Display control apparatus and control method

Abstract

To provide a display control apparatus capable of reducing incompatibility caused by a difference in appearance of a drawing between a plurality of display devices.SOLUTION: A display control apparatus 18 comprises: a control section 42 which generates a plurality of drawings so as to interlock a relative positional relation between a vehicle 4 and the drawing in each of a plurality of display targets among a first display device 6, a second display device 8, a third display device 10 and a fourth display device 12; and an output section 44 which outputs the plurality of drawings generated by the control section 42 to the first display device 6, the second display device 8, the third display device 10 and the fourth display device 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device for controlling a plurality of display devices mounted on a vehicle and a control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] A display control device is known that displays bird's-eye images of a vehicle and its surroundings, generated based on the images captured by multiple cameras positioned on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle, on multiple displays mounted on the vehicle with the same aspect ratio (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-4397 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional display control device described above, when a drawn object is displayed superimposed on a bird's-eye view image, the driver may feel uncomfortable due to the difference in how the drawn object appears between the multiple displays.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a display control device and a control method that can reduce the sense of discomfort that arises due to differences in how drawn objects appear among multiple display devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a display control device for controlling a plurality of display devices mounted on a vehicle, which display a plurality of drawn objects superimposed on a plurality of display objects showing the surroundings of the vehicle, and includes a control unit that generates the drawn objects so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn objects on each of the plurality of display objects between the plurality of display devices, and an output unit that outputs the drawn objects generated by the control unit to each of the plurality of display devices.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), or may be realized as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to a display control device and the like according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort that arises due to differences in how drawn objects appear among multiple display devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display control system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing examples of displays on a first display device, a second display device, and a third display device. [Figure 3] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing examples of displays on a first display device and a fourth display device. [Figure 4] 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit of the display control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual three-dimensional space. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the display control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit of a display control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit of a display control device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Technology 1) A display control device for controlling a plurality of display devices mounted on a vehicle, each displaying a plurality of drawn objects superimposed on a plurality of display objects that indicate the surroundings of the vehicle, the display control device comprising: a control unit that generates the drawn objects so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn objects in each of the plurality of display objects among the plurality of display devices; and an output unit that outputs the drawn objects generated by the control unit to each of the plurality of display devices.

[0011] According to Technology 1, the control unit generates multiple drawn objects so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn objects in each of the multiple display objects among the multiple display devices, thereby reducing the sense of incongruity caused by differences in how the drawn objects appear among the multiple display devices.

[0012] (Technology 2) The control unit includes a generation unit that generates target object information indicating coordinates of the virtual target objects in a virtual three-dimensional space that virtually shows the vehicle and the surroundings of the vehicle, by drawing a virtual target object that virtually shows each of the virtual target objects in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a plurality of drawing units that generate the plurality of target objects based on the target object information generated by the generation unit so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the target object in each of the plurality of display objects between the plurality of display devices.

[0013] According to Technique 2, it is possible to easily generate a plurality of drawn objects based on target information generated using a virtual three-dimensional space.

[0014] (Technology 3) The control unit has a plurality of drawing units that generate the plurality of drawing objects, respectively, based on target object information indicating the coordinates of each of the plurality of drawing objects, so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawing object in each of the plurality of display objects between the plurality of display devices, and each of the plurality of drawing units shares the target object information with one or more other drawing units other than the drawing unit itself.

[0015] According to Technique 3, it is possible to easily generate a plurality of drawing objects based on target information shared among a plurality of drawing units.

[0016] (Technology 4) The control unit has a plurality of drawing units that generate the plurality of drawing objects, respectively, based on target object information indicating the coordinates of each of the plurality of drawing objects so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawing object in each of the plurality of display objects among the plurality of display devices, and a specific drawing unit among the plurality of drawing units generates the target object information and distributes the generated target object information to one or more drawing units other than the specific drawing unit.

[0017] According to the fourth technique, it is possible to easily generate a plurality of drawing objects based on target information distributed from a specific drawing unit to one or more other drawing units.

[0018] (Technology 5) The display control device according to any one of techniques 1 to 4, wherein the control unit further coordinates at least one of the color, size, and angle of the drawing object for each of the plurality of display objects between the plurality of display devices.

[0019] According to Technique 5, it is possible to more effectively reduce the sense of incongruity that arises due to differences in how drawn objects appear among a plurality of display devices.

[0020] (Technology 6) The display control device described in any one of techniques 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of display devices include an image display device that displays an image showing the surroundings of the vehicle as the display object and superimposes the drawing object on the image.

[0021] According to the sixth technique, when the plurality of display devices includes an image display device, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity that occurs due to differences in how drawn objects appear among the plurality of display devices.

[0022] (Technology 7) The display control device according to Technology 6, wherein the image display device is any one of a center display, an electronic mirror, and a head-up display.

[0023] According to Technique 7, the image display device can be configured as any one of an in-vehicle center display, an electronic mirror, and a head-up display.

[0024] (Technology 8) The display control device described in any one of techniques 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of display devices include a vehicle lamp that forms an illumination pattern on the road surface as the drawing object by irradiating light onto the road surface around the vehicle as the display object.

[0025] According to Technique 8, when a plurality of display devices include vehicle lighting devices, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity that occurs due to differences in how drawn objects appear among the plurality of display devices.

[0026] (Technology 9) 9. The display control device according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of display devices respectively display the plurality of drawn objects from different viewpoints.

[0027] According to Technique 9, even when the viewpoints of the plurality of display devices are different from one another, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity that arises due to differences in how a drawn object appears among the plurality of display devices.

[0028] (Technology 10) A control method for a display control device for controlling a plurality of display devices mounted on a vehicle, each displaying a plurality of drawn objects superimposed on a plurality of display objects showing the surroundings of the vehicle, the control method comprising: (a) a step of generating the drawn objects among the plurality of display devices so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn objects in each of the plurality of display objects; and (b) a step of outputting the drawn objects generated in (a) to the plurality of display devices, respectively.

[0029] According to Technology 10, a plurality of drawn objects are generated so that the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn objects in each of a plurality of display objects is coordinated among a plurality of display devices, thereby reducing the sense of incongruity caused by differences in how the drawn objects appear among a plurality of display devices.

[0030] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium.

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components.

[0033] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Display control system configuration] First, the configuration of a display control system 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the display control system 2 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing display examples of the first display device 6, the second display device 8, and the third display device 10. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing display examples of the first display device 6 and the fourth display device 12. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 42 of a display control device 18 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a virtual three-dimensional space 56.

[0034] 1, a display control system 2 is mounted on a vehicle 4, such as an automobile. The display control system 2 includes a first display device 6, a second display device 8, a third display device 10, a fourth display device 12, a sensor 14, an operation unit 16, and a display control device 18.

[0035] The first display device 6 is an image display device mounted on the vehicle 4, and specifically, is a center display arranged in the center of the instrument panel inside the vehicle 4.

[0036] As shown in (a) of FIG. 2, the first display device 6 displays a first display object 20, which is, for example, a bird's-eye view image (a so-called around-view monitor image) showing the vehicle 4 and the surroundings of the vehicle 4, and also displays a first drawing object 22, which is a rectangular frame line surrounding the surroundings of the vehicle 4, superimposed on the first display object 20. That is, the first display device 6 displays the first drawing object 22 from a bird's-eye view looking down on the vehicle 4 from above. Note that the display of the first display object 20 and the first drawing object 22 is triggered, for example, when the driver switches the shift lever to R (reverse) range when parking the vehicle 4. The first drawing object 22 is displayed to assist the driver in parking the vehicle 4.

[0037] 3(a), the first display device 6 displays, for example, a first display object 24, which is a bird's-eye view image showing the vehicle 4 and the area around the vehicle 4, and also displays a first drawing object 26, which is a triangular highlighted image for highlighting a pedestrian 27 present in front of the vehicle 4, superimposed on the first display object 24. That is, the first display device 6 displays the first drawing object 26 from a bird's-eye view looking down on the vehicle 4 from directly above the vehicle 4. The first display object 24 and the first drawing object 26 are displayed in response to, for example, the driver operating a combination switch lever. The first drawing object 26 is displayed to alert the driver to the presence of the pedestrian 27.

[0038] The above-mentioned first display objects 20, 24 are generated by combining a front image showing the front of the vehicle 4 taken by a camera arranged at the front of the vehicle 4, a rear image showing the rear of the vehicle 4 taken by a camera arranged at the rear of the vehicle 4, a left side image showing the left side of the vehicle 4 taken by a camera arranged at the left side of the vehicle 4, and a right side image showing the right side of the vehicle 4 taken by a camera arranged at the right side of the vehicle 4. Here, in this specification, "front", "rear", "left" and "right" respectively mean the front, rear, left and right as seen by a driver seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 4 facing forward.

[0039] The second display device 8 is an image display device mounted on the vehicle 4, and specifically, an electronic rearview mirror disposed in the cabin of the vehicle 4. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the second display device 8 displays, for example, a second display object 28, which is a rear image showing the area behind the vehicle 4, and a second drawing object 30, which is a rectangular frame line of the vehicle 4 surrounding the periphery of the vehicle 4, superimposed on the second display object 28. The second display object 28 and the second drawing object 30 are displayed in response to, for example, the driver shifting the shift lever to the R range when parking the vehicle 4. The second display object 28 is a rear image captured by a camera disposed at the rear of the vehicle 4. That is, the second display device 8 displays the second drawing object 30 from a perspective looking at the rear of the vehicle 4 from the rear of the vehicle 4. The second drawing object 30 is displayed to assist the driver in parking the vehicle 4.

[0040] The third display device 10 is a vehicle lamp mounted on the vehicle 4, and more specifically, a road surface illumination unit disposed outside the cabin of the vehicle 4. As shown in FIG. 2(c), the third display device 10 emits light toward a third display object 32, which is the road surface around the vehicle 4, to form (i.e., display by superimposing) a third drawn object 34, which is a rectangular frame line (illumination pattern) surrounding the periphery of the vehicle 4, on the third display object 32. That is, the third display device 10 forms the third drawn object 34 from a bird's-eye view of the road surface as seen from the driver at an angle. Note that the third drawn object 34 is formed on the third display object 32, triggered, for example, by the driver switching the shift lever to the R range when parking the vehicle 4. The third drawn object 34 is displayed to assist the driver in parking the vehicle 4.

[0041] The fourth display device 12 is an image display device mounted on the vehicle 4, and specifically, a head-up display (HUD) disposed on an instrument panel 35 inside the vehicle 4. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the fourth display device 12 displays, for example, a fourth display object 36, which is a view ahead of the vehicle 4 through a windshield 37, and a fourth drawing object 38, which is a triangular highlighted image (virtual image) for highlighting a pedestrian 27 present ahead of the vehicle 4, superimposed on the fourth display object 36. That is, the fourth display device 12 displays the fourth drawing object 38 from the driver's viewpoint as seen ahead of the vehicle 4. This allows the driver to view the fourth drawing object 38 superimposed on the fourth display object 36 ahead of the windshield 37 through a display area of the windshield 37 of the vehicle 4 near the driver's seat. Note that the fourth display object 36 and the fourth drawing object 38 are displayed in response to, for example, the driver's operation of a combination switch lever. The fourth drawing object 38 is displayed to alert the driver to the presence of the pedestrian 27 .

[0042] As described above, the first display device 6, the second display device 8, the third display device 10 and the fourth display device 12 each display the first drawing object 22 (26), the second drawing object 30, the third drawing object 34 and the fourth drawing object 38 from different viewpoints.

[0043] The sensor 14 is mounted on the vehicle 4 and detects the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 4. The surrounding conditions of the vehicle 4 refer to, for example, objects such as pedestrians, other vehicles, and obstacles present around the vehicle 4, as well as the positions of the objects. The sensor 14 is, for example, a camera (image sensor), a sonar sensor, a radar, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), or any of various other sensors.

[0044] The operation unit 16 is an interface that is mounted on the vehicle 4 and accepts operations by the driver. The operation unit 16 is, for example, a shift lever, a combination switch lever, an input button on the instrument panel 35, and the like.

[0045] The display control device 18 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle 4. The display control device 18 includes an acquisition unit 40, a control unit 42, and an output unit 44.

[0046] The acquisition unit 40 acquires the detection result from the sensor 14 and outputs the acquired detection result to the control unit 42.

[0047] The control unit 42 controls the first display device 6, the second display device 8, the third display device 10, and the fourth display device 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 42 has a generation unit 46, a first drawing unit 48, a second drawing unit 50, a third drawing unit 52, and a fourth drawing unit 54.

[0048] Triggered by receiving an operation by the driver to switch the shift lever to R range via the operation unit 16, the generation unit 46 draws virtual objects 58 that virtually represent each of the first drawn object 22, the second drawn object 30, and the third drawn object 34 in a virtual three-dimensional space 56 that virtually represents the vehicle 4 and the area around the vehicle 4, as shown in Fig. 5. As a result, the generation unit 46 generates target information that indicates the coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the virtual drawn object 58 in the virtual three-dimensional space 56.

[0049] The first drawing unit 48 generates the first drawing object 22 based on the detection results from the acquisition unit 40 and the target information generated by the generation unit 46, when the driver's operation to switch the shift lever to R range is accepted by the operation unit 16.

[0050] The second drawing unit 50 generates the second drawing object 30 based on the detection results from the acquisition unit 40 and the target information generated by the generation unit 46, when the driver's operation to switch the shift lever to R range is accepted by the operation unit 16.

[0051] The third drawing unit 52 generates the third drawing object 34 based on the detection results from the acquisition unit 40 and the target information generated by the generation unit 46, when the driver's operation to switch the shift lever to R range is accepted by the operation unit 16.

[0052] That is, the first drawing unit 48, the second drawing unit 50 and the third drawing unit 52 respectively generate the first drawing object 22, the second drawing object 30 and the third drawing object 34 so as to coordinate (match) the relative positional relationship between (i) the vehicle 4 and the first drawing object 22 in the first display object 20, (ii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the second drawing object 30 in the second display object 28, and (iii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the third drawing object 34 in the third display object 32 between the first display device 6, the second display device 8 and the third display device 10.

[0053] The first drawing unit 48, the second drawing unit 50, and the third drawing unit 52 may generate the first drawing object 22, the second drawing object 30, and the third drawing object 34, respectively, so as to link, in addition to the above-mentioned relative positional relationship, (i) at least one of the color, size, and angle of the first drawing object 22 on the first display object 20, (ii) at least one of the color, size, and angle of the second drawing object 30 on the second display object 28, and (ii) at least one of the color, size, and angle of the third drawing object 34 on the third display object 32, between the first display device 6, the second display device 8, and the third display device 10. This reduces the sense of incongruity caused by differences in the appearance of the color, size, and angle of the first drawing object 22, the second drawing object 30, and the third drawing object 34, even when the viewpoints of the first display device 6, the second display device 8, and the third display device 10 are different from one another.

[0054] Furthermore, although not shown, the generation unit 46, when triggered by the receipt of an operation by the driver operating the combination switch lever by the operation unit 16, draws virtual objects virtually representing the first drawn object 26 and the fourth drawn object 38 in a virtual three-dimensional space virtually representing the vehicle 4 and the surroundings of the vehicle 4. As a result, the generation unit 46 generates target information indicating the coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the virtual drawn objects in the virtual three-dimensional space.

[0055] The first drawing unit 48 generates the first drawing object 26 based on the detection results from the acquisition unit 40 and the target information generated by the generation unit 46, triggered by the operation of the driver operating the combination switch lever via the operation unit 16.

[0056] The fourth drawing unit 54 generates a fourth drawing object 38 based on the detection results from the acquisition unit 40 and the target information generated by the generation unit 46, when the operation of the driver operating the combination switch lever is accepted by the operation unit 16.

[0057] That is, the first drawing unit 48 and the fourth drawing unit 54 respectively generate the first drawing object 26 and the fourth drawing object 38 between the first display device 6 and the fourth display device 12 so as to coordinate (i) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the first drawing object 26 in the first display object 24 and (ii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the fourth drawing object 38 in the fourth display object 36.

[0058] Note that the first drawing unit 48 and the fourth drawing unit 54 may generate the first drawing object 26 and the fourth drawing object 38 between the first display device 6 and the fourth display device 12, respectively, so as to coordinate, in addition to the above-mentioned relative positional relationship, (i) at least one of the color, size, and angle of the first drawing object 26 on the first display object 24 with (ii) at least one of the color, size, and angle of the fourth drawing object 38 on the fourth display object 36. This reduces the sense of incongruity caused by differences in how the color, size, and angle of the first drawing object 26 and the fourth drawing object 38 appear, even when the viewpoints of the first display device 6 and the fourth display device 12 are different from each other.

[0059] Returning to Figure 1, the output unit 44 outputs the first drawing object 22 (26), the second drawing object 30, the third drawing object 34 and the fourth drawing object 38 generated by the control unit 42 to the first display device 6, the second display device 8, the third display device 10 and the fourth display device 12, respectively.

[0060] As a result, for example, when the driver's operation to switch the shift lever to R range is accepted by the operating unit 16, (i) the first display device 6 displays the first drawing object 22 superimposed on the first display object 20, and (ii) the second display device 8 displays the second drawing object 30 superimposed on the second display object 28, and (iii) the third display device 10 displays the third drawing object 34 superimposed on the third display object 32, as shown in (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 2, respectively.

[0061] At this time, as shown in (a), (b) and (c) of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, respectively, the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the first drawing object 22 in the first display object 20, the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the second drawing object 30 in the second display object 28, and the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the third drawing object 34 in the third display object 32 will be the same.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, when the operation of the driver operating the combination switch lever is accepted by the operating unit 16, (i) the first display device 6 displays the first drawing object 26 superimposed on the first display object 24, and (ii) the fourth display device 12 displays the fourth drawing object 38 superimposed on the fourth display object 36, as shown in (a) and (b) of Figures 3A and 3B, respectively.

[0063] As a result, as shown in (a) and (b) of Figures 3A and 3B, the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the first drawing object 26 in the first display object 24 matches the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the fourth drawing object 38 in the fourth display object 36.

[0064] In addition, the first drawing unit 48, the second drawing unit 50, the third drawing unit 52 and the fourth drawing unit 54 may generate the first drawing object 22, the second drawing object 30, the third drawing object 34 and the fourth drawing object 38 so as to coordinate (i) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the first drawing object 22 in the first display object 20, (ii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the second drawing object 30 in the second display object 28, (iii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the third drawing object 34 in the third display object 32, and (iv) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the fourth drawing object 38 in the fourth display object 36 between the first display device 6, the second display device 8, the third display device 10 and the fourth display device 12, respectively.

[0065] [1-2. Operation of the display control device] Next, the operation of the display control device 18 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation of the display control device 18 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] The following describes the operation of the display control device 18 when the driver's operation to switch the shift lever to R range is accepted by the operation unit 16. As shown in Fig. 6, first, the acquisition unit 40 acquires the detection result from the sensor 14 (S11). Next, if the driver's operation is not accepted by the operation unit 16 (NO in S12), the process returns to step S11 described above.

[0067] On the other hand, if the driver's operation is accepted by the operation unit 16 (YES in S12), the generation unit 46 of the control unit 42 draws a virtual drawing object 58 in the virtual three-dimensional space 56 and generates target information indicating the coordinates of the virtual drawing object 58 in the virtual three-dimensional space 56 (S13).

[0068] Next, the first drawing unit 48, the second drawing unit 50 and the third drawing unit 52 of the control unit 42 respectively generate the first drawing object 22, the second drawing object 30 and the third drawing object 34 based on the detection results from the acquisition unit 40 and the target information generated by the generation unit 46 (S14).

[0069] At this time, the first drawing unit 48, the second drawing unit 50 and the third drawing unit 52 respectively generate the first drawing object 22, the second drawing object 30 and the third drawing object 34 so as to coordinate (i) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the first drawing object 22 in the first display object 20, (ii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the second drawing object 30 in the second display object 28, and (iii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the third drawing object 34 in the third display object 32 between the first display device 6, the second display device 8 and the third display device 10.

[0070] Next, the output unit 44 outputs the first drawing object 22, the second drawing object 30, and the third drawing object 34 generated by the control unit 42 to the first display device 6, the second display device 8, and the third display device 10, respectively (S15).

[0071] The operation of the display control device 18 when the operation unit 16 receives the driver's operation of the combination switch lever is the same as that described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] [1-3.Effects] As described above, when the driver's operation of switching the shift lever to R range is accepted by the operating unit 16, for example, as a trigger, (i) the first display device 6 displays the first drawing object 22 superimposed on the first display object 20, and (ii) the second display device 8 displays the second drawing object 30 superimposed on the second display object 28, and (iii) the third display device 10 displays the third drawing object 34 superimposed on the third display object 32, as shown in (a), (b) and (c) of Figure 2, respectively.

[0073] At this time, (i) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the first drawing object 22 in the first display object 20, (ii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the second drawing object 30 in the second display object 28, and (iii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the third drawing object 34 in the third display object 32 are linked.

[0074] This reduces the sense of incongruity that arises when, for example, the driver is attempting to park due to differences in how the first, second, and third display devices 6, 8, and 10 appear (such as sense of distance) among (i) the first drawn object 22, which is a frame line viewed from directly above, (ii) the second drawn object 30, which is a frame line viewed diagonally downward from the rear of the vehicle 4, and (iii) the third drawn object 34, which is a frame line viewed diagonally downward from the viewpoint of the driver seated in the driver's seat. In other words, even if the viewpoints of the first, second, and third display devices 6, 8, and 10 are different from one another, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity that arises due to differences in how the above-mentioned relative positional relationships appear.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, when the operation of the driver operating the combination switch lever is accepted by the operating unit 16, (i) the first display device 6 displays the first drawing object 26 superimposed on the first display object 24, and (ii) the fourth display device 12 displays the fourth drawing object 38 superimposed on the fourth display object 36, as shown in (a) and (b) of Figures 3A and 3B, respectively.

[0076] At this time, (i) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the first drawing object 26 in the first display object 24, and (ii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the fourth drawing object 38 in the fourth display object 36 are linked between the first display device 6 and the fourth display device 12.

[0077] This reduces the sense of incongruity that arises when, for example, the driver is driving the vehicle 4 due to the difference in appearance (sense of distance, etc.) between the first display device 6 and the fourth display device 12 of (i) the first drawn object 26, which is a triangular enhanced image viewed from directly above, and (ii) the fourth drawn object 38, which is a triangular enhanced image viewed diagonally downward from the viewpoint of the driver seated in the driver's seat. In other words, even if the viewpoints of the first display device 6 and the fourth display device 12 are different from each other, it is possible to reduce the sense of incongruity that arises due to the difference in appearance of the above-mentioned relative positional relationship.

[0078] (Embodiment 2) The functional configuration of a control unit 42A of a display control device 18A according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 42A of a display control device 18A according to embodiment 2. Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those in embodiment 1 above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 7, a control unit 42A of a display control device 18A has a first drawing unit 48A, a second drawing unit 50A, a third drawing unit 52A, and a fourth drawing unit 54A.

[0080] Each of the first drawing unit 48A, the second drawing unit 50A, the third drawing unit 52A, and the fourth drawing unit 54A shares target information indicating the coordinates of the first drawing object, the second drawing object, the third drawing object, and the fourth drawing object with the other three drawing units other than the drawing unit itself. Note that the target information may be a data table indicating the correspondence between the first drawing object, the second drawing object, the third drawing object, and the fourth drawing object and their respective coordinates.

[0081] As a result, the first drawing unit 48A, the second drawing unit 50A, the third drawing unit 52A and the fourth drawing unit 54A generate the first drawing object, the second drawing object, the third drawing object and the fourth drawing object between the first display device 6, the second display device 8, the third display device 10 and the fourth display device 12 (see Figure 1) based on the shared target information, so as to coordinate (i) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 (see Figure 1) and the first drawing object in the first display object, (ii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the second drawing object in the second display object, (iii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the third drawing object in the third display object, and (iv) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the fourth drawing object in the fourth display object.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0083] (Embodiment 3) The functional configuration of a control unit 42B of a display control device 18B according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 42B of a display control device 18B according to embodiment 3. Note that in this embodiment, the same components as those in embodiment 1 above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, a control unit 42B of a display control device 18B has a first drawing unit 48B, a second drawing unit 50B, a third drawing unit 52B, and a fourth drawing unit 54B.

[0085] The first drawing unit 48B generates target information indicating the coordinates of each of the first, second, third, and fourth objects. The target information may be a data table indicating the correspondence between the first, second, third, and fourth objects and their respective coordinates. The first drawing unit 48B distributes the generated target information to the second drawing unit 50B, the third drawing unit 52B, and the fourth drawing unit 54B.

[0086] As a result, the first drawing unit 48B, the second drawing unit 50B, the third drawing unit 52B and the fourth drawing unit 54B generate the first drawing object, the second drawing object, the third drawing object and the fourth drawing object between the first display device 6, the second display device 8, the third display device 10 and the fourth display device 12 (see Figure 1) based on the target information, so as to coordinate (i) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 (see Figure 1) and the first drawing object in the first display object, (ii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the second drawing object in the second display object, (iii) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the third drawing object in the third display object, and (iv) the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 4 and the fourth drawing object in the fourth display object.

[0087] Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as those in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0088] (Other variations) While the display control device and the control method thereof according to one or more aspects have been described based on the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, various modifications conceivable by a person skilled in the art to the above-mentioned embodiments, or configurations constructed by combining components of different embodiments, may also be included within the scope of one or more aspects.

[0089] For example, in the above embodiments, the first drawn object 22, the second drawn object 30, and the third drawn object 34 are each formed as a frame line, and the first drawn object 26 and the fourth drawn object 38 are each formed as a triangular highlighted image, but this is not limiting. Each of the first drawn object 22, the second drawn object 30, the third drawn object 34, and the fourth drawn object 38 may be, for example, (a) a rear guide line when the vehicle 4 is backing up, (b) a vehicle width guide line, (c) an arrow line highlighting a pedestrian, (d) an icon indicating a pedestrian or another vehicle, (e) a crosswalk, (f) a sign, etc.

[0090] For example, in each of the above embodiments, a case has been described in which four output devices (first display device 6, second display device 8, third display device 10, and fourth display device 12) are installed in vehicle 4, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least two output devices are installed in vehicle 4.

[0091] In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a computer program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a computer program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0092] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the display control device according to each of the above embodiments may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a computer program.

[0093] Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be configured as an IC card or a standalone module that can be attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include the above-mentioned ultra-multifunctional LSI. The IC card or module achieves its functions when the microprocessor operates according to a computer program. The IC card or module may be tamper-resistant.

[0094] The present disclosure may be the above-described methods. It may also be a computer program for implementing these methods on a computer, or a digital signal including the computer program. The present disclosure may also be a computer program or a digital signal recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), semiconductor memory, etc. It may also be a digital signal recorded on such a recording medium. The present disclosure may also be a computer program or a digital signal transmitted via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, data broadcasting, etc. The present disclosure may also be a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, in which the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor operates according to the computer program. The present disclosure may also be implemented by another independent computer system by recording the computer program or the digital signal on the recording medium and transferring it, or by transferring the computer program or the digital signal via the network, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a display control device for controlling a plurality of display devices mounted on a vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 2. Display Control System 4 vehicles 6 Primary display device 8 Secondary Display Device 10 Third display device 12 The fourth display device 14 Sensors 16 Control section 18, 18A, 18B Display control device 20,24 First display object 22,26 First drawing 27 Pedestrians 28 Second Display Object 30 Second Drawing 32 Third display object 34 Third Drawing 35 Instrument Panel 36 Fourth Display Object 37 Windshield 38 Fourth Drawing 40 Acquisition Department 42, 42A, 42B control section 44 Output section 46 Generation part 48, 48A, 48B First drawing section 50, 50A, 50B Second drawing section 52, 52A, 52B Third drawing section 54, 54A, 54B Fourth drawing section 56 Virtual 3D Space 58 Virtual Drawings

Claims

1. 1. A display control device for controlling a plurality of display devices mounted on a vehicle, each displaying a plurality of drawing objects superimposed on a plurality of display objects showing an area around the vehicle, the display control device comprising: a control unit that generates the plurality of drawn objects so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn object in each of the plurality of display objects among the plurality of display devices; an output unit that outputs the plurality of drawing objects generated by the control unit to the plurality of display devices, respectively; Display control device.

2. The control unit a generating unit that generates target information indicating coordinates of the virtual objects in a virtual three-dimensional space by drawing virtual objects that virtually represent each of the plurality of objects in the virtual three-dimensional space that virtually represents the vehicle and its surroundings; and a plurality of drawing units that respectively generate the plurality of drawn objects based on the target object information generated by the generating unit so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn object in each of the plurality of display objects among the plurality of display devices. The display control device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit includes a plurality of drawing units that respectively generate the plurality of drawn objects based on target object information indicating coordinates of each of the plurality of drawn objects so as to coordinate a relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn object in each of the plurality of display objects among the plurality of display devices; Each of the plurality of drawing units shares the target information with one or more other drawing units other than the drawing unit. The display control device according to claim 1 .

4. the control unit includes a plurality of drawing units that respectively generate the plurality of drawn objects based on target object information indicating coordinates of each of the plurality of drawn objects so as to coordinate a relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn object in each of the plurality of display objects among the plurality of display devices; A specific drawing unit among the plurality of drawing units generates the target information, and distributes the generated target information to one or more drawing units other than the specific drawing unit. The display control device according to claim 1 .

5. The control unit further coordinates at least one of the color, size, and angle of the drawn object in each of the plurality of display objects among the plurality of display devices. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plurality of display devices include an image display device that displays an image showing the surroundings of the vehicle as the display object and displays the drawn object superimposed on the image. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The image display device is one of a center display, an electronic mirror, and a head-up display. The display control device according to claim 6 .

8. The plurality of display devices include a vehicle lamp that forms an illumination pattern on a road surface around the vehicle as the display object by irradiating the road surface with light. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The plurality of display devices respectively display the plurality of drawing objects from different viewpoints. The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. 1. A control method for a display control device for controlling a plurality of display devices mounted on a vehicle, each displaying a plurality of drawing objects superimposed on a plurality of display objects showing an area around the vehicle, the method comprising: (a) generating the plurality of drawn objects so as to coordinate the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the drawn object in each of the plurality of display objects among the plurality of display devices; (b) outputting the plurality of drawing objects generated in (a) to the plurality of display devices, respectively. Control method.

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