Display control device and display control program

Abstract

To provide a display control device and a display control program capable of displaying distance to a target in steps and notifying a crew member of a degree of urgency.SOLUTION: A CPU controls a display section so as to change the size of an icon 32 and display it according to a detection result of a target of a clearance sonar and a detection result of distance to the target. The icon 32 displays an arc-shaped figure provided in accordance with each clearance sonar around one's own vehicle image 30 as the one's own vehicle image 30 and the icon 32 expressing the location of a target around the one's own vehicle, and displays it in a size corresponding to the detection distance and range of the clearance sonar.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that uses a clearance sonar to detect an obstacle and displays the position of the detected obstacle on a display according to its position relative to the vehicle. In detail, it discloses that six lighting elements are provided in front of and behind the vehicle's image, and the lighting elements are turned on according to the position of the detected clearance sonar, and the lighting and blinking are switched on according to the distance to the obstacle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-276559 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The position of an obstacle detected by the clearance sonar is displayed by a light, and the distance to the detected obstacle is displayed by lighting and blinking the light, but since the distance to the obstacle is displayed by lighting and blinking the light, it only tells you whether an obstacle has been detected and whether the distance to the obstacle has reached a predetermined distance. There is room for improvement in displaying the distance to an obstacle or other target in stages and informing the occupant of the degree of urgency.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and aims to provide a display control device and a display control program that can display the distance to a target in stages and notify the occupants of the degree of urgency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The display control device according to the first aspect includes an acquisition unit that acquires detection results of targets around the vehicle and detection results of the distance to the targets, and a control unit that displays an image of the vehicle that resembles the vehicle and icons that represent the locations of targets around the vehicle, and controls the display of the icons to change the size depending on the detection results of the targets and the distance to the targets.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the acquisition unit acquires the detection results of targets around the vehicle and the detection results of the distances to the targets.

[0008] The control unit then displays an image of the vehicle that resembles the vehicle itself, and icons that represent the locations of targets around the vehicle, and controls the display of the icons to change their size depending on the detection results of the target and the distance to the target. This allows the degree of urgency to be expressed by changing the size of the icon, making it possible to gradually display the distance to the target and to notify the occupant of the degree of urgency.

[0009] A display control device according to a second aspect is a display control device according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit displays the icon in a filled-in state, and the size of the outer frame enclosing the icon becomes larger as the distance becomes closer.

[0010] According to the second aspect, the presence of a target can be notified by displaying an icon, and the degree of urgency can be expressed by the size of the outer frame that encloses the icon.

[0011] A display control device according to a third aspect is the display control device according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit displays the icon so that the area of ​​the icon increases as the distance decreases.

[0012] According to the third aspect, the presence of a target can be notified by displaying an icon, and the degree of urgency can be expressed by the size of the area of ​​the icon.

[0013] A display control device according to a fourth aspect is a display control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the icon is an arc-shaped figure arranged around an image of the vehicle that imitates the image of the vehicle, at a position corresponding to a detection unit that detects the target object.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect, it is possible to confirm the position of the target relative to the vehicle by using the displayed icon.

[0015] A display control device according to a fifth aspect is the display control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit further changes a blinking speed of the icon in accordance with a change in the size of the icon.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect, the presence of a target can be notified by displaying an icon, and the degree of urgency can be expressed by the blinking speed of the icon.

[0017] In the ideographic control device according to a sixth aspect, in the display control device according to the fifth aspect, the control unit displays the image so that the blinking speed increases as the distance increases.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect, the blinking speed of the icon increases as the distance to the target decreases, thereby making it possible to notify that the target is getting closer.

[0019] A display control device according to a seventh aspect is the display control device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control unit further changes the color of the icon in accordance with the change in size of the icon.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect, the color of the icon changes in accordance with the size of the icon, so that it is possible to notify that the target is approaching.

[0021] A display control device according to an eighth aspect is the display control device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the control unit displays a color that indicates a degree of urgency as the distance becomes shorter.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, the presence of a target can be notified by displaying an icon, and the degree of urgency can be expressed by the color of the icon.

[0023] A display control device according to a ninth aspect is an ideographic control device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising an alarm that emits a warning sound, and the control unit further controls the alarm to output a sound in accordance with a change in the size of the icon.

[0024] According to the ninth aspect, a warning sound is further generated in accordance with the change in the size of the icon, so that it is possible to gradually notify the distance to the target and notify the occupants of the degree of urgency using not only a display but also a display and a sound.

[0025] A display control device according to a tenth aspect is the ideographic control device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the control unit controls the alarm so that the interval between intermittent sounds becomes shorter as the distance becomes shorter.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect, the closer the distance to the target, the shorter the interval between the intermittent sounds, so that it is possible to notify that the target is getting closer.

[0027] A display control program according to an eleventh aspect causes a computer to acquire detection results of targets around the vehicle and detection results of the distance to the targets, display an image of the vehicle that resembles the vehicle and icons representing the locations of targets around the vehicle, and change the size of the icons and display them according to the detection results of the targets and the distance to the targets.

[0028] According to the eleventh aspect, it is possible to provide a display control program that can display the distance to the target in stages and notify the occupant of the degree of urgency. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display control device and a display control program that can display the distance to a target in stages and notify the occupant of the degree of urgency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle's location where a clearance sonar is installed; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a clearance sonar ECU. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on a display unit. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a correspondence relationship between the distance to a detected target and the number of arc-shaped figures to be displayed. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by a clearance sonar ECU of the display control device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of an icon. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of an icon. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third modified example of an icon. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of an icon. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which two clearance sonars for detecting the sides are further provided on each side, and icons 32 are also displayed on the sides of the image of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display control device according to this embodiment.

[0032] The display control device 10 of this embodiment detects targets such as obstacles around the vehicle and the distance to the targets by receiving reflected waves of ultrasonic waves transmitted around the vehicle, and notifies the driver of the presence or absence of targets and the distance to the targets based on the detection results.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the display control device 10 includes a plurality of clearance sonars 12A to 12H as an example of a detection unit, a clearance sonar ECU 14 as an example of an acquisition unit and a control unit, a vehicle speed sensor 16, a display unit 18, and an alarm 20.

[0034] The multiple clearance sonars 12A to 12H each individually detect targets around the vehicle using the same principle, but the detection distance and range can be adjusted for each or each of the multiple clearance sonars 12. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the multiple clearance sonars 12A to 12H, they will be referred to as clearance sonars 12.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the positions of clearance sonars 12A to 12H on a vehicle. In the following description, the upper side of Fig. 2 is the right side and the lower side of Fig. 2 is the left side of the vehicle shown in Fig. 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, the clearance sonar 12A is disposed on the right side of the center in the vehicle width direction within the front bumper, and the clearance sonar 12B is disposed on the left side of the center in the vehicle width direction within the front bumper.

[0037] The clearance sensor 12C is disposed in the right corner of the front bumper, and the clearance sensor 12D is disposed in the left corner of the front bumper.

[0038] The clearance sensor 12E is disposed on the right side of the center in the vehicle width direction inside the rear bumper, and the clearance sonar 12F is disposed on the left side of the center in the vehicle width direction inside the rear bumper.

[0039] The clearance sensor 12G is disposed in the right corner of the rear bumper, and the clearance sonar 12H is disposed in the left corner of the rear bumper.

[0040] In this embodiment, the clearance sonars 12A, 12B, 12E, and 12F arranged in the center of the vehicle width direction have a longer detection distance and a wider detection range than the clearance sonars 12C, 12D, 12G, and 12H arranged in the corners.

[0041] In this embodiment, clearance sonars 12A, 12B, 12E, and 12F, which are arranged at the center in the vehicle width direction, detect the distance to a target in five predetermined distance levels. As an example, front clearance sonars 12A and 12B detect the distance to a target in five levels: 200 to 100 cm, 100 to 60 cm, 60 to 45 cm, 45 to 30 cm, and 30 cm or less. Rear clearance sonars 12E and 12F detect the distance to a target in five levels: 200 to 150 cm, 150 to 60 cm, 60 to 45 cm, 45 to 30 cm, and 30 cm or less.

[0042] Meanwhile, clearance sonars 12C, 12D, 12G, and 12H, located at the corners, detect the distance to the target in four predetermined steps: 200 to 60 cm, 60 to 45 cm, 45 to 30 cm, and under 30 cm.

[0043] The detection distances of the clearance sonars 12 are not limited to these and can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0044] Each clearance sonar 12 includes an oscillator circuit 22, a transmission / reception switch 24, an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 26, and an amplifier circuit 28.

[0045] The oscillator circuit 22 is a circuit that generates ultrasonic waves of a predetermined waveform and amplitude, and is connected to an ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 26 via a transmission / reception switch 24 .

[0046] The transmission / reception switching unit 24 is a switching circuit that switches between transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 26 .

[0047] The amplifier circuit 28 amplifies the voltage generated by the reflected wave received by the ultrasonic transducer 26 and inputs the amplified voltage to the clearance sonar ECU 14 .

[0048] The ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 26 has a cylindrical housing, and a piezoelectric vibration element made of piezoelectric ceramics is placed at the bottom of the cylinder. When a high-frequency voltage that causes resonant vibration is applied to the piezoelectric vibration element, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the bottom, and if there is a target nearby, the reflected waves from the target vibrate the piezoelectric vibrator, and the voltage generated by this vibration can be detected.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, the clearance sonar ECU 14 is configured by a general microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14C, a storage 14D, an interface (I / F) 14E, and a bus 14F. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the clearance sonar ECU 14.

[0050] The CPU 14A is a central processing unit that controls the overall operation of the device by executing various programs. The ROM 14B pre-stores various control programs, such as a vehicle display program, and various parameters. The RAM 14C is used as a work area when the CPU 14A executes the various programs. The storage 14D is composed of various storage units, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and flash memory, and stores various data and application programs. The I / F 14E is connectable to a vehicle network and transmits and receives various data to and from various other ECUs connected to the vehicle network. The above-described components of the clearance sonar ECU 14 are electrically connected to one another via a bus 14F.

[0051] In this embodiment, the CPU 14 executes a display control program stored in the ROM 14 to acquire the detection results of the clearance sonar 12, detect targets around the vehicle, and detect the distance to the targets. When a target is detected, the CPU 14 controls the display unit 18 and the alarm 20 to notify the driver of the presence of the target. Specifically, the CPU 14 controls the display unit 18 to change and display the size of an icon according to the detection results of the target and the distance to the target from the clearance sonars 12A to 12H. The CPU 14 also controls the alarm 20 to output a sound in accordance with the change in the size of the icon.

[0052] The vehicle speed sensor 16 measures, for example, the change in speed as pulses when protrusions installed at regular intervals on the circumference of a rotor provided on each wheel pass by, and measures the vehicle speed for each wheel based on the number of pulses per unit time.

[0053] The display unit 18 may be a combination meter provided on an instrument panel, a multimedia display that displays various information, a HUD (Head Up Display), or the like, and displays the detection results of targets around the vehicle.

[0054] The alarm 20 is an output device that outputs a buzzer or electronic sound, and is controlled by the clearance sonar ECU 14 so as to output an electronic sound according to the distance to the target. For example, as the detected target approaches, the electronic sound is switched in stages, such as a slow intermittent sound, an intermittent sound, a fast intermittent sound, and a continuous sound. Therefore, the driver can determine the direction of the obstacle from the display unit 18, and the distance to the obstacle from the warning of the alarm 20. Furthermore, by notifying the driver of the distance to the target in more detail through sound, the driver can reduce the number of times they have to turn their eyes to the display unit 18, allowing them to concentrate on driving the vehicle.

[0055] Next, a description will be given of an image displayed on the display unit 18. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display unit 18.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 4, the display unit 18 displays a host vehicle image 30 that resembles the host vehicle, and icons 32 that indicate the locations of targets around the host vehicle. The icons 32 are displayed as arc-shaped figures provided in correspondence with each clearance sonar 12 around the host vehicle image 30. The icons 32 are also displayed at a size that corresponds to the detection distance and range of the clearance sonar 12. Note that Fig. 4 shows an example of how the icons 32 are displayed when targets are detected by the clearance sonars 12A and 12C.

[0057] In this embodiment, a roughly fan-shaped figure can be displayed using five arc-shaped figures corresponding to the clearance sonars 12A, 12B, 12E, and 12F at the center in the vehicle width direction, and a roughly fan-shaped figure can be displayed using four arc-shaped figures corresponding to the clearance sonars 12C, 12D, 12G, and 12H at the corners. The arc-shaped figure at the position corresponding to the clearance sonar 12 that detected the target is displayed. The closer the distance to the detected target, the more arc-shaped figures are displayed, thereby increasing the area of ​​the displayed icon 32, and thereby changing the size of the roughly fan-shaped icon 32. The more clearance sonars 12 that detect targets (the wider the detection range), the larger the area of ​​the displayed icon 32.

[0058] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the number of arc-shaped figures to be displayed is changed depending on the distance to the detected target, and icons 32 are displayed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the correspondence relationship between the distance to the detected target and the number of arc-shaped figures to be displayed. Note that the arc-shaped figures in FIG. 5 are shown with halftone portions displayed and white portions not displayed. Also, the icon display (corner) in the figure corresponds to the detection results of the clearance sonars 12C, 12D, 12G, and 12H. Also, the icon display (front and rear) corresponds to the detection results of the clearance sonars 12A, 12B, 12E, and 12F.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the distance to the target detected by the front clearance sonars 12A and 12B is 200 to 100 cm, when the distance to the target detected by the rear clearance sonars 12E and 12F is 200 to 150 cm, or when the distance to the target detected by the corner clearance sonars 12C, 12D, 12G, and 12H is 200 to 60 cm, one of the arc-shaped figures closest to the host vehicle image 30 is displayed, as shown in Fig. 5. In addition, at this time, the alarm 20 does not emit a warning sound.

[0060] Furthermore, when the distance to the target detected by the front clearance sonars 12A and 12B is 100 to 60 cm, and when the distance to the target detected by the rear clearance sonars 12E and 12F is 150 to 60 cm, two arc-shaped figures are displayed starting from the arc-shaped figure closest to the host vehicle image 30, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the warning sound from the alarm 20 is generated as an intermittent sound with a predetermined first interval between the intermittent sounds.

[0061] Furthermore, when the distance to the target detected by the front clearance sonars 12A, 12B and the rear clearance sonars 12E, 12F is 60 to 45 cm, three arc-shaped figures are displayed starting from the arc-shaped figure closest to the host vehicle image 30, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the warning sound from the alarm 20 is a fast intermittent sound.

[0062] Furthermore, when the distance to the target detected by the corner clearance sonars 12C, 12D, 12G, and 12H is 60 to 45 cm, two arc-shaped figures are displayed starting from the arc-shaped figure closest to the host vehicle image 30, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the warning sound from the alarm 20 is emitted as a fast intermittent sound at a second interval that is shorter than the first interval.

[0063] Furthermore, when the distance to the target detected by the front clearance sonars 12A, 12B and the rear clearance sonars 12E, 12F is 45 to 30 cm, four arc-shaped figures are displayed starting from the arc-shaped figure closest to the host vehicle image 30, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the warning sound from the alarm 20 is an extremely fast intermittent sound at a third interval that is shorter than the second interval.

[0064] Furthermore, when the distance to the target detected by the corner clearance sonars 12C, 12D, 12G, and 12H is 45 to 30 cm, three arc-shaped figures are displayed starting from the arc-shaped figure closest to the host vehicle image 30, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the warning sound from the alarm 20 is an extremely fast intermittent sound at a fourth interval that is shorter than the third interval.

[0065] Furthermore, when the distance to the target detected by the front clearance sonars 12A, 12B and the rear clearance sonars 12E, 12F is 30 cm or less, five arc-shaped figures are displayed starting from the arc-shaped figure closest to the host vehicle image 30, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the alarm device 20 emits a continuous warning sound.

[0066] Furthermore, when the distance to the target detected by the corner clearance sonars 12C, 12D, 12G, and 12H is 30 cm or less, four arc-shaped figures are displayed starting from the arc-shaped figure closest to the host vehicle image 30, as shown in Fig. 5. At this time, the alarm 20 emits a continuous warning sound.

[0067] When displaying the icon 32, the blinking speed of the icon 32 may be further changed in accordance with the change in the size of the icon 32. This allows the display of the icon 32 to notify the presence of a target, and the blinking speed of the icon to express the degree of urgency. In this case, the blinking speed of the icon 32 may be displayed faster as the distance to the detected target becomes closer. This allows the blinking speed of the icon 32 to become faster as the distance to the target becomes closer, thereby notifying the user that the target is getting closer.

[0068] Furthermore, when displaying the icon 32, the color of the icon 32 may be further changed in accordance with a change in the size of the icon 32. As a result, the color of the icon changes according to the size of the icon 32, making it possible to notify that the target is getting closer. In this case, the closer the distance to the detected target, the more color may be displayed to indicate the degree of urgency. For example, the closer the distance to the target, the more red the color displayed to indicate a higher degree of urgency, and the farther the distance to the target, the more yellow the color displayed. In this way, the presence of the target can be notified by displaying the icon, and the degree of urgency can be expressed by the color of the icon 32.

[0069] In addition, the blinking speed and color of the icon 32 may be changed in accordance with the change in size of the icon 32.

[0070] Next, specific processing performed by the clearance sonar ECU 14 of the display control device 10 according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the clearance sonar ECU 14 of the display control device 10 according to this embodiment. The processing in Fig. 6 starts, for example, when a setting is made to detect targets using the clearance sonar 12 and the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined vehicle speed. Alternatively, the processing starts when an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on with the setting made and the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 16 is equal to or lower than the predetermined vehicle speed.

[0071] In step 100, the CPU 14A determines whether or not a target has been detected. This determination is made by acquiring the detection results of the clearance sonar 12 and determining whether or not a target has been detected around the vehicle from the acquired detection results. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 116, and if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 102.

[0072] In step 102, the CPU 14A displays the icon 32 at a size corresponding to the distance to the target, and then proceeds to step 104. That is, the icon 32 at the position corresponding to the detected clearance sonar 12 is displayed on the display unit 18 at a size (number of arc-shaped figures) corresponding to the distance to the target, as shown in FIG.

[0073] In step 104, the CPU 14A generates an alarm sound according to the size of the icon 32, and then proceeds to step 106. That is, as shown in Fig. 5, the alarm 20 is controlled to generate an alarm sound according to the size of the icon 32 to be displayed (the number of arc-shaped figures).

[0074] In step 106, the CPU 14A determines whether or not a target has become undetected. This determination determines whether or not a target that was detected by the clearance sonar 12 has become undetected. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 108, and if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 110.

[0075] In step 108, the CPU 14A ends the display of the icon 32 and the generation of the warning sound, and then proceeds to step 116.

[0076] On the other hand, the CPU 14A determines whether or not the distance to the detected target has changed in step 110. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 116, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 112.

[0077] In step 112, the CPU 14A changes the size of the icon 32 and displays it, and then proceeds to step 114. That is, the size (the number of arc-shaped figures) of the icon 32 is changed according to the distance to the detected target and displayed.

[0078] In step 114, the CPU 14A generates an alarm sound in accordance with the size of the icon 32, and then proceeds to step 116. That is, the alarm 20 is controlled so that the interval between intermittent sounds is changed in accordance with the change in the size of the icon 32. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the alarm sound is generated at an interval between intermittent sounds in accordance with the size of the icon 32 (the number of arc-shaped figures to be displayed).

[0079] In step 116, the CPU 14A determines whether or not to end target detection by the clearance sonar 12. This determination is made, for example, by determining whether or not the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 16 has exceeded a predetermined vehicle speed, or whether or not an instruction to end target detection by the clearance sonar 12 has been issued, or whether or not the ignition switch has been turned off. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 100 and the above-described processing is repeated, and the series of processing ends when the determination is positive.

[0080] In this way, in this embodiment, the size of the icon 32 is changed and displayed according to the target detection result and the distance to the detected target. This makes it possible to express the degree of urgency by changing the size of the icon 32, so it is possible to display the distance to the target in stages and notify the occupant of the degree of urgency.

[0081] In particular, the icon 32 is displayed larger as the distance to the detected target becomes closer, so that the degree of urgency can be more easily conveyed to the occupant.

[0082] Next, we will explain modified examples of the icon 32. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the icon 32, and Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the icon 32. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the icon 32, and Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the icon 32.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the area of ​​the icon 32 is displayed so that it increases as the distance to the detected target decreases, but the display of the icon 32 is not limited to this.

[0084] For example, as in a first modified example shown in Fig. 7 and a second modified example shown in Fig. 8, the icon 32 may be displayed in a filled state, and the size of the outer frame (shown by the thick line in Figs. 7 and 8) enclosing the icon may be displayed so that it becomes larger as the distance to the detected target becomes closer. By using such an icon 32, the presence of the target can be notified by the display of the icon 32, and the degree of urgency can be expressed by the size of the outer frame enclosing the icon.

[0085] Specifically, in the first variant shown in Figure 7, the closer the distance to the target, the closer the arc-shaped figure is displayed from the vehicle image 30, and the outer frame (thick line in Figure 7) containing the arc-shaped figure is displayed larger to include the arc-shaped figure in the direction of the vehicle image 30.

[0086] In the second variant of Figure 8, an example is shown in which the closer the distance to the target, the closer the arc-shaped figure is displayed from the vehicle image 30, and the outer frame (thick line in Figure 8) containing the arc-shaped figure is displayed larger to include other arc-shaped figures.

[0087] The bold lines of the outer frames and the displayed arc-shaped figures shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be displayed in red the closer the distance to the target, and in yellow the farther the distance.

[0088] Furthermore, instead of changing the number of arc-shaped figures to be displayed, the size of the approximately sector-shaped figures may be changed and displayed, as in the third modified example of FIG. 9 and the fourth modified example of FIG.

[0089] 9 shows an example in which the closer the distance to the target, the larger the approximately fan-shaped figure is displayed in the direction of the host vehicle image 30 (downward in FIG. 9). In other words, in FIG. 9, the closer the distance to the target, the larger the fan-shaped arc is displayed, moving from larger to smaller.

[0090] 10 shows an example in which the closer the distance to the target, the larger the approximately fan-shaped figure is displayed in the opposite direction (upward in FIG. 10) from the host vehicle image 30. In other words, in contrast to FIG. 9, FIG. 10 displays the fan-shaped arc so that it gradually becomes larger from the smaller end to the larger end as the distance to the target becomes closer.

[0091] As in the third and fourth modified examples, the fan-shaped figures shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 may be displayed in red the closer the distance to the target, and in yellow the farther the distance.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the interval between intermittent sounds is changed in accordance with changes in the size of the icon 32, as shown in Figure 5, but this is not limiting and a configuration in which only the icon 32 is displayed may also be used. Furthermore, it may be possible to set whether or not the alarm device 20 will emit a warning sound.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which eight clearance sonars 12A to 12H are provided, but the number of clearance sonars 12 is not limited to eight. For example, two more clearance sonars 12 that detect the sides may be provided on each side, and icons 32 may be displayed on the sides of the host vehicle image 30 as well, as shown in FIG.

[0094] Furthermore, although the processing performed by the clearance sonar ECU 14 in each of the above embodiments has been described as software processing performed by executing a program, this is not limited to this. For example, the processing may be performed by hardware such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processing may be a combination of both software and hardware. Furthermore, if the processing is software, the program may be stored in various storage media and distributed.

[0095] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 Display control device 12 Clearance sonar (detection unit) 14 Clearance sonar ECU (acquisition and control units) 18 Display 20 Alarm 30 Vehicle image 32 icons

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires detection results of targets around the vehicle and detection results of distances to the targets; a control unit that displays an image of the vehicle that resembles the vehicle and icons that represent locations of targets around the vehicle, and changes the size of the icons to display them according to detection results of the targets and the distances to the targets; A display control device comprising:

2. The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays the icon in a filled state, and displays the icon such that the size of an outer frame enclosing the icon increases as the distance decreases.

3. The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays the icon so that the area of ​​the icon increases as the distance decreases.

4. 2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the icon is an arc-shaped figure provided around the image of the vehicle, which imitates the image of the vehicle, at a position corresponding to a detection unit that detects the target.

5. The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further changes a blinking speed of the icon in accordance with the change in the size of the icon.

6. The display control device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit displays the image so that the blinking speed increases as the distance increases.

7. The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further changes the color of the icon in accordance with the change in the size of the icon.

8. The display control device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit is configured to display a color that indicates a degree of urgency as the distance becomes shorter.

9. Further provided with an alarm that generates a warning sound, The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit further controls the alarm to output a sound in accordance with the change in the size of the icon.

10. The display control device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit controls the alarm so that the interval between intermittent sounds becomes shorter as the distance becomes shorter.

11. On the computer, Acquire detection results of targets around the vehicle and detection results of distances to the targets; displaying an image of the vehicle and icons representing the locations of targets around the vehicle; a display control program for executing a process of changing and displaying the size of the icon in accordance with the detection result of the target and the detection result of the distance to the target;

Images