Vehicle display device, display method, and program

Abstract

To provide a vehicle display device capable of displaying information about a destination point while considering the positional relationship between a vehicle and the destination point, a display method, and a program.SOLUTION: A vehicle display device 10 displays a predetermined image in a display area showing the foreground of vehicle 12. The vehicle display device 10 acquires position information of the vehicle 12 and position information of the destination point, and when the relationship between the position of the vehicle 12 and the position of the destination point satisfies a predetermined condition regarding visual observation, displays a first image indicating the direction of the destination point on the display area. With this, the direction of the destination point can be shown to an occupant while considering the positional relationship between the vehicle and the destination point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle display device (head-up display device) that projects an image onto a combiner arranged between the passenger in the vehicle cabin and the windshield to display the direction of the vehicle's destination. This vehicle display device is configured so that an image of a direction information display ring projected onto the combiner is superimposed on the foreground viewed by the passenger through the windshield. The direction of the destination relative to the vehicle is displayed according to the position of a destination icon moving on the direction display ring. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 046425 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if an icon indicating the direction of the destination is always displayed in the center of the display area as in Patent Document 1, the occupant may feel annoyed depending on the positional relationship between the vehicle and the destination. For example, when the vehicle is traveling near the destination and the occupant looks at the display area to check the destination from the foreground, the icon indicating the direction of the destination reduces the visibility of the foreground, which may cause the occupant to feel annoyed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a display device, a display method, and a program for a vehicle that can display information about a destination point while taking into account the positional relationship between the vehicle and the destination point. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A vehicle display device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle display device that displays a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle, the vehicle display device including: a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the vehicle and position information of a destination point; The above Vehicle The display area showing the foreground destination point a determination means for determining whether the destination point is displayed in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle, and A first image showing the direction of the destination point is displayed in the display area. When it is determined that the destination point is displayed in a display area showing the view in front of the vehicle, a second image showing an area in which the destination point is located is displayed. display control The device is equipped with a

[0007] According to a first aspect, a vehicle display device displays a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of a vehicle. The vehicle display device acquires position information of a vehicle and position information of a destination point, When the determining means determines that the destination point is not displayed in the display area showing the front view of the vehicle, A first image indicating the direction to the destination is displayed in the display area. This makes it possible to convey the direction to the destination to the occupant, taking into consideration the positional relationship between the vehicle and the destination.

[0008] A display device for a vehicle according to a second aspect of the present disclosure has the configuration according to the first aspect, When determining whether the destination point is displayed in a display area showing a foreground, the determination means The distance from the vehicle to the destination is equal to or greater than the first threshold. and when it is determined that the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than a first threshold, it is determined that the destination point is not displayed in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle. .

[0009] According to a second aspect, The determination means, when determining whether the destination point is displayed in the display area showing the foreground, The distance from the vehicle to the destination is equal to or greater than the first threshold. If the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is determined to be equal to or greater than the first threshold, the display device does not determine that the destination point is displayed in the display area showing the view in front of the vehicle. Then, a first image showing the direction of the destination is displayed in the display area. That is, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination is far enough that it is difficult to visually recognize the destination from the display area, the direction of the destination can be displayed. This prevents the destination included in the foreground of the vehicle and the first image from being mixed in the display area, so that information about the destination can be displayed without bothering the occupants.

[0010] A display device for a vehicle according to a third aspect of the present disclosure has the configuration according to the first aspect, When determining whether the destination point is displayed in a display area showing a foreground, the determining means The location of the destination point is blocked by surrounding objects, and the display area and when it is determined that the position of the destination point is a position that is not displayed in the display area due to being blocked by a surrounding object, it is not determined that the destination point is displayed in the display area that shows the foreground of the vehicle. .

[0011] According to a third aspect, the location of the destination point is Being blocked by surrounding objects Display area Not displayed in When the destination is in a position, a first image indicating the direction of the destination is displayed in the display area. That is, when the destination is blocked by surrounding buildings and cannot be seen from the display area, the direction of the destination can be displayed. This prevents the destination included in the foreground of the vehicle and the first image from being mixed in the display area, so information about the destination can be displayed without bothering the occupants.

[0014] The present disclosure Fourth aspect The vehicle display device according to the present invention is First aspect In the configuration described above, control The department is The above As the distance from the vehicle to the destination point decreases, the second image is displayed in the display area so as to gradually come into focus from an unfocused state.

[0015] Fourth aspect According to the method, the second image displayed in the display area is displayed so that it gradually comes into focus as the distance from the vehicle to the destination point decreases. As a result, for example, when the destination point is far from the vehicle and the presence of the destination point in the foreground is extremely small, the contour of the second image is displayed vaguely to show the area where the destination point exists to the occupant. Thereafter, as the distance from the vehicle to the destination point decreases, the display mode of the second image is gradually changed to a mode in which the contour of the second image gradually becomes clear, and the mode is changed to a mode that clearly shows the position of the destination point. In this way, by displaying the second image in a mode in which the destination point can be gradually and clearly recognized from a position just before the destination point, the occupant can recognize the degree to which the destination point has been reached without feeling annoyed.

[0016] The present disclosure Fifth aspect The vehicle display device according to the present invention is First aspect In the configuration described above, control When the distance from the vehicle to the destination is less than the first threshold value and is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, The aboveThe second image is displayed in the display area so that the size of the second image gradually decreases as the distance from the vehicle to the destination becomes shorter.

[0017] Fifth aspect According to the above, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination is less than the first threshold and is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the second image displayed in the display area is displayed so as to gradually become smaller as the distance from the vehicle to the destination approaches. As a result, for example, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination is relatively far, the presence of the destination in the foreground is extremely small, so by deliberately displaying the second image large, the occupant can recognize the area where the destination exists while remaining conscious of the foreground. Then, by gradually reducing the size of the second image as the vehicle approaches the destination, the area where the destination exists is reduced, and the display mode is changed so that the occupant's awareness naturally shifts to the destination in the foreground. In this way, as the vehicle approaches the destination, the occupant's recognition of the destination can be naturally shifted from the second image to the destination in the foreground.

[0018] The present disclosure Sixth Aspect The vehicle display device according to the present invention is Fifth aspect In the configuration described above, control When the distance from the vehicle to the destination is less than the second threshold, The above The second image is displayed in the display area so that the size of the second image gradually increases as the distance from the vehicle to the destination point decreases.

[0019] Sixth Aspect According to the document, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination is less than the second threshold, the second image displayed in the display area is displayed to be gradually enlarged as the distance from the vehicle to the destination approaches. As a result, for example, when the destination is visible from the display area, the display of the second image is enlarged to match the gradually approaching destination. This makes it possible to give the occupant a visual effect that the second image is integrated with the destination and is approaching the vehicle, thereby allowing the occupant to intuitively recognize the degree of reach to the destination.

[0020] The present disclosure Seventh aspect The vehicle display device according to the present invention comprises: First to sixth aspects In the configuration according to any one of the above aspects, the display area is a projection surface projected by a head-up display device in front of a driver's seat, and the display control The part is visible through the display area. The above The second image is displayed in a position in front of the vehicle corresponding to the destination point.

[0021] Seventh aspect According to the document, a 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, and a second image showing the destination point of the vehicle is displayed at a position corresponding to the destination point in the view in front of the vehicle seen through the display area. In this way, the vehicle display device displays the second image superimposed on the view in front of the driver's seat, so that the occupant in the driver's seat can recognize the destination point without moving his or her line of sight significantly.

[0022] The present disclosure Eighth aspect The display method according to the present invention is a display method for displaying a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of a vehicle, the display method comprising: acquiring position information of the vehicle and position information of a destination point; The above Vehicle The display area showing the foreground destination point is displayed in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle, and when it is not determined that the destination point is displayed in the display area showing a view in front of the vehicle, A first image showing the direction of the destination point is displayed in the display area. When it is determined that the destination point is displayed in a display area showing the view in front of the vehicle, a second image showing an area in which the destination point is located is displayed. .

[0023] Eighth aspect According to the display method in accordance with the present invention, as described above, information relating to the destination point can be displayed taking into consideration the positional relationship between the vehicle and the destination point.

[0024] The present disclosure Ninth aspect The program according to the present invention is a program for displaying a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of a vehicle, the program including: acquiring vehicle position information and destination position information on a computer; The above Vehicle The display area showing the foreground destination point is displayed in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle, and when it is not determined that the destination point is displayed in the display area showing a view in front of the vehicle, A first image showing the direction of the destination point is displayed in the display area. When it is determined that the destination point is displayed in a display area showing the view in front of the vehicle, a second image showing an area in which the destination point is located is displayed. .

[0025] Ninth aspect According to the program, as described above, information about the destination point can be displayed taking into consideration the positional relationship between the vehicle and the destination point. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, information about a destination point can be displayed taking into consideration the positional relationship between a vehicle and the destination point. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a front part of a vehicle interior of a vehicle to which a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, viewed from the rear side of the vehicle. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle display 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. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a positional relationship between a vehicle and a destination point. [Figure 6] 13 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 longer than distance L1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a positional relationship between a vehicle and a destination point. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method of displaying a second image that changes as the distance from the vehicle to the destination becomes shorter when the distance from the vehicle to the destination is shorter than distance L1 and longer than distance L2. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method of displaying a second image that changes as the distance between the vehicle and the destination point decreases when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is less than distance L2. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle display device according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] A vehicle 12 to which a vehicle display device 10 according to the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. The vehicle 12 of the embodiment is configured to be switchable between automatic driving and manual driving, as an example. Automatic driving is 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 is 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 passenger compartment of the vehicle 12.

[0029] 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, 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.

[0030] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 14. The windshield glass 18 is disposed on the vehicle front side of the driver's seat, extends in the vertical and lateral directions of the vehicle, and separates the inside and outside of the vehicle compartment.

[0031] 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 width direction of the vehicle. In addition, the front end of a front side glass 22 is fixed to the outer end of the front pillar 20 in the width direction of the vehicle. The left end of the windshield glass 18 is fixed to a front pillar on the left side of the vehicle (not shown).

[0032] 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 a 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 at a position that is within the field of view of the driver when the driver is looking forward toward the front of the vehicle.

[0033] Instrument Panel 14 The second display unit 25 has a display area for displaying a predetermined image. The second display unit 25 is configured with 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.

[0034] 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 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 on the vehicle forward side of the instrument panel 14, and is configured so that an image is projected from the head-up display device 44 onto the third display unit 26 of the windshield glass 18. That is, the third display unit 26 is configured as the windshield glass 18 serving as the projection surface for the head-up display device 44.

[0035] (Hardware configuration of the vehicle display 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 a hardware configuration of the vehicle display device 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the ECU 28 of the vehicle display device 10 includes 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.

[0036] The CPU 30 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 30 reads a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36, and executes the program using the RAM 34 as a working area. The CPU 30 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the program recorded in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The communication interface 38 is an interface for the vehicle display 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).

[0039] 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, and 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. A camera (not shown) that captures images of the periphery of the vehicle 12, sensors for causing the vehicle 12 to travel automatically, a GPS device, and the like are connected to the input / output interface 40.

[0040] (Functional configuration of the vehicle display device 10) The vehicle display device 10 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. The functional configuration realized by the vehicle display device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] 3, the vehicular display device 10 includes, as functional components, a communication unit 50, an acquisition unit 51, an operation plan setting unit 52, an automatic driving control unit 54, a position information acquisition unit 56, a determination unit 58, an image generation unit 60, and a display unit 62. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 30 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The acquisition unit 51 acquires the driving environment of the vehicle 12 as surrounding information 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 to a predetermined range, and a lidar (Light Detection and Ranging / Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) that scans a predetermined range. In addition, the "surrounding information" includes, for example, information on the shape of the lane on which the vehicle 12 is traveling, the road width, other vehicles traveling near the vehicle 12, and obstacles, and environmental information such as the weather and darkness around the vehicle.

[0044] The operation plan setting unit 52 sets an operation plan for the vehicle 12. Specifically, the operation plan setting unit 52 sets an operation plan from the current location to the destination by inputting a destination point by the occupant.

[0045] 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 automatically drives the vehicle 12 according to 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 automatically drive the vehicle 12.

[0046] The position information acquisition unit 56 acquires position information of the vehicle 12 and position information of a destination point set in the operation plan. Specifically, for example, the position information of the vehicle 12 is acquired using a GPS device. In addition, by referring to map data, the position information acquisition unit 56 acquires position information of the destination point of the vehicle 12 and map information of the surrounding area of ​​the destination point.

[0047] As a means of judgmentThe determination unit 58 has a function of determining whether or not the relationship between the vehicle position and the destination position satisfies a predetermined visual condition, based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 56. The predetermined condition is, for example, a condition under which it is determined that it is difficult for an occupant to visually recognize the destination through the third display unit 26 (windshield glass 18), taking into consideration the distance from the vehicle 12 to the destination or the surrounding environment of the destination.

[0048] In this embodiment, the determination unit 58 determines whether the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination is equal to or greater than the distance L1 (for example, L1=200 m). That is, if the distance from the vehicle to the destination is equal to or greater than the distance L1, it is determined that it is difficult for the occupant to visually recognize the destination through the third display unit 26, and it is determined that the condition is satisfied. As an example, a destination that is equal to or greater than the distance L1 from the vehicle 12 is indicated by the symbol "G1" in FIG. 5.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination unit 58 takes into consideration the surrounding environment of the destination point and determines whether the destination point is located at a position visible through the third display unit 26. That is, even if the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point is less than L1, if the destination point is blocked by surrounding buildings or the like and cannot be seen from the vehicle 12, it is determined that it is difficult for the occupant to visually recognize the destination point through the third display unit 26, and it is determined that the condition is satisfied. As an example, in FIG. 5, a destination point that is blocked by surrounding buildings B1 to B3 and cannot be seen from the vehicle 12 is indicated by the symbol "G2".

[0050] The image generating unit 60 generates an image to be displayed on the third display unit 26, which is the projection surface of the head-up display device 44. The images generated by the image generating unit 60 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.

[0051] Particularly in this embodiment, when the determination unit 58 determines that the condition is satisfied, the image generation unit 60 generates a first image 70 indicating the direction of the destination point relative to the vehicle 12. Also, when the determination unit 58 determines that the condition is not satisfied, the image generation unit 60 generates a second image 80 indicating the destination point.

[0052] As a display control unit The display unit 62 displays the image generated by the image generation unit 60 in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26. When the determination unit 58 determines that the condition is satisfied, the display unit 62 displays the first image 70 on the third display unit 26. When the determination unit 58 determines that the condition is not satisfied, the display unit 62 deletes the first image 70 from the third display unit 26 and displays the second image 80. Furthermore, when the vehicle 12 arrives at the destination, the display unit 62 deletes the second image 80 from the third display unit 26.

[0053] The display unit 62 of this embodiment displays the first image 70 and the second image 80 in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 so as to blend into the foreground of the vehicle 12 viewed through the third display unit 26 (windshield glass 18).

[0054] As shown in Fig. 6, the first image 70 is displayed, for example, at the edge of the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 in consideration of the visibility of the front side for the occupant in the driver's seat. The first image 70 includes a flag-shaped destination icon 70A indicating the destination, and an arrow-shaped direction icon 70B pointing to the destination icon 70A. As shown in Fig. 6, the direction icon 70B points to the direction of the destination icon 70A located diagonally forward and to the left, so it can be seen that the destination is located diagonally forward and to the left with respect to the vehicle 12.

[0055] 8 and 9, the second image 80 is displayed, as an example, at a position corresponding to the destination point in the foreground viewed by the occupant in the driver's seat through the third display unit 26. Therefore, to the occupant in the driver's seat, the second image 80 appears to be displayed so as to overlap with the destination point visible through the windshield glass 18. As an example, the second image 80 is configured with an image of a flag. The second image 80 is displayed in a manner in which the focus and size of the image differ according to the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point. A detailed method of displaying the second image 80 will be described later.

[0056] (action) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0057] (Display processing) An example of a display process for displaying the first image 70 or the second image 80 based on the position of the vehicle 12 and the position of the destination point will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. This display process is executed by the CPU 30 reading out a display program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36, expanding it in the RAM 34, and executing it.

[0058] 4, the CPU 30 determines whether or not a destination has been set in step S100. The destination may be directly input to the vehicle 12 by an occupant, or may be indirectly input via a mobile terminal or the like.

[0059] 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 process repeats step S100.

[0060] 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 by 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 there is more automatic driving in response to the requests of the occupants input in advance.

[0061] In step S102, the CPU 30 determines whether the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point is equal to or greater than the distance L1 based on the function of the determination unit 58. Here, as an example, the distance L1 is set to 200 m, so the CPU 30 determines in step S102 whether the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point is equal to or greater than 200 m. If the distance L to the destination point is equal to or greater than 200 m, the CPU 30 proceeds to processing in step S103, and if the distance L to the destination point is less than 200 m, the CPU 30 proceeds to processing in step S104. The distance L1 corresponds to the "first threshold value" in the present invention.

[0062] In step S103, the CPU 30 displays a first image 70 indicating the direction of the destination point on the third display unit 26. For example, when the destination point G1 in FIG. 5 is set as the destination point of the vehicle 12, the destination point G1 is more than 200 m away from the vehicle 12, so the CPU 30 generates and displays a first image 70 indicating the direction of the destination point G1. As shown in FIG. 6, the first image 70 is composed of a flag-shaped destination point icon 70A and an arrow-shaped direction icon 70B pointing to the destination icon 70A, and is displayed at the edge of the third display unit 26. In FIG. 6, the direction icon 70B pointing diagonally forward to the left indicates that the destination point G1 is located diagonally forward to the left of the vehicle 12. After displaying the first image 70 in step S103, the CPU 30 returns to step S102 and repeats the process.

[0063] In step S104, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the destination point is displayed in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 based on the function of the determination unit 58. Specifically, since the occupant visually recognizes the foreground of the vehicle 12 through the third display unit 26 (windshield glass 18), the CPU 30 refers to map data of the destination point and determines whether or not the destination point is visually recognized through the windshield glass 18. If the CPU 30 determines that the destination point is not visually recognized, the process proceeds to step S105, and if the CPU 30 determines that the destination point is visually recognized, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0064] In step S105, the CPU 30 causes the third display unit 26 to display a first image 70 indicating the direction of the destination point. For example, if the destination point G2 in Fig. 5 is set as the destination point of the vehicle 12, the destination point G2 is blocked by surrounding buildings B1 to B3 and cannot be seen from the vehicle 12. Therefore, the CPU 30 generates and displays the first image 70 indicating the direction of the destination point G2. Since the destination point G2 is located in a direction diagonally forward and to the left of the vehicle 12, the direction icon 70B is displayed to point diagonally forward and to the left, similar to the first image 70 shown in Fig. 6.

[0065] In step S106, the CPU 30 displays the second image 80 at a position corresponding to the destination point visible through the third display unit 26. That is, the CPU 30 displays, in the second image 80, the position of the destination point that is visible through the third display unit 26 and where the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point is less than 200 m.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, when the occupant views the foreground through the third display unit 26 (windshield glass 18), the second image 80 is displayed so as to be superimposed on the destination point of the real image viewed by the occupant. As shown in FIG. 8, when the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point is equal to or greater than the distance L2 (=100 m), the second image 80 is displayed in the form of a rectangular planar figure in an out-of-focus state. The out-of-focus state is a state in which the contour of the image is blurred and ambiguously displayed, and is not limited to projecting an out-of-focus image on the third display unit 26, but also includes generating and displaying an image in which the contour of a figure is ambiguously expressed. As shown in FIG. 8(A), the third display unit 26 displays the second image 80 in an out-of-focus state superimposed on the destination point G3 located in front of the vehicle 12. In this state, the second image 80 is displayed to the occupant to indicate the area in which the destination point G3 exists.

[0067] In step S107, the CPU 30 determines whether the distance L to the destination point is less than distance L2 based on the position information of the vehicle 12 and the destination point. Here, as an example, the distance L2 is set to 100 m. In step S107, the CPU 30 determines whether the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point is less than 100 m. If the distance L to the destination point is 100 m or more, the CPU 30 proceeds to processing in step S108, and if the distance L to the destination point is less than 100 m, the CPU 30 proceeds to processing in step S109. Note that the distance L2 corresponds to the "second threshold value" in the present invention.

[0068] In step S108, the CPU 30 displays the second image 80 so that the size of the second image 80 gradually decreases as the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point decreases. As one example, this can be achieved by changing the image so that the focus of the second image 80 gradually increases as the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point decreases.

[0069] That is, when the focus of the second image 80 is shifted to a state where the outline is almost indiscernible, the area of ​​the second image 80 in the display area increases, and at the same time, the transparency increases. In this state, the second image is displayed so as to overlap an area having a certain size in the foreground viewed by the occupant, but since it is an image with high transparency, it does not reduce the visibility of the foreground for the occupant. Then, when the focus of the second image 80 is gradually adjusted, the area of ​​the second image 80 in the display area decreases as the outline of the second image 80 becomes clearer. At this time, the transparency of the second image 80 also gradually decreases, so that the presence of the second image 80 can be secured as an image showing a specific point in the foreground.

[0070] As an example, Fig. 8(A) to Fig. 8(C) show changes in the second image 80 when the vehicle 12 gradually approaches the destination point G3 from a position where the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point G3 is less than 200 m to a position where the distance L is 100 m. As shown in Fig. 8(A), at a position where the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point G3 is nearly 200 m, the presence of the destination point G3 in the foreground is extremely small and barely visible. However, since the second image is displayed on the third display unit 26 superimposed on the destination point G3, the occupant can see that the destination point G3 is located in the left front area of ​​the driving lane. Then, as shown in Fig. 8(B) and Fig. 8(C), as the vehicle 12 approaches the destination point G3, the outline and color of the vaguely displayed second image 80 gradually become clearer, changing into a state where the position of the destination point G3 is clearly indicated.

[0071] After completing the process of step S108, CPU 30 repeats the process of step S107.

[0072] Next, in step S109, CPU 30 displays second image 80 so that the size of second image 80 gradually increases as distance L from vehicle 12 to the destination point decreases. At this time, second image 80 is displayed as a clear image imitating a flag.

[0073] 9, if the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point G3 is less than 100 m, the vicinity of the destination point G3 can be clearly seen through the third display unit 26. Therefore, by enlarging the second image 80 in accordance with the gradually approaching destination point G3 within the display area of ​​the third display unit 26, it is possible to give the occupant a visual effect that makes the second image 80 seem to merge with the destination point G3 and approach the vehicle 12.

[0074] After completing the process of step S109, the CPU 30 proceeds to the process of step S110. In step S110, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the vehicle 12 has arrived at the destination point. If the CPU 30 determines that the vehicle 12 has arrived at the destination point based on the vehicle position information, the CPU 30 deletes the second image from the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 and ends the display process. On the other hand, if the CPU 30 determines that the vehicle 12 has not arrived at the destination point, it repeats the process of step S109.

[0075] As described above, the vehicle display device 10 according to this embodiment displays a predetermined image in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 that shows the view in front of the vehicle 12. The vehicle display device 10 acquires the position information of the vehicle 12 and the position information of the destination point, and judges whether or not the relationship between the position of the vehicle 12 and the position of the destination point satisfies a predetermined condition related to visual observation. Then, if it is judged that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the first image 70 indicating the direction of the destination point is displayed in the display area. In this way, the direction of the destination point can be conveyed to the occupant, taking into consideration the relationship between the position of the vehicle 12 and the position of the destination point.

[0076] Specifically, when the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point is equal to or greater than the distance L1 (=200 m), the first image 70 indicating the direction to the destination point is displayed in the display area. As a result, for example, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is sufficiently far away that it is difficult to visually confirm the destination point on the third display unit 26, the direction to the destination point is displayed on the third display unit 26.

[0077] In this embodiment, when the location of the destination point is not shown in the foreground of the display area, a first image 70 indicating the direction of the destination point is displayed in the display area. As a result, for example, when the destination point is blocked by surrounding buildings and cannot be seen from the display area, the direction of the destination point is displayed on the third display unit 26.

[0078] In this way, in the vehicle display device 10 according to the present embodiment, when it is expected that it will be difficult to visually recognize the destination point from the display area of ​​the third display unit 26, the first image 70 is displayed, so that the destination point included in the foreground of the vehicle 12 and the first image 70 are not mixed in the display area. Therefore, information about the destination point can be displayed without bothering the occupants.

[0079] On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the positional relationship between the vehicle 12 and the destination point does not satisfy a predetermined condition, a second image 80 indicating the destination point is displayed at a position corresponding to the destination point in the foreground of the vehicle 12. This makes it possible to convey the location of the destination point to the occupant while taking into consideration the positional relationship between the vehicle and the destination point.

[0080] Specifically, when the distance L between the vehicle 12 and the destination point is less than the distance L1 (=200 m) and the destination point is visible through the third display unit 26, the second image 80 is displayed.

[0081] At this time, as shown in Fig. 8, when the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination is equal to or greater than the distance L2 (=100 m), the second image 80 is displayed in an out-of-focus manner. That is, at a position where the presence of the destination in the foreground is extremely small, the contour of the second image 80 is displayed vaguely to show the occupant the area in which the destination exists. As a result, the occupant can quickly recognize the area in the foreground of the vehicle in which the destination exists, and can prepare for arrival at the destination.

[0082] Moreover, the second image 80 changes from being out of focus to gradually coming into focus as the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point decreases. As a result, as the vehicle approaches the destination point, the outline of the second image 80 gradually becomes clearer, and the image changes to one that clearly indicates the location of the destination point. In this way, by displaying the second image in a manner that allows the destination point to be gradually and clearly recognized from a position just before the destination point, the occupant can recognize the degree to which the destination point has been reached without feeling annoyed.

[0083] Furthermore, at the same time as the second image 80 gradually changes in focus, the second image 80 is displayed so as to become gradually smaller as the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point approaches. That is, when the distance L from the vehicle 12 to the destination point is relatively far, the presence of the destination point in the foreground is extremely small, so by intentionally displaying the second image 80 large, the occupant can recognize the area where the destination point exists while remaining conscious of the foreground. Then, by gradually reducing the size of the second image 80 as the vehicle 12 approaches the destination point, the area where the destination point exists is reduced, and the display mode is changed so that the occupant's awareness naturally shifts to the destination point in the foreground. In this way, as the vehicle 12 approaches the destination point, the occupant's recognition of the destination point can be naturally shifted from the second image to the destination point in the foreground.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the distance from the vehicle 12 to the destination is less than distance L2 (=100 m), the second image 80 is displayed to gradually increase in size as the distance from the vehicle to the destination decreases. That is, at a distance where the destination can be seen from the third display unit 26, the display of the second image 80 is enlarged to match the gradually approaching destination. This makes it possible to give the occupant a visual effect that the second image 80 is integrated with the destination and approaching the vehicle 12, thereby enabling the occupant to intuitively recognize the degree of reach to the destination.

[0085] In this embodiment, the display area of ​​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 second image 80 indicating the destination of the vehicle is displayed at a position corresponding to the destination in the foreground of the vehicle visible through the display area. In this way, the vehicular display device 10 displays the second image 80 superimposed on the foreground from the driver's seat, so that the occupant in the driver's seat can recognize the destination without moving his or her line of sight significantly.

[0086] [supplementary explanation] In the above embodiment, the case where the display area showing the foreground of the vehicle is configured by the projection surface of the head-up display device 44 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As in the vehicle display device 100 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 10, the first image 70 or the second image 80 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. 10, 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 foreground of the vehicle is displayed in the upper part of the display area. The foreground image F is configured, for example, by an image acquired from a camera (not shown) that captures the view ahead of the vehicle 12, or an animated foreground image. According to the above configuration, regardless of the seating position of the occupant in the vehicle cabin, the occupant who views the second display unit 25 can recognize information about the destination point of the vehicle 12.

[0087] Similarly, in the instrument panel 14, the first image 70 or the second image 80 may be displayed in a display area of ​​the first display unit 24, which is a meter display provided in front of the driver's seat. Since 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 his or her eyes from the foreground of the vehicle, and can recognize information related to the destination of the vehicle 12.

[0088] Furthermore, the display modes of the first image 70 and the second image 80 described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0089] In addition, in the display process of the above embodiment, the first image 70 and the second image 80 are displayed in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 when the vehicle is driven by an automatic driver, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first image 70 and the second image 80 may be displayed in the display area of ​​the third display unit 26 when the vehicle is driven by a manual driver to a set destination point.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the "predetermined visual condition" for determining whether to display the first image in the display area may be a case where it is determined that the occupant cannot see the destination point from the display area based on surrounding information about the environment around the vehicle. That is, when the surrounding environment of the current position of the vehicle is in bad weather such as thick fog or wind and rain, or when it is a night road with few street lights, it is determined that the occupant cannot see the destination point from the display area, and the first image 70 is displayed in the display area.

[0091] In the above embodiment, if the problem that the invention aims to solve is understood as "to provide a vehicle display device, display method, and program that enable occupants to quickly recognize the presence of a destination point without feeling annoyed," the problem can be solved by the following configuration: "A vehicle display device that displays a predetermined image in a display area showing the foreground of the vehicle, comprising: a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the vehicle and position information of a destination point; and a display unit that displays an image (second image) showing the destination point at a position corresponding to the destination point in the foreground of the vehicle shown in the display area, wherein when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (distance L2), the display unit displays the image on the display unit in an out-of-focus manner."

[0092] That is, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold and the presence of the destination is extremely small in the foreground of the vehicle, it is difficult to intuitively recognize information regarding the distance from the vehicle to the destination even if it is displayed as text or the like. However, according to the above configuration, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the second image is displayed in an unfocused manner. As a result, the second image with a vague outline is superimposed on the display area at a position corresponding to the destination, thereby indicating the area in which the destination exists. As a result, the occupant can recognize the area in which the destination exists while focusing his or her attention on the scenery ahead of the vehicle, and can quickly recognize the presence of the destination without feeling bothered.

[0093] In the display process of the above embodiment, when performing processing for implementing only the invention having the above configuration, steps S102 to S105 may be deleted from the flowchart of the display process shown in FIG.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the display process executed by the CPU after reading the software (program) may be executed by various processors other than the CPU. In this case, examples of the processor include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and a dedicated electric circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed exclusively for executing a specific process. The display process may be executed by one of these various processors, or may be executed by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a plurality of FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). The hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the programs for the display processing and lane change display processing are stored (installed) in advance in a ROM or storage, but the present invention is not limited to this. 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]

[0095] 10 Vehicle display device 12 Vehicles 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 56 Location information acquisition section 58 Judgment section 62 Display section 70 1st image 80 2nd image L1 Distance (first threshold) L2 Distance (second threshold)

Claims

1. A display device for a vehicle that displays a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle, a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the vehicle and location information of a destination point; a determination means for determining whether a distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and, when it is determined that the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is not equal to or greater than the first threshold, determining whether the destination point is displayed in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle; a display control unit that, when it is determined by the determination means that the destination point is not displayed in the display area showing the foreground of the vehicle, displays a first image indicating a direction to the destination point in the display area, and, when it is determined that the destination point is displayed in the display area showing the foreground of the vehicle, displays a second image indicating the area in which the destination point is located in an out-of-focus manner so as to overlap with the area in which the destination point is located, and then, when a distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, displays the second image in the display area so that a size of the second image on the display area gradually decreases as the vehicle approaches the destination point, and, when a distance from the vehicle to the destination point is less than the second threshold value, displays the second image in the display area so that a size of the second image on the display area gradually increases as the vehicle approaches the destination point; A vehicle display device comprising:

2. When determining whether the destination point is displayed in a display area showing the foreground, the determination means determines whether the position of the destination point is in a position that is not displayed in the display area because it is blocked by a surrounding object, and if it determines that the position of the destination point is in a position that is not displayed in the display area because it is blocked by a surrounding object, does not determine that the destination point is displayed in the display area showing the foreground of the vehicle. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. The display control unit of the vehicle display device described in claim 1 causes the second image to be displayed in the display area so that it gradually comes into focus from an out-of-focus state as the vehicle approaches the destination point when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is greater than or equal to the second threshold value.

4. The display area is a projection surface projected by a head-up display device in front of the driver's seat, The display device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit displays the second image at a position corresponding to the destination point in the foreground of the vehicle viewed through the display area.

5. A display method for displaying a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of a vehicle, comprising: Acquire location information of the vehicle and location information of a destination point; determining whether a distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and if it is determined that the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is not equal to or greater than the first threshold, determining whether the destination point is displayed in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle; When it is determined by the determination that the destination point is not displayed in the display area showing the foreground of the vehicle, a first image showing the direction of the destination point is displayed in the display area, and when it is determined that the destination point is displayed in the display area showing the foreground of the vehicle, a second image showing the area in which the destination point is located is displayed in an out-of-focus manner so as to overlap with the area in which the destination point is located, and then, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, the second image is displayed in the display area so that the size of the second image on the display area gradually decreases as the vehicle approaches the destination point, and when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is less than the second threshold value, the second image is displayed in the display area so that the size of the second image on the display area gradually increases as the vehicle approaches the destination point. Display method.

6. A program for displaying a predetermined image in a display area showing a view in front of a vehicle, comprising: On the computer, Acquire location information of the vehicle and location information of a destination point; determining whether a distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than a first threshold, and if it is determined that the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is not equal to or greater than the first threshold, determining whether the destination point is displayed in a display area showing a view in front of the vehicle; When it is determined by the determination that the destination point is not displayed in the display area showing the foreground of the vehicle, a first image showing the direction of the destination point is displayed in the display area, and when it is determined that the destination point is displayed in the display area showing the foreground of the vehicle, a second image showing the area in which the destination point is located is displayed in an out-of-focus manner so as to overlap with the area in which the destination point is located, and then, when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, the second image is displayed in the display area so that the size of the second image on the display area gradually decreases as the vehicle approaches the destination point, and when the distance from the vehicle to the destination point is less than the second threshold value, the second image is displayed in the display area so that the size of the second image on the display area gradually increases as the vehicle approaches the destination point. A program to make that happen.

Images