix 3] The information processing apparatus according to Appendix 2, wherein the driving assistance information includes the direction of a steering operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero. [Appendix 4] The driving support information includes the amount of steering operation for bringing the angle difference closer to zero, and the information processing apparatus according to Appendix 2 or 3. [Appendix 5] The control unit predicts a moving path during parking and, when it determines that a switching operation is necessary, notifies the driver to that effect, and the information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4. [Appendix 6] The control unit stores the actual moving trajectory and the ideal moving trajectory during parking and displays them in a comparable manner afterwards by the display unit, and the information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5. [Appendix 7] The guidance information includes information regarding the difference between the center of the rectangular area and the center of the vehicle, and the information processing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6. [Appendix 8] A parking support method executed by an information processing apparatus, detecting a parking space to be parked as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, displaying guidance information regarding the angle difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on a rear view screen, and a parking support method including the above. [Appendix 9] The parking support method according to Appendix 8, further including displaying driving support information indicating a driving operation for bringing the angle difference closer to zero. [Appendix 10] The driving support information includes the direction of the steering operation for bringing the angle difference closer to zero, and the parking support method according to Appendix 9. [Appendix 11] The driving support information includes the amount of the steering operation for bringing the angle difference closer to zero, and the parking support method according to Appendix 9 or 10. [Appendix 12] The parking support method according to any one of Appendices 8 to 11, further including predicting a moving path during parking and notifying the driver to that effect when it is determined that a switching operation is necessary. [Appendix 13] The parking assistance method according to any one of Appendices 8 to 12, which stores the actual movement trajectory and the ideal movement trajectory during parking and displays them in a comparable manner afterwards. [Appendix 14] The parking assistance method according to any one of Appendices 8 to 13, wherein the guidance information includes information regarding the difference between the center of the rectangular area and the center of the vehicle. [Appendix 15] A program for causing a computer to detect a parking space to be parked in as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and display guidance information regarding the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the rear view screen. and execute. [Appendix 16] The program according to Appendix 15, further including displaying driving assistance information indicating a driving operation for approaching the angular difference to zero. [Appendix 17] The program according to Appendix 16, wherein the driving assistance information includes the direction of a steering operation for approaching the angular difference to zero. [Appendix 18] The program according to Appendix 16 or 17, wherein the driving assistance information includes the amount of a steering operation for approaching the angular difference to zero. [Appendix 19] The program according to any one of Appendices 15 to 18, further including predicting a movement path during parking and notifying the driver to that effect when it is determined that a switching operation is necessary. [Appendix 20] The program according to any one of Appendices 15 to 19, which stores the actual movement trajectory and the ideal movement trajectory during parking and displays them in a comparable manner afterwards.

Explanation of Signs

[0040] 1 Vehicle 10 Information processing device 11 Control unit 12 Storage unit 13 Input unit 14 Display unit 15 Communication unit 16 Imaging unit 100 User interface 200 Rectangular area 210, 220 White lines 230 Parking block 300 Guide information 400, 500 Auxiliary lines

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising a control unit and a display unit, wherein the control unit detects a parking space at a destination as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and causes the display unit to display, on a rear view screen, guide information regarding an angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display driving support information indicating a driving operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the driving support information includes a direction of a steering operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the driving support information includes an amount of a steering operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit predicts a movement path during parking and, when it is determined that a switching operation is necessary, notifies the driver to that effect.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores an actual movement locus and an ideal movement locus during parking and causes the display unit to display them in a manner that enables comparison afterwards.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide information includes information regarding a difference between the center of the rectangular area and the center of the vehicle.

8. A parking support method executed by an information processing apparatus, the method including: detecting a parking space at a destination as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction; and displaying, on a rear view screen, guide information regarding an angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

9. The parking support method according to claim 8, further including displaying driving support information indicating a driving operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero.

10. The parking support method according to claim 9, wherein the driving support information includes a direction of a steering operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero.

11. The parking support method according to claim 10, wherein the driving support information includes an amount of a steering operation for bringing the angular difference closer to zero.

12. The parking support method according to claim 8, further including predicting a movement path during parking and, when it is determined that a switching operation is necessary, notifying the driver to that effect.

13. The parking support method according to claim 8, including storing an actual movement locus and an ideal movement locus during parking and displaying them in a manner that enables comparison afterwards.

14. ​ ​ The parking support method according to claim 8, wherein the guide information includes information regarding the difference between the center of the rectangular area and the center of the vehicle.

15. A program that causes a computer to detect a parking space to park in as a rectangular area having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and display guide information regarding the angular difference between the longitudinal direction of the rectangular area and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on a rear view screen.

16. The program according to claim 15, further including displaying driving support information indicating a driving operation for making the angular difference approach zero.

17. The program according to claim 16, wherein the driving support information includes the direction of a steering operation for making the angular difference approach zero.

18. The program according to claim 17, wherein the driving support information includes the amount of a steering operation for making the angular difference approach zero.

19. The program according to claim 15, further including predicting a movement path during parking and, when it is determined that a switching operation is necessary, notifying the driver to that effect.

20. The program according to claim 15, which stores an actual movement locus during parking and an ideal movement locus and displays them so that they can be compared afterwards.

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