Vehicle control system

Abstract

To enable a driver to recognize notification by an ambient light even if the driver gazes at the front.SOLUTION: One or a plurality of processors constituting a vehicle control system perform setting processing of setting a light emission notification zone in a vehicle interior according to an orientation or a position related to notification, and control processing of controlling an ambient light and a display device such that the ambient light formed in a line shape at least in a vehicle width direction in the vehicle interior and the display device disposed in a state of dividing or shielding a part of the line of the ambient light perform cooperative light emission in the light emission notification zone set in the setting processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle control systems, and more particularly to controlling ambient lighting and displays within a vehicle cabin. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 listed below describes a vehicle display device in which a display panel arranged on the dashboard of a vehicle and a line display unit are provided so as to be capable of synchronously emitting light. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-176616 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some vehicles are equipped with display devices such as a meter display unit that displays information about the vehicle's running, such as a speedometer and tachometer, for the driver to check, and a CID (Center Information Display) that displays navigation, etc. For example, a display device such as a liquid crystal panel is placed on the dashboard.

[0005] There are also ambient lights that provide illumination or ambient light within the vehicle cabin. For example, some ambient lights are formed in a line that extends in the width direction or front-to-rear direction around the vehicle cabin. The ambient light can also be used to provide warnings and other notifications to the driver.

[0006] However, it may be difficult for the driver to recognize the notification from the ambient light. For example, if the ambient light line is divided or blocked by a display device such as a meter display unit on the dashboard in front of the driver, the ambient light is difficult to see for the driver who is mainly looking ahead while driving.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a technology that enables intuitive recognition of notifications from ambient light in vehicles equipped with display devices such as meters and navigation systems that are an extension of ambient light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle control system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises one or more processors and a storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors, the program including one or more instructions that cause the one or more processors to execute a setting process for setting an illuminated notification zone within the vehicle cabin according to the orientation or position related to the notification, and a control process for controlling an ambient light formed in a line at least in the width direction of the vehicle within the vehicle cabin and a display device positioned in a state that divides or blocks a portion of the ambient light line so that the ambient light and the display device emit light in coordination in the illuminated notification zone set in the setting process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a display device positioned in a state that divides or blocks part of the ambient light line emits light in a coordinated manner within an illumination notification zone suitable for notification, making it easier for the driver to recognize notifications from the ambient light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a display device and an ambient light in a vehicle according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of zoning for a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a display device and ambient light zoning according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of coordinated light emission according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of coordinated light emission at the time of right-side warning in the embodiment; [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of coordinated light emission at the time of a left-side warning in the embodiment; [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of coordinated light emission at the time of front warning in the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of coordinated light emission for notification to a driver according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams of coordinated light emission for notifications for a passenger in a front passenger seat according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of cooperative light emission processing according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the configuration of a vehicle 100 equipped with a vehicle control system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0012] Vehicle 100 is configured as, for example, a four-wheeled automobile and has at least one of an engine and a traction motor as a drive source for the wheels. In other words, vehicle 100 can be configured as an EV (Electric Vehicle) vehicle that has only the traction motor out of the engine and traction motor as a drive source for the wheels, an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) vehicle that has both an engine and a traction motor, or an engine vehicle that has only the engine.

[0013] The vehicle control system 1 is configured with one or more processors. Specifically, it is configured with one or more ECUs (Electronic Control Units) in the vehicle 100. In the figure, a vehicle ECU 6, an illumination management ECU 2, and a display management ECU 3 are shown.

[0014] The illumination management ECU 2 is an ECU that controls the light emission state of the ambient light source unit 4 including the ambient light 12 shown in FIG. 2 and other figures. The display management ECU 3 is an ECU that controls the display on the display device 5.

[0015] The vehicle ECU 6 collectively refers to various ECUs mounted on the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may include various ECUs such as a cruise control ECU, a battery control ECU, an engine control ECU, a driving assistance ECU, an autonomous driving ECU, and an air conditioning control ECU. The vehicle ECU 6 may be configured by any one or more of these ECUs in the vehicle. The vehicle ECU 6 transmits vehicle setting information IF1 and notification target information IF2, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0016] The ECUs in the vehicle 100 are capable of communicating with each other via a CAN (Controller Area Network), for example. In the figure, a vehicle ECU 6, an illumination management ECU 2, and a display management ECU 3 are shown, but an ECU that integrates these may be provided for the processing of this embodiment.

[0017] As described above, the vehicle control system 1 is configured with one or more ECUs. Each ECU is configured with a processor equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, an input / output interface, etc. The CPU executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM and non-volatile memory. The RAM stores data and other information necessary for the CPU to execute various processes as needed. Then, the program started in the CPU realizes the coordinated light emission of this embodiment, which will be described later.

[0018] The detection unit 7 collectively represents various sensors, cameras, etc. mounted on the vehicle 100. The detection unit 7 detects information that serves as a trigger for the ambient light 12 to perform a notification.

[0019] For example, the detection unit 7 may include a camera capable of capturing an image in front of the vehicle 100 within a predetermined field of view, and an image processing unit that performs various processes on the image acquired from the camera to detect external people or obstacles. The detection unit 7 may also include a camera that captures images behind or to the sides. The detector 7 may also be equipped with a millimeter wave radar, LiDER, or the like, which can detect the relative distance to an object. Further, the detection unit 7 may be provided with an in-vehicle camera, a weight sensor for the seat, contact sensors for various parts in the vehicle interior, a microphone for collecting the voices of the occupants, and the like. Furthermore, the detector 7 may be provided with a sensor that detects the state of each mechanism of the vehicle 100, such as the motor, engine, battery, steering mechanism, and brake mechanism. Furthermore, the detection unit 7 may be provided with a sensor that detects the traveling state of the vehicle 100, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a yaw rate sensor, or an inclination sensor.

[0020] The ambient light source unit 4 and the display device 5 will be described with reference to FIG. The ambient light source unit 4 is configured to include a light-emitting unit formed by a row of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) as the ambient light 12, for example, and a light-emitting drive circuit for the light-emitting unit. How the ambient light 12 is arranged inside the vehicle varies depending on the vehicle model, but for example, it may be arranged in a line on the dashboard at the front of the vehicle interior or on the side of the vehicle interior. The ambient light 12 also serves as environmental light and illumination that creates an atmosphere inside the vehicle interior, and various arrangements and light-emitting modes are considered.

[0021] In this embodiment, the ambient light 12 is provided in a line on the front dashboard in the vehicle width direction, and is also provided as a continuous line on the side doors, as shown in Fig. 2. In addition to the illustrated locations, the ambient light 12 may also be provided around the rear seats, near the ceiling, etc.

[0022] The display device 5 is, for example, a display device using a liquid crystal display panel, and in this embodiment, the meter display unit 10 and the CID 11 are formed separately or integrally. The meter display unit 10 is provided in front of the driver's seat and displays various instruments that the driver checks while driving, such as a speedometer, tachometer, gear position, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, battery gauge, etc. Note that the speedometer and the like may be provided as actual physical meters, and liquid crystal panels may be provided around them to display various pieces of information.

[0023] The CID 11 is a display device that displays, for example, a navigation screen, an audio interface screen, a video screen, and various other function screens. The CID 11 is disposed, for example, at the center of the vehicle in the width direction.

[0024] In the example of Fig. 2, the meter display unit 10 and CID 11 are formed to look like an integrated display from the outside. As for the internal liquid crystal display panel, the meter display unit 10 and CID 11 may be separate. Alternatively, an integrated display panel may be used inside, with the area toward the center of the vehicle used as the CID and the area on the driver's seat side used as the meter display unit 10. Furthermore, the meter display unit 10 and CID 11 may be formed by display devices in which both the display panel and the housing are separate.

[0025] In the figure, the vehicle center line CT and the display boundary BD are each indicated by a dashed line. The vehicle center line CT indicates the center position of the vehicle 100 in the vehicle width direction. A display boundary BD indicates the boundary between the meter display unit 10 and the CID 11.

[0026] In the example of Figure 2, the dashboard at the front of the vehicle is provided with an ambient light 12 formed in a line in the width direction of the vehicle, and a display device 5 (meter display unit 10 and CID 11) placed on the dashboard in a state that divides or blocks part of the line of the ambient light 12.

[0027] That is, the ambient light 12 in the front of the vehicle interior is divided into an ambient light 12L on the left side of the display device 5 and an ambient light 12R on the right side of the display device 5. Therefore, if the linear ambient light 12L is extended to the right, it will be above the display device 5, and if the linear ambient light 12R is extended to the left, it will also be above the display device 5.

[0028] Hereinafter, the coordinated light emission by the ambient light 12 and the display device 5 (the meter display unit 10 and the CID 11) will be described.

[0029] In the coordinated light emission of the present embodiment, the display device 5 performs coordinated light emission display with respect to the light emission for notification by the ambient light 12. For example, when an event that is the subject of notification is detected outside the vehicle, the vehicle control system 1 notifies the driver by the ambient light 12 by causing the ambient light 12 to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern corresponding to the direction of the event as seen from the vehicle or the driver, in order to issue a warning or alert, and also by causing the display device 5 to display an image in a similar light emission pattern.

[0030] For this purpose, the vehicle control system 1 sets zones for relative positions based on the center point CTP of the vehicle 100, as shown in Fig. 3, for example: a left front zone P1, a right front zone P2, a left rear zone P3, and a right rear zone P4. For example, if an event requiring a warning is occurring outside the vehicle to the left front, the ambient light 12 in zone P1 is illuminated in a predetermined illumination mode. If an event requiring a warning is occurring outside the vehicle to the right front, the ambient light 12 in zone P2 is illuminated in a predetermined illumination mode.

[0031] For example, basically, notifications can be made in this manner using the ambient lights 12 in each zone P1, P2, P3, and P4, but in order to further increase the recognizability of the notifications made by the ambient lights 12 to occupants, particularly the driver, the vehicle control system 1 causes the display device 5 to perform coordinated light-emitting display.

[0032] An example of zoning settings for coordinated lighting is shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows the ambient lights 12 (12L, 12R) and the display device 5 (meter display unit 10, CID 11) in the left and right door areas extracted from the dashboard in Fig. 2.

[0033] For example, the vehicle control system 1 sets a zone AZL in front of the driver's seat and a zone AZR in front of the passenger seat after combining the ambient light 12 and the display device 5. The boundary between these zones AZL and ZAR is the vehicle center line CT.

[0034] The vehicle control system 1 also sets a left zone ZL and a right zone ZR for the meter display unit 10. This zoning divides the meter display unit 10, which is in front of the driver, into left and right zones from approximately the center, and is set so that the driver can recognize the right and left sides while keeping their eyes fixed on the road ahead.

[0035] The state of coordinated light emission will be explained with reference to Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the display device 5 is shown as a rectangle, and linear ambient lights 12L and 12R are arranged on both sides of the display device 5. The blank areas of the ambient light 12 indicate normal illumination, solid areas indicate red illumination, and diagonal lines indicate yellow illumination, etc. The dashed lines of the ambient light 12 indicate a non-display state. Regarding the display device 5 (meter display section 10 and CID 11), the white parts indicate various normal displays, the solid parts indicate displays in red, for example, and the shaded parts indicate displays in yellow, for example.

[0036] The above red and yellow are merely examples, and are examples of colors different from the normal light emitted by the ambient light 12. The examples in which red indicates a warning notification and yellow indicates a non-warning notification are not limited to these examples.

[0037] The normal display state is shown in the top row of Figure 5. This is the case when no notification is being made by the ambient light 12. The ambient lights 12L and 12R each emit normal illumination light. However, they may not emit light. The meter display unit 10 displays normal meters, and the CID 11 displays, for example, a navigation screen.

[0038] The second row of Figure 5 shows coordinated illumination during a right-side warning. This coordinated illumination is intended to notify the driver of an event occurring on the right front side of the vehicle 100. The vehicle control system 1 causes the ambient light 12R to display red and the ambient light 12L to display no light. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 1 causes the CID 11 to display a line 60 in the range to the right of the vehicle center line CT, and also causes the meter display unit 10 to display a warning 61 within zone ZR.

[0039] In this case, the line display 60 is displayed on the CID 11 as a straight line, a curved line, or a line that is a mixture of straight and curved lines that extends the ambient light 12R to the left, and is displayed in the same manner as the light emission mode of the ambient light 12R. The light emission modes include color, luminance (brightness), and cycle, and the same light emission mode means that at least one of these modes is the same, or that multiple of these modes are the same. For example, when the ambient light 12R emits red light, the line display 60 is also displayed in red. When the ambient light 12R is made to flash red, the line display 60 is also made to flash red at the same synchronized cycle. Furthermore, when the ambient light 12R emits red light at a predetermined brightness, the line display 60 is displayed in red with approximately the same brightness. This allows the occupant to recognize that the ambient light 12 is emitting a warning light to the right of the vehicle center line CT.

[0040] The attention-calling display 61 on the meter display unit 10 also serves the purpose of making the driver aware of the notification from the ambient light 12. The attention-calling display 61 in the form of a vertical line is one example. The attention-calling display 61 is part of zone ZR (see FIG. 4) on the right side of the meter display unit 10, and by using the same light emission pattern as the ambient light 12R, the driver who is looking straight ahead while driving can easily recognize that there is a warning from the ambient light 12 in the direction ahead to the right of the vehicle.

[0041] The third row of Figure 5 shows coordinated illumination during a left-side warning. This coordinated illumination is intended to notify the driver of an event occurring on the front left side of the vehicle 100. The vehicle control system 1 causes the ambient light 12L to display red and the ambient light 12R to display no light. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 1 causes the meter display unit 10 and CID 11 to display a line 63 in the range to the left of the vehicle center line CT, and also causes the meter display unit 10 to display a warning 62 within zone ZL.

[0042] In this case, the line display 63 is displayed on the CID 11 as a straight line, a curved line, or a line that is a combination of straight and curved lines that extends the ambient light 12L to the right, and is displayed in the same manner as the illumination mode of the ambient light 12L. For example, when the ambient light 12L is illuminated in red, the line display 63 is also displayed in red. When the ambient light 12L is illuminated in flashing red, the line display 63 is also displayed in red and flashing at the same synchronized cycle. Furthermore, when the ambient light 12L is illuminated in red at a predetermined brightness, the line display 63 is displayed in red with approximately the same brightness. This allows the occupant to recognize that the ambient light 12 is emitting a warning light to the left of the vehicle center line CT.

[0043] The attention-calling display 62 on the meter display unit 10 is a display for making the driver aware of the notification from the ambient light 12. In particular, by executing the attention-calling display 61 in the same light emission mode as the ambient light 12L in part of the left-hand zone ZL (see FIG. 4) of the meter display unit 10, the driver who is looking straight ahead while driving can easily recognize that there is a warning from the ambient light 12 in the left front direction of the vehicle.

[0044] The fourth row of FIG. 5 shows coordinated lighting when some kind of notification is given to the driver. The vehicle control system 1 causes the ambient light 12L to display, for example, yellow, and the ambient light 12R to display normally. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 1 causes the meter display unit 10 to execute line display 64.

[0045] In this case, the line display 64 is a display that forms a straight line, a curved line, or a line that is a mixture of straight and curved lines that extends the ambient light 12L to the right on the left side of the display boundary BD, and is displayed in the same manner as the light emission mode of the ambient light 12L, thereby making the driver perceive that the ambient light 12L is emitting light at a position corresponding to the driver's seat for some kind of notification. In this case, the line display 64 may be displayed on the left side of the vehicle center line CT.

[0046] The fifth row of FIG. 5 shows coordinated lighting when some kind of notification is to be given to the passenger in the front passenger seat. The vehicle control system 1 causes the ambient light 12R to display, for example, yellow and the ambient light 12L to display normally. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 1 causes the CID 11 to execute line display 65 in the range to the right of the vehicle center line CT.

[0047] In this case, the line display 65 is a display that forms a straight line, a curved line, or a line that is a mixture of straight and curved lines that extends the ambient light 12R to the left to the vehicle center line CT, and is displayed in the same manner as the light emission mode of the ambient light 12R, thereby making the occupant perceive that the ambient light 12 is emitting light at a position corresponding to the passenger seat for some kind of notification.

[0048] The bottom row of FIG. 5 shows coordinated illumination when notifying everyone, for example, when notifying all occupants in the vehicle or when notifying the front direction. The vehicle control system 1 causes the ambient lights 12L and 12R to display, for example, yellow, and causes the meter display unit 10 and the CID 11 to display a line 66.

[0049] In this case, the line display 66 is a display that forms a straight line, a curved line, or a line that is a mixture of straight and curved lines that connects the ambient lights 12L and 12R, and is displayed in the same manner as the light emission manner of the ambient lights 12L and 12R. This makes the ambient light 12 appear to be emitting light in a nearly continuous line, even on the display device 5, and makes all occupants recognize that the ambient light 12 is emitting light for some kind of notification.

[0050] For example, when a warning about an event in the front direction is to be notified, it is advisable to display the entire notification in red to give a stronger sense of warning.

[0051] Specific examples of coordinated lighting are given below in Figures 6 to 10. In each figure, the upper part shows the ambient light 12 and the display device 5 in Figure 2, and the lower part shows events related to notifications and lighting notification zone settings.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows the coordinated light emission during the right-side warning shown in the second row of Fig. 5. For example, as shown in the bottom row of Fig. 6, this is a notification to warn the driver to be careful of the right side shown as an external target position 51 because the right side of the vehicle 100 has deviated from the driving lane. For this reason, the vehicle control system 1 sets the light-emitting notification zone 50 by the ambient light 12 to the front right side of the vehicle interior.

[0053] In this case, the light-emitting notification zone 50 set by the vehicle control system 1 is to the right of the vehicle center line CT. That is, the light-emitting notification zone 50 includes the area of ​​the CID 11 to the right of the vehicle center line CT and the ambient light 12R. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 1 sets the zone ZR in the meter display unit 10 as being included in the light-emitting notification zone 50 for the driver.

[0054] Then, the vehicle control system 1 performs the control described in the second row of Fig. 5. That is, as shown in the upper row of Fig. 6, for example, the ambient light 12R emits red light, the ambient light 12L is turned off, a red line display 60 is displayed on the CID 11, and a red attention-call display 61 is displayed in zone ZR on the meter display unit 10. This makes it easier for the driver to recognize the warning to the right.

[0055] Fig. 7 shows the coordinated light emission during the left-side warning shown in the third row of Fig. 5. For example, as shown in the bottom row of Fig. 7, this is a notification to warn the driver to be careful to the left because there is an obstacle 52 on the left front side of the vehicle 100. For this reason, the vehicle control system 1 sets the light emission notification zone 50 by the ambient light 12 to the left front side of the vehicle cabin.

[0056] In this case, the light-emitting notification zone 50 set by the vehicle control system 1 is to the left of the vehicle center line CT. That is, the light-emitting notification zone 50 includes the area of ​​the CID 11 to the left of the vehicle center line CT and the ambient light 12L. Furthermore, with regard to the meter display unit 10, the vehicle control system 1 sets the left-hand zone ZL in the meter display unit 10 as being included in the light-emitting notification zone 50 for the attention-calling display 61 for the driver. In this case, the right-hand zone ZR is not included in the light-emitting notification zone 50 for the attention-calling display 61 only.

[0057] Then, the vehicle control system 1 performs the control described in the third row of Fig. 5. That is, as shown in the upper row of Fig. 7, for example, the ambient light 12L emits red light, the ambient light 12R is turned off, a red line display 63 is displayed on the CID 11 and the meter display unit 10, and a red attention-call display 62 is displayed in zone ZL on the meter display unit 10. This makes it easier for the driver to recognize the warning to the left.

[0058] Fig. 8 shows coordinated illumination, particularly in the case of a warning, during the general notification shown in the sixth row of Fig. 5. For example, as shown in the bottom row of Fig. 8, this is an alarm for the area ahead, indicated as an external target position 51, due to the vehicle 100 approaching a leading vehicle 100F. For this reason, the vehicle control system 1 sets the illumination notification zone 50 by the ambient light 12 to the front side of the vehicle interior.

[0059] In this case, the light-emitting notification zone 50 set by the vehicle control system 1 includes the entire meter display unit 10, the entire CID 11, and the ambient lights 12L and 12R. 8, the vehicle control system 1 causes the ambient lights 12L and 12R to emit red light, and displays a red line 66 on the CID 11 and meter display unit 10. This makes it easier for the occupants to recognize the warning ahead.

[0060] Fig. 9 shows the coordinated light emission for notifying the driver shown in the fourth row of Fig. 5. For example, as shown in the bottom row of Fig. 9, since the notification is for the driver's vehicle, the vehicle control system 1 sets the light emission notification zone 50 by the ambient light 12 to the left front side of the vehicle interior.

[0061] In this case, the light-emitting notification zone 50 set by the vehicle control system 1 is to the left of the vehicle center line CT. In other words, the area to the left of the vehicle center line CT in the CID 11 and the ambient light 12L are included in the light-emitting notification zone 50. Note that the area may be to the left of the display boundary BD instead of to the left of the vehicle center line CT.

[0062] Then, the vehicle control system 1 performs the control explained in the fourth row of Fig. 5. For example, as shown in the upper row of Fig. 9, the ambient light 12L emits yellow light, the ambient light 12R emits normal light, and the CID 11 and the meter display unit 10 display a yellow line 64. This makes it particularly easy to understand that this is a notification to the driver. Note that in the example of Fig. 9, the line display 64 is extended up to the vehicle center line CT.

[0063] Fig. 10 shows the coordinated light emission for notifying the passenger in the front passenger seat shown in the fifth row of Fig. 5. For example, as shown in the bottom row of Fig. 10, since the notification is for the passenger in the front passenger seat, the vehicle control system 1 sets the light emission notification zone 50 by the ambient light 12 to the front right side of the vehicle interior.

[0064] In this case, the light-emitting notification zone 50 set by the vehicle control system 1 is to the right of the vehicle center line CT. That is, the light-emitting notification zone 50 includes the area of ​​the CID 11 to the right of the vehicle center line CT and the ambient light 12R.

[0065] Then, the vehicle control system 1 performs the control described in the fifth row of Fig. 5. For example, as shown in the upper row of Fig. 10, the ambient light 12R emits yellow light, the ambient light 12L emits normal light, and the CID 11 displays a yellow line 65. This makes it easier to understand that the notification is intended for the passenger in the front passenger seat.

[0066] The above are just examples. When a trigger occurs to issue a notification using the ambient light 12, the vehicle control system 1 sets a light-emitting notification zone 50 accordingly, controls the ambient light source unit 4 and the display device 5 based on the zoning, and executes coordinated illumination as in the above examples. An example of processing by the vehicle control system 1 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0067] 11 shows the processing sequence of the illumination management ECU 2, display management ECU 3, ambient light source unit 4, and vehicle ECU 6 in the vehicle control system 1. Note that the display device 5 is not shown. It should be understood that the display device 5 displays information in response to the drawing process performed by the display management ECU 3. The ambient light source unit 4 is shown because the ambient light source unit 4 controls the light emission mode for each part of the ambient light 12 in response to a light emission command from the illumination management ECU 2.

[0068] As an initial setting process, the vehicle ECU 6 transmits vehicle setting information IF1 to the illumination management ECU 2 in step S601. In step S200, the illumination management ECU 2 performs a registration process for the vehicle setting information IF1.

[0069] The vehicle setting information IF1 includes information such as the steering wheel position, i.e., information on whether the driver's seat is on the right or left side, information on the positions of the meter display unit 10 and CID 11 on the display device 5, and vehicle width information. In other words, these are fixed information of the vehicle 100, and are known before the vehicle 100 is shipped, for example.

[0070] The illumination management ECU 2 first acquires this information and performs registration processing. That is, the illumination management ECU 2 calculates the position of the vehicle center line CT and divides the vehicle center line CT into left and right areas based on the vehicle setting information IF1, and registers the information. This allows the illumination management ECU 2 to grasp the position of the vehicle center line CT, the position of the display boundary BD, etc. on the display device 5. The above processing may be performed once, for example, before the vehicle 100 is shipped.

[0071] The process below the dashed line T in FIG. 11 is a process that is normally repeated. Every time the vehicle ECU 6 determines, based on the detection signal from the detector 7, that a trigger for issuing a notification by the ambient light 12 has occurred, the vehicle ECU 6 transmits notification target information IF2 to the illumination management ECU 2 in step S602.

[0072] The notification target information IF2 includes, for example, the following detection information that should issue an alarm. - Lane departure while driving - Obstacle detection for driving Collision risk detection Door open warning (warning against opening the door due to approaching motorcycles, etc. from behind)

[0073] The notification target information IF2 also includes, for example, information on a trigger that should issue a response to the occupant. - Response to any operation by the occupant - Response to passenger questions (utterances) Notifications linked to applications running CID, etc.

[0074] The vehicle ECU 6, for example, acquires detection information by the detection unit 7, which serves as a trigger for notification by these ambient lights 12, and transmits notification target information IF2 including information such as the content of the trigger, the direction in which the event occurred, or the position (seat) of the occupant to be notified.

[0075] In response to receiving the notification target information IF2, the illumination management ECU 2 performs zoning determination processing in step S201. This is processing for setting a zone for light emission notification in the ambient light 12 and the display device 5, such as the light emission notification zone 50 shown in Figures 6 to 10.

[0076] After the zone is set, the illumination management ECU 2 performs a light emission mode change process in step S210. That is, the illumination management ECU 2 controls the ambient light 12 to change from the normal light emission state shown in the top row of Fig. 5 to a light emission mode for notification, such as that shown in the second row and thereafter.

[0077] Specifically, in step S211, the illumination management ECU 2 issues a drawing instruction to the display management ECU 3. This drawing instruction specifies a certain range on the display device 5 according to the setting of the light-emitting notification zone 50, and instructs the display management ECU 3 to draw a line with the same light emission pattern as the ambient light 12. As a result, the display management ECU 3 performs drawing processing in step S301, and for example, line display (60, 63, 64, 65, 66, etc.) is performed on the display device 5.

[0078] The drawing instruction in step S211 may also include an instruction to draw the attention-calling display 61. The illumination management ECU 2 instructs the position (range) to be drawn on the display device 5 and the light emission mode. As a result, in step S301, the display management ECU 3 also performs a drawing process of the attention-calling display 61, and for example, the attention-calling display 61 is displayed in zone ZR or zone ZL on the meter display unit 10.

[0079] In step S212, the illumination management ECU 2 issues a light emission instruction to the ambient light source unit 4. This light emission instruction includes information on which zones the ambient lights 12 should emit light in and in what light emission mode the ambient lights 12 of each zone should emit light, based on the set light emission notification zones 50. In response to such a light emission instruction, the ambient light source unit 4 drives the LEDs of each zone constituting the ambient light 12 to emit light, so that the ambient light 12 emits light in the required light emission mode for each zone, as described in Figures 5 and 6 to 10.

[0080] By performing the above process, when some kind of notification trigger occurs, coordinated light emission by the ambient light 12 and the display device 5 is executed.

[0081] According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In the vehicle 100 of the embodiment, the ambient light 12 is formed in a line shape in at least the width direction of the vehicle inside the vehicle cabin, and the display device 5 is arranged on the dashboard in a state in which it divides or blocks part of the line of the ambient light 12. The vehicle control system 1 includes one or more processors and a storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors, the program including one or more instructions that cause the one or more processors to execute the following processes: a setting process for setting a light-emitting notification zone 50 in the vehicle cabin according to the direction or position related to the notification, and a control process for controlling the ambient light 12 and the display device 5 so that the ambient light 12 and the display device 5 perform coordinated illumination in the light-emitting notification zone 50 set in the setting process. This eliminates the problem that it is difficult for the driver to recognize notifications from the ambient light 12 while driving and looking straight ahead, even in a structure in which the line of the ambient light 12 is divided by the placement of the display device 5. In addition, since the driver can recognize the notification from the ambient light 12 on the meter display unit 10 in front, the driver can maintain a state of paying attention to the road ahead, which is also useful in promoting safe driving.

[0082] As a control process, the vehicle control system 1 of the embodiment executes control to emit light in the area included in the light-emitting notification zone 50 of the display device 5 in the same light-emitting pattern as the light-emitting pattern in the area included in the light-emitting notification zone 50 of the ambient light 12. The meter display unit 10 and CID 11, which are the display device 5, emit light in the same light emission mode as the ambient light 12 for notification, with the same color, brightness, or light emission cycle. This allows the occupant to intuitively recognize that the meter display unit 10 and CID 11 are emitting light in coordination with the ambient light 12 and that the notification is being made by the ambient light 12.

[0083] As a control process, the vehicle control system 1 of the embodiment causes the ambient light 12 to emit light in a linear area that is an extension of the line on which the ambient light 12 is arranged within the area included in the light-emitting notification zone 50 on the display device 5, in a light-emitting pattern that is the same as the light-emitting pattern of the ambient light 12 in the area included in the light-emitting notification zone 50. The display device 5 is illuminated by reproducing the light-emitting state of the linear ambient light 12. In this case, the same light-emitting mode can be achieved by displaying the same color, brightness, or light-emitting cycle. As a result, the ambient light 12, which is broken into lines by the display device 5, is displayed as if it is continuous on the display device 5. This makes it easier for occupants to recognize that it is a notification by the ambient light 12. Furthermore, since the ambient light 12 is reproduced on the meter display unit 10 in front of the driver, the driver can recognize the notification by the ambient light 12 while maintaining their eyes on the road ahead.

[0084] In the embodiment, the vehicle control system 1 provides an example of a setting process in which, when an event that is the subject of notification is detected outside the vehicle, the zone within the vehicle that corresponds to the direction of the event as seen from the vehicle is set as the light-emitting notification zone 50, as the direction or position related to notification. In response to the detection of an event outside the vehicle, such as lane departure, an obstacle in the way of travel, or a possible obstacle related to door opening, an area corresponding to the direction of the event is designated as light-emitting notification zone 50, and the direction is notified, as shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8. In the case of this embodiment, by coordinating with display device 5, such notification can also be performed as a notification of an event outside the vehicle using ambient light 12, allowing the driver to recognize the direction in which to pay attention even when the driver is gazing forward. In particular, taking into consideration the view from the driver's perspective, including zones ZR and ZL of meter display unit 10 in light-emitting notification zone 50 is extremely suitable for alerting the driver who is gazing forward.

[0085] In the vehicle control system 1 of the embodiment, as a setting process, an example has been given in which a zone in the vehicle cabin corresponding to the seat where the occupant to be notified is seated is set as the light-emitting notification zone 50 as the direction or position related to notification. This allows the ambient light 12 to notify the occupant to whom the notification is to be sent to be clearly indicated. For example, a notification to the driver can be sent in a zone corresponding to the driver's seat, and a notification to the passenger in the passenger seat can be sent in a zone corresponding to the passenger seat. As a result, the notification by the ambient light 12 can indicate the occupant to whom the notification is to be sent.

[0086] It is also possible to set a zone for notifying rear seat passengers. For example, this can be applied when ambient light 12 is provided in the door or ceiling area of ​​the rear seat. Furthermore, when a display device for rear seat passengers is provided and part of the line of ambient light 12 is blocked or obscured by the display device, the technology of this embodiment can be applied to notifying passengers by coordinated illumination of ambient light 12 and the display device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Vehicle control system 2 Illumination Management ECU 3 Display Management ECU 4 Ambient light source 5 Display Device 6 Vehicle ECU 7. Detection unit 10 Meter display 11 CID 12 Ambient Light 50 illuminated notification zones 51 Outside vehicle target position 60, 63, 64, 65, 66 line display 61,62 Warning display 100 vehicles

Claims

1. one or more processors; a storage medium storing a program to be executed by the one or more processors; The program includes one or more instructions, The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: A setting process for setting a light-emitting notification zone in the vehicle cabin according to the direction or position related to the notification; and a control process for controlling an ambient light formed in a line shape at least in the vehicle width direction inside the vehicle cabin and a display device disposed on the dashboard in a state in which the line of the ambient light is divided or blocked so as to perform coordinated illumination in the light-emitting notification zone set in the setting process. Vehicle control system.

2. The command, as the control process, The one or more processors are caused to execute control to cause the ambient light to emit light in a region included in the light-emitting notification zone of the display device in the same light-emitting manner as the light-emitting manner in the region included in the light-emitting notification zone of the ambient light. The vehicle control system of claim 1 .

3. The command, as the control process, The one or more processors are caused to execute control to cause the ambient light to emit light in the same light-emitting manner as the light-emitting manner in the area included in the light-emitting notification zone in a linear area that is an extension of a line on which the ambient light is arranged, within the area included in the light-emitting notification zone in the display device. The vehicle control system of claim 1 .

4. The command, as the setting process, When an event to be notified is detected outside the vehicle as a direction or position related to notification, the one or more processors are caused to execute a process of setting a zone in the vehicle corresponding to the direction of the event as seen from the vehicle as the light-emitting notification zone. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The command, as the setting process, and causing the one or more processors to execute a process of setting a zone in the vehicle interior corresponding to a seat in which a passenger to be notified is seated as the light-emitting notification zone, as a direction or position related to the notification. The vehicle control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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