Vehicle display control device, display method, and program

Abstract

To provide a display control device for a vehicle, a display method, and a program capable of intuitively grasping timing for changing a traveling direction of the vehicle.SOLUTION: The vehicle display controller 10 displays a predetermined image in a display region representing the foreground of the vehicle 12. In cases in which a change operation to change the direction of progress of the vehicle 12 is planned, the vehicle display controller 10 displays at least one direction image indicating the changed direction of progress in the display region, gradually increases the number of direction images as the vehicle 12 approaches a change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, and displays the direction images such that the direction images displayed later are arranged in sequence on the opposite side to the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control device for a vehicle, a display method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle system that sets a guide route to the vehicle's destination and displays information about course changes such as right and left turns on the front window according to the set guide route. This in-vehicle system displays text information about the distance to an intersection where a course change such as a right or left turn is required, and displays an arrow image indicating the course change direction at the intersection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-104275 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as in Patent Document 1, simply displaying the distance to a point where a lane change such as a right or left turn is to be made using text information does not allow a driver to intuitively grasp the timing to change the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a vehicle display control device, display method, and program that allow a driver to intuitively grasp the timing to change the vehicle's direction of travel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle display control device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle display control device that displays a predetermined image in a display area showing the view in front of the vehicle, and is equipped with a display control unit that, when a change operation to change the vehicle's direction of travel is planned, displays at least one direction image showing the changed direction of travel in the display area, and increases the number of direction images as the vehicle approaches the change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, so that the direction images displayed later are arranged in order on the opposite side of the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier, and the display control unit changes the number of direction images when at least one of the distance and time from the vehicle to the change operation point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a vehicle display control device displays a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle. The vehicle display control device also has a display control unit, and when a change operation to change the vehicle's traveling direction is scheduled, the display control unit displays at least one direction image showing the new traveling direction in the display area. This allows an occupant to understand that the vehicle's traveling direction is scheduled to change to the direction indicated by the direction image by looking at the display area.

[0008] Here, the display control unit increases the number of direction images as the vehicle approaches the change operation point where the change operation should be performed, and displays the direction images displayed later so that they are arranged in order opposite to the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier. This makes it possible to indicate the degree of arrival to the change operation point by changing the number of direction images, so that the occupant can intuitively grasp the timing to change the direction of the vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the display control unit changes the number of the directional images when at least one of the distance and the time from the vehicle to the change operation point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0010] According to the first aspect, when at least one of the distance and time from the vehicle to the change operation point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the number of direction images displayed is changed. This allows the number of direction images to be changed according to the actual arrival distance of the vehicle to the change operation point, so that the occupant can intuitively and accurately grasp the timing to change the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0011] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle display control device having the configuration described in the first aspect, wherein the display control unit increases the number of directional images until the vehicle reaches the change operation point.

[0012] According to the second aspect, the number of direction images displayed is increased until the vehicle reaches the change operation point, so that the direction images are gradually emphasized. This makes it possible to express the degree of arrival at the change operation point, and allows the occupant to intuitively grasp the timing to change the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0013] A vehicle display control device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure has a configuration described in the first or second aspect, in which the display control unit displays the directional image so that it moves from the front side to the back side of the display area along a route from the vehicle to the change operation point.

[0014] According to the third aspect, the direction image is displayed moving from the front to the back of the display area along the route from the vehicle to the change operation point. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that the change operation point is ahead of the current traveling point of the vehicle, and gives the occupant a sense of security that the change operation point has not been overlooked.

[0015] A display control device for a vehicle according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is configured as described in any one of the first to third aspects, and the display control unit displays the direction image so that it moves in the changed direction of travel after the vehicle passes the change operation point.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect, the direction image is displayed so as to move to the new traveling direction after the vehicle passes the change operation point, which makes it easier for the occupant to visually grasp the new traveling direction when the vehicle should change direction.

[0017] A display control device for a vehicle according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is configured as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the change operation point is an operation point where a turn signal lamp should be turned on to change the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect, by looking at the display area, the occupant can intuitively grasp the timing to turn on the blinker lamp in order to change the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0019] A display control device for a vehicle according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure has a configuration described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the change operation point is an operation point where an operation should be performed on the steering wheel in order to change the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0020] According to the sixth aspect, by looking at the display area, the occupant can intuitively grasp the timing at which to operate the steering wheel in order to change the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0021] A display control device for a vehicle according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is configured as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the display area is a projection surface projected by a head-up display device in front of the vehicle from the driver's seat, and the display control unit identifies a change operation point from the foreground of the vehicle visible through the display area, and displays the direction image at a position in the display area corresponding to the change operation point.

[0022] According to a seventh aspect, the display area showing the view in front of the vehicle is a projection surface projected by a head-up display device in front of the driver's seat. The display control unit identifies a change operation point from the view in front of the vehicle visible through the display area and displays the direction image at a position corresponding to the change operation point in the display area. In this way, the vehicle display control device displays the direction image superimposed on the view in front of the vehicle visible from the driver's seat, allowing the occupant in the driver's seat to intuitively recognize the timing to change direction without significantly moving their line of sight.

[0023] A display method according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a display method in which a computer executes a process to display a predetermined image in a display area showing the view in front of the vehicle, and when a change operation to change the vehicle's direction of travel is planned, at least one direction image showing the changed direction of travel is displayed in the display area, and the number of direction images is increased as the vehicle approaches the change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, so that the direction images displayed later are displayed in order on the opposite side of the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier, and when at least one of the distance and time from the vehicle to the change operation point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the number of direction images is changed.

[0024] According to the display method of the eighth aspect, as described above, the occupant can intuitively grasp the timing to change the traveling direction of the vehicle by looking at the display area.

[0025] A program according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer to display a predetermined image in a display area showing the view in front of the vehicle, and causes the computer to execute the following: when a change operation to change the vehicle's direction of travel is planned, display at least one direction image showing the changed direction of travel in the display area, and increase the number of direction images as the vehicle approaches the change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, so that the direction images displayed later are displayed in order on the opposite side of the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier, and change the number of direction images when at least one of the distance and time from the vehicle to the change operation point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0026] According to the program of the ninth aspect, as described above, the occupant can intuitively grasp the timing to change the traveling direction of the vehicle by looking at the display area. In the tenth aspect of the vehicle display control device, in the configuration described in the first aspect, the display control unit displays the direction images so that the vehicle moves toward the change operation point and stops at a point ahead of the change operation point, and as the vehicle approaches the change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, the number of direction images at the forward point is gradually increased, and the direction images displayed later are displayed so that they are arranged in order on the opposite side of the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to intuitively grasp the timing to change the direction of travel of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a front portion of a vehicle interior of a vehicle to which a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a display process in the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a planned driving route of a vehicle. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method for displaying a first image when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than distance L1. FIG. [Figure 7] (A) to (C) are examples showing how the direction image is displayed over time until the vehicle reaches the change operation point, and (D) is an example showing how the direction image is displayed after the vehicle has passed the change operation point. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] A vehicle 12 to which a vehicular display control device 10 according to an embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle 12 of this embodiment is configured, as an example, to be switchable between automatic driving and manual driving. Automatic driving refers to a driving mode of the vehicle in which some or all of the operations of the accelerator, brake, turn signal, steering, etc. are performed automatically. Manual driving refers to a driving mode of the vehicle in which the driver performs all driving operations (operations of the accelerator, brake, turn signal, steering, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, an instrument panel 14 is provided at the front of the cabin of the vehicle 12.

[0030] The instrument panel 14 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side of the instrument panel 14. That is, in this embodiment, as an example, the vehicle is a right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side, and the driver's seat is located on the right side of the vehicle.

[0031] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 14. The windshield glass 18 is located on the vehicle front side of the driver's seat, extends in the vertical and lateral directions of the vehicle, and separates the interior and exterior of the vehicle compartment.

[0032] 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).

[0033] Here, the instrument panel 14 is provided with a first display unit 24 having a display area for a predetermined image. 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 in the vehicle width direction. The meter display constitutes part of a meter display device (not shown) that is connected to various meter devices mounted on the vehicle 12. The first display unit 24 is provided in a position that is within the field of view of the driver when the driver is looking forward toward the vehicle.

[0034] A second display unit 25 having a display area for a predetermined image is provided on the windshield glass 18. The second display unit 25 is configured as a display provided in the center of the instrument panel 14 in the vehicle width direction, on the vehicle front side of the driver's seat.

[0035] The windshield glass 18 is provided with a third display unit 26 having a display area for a predetermined image. The third display unit 26 is set above the vehicle relative to the first display unit 24, and is configured as a projection surface onto which an image is projected by a head-up display device 44 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the head-up display device 44 is provided further forward in the vehicle than the instrument panel 14, and an image is projected from this head-up display device 44 onto the third display unit 26 of the windshield glass 18. In other words, the third display unit 26 is configured as the windshield glass 18 that serves as the projection surface for the head-up display device 44.

[0036] (Hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device 10) The vehicle 12 is provided with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 28 as a control unit. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle display control device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the ECU 28 of the vehicle display control device 10 is configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit: Processor) 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a storage 36, a communication interface 38, and an input / output interface 40. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 42 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0037] 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 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 32 or storage 36.

[0038] 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 with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In this embodiment, the ROM 32 or the storage 36 stores programs for performing display processing, various data, and the like.

[0039] The communication interface 38 is an interface for the vehicle display control device 10 to communicate with a server and other devices (not shown), and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE, FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0040] A head-up display device 44 that projects predetermined images on the first display unit 24, the second display unit 25, and the third display unit 26, and an actuator 46 are connected to the input / output interface 40. The actuator 46 is configured to include a steering actuator, an accelerator actuator, and a brake actuator. The steering actuator steers the vehicle 12. The accelerator actuator accelerates the vehicle 12. The brake actuator controls the brakes to decelerate the vehicle 12. The input / output interface 40 is also connected to a camera (not shown) that captures images of the periphery of the vehicle 12 and the interior of the vehicle 12, sensors for causing the vehicle 12 to travel automatically, a GPS device, and the like.

[0041] (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.

[0042] 3, the vehicle display control device 10 includes, as functional components, a communication unit 50, an acquisition unit 51, an operation plan setting unit 52, an autonomous driving control unit 54, a detection unit 56, an image generation unit 58, and a display control unit 60. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 30 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0043] The communication unit 50 transmits and receives data to and from an external server and other devices via the communication interface 38. For example, the communication unit 50 transmits and receives map data stored in a server and data on traffic conditions, etc. The communication unit 50 may also be configured to perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication with surrounding vehicles.

[0044] The acquisition unit 51 acquires surrounding information about the driving environment of the vehicle 12 from an external sensor (not shown) via the input / output interface 40. The external sensor includes at least one of a camera that captures an image of a predetermined range around the vehicle 12, a millimeter-wave radar that transmits a search wave within the predetermined range, and a lidar (Light Detection and Ranging / Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) that scans the predetermined range. The "surrounding information" includes, for example, information about the shape of the lane on which the vehicle 12 is driving, road width, other vehicles driving near the vehicle 12, obstacles, etc., as well as environmental information about the weather, darkness, etc. around the vehicle.

[0045] The acquisition unit 51 also acquires occupant information related to occupants in the vehicle cabin from an internal sensor (not shown). The internal sensor includes at least one of a camera that captures an image of a predetermined range in the vehicle cabin and various biological sensors that acquire biological reactions of the occupants.

[0046] The operation plan setting unit 52 sets an operation plan for the vehicle 12. Specifically, the destination point is input by the occupant, and an operation plan from the current location to the destination point is set.

[0047] The automatic driving control unit 54 controls switching between manual driving and automatic driving of the vehicle 12. Furthermore, when the driving mode of the vehicle 12 is switched to automatic driving, the automatic driving control unit 54 causes the vehicle 12 to automatically drive in accordance with a set operation plan while taking into consideration the position information and environmental information around the vehicle 12. Specifically, the automatic driving control unit 54 controls the actuator 46 to cause the vehicle 12 to travel automatically.

[0048] The detection unit 56 detects that a change operation to change the traveling direction of the vehicle 12 is planned while the vehicle 12 is traveling. The change operation includes at least one of a right turn, a left turn, a U-turn, etc. The detection unit 56 detects that a change operation is planned on the planned traveling route of the vehicle 12, for example, based on the operation plan set by the operation plan setting unit 52. Furthermore, the detection unit 56 detects that a change operation is planned when a turn signal lamp for changing the traveling direction of the vehicle 12 is turned on by an operation by the occupant.

[0049] The image generation unit 58 generates an image to be displayed on the third display unit 26, which is the projection screen of the head-up display device 44. The images generated by the image generation unit 58 include, for example, a meter display (not shown) that indicates the traveling speed of the vehicle 12, and various images intended to assist manual driving and automatic driving.

[0050] Particularly in this embodiment, when it is detected based on the function of the detection unit 56 that a change operation is scheduled for the vehicle 12, the image generation unit 58 generates at least one direction image 70 indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle 12 after the change. As an example, the direction image 70 in this embodiment is an arrow-shaped image indicating the traveling direction of the vehicle 12 after the change operation (see FIG. 6). Furthermore, the image generation unit 58 generates the direction image 70, for example, based on the viewpoint of the driver in the driver's seat, with a focal length that is approximately the same as the focal length of the driver while driving.

[0051] The display control unit 60 displays the image generated by the image generation unit 58 in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26. Here, the display control unit 60 displays the direction image 70 in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 so as to blend in with the foreground of the vehicle 12 visible through the third display unit 26 (windshield glass 18).

[0052] As an example, the display control unit 60 refers to the image of the camera capturing the view in front of the vehicle 12 and map data to identify a change operation point in the view in front of the vehicle 12 where a change operation should be performed, and displays a direction image 70 at a position corresponding to the change operation point viewed by the driver in the driver's seat through the third display unit 26. Therefore, as viewed from the driver in the driver's seat, the direction image 70 is displayed at a position corresponding to the real image of the change operation point viewed through the windshield glass 18. Furthermore, the display control unit 60 changes the number and display mode of the direction images 70 depending on the distance from the vehicle 12 to the change operation point. A detailed method for displaying the direction image 70 will be described later.

[0053] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] (Display processing) 4, an example of a display process for displaying a direction image 70 in a display area based on an operation plan of the vehicle 12 will be described. This display process is executed by the CPU 30 reading a display program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and expanding the program in the RAM 34.

[0055] 4, the CPU 30 determines whether or not a destination has been set in step S100. The destination may be input directly to the vehicle 12 by an occupant, or may be input indirectly via a mobile terminal or the like.

[0056] If the CPU 30 determines in step S100 that a destination has been set, the process proceeds to step S101. If the CPU 30 determines in step S100 that a destination has not been set, the display process ends.

[0057] In step S101, the CPU 30 sets an operation plan for the vehicle 12. Specifically, the CPU 30 sets an operation plan from the current location to the destination using the function of the operation plan setting unit 52. When setting the operation plan, information on traffic conditions and accidents may be acquired and reflected. In addition, the operation plan may be set so that more autonomous driving occurs, in accordance with the passenger requests input in advance.

[0058] In step S102, the CPU 30 determines, based on the operation plan, whether or not a change operation is scheduled to be performed within a predetermined distance L from the position of the vehicle 12. Here, as an example, the distance L is set to 100 m, and therefore, in step S102, the CPU 30 determines whether or not a change operation is scheduled to be performed at a point that is 100 m or less away from the vehicle 12. If no change operation is scheduled, the CPU 30 repeats the processing of step S102; if a change operation is scheduled, the CPU 30 proceeds to the processing of step S103.

[0059] In step S103, the CPU 30 identifies a change operation point where a change operation should be performed. In this embodiment, the change operation point is a point where the vehicle 12 should turn on a blinker lamp to perform a change operation. The CPU 30 sets, for example, a point a predetermined distance (e.g., 30 m) before a point where the traveling direction is to be changed based on an operation plan of the vehicle 12 as the change operation point. Then, the CPU 30 identifies a position corresponding to the set change operation point from an image captured by a camera capturing an image of the foreground of the vehicle 12.

[0060] In step S104, based on the function of the display control unit 60, the CPU 30 displays the direction image 70 in front of the position corresponding to the change operation point in the foreground shown on the third display unit 26. At this time, the CPU 30 displays the direction images 70 so that the number of direction images 70 displayed on the third display unit 26 gradually increases until the vehicle 12 reaches the change operation point.

[0061] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, when the vehicle 12 is scheduled to make a change operation to turn left at an intersection 80, the CPU 30 sets a point P2 30 m before the intersection 80 as the change operation point. Figs. 6(A) to 6(D) show how the display mode of the third display unit 26 changes over time as the distance from the vehicle 12 to the intersection 80 decreases.

[0062] When the vehicle 12 passes point P1 100 meters before the intersection 80, the CPU 30 displays one direction image 70 on the third display unit 26. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the direction image 70 is displayed as an animated image moving along the route from the vehicle 12 to the change operation point P2. Specifically, the direction image 70 is initially displayed as an arrow-shaped image indicating the forward direction, which is the traveling direction of the vehicle 12, and moves from the front to the back within the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 along the route from the vehicle 12 to the change operation point P2. When the direction image 70 moves to a position corresponding to the intersection 80, it changes to an arrow-shaped image indicating the left direction and stops. This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that the vehicle 12 is scheduled to turn left by looking at the direction image 70.

[0063] As the vehicle 12 approaches the intersection 80, the CPU 30 displays a second direction image 70 on the third display unit 26, as shown in FIG. 6(B). The second direction image 70, like the first direction image 70, is displayed as an animated image moving along the route from the vehicle 12 to the change operation point P2. The second direction image 70 stops at a position corresponding to the intersection 80 on the third display unit 26, and is displayed alongside the first direction image 70. After the second direction image 70 is displayed, the CPU 30 similarly displays a third direction image 70, as shown in FIG. 6(C).

[0064] In this way, the CPU 30 displays the three direction images 70 side by side on the third display unit 26 until the vehicle 12 reaches the change operation point P2. By recognizing that the three direction images 70 are displayed on the third display unit 26, the occupant can grasp the timing to turn on the blinker lamp.

[0065] In step S105, the CPU 30 determines whether the vehicle 12 has passed the change operation point. If the CPU 30 determines that the vehicle 12 has passed the change operation point, the CPU 30 proceeds to the process of step S106, and if the CPU 30 determines that the vehicle 12 has not passed the change operation point, the CPU 30 returns to step S102 and repeats the process.

[0066] In step S106, the CPU 30 determines whether the blinker lamp is on in order to perform the change operation. If it is determined that the blinker lamp is on, the process proceeds to step S107. If it is determined that the blinker lamp is not on, the process of step S106 is repeated.

[0067] When the CPU 30 determines that the blinker lamp is on and proceeds to the processing of step S107, in step S107, the three direction images 70 displayed on the third display unit 26 are displayed as animation images moving in the traveling direction after the change operation (leftward in FIG. 6(D)). This allows the occupant to intuitively understand that it is time to change the traveling direction of the vehicle 12 by looking at the direction images 70 moving in the traveling direction. When the processing of step S107 ends, the CPU 30 ends the display processing.

[0068] As described above, the vehicular display control device 10 of this embodiment displays a predetermined image in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26, which shows the view in front of the vehicle 12. Furthermore, when a change operation to change the traveling direction of the vehicle 12 is scheduled, the vehicular display control device 10 displays at least one direction image 70 indicating the changed traveling direction in the display area. This allows the occupant to know in advance that the vehicle 12 will change its traveling direction in the direction indicated by the direction image 70 by looking at the third display unit 26.

[0069] In this embodiment, the number of direction images 70 is changed and displayed until the vehicle 12 reaches the change operation point where the change operation should be performed. This makes it possible to indicate the degree of arrival at the change operation point by changing the number of direction images 70, so that the occupant can intuitively grasp the timing to change the traveling direction of the vehicle 12.

[0070] Specifically, in this embodiment, when the distance from the vehicle 12 to the change operation point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance L (a predetermined threshold), the number of direction images 70 displayed is gradually increased. This allows the direction images 70 to be displayed gradually and cooperatively according to the actual arrival distance of the vehicle 12 to the change operation point, allowing the occupant to intuitively and accurately grasp the timing to change the traveling direction of the vehicle 12.

[0071] 6(A) to 6(C), in this embodiment, the direction image 70 is displayed moving from the front to the back of the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 along the route from the vehicle 12 to the change operation point. This allows the occupant to intuitively know that the change operation point is ahead of the current traveling point of the vehicle 12, and gives the occupant a sense of security that the change operation point has not been overlooked.

[0072] Furthermore, since the change operation point is set as the operation point where the turn signal lamp should be turned on to change the direction of travel of the vehicle, the occupant can intuitively grasp the timing to turn on the turn signal lamp by recognizing that the number of direction images 70 displayed on the third display unit 26 has reached its maximum.

[0073] 6(D), the direction image 70 is displayed so as to move to the new traveling direction after the vehicle 12 passes the change operation point. This makes it easier for the occupant to visually grasp the new traveling direction when the vehicle 12 should change its traveling direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the third display unit 26 is a projection surface projected by the head-up display device 44 in front of the driver's seat. A change operation point in the real image visible through the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 is identified, and a direction image 70 is displayed in the display area at a position corresponding to the identified change operation point. In this way, the vehicle display control device 10 displays the direction image 70 superimposed on the foreground visible from the driver's seat, allowing the occupant in the driver's seat to intuitively recognize the timing to change the direction of travel without significantly moving their line of sight.

[0075] [supplementary explanation] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the display area showing the view ahead of the vehicle is configured on the projection surface of the head-up display device 44, but the present invention is not limited to this. As in a vehicle display control device 100 according to a modified example shown in FIG. 7, a direction image 70 may be displayed in the display area of ​​the second display unit 25, which is a display provided on the instrument panel 14. In the second display unit 25 shown in FIG. 7, a map image N showing the current position of the vehicle 12 is displayed in the lower part of the display area, and a foreground image F showing the view ahead of the vehicle is displayed in the upper part of the display area. The foreground image F is configured, for example, from an image acquired from a camera (not shown) that captures an image ahead of the vehicle 12, or an animated foreground image.

[0076] Similarly, the direction image 70 may be displayed in the display area of ​​the first display unit 24, which is a meter display provided in front of the driver's seat in the instrument panel 14. Because the first display unit 24 is provided in front of the driver's seat, the occupant in the driver's seat can view the first display unit 24 without moving their eyes from the foreground of the vehicle, and can recognize information related to the destination of the vehicle 12.

[0077] Furthermore, the display mode of the direction image 70 described in the above embodiment is merely an example, and can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0078] In addition, in the display process of the above embodiment, the direction image 70 is displayed when a change in the direction of the vehicle 12 is planned in the operation plan from the current location to the destination, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a turn signal lamp for changing the direction of travel is turned on by the driver's operation, it may be determined that a change in the direction of travel is planned, and the direction image 70 may be displayed.

[0079] In addition, in the above display process, the direction image 70 is displayed when the distance to the change operation is equal to or less than the distance L. However, this is not limiting, and the direction image may be displayed when the time to the change operation is shorter than a predetermined time. In this case, the time to the change operation may be calculated based on the speed of the vehicle 12 and the distance to the change operation.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above display process, the number of direction images 70 is increased and displayed until the vehicle 12 reaches the change operation point, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of direction images may be decreased until the vehicle 12 reaches the change operation point. In this case, as the number of direction images decreases, the direction images can be emphasized by changing from multiple direction images to one large direction image. Alternatively, the number of direction images may be reduced so that the presence of the direction images gradually decreases, and the direction images may be displayed to count the timing of the change operation.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above display processing, the change operation point is set as the point where the turn signal lamp should be turned on, but this is not limited to this. For example, the change operation point may be set as an operation point where an operation should be performed on the steering wheel to change the direction of travel of the vehicle 12.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the directional image is displayed in a display area provided inside the vehicle cabin, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the vehicle 12 is remotely operated by receiving an operation signal from a remote control device provided outside the vehicle 12, if the operator of the remote control device is considered to be a passenger of the vehicle 12, the display area is not limited to being provided inside the vehicle cabin, but may be provided outside the vehicle 12. The directional image may be displayed in a display area provided outside the vehicle 12.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the display processing executed by the CPU after reading the software (program) may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of such processors include programmable logic devices (PLDs) such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), whose circuit configuration can be changed after fabrication, and dedicated electrical circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processes. The display processing may be executed by one of these 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 processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the programs for the display processing and lane change display processing are described as being pre-stored (installed) in ROM or storage, but this is not limiting. The programs may be provided in a form recorded on a 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 programs may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10. Vehicle display control device 12 vehicles 16 Steering 24 First display section (display area) 25 Second display section (display area) 26 Third display section (display area, projection surface) 44 Head-up display device 60 Display control unit 70 Directional Images P2 Change operation point

Claims

1. A display control device for a vehicle that displays a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle, a display control unit that, when a change operation to change the traveling direction of the vehicle is scheduled, displays at least one direction image indicating the traveling direction after the change in the display area, and increases the number of the direction images as the vehicle approaches a change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, so that the direction images displayed later are arranged in order on the opposite side of the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier, The display control unit changes the number of the directional images when at least one of a distance from the vehicle to a change operation point and a time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

2. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit increases the number of the directional images until the vehicle reaches a change operation point.

3. 3. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the directional image so that the directional image moves from a near side to a far side of the display area along a route from the vehicle to a change operation point.

4. The display control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit displays the direction image so that it moves to the changed traveling direction after the vehicle passes the change operation point.

5. The display control device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the change operation point is an operation point where a turn signal lamp should be turned on to change the traveling direction of the vehicle.

6. 5. The display control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the change operation point is an operation point where an operation should be performed on a steering wheel in order to change the traveling direction of the vehicle.

7. the display area is a projection surface projected by a head-up display device in front of the driver's seat, The display control device for a vehicle described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display control unit identifies a change operation point from the foreground of the vehicle visible through the display area, and displays the direction image at a position corresponding to the change operation point in the display area.

8. A display method in which a computer executes a process of displaying a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of a vehicle, the method comprising: When a change operation to change the traveling direction of the vehicle is scheduled, at least one direction image indicating the traveling direction after the change is displayed in the display area, and the number of the direction images is increased as the vehicle approaches the change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, so that the direction images displayed later are arranged in order on the opposite side of the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier, A display method for changing the number of directional images when at least one of the distance and time from the vehicle to the change operation point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

9. A program for displaying a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of a vehicle, On the computer, When a change operation to change the traveling direction of the vehicle is scheduled, at least one direction image indicating the traveling direction after the change is displayed in the display area, and the number of the direction images is increased as the vehicle approaches the change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, so that the direction images displayed later are arranged in order on the opposite side of the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier, changing the number of directional images when at least one of the distance and time from the vehicle to the change operation point becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

10. the display control unit displays the direction images so that the vehicle moves toward the change operation point and stops at a point ahead of the change operation point, and as the vehicle approaches the change operation point where the change operation is to be performed, gradually increases the number of direction images at the point ahead, and displays the direction images displayed later so that they are arranged in order on the opposite side of the direction indicated by the direction image displayed earlier. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1 .

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