Display control device for vehicle

Abstract

To provide a display control device for a vehicle that can displays guides for a driver to perform safe driving with added incentives.SOLUTION: A display control device 10 for a vehicle comprises a display control part 54 that displays, on a display area provided around a driver's seat of an own vehicle, a lane image simulating a traveling lane on which the own vehicle is traveling, and an icon indicating an incentive obtainable by the own vehicle passing through the traveling lane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a display control device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an incentive awarding system in which reward points are awarded to users who drive a vehicle from their current location to a destination by selecting a route (CO2 reduction route) that reduces CO2 emissions compared to a standard driving route. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-028544 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 can provide an incentive for reducing CO2 emissions, but there is room for improvement in providing an incentive for safe driving.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a display control device for a vehicle that can display guidance to help the driver drive safely by adding incentives to the guidance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicular display control device according to claim 1 includes a display control unit that displays, in a display area provided around the driver's seat of the vehicle, a lane image that imitates the lane in which the vehicle is traveling and an icon that indicates an incentive that can be obtained by the vehicle passing through the lane. According to the vehicular display control device according to claim 1, it is possible to add an incentive to the guide for the driver to drive safely and display it.

[0007] The vehicular display control device according to claim 2 is the vehicular display control device according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires a route of the driving lane that the host vehicle can safely pass through, and the display control unit displays the icon on a route on the lane image that corresponds to the route. According to the vehicular display control device according to claim 2, it is possible to urge the driver to pass through a route that has been analyzed as being safe to pass through.

[0008] The vehicular display control device according to claim 3 is the vehicular display control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit displays the icon when the route of the driving lane is a straight ahead direction. According to the vehicular display control device according to claim 3, it is possible to urge the driver to drive straight ahead in the straight ahead direction.

[0009] The vehicular display control device according to claim 4 is the vehicular display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit changes and displays the icon based on the speed of the host vehicle and the speed limit of the driving lane. Therefore, the vehicular display control device according to claim 4 can urge the driver to drive at a speed that does not exceed the speed limit.

[0010] The vehicular display control device according to claim 5 is the vehicular display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when a stop position where the host vehicle needs to stop is present on the driving lane, the display control unit changes and displays the icon based on the time the host vehicle has been stopped at the stop position. According to the vehicular display control device according to claim 5, it is possible to urge the driver to stop the host vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, an incentive can be added to and displayed as a guide for the driver to drive safely. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 10 is an example of a display screen of the second display unit 26 when the vehicle is being manually driven and the travel route is in a straight line. [Figure 4] 10 is an example of a display screen of the second display unit 26 when the icon display changes during manual operation. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a display process according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of an assignment process in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A vehicular display control device 10 mounted on a vehicle 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the subject vehicle) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle 12 is an example of the "subject vehicle".

[0014] (Hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device 10) As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle display control device 10 of this embodiment includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) .

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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, an assignment program, etc. for performing display processing and assignment processing. In addition, various input / output devices are connected to the input / output interface 38.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The ECU 28 is connected to a head-up display device 23 and a meter 25. The first display unit 24 is configured by a projection surface projected by the head-up display device 23. The second display unit 26 is a display unit displayed on the meter 25, which is located in front of the driver's seat on an instrument panel (not shown) provided in the front part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 12. The first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are provided in positions visible to the driver. In this way, the vehicular display control device 10, the first display unit 24, and the second display unit 26 form a vehicular display system. The first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are an example of a "display area provided around the driver's seat."

[0022] 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.

[0023] (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.

[0024] 2, the vehicle display control device 10 includes, as functional components, a driving mode acquisition unit 52, a display control unit 54, an acquisition unit 56, and an assignment unit 58. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading and executing a program.

[0025] 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, for example, to a state in which adaptive cruise control (ACC) is in operation. 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 the vehicle in following the preceding vehicle while maintaining a distance according to the vehicle speed. The driving mode acquisition unit 52 acquires information related to the driving mode based on, for example, a signal from the automatic driving ECU 40.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Furthermore, when the driving mode acquired by the driving mode acquisition unit 52 is at least a manual driving mode, the display control unit 54 displays an icon indicating an available incentive on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Specifically, the display control unit 54 displays an incentive icon M3 (see FIG. 3 ) in the display area of ​​the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 at a position corresponding to a route acquired by the acquisition unit 56 (described later). The display control unit 54 also displays the incentive icon M3 in conjunction with a location corresponding to a position where the icon M3 was previously displayed. That is, as the vehicle 12 approaches a location corresponding to the location where the incentive icon M3 was displayed, the display control unit 54 enlarges and displays the incentive icon M3 at the bottom of the display area of ​​the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. When the granting unit 58 (described later) determines that the incentive icon M3 has been acquired, the display control unit 54 hides the incentive icon M3. The incentive icon M3 is an example of an "icon."

[0028] Furthermore, the display control unit 54 changes and displays the incentive icon M3 depending on the speed of the vehicle 12 and the maximum speed of the lane in which the vehicle 12 is traveling. Specifically, the display control unit 54 gradually displays the multiple incentive icons M3, and does not completely display the multiple incentive icons M3 when the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the lane in which the vehicle 12 is traveling. The maximum speed is an example of a "speed limit." Furthermore, the display control unit 54 changes and displays the incentive icon M3P (see FIG. 4(C)), which is displayed at a position where a temporary stop is required, depending on the length of time the vehicle 12 is stopped. Here, the position where a temporary stop is required includes immediately before a stop line indicated by a road sign or the like indicating a stop, immediately before a crosswalk where pedestrians are present, immediately before crossing a railroad crossing, etc. Specifically, the display control unit 54 shortens the length of the incentive icon M3P, which indicates a predetermined time for the temporary stop (e.g., 3 seconds), depending on the length of time the vehicle 12 is stopped. The position where a temporary stop is required is an example of a "stop position where the host vehicle is required to stop." The incentive icon M3P is an example of an "icon."

[0029] The acquisition unit 56 acquires a route along which the vehicle 12 can travel safely. Specifically, the acquisition unit 56 acquires a route along which the vehicle 12 can travel safely, which has been analyzed by the autonomous driving ECU 40. The route along which the vehicle 12 can travel safely is an example of a "route of a driving lane along which the host vehicle can pass safely."

[0030] The granting unit 58 grants an incentive to a driver who drives safely. Specifically, the granting unit 58 grants the incentive to the driver when it is determined that the incentive icon M3 has been acquired. For example, the granting unit 58 determines that the incentive icon M3 has been acquired when the position where the host vehicle image M1 (see FIG. 3) simulating the vehicle 12 is displayed overlaps with the position where the incentive icon M3 (see FIG. 3) is displayed. That is, the granting unit 58 determines that the incentive icon M3 has been acquired when the vehicle 12 reaches a location corresponding to the position where the incentive icon M3 is displayed. Note that the case where the position where the host vehicle image M1 is displayed overlaps with the position where the incentive icon M3 is displayed refers to the case where the coordinates of the host vehicle image M1 and the coordinates of the incentive icon M3 on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 are close to each other within a predetermined range, or the case where the spatial coordinates corresponding to the host vehicle image M1 and the spatial coordinates corresponding to the incentive icon M3 are close to each other within a predetermined range. The incentive given to the driver may be, for example, points that can be exchanged for various products or services, or events that appeal to the driver's five senses while driving, such as sound effects, display effects, or steering wheel vibration. As an example, the driver may exchange the points he or she has earned for a dress-up panel that changes the decoration of the meter 25. Note that a determination area may be provided in a portion of the vehicle image M1, and the incentive icon M3 may be determined to have been acquired only when the determination area overlaps with the position where the incentive icon M3 is displayed. Furthermore, if it is determined that the incentive icon M3 has been acquired when the incentive icon M3 is not completely displayed, the incentive may not be given.

[0031] Hereinafter, a part of the display screen of the second display unit 26 displayed by the function of the display control unit 54 during manual operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0032] Fig. 3 is an example of the display screen of the second display unit 26 when the driving route of the vehicle 12 is a straight line. As shown in Fig. 3, the second display unit 26 displays an image of the vehicle M1, a lane image M2 that represents the lane in which the vehicle 12 is traveling, and an incentive icon M3. Note that the incentive icon M3 may be displayed not only when the driving lane is substantially straight, but also when the driving lane is a curved road with no branching.

[0033] 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 a lane image M2. As an example, in Fig. 3, the host vehicle image M1 is displayed as an image showing a white passenger car.

[0034] The lane image M2 is displayed superimposed on the host vehicle image M1 and the incentive icon M3. As an example, in Fig. 3, the lane image M2 is displayed as a gray trapezoid. If the driving lane is curved, the lane image M2 may be displayed curved to indicate the curve.

[0035] A plurality of incentive icons M3 are displayed superimposed on the lane image M2 in front of the host vehicle image M1, and five incentive icons M3 are displayed in FIG. 3. Here, "forward of the host vehicle image M1" refers to the traveling direction of the vehicle 12, which corresponds to the upward direction in the second display unit 26. The display position and size of the incentive icons M3 are changed depending on their relative position with the host vehicle image M1. For example, in FIG. 3, the incentive icons M3 are displayed in a linear fashion as circular icons floating above the lane image M2, and are reduced in size and displayed at the top of the display area in the second display unit 26 as they move away from the host vehicle image M1. The shape of the incentive icons M3 is not limited to a circle, and may be various shapes such as a triangle, a square, a star, or a heart.

[0036] Furthermore, the incentive icon M3 is displayed closer to the vehicle 12 as it approaches the location corresponding to the position where the incentive icon M3 is displayed. Here, "closer" refers to the direction approaching the host vehicle image M1, which corresponds to the downward direction in the second display unit 26. Specifically, the incentive icon M3 is displayed by gradually moving closer to the host vehicle image M1 at a speed corresponding to the speed at which the vehicle 12 is traveling. Note that the incentive icons M3 may be displayed so that the intervals between the incentive icons M3 change depending on the speed of the vehicle 12. For example, when the speed of the vehicle 12 is slower than the state in FIG. 3, the intervals between the incentive icons M3 are displayed narrower. Conversely, when the speed of the vehicle 12 is faster than the state in FIG. 3, the intervals between the incentive icons M3 are displayed wider.

[0037] In this way, the incentive icon M3 is superimposed on the lane image M2 to display a route along which the vehicle 12 can safely travel. Also, the incentive icon M3 is gradually moved forward to indicate that the vehicle 12 is currently traveling.

[0038] 4(A) to 4(C) are examples of the display screen of the second display unit 26 when the display of the icon changes. As shown in these Figs. 4(A) to 4(C), the incentive icon M3 is displayed and changes depending on the surrounding circumstances and the situation of the vehicle 12.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4(A), when the vehicle 12 detects another vehicle parked outside the driving lane, an other vehicle image M4 that resembles the other vehicle is displayed. An incentive icon M3 is then displayed on a route that avoids the other vehicle image M4. In this way, by displaying the incentive icon M3 on a route that avoids the other vehicle image M4, a route that the vehicle 12 can travel safely is displayed. The route that avoids the other vehicle image M4 is an example of a "route on a lane image."

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4(B), the multiple incentive icons M3 gradually rise from a location corresponding to the road surface of the lane image M2, starting from the foreground, and are displayed in a state of rising to the position shown in FIG. 3. Here, "rising" means moving in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 4(B). When the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed limit for the traveling lane, the incentive icons M3 are not displayed in a fully raised state (see FIG. 3) as they move further forward in the host vehicle image M1. Specifically, the incentive icons M3 are displayed incompletely in the front three icons from the host vehicle image M1, and the two icons at the back are hidden. Here, the "back" refers to the direction away from the host vehicle image M1 and corresponds to the upward direction in the second display unit 26. The first incentive icon M3 from the foreground is displayed in a state before it is fully raised, the second incentive icon M3 from the foreground is displayed adjacent to the lane image M2, and the third incentive icon M3 from the foreground is displayed half-buried in the lane image M2. In addition, the fourth and fifth incentive icons M3 from the front are completely hidden. In this way, the incentive icons M3 are displayed in ascending order from the front of the host vehicle image M1, and the incentive icons M3 located on the back side of the host vehicle image M1 are hidden, thereby indicating that the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed limit for the traveling lane.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4(C), a horizontally oriented cylindrical incentive icon M3P is displayed in front of the host vehicle image M1 at a position where a temporary stop is required. The height of the incentive icon M3P indicates the predetermined time for the vehicle 12 to temporarily stop, and the height of the incentive icon M3P is displayed by changing toward the front (in the direction of the dashed arrow in FIG. 4(C)) depending on the time the vehicle 12 is stopped at the position where a temporary stop is required. In this way, by displaying the incentive icon M3P whose height changes depending on the time the vehicle 12 is stopped, it is indicated that the vehicle 12 needs to temporarily stop. Note that an incentive may be continuously provided to the driver while the vehicle 12 is stopped for the predetermined time. The shape of the incentive icon M3P is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a columnar three-dimensional icon with a base of various shapes such as a triangle, a square, a star, or a heart.

[0042] 3 and 4, an example of the display screen of the second display unit 26 has been described, but in this embodiment, a display screen may be configured to be displayed on at least one of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Furthermore, if the display area of ​​the first display unit 24 is smaller than the display area of ​​the second display unit 26, the first display unit 24 may be configured to display a portion of the image of the second display unit 26 (for example, only the incentive icon M3).

[0043] (action) 5 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 it in the RAM 34, and executing it. As an example, the display processing shown in FIG. 5 is executed repeatedly while the vehicle 12 is traveling when the driver selects to display the incentive icon M3.

[0044] 5, the CPU 30 acquires the driving mode. Specifically, the CPU 30 acquires whether the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is the manual driving mode or the automatic driving mode.

[0045] In step S101, the CPU 30 determines whether the driving mode is the manual driving mode. If the CPU 30 determines that the driving mode is the manual driving mode (step S101: YES), the CPU 30 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that the driving mode is not the manual driving mode (step S101: NO), the CPU 30 returns to step S100.

[0046] In step S102, the CPU 30 displays the host vehicle image M1, the lane image M2, and the incentive icons M3. Specifically, the CPU 30 displays the host vehicle image M1, the lane image M2, and the incentive icons M3 in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26 (see FIG. 3).

[0047] In step S103, the CPU 30 determines whether or not an obstacle has been detected on the driving lane. If the CPU 30 determines that an obstacle has been detected on the driving lane (step S103: YES), the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that an obstacle has not been detected on the driving lane (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0048] In step S104, the CPU 30 acquires a safe travel route. Specifically, the CPU 30 acquires a route that the vehicle 12 can travel while avoiding the obstacle detected in step S103.

[0049] In step S105, the CPU 30 displays an incentive icon M3 on a route corresponding to the acquired travel route. Specifically, the CPU 30 displays a plurality of incentive icons M3 in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26 at positions corresponding to the route acquired in step S104 (see FIG. 4(A)).

[0050] In step S106, the CPU 30 determines whether the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the traveling lane. If the CPU 30 determines that the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed of the traveling lane (step S106: YES), the CPU 30 proceeds to step S107. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that the speed of the vehicle 12 does not exceed the maximum speed of the traveling lane (step S106: NO), the CPU 30 proceeds to step S108.

[0051] In step S107, the CPU 30 performs a display when the maximum speed is exceeded. Specifically, the CPU 30 displays or hides the multiple incentive icons M3 displayed in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26 while the vehicle is ascending (see FIG. 4(B)).

[0052] In step S108, the CPU 30 determines whether a temporary stop is necessary. If the CPU 30 determines that a temporary stop is necessary based on the information about the surroundings of the vehicle 12 (step S108: YES), the CPU 30 proceeds to step S109. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that a temporary stop is not necessary based on the information about the surroundings of the vehicle 12 (step S108: NO), the CPU 30 returns to step S100.

[0053] In step S109, the CPU 30 performs a display during a pause. Specifically, the CPU 30 displays an incentive icon M3P in the display area of ​​the second display unit 26 (see FIG. 4(C)). Then, the CPU 30 returns to step S100.

[0054] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the assignment process performed by the vehicular display control device 10. This assignment process is executed by the CPU 30 of the ECU 28 reading a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36, expanding it in the RAM 34, and executing it. As an example, the assignment process shown in FIG. 6 is repeatedly executed while the vehicle 12 is traveling.

[0055] 6, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the incentive icon M3 has been acquired. If the CPU 30 determines that the incentive icon M3 has been acquired (step S200: YES), the CPU 30 proceeds to step S201. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that the incentive icon M3 has not been acquired (step S200: NO), the CPU 30 ends the granting process.

[0056] In step S201, the CPU 30 awards points. Specifically, the CPU 30 awards points to the driver of the vehicle 12. The awarded points may be managed in association with driver information in an external server (not shown) or the like. Then, the CPU 30 ends the awarding process. Awarding of points is not limited to awarding points every time it is determined that an incentive icon M3 has been acquired. For example, points may be awarded when a predetermined number (e.g., 10) of incentive icons M3 have been acquired, or points may be awarded (calculated) according to the number of incentive icons M3 acquired by the time the vehicle arrives at the destination.

[0057] As described above, the vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment displays the lane image M2 and the incentive icon M3 on the second display unit 26 provided near the driver's seat of the vehicle 12. Therefore, the vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment can add an incentive to the guide for the driver to drive safely and display it.

[0058] The vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment displays an incentive icon M3 on a route that avoids other vehicle images M4 and corresponds to a route that can be safely traveled by the vehicle 12. Therefore, the vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment can encourage the driver to travel on a route that has been analyzed as being safe to travel.

[0059] The vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment displays the incentive icon M3 when the route along which the vehicle 12 is traveling is a straight-ahead direction. Therefore, the vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment can encourage the driver to travel straight ahead.

[0060] In the vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment, when the speed of the vehicle 12 exceeds the maximum speed limit for the driving lane, the incentive icon M3 is not displayed completely. Therefore, the vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment can urge the driver to drive at a speed that does not exceed the speed limit.

[0061] In the vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment, the incentive icon M3P is displayed at a position where the vehicle 12 needs to stop, shortening the icon depending on the time the vehicle 12 is stopped. Therefore, the vehicular display control device 10 according to this embodiment can prompt the driver to stop the vehicle 12.

[0062] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the vehicular display control device 10 displays the incentive icon M3 during manual driving, but this is not limiting. The vehicular display control device 10 may display the incentive icon M3 during autonomous driving. The vehicular display control device 10 of this embodiment allows the driver to concentrate on steering and drive safely to earn incentives.

[0063] The vehicular display control device 10 may hide the incentive icon M3 based on the driver's steering operation. For example, the vehicular display control device 10 hides the incentive icon M3 when the driver turns the steering wheel suddenly.

[0064] The vehicular display control device 10 may hide the incentive icon M3 based on the time the driver gazes at the incentive icon M3 while driving. For example, the vehicular display control device 10 hides the incentive icon M3 when the driver gazes at the incentive icon M3 for two seconds or more.

[0065] The vehicular display control device 10 may change the displayed incentive icon M3 when the speed falls below the minimum speed. Specifically, the vehicular display control device 10 does not completely display the multiple incentive icons M3 when the speed of the vehicle 12 falls below the minimum speed for the driving lane. For example, in FIG. 3, the first and second incentive icons M3 from the front of the host vehicle image M1 are hidden, and the third and subsequent incentive icons M3 from the front are displayed.

[0066] 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. In this case, examples of processors 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.

[0067] 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]

[0068] 54 Display control unit, 56 Acquisition unit, M1 Vehicle image, M2 Lane image, M3 Incentive icon (icon), M3P Incentive icon (icon)

Claims

1. a display control unit that displays, in a display area provided around a driver's seat of the vehicle, a lane image that imitates a lane in which the vehicle is traveling and an icon that indicates an incentive that can be obtained by the vehicle passing through the lane; Vehicle display control device.

2. an acquisition unit that acquires a route of the driving lane that the host vehicle can safely pass; the display control unit displays the icon on a route on the lane image corresponding to the route. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

3. the display control unit displays the icon when the route of the driving lane is a straight direction. The vehicle display control device according to claim 2 .

4. the display control unit changes and displays the icon based on the speed of the host vehicle and the speed limit of the traveling lane. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

5. the display control unit, when a stop position where the host vehicle needs to stop is present on the driving lane, changes and displays the icon based on a time period during which the host vehicle is stopped at the stop position. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

Images