Vehicle display control device, vehicle display control method, and vehicle display control program

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display device, a display control method, and a display control program that make it easier for occupants to recognize the operating status of the driver assistance functions. [Solution] The vehicle display control device 30 includes an information acquisition unit 32 that acquires information about surrounding vehicles present around the vehicle, a driver assistance function detection unit 34 that detects the status of driver assistance functions installed in the vehicle, and a display control unit 36 ​​that changes the display mode of surrounding vehicles depending on whether the driver assistance function is operational or inoperable, and displays the information on a display unit installed in the vehicle's cabin. The display control unit 36 ​​is capable of displaying surrounding vehicles when the driver assistance function is operational and when the driver assistance function is inoperable, and when the driver assistance function is operational and an interrupting vehicle is detected as a surrounding vehicle, it displays an image of the said surrounding vehicle in a different mode than when the driver assistance function is inoperable.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle display control device, a vehicle display control method, and a vehicle display control program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an in-vehicle display device that displays a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the host vehicle in the lane in which the host vehicle is traveling on a meter display and a head-up display. In this in-vehicle display device, displaying an image of a surrounding object of the host vehicle other than the preceding vehicle on the head-up display is suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0007] In the vehicle display control device according to claim 1, the display control unit is capable of displaying surrounding vehicles when the driver assistance function is activated and when the driver assistance function is deactivated. When the driver assistance function is activated and an interrupting vehicle is detected as a surrounding vehicle, the display control unit displays an image of the said surrounding vehicle in a different manner than when the driver assistance function is deactivated. As a result, the display manner of the interrupting vehicle differs depending on whether the driver assistance function is activated or deactivated, making it easier for the occupant to recognize the activation status of the driver assistance function. Furthermore, for example, if the interrupting vehicle is displayed with more emphasis when the driver assistance function is activated than when the driver assistance function is deactivated, then, for example, if manual driving is an example of when the driver assistance function is deactivated, the interrupting vehicle will not be displayed with emphasis during manual driving, thus preventing excessive display during manual driving. This prevents the driver from being distracted. Furthermore, for example, if the interrupting vehicle is displayed with more emphasis when the driver assistance function is deactivated, for example, in the case of manual driving, then the interrupting vehicle will be displayed with emphasis during manual driving, thus prompting the driver to pay attention to the interrupting vehicle.

[0008] The vehicle display control device according to claim 2, in the configuration described in claim 1, the display control unit changes the display mode by changing at least one of the shape, color, and flashing operation of the image showing the surrounding vehicle.

[0009] The vehicle display control device according to claim 3 is configured according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the driving assistance function is an ACC function.

[0010] The vehicle display control device according to claim 4 is configured according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the driving assistance function is a lane keeping assistance function.

[0011] The vehicle display control device according to claim 5 is configured according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the driving assistance function is an automatic driving function.

[0012] The vehicle display control method according to claim 6 is a vehicle display control method that acquires information about surrounding vehicles present around the vehicle, detects the status of a driver assistance function installed in the vehicle, and displays a vehicle image showing the vehicle and an image showing the surrounding vehicles on a display unit installed in the vehicle's cabin, based on the relative relationship between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles, wherein the surrounding vehicles can be displayed when the driver assistance function is operational and when the driver assistance function is inactive, and when the driver assistance function is operational and an interrupting vehicle is detected as a surrounding vehicle, the image showing the surrounding vehicle is displayed in a different manner than when the driver assistance function is inactive.

[0013] The vehicle display control program according to claim 7 comprises a computer, an information acquisition unit that acquires information about surrounding vehicles present around the vehicle, a driving assistance function detection unit that detects the state of a driving assistance function installed in the vehicle, and a display control unit that causes a vehicle image showing the vehicle and an image showing the surrounding vehicles to be displayed on a display unit installed in the vehicle's cabin, based on the relative relationship between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles, wherein the display control unit is capable of displaying the surrounding vehicles when the driving assistance function is operational and when the driving assistance function is inactive, and when the driving assistance function is operational and an interrupting vehicle is detected as a surrounding vehicle, it functions as a display control unit that displays an image showing the surrounding vehicle in a different manner than when the driving assistance function is inactive.

[0014] In the vehicle display control method according to claim 6 and the vehicle display control program according to claim 7 according to the present invention, similar to the vehicle display control device according to claim 1, the display manner of interrupting vehicles differs depending on whether the driver assistance function is activated or not, making it easier for the occupant to recognize the activation status of the driver assistance function. Furthermore, for example, if interrupting vehicles are displayed with more emphasis when the driver assistance function is activated than when the driver assistance function is not activated, then, for example, if manual driving is an example of when the driver assistance function is not activated, interrupting vehicles will not be displayed with emphasis during manual driving, thus preventing excessive display during manual driving. This prevents the driver from being distracted. Furthermore, for example, if interrupting vehicles are displayed with more emphasis when the driver assistance function is not activated, for example, in the case of manual driving, then interrupting vehicles will be displayed with emphasis during manual driving, thus prompting the driver to pay attention to interrupting vehicles.

[0015] The vehicle display control device according to claim 8 comprises: an information acquisition unit that acquires information about surrounding vehicles present around the vehicle; a driving support function detection unit that detects the state of a driving support function installed in the vehicle; and a display control unit that causes a vehicle image showing the vehicle and an image showing the surrounding vehicles to be displayed on a display unit installed in the vehicle's cabin, based on the relative relationship between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles, wherein the display control unit is capable of displaying the surrounding vehicles when the driving support function is operational and when the driving support function is inactive, and when the driving support function is operational and it detects a surrounding vehicle that exhibits behavior satisfying predetermined conditions, it causes the display control unit to display an image showing the surrounding vehicle in a different manner than when the driving support function is inactive.

[0016] In the vehicle display control device according to claim 8, the display mode of surrounding vehicles exhibiting behavior that satisfies predetermined conditions differs depending on whether the driver assistance function is activated or deactivated, making it easier for occupants to recognize the activation status of the driver assistance function. Furthermore, for example, if surrounding vehicles exhibiting behavior that satisfies predetermined conditions are emphasized when the driver assistance function is activated compared to when the driver assistance function is deactivated, then, for example, if manual driving is an example of when the driver assistance function is deactivated, surrounding vehicles exhibiting behavior that satisfies predetermined conditions will not be emphasized during manual driving, thus preventing excessive display during manual driving. This prevents the driver from being distracted. Furthermore, for example, if surrounding vehicles exhibiting behavior that satisfies predetermined conditions are emphasized when the driver assistance function is deactivated, for example, in the case of manual driving, then surrounding vehicles exhibiting behavior that satisfies predetermined conditions will be emphasized during manual driving, thus prompting the driver to pay attention to surrounding vehicles exhibiting behavior that satisfies predetermined conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, the vehicle display control device, the vehicle display control method, and the vehicle display control program according to the present invention have an excellent effect of making it easy for the occupant to recognize the operating state of the driving support function.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic view of the front part of the vehicle interior in a vehicle to which the vehicle display device according to the first embodiment is applied, as viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the display control ECU according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in the non-operating state in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in the operating state in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the display control process in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in the non-operating state in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in the operating state in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the display control process in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] [[ID=3⑤]]It is a diagram showing an example of the display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in the operating state in Modification 1. [Figure 11] [[ID=3⑧]]It is a diagram showing an example of the display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in the operating state in Modification 2. [Figure 12]FIG. is a diagram showing an example of display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in an operating state in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of display control processing in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in a non-operating state in Modification 3. [Figure 15] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of display in the display area of the first display unit when the driving support function is in an operating state in Modification 3. [Figure 16] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of display in the display area of the third display unit.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] (First Embodiment) A vehicle 10 as a host vehicle to which a display control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 30 as a vehicle display control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a driving support ECU 28, and the like are applied will be described with reference to the drawings. The arrow UP shown in FIG. 1 indicates the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, and the arrow RH indicates the right side in the vehicle width direction. The vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the following description respectively mean the vertical in the vehicle vertical direction and the horizontal in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, an instrument panel 14 is provided at the front part in the passenger compartment 13 of the 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 vehicle of the instrument panel 14. That is, in this embodiment, as an example, it is a so-called right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side, and the driver's seat is set on the right side of the vehicle. In addition, a windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 14.

[0021] The windshield glass 18 extends upward from the front end of the instrument panel 14, separating the exterior of the vehicle 10 from the interior of the vehicle 13. The right-side end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the right-side front pillar 20. The front pillar 20 extends vertically, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the front side glass 22 is fixed to the outer end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction. The left-side end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the left-side front pillar (not shown).

[0022] Here, the instrument panel 14 is provided with a first display unit 24, which has an image display area 24A. The first display unit 24 is composed of a meter display located on the right side of the vehicle of the instrument panel 14, in front of the driver's seat. The first display unit 24 is connected to various meter devices mounted on the vehicle 10 and is positioned within the driver's field of vision when the driver is looking forward.

[0023] The instrument panel 14 is provided with a second display unit 25, which has an image display area 25A. The second display unit 25 is composed of a center display located in the center of the instrument panel 14 in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] The windshield glass 18 is provided with a third display unit 26, which has an image display area 26A. The third display unit 26 is set on the vehicle's upper side of the first display unit 24, and the display area 26A is composed of a projection surface projected by a head-up display device 40 (see Figure 2). Specifically, the head-up display device 40 is provided on the vehicle's front side of the instrument panel 14, and the head-up display device 40 is configured to project an image onto the display area 26A of the third display unit 26 on the windshield glass 18. In other words, the third display unit 26 is a part of the windshield glass 18 that serves as the projection surface for the head-up display device 40.

[0025] (Hardware configuration of vehicle 10) Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of vehicle 10.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a communication bus 10A in the passenger compartment 13, to which the information sensor group 27A, the driving sensor group 27B, the driver assistance ECU 28, and the display control ECU 30 are connected. In addition to the driver assistance ECU 28 and the display control ECU 30, various other ECUs may also be connected.

[0027] The information sensor group 27A, although not shown in the figures, includes a camera, radar or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), GPS (global positioning system) device, in-vehicle communication device, navigation device, etc. The camera captures images of the area around the vehicle 10. The camera in this embodiment is configured to include at least a front camera that captures images in front of the vehicle 10 and a rear camera that captures images behind the vehicle 10. The number of cameras is not limited to this, and for example, it may further include a right side camera that captures images to the right of the vehicle 10 and a left side camera that captures images to the left of the vehicle 10.

[0028] The radar detects the distance and direction of objects around the vehicle 10 using radio waves. The lidar detects the distance and direction of objects around the vehicle 10 using laser light. In this embodiment, the radar and lidar are equipped with a signal processing unit (not shown) that has the function of processing the detection results of surrounding objects. Based on changes in the relative position and relative speed of individual objects included in the most recent multiple detection results, the signal processing unit excludes noise, roadside objects such as guardrails, etc. from the monitoring targets and tracks specific objects such as surrounding vehicles present around the vehicle 10 as surrounding targets.

[0029] The GPS device receives GPS signals from multiple GPS satellites to detect the current position of the vehicle 10. The in-vehicle communication device is a communication device that performs at least one of vehicle-to-vehicle communication with other vehicles and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication with roadside units. The navigation device includes a map information storage unit that stores map information, and performs processing to display the position of the vehicle 10 on a map and guide the vehicle to a destination based on the position information obtained from the GPS device and the map information stored in the map information storage unit.

[0030] The driving sensor group 27B, although not shown in the diagram, includes a steering angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a yaw rate sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, and a brake pedal sensor, as multiple sensors for acquiring the driving state of the vehicle 10. The steering angle sensor is a device for detecting the steering angle of the vehicle 10, and is provided, for example, on the steering wheel 16 to detect the steering angle of the steering wheel 16. The vehicle speed sensor is a device for detecting the driving speed of the vehicle 10, and is provided, for example, on the wheels of the vehicle 10 or on a drive shaft that rotates integrally with the wheels to detect the rotational speed of the wheels.

[0031] An acceleration sensor is a device that detects the acceleration applied to the vehicle 10. For example, a 3-axis acceleration sensor can be used to detect acceleration applied in the vehicle's longitudinal direction as the X-axis, the vehicle's width direction as the Y-axis, and the vehicle's height direction as the Z-axis. A yaw rate sensor is a device that detects the yaw rate (rotational angular velocity) around the vertical axis of the vehicle 10's center of gravity. For example, a gyro sensor can be used.

[0032] The accelerator pedal sensor is installed on the shaft portion of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle 10 and is a device that detects the amount the accelerator pedal is pressed down and outputs an accelerator operation signal according to the detected amount the accelerator pedal is pressed down. The brake pedal sensor is installed on the shaft portion of the brake pedal of the vehicle 10 and is a device that detects the amount the brake pedal is pressed down and outputs a brake operation signal according to the detected amount the brake pedal is pressed down.

[0033] Information detected by the information sensor group 27A and the driving sensor group 27B is output via the communication bus 10A to various ECUs such as the driver assistance ECU 28 and the display control ECU 30.

[0034] (Configuration of the driver assistance ECU28) The driver assistance ECU28, although not shown in the diagram, consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor), memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile storage such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication interface (communication I / F), and an input / output interface (input / output I / F). Each component is connected to the others via a bus so that they can communicate with each other.

[0035] The driver assistance ECU 28 implements various functions to support the driving of the vehicle 10, including at least drive control and braking control of the vehicle 10, by having the CPU execute one or more software programs stored in the storage. In this embodiment, the storage contains, as an example, autonomous driving software (hereinafter simply referred to as "autonomous driving") 29A that implements the function of autonomous driving, and ACC software (hereinafter simply referred to as "ACC") 29B that implements the function of ACC. Autonomous driving 29A is an application that implements the function of driving the vehicle 10 automatically, and ACC 29B is an application that implements the function of following the vehicle ahead, which maintains a constant distance from the vehicle ahead. Autonomous driving 29A and ACC 29B will be described in detail later.

[0036] Furthermore, the storage may also contain automatic parking software to implement automatic parking functions, and ADAS software to implement advanced driver assistance functions. The ADAS software includes an application that calculates a corrected trajectory from the vehicle's position to a predetermined target trajectory in order to make the vehicle 10 follow a predetermined target trajectory. The ADAS software also includes an application that implements collision avoidance support functions (such as PCS (Pre-Collision System)), and an application that implements lane keeping support functions (such as LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) and LKA (Lane Keeping Assist)) to maintain the vehicle in its lane. The ADAS software also includes an application that implements collision mitigation braking functions (such as AEB (Autonormal Emergency Braking)) that automatically applies the brakes to reduce the damage of a collision, and an application that implements lane departure warning functions (such as LDW (Lane Departure Warning) and LDA (Lane Departure Alert)) to warn the vehicle of deviating from its lane.

[0037] Furthermore, the driver assistance ECU 28 is connected to various actuators used for controlling the vehicle 10, such as the drive actuator 28A, brake actuator 28B, and steering actuator 28C.

[0038] The drive actuator 28A controls the amount of air supplied to the engine (throttle opening) in accordance with a control signal from the driver assistance ECU 28, thereby controlling the driving force of the vehicle 10. If the vehicle 10 is a hybrid vehicle, in addition to the amount of air supplied to the engine, a control signal from the driver assistance ECU 28 is input to the motor, which serves as a power source, to control its driving force. If the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, a control signal from the driver assistance ECU 28 is input to the motor, which serves as a power source, to control its driving force. In these cases, the motor, which serves as a power source, constitutes the various actuators described above.

[0039] The brake actuator 28B controls the brake system in accordance with the control signal from the driver assistance ECU 28, and controls the braking force applied to the wheels of the vehicle 10. As the brake system, for example, a hydraulic brake system can be used.

[0040] The steering actuator 28C controls the drive of the assist motor that controls the steering torque in the electric power steering system according to a control signal from the driver assistance ECU 28. In this way, the steering actuator 28C controls the steering torque of the vehicle 10.

[0041] The driver assistance ECU 28 performs an automatic driving process that allows the vehicle 10 to move automatically without driver operation by the vehicle's occupants when the automatic driving mode is selected, by having the CPU execute the automatic driving 29A. The automatic driving process determines the situation of the vehicle 10 and its surroundings based on information obtained from the information sensor group 27A and the driving sensor group 27B, and controls the drive actuator 28A, brake actuator 28B, and steering actuator 28C.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the automatic driving mode is selected, the driver assistance ECU 28 performs automatic driving processing, which allows the vehicle 10 to move automatically without driver operation by the occupants of the vehicle 10, by having the CPU execute automatic driving 29A. The automatic driving processing is a process that determines the situation of the vehicle 10 and its surroundings based on information obtained from the information sensor group 27A and the driving sensor group 27B, and controls the throttle ACT 29A, brake ACT 29B, and steering ACT 29C. The automatic driving mode is configured to be switchable between an activated state and an inactivated state by operating a switch (not shown) located in a position where the occupant seated in the driver's seat can operate it. In this embodiment, when the automatic driving mode is activated, the CPU outputs a signal indicating that the automatic driving function is activated to the display control ECU 30 via the communication bus 10A. Here, known technologies can be used for the automatic driving processing.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when ACC mode is selected, the driver assistance ECU 28 performs ACC processing to enable adaptive cruise control (ACC) driving, which maintains a constant distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle, by executing ACC 29B on the CPU. The ACC processing determines the distance between the vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle based on information obtained from the information sensor group 27A and the driving sensor group 27B, and controls the throttle ACT 29A, brake ACT 29B, and steering ACT 29C. The ACC mode is configured to be switchable between an activated and deactivated state by operating a switch (not shown) located in a position accessible to the occupant seated in the driver's seat, similar to the automatic driving mode. In this embodiment, when ACC mode is activated, the CPU outputs a signal indicating that the ACC function is activated to the display control ECU 30 via the communication bus 10A. Here, known technologies can be used for the ACC processing.

[0044] (Configuration of the display control ECU30) As shown in Figure 2, the display control ECU 30 consists of a CPU 30A, ROM 30B, RAM 30C, storage 30D, communication I / F 30E, and input / output I / F 30F. Each component is connected to the others via bus 30G so that they can communicate with each other.

[0045] The CPU 30A is the central processing unit, which executes various programs and controls various components. Specifically, the CPU 30A reads programs from ROM 30B or storage 30D and executes them using RAM 30C as the working area. The CPU 30A controls the above components and performs various calculations according to the programs recorded in ROM 30B or storage 30D.

[0046] ROM30B stores various programs and data. RAM30C temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. Storage30D is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. In this embodiment, ROM30B or storage30D stores a vehicle display control program for performing vehicle display control processing, and various data.

[0047] The communication interface 30E is an interface for the display control ECU 30 to communicate with servers and other devices (not shown), and standards such as Ethernet®, LTE, FDDI, and Wi-Fi® are used.

[0048] The input / output interface 30F is connected to the first display unit 24, the second display unit 25, the head-up display device (HUD) 40, and the communication bus 10A. In this embodiment, the head-up display device 40 projects an image onto the third display unit 26.

[0049] (Functional configuration of the display control ECU30) The display control ECU 30 implements various functions using the hardware resources described above. The functional configuration implemented by the display control ECU 30 will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the display control ECU 30 is configured as an information acquisition unit 32, a driving support function detection unit 34, and a display control unit 36. Each of these functional configurations is realized when the CPU 30A reads and executes a vehicle display control program stored in the ROM 30B or storage 30D.

[0051] The information acquisition unit 32 acquires information about surrounding vehicles present around the vehicle 10. Specifically, the information acquisition unit 32 acquires information about surrounding vehicles detected by the information sensor group 27A. For example, the information acquisition unit 32 acquires location information of surrounding vehicles based on the relative position and relative speed of the surrounding vehicles of the vehicle 10 represented by the information acquired by the radar or lidar.

[0052] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 32 acquires, for example, image data of the area surrounding the vehicle 10 captured by the camera, and acquires vehicle type information of the surrounding vehicles based on the acquired image data. Examples of vehicle type information include vehicle size information such as regular cars, light vehicles, and large vehicles, vehicle type information such as sedans, sports cars, minivans, and SUVs (sports utility vehicles), and vehicle name information. Specifically, image data of the vehicle represented by the above information is stored in storage 30D in advance, for example. The information acquisition unit 32 acquires vehicle information of the surrounding vehicle by comparing the image of the surrounding vehicle present in the image represented by the acquired image data with the image of the vehicle represented by the stored image data.

[0053] The driver assistance function detection unit 34 detects the status of the driver assistance functions installed in the vehicle 10. Specifically, when the automatic driving mode is activated, the driver assistance function detection unit 34 detects a signal indicating that the automatic driving function is activated, which is output from the driver assistance ECU 28 via the communication bus 10A. Similarly, it also detects a signal indicating that the ACC function is activated, which is output from the driver assistance ECU 28 via the communication bus 10A.

[0054] The display control unit 36 ​​changes the display mode of surrounding vehicles and displays it on the first display unit 24 depending on whether the driver assistance function is activated or not. Specifically, when the driver assistance function detection unit 34 detects a signal indicating that at least one of the automatic driving mode and ACC function is activated, the display control unit 36 ​​changes the display mode of surrounding vehicles and displays it on the first display unit 24.

[0055] Figure 4 shows an example of the display in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 when the driver assistance function is not in operation, and Figure 5 shows an example of the display in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 when the driver assistance function is in operation.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the display control unit 36 ​​displays a vehicle image 60, which is a three-dimensional image of the vehicle 10, in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24, approximately in the center in the left-right direction and below the center in the up-down direction. The display control unit 36 ​​also displays lane images 62, which indicate the lanes, on both the left and right sides of the vehicle image 60. In this embodiment, as an example, the vehicle 10 is traveling on a two-lane road.

[0057] Furthermore, the display control unit 36 ​​displays a status image 64 on the lower right side showing the status of the driver assistance functions. The status image 64 includes images showing the status of the ACC function, images showing whether or not the steering wheel needs to be held, images showing the status of the automatic driving mode, and images showing the status of the LTA function. In the status image 64, the display control unit 36 ​​displays images showing functions in operation (see Figure 5) with more emphasis than images showing functions in non-operational state (see Figure 4). As an example of how to emphasize the display, as shown in Figure 5, colors can be emphasized, but other known methods of emphasis can also be used. In addition, the display control unit 36 ​​displays a driver image 66, for example, driver information, approximately in the center of the left side in the vertical direction.

[0058] In this embodiment, the display control unit 36 ​​displays surrounding vehicles as planar images when the automatic driving mode and ACC function are not activated by the driver assistance function detection unit 34. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, if there is a preceding vehicle traveling in front of vehicle 10 in the same lane, the display control unit 36 ​​displays a preceding vehicle image 70 as a planar image. In this embodiment, for example, the preceding vehicle image 70 is represented as a rectangle. If, for example, there is a vehicle behind vehicle 10 as a surrounding vehicle, the display control unit 36 ​​can similarly display a planar image of the rear vehicle, represented as a rectangle, behind the vehicle image 60.

[0059] Furthermore, if there is an oncoming vehicle traveling in the opposite lane of vehicle 10, the display control unit 36 ​​displays an oncoming vehicle image 72 as a rectangular planar image representing the oncoming vehicle. In this embodiment, the preceding vehicle image 70 and the oncoming vehicle image 72 are displayed as rectangular planar images, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the preceding vehicle image 70 and the oncoming vehicle image 72 may be displayed as a planar view of the vehicle from above. In this case, a planar image based on the vehicle information of the surrounding vehicle acquired by the information acquisition unit 32 is displayed. Specifically, the display control unit 36 ​​selects and displays the planar image of the corresponding surrounding vehicle from planar image data classified in advance in the storage 30D by vehicle size, vehicle type, vehicle name, etc.

[0060] On the other hand, the display control unit 36 ​​displays surrounding vehicles as three-dimensional images when at least one of the automatic driving mode and ACC function is activated by the driver assistance function detection unit 34. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, if there is a preceding vehicle traveling in front of vehicle 10 in the same lane, the display control unit 36 ​​displays a preceding vehicle image 80 as a three-dimensional image. In this embodiment, as an example, the preceding vehicle image 80 is represented by a three-dimensional shape that shows the outline of the preceding vehicle. If, for example, there is a vehicle behind vehicle 10 as a surrounding vehicle, the display control unit 36 ​​can similarly display a rear vehicle image, which is a three-dimensional shape that shows the outline of the rear vehicle, behind the vehicle image 60.

[0061] Furthermore, if there is an oncoming vehicle traveling in the opposite lane of vehicle 10, the display control unit 36 ​​displays an oncoming vehicle image 82 as a three-dimensional image representing the outer shape of the oncoming vehicle. In this embodiment, as an example, the display control unit 36 ​​displays the preceding vehicle image 80 and the oncoming vehicle image 82 as three-dimensional images based on vehicle information of surrounding vehicles acquired by the information acquisition unit 32. Specifically, the display control unit 36 ​​selects and displays the corresponding three-dimensional image of a surrounding vehicle from three-dimensional image data classified in advance in the storage 30D by vehicle size, vehicle type, and vehicle name, for example.

[0062] Furthermore, if the driver assistance function detection unit 34 indicates that at least one of the automatic driving mode and the ACC function is activated, the display control unit 36 ​​displays a distance image 65 indicating the distance between the vehicles between the vehicle image 60 and the preceding vehicle image 80, as shown in Figure 5. The distance image 65 is, for example, formed with a width along the lane images 62 on both sides and composed of multiple rectangular blocks formed along the direction of travel of the vehicle 10. The number of these blocks indicates the distance between the vehicles.

[0063] In this embodiment, the preceding vehicle image 80 and the oncoming vehicle image 82 are displayed as three-dimensional images representing the external shape of the vehicles. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the preceding vehicle image 80 and the oncoming vehicle image 82 may simply be displayed as three-dimensional images such as rectangular parallelepipeds.

[0064] (action) Next, the effects and advantages of the first embodiment will be described.

[0065] (Display control processing) An example of a display control process for displaying an image in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 6. This display control process is performed by the CPU 30A reading a display control program from the ROM 30B or storage 30D, loading it into the RAM 30C, and executing it.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the CPU 30A determines in step S11 whether or not a vehicle has been detected near the vehicle 10. Specifically, the CPU 30A determines whether or not a vehicle has been detected by the information sensor group 27A through the function of the information acquisition unit 32.

[0067] If no surrounding vehicles are detected, step S11 results in a negative determination, and the CPU 30A terminates the display control process. On the other hand, if a preceding vehicle is detected, step S11 results in a positive determination, and the CPU 30A proceeds to step S12.

[0068] In step S12, the CPU 30A detects the position of surrounding vehicles. Specifically, the CPU 30A acquires information about surrounding vehicles detected by the information sensor group 27A through the functions of the information acquisition unit 32, and acquires position information of surrounding vehicles based on this information.

[0069] In step S13, the CPU 30A determines whether or not the driver assistance function is activated. Specifically, the CPU 30A uses the function of the driver assistance function detection unit 34 to detect whether the driver assistance function of the vehicle 10 is activated or deactivated. If it is activated, the CPU 30A determines that step S13 is affirmative, and the CPU 30A proceeds to step S14.

[0070] In step S14, the CPU 30A displays surrounding vehicles in 3D. Specifically, the CPU 30A, using the functions of the display control unit 36, displays, as shown in Figure 5, an image of a preceding vehicle 80 and an image of an oncoming vehicle 82, which are represented as 3D shapes representing the external outline of the vehicles, as an example. The CPU 30A also, using the functions of the display control unit 36, highlights the image in the status image 64 that indicates that the driver assistance function has been activated. Furthermore, the CPU 30A, using the functions of the display control unit 36, displays a warning to the driver in the area where the driver image 66 is displayed, for example, "Please use on expressways. Please be careful of stopped vehicles and vehicles cutting in."

[0071] On the other hand, if the driver assistance function is not activated in step S13, that is, if it is in a non-operating state, step S13 is judged as negative, and the CPU 30A proceeds to step S15.

[0072] In step S15, the CPU 30A displays the surrounding vehicles in a planar view. Specifically, the CPU 30A, through the functions of the display control unit 36, displays the preceding vehicle image 70 and the oncoming vehicle image 72, which are planar images represented as rectangles, as shown in Figure 4, as described above.

[0073] Then, CPU 30A continues processing in step S14 or step S15, moves to step S11, and repeatedly performs the processing from step S11 onward.

[0074] As described above, in the display control ECU 30 as a vehicle display control device according to the first embodiment, the display control unit 36 ​​changes the display mode of surrounding vehicles around the vehicle 10 depending on whether the driver assistance function is activated or deactivated, and displays this on the first display unit 24 mounted in the passenger compartment 13 of the vehicle 10. As a result, surrounding vehicles with different display modes are displayed on the first display unit 24 depending on whether the driver assistance function is activated or deactivated, making it easier for the occupant to recognize the activation status of the driver assistance function.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, surrounding vehicles are displayed in 2D when the driver assistance function is inactive, and in 3D when the driver assistance function is active. Therefore, if manual driving is an example of a situation where the driver assistance function is inactive, surrounding vehicles are displayed in 2D during manual driving, thus preventing excessive display during manual driving. This helps to prevent the driver from being distracted.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, as an example, image data of surrounding vehicles with pre-stored shapes is displayed based on vehicle type information stored in storage 30D. Therefore, since image data of the vehicle types of surrounding vehicles actually present around vehicle 10 are displayed, the driver can recognize surrounding vehicles in more detail.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) Next, a display control ECU 30-2 as a vehicle display control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted here; only the different components will be described.

[0078] In the second embodiment, the display control unit 36-2 of the display control ECU 30-2 displays surrounding vehicles as three-dimensional images when the automatic driving mode and ACC function are not in operation, as detected by the driver assistance function detection unit 34. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the display control unit 36-2 displays a three-dimensional image of the preceding vehicle 80 if there is a preceding vehicle traveling in front of vehicle 10 in the same lane. In addition, the display control unit 36-2 displays a three-dimensional image of the opposing vehicle 82 if there is an oncoming vehicle traveling in the opposite lane of vehicle 10, representing the outer shape of the opposing vehicle.

[0079] On the other hand, the display control unit 36-2 displays surrounding vehicles as planar images when at least one of the automatic driving mode and ACC function is activated by the driver assistance function detection unit 34. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, if there is a preceding vehicle traveling in front of vehicle 10 in the same lane, the display control unit 36-2 displays a preceding vehicle image 80 as a planar image. Also, if there is an oncoming vehicle traveling in the opposite lane of vehicle 10, the display control unit 36-2 displays an oncoming vehicle image 82 as a planar image. In order to distinguish them from the inter-vehicle distance image 65, which is displayed as a rectangular block, the display control unit 36-2 displays the preceding vehicle image 80 and the oncoming vehicle image 82 in different colors than the inter-vehicle distance image 65, for example.

[0080] (action) Next, the effects and advantages of the second embodiment will be described.

[0081] (Display control processing) An example of a display control process for displaying an image in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 9. Note that the processes in steps S21 to S23 in Figure 9 are the same as the processes in steps S11 to S13 in Figure 6 of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted here.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9, in step S23, the CPU 30A detects whether the driver assistance function of the vehicle 10 is activated or deactivated, based on the function of the driver assistance function detection unit 34. If it is activated, the CPU 30A determines that step S23 is positive, and proceeds to step S24.

[0083] In step S24, the CPU 30A displays surrounding vehicles in a planar view. Specifically, the CPU 30A, using the functions of the display control unit 36-2, displays the preceding vehicle image 70 and the oncoming vehicle image 72, which are planar images represented as rectangles, as shown in Figure 8, as described above. The CPU 30A also, using the functions of the display control unit 36, highlights the image in the status image 64 that indicates that the driver assistance function has been activated. Furthermore, the CPU 30A, using the functions of the display control unit 36, displays a warning to the driver in the area where the driver image 66 is displayed, for example, "Please use on expressways. Please be careful of stopped vehicles and vehicles cutting in."

[0084] On the other hand, if the driver assistance function is not activated in step S23, that is, if it is in a non-operating state, step S23 is judged as negative, and the CPU 30A proceeds to step S25.

[0085] In step S25, the CPU 30A displays surrounding vehicles in 3D. Specifically, the CPU 30A, through the functions of the display control unit 36-2, displays, as shown in Figure 7, an image of a preceding vehicle 80 and an image of an oncoming vehicle 82, which are represented as 3D shapes representing the outer shape of the vehicles, as an example.

[0086] Then, CPU 30A continues processing in step S24 or step S25, moves to step S21, and repeatedly performs the processing from step S21 onward.

[0087] As described above, in the display control ECU 30-2 as a vehicle display control device according to the second embodiment, surrounding vehicles are displayed in 3D when the driver assistance function is inactive, and in 2D when the driver assistance function is active. Therefore, in the case of manual driving, which is an example of when the driver assistance function is inactive, surrounding vehicles are highlighted by being displayed in 3D during manual driving, thereby prompting the driver to pay attention to surrounding vehicles.

[0088] (Variation 1) Next, we will describe Modification 1. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 when the driver assistance function is activated in Modification 1. As shown in Figure 10, in Modification 1, the display control units 36 and 36-2 display the preceding vehicle image 80, which shows the preceding vehicle, and the oncoming vehicle image 82, which shows the oncoming vehicle, in different display modes. Specifically, the display control units 36 and 36-2 display the oncoming vehicle image 82 with a shading overlay, thereby making the oncoming vehicle image 82 appear more prominent than the preceding vehicle image 80. This applies not only to three-dimensional images but also to planar images, where the oncoming vehicle image 72 is displayed with more emphasis than the preceding vehicle image 70.

[0089] In this way, by displaying the preceding vehicle and oncoming vehicle in the same lane as vehicle 10 in different display modes, the driver can easily distinguish between the preceding vehicle and oncoming vehicle in the same lane as vehicle 10. Note that the vehicle in the same lane may also be a vehicle behind. Furthermore, the method of highlighting is not limited to the above, and known technologies can be used.

[0090] (Modification 2) Next, we will describe Modification 2. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the display in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 when the driver assistance function is activated in Modification 2. As shown in Figure 11, in Modification 2, the display control units 36 and 36-2 display the preceding vehicle image 80, which indicates the preceding vehicle, but hide the oncoming vehicle image 82, which indicates the oncoming vehicle. In other words, the display control units 36 and 36-2 do not display the oncoming vehicle image 82. Note that this does not apply to three-dimensional images, but also to two-dimensional images, where the oncoming vehicle image 72 is not displayed.

[0091] In this way, by displaying preceding vehicles in the same lane as vehicle 10 and not displaying oncoming vehicles, it becomes easier to recognize preceding vehicles in the same lane as vehicle 10.

[0092] (Third embodiment) Next, a display control ECU 30-3 as a vehicle display control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that components similar to those in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted here; only the different components will be described.

[0093] In the third embodiment, the display control unit 36-3 of the display control ECU 30-3 highlights and displays surrounding vehicles when it detects a surrounding vehicle whose behavioral value is higher than a predetermined threshold. The behavioral value is a value calculated by the information acquisition unit 32 from, for example, captured images output from the camera of the information sensor group 27A and information on changes in the distance between the vehicle 10 and surrounding vehicles present around the vehicle 10, as detected by various sensors.

[0094] Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 12, the threshold is set so that it is lower than the value indicating behavior calculated when a vehicle cuts in between vehicle 10 and the preceding vehicle from the left side, for example, at a time when vehicle 10 needs to brake. Also, for example, the value indicating behavior is calculated so that it is higher when the number of times the preceding vehicle crosses the lane image 62 within a predetermined time is greater than the threshold.

[0095] When the display control unit 36-3 detects a nearby vehicle whose behavioral value is higher than a predetermined threshold, it displays the interrupting vehicle image 84, which indicates the interrupting vehicle, more prominently than the preceding vehicle image 80 and the oncoming vehicle image 82, as shown in Figure 12, for example, by overlaying a shaded image. This applies not only to 3D images but also to 2D images, where the interrupting vehicle image is displayed more prominently than the oncoming vehicle image 72 and the preceding vehicle image 70.

[0096] (action) Next, the effects and advantages of the third embodiment will be described.

[0097] (Display control processing) An example of a display control process for displaying an image in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 13. Note that the processes of steps S31 to S35 in Figure 13 are the same as the processes of steps S11 to S15 in Figure 6 of the first embodiment described above, so their explanation here will be omitted.

[0098] As shown in Figure 13, when the CPU 30A displays the surrounding vehicles in 3D or 2D in step S34 or step S35, it proceeds to step S36.

[0099] In step S36, CPU 30A determines whether the value indicating the behavior is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the value indicating the behavior is greater than the predetermined threshold, CPU 30A determines that step S36 is positive and proceeds to step S37.

[0100] In step S37, the CPU 30A highlights surrounding vehicles whose behavioral values ​​are determined to be greater than a predetermined threshold. Specifically, if the vehicle is an interrupting vehicle, the CPU 30A, using the function of the display control unit 36-3, displays the interrupting vehicle image 84 with a shaded effect, for example, so that it is highlighted more than the preceding vehicle image 80 and the oncoming vehicle image 82, as shown in Figure 12 as described above.

[0101] The CPU 30A then continues processing in step S37 and moves to step S31, and repeats the processing from step S31 onward. The values ​​indicating the behavior are calculated when the positions of surrounding vehicles are detected in step S32.

[0102] On the other hand, if the value indicating the behavior in step S36 is below a predetermined threshold, the CPU 30A determines that step S36 is negative, and the CPU 30A continues processing in step S34 or step S35, moves to step S31, and repeats the processing from step S31 onwards.

[0103] According to the third embodiment, surrounding vehicles whose behavioral values ​​are higher than a predetermined threshold are highlighted, thereby prompting the driver to pay attention to surrounding vehicles with high behavioral values. The method of highlighting is not limited to the above, and known techniques can be used.

[0104] [supplementary explanation] In the embodiments described above, the display control units 36, 36-2, and 36-3 used three-dimensional and two-dimensional displays as examples of changing the display mode of surrounding vehicles, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the image of the surrounding vehicles may be displayed with a darker color than one of the displays, or only one of the displays may be made to blink. Known techniques can be used as methods for changing the display mode.

[0105] This means that, for example, when the driver assistance function is active, if surrounding vehicles are displayed with more emphasis than when the driver assistance function is not active, then, for example, if manual driving is one example of when the driver assistance function is not active, surrounding vehicles will not be displayed with emphasis during manual driving, thus preventing excessive display during manual driving. This prevents the driver from being distracted. On the other hand, for example, if the driver assistance function is not active, for example, in the case of manual driving, if surrounding vehicles are displayed with more emphasis than when the driver assistance function is active, then surrounding vehicles will be displayed with emphasis during manual driving, thus prompting the driver to pay attention to surrounding vehicles.

[0106] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the driver assistance function detection unit 34 detects the operating status of the automatic driving function and the ACC function as the state of the driver assistance function, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the driver assistance function detection unit 34 may detect only the operating status of the automatic driving function, or only the operating status of the ACC function. In addition, the driver assistance function detection unit 34 may further detect the operating status of the automatic parking function and the ADAS function as the state of the driver assistance function, or it may detect the operating status of one or more of these functions.

[0107] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the display in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 was explained using the diagrams shown in Figures 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 to 12 as examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 14 shows an example of the display in the display area of ​​the first display unit when the driving assistance function is inactive in Modification 3, and Figure 15 shows an example of the display in the display area of ​​the first display unit when the driving assistance function is active in Modification 3.

[0108] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, for example, when a 3D map image 90 is displayed in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24, an surrounding image 68, which captures the area around the vehicle 10, may be displayed above the state image 64 in the lower right of the display area 24A. This surrounding image 68 displays the vehicle image 60, lane image 62, and preceding vehicle image 70 (80) as shown in Figures 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 to 12. An oncoming vehicle image 72 (82) may also be displayed.

[0109] For example, if the driver assistance function detection unit 34 detects that the driver assistance function is inactive, the display control unit 36 ​​displays a preceding vehicle image 70, for example, as a planar image, as shown in Figure 14. If the driver assistance function detection unit 34 detects that the driver assistance function is active, the display control unit 36 ​​displays a preceding vehicle image 80, for example, as a three-dimensional image, as shown in Figure 15. Furthermore, the display control unit 36 ​​highlights the image in the status image 64 that represents the function in which the driver assistance function is considered to be active.

[0110] Thus, even when the 3D map image 90 is displayed in the display area 24A, that is, when the navigation system (not shown) is in operation, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, surrounding vehicles are displayed in different display modes on the first display unit 24 depending on whether the driver assistance function is in operation or not, making it easier for the occupant to recognize the operating status of the driver assistance function.

[0111] In the embodiments described above, the case in which a display area showing the foreground of the vehicle 10 is displayed in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 was explained, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the modified example in Figure 16, a display area showing the foreground of the vehicle 10 may be displayed in the display area 25A of the second display unit 25, which is a display provided on the instrument panel 14.

[0112] As shown in Figure 16, in this modified example, the display area 25A of the second display unit 25 is divided vertically. In the second display unit 25 shown in Figure 16, a map image N showing the current location of the vehicle 10 is displayed in the lower part of the display area, and a surrounding area image 68 and a status image 64 are displayed in the upper part of the display area.

[0113] As described above, in this modified example, the surrounding image 68 and the status image 64 are displayed on the second display unit 25 provided on the instrument panel 14. This makes it easier for occupants to recognize the operating status of the driver assistance function, regardless of their seating position, by looking at the second display unit 25, similar to the embodiment described above.

[0114] Similarly, the surrounding image 68 and status image 64 may be displayed in the display area 26A of the third display unit 26, which is formed by the projection surface of the head-up display device 40. Since the display area 26A is the projection surface projected by the head-up display device 40 in front of the vehicle from the driver's seat, the surrounding image 68 and status image 64 are displayed superimposed on the foreground from the driver's seat, so that the occupant in the driver's seat can recognize the operating status of the driver assistance function without moving their eyes significantly.

[0115] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described a case where there is one preceding vehicle and one oncoming vehicle, the present invention is not limited to this. If multiple preceding vehicles and oncoming vehicles are detected, the display control unit 36 ​​may, for example, display the vehicle closer to vehicle 10 in a way that gives more emphasis.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processes that the CPU 30 shown in Figure 2 reads and executes software (programs) may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. Examples of such processors include PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, and dedicated electrical circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) which have a circuit configuration specifically designed to execute a particular process. In addition, each process may be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0117] Furthermore, each program described in this embodiment may be provided in the form of being recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Alternatively, the programs may be provided in the form of being downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0118] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above, and can be implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10 vehicles 13 Cabin 24 First display section (display section) 25 Second display section (display section) 26 Third display section (display section) 30 Display Control ECU (Vehicle Display Control Unit) 32 Information Acquisition Department 34 Driving assistance function detection unit 36 Display Control Unit

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit that acquires information about surrounding vehicles present in the vicinity of the vehicle, A driver assistance function detection unit that detects the status of the driver assistance functions installed in the vehicle, The system includes a display control unit that causes a vehicle image representing the vehicle and an image representing the surrounding vehicles, based on the relative relationship between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles, to be displayed on a display unit mounted inside the vehicle's cabin. The display control unit is capable of displaying surrounding vehicles when the driving assistance function is activated and when the driving assistance function is not activated, and when the driving assistance function is activated and an interrupting vehicle is detected as a surrounding vehicle, the vehicle display control device displays an image of the said surrounding vehicle in a manner different from when the driving assistance function is not activated.

2. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit changes the display mode by changing at least one of the shape, color, and flashing operation of the image showing the surrounding vehicle.

3. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned driving assistance function is an ACC function.

4. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned driving assistance function is a lane keeping assistance function.

5. The vehicle display control device according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned driving assistance function is an automatic driving mode.

6. Obtain information about surrounding vehicles located around your own vehicle, The system detects the status of the driver assistance functions installed in the vehicle, A vehicle display control method for displaying a vehicle image representing the vehicle and an image representing the surrounding vehicles, based on the relative relationship between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles, on a display unit mounted inside the vehicle's cabin, A vehicle display control method that enables the display of surrounding vehicles when the driver assistance function is activated and when the driver assistance function is deactivated, and when the driver assistance function is activated and an interrupting vehicle is detected as a surrounding vehicle, displays an image of the surrounding vehicle in a manner different from that when the driver assistance function is deactivated.

7. Computers, An information acquisition unit that acquires information about surrounding vehicles present in the vicinity of the vehicle, A driver assistance function detection unit that detects the status of the driver assistance functions installed in the vehicle, A display control unit that causes a vehicle image representing the self-vehicle and an image representing the surrounding vehicles to be displayed on a display unit mounted in the interior of the self-vehicle, based on the relative relationship between the self-vehicle and the surrounding vehicles, wherein the display control unit is capable of displaying the surrounding vehicles when the driver assistance function is activated and when the driver assistance function is not activated, and when the driver assistance function is activated and an interrupting vehicle is detected as a surrounding vehicle, the display control unit functions to display the image representing the surrounding vehicle in a manner different from when the driver assistance function is not activated.

8. An information acquisition unit that acquires information about surrounding vehicles present in the vicinity of the vehicle, A driver assistance function detection unit that detects the status of the driver assistance functions installed in the vehicle, The system includes a display control unit that causes a vehicle image representing the vehicle and an image representing the surrounding vehicles, based on the relative relationship between the vehicle and the surrounding vehicles, to be displayed on a display unit mounted inside the vehicle's cabin. The display control unit is capable of displaying the surrounding vehicles when the driving assistance function is activated and when the driving assistance function is not activated, and when the driving assistance function is activated and a surrounding vehicle exhibiting behavior that satisfies predetermined conditions is detected, the display control unit displays an image of the surrounding vehicle in a manner different from that when the driving assistance function is not activated.

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