Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of drawing a state of a vehicle and enabling an occupant to visually grasp the state of the vehicle.SOLUTION: The information processing device includes a control unit that causes a display unit to display a peripheral image indicating a peripheral situation of a vehicle when viewed from a virtual viewpoint and a vehicle image simulating the vehicle based on detection information that can be detected by the vehicle, and changes a form of the vehicle image according to a change in a traveling mode related to traveling performance of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle control device that can perform automatic driving that gives a sense of security to the occupants. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7048398 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 displays an image of the vehicle itself and surrounding vehicles on a display unit. However, although Patent Document 1 displays an image of a vehicle on the display unit, it is not possible to grasp the state of the vehicle or changes in driving performance from the appearance of the image.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that depict the state of a vehicle and allow an occupant to visually grasp the state of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device described in claim 1 displays, on a display unit, a surrounding image showing the surrounding situation of the vehicle as seen from a virtual viewpoint and a vehicle image simulating the vehicle based on detection information detectable by the vehicle, and includes a control unit that changes the appearance of the vehicle image in accordance with a change in a driving mode related to the driving performance of the vehicle.

[0007] In the information processing device according to claim 1, the change in the driving mode can be visually displayed in a manner that is easy for the occupant to grasp.

[0008] According to the information processing device of claim 2, in the information processing device of claim 1, the control unit displays the vehicle image imitating a different vehicle form depending on the changed driving mode. According to the information processing device of claim 2, the display of the vehicle form allows the occupant to intuitively understand the driving mode.

[0009] The information processing device according to claim 3 is the information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the appearance of the peripheral image around the vehicle image in accordance with the vehicle form or vehicle state of the vehicle image. According to the information processing device according to claim 3, it is possible for a passenger to intuitively and immediately grasp the change in the vehicle form or vehicle state according to the driving mode.

[0010] The information processing device according to claim 4 is the information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays a steering wheel image simulating a steering wheel in a manner according to the changed driving mode. According to the information processing device according to claim 4, the steering wheel image allows the occupant to intuitively understand the driving mode.

[0011] The information processing device according to claim 5 is the information processing device according to claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires mode information defined in a miniature model installed at a predetermined position on the vehicle, and the control unit changes the driving mode according to the acquired mode information. According to the information processing device according to claim 5, the driving mode can be changed using the miniature model installed on the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the technology of the present disclosure, the state of the vehicle is depicted, allowing the occupants to visually understand the state of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the front part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle as seen from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display area of ​​the meter display as the display area V of the first display unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing vehicle images according to the vehicle configuration for each driving mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the information processing device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle image of a vehicle displayed in the area X. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the specific process executed by the information processing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of a display of a surrounding image that indicates a change in the vehicle state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a steering wheel image of a vehicle displayed in the area X. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an installation mode of the miniature model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The vehicle 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of a vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 10 includes a display device 21, a sensor group 30, a camera 40, and an information processing device 50. The display device 21, the sensor group 30, the camera 40, and the information processing device 50 are connected to each other via an external bus (communication bus) 15.

[0015] The display device 21 displays, for example, suggestions for operation related to functions of the vehicle 10 and images explaining the functions. In this embodiment, a first display unit 24 and a second display unit 25 are provided as the display device 21. The first display unit 24 is an example of a "display unit" in the present disclosure. Details of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 25 will be described later.

[0016] The sensor group 30 includes sensors for detecting the state and surrounding conditions of the vehicle 10, such as a 3D-LiDAR, a millimeter wave sensor, an infrared sensor, a blinker sensor, an accelerator position sensor, a shift position sensor, an illuminance sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a steering angle sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, a gyro sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The sensor group 30 outputs the detection results of each sensor to the information processing device 50.

[0017] The camera 40 is an imaging device that captures images using an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The cameras 40 are provided on the front, rear, left side, and right side of the vehicle 10, and capture images of the surroundings of the vehicle 10. For example, images captured by the camera 40 provided on the front of the vehicle 10 are used to recognize other vehicles traveling in front of the vehicle, the distance between the other vehicles, lanes, traffic lights, etc. The images captured by the camera 40 are output to the information processing device 50. The camera 40 may also be configured as an imaging device for other purposes, such as a drive recorder and an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).

[0018] The information processing device 50 is, for example, an ECU (Electrical Control Unit) that performs various controls.

[0019] 2 is a schematic diagram of the front of the passenger compartment 12 of the vehicle 10 as seen from the rear of the vehicle. The arrow UP in FIG. 2 indicates the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the arrow RH indicates the right side in the width direction of the vehicle. In the following description, the vertical direction and the left-right direction refer to the up and down in the vertical direction of the vehicle and the left and right in the width direction of the vehicle, respectively.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, an instrument panel 14 is provided in the front of a passenger compartment 12 of a vehicle 10. 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, as an example, the vehicle 10 is a right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side, and the driver's seat is provided on the right side of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vehicle 10 may also be a left-hand drive vehicle in which the driver's seat is provided on the left side of the vehicle.

[0021] 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 compartment 12 from the exterior of the vehicle compartment 12.

[0022] 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).

[0023] Here, the instrument panel 14 is provided with a first display unit 24 having an image display area V. The first display unit 24 is configured as a meter display provided in front of the driver's seat on the right side of the instrument panel 14. The first display unit 24 is connected to various meter devices mounted on the vehicle 10, and is provided in a position that is within the field of view of the driver when the driver is looking ahead of the vehicle.

[0024] The instrument panel 14 is also provided with a second display unit 25. The second display unit 25 is configured by a center display disposed in the center of the instrument panel 14 in the vehicle width direction.

[0025] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display area of ​​the meter display as the display area V of the first display unit 24.

[0026] 3 shows a display area V of the first display unit 24. In this embodiment, a vehicle image 10A (see FIG. 7, etc.) that is an image showing the vehicle 10 and a surrounding image that is an image showing the surrounding conditions of the vehicle 10 are displayed in a display area X that is a part of the display area V. Specific examples of these images will be described later.

[0027] The display area X is an area that can be seen by a driver seated in the driver's seat through an opening 17 (see FIG. 2) of the steering wheel 16. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the center of the area that can be seen between an upper ridge line L1 and a lower ridge line L2 of the opening 17 is the display area X. On the left and right sides of the display area X in the display area V, meter displays M1 and M2 that indicate meters of measuring instruments of the vehicle 10 are displayed.

[0028] 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device 50. The information processing device 50 is an example of the "computer" of the present disclosure.

[0029] 4, the information processing device 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53, a storage 54, a communication I / F (Interface) 55, and an input / output I / F 56. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, the storage 54, the communication I / F 55, and the input / output I / F 56 are connected via an internal bus 57 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0030] The CPU 51 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various parts. That is, the CPU 51 reads out programs from the ROM 52 and executes the programs using the RAM 53 as a work area.

[0031] The ROM 52 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 53 serves as a working area for temporarily storing programs or data.

[0032] The storage 54 is a NAND memory configured by an eMMC (embedded multi media card) or a UFS (universal flash storage), etc. The storage 54 and the CPU 51 are connected via an eMMC or UFS interface.

[0033] Furthermore, each component included in the information processing device 50, such as the ROM 52 and the storage 54, is preferably a tamper-resistant medium such as an HSM (Hardware Security Module).

[0034] The communication I / F 55 is an interface for connecting with other ECUs, and uses the Ethernet (registered trademark) communication standard.

[0035] The input / output I / F 56 is an interface for communicating with on-board devices such as the display device 21, the sensor group 30, and the camera 40 mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0036] The ROM 52 stores a program 52A and running mode data 52B.

[0037] The program 52A is a program for causing the CPU 51 to execute various processes. When executing the program 52A, the information processing device 50 executes processes based on the program 52A using the configuration shown in FIG.

[0038] The driving mode data 52B is data of a vehicle image of a vehicle configuration corresponding to a driving mode related to the driving performance of the vehicle 10. Vehicle images of different vehicle configurations are saved for each driving mode. FIG. 5 shows vehicle images corresponding to the vehicle configuration for each driving mode. The vehicle image 10A is a 2D or 3D illustration image generated as illustration data based on an illustration design that imitates the vehicle configuration of the driving mode of the vehicle 10. The driving modes include, for example, a normal mode, a sports mode, and an eco mode. The normal mode differs from the sports mode and eco mode described below and is a mode for driving on roads such as normal urban areas. The sports mode is a mode for driving on roads such as winding roads, and steering operation, acceleration / deceleration, etc. are controlled more swiftly than in the normal mode. The eco mode is a mode for driving the vehicle 10 while reducing fuel consumption (including electricity consumption), and steering operation, acceleration / deceleration, etc. are controlled to reduce fuel consumption. (A1) is a vehicle image in the normal mode. In the normal mode, an image showing, for example, an SUV type as the default vehicle configuration is displayed as the vehicle image. When the driving mode is changed, a vehicle form different from the default vehicle form is displayed. (A2) is a vehicle image in sports mode. When in sports mode, a vehicle image showing a sports car is displayed. (A3) is a vehicle image in eco mode. When in eco mode, a vehicle image showing an eco car is displayed.

[0039] 6, the CPU 51 of the information processing device 50 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 51A and a control unit 51B. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 51 reading and executing a program 52A stored in the ROM 52. The control unit 51B is an example of the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

[0040] The acquisition unit 51A acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 51A acquires, as the various types of information, detection information that can be detected by the vehicle 10. The detection information includes detection results by each sensor constituting the sensor group 30, captured images by the camera 40, etc.

[0041] The control unit 51B performs display control related to the display of the display device 21. For example, as the display control, the control unit 51B causes the first display unit 24 to display the vehicle image 10A and a surrounding image of the surrounding area as viewed from a virtual viewpoint, based on the detection information acquired by the acquisition unit 51A. The virtual viewpoint is set in a three-dimensional virtual space with the position of the vehicle image 10A as the origin, and is defined by viewpoint coordinates and a viewpoint angle (orientation) in the virtual space.

[0042] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 51A acquires, for example, a designation or change of the driving mode by the occupant, it refers to the driving mode data 52B and identifies the driving mode of the vehicle 10. Then, the acquisition unit 51A validates the driving mode by reflecting the driving mode corresponding to the identified vehicle type in the driving mode of the vehicle.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle image 10A of the vehicle 10 displayed in the area X. As shown in FIG. 7, the vehicle image 10A showing the vehicle 10 and a surrounding image showing the surrounding conditions are displayed. (M1) is an example of a display of the vehicle image 10A when the driving mode is changed to a sports mode, and (M2) is an example of a display of the vehicle image 10A when the driving mode is changed to a sports mode. (M1) displays the vehicle image 10A that imitates the vehicle form of a vehicle corresponding to the default. (M2) displays the vehicle image 10A when the driving mode is changed to an imitating the vehicle form of a vehicle corresponding to a sports car. Also, in the area X, a lane image 62 showing the lane in which the vehicle 10 is traveling and a white line image 63 showing the white lines that divide the lane are displayed as surrounding images showing the surrounding conditions. The white line image 63 in (M1) shows the lane boundary lines that are dashed white lines laid on a normal urban road, and the white line image 63 in (M2) shows the curved lane boundary lines that are laid on a winding road and are solid white lines. Above the lane image 62, an image 64 showing the vehicle speed information of the vehicle 10 and an image 65 showing the shift position of the vehicle 10 are displayed.

[0044] 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of specific processing executed by the information processing device 50. The specific processing is performed by the CPU 51 reading out the program 52A from the ROM 52, expanding it in the RAM 53, and executing it. As an example, the specific processing is automatically and repeatedly performed at regular intervals.

[0045] In step S10, the CPU 51 acquires detection information that can be detected by the vehicle 10. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to step S12.

[0046] In step S12, the CPU 51 displays a vehicle image 10A corresponding to the driving mode on the first display unit 24 based on the detection information acquired in step S10. Specifically, the CPU 51 acquires an illustration design corresponding to the driving mode of the vehicle 10 from the driving mode data 52B, and displays the generated vehicle image 10A on the first display unit 24. At this time, the CPU 51 displays the vehicle image 10A on the road image in an arrangement corresponding to the current location of the vehicle 10 identified from the detection information and from a viewpoint seen from the virtual viewpoint. Then, the CPU 51 proceeds to step S14.

[0047] In step S14, the CPU 51 determines whether the driving mode has been changed. If it is determined that the driving mode has been changed, the process proceeds to step S16, and if it is determined that the driving mode has not been changed, the process ends.

[0048] In step S16, the CPU 51 displays the vehicle image 10A corresponding to the changed driving mode on the first display unit 24. Specifically, an illustration design of the vehicle configuration is obtained from the driving mode data 52B, and the generated vehicle image 10A is displayed on the first display unit 24. At this time, the mode of the peripheral image around the vehicle image 10A is changed to match the vehicle configuration or vehicle state of the vehicle image 10A. For example, as shown in (M2) of FIG. 7, a change to a wider lane may be indicated by a change in the white line image 63. The change in the mode of the peripheral image is not limited to this, and the background color or scenery may also be changed. An icon indicating the driving mode may also be used as the peripheral image. For example, when the vehicle configuration is in sport mode, an icon of a forward arrow indicating easy acceleration may be displayed as the peripheral image. For example, when the vehicle configuration is in eco mode, an eco mark icon may be displayed as the peripheral image. An icon reflecting the operation of the driving mode may also be displayed as the peripheral image. For example, in sport mode, an icon indicating a barometer of the degree of steering operation at that time may be displayed as the peripheral image. In addition, in the eco mode, a numerical value indicating the degree of fuel consumption may be displayed as a peripheral image.

[0049] Furthermore, as a mode of the peripheral image, a peripheral image showing a change in the vehicle state is displayed. FIG. 9 is an example of a display of a peripheral image showing a change in the vehicle state. For example, when a manual mode that allows pseudo-manual operation is selected as the driving mode of an electric vehicle, if an engine stall occurs due to an incorrect clutch operation, an engine stall image 66 with an exclamation mark "!" indicating an engine stall is displayed as a peripheral image together with the vehicle image 10A. This allows the occupant to immediately visually grasp a change in the state of the vehicle 10 or an incident, such as an engine stall.

[0050] As described above, in the information processing device 50, the CPU 51 displays the vehicle image 10A corresponding to the driving mode on the first display unit 24 based on the detection information. Then, in response to a change in the driving mode of the vehicle 10, the CPU 51 acquires an illustrated design of the vehicle form corresponding to the changed driving mode, and displays the generated vehicle image 10A on the first display unit 24. As a result, in the information processing device 50, the characteristics derived from the appearance of the user U1 are reflected in the color of the pedestrian image 78.

[0051] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the vehicle 10 according to the present invention will be described while omitting or simplifying parts that overlap with the above embodiment.

[0052] In the second embodiment, a steering wheel corresponding to a driving mode is displayed in the display area X. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a steering wheel image 10B of the vehicle 10 displayed in the area X. As shown in FIG. 10, a steering wheel image 10B resembling a steering wheel is displayed together with a vehicle image 10A. (Ms1) shows a steering wheel image 10B corresponding to the default driving mode, and (Ms2) shows a steering wheel image 10B corresponding to the sport mode. It is assumed that steering wheel images 10B with different shapes depending on the driving mode are stored in the driving mode data 52B. As an example, the steering wheel image 10B is designed to reflect the operating feel of the driving mode. For example, in the sport mode, the steering wheel image 10B has a sharper design. When the sport mode is selected, the driving operation is affected, for example, by stiffening the suspension, changing the steering gear ratio, or changing the steering force. This results in a more agile response of the vehicle to the operation. Therefore, the steering wheel image 10B is represented by a steering wheel icon with a sharper design that matches the operating feel. In this way, by using the steering wheel image 10B designed to reflect the operating feel of the driving mode, the occupant can intuitively grasp the driving mode and the operating feel of the steering. In particular, even when the vehicle is not being operated, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the occupant can intuitively grasp the current driving mode. Note that the steering wheel image 10B is also included in one example of the aspect of the vehicle image of the present disclosure.

[0053] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the vehicle 10 according to the present invention will be described while omitting or simplifying parts that overlap with the above-described embodiments.

[0054] In the third embodiment, the control unit 51B acquires mode information defined in a miniature model installed at a predetermined position on the vehicle 10, and changes the driving mode to one corresponding to the acquired mode information. The driving mode data 52B stores a miniature model corresponding to the vehicle configuration and the mode information defined for the miniature model.

[0055] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the installation of a miniature model. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a miniature model 70 simulating a vehicle 10 is installed on the center console C of a vehicle to be driven. When the miniature model 70 is installed, a vehicle image 10A simulated by the miniature model 70 can be output to the first display unit 24 according to ID information output from an ID tag (not shown) embedded in the miniature model 70. The mode information is, for example, driving characteristics such as accelerator response characteristics, steering characteristics, and acceleration characteristics of the vehicle form to be reproduced. In addition, driving modes and mode information that can only be set in the miniature model are defined. By setting driving characteristics that reflect the operating feel unique to the vehicle model corresponding to the miniature model 70, the occupants can experience a sense of realism as if they were driving the miniature model vehicle model.

[0056] The acquisition unit 51A acquires mode information defined in the miniature model 70 placed on the center console C by the occupant, and changes the driving mode according to the mode information. As a result, the driving characteristics according to the mode information are reflected in the control of the vehicle 10. Then, the control unit 51B controls the vehicle 10 based on the enabled driving mode. As a result, the driving characteristics of the acquired driving mode of the miniature model 70 are reproduced in the vehicle 10, allowing the occupant of the vehicle 10 to enjoy those driving characteristics. Furthermore, by making it necessary for the miniature model to set a specific driving mode, it is possible to encourage the occupant to collect miniature models 70. Furthermore, miniature models may be collected, for example, by visiting specific spots in the vehicle 10.

[0057] (others) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is understood that these modifications or alterations also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the manner of displaying the vehicle image 10A is changed depending on the driving mode, but this is not limiting. For example, instead of the driving mode, the manner of the vehicle image 10A may be changed based on other information, such as various information about the vehicle 10 itself, surrounding conditions, and information about the miniature model. In particular, when using information about the miniature model, vehicle image information is defined in advance in association with the miniature model. The display of the vehicle image 10A may be changed by referring to the definition of the vehicle image information when the miniature model is installed. Furthermore, in addition to the vehicle image information, a surrounding image to be displayed under specific conditions may also be defined for the miniature model. For example, a surrounding image to be displayed in association with the miniature model when a specific driving state or surrounding conditions is met may be defined.

[0059] Furthermore, the effects described in the above embodiments are explanatory or exemplary and are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are obvious to a person skilled in the art of the present disclosure from the description in the above embodiments, in addition to or instead of the effects described in the above embodiments.

[0060] The processes described in the above embodiments can also be realized by dedicated hardware circuits, in which case they may be executed by a single piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the program 52A and the driving mode data 52B are stored in the ROM 52. However, this is not limiting, and these data may be stored in the storage 54, or each data may be stored in the ROM 52 and the storage 54 in a distributed manner.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the first display unit 24, which is a meter display, is an example of a "display unit" in the present disclosure, but the "display unit" is not limited to a meter display. For example, the "display unit" may be another display such as a center display or a head-up display (HUD). Furthermore, the "display unit" may be a combination of multiple displays such as a meter display and a center display.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the information processing device 50 executes the specific process shown in Fig. 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the specific process may be executed in cooperation between the information processing device 50 and another ECU. For example, the results of the specific process are displayed on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 25. In this case, the information processing device 50 may control the first display unit 24 of the display device 21, and the other ECU may control the second display unit 25. In this case, the specific process may be executed in cooperation between the information processing device 50 and a plurality of other ECUs, or may be executed by either the information processing device 50 or one of the other ECUs as a representative. In the above embodiment, various processes executed by the CPU 51 after reading software (programs) may be executed by various processors other than a CPU. Examples of such processors include dedicated electrical circuits, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)) whose circuit configuration can be changed after fabrication, graphics processing units (GPUs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processes. Each of the above processes may be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). The hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the program is described as being pre-stored (installed) in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. For example, the information processing program is pre-stored in the ROM 52 or the storage 54. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Each program may be provided in a form recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The information processing program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0065] The processing flow described in the above embodiment is an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10 vehicles 10A vehicle image 10B steering wheel image 24 1st display section (display section) 50 Information processing equipment 51B Acquisition Department 51B Control section 52A Program

Claims

1. a control unit that displays, on a display unit, a surrounding image showing the surrounding conditions of the vehicle as seen from a virtual viewpoint and a vehicle image simulating the vehicle based on detection information detectable by the vehicle, and that changes the appearance of the vehicle image in response to a change in a driving mode related to the driving performance of the vehicle; Information processing device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays the vehicle image that simulates a different vehicle form depending on the changed driving mode.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit changes the appearance of the surrounding image around the vehicle image in accordance with a vehicle form or a vehicle state of the vehicle image.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays a steering wheel image that resembles a steering wheel in a manner corresponding to the changed driving mode.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires mode information defined in a miniature model installed at a predetermined position on the vehicle, and the control unit changes the driving mode to one corresponding to the acquired mode information.

6. a surrounding image showing the surrounding situation of the vehicle as seen from a virtual viewpoint and a vehicle image simulating the vehicle are displayed on a display unit based on detection information detectable by the vehicle, and the appearance of the vehicle image is changed in accordance with a change in a driving mode related to the driving performance of the vehicle; An information processing method in which processing is performed by a computer.

7. a surrounding image showing the surrounding situation of the vehicle as seen from a virtual viewpoint and a vehicle image simulating the vehicle are displayed on a display unit based on detection information detectable by the vehicle, and the appearance of the vehicle image is changed in accordance with a change in a driving mode related to the driving performance of the vehicle; A program that causes a computer to execute a process.

Images