Display control device, display control method and display control program

Abstract

To provide a display control device, a display control method and a display control program which enable an occupant to intuitively understand a set inter-vehicle distance in a preceding vehicle follow-up function.SOLUTION: A vehicle display control device 10 comprises a display control section which: displays an own vehicle image simulating a vehicle 12 and a preceding vehicle image simulating a preceding vehicle arranged in accordance with a relative positional relation with the vehicle 12 on a second display section 26 installed on the vehicle 12; and differentiates the own vehicle image viewed from the side of a set inter-vehicle position on the second display section 26 according to an inter-vehicle distance setting in a preceding vehicle follow-up function from the own vehicle image viewed from the opposite side to a set inter-vehicle position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses that the appropriate following distance for adaptive cruise control refers to a range obtained by adding a specified distance before and after the set following distance in consideration of control stability, and that an indicator showing the appropriate following distance is displayed only when the preceding vehicle is within this appropriate following distance range, and is not displayed when the preceding vehicle is outside this range. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7043965 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the prior art, only an indicator showing the appropriate inter-vehicle distance is displayed ahead of the vehicle or in the direction in which the leading vehicle is displayed, making it difficult to intuitively understand the set inter-vehicle distance.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a display control device, a display control method, and a display control program that enable occupants to intuitively understand the set inter-vehicle distance from visual information in a preceding vehicle following function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The display control device described in claim 1 is equipped with a display control unit that displays, on a display unit provided in the host vehicle, an image of the host vehicle that imitates the host vehicle and an image of a preceding vehicle that imitates the preceding vehicle and is positioned according to the relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and that displays the host vehicle image side from a set inter-vehicle position on the display unit according to the inter-vehicle distance setting of the preceding vehicle following function in a manner different from the side opposite the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position.

[0007] According to the display control device described in claim 1, by displaying the image of the vehicle itself from the set inter-vehicle position in a manner different from the opposite side of the image of the vehicle itself from the set inter-vehicle position, the occupants of the preceding vehicle following function can intuitively understand the set inter-vehicle distance (hereinafter also referred to as the set inter-vehicle distance) from visual information.

[0008] A display control device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the display control device according to the first aspect, wherein the display control unit displays an icon at the set inter-vehicle distance position on the display unit.

[0009] According to the display control device of claim 2, the occupant can understand the set inter-vehicle distance from the display position of the icon.

[0010] The display control device described in claim 3 is a display control device described in claim 1 or 2, in which the display control unit displays on the display unit a road surface image that imitates the road surface on which the vehicle is traveling, with the side of the vehicle image from the set vehicle distance position being in a different appearance from the opposite side.

[0011] According to the display control device of claim 3, the occupant can understand the set inter-vehicle distance from the change in the appearance of the road surface image.

[0012] The display control device described in claim 4 is the display control device described in claim 3, wherein the display control unit displays the road surface image in a different color when the preceding vehicle following function is operating than when the preceding vehicle following function is not operating.

[0013] According to the display control device of claim 4, the occupants of the vehicle can visually understand whether the preceding vehicle following function of the vehicle is in operation or not.

[0014] The display control device described in claim 5 is the display control device described in claim 3 or 4, wherein, when the preceding vehicle following function is operating, the display control unit displays the road surface image on the vehicle image side from the set vehicle distance position in a brighter color than the road surface image on the opposite side.

[0015] According to the display control device of claim 6, the occupant can understand the set inter-vehicle distance from the difference in color brightness of the road surface image.

[0016] The display control device described in claim 6 is a display control device described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, when the preceding vehicle following function is operating, the display control unit displays the color of the road surface image on the side of the vehicle image from the set inter-vehicle position and the color of the road surface image on the opposite side in the same color scheme.

[0017] According to the display control device of claim 6, the colors of the road surface image on the front side and the back side of the set inter-vehicle distance icon are similar colors, so that the occupants are less likely to feel a sense of discomfort visually.

[0018] The display control device described in claim 7 is the display control device described in claim 6, wherein the display control unit displays the color to be displayed while the preceding vehicle following function is operating and the accelerator override function is being detected, and the color to be displayed during hands-off control, in a color different from the same color system.

[0019] According to the display control device described in claim 7, when the accelerator override function is being detected or when hands-off control is being performed, the road surface image is displayed in a different color scheme from the road surface image that is normally displayed when the following vehicle ahead function is operating, so that the occupants can understand from the difference in color of the road surface image that the accelerator override function is active or that hands-off control is being performed.

[0020] The display control method described in claim 8 is performed by a computer to display, on a display unit provided in the host vehicle, an image of the host vehicle that imitates the host vehicle and an image of a preceding vehicle that imitates the preceding vehicle and is positioned according to the relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and to display the host vehicle image side from a set inter-vehicle position on the display unit according to the inter-vehicle distance setting of the preceding vehicle following function in a manner different from the opposite side of the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position.

[0021] According to the display control method described in claim 8, by displaying the image of the vehicle itself from the set inter-vehicle position in a manner different from the opposite side of the image of the vehicle itself from the set inter-vehicle position, the occupants of the preceding vehicle following function can intuitively understand the set inter-vehicle distance from visual information.

[0022] The display control program described in claim 9 causes a computer to execute a process of displaying, on a display unit provided in the host vehicle, an image of the host vehicle that imitates the host vehicle and an image of a preceding vehicle that imitates the preceding vehicle and is positioned according to the relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and displaying the host vehicle image side from a set inter-vehicle position on the display unit according to the inter-vehicle distance setting of the preceding vehicle following function in a manner different from the opposite side of the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position.

[0023] According to the display control program described in claim 9, by displaying the image of the vehicle itself from the set inter-vehicle position in a manner different from the opposite side of the image of the vehicle itself from the set inter-vehicle position, the occupants of the preceding vehicle following function can intuitively understand the set inter-vehicle distance from visual information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, in the preceding vehicle following function, the occupant can intuitively understand the set inter-vehicle distance from visual information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a front portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle according to an embodiment is viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the display screen of the second display unit during autonomous driving, and showing the display position of the target bar which differs depending on the following distance setting. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the second display unit during autonomous driving, and is a diagram showing the relationship between the relative positional relationship between the image of the leading vehicle and the target bar and the control of acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the second display unit during manual operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the second display unit during autonomous driving, showing a state in which accelerator operation is being performed. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the second display unit during automatic driving, and shows the state when hands-off control is activated. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen of the second display unit during autonomous driving, showing a state in which a leading vehicle is approaching. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the second display unit during automatic driving in a modified example. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a display process according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] A vehicle 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the host vehicle) to which a vehicle display control device 10 according to an embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle 12 according to this embodiment is configured, as an example, to be switchable between automatic driving and manual driving. The vehicle display control device 10 is an example of a "display control device." The vehicle 12 is an example of a "host vehicle."

[0027] 1, an instrument panel 14 is provided in the front portion of the cabin of a vehicle 12. The instrument panel 14 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side of the instrument panel 14. That is, in this embodiment, as an example, the vehicle is a right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side, and the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle.

[0028] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 14. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vertical direction and the width direction of the vehicle, and separates the interior of the vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle.

[0029] The right end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a front pillar 20 on the right side of the vehicle. The front pillar 20 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the front ends of front side windows 22 are fixed to the outer end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction. The left end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a front pillar on the left side of the vehicle (not shown).

[0030] Here, a first display unit 24 is provided on the windshield glass 18. The first display unit 24 is configured as a projection surface onto which an image is projected by a head-up display device 23 shown in Fig. 2. Specifically, the head-up display device 23 is provided further forward than the instrument panel 14 of the vehicle, and an image is projected from the head-up display device 23 onto the first display unit 24 of the windshield glass 18.

[0031] A second display unit 26 is provided below the first display unit 24. The second display unit 26 is a display unit displayed on a meter 25, which is located in front of the driver's seat on the instrument panel 14. The first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are provided in positions visible to the driver. The vehicle display control device 10, the first display unit 24, and the second display unit 26 form a vehicle display system. The first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are examples of a "display unit."

[0032] (Hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device 10) As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle display control device 10 of this embodiment includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) .

[0033] The ECU 28 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a storage 36, and an input / output interface 38. Each component is connected to each other via an internal bus 39 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0034] The CPU 30 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 30 reads programs from the ROM 32 or storage 36 and executes the programs using the RAM 34 as a work area. The CPU 30 also controls the above-mentioned components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 32 or storage 36.

[0035] The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 34 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 36 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and is a non-temporary recording medium that stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In this embodiment, the ROM 32 or the storage 36 stores a display program for performing display processing, etc. Furthermore, various input / output devices are connected to the input / output interface 38.

[0036] Here, the ECU 28 is electrically connected to the autonomous driving ECU 40. Like the ECU 28, the autonomous driving ECU 40 is configured to include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage, an input / output interface, and the like, all of which are not shown.

[0037] The autonomous driving ECU 40 is connected to a group of sensors 42 that detects the current situation of the vehicle and a group of actuators 44 that control the traveling of the vehicle. The group of sensors 42 includes a plurality of sensors selected from various types of sensors, such as a camera, radar, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), and a GPS (global positioning system) sensor. The camera captures images of the surroundings of the vehicle. The radar uses radio waves to detect the distance and direction of objects around the vehicle. The LIDAR uses laser light to detect the distance and direction of objects around the vehicle. The GPS sensor detects the current position of the vehicle. In addition to these, the group of sensors 42 is configured to include sensors that detect the state of the occupant. For example, the group of sensors 42 may be configured to include biological sensors that detect the occupant's heart rate, alertness, etc.

[0038] The actuator group 44 includes an acceleration / deceleration actuator that adjusts the acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle, and a steering actuator that drives the vehicle's steering device. The autonomous driving ECU 40 controls the operation of the actuator group 44 in accordance with the current situation of the vehicle detected by the sensor group 42, thereby performing autonomous driving of the vehicle. Note that a planned route indicating the route along which the vehicle is planned to travel is stored in a memory unit of the autonomous driving ECU 40, and the autonomous driving ECU 40 causes the vehicle to travel along the planned route stored in the memory unit.

[0039] An accelerator position sensor 46 and a steering sensor 48 are connected to the ECU 28. The accelerator position sensor 46 is a sensor that detects the position of an accelerator pedal (not shown) that is provided below the driver's seat. The steering sensor 48 is a sensor that detects the load applied to the steering wheel 16 by the occupant. That is, the steering sensor 48 of this embodiment is configured not to detect the load when the steering wheel 16 is operated by the autonomous driving ECU 40 during autonomous driving, but to detect the load when the occupant is operating the steering wheel 16.

[0040] (Functional configuration of the vehicle display control device 10) The vehicular display control device 10 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. The functional configuration realized by the vehicular display control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] 3, the vehicle display control device 10 includes, as functional components, a driving mode acquisition unit 52, a display control unit 54, an operation intervention detection unit 56, and an approach detection unit 58. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading and executing a program.

[0042] The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires whether the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is a manual driving mode or an automatic driving mode. Here, the manual driving mode in this embodiment refers to a driving mode in which the vehicle 12 is driven through driving operations by the occupant. Furthermore, the automatic driving mode in this embodiment refers to a driving mode in which the vehicle 12 is driven without the occupant operating the accelerator. In this embodiment, the automatic driving mode refers to, for example, the operation of adaptive cruise control (ACC). ACC is a driving assistance function that recognizes a preceding vehicle using a camera and radar (monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar) included in the sensor group 42 and assists in following the preceding vehicle while maintaining a distance according to the vehicle speed. The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires information regarding the driving mode based on, for example, a signal from the automatic driving ECU 40. The adaptive cruise control is an example of a "preceding vehicle following function."

[0043] Furthermore, the driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires whether hands-off control is active when the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the autonomous driving mode. The hands-off control is an advanced driving assistance function that performs steering and acceleration / deceleration control under the driver's supervision, for example, on motorways. The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires information related to hands-off control based on a signal from the autonomous driving ECU 40, for example.

[0044] The display control unit 54 displays the surrounding information of the vehicle 12 on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 provided in the vehicle cabin. Specifically, the display control unit 54 acquires signals from the sensor group 42, and displays the surrounding information of the vehicle 12 based on the acquired signals on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. The surrounding information of the vehicle 12 includes information on the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 12 and a preceding vehicle.

[0045] Furthermore, when the driving mode acquired by the driving mode acquisition unit 52 is at least the autonomous driving mode, the display control unit 54 displays the set inter-vehicle distance (hereinafter also referred to as the set inter-vehicle distance) on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Specifically, the display control unit 54 acquires the set inter-vehicle distance for the autonomous driving mode, and displays information indicating the acquired set inter-vehicle distance on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26.

[0046] The display control unit 54 changes the display screens displayed on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 depending on whether the driving mode is a manual driving mode or an automatic driving mode as determined by the driving mode acquisition unit 52. The display control unit 54 also changes the display screens displayed on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 when the operation intervention detection unit 56 detects that an occupant has intervened in a driving operation, and when the driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires that hands-off control is in operation. Furthermore, the display control unit 54 changes the display screens displayed on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 when the approach detection unit 58, which will be described later, detects the approach of a leading vehicle.

[0047] The operation intervention detection unit 56 detects an occupant's intervention in a driving operation when the driving mode acquired by the driving mode acquisition unit 52 is an automatic driving mode. That is, the operation intervention detection unit 56 functions only when the driving mode is an automatic driving mode, and does not function when the driving mode is a manual driving mode. Furthermore, in the automatic driving mode, the operation intervention detection unit 56 determines that an occupant has intervened in an accelerator operation when it detects that the accelerator pedal has moved from its initial position based on a signal from the accelerator position sensor 46. Furthermore, in the automatic driving mode, the operation intervention detection unit 56 determines that an occupant has intervened in a steering operation when it detects that the occupant has applied a load to the steering wheel 16 based on a signal from the steering sensor 48.

[0048] The approach detection unit 58 detects whether a preceding vehicle is approaching the host vehicle. The approach detection unit 58 acquires information relating to the approach of the preceding vehicle based on a signal from the automatic driving ECU 40, for example.

[0049] (display screen) Hereinafter, a part of the display screen of the second display unit 26 displayed by the function of the display control unit 54 during automatic driving will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0050] 4A to 4D are diagrams showing the display positions of a target bar M3 that differ depending on the inter-vehicle distance setting during autonomous driving. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D, in autonomous driving mode, second display unit 26 displays: host vehicle image M1 that resembles vehicle 12; leading vehicle image M2 that resembles a leading vehicle traveling ahead of vehicle 12; target bar M3, which is an icon indicating the inter-vehicle distance set in autonomous driving mode; road surface image M4 that resembles the road surface of the lane in which vehicle 12 is traveling; boundary line image M5 that resembles the boundary line of the lane in which vehicle 12 is traveling; and image effect M6 that indicates an effect for the image. Road surface image M4 in this embodiment includes road surface images M4G, M4DG, M4Gy (see FIG. 6), M4S, M4DS (see FIG. 7), M4LB, M4DB (see FIG. 8), and M4A (see FIG. 9), which differ in the displayed color (information on hue, lightness, and saturation). Furthermore, the boundary line image M5 includes boundary line images M5G, M5Gy (see FIG. 6), and M5LB (see FIG. 8) that are displayed in different colors. The image effect M6 includes image effects M6W and M6B (see FIG. 8) that are displayed in different colors. The target bar M3 is an example of an "icon."

[0051] Here, the host vehicle image M1 is displayed in a display area within the second display unit 26. The host vehicle image M1 is displayed below this display area, superimposed on the road surface image M4.

[0052] The leading vehicle image M2 is displayed superimposed on the road surface image M4. The display position and size of the leading vehicle image M2 are changed depending on the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 12 and the leading vehicle. For example, as the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 12 and the leading vehicle increases, the leading vehicle image M2 is displayed in a reduced size at the top of the display area in the second display unit 26.

[0053] The target bar M3 is displayed superimposed on the road surface image M4 in front of the host vehicle image M1. Here, "forward of the host vehicle image M1" refers to the traveling direction of the vehicle 12, which coincides with the upward direction on the second display unit 26. The target bar M3 is displayed with its position changed according to the set inter-vehicle distance in the autonomous driving mode of the vehicle 12. Note that the position at which the target bar M3 is displayed may be changed according to the vehicle speed of the vehicle 12. The position that changes according to the set inter-vehicle distance in the autonomous driving mode of the vehicle 12 is an example of a "set inter-vehicle position."

[0054] The road surface image M4 is displayed superimposed on the host vehicle image M1, the leading vehicle image M2, and the target bar M3. The road surface image M4 is displayed in different ways on the near side and far side of the target bar M3. Here, the "near side" refers to the direction approaching the host vehicle image M1, which corresponds to the downward direction in the second display unit 26. The "far side" refers to the direction moving away from the host vehicle image M1, which corresponds to the upward direction in the second display unit 26. For example, the road surface image M4G displayed on the near side of the target bar M3 is displayed in green, and the road surface image M4DG displayed on the far side of the target bar M3 is displayed in dark green. The near side of the target bar M3 is an example of the "host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position," and the far side of the target bar M3 is an example of the "opposite side of the host vehicle image from the set inter-vehicle position." Green and dark green are examples of "similar colors."

[0055] The boundary line image M5 is displayed along the road surface image M4, with a gap between them, on the left and right sides of the road surface image M4. Here, the "left direction" and "right direction" refer to the left and right directions relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle 12, and correspond to the left and right directions on the second display unit 26. The boundary line image M5 is displayed in different modes depending on the operating status of the driving assistance function of the vehicle 12. For example, when the Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is enabled, the boundary line image M5G is displayed in green. On the other hand, when the LDA is disabled, the boundary line image M5Gy is displayed in gray. The LDA is a driving assistance function that, when the system determines that the vehicle may depart from its lane, notifies the driver by displaying a warning, a buzzer, or steering wheel vibration, thereby prompting the driver to take action to avoid departure. Furthermore, the LDA assists in preventing lane departure by applying steering force to the steering wheel and displaying a warning.

[0056] The image effect M6 is displayed around the road surface image M4 and the boundary line image M5. For example, the image effect M6W is displayed like a white haze, which increases the visibility of the road surface image M4 and the boundary line image M5.

[0057] In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 4(A), when the following distance setting is set to the fourth level out of four levels, the target bar M3 is displayed at a position approximately 1 / 10 from the back of the road surface image M4. Furthermore, a road surface image M4G is displayed in front of the target bar M3, and a road surface image M4DG is displayed at the back of the target bar M3 (the same applies to FIGS. 4(B) to 4(D) below). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(B), when the following distance setting is set to the third level out of four levels, the target bar M3 is displayed at a position approximately 1 / 5 from the back of the road surface image M4. Then, as shown in FIG. 4(C), when the following distance setting is set to the second level out of four levels, the target bar M3 is displayed at a position approximately 1 / 3 from the back of the road surface image M4. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(D), when the following distance setting is set to the first level out of four levels, the target bar M3 is displayed at a position approximately 1 / 2 from the back of the road surface image M4. In this way, by changing the display position of the target bar M3, the stage at which the following distance setting is set is displayed. Also, by changing the color of the road surface image M4 between the front and back sides of the target bar M3, it is displayed that the front side of the target bar M3 is an autonomous driving control area. Note that in Figures 4(A) to (D), the information indicating the set following distance includes the target bar M3 and the road surface image M4.

[0058] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the relative positional relationship between the leading vehicle image M2 and the target bar M3 and the acceleration / deceleration control of the vehicle 12 during autonomous driving. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the leading vehicle image M2 is displayed behind the target bar M3, it indicates that the vehicle 12 will accelerate until the positions of the target bar M3 and the leading vehicle image M2 overlap. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the leading vehicle image M2 is displayed in front of the target bar M3, it indicates that the vehicle 12 will decelerate until the leading vehicle image M2 is located behind the target bar M3. As shown in FIG. 5C, when the positions of the target bar M3 and the leading vehicle image M2 overlap, it indicates that the vehicle 12 will not accelerate or decelerate (will maintain a constant vehicle speed). In this way, the relative positional relationship between the leading vehicle image M2 and the target bar M3 is displayed, thereby indicating the acceleration / deceleration control of the vehicle 12.

[0059] Fig. 6 shows the display screen of the second display unit 26 during manual driving. In the present embodiment, as an example, when the driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires that the driving mode of the vehicle 12 has been switched from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode, the display control unit 54 changes the colors of the road surface image M4 and the boundary line image M5 on the second display unit 26 from the state shown in Fig. 4(A) to that shown in Fig. 6, and hides the preceding vehicle image M2 and the target bar M3.

[0060] For example, as shown in Fig. 4(A), when the driving mode is the automatic driving mode, a road surface image M4G and a boundary line image M5G are displayed. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 6, when the driving mode is the manual driving mode, the display control unit 54 changes the colors of the road surface image M4 and the boundary line image M5 to display a road surface image M4Gy and a boundary line image M5Gy. Specifically, the road surface image M4Gy and the boundary line image M5Gy are displayed in gray. At this time, the host vehicle image M1 and the image effect M6 are not changed.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 6, the road surface image M4G changes to a road surface image M4Gy, and the boundary line image M5G changes to a boundary line image M5Gy and is displayed. In addition, the leading vehicle image M2 and the target bar M3 are hidden. In this way, by hiding the leading vehicle image M2 and the target bar M3 and changing the colors of the road surface image M4 and the boundary line image M5, it is indicated that the driving mode has been switched to the manual driving mode. Note that when the driving mode is switched back to the automatic driving mode, the display screen may be one shown in any one of Figs. 4(A) to (D).

[0062] Fig. 7 shows the display screen of the second display unit 26 in a state in which an accelerator operation is intervening during autonomous driving. In the present embodiment, as an example, when the operation intervening detection unit 56 detects an accelerator operation intervening, the display control unit 54 changes the color of the road surface image M4 on the second display unit 26 from the state shown in Fig. 4(A) to the state shown in Fig. 7. The detection of an accelerator operation intervening is an example of "detection of an accelerator override function."

[0063] For example, as shown in FIG. 4(A), in a normal state where no accelerator operation is detected, road surface images M4G and M4DG are displayed. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 7, when accelerator operation is detected, the display control unit 54 changes the color of the road surface image M4 to display road surface images M4S and M4DS. Specifically, the road surface image M4S displayed in front of the target bar M3 is displayed in silver, and the road surface image M4DG displayed behind the target bar M3 is displayed in dark silver. At this time, the host vehicle image M1, the leading vehicle image M2, the boundary line image M5, and the image effect M6 are not changed. Silver and dark silver are examples of "different colors."

[0064] As shown in Fig. 7, the display control unit 54 changes the road surface image M4G to the road surface image M4S, and changes the road surface image M4DG to the road surface image M4DS and displays them. In this way, by changing the color of the road surface image M4, it is indicated that intervention by accelerator operation is effective. In Fig. 7, the information indicating the set inter-vehicle distance includes the target bar M3 and the road surface image M4.

[0065] Fig. 8 shows the display screen of second display unit 26 when hands-off control is active during autonomous driving. In this embodiment, as an example, when driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires that hands-off control is active, display control unit 54 changes the colors of road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6 on second display unit 26 from the state shown in Fig. 4(A) to the state shown in Fig. 8.

[0066] For example, as shown in FIG. 4(A), in an autonomous driving mode in which hands-off control is not activated, road surface images M4G, M4DG, boundary line image M5G, and image effect M6W are displayed. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is determined that hands-off control is activated, the display control unit 54 changes the colors of the road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6 to display road surface images M4LB, M4DB, boundary line image M5LB, and image effect M6B. Specifically, the road surface image M4LB and boundary line image M5LB displayed in front of the target bar M3 are displayed in light blue, and the road surface image M4DB displayed behind the target bar M3 is displayed in dark blue. The image effect M6B is also displayed in blue. At this time, the host vehicle image M1 and the leading vehicle image M2 are not changed. Also, a trajectory image M7 and a speed mark M8, which will be described later, are displayed. Blue and dark blue are examples of "different colors."

[0067] 8, a trajectory image M7 indicating the planned driving route of the vehicle 12 and a speed mark M8 corresponding to the speed of the vehicle 12 are displayed between the host vehicle image M1 and the leading vehicle image M2. The trajectory image M7 of this embodiment includes trajectory images M7B and M7NB of different colors. The speed mark M8 also includes speed marks M8S and M8DS of different colors.

[0068] The trajectory image M7 is displayed in a roughly band-like shape, and when the vehicle 12 is traveling straight, it is displayed in a roughly linear shape in the up-down direction. The trajectory image M7 is displayed in different ways on the front and back sides of the target bar M3. For example, the trajectory image M7B displayed on the front side of the target bar M3 is displayed in blue, and the trajectory image M7NB displayed on the back side of the target bar M3 is displayed in navy blue. Although not shown, when the vehicle 12 turns right or left or curves, the trajectory image M7 is displayed in a curved state along the planned driving route of the vehicle 12.

[0069] The speed marks M8 are displayed at intervals superimposed on the trajectory image M7, and five speed marks M8 are displayed in FIG. 8 . The speed marks M8 are displayed in different ways on the front and rear sides of the target bar M3. For example, the speed mark M8S displayed on the front side of the target bar M3 is displayed in silver, and the speed mark M8DS displayed on the rear side of the target bar M3 is displayed in dark silver. The speed marks M8 are displayed so that their intervals change depending on the speed of the vehicle 12. For example, if the speed of the vehicle 12 is slower than in the state of FIG. 8 , the intervals between the speed marks M8 are displayed narrower. Conversely, if the speed of the vehicle 12 is faster than in the state of FIG. 8 , the intervals between the speed marks M8 are displayed wider.

[0070] In this way, the validity of hands-off control is indicated by changing the colors of the road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6, and by displaying the trajectory image M7 and speed mark M8. Note that in Figure 8, the information indicating the set inter-vehicle distance includes the target bar M3, road surface image M4, trajectory image M7, and speed mark M8.

[0071] Fig. 9 shows the display screen of second display unit 26 when a leading vehicle is approaching during autonomous driving. In the present embodiment, as an example, when approach detection unit 58 detects the approach of a leading vehicle, display control unit 54 changes the color of road surface image M4 on second display unit 26 from the state shown in Fig. 4(A) to the state shown in Fig. 9, and hides target bar M3.

[0072] For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, in a normal state where the approach of a leading vehicle is not detected, road surface images M4G, M4DG, and a target bar M3 are displayed. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 9, when the approach of a leading vehicle is detected, the display control unit 54 changes the color of the road surface image M4 to display a road surface image M4A and hides the target bar M3. Specifically, the road surface image M4A displayed as the entire road surface image is displayed in amber. At this time, the host vehicle image M1, leading vehicle image M2, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6 are not changed. In addition, a warning image M9, which will be described later, is displayed below the leading vehicle image M2, whose approach has been detected.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, a warning image M9 indicating the approach of a preceding vehicle is displayed below the preceding vehicle image M2, which shows a preceding vehicle whose approach to the host vehicle has been detected. The warning image M9 is displayed superimposed on the road surface image M4A and the preceding vehicle image M2. For example, the warning image M9 is displayed in orange. In this way, the target bar M3 is hidden, the color of the road surface image M4 is changed, and the warning image M9 is displayed, thereby indicating that a preceding vehicle is approaching. Note that when it becomes possible to display the appropriate inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle whose approach has been detected, the display screen may be changed to one of those shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(D).

[0074] The first display unit 24 displays an image similar to that of the second display unit 26. In this embodiment, the display area of ​​the first display unit 24 is smaller than that of the second display unit 26, so the first display unit 24 is configured to display a portion of the image of the second display unit 26. For example, the first display unit 24 displays a target bar M3, a road surface image M4, and a boundary line image M5.

[0075] (Variation) 10(A) to 10(C) show modified examples of the display screen of the second display unit 26 during automatic driving.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 10(A), the display control unit 54 may display the target bar M3 superimposed on both the road surface image M4 and the boundary line image M5. That is, in Fig. 10(A), the target bar M3 is displayed longer in the left-right direction compared to Fig. 4(C). In this way, the left-right length of the target bar M3 may be changed when displayed.

[0077] 10(B), the target bar M3 may be hidden. Meanwhile, the display control unit 54 displays the leading vehicle image M2, road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6 in different ways on the front and rear sides of the position indicating the set inter-vehicle distance. For example, the leading vehicle image M2, road surface image M4G, boundary line image M5G, and image effect M6W are displayed on the front side of the position indicating the set inter-vehicle distance. In contrast, the leading vehicle image M2Gy, road surface image M4DG, boundary line image M5DG, and image effect M6Gy are displayed on the rear side of the position indicating the set inter-vehicle distance. In the modified example shown in FIG. 10(B), the leading vehicle image M2Gy and image effect M6Gy are displayed in gray, and the boundary line image M5DG is displayed in dark green. That is, in FIG. 10(B), the position of the set inter-vehicle distance is indicated by a position where the colors of the leading vehicle image M2, road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6 change significantly. In this way, the target bar M3 may be hidden, and the leading vehicle image M2, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6 may be displayed in different styles in front of and behind the position indicating the set inter-vehicle distance. Note that it is sufficient to change the color of at least one of the leading vehicle image M2, road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6. Also, in FIG. 10(B), the information indicating the set inter-vehicle distance includes the leading vehicle image M2, road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6. The position indicating the set inter-vehicle distance is an example of a "set inter-vehicle position."

[0078] As shown in FIG. 10(C), the target bar M3 may be hidden. Meanwhile, the road surface image M4 is displayed with different gradations in front and behind the position indicating the set inter-vehicle distance by the function of the display control unit 54. For example, the road surface image M4GG, which is displayed in front of the position indicating the set inter-vehicle distance, is displayed with a green gradation that gradually becomes brighter from the center toward the top and bottom. The road surface image M4DGG, which is displayed behind the position indicating the set inter-vehicle distance, is displayed with a dark green gradation that gradually becomes brighter from the bottom toward the top. That is, in FIG. 10(C), the set inter-vehicle distance is displayed by the position where the brightness of the gradation of the road surface image M4 changes significantly. In this way, the road surface image M4 may be displayed with different gradations in front and behind the set inter-vehicle distance. The boundary line image M5 and the image effect M6 may also be displayed with gradations.

[0079] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0080] (Example of display processing) 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of display processing by the vehicle display control device 10. This display processing is executed by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36, expanding the program in the RAM 34, and executing it. The display processing is executed by the CPU 30 functioning as the driving mode acquisition unit 52, the display control unit 54, the operation intervention detection unit 56, and the approach detection unit 58. As an example, the display processing shown in FIG. 11 is processing that is repeatedly executed while the vehicle 12 is traveling.

[0081] 11, the CPU 30 acquires the driving mode in step S100. Specifically, the CPU 30 acquires whether the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the manual driving mode or the automatic driving mode.

[0082] In step S101, the CPU 30 determines whether the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the automatic driving mode. If the driving mode of the vehicle 12 acquired by the driving mode acquisition unit 52 is the automatic driving mode, the CPU 30 makes a positive determination in step S101 and proceeds to processing in step S102. On the other hand, if the driving mode of the vehicle 12 acquired by the driving mode acquisition unit 52 is the manual driving mode, the CPU 30 proceeds to step S109.

[0083] In step S102, the CPU 30 displays surrounding information in the autonomous driving mode. Specifically, the CPU 30 acquires signals from the sensor group 42 and displays surrounding information about the vehicle 12 based on the acquired signals on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. For example, in step S102, the CPU 30 displays an image of the vehicle itself M1, an image of the leading vehicle M2, a target bar M3, a road surface image M4, a boundary line image M5, and an image effect M6 on the second display unit 26, as shown in FIG. 4(A). The CPU 30 also displays the same images as those on the second display unit 26 on the first display unit 24.

[0084] The CPU 30 determines whether or not an accelerator operation has been performed in step S103 of Fig. 11. Specifically, when the CPU 30 detects an accelerator operation based on a signal from the accelerator position sensor 46, the CPU 30 makes an affirmative determination in step S103 and proceeds to the process of step S104.

[0085] On the other hand, if the CPU 30 does not detect an accelerator operation in step S103, the CPU 30 makes a negative determination in step S103 and proceeds to the process of step S105.

[0086] In step S104, the CPU 30 performs a display when an accelerator operation is performed. Specifically, the CPU 30 changes the color of the road surface image M4 on the second display unit 26 as shown in Fig. 7. Although not shown, the display on the first display unit 24 is also changed in a similar manner.

[0087] The CPU 30 determines whether or not the hands-off control is in operation in step S105 of Fig. 11. Specifically, when the CPU 30 acquires that the hands-off control is in operation, the CPU 30 makes a positive determination in step S105 and proceeds to the processing of step S106.

[0088] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S105 that the hands-off control is in operation, the CPU 30 makes a negative determination in step S105 and proceeds to the process of step S107.

[0089] In step S106, the CPU 30 performs display during hands-off control. Specifically, the CPU 30 changes the colors of the road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6 on the second display unit 26, as shown in Fig. 8. The CPU 30 also displays a trajectory image M7 and speed mark M8 indicating the planned driving route. Although not shown, the display on the first display unit 24 is also changed in a similar manner.

[0090] The CPU 30 determines whether or not a preceding vehicle is approaching in step S107 of Fig. 11. Specifically, when the CPU 30 detects that a preceding vehicle is approaching, the CPU 30 makes a positive determination in step S105 and proceeds to the processing of step S108.

[0091] On the other hand, if it is not detected in step S107 that a preceding vehicle is approaching, the CPU 30 makes a negative determination in step S107 and proceeds to step S100.

[0092] In step S108, the CPU 30 performs a display when a preceding vehicle is approaching. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 30 hides the target bar M3 on the second display unit 26 and changes the color of the road surface image M4. The CPU 30 also displays a warning image M9 indicating the approach of a preceding vehicle. Although not shown, the display on the first display unit 24 is also changed in a similar manner. The CPU 30 then proceeds to step S100.

[0093] In step S109, the CPU 30 displays surrounding information in manual driving mode. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, the CPU 30 hides the preceding vehicle image M2 and target bar M3 on the second display unit 26 and changes the colors of the road surface image M4 and boundary line image M5. Although not shown, the display is similarly changed on the first display unit 24. Then, the CPU 30 proceeds to step S100.

[0094] As described above, the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment displays the host vehicle image M1 and the leading vehicle image M2 on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, and also displays the target bar M3, whose display position rises and falls according to the following distance setting in the autonomous driving mode, with the front side of the target bar M3 displayed in a different manner than the rear side of the target bar M3. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand the set following distance from visual information in the adaptive cruise control function. The occupant can also understand the set following distance from the display position of the target bar M3.

[0095] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the road surface image M4G in front of the target bar M3 is displayed in a different manner from the road surface image M4DG behind the target bar M3. This allows the occupant to understand the set inter-vehicle distance from the change in the manner of the road surface image M4. Furthermore, since the information on the set inter-vehicle distance can be displayed over a wider range than when the information on the set inter-vehicle distance is displayed only at the display position of the target bar M3, the amount of visual information for the occupant to understand the set inter-vehicle distance can be increased. This also allows the occupant to visually understand the control area during autonomous driving.

[0096] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment, during automatic driving, the road surface image M4 is displayed in a color different from that during manual driving, allowing the occupant to visually understand whether the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the manual driving mode or the automatic driving mode.

[0097] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment, during autonomous driving, the road surface image M4G in front of the target bar M3 is displayed in green, and the road surface image M4DG behind the target bar M3 is displayed in dark green. This allows the occupant to understand the set inter-vehicle distance based on the difference in color brightness of the road surface image M4. Furthermore, because the colors of the road surface image M4 in front of and behind the target bar M3 are similar, the occupant is unlikely to feel any visual discomfort.

[0098] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment, when the vehicle is in autonomous driving and accelerator operation intervention is enabled, the road surface image M4S is displayed in silver and the road surface image M4DS is displayed in dark silver, and when hands-off control is in operation, the road surface image M4B is displayed in blue and the road surface image M4DB is displayed in dark blue. As a result, in each case, the road surface image M4 is displayed in a different color system from the road surface images M4G and M4DG, and the occupant can understand from the difference in color of the road surface image that accelerator operation intervention is enabled or that hands-off control is in operation.

[0099] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the ACC function during autonomous driving allows the vehicle to follow a recognized preceding vehicle while maintaining a distance according to the vehicle speed. Therefore, the occupant can predict the acceleration / deceleration control of the vehicle 12 based on the relative positional relationship between the preceding vehicle image M2 and the target bar M3 displayed on the second display unit 26.

[0100] In the vehicle display control device 10 according to the modified example of this embodiment, the target bar M3 is displayed long in the left-right direction, superimposed on the road surface image M4 and the boundary line image M5. Therefore, compared to when the target bar M3 is displayed superimposed only on the road surface image M4, the amount of visual information that allows the occupant to understand the set inter-vehicle distance can be increased.

[0101] In the vehicular display control device 10 according to a modified example of this embodiment, the set inter-vehicle distance is displayed by the positions where the colors of the preceding vehicle image M2, road surface image M4, boundary line image M5, and image effect M6 change significantly. Therefore, compared to when the set inter-vehicle distance is displayed only by the target bar M3, the amount of visual information for the occupant to understand the set inter-vehicle distance can be increased.

[0102] In the vehicular display control device 10 according to a modified example of this embodiment, the set inter-vehicle distance is displayed by the position where the brightness of the gradation of the road surface image M4 changes significantly. Therefore, the set inter-vehicle distance is displayed by a gradual change in color, which is unlikely to cause a visual discomfort to the occupants.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the control processing executed by the CPU 30 by reading software (programs) may be executed by various processors other than a CPU. Examples of processors in this case include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and a dedicated electric circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed exclusively for executing specific processing. Furthermore, the control processing may be executed by one of these various processors, or by two or more processors of the same or different types. The hardware structure of these various processors may be, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the program is pre-stored (installed) in the ROM 32 or the storage 36, but the present invention is not limited to this. The program may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disk Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10 Vehicle display control device (display control device) 12 vehicles 24 First display section (display section) 26 Second display section (display section) 52 Operation mode acquisition unit 54 Display control unit 56 Operation intervention detection unit 58 Approach detection unit M1 Vehicle image M2 Leading vehicle image M3 Target Bar (icon) M4 road surface image M5 Border Image M6 Image Effects M7 trajectory image M8 speed mark M9 warning image

Claims

1. a display control unit that displays, on a display unit provided in the host vehicle, an image of the host vehicle that imitates the host vehicle and an image of a preceding vehicle that imitates the preceding vehicle and is positioned in accordance with a relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and that displays the host vehicle image side from a set inter-vehicle position on the display unit in accordance with a vehicle-to-vehicle distance setting of a preceding vehicle following function in a manner different from that of the opposite side of the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position; A display control device comprising:

2. The display control unit an icon is displayed at the set inter-vehicle distance position on the display unit; The display control device according to claim 1 .

3. The display control unit a road surface image simulating a road surface on which the host vehicle is traveling, the road surface image being displayed on the display unit in a manner that the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position is different from the opposite side; The display control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display control unit When the preceding vehicle following function is in operation, the road surface image is displayed in a color different from that when the preceding vehicle following function is not in operation. The display control device according to claim 3 .

5. the display control unit displays the road surface image on the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position in a brighter color than the road surface image on the opposite side during operation of the preceding vehicle following function. The display control device according to claim 3 .

6. the display control unit, during operation of the preceding vehicle following function, displays a color for displaying the road surface image on the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position and a color for displaying the road surface image on the opposite side in the same color system. The display control device according to claim 3 .

7. the display control unit displays a color to be displayed while the preceding vehicle following function is operating and an accelerator override function is being detected and a color to be displayed while hands-off control is being performed in a different color system from the same color system. The display control device according to claim 6 .

8. a display unit provided in the host vehicle displays an image of the host vehicle that imitates the host vehicle and an image of a preceding vehicle that imitates the preceding vehicle and is positioned according to a relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and displays the host vehicle image side from a set inter-vehicle position on the display unit according to a setting of an inter-vehicle distance for a preceding vehicle following function in a manner different from the opposite side of the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position; A display control method in which processing is performed by a computer.

9. a display unit provided in the host vehicle displays an image of the host vehicle that imitates the host vehicle and an image of a preceding vehicle that imitates the preceding vehicle and is positioned according to a relative positional relationship between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and displays the host vehicle image side from a set inter-vehicle position on the display unit according to a setting of an inter-vehicle distance for a preceding vehicle following function in a manner different from the opposite side of the host vehicle image side from the set inter-vehicle position; A display control program that causes a computer to execute processing.

Images