Display control method and display control device

Abstract

To provide a display control method and a display control device which can inhibit an operator from being slow to notice tailgating of a subsequent vehicle.SOLUTION: In a case that a size of a subsequent vehicle V2 in an image displayed on a display device 13 installed in a vehicle cabin is adjusted according to a vehicular gap between a vehicle V1 and a subsequent vehicle V2, when it is determined that the subsequent vehicle V2 tailgates, the size of the subsequent vehicle V2 displayed on the image is not adjusted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display control method and a display control device for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an image display device that generates a cut-out image according to an angle-of-view value from a rear image captured by a camera that captures the rear of a vehicle, and generates a display image adjusted to the size of the display area from the cut-out image (Patent Document 1). The angle-of-view value indicates the size of the cut-out image with respect to the size of the rear image, and is set based on the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the following vehicle so that the size of the following vehicle in the display image is equal to the size of the following vehicle reflected in the mirror that reflects the rear of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above prior art, when a driver of a following vehicle performs a driving operation (so-called intimidating driving) that gives a sense of intimidation to the passengers of the vehicle, such as abnormal approaching to the vehicle or repeated acceleration and deceleration, the driver of the vehicle may be delayed in noticing the intimidating driving of the following vehicle due to the adjustment of the display image.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display control method and a display control device that can suppress the driver from being delayed in noticing the intimidating driving of the following vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] When adjusting the size of the following vehicle in the image displayed on the display device installed in the vehicle interior according to the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the following vehicle, if it is determined that the following vehicle is engaging in tailgating, the above problem is solved by not adjusting the size of the following vehicle displayed in the image.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the driver from being slow to notice the tailgating of the following vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 3C

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "provided in a vehicle" shall include "mounted on a vehicle", "installed in a vehicle", and "attached to a vehicle".

[0010] [Configuration of Display Control Device] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an embodiment of a display control device according to the present invention. The display control device is a group of devices that controls the display of a display device provided in a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, the display control device 1 includes an imaging device 11, a distance measuring device 12, a display device 13, and a controller 20. These devices are connected by a CAN (Controller Area Network) or other in-vehicle LAN and can exchange information with each other.

[0011] The imaging device 11 is a device that images objects around the vehicle, such as a camera equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD, or a camera such as an infrared camera. The distance measuring device 12 is a device that detects the relative distance, relative speed, etc. between the vehicle and the object, such as a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar, or a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) unit. In order to reduce blind spots where objects cannot be detected, a plurality of the imaging device 11 and the distance measuring device 12 are provided at the front, rear, sides, etc. of the vehicle.

[0012] The objects detected by the imaging device 11 and the distance measuring device 12 are objects existing on the road and its surroundings, including road lane boundaries, center lines, road surface markings, median strips, guardrails, curbs, road signs, traffic signals, etc. In addition, the objects include obstacles that can affect the running of the vehicle, such as other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

[0013] The detection results of the imaging device 11 and the distance measurement device 12 are acquired by the controller 20 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 0.1 to 1 millisecond) as necessary. The controller 20 recognizes the objects around the vehicle and the driving environment of the vehicle from the acquired detection results. Further, the controller 20 may integrate or synthesize (so-called sensor fusion) the detection results of the imaging device 11 and the distance measurement device 12.

[0014] The display device 13 is a device that provides information to the vehicle occupants. For example, it is a liquid crystal display provided on the instrument panel. The display device 13 may be provided with an input device for the vehicle occupants to input instructions to the controller 20. Examples of the input device include a touch panel and a switch. Further, the display device 13 may be an electronic mirror installed in the vehicle interior and displaying an image of the rear of the vehicle acquired from the imaging device 11. The electronic mirror is installed, for example, at the upper center of the vehicle windshield instead of a conventional rearview mirror.

[0015] The controller 20 controls the display of the display device 13 by causing the devices constituting the display control device 1 to cooperate. The controller 20 is, for example, a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) storing a program, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) functioning as an accessible storage device. The CPU executes the program stored in the ROM and is an operation circuit for realizing the functions of the controller 20. Note that the controller 20 may be provided outside the vehicle.

[0016] [Functions of the Controller] A program for controlling the display of the display device 13 (hereinafter also referred to as display control) is stored in the ROM of the controller 20, and the CPU of the controller 20 executes the program to perform display control. In FIG. 1, an acquisition unit 21, a generation unit 22, and an output unit 23 are extracted and shown for convenience as functional blocks for performing display control.

[0017] The acquisition unit 21 acquires image information from the imaging device 11 and outputs it to the generation unit 22. The generation unit 22 generates a display image (hereinafter also simply referred to as an image) to be displayed on the display device 13 based on the image information input from the acquisition unit 21, and outputs it to the output unit 23. The output unit 23 outputs the display image input from the generation unit 22 to the display device 13 for display.

[0018] Figure 2 is a plan view showing an example of a driving scene in which the display control device 1 executes display control. The road shown in Figure 2 has a left lane L1 defined by lane boundary lines C1 and C2, a center lane L2 defined by lane boundary lines C2 and C3, and a right lane L3 defined by lane boundary lines C3 and C4. Also, it is assumed that the vehicle traveling on the road shown in Figure 2 travels from the left side to the right side of the drawing.

[0019] In the scene shown in Figure 2, the host vehicle V1 travels at the position P1 in the center lane L2, and the following vehicle V2 of the host vehicle V1 travels at the position P2 behind the position P1 in the center lane L2. It is assumed that the host vehicle V1 shown in Figure 2 includes a controller 20 and an electronic mirror as the display device 13 installed in the vehicle interior. The electronic mirror is assumed to be installed at the upper center of the windshield of the host vehicle V1. Also, it is assumed that a wide-angle camera (imaging device 11) for imaging the rear of the host vehicle V1 is provided at the upper center of the rear glass of the host vehicle V1. In the following description, the host vehicle V1 is also simply referred to as the vehicle.

[0020] The viewing angle α shown in Figure 2 indicates the imaging range (so-called horizontal viewing angle) of the wide-angle camera when the host vehicle V1 is viewed in plan view. That is, the wide-angle camera images an object in the range defined by the boundaries A1 and A2 (specifically, the range corresponding to the inferior angle formed by the directions of the boundary A1 and the boundary A2). The wide-angle camera has a viewing angle α within a predetermined range (for example, 40° to 120°) corresponding to the horizontal size of the imaging element, and the controller 20 controls the viewing angle α within the range from the minimum viewing angle to the maximum viewing angle of the wide-angle camera. Note that the imaging range (so-called vertical viewing angle) of the wide-angle camera when the host vehicle V1 is viewed from the side is a viewing angle corresponding to the vertical size of the imaging element of the wide-angle camera.

[0021] In the scene shown in FIG. 2, the acquisition unit 21 acquires image information from the above-described wide-angle camera and outputs it to the generation unit 22. The generation unit 22 cuts out a part of the image acquired from the wide-angle camera according to the size of the display portion of the electronic mirror, and generates a display image to be displayed on the electronic mirror. The output unit 23 outputs the display image generated by the generation unit 22 to the electronic mirror and displays it on the display portion of the electronic mirror. Thereby, the occupant of the host vehicle V1 can check the rear of the host vehicle V1 based on the image displayed on the electronic mirror.

[0022] The generation unit 22 cuts out a part of the image acquired from the wide-angle camera so that an image similar to the image (mirror image) formed on the rearview mirror attached at the same position as the electronic mirror is generated. The cut-out range cut out by the generation unit 22 from the image acquired from the wide-angle camera is preset based on the installation position of the electronic mirror, the installation position of the wide-angle camera, the viewing angle α of the wide-angle camera, etc.

[0023] The image in the rearview mirror attached to the upper center of the windshield of the host vehicle V1 includes objects in the range defined by the boundaries B1 and B2 corresponding to the viewing angle β shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, since the viewing angle α of the wide-angle camera is larger than the viewing angle β of the rearview mirror and the position of the wide-angle camera is behind the position of the electronic mirror (rearview mirror), there is a deviation between the imaging range of the wide-angle camera and the range included in the image of the rearview mirror. Therefore, the size of the object existing at the same position appears different in the image acquired by the wide-angle camera and the image of the rearview mirror.

[0024] As an example, the object existing at the position P3 appears larger in the image acquired by the wide-angle camera than in the image of the rearview mirror. In the image acquired by the wide-angle camera, among the objects existing at the position P3, those in the range W1 are displayed. On the other hand, in the image of the rearview mirror, among the objects existing at the position P3, those in the range W2 are included in the image. Since the range W1 is narrower than the range W2, when the image acquired from the wide-angle camera and the image of the rearview mirror are made the same size, the object existing at the position P3 is displayed relatively large.

[0025] In the driving scene shown in FIG. 2, when the following vehicle V2 is traveling at position P3, the image G1 shown in FIG. 3A is acquired by the wide-angle camera. The generation unit 22 cuts out a predetermined cutout range Ma from the image G1 shown in FIG. 3A and generates a display image shown in FIG. 3B. The image shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the electronic mirror of the host vehicle V. On the other hand, in the same case as FIG. 3A, an image shown in FIG. 3C is reflected on the rearview mirror M attached at the same position as the electronic mirror. At position P3, since the range (range W1) imaged by the wide-angle camera is narrower than the range (range W2) reflected on the rearview mirror M, the following vehicle V2 traveling at position P3 will be displayed larger on the electronic mirror.

[0026] As another example, the object existing at position P4 appears smaller in the image acquired by the wide-angle camera than in the image of the rearview mirror. In the image acquired by the wide-angle camera, among the objects existing at position P4, those in range W3 are displayed. On the other hand, in the image of the rearview mirror, among the objects existing at position P4, those in range W4 are included in the image. Since range W3 is wider than range W4, when the image acquired from the wide-angle camera and the image of the rearview mirror are made the same size, the object existing at position P4 will be displayed relatively smaller.

[0027] In the driving scene shown in FIG. 2, when the following vehicle V2 is traveling at position P4, the image G2 shown in FIG. 4A is acquired by the wide-angle camera. The generation unit 22 cuts out a predetermined cutout range Ma from the image G2 shown in FIG. 4A and generates a display image shown in FIG. 4B. The image shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the electronic mirror of the host vehicle V. On the other hand, in the same case as FIG. 4A, an image shown in FIG. 4C is reflected on the rearview mirror M attached at the same position as the electronic mirror. At position P4, since the range (range W3) imaged by the wide-angle camera is wider than the range (range W4) reflected on the rearview mirror M, the following vehicle V2 traveling at position P4 will be displayed smaller on the electronic mirror.

[0028] Therefore, in order to suppress the discomfort of the occupants of the host vehicle V1 caused by the size of the object in the electronic mirror appearing different from that of the rearview mirror, the generation unit 22 adjusts the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the display image according to the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2. The generation unit 22 determines whether the following vehicle V2 exists based on the image acquired by the imaging device 11 (for example, the above-mentioned wide-angle camera) and the information on the distance to the object acquired from the distance measuring device 12. When it is determined that the following vehicle V2 exists, the generation unit 22 calculates the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 from the detection result of the distance measuring device 12.

[0029] Note that the following vehicle V2 does not necessarily have to be traveling in the same lane as the host vehicle V1. For example, in the driving scene shown in FIG. 2, the following vehicle V2 is traveling in the center lane L2 like the host vehicle V1, but it may also be traveling in the left lane L1 or the right lane L3.

[0030] When the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 is less than the first predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 executes a first process of reducing the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the display image. On the other hand, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined distance, which is longer than the first predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 executes a second process of increasing the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the display image. Also, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined distance and less than the second predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 does not execute the first process and the second process.

[0031] The first predetermined distance is set based on the position where the range in which the object is displayed in the image acquired by the imaging device 11 (for example, the above-mentioned wide-angle camera) and the range in which the object is included in the image of the rearview mirror match, and is, for example, 2 to 4 m. In the driving scene shown in FIG. 2, at the position Px, since the range in which the object is displayed in the image acquired by the wide-angle camera and the range in which the object is included in the image of the rearview mirror match, the distance D1 from the position Pa corresponding to the rear end of the host vehicle V1 to the position Px is set as the first predetermined distance. On the other hand, the second predetermined distance can be set to an appropriate value within the range that can suppress the discomfort of the occupant of the host vehicle V1 described above, and is, for example, 10 to 20 m. In the driving scene shown in FIG. 2, the distance D2 from the position Pa to the position Pb is set as the second predetermined distance.

[0032] The first process for reducing the size of the following vehicle V2 is not particularly limited. Examples of the first process include increasing the angle of view α of the wide-angle camera, reducing and cropping the image acquired from the wide-angle camera, and complementing the difference between the ranges W1 and W2 shown in FIG. 2 by image processing. Similarly, the second process for increasing the size of the following vehicle V2 is not particularly limited. Examples of the second process include reducing the angle of view α of the wide-angle camera and enlarging and cropping the image acquired from the wide-angle camera.

[0033] In the scene shown in FIG. 2, since the distance D3 from the position Pa to the position Pc corresponding to the front end of the following vehicle V2 is shorter than the distance D1, the generation unit 22 executes the first process to reduce the size of the following vehicle V2 in the display image. However, when the following vehicle V2 is intentionally approaching the host vehicle V1, in order for the occupant (especially the driver) of the host vehicle V1 to recognize the approach of the following vehicle V2, it is preferable not to execute the first process and to display the following vehicle V2 large in the electronic mirror. Therefore, when the generation unit 22 of the present embodiment determines that the following vehicle V2 is performing a threatening driving (so-called provoking driving) that gives a sense of intimidation to the occupant of the host vehicle V1, exceptionally, the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the image is not adjusted.

[0034] Specifically, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 is less than a first predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 determines whether the following vehicle V2 is performing reckless driving. When it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is not performing reckless driving, the generation unit 22 executes a first process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing reckless driving, the generation unit 22 does not execute the first process. In this case, the generation unit 22 outputs a predetermined range (cut-out range Ma) of the image acquired from the imaging device 11 to the output unit 23 as a display image as it is.

[0035] Further, when the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 may determine whether the following vehicle V2 is performing reckless driving. When it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is not performing reckless driving, the generation unit 22 executes a second process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing reckless driving, the generation unit 22 does not execute the second process. In this case, the generation unit 22 outputs a predetermined range (cut-out range Ma) of the image acquired from the imaging device 11 to the output unit 23 as a display image as it is.

[0036] The generation unit 22 determines that the following vehicle V2 is performing reckless driving when at least one of the following conditions is detected: for example, the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 continues to be less than a third predetermined distance for a predetermined time or more (condition 1); the following vehicle V2 repeatedly accelerates and decelerates with an acceleration of a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined value (condition 2); the following vehicle V2 is driving in a serpentine manner (condition 3); the following vehicle V2 repeatedly performs passing using its headlights (condition 4); and the siren of the following vehicle V2 repeatedly operates (condition 5).

[0037] Regarding Condition 1, the third predetermined distance can be set to an appropriate distance within the range where the occupant of the host vehicle V1 feels intimidation from the following vehicle V2. For example, it is the same distance as the first predetermined distance. The predetermined time can be set to an appropriate time within the range where the occupant of the host vehicle V1 can recognize the aggressive driving of the following vehicle V2. For example, it is 5 to 30 seconds. The generation unit 22 calculates the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 from the detection result of the distance measuring device 12. When the inter-vehicle distance becomes less than the third predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 measures the duration for which the inter-vehicle distance less than the third predetermined distance continues using the clock information of the controller 20.

[0038] In addition, the generation unit 22 changes the third predetermined distance and the predetermined time according to the vehicle speed and driving environment of the host vehicle V1. For example, when traffic congestion occurs on the road where the host vehicle V1 is traveling, the third predetermined distance is set relatively short and the predetermined time is set relatively long. On the other hand, when there are no vehicles other than the following vehicle V2 around the host vehicle V1, the third predetermined distance is set relatively long and the predetermined time is set relatively short. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an erroneous determination that the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving.

[0039] Regarding Condition 2, the predetermined value of the magnitude of the acceleration can be set to an appropriate value within the range where the occupant of the host vehicle V1 feels anxiety about being rear-ended by the following vehicle V2. For example, it is 0.4 to 1 m / s 2 2. The magnitude of the acceleration of the following vehicle V2 is calculated from the detection result of the distance measuring device 12. As an example, when the following vehicle V2 repeatedly accelerates and decelerates a plurality of times (for example, 2 to 5 times) with an acceleration of a magnitude equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the generation unit 22 determines that the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving.

[0040] Regarding Condition 3, for example, when the following vehicle V2 crosses the lane boundary line a plurality of times, the generation unit 22 determines that the following vehicle V2 is driving in a serpentine manner. In addition, the generation unit 22 determines whether the detected driving operation of the following vehicle V2 corresponds to a preset serpentine driving pattern. When it is determined that the driving operation of the following vehicle V2 corresponds to the serpentine driving pattern, the generation unit 22 may also determine that the following vehicle V2 is driving in a serpentine manner.

[0041] For example, in the driving scene shown in FIG. 2, when it is detected that the following vehicle V2 has straddled the lane boundary lines C2 and C3 a plurality of times (for example, 2 to 5 times), the generation unit 22 determines that the following vehicle V2 is driving in a zigzag manner. Note that straddling the lane boundary line means that, in the driving scene shown in FIG. 2, at least one of the front wheels of the following vehicle V2 has moved on the lane boundary lines C2 and C3, and at least a part of the vehicle body of the following vehicle V2 has entered the left lane L1 or the right lane L3.

[0042] Regarding condition 4, the generation unit 22 determines whether the headlight of the following vehicle V2 is in the high beam state or the low beam state from the image of the rear of the vehicle acquired from the imaging device 11. When it is determined that the high beam state and the low beam state have switched back and forth a plurality of times (for example, 2 to 5 times), the generation unit 22 determines that the following vehicle V2 is repeatedly passing. Further, when the headlight of the following vehicle V2 is in the high beam state continuously for a predetermined time or more, the generation unit 22 may determine that the following vehicle V2 is driving aggressively.

[0043] Regarding condition 5, the generation unit 22 acquires audio data from a microphone (not shown) provided in the vehicle, and detects the sound of the siren (horn) of the following vehicle V2 from the audio data by frequency analysis. When the sound of the siren is detected repeatedly a plurality of times (for example, 2 to 5 times), the generation unit 22 determines that the driver of the following vehicle V2 is repeatedly operating the siren. Note that the installation position of the microphone may be inside the vehicle compartment or outside the vehicle.

[0044] In the driving scene shown in FIG. 2, the distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 is the distance D3, which is shorter than the distance D1 corresponding to the first predetermined distance. Therefore, when the state where the inter-vehicle distance is the distance D3 continues for a predetermined time or more, the positional relationship between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 satisfies condition 1, and the generation unit 22 determines that the following vehicle V2 is driving aggressively.

[0045] When it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving, the generation unit 22 may maintain the viewing angle α of the display image (that is, the viewing angle α of the imaging device 11). At the same time, the output unit 23 may output the display image to a storage medium (not shown) and store it in the storage medium. The storage medium is not particularly limited, and examples include in-vehicle non-volatile memories and hard disks of servers provided outside the vehicle.

[0046] [Processing in the display control device] The procedure when the controller 20 processes information will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure executed in the display control device 1, and the processing described below is executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 0.1 to 1 millisecond) by a processor (CPU) provided in the controller 20.

[0047] First, in step S1, the acquisition unit 21 determines whether or not the following vehicle V2 exists based on the detection results of the imaging device 11 and the distance measuring device 12. If it is determined that the following vehicle V2 does not exist, the acquisition unit 21 repeats step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined that the following vehicle V2 exists, the acquisition unit 21 proceeds to step S2.

[0048] In step S2, the generation unit 22 calculates the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 from the detection result of the distance measuring device 12, and determines whether or not the calculated inter-vehicle distance is less than a first predetermined distance. If it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance is less than the first predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 proceeds to step S3 and executes aggressive driving determination processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or greater than the first predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 proceeds to step S7.

[0049] In step S7, the generation unit 22 determines whether or not the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined distance. If it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or greater than the second predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 proceeds to step S8 and executes the same aggressive driving determination processing as in step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance is less than the second predetermined distance, the generation unit 22 proceeds to step S6, which will be described later.

[0050] In step S4, the generation unit 22 determines whether the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving. If it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving, the generation unit 22 proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is not performing aggressive driving, the generation unit 22 proceeds to step S5, executes the first process to generate a display image, and outputs it to the output unit 23. In the subsequent step S6, the output unit 23 outputs the display image to the display device 13 and causes it to be displayed on the display portion of the display device 13. Then, the execution of the routine ends.

[0051] On the other hand, in step S9, similar to step S4, the generation unit 22 determines whether the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving. If it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving, the generation unit 22 proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is not performing aggressive driving, the generation unit 22 proceeds to step S10, executes the second process to generate a display image, and outputs it to the output unit 23. Then, it proceeds to step S6.

[0052] In step S11, the generation unit 22 maintains the viewing angle α of the imaging device 11. In the subsequent step S12, the output unit 23 outputs the display image to a storage medium (not shown) and stores it. In the subsequent step S13, the generation unit 22 generates a display image without executing the first process and the second process, and outputs it to the output unit 23. Then, it proceeds to step S6.

[0053] Next, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the subroutine of steps S3 and S8 in FIG. 5. Note that in the process shown in FIG. 6, information is stored using a storage medium (not shown).

[0054] First, in step S21, the generation unit 22 stores the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2. In the subsequent step S22, the generation unit 22 stores the acceleration of the following vehicle V2 detected by the distance measuring device 12. In the subsequent step S23, the generation unit 22 stores the number of times the following vehicle V2 has entered an adjacent lane to the lane in which the host vehicle V1 is traveling. The entry of the following vehicle V2 into the adjacent lane is determined from the image acquired by the imaging device 11.

[0055] In the subsequent step S24, the generation unit 22 detects the direction of the headlight of the following vehicle V2 from the image acquired by the imaging device 11 and stores the number of times the following vehicle V2 has passed. In the subsequent step S25, the generation unit 22 analyzes the sound acquired from a microphone (not shown) provided in the host vehicle V1 to detect the sound of the siren of the following vehicle V2 and stores the number of times the siren of the following vehicle V2 has operated. Then, in step S26, the generation unit 22 determines whether the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving from the stored information. Specifically, it is determined whether the above-mentioned conditions 1 to 5 are satisfied.

[0056] [Embodiment of the present invention] According to this embodiment, in a display control method for a vehicle V1 including a controller 20 and a display device 13 installed in the vehicle interior, the display device 13 images the rear of the vehicle V1 and displays an image acquired from the imaging device 11 mounted on the vehicle V1. When the controller 20 adjusts the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the image according to the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 of the vehicle V1, when it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing aggressive driving, the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the image is not adjusted, and a display control method is provided. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the driver of the host vehicle V1 from being slow to notice the aggressive driving of the following vehicle V2.

[0057] In the display control method of this embodiment, when the inter-vehicle distance is less than a first predetermined distance, the controller 20 determines whether the following vehicle V2 is performing the provocative driving. When it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is not performing the provocative driving, the controller 20 executes a first process of reducing the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the image. When it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing the provocative driving, the controller 20 does not execute the first process. Accordingly, the first process can be made not to be executed only when the following vehicle V2 is performing the provocative driving.

[0058] In the display control method of this embodiment, when the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or greater than a second predetermined distance that is longer than the first predetermined distance, the controller 20 determines whether the following vehicle V2 is performing the provocative driving. When it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is not performing the provocative driving, the controller 20 executes a second process of increasing the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the image. When it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing the provocative driving, the controller 20 does not execute the second process. Accordingly, the second process can be made not to be executed only when the following vehicle V2 is performing the provocative driving.

[0059] In the display control method of this embodiment, when the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or greater than the first predetermined distance and less than the second predetermined distance, the controller 20 does not execute the first process and the second process. Accordingly, unnecessary execution of the first process and the second process can be avoided.

[0060] In the display control method of this embodiment, when at least one of the following conditions is detected: the inter-vehicle distance has been continuously less than a third predetermined distance for a predetermined time or more; the following vehicle V2 repeatedly accelerates and decelerates with an acceleration of a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined value; the following vehicle V2 is traveling in a serpentine manner; the following vehicle V2 repeatedly performs passing using the headlamp; and the siren of the following vehicle V2 repeatedly operates, the controller 20 determines that the following vehicle V2 is performing the provocative driving. Accordingly, the provocative driving of the following vehicle V2 can be determined more accurately.

[0061] In the display control method of the present embodiment, when the controller 20 determines that the following vehicle V2 is performing the provoking driving, the controller 20 maintains the angle of view of the image and stores the image in a storage medium. Thereby, an image of the provoking driving of the following vehicle V2 can be automatically saved.

[0062] Further, according to the present embodiment, there is provided a display control device 1 for the vehicle V1, which includes a controller 20 and a display device 13 installed in the vehicle interior. The display device 13 images the rear of the vehicle V1 and displays an image acquired from an imaging device 11 mounted on the vehicle V1. When the controller 20 adjusts the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the image according to the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle V1 and the following vehicle V2 of the vehicle V1, when it is determined that the following vehicle V2 is performing the provoking driving, the controller 20 does not adjust the size of the following vehicle V2 displayed in the image. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the driver of the own vehicle V1 from being slow to notice the provoking driving of the following vehicle V2.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1... Display control device 11... Imaging device, 12... Distance measuring device, 13... Display device 20... Controller, 21... Acquisition unit, 22... Generation unit, 23... Output unit A1, A2, B1, B2... Boundaries, C1, C2, C3, C4... Lane boundary lines, D1, D2, D3... Distances, G1, G2... Images, M... Rearview mirror, Ma... Cutout range, P1, P2, P3, P4, Pa, Pb, Pc, Px... Positions, L1... Left lane, L2... Central lane, L3... Right lane, V1... Own vehicle (vehicle), V2... Following vehicle, W1, W2, W3, W4... Ranges, α, β... Angles of view

Claims

1. In a display control method for a vehicle including a controller and a display device installed in a vehicle interior, the display device captures an image of the rear of the vehicle and displays an image acquired from an imaging device mounted on the vehicle, when the controller adjusts the size of the following vehicle displayed in the image according to the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the following vehicle, if it is determined that the following vehicle is performing reckless driving, the controller does not adjust the size of the following vehicle displayed in the image. A display control method.

2. The controller, when the inter-vehicle distance is less than a first predetermined distance, determines whether the following vehicle is performing reckless driving, when it is determined that the following vehicle is not performing reckless driving, executes a first process of reducing the size of the following vehicle displayed in the image, when it is determined that the following vehicle is performing reckless driving, does not execute the first process. The display control method according to Claim 1.

3. The controller, when the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or greater than a second predetermined distance that is longer than the first predetermined distance, determines whether the following vehicle is performing reckless driving, when it is determined that the following vehicle is not performing reckless driving, executes a second process of increasing the size of the following vehicle displayed in the image, when it is determined that the following vehicle is performing reckless driving, does not execute the second process. The display control method according to Claim 2.

4. When the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or greater than the first predetermined distance and less than the second predetermined distance, the controller does not execute the first process and the second process. The display control method according to Claim 3.

5. When at least one of the following is detected: the inter-vehicle distance continues to be less than a third predetermined distance for a predetermined time or more; the following vehicle repeatedly accelerates and decelerates with an acceleration of a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined value; the following vehicle is driving in a serpentine manner; the following vehicle repeatedly performs passing using its headlamps; the siren of the following vehicle repeatedly operates, the controller determines that the following vehicle is performing reckless driving. The display control method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. The display control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the controller determines that the subsequent vehicle is performing the provoking driving, the controller maintains the angle of view of the image and stores the image in a storage medium.

7. A vehicle display control device comprising: a controller; and a display device installed in a vehicle interior. The display device captures an image of the rear of the vehicle and displays an image acquired from an imaging device mounted on the vehicle. When the controller adjusts the size of the subsequent vehicle displayed in the image according to the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a subsequent vehicle of the vehicle, and determines that the subsequent vehicle is performing the provoking driving, the controller does not adjust the size of the subsequent vehicle displayed in the image.

Images