Control device, display device, vehicle, and mobile terminal

Abstract

To notify a driver of a travel position, enabling energy consumption of a predetermined vehicle in platooning to be reduced, as visual information.SOLUTION: A control device of a display unit displaying a travel position of a predetermined vehicle with respect to a preceding vehicle in platooning comprises: a detection section which detects a candidate preceding vehicle among vehicles traveling around the predetermined vehicle as a target to follow; a calculation section which calculates an energy consumption reduction effect that the predetermined vehicle can obtain through following the detected candidate preceding vehicle; and a control section which executes display control causing the display unit to display a recommended travel area based on the energy consumption reduction effect as an area that the predetermined vehicle is recommended to travel. The recommended travel area is an area having a predetermined inter-vehicular distance posterior to the candidate preceding vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, a display device, a vehicle, and a mobile terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses that when multiple vehicles travel in a formation, the formation can be organized according to a first vehicle order, in which the vehicles are arranged from the front to the rear of the formation in order of the longest braking distance, or a second vehicle order, in which the vehicle with the greatest air resistance is placed at the front of the formation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-194566 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although the configuration described in Patent Document 1 can reduce energy consumption in the entire platoon, the effect of reducing energy consumption depends on the order of the platoon as well as the distance from the preceding vehicle. If the distance from the preceding vehicle is not appropriate when platooning, the effects of improving fuel efficiency and electricity consumption will be small, and there is also a possibility that the distance to the preceding vehicle will be too close.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a control device, a display device, a vehicle, and a mobile terminal that can inform the driver of a driving position where energy consumption in a specified vehicle can be reduced when driving in a convoy, as visual information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device of the present invention is a control device for a display device that displays the driving position of a specified vehicle relative to a preceding vehicle when driving in a convoy, and is equipped with a detection unit that detects a candidate preceding vehicle as a follow-up vehicle from among the vehicles traveling around the specified vehicle, a calculation unit that calculates the energy consumption reduction effect that can be obtained by the specified vehicle when following the detected candidate preceding vehicle, and a control unit that performs display control to cause the display device to display a recommended driving area based on the energy consumption reduction effect as an area in which driving by the specified vehicle is recommended, and is characterized in that the recommended driving area is an area at a specified vehicle distance behind the candidate preceding vehicle.

[0007] According to this configuration, the recommended driving area where a specific vehicle can reduce energy consumption during platooning can be notified to the driver of the vehicle as visual information. Therefore, the driver can be encouraged to drive within the recommended driving area, which contributes to improving fuel efficiency and electricity cost. In addition, since the recommended driving area is an area at a predetermined distance from the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from getting closer to the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle than necessary.

[0008] The control unit may also execute emphasis control to highlight locations in the recommended traveling area where the reduction effect is large compared to locations where the reduction effect is small.

[0009] According to this configuration, it is possible to encourage driving at locations where the effect of reducing energy consumption is greater, which can further contribute to improving fuel efficiency and electricity cost.

[0010] Furthermore, when executing the display control, the control unit may cause the display device to display a traveling position of the predetermined vehicle, the recommended traveling area, and traveling positions of the preceding vehicle candidate vehicles.

[0011] According to this configuration, the positional relationship between the recommended driving area, the specified vehicle, and the candidate preceding vehicle is visualized, making it easier for the driver to understand the relative positional relationship.

[0012] The display device of the present invention is a display device that displays the driving position of a specified vehicle relative to a preceding vehicle when driving in a convoy, and displays a recommended driving area for a candidate preceding vehicle detected as a vehicle to be followed from among the vehicles traveling around the specified vehicle, based on the energy consumption reduction effect that the specified vehicle can obtain when following the candidate preceding vehicle, and the recommended driving area is an area in which driving by the specified vehicle is recommended, and is an area within a specified vehicle distance behind the candidate preceding vehicle.

[0013] According to this configuration, the recommended driving area where a specific vehicle can reduce energy consumption during platooning can be notified to the driver of the vehicle as visual information. Therefore, the driver can be encouraged to drive within the recommended driving area, which contributes to improving fuel efficiency and electricity cost. In addition, since the recommended driving area is an area at a predetermined distance from the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from getting closer to the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle than necessary.

[0014] Furthermore, within the recommended travel area, locations where the reduction effect is large may be displayed in a more emphasized manner than locations where the reduction effect is small.

[0015] According to this configuration, it is possible to encourage driving at locations where the effect of reducing energy consumption is greater, which can further contribute to improving fuel efficiency and electricity cost.

[0016] When the recommended traveling area is displayed, the traveling position of the predetermined vehicle and the traveling positions of the preceding vehicle candidate vehicles may be displayed together with the recommended traveling area.

[0017] According to this configuration, the positional relationship between the recommended driving area, the specified vehicle, and the candidate preceding vehicle is visualized, making it easier for the driver to understand the relative positional relationship.

[0018] The vehicle of the present invention is a vehicle equipped with a control device in the above invention, and is characterized in that when the control device executes the display control, the recommended driving area based on the energy consumption reduction effect obtained by the vehicle when following the candidate preceding vehicle is displayed on the display device.

[0019] According to this configuration, by displaying the recommended traveling area on the display device, it is possible to notify the driver of areas where energy consumption can be reduced when traveling in a convoy.

[0020] The mobile terminal of the present invention is a mobile terminal that is communicatively connected to the vehicle of the above invention, and is characterized in that it has a communication unit that receives image data of the recommended driving area transmitted from the vehicle, and a display unit that displays the image data of the recommended driving area received by the communication unit.

[0021] According to this configuration, the display unit of the portable device displays the recommended driving area, thereby making it possible to notify the driver of areas where energy consumption can be reduced during platooning. Effect of the Invention

[0022] In the present invention, the recommended driving area that can reduce energy consumption of a specific vehicle during platooning can be notified to the driver of the vehicle as visual information. Therefore, the driver can be encouraged to drive within the recommended driving area, which can contribute to improving fuel efficiency and electricity cost. In addition, since the recommended driving area is an area at a predetermined distance from the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle, it is possible to prevent the vehicle from getting closer to the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle than necessary. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a recommended driving area when vehicles are driving in a convoy. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates a schematic diagram of a vehicle in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a display control flow. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a control flow on the vehicle side in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a control flow on the mobile terminal side in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, a control device, a display device, a vehicle, and a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0025] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining a recommended driving area when platooning, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to a first embodiment.

[0026] 1, the first embodiment is configured to be able to visualize an area 3 in which the vehicle 1 is recommended to travel (hereinafter referred to as a recommended travel area) when the vehicle 1 travels behind a preceding vehicle 2 during platooning. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a system (automatic following system) that follows the preceding vehicle 2 traveling ahead of the vehicle, such as radar cruise control, auto cruise control, or adaptive cruise control.

[0027] Moreover, the vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle equipped with a motor as a power source for driving. In this vehicle 1, the motor is driven by supplying electric power stored in a battery to the motor, and the power output from the motor is transmitted to the drive wheels via a power transmission device. Since the vehicle 1 runs on power obtained by consuming electric power, if the vehicle is in an energy-efficient driving state, the electric power consumption can be improved and the cruising distance can be extended. In the following description, the vehicle 1 may be referred to as the "own vehicle."

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 1 includes a control device 11 and a display device 12.

[0029] The control device 11 is configured with an electronic control device that controls the vehicle 1. This electronic control device is configured to include a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, and an input / output interface. The control device 11 performs signal processing according to a program pre-stored in the ROM. In addition, signals from various sensors mounted on the vehicle 1 are input to the control device 11. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle detection sensor 13 and a vehicle speed sensor 14 as on-board sensors.

[0030] The vehicle detection sensor 13 is a sensor that detects the preceding vehicle 2. The vehicle detection sensor 13 is configured with, for example, a forward camera and a millimeter wave radar. In the first embodiment, the vehicle detection sensor 13 is configured to include a forward camera and a millimeter wave radar. Therefore, the vehicle detection sensor 13 outputs preceding vehicle information including an image of the forward camera and a measurement result of the millimeter wave radar to the control device 11. The preceding vehicle 2 described here includes a vehicle traveling in front of the vehicle 1, a vehicle traveling around the vehicle 1, and a preceding vehicle candidate vehicle to be followed. In other words, the vehicle detection sensor 13 is a sensor that detects vehicles traveling around the host vehicle and is a sensor for detecting a vehicle to be followed by the host vehicle.

[0031] The vehicle speed sensor 14 detects the speed of the vehicle 1 from a pulse signal that corresponds to the rotation speed of the axle.

[0032] The signals output from the vehicle detection sensor 13 and the vehicle speed sensor 14 are input to the control device 11. The control device 11 executes display control to display a recommended driving area 3 for platooning based on the signals input from the vehicle detection sensor 13 and the vehicle speed sensor 14. In other words, the control device 11 is configured to include a control unit that executes display control of the recommended driving area 3. When executing display control, the control device 11 sets a recommended driving area 3 based on the effect of reducing energy consumption by platooning, and causes the display device 12 to display the recommended driving area 3.

[0033] More specifically, the control device 11 includes a candidate vehicle detection unit 11a, a reduction effect calculation unit 11b, a traveling area calculation unit 11c, and an image generation unit 11d.

[0034] The candidate vehicle detection unit 11a detects preceding candidate vehicles to be followed from among the vehicles traveling around the vehicle 1. This candidate vehicle detection unit 11a detects vehicles that are candidates for the vehicle to be followed during platooning, using preceding vehicle information input from the vehicle detection sensor 13. Since the preceding vehicle information includes an image in front of the vehicle and measurement results by the radar, the candidate vehicle detection unit 11a can detect the preceding vehicle 2 to be followed based on the image in front of the vehicle and the measurement results by the millimeter wave radar.

[0035] The reduction effect calculation unit 11b calculates the reduction effect of energy consumption obtained by the vehicle 1 when following a preceding candidate vehicle. This reduction effect calculation unit 11b calculates the reduction effect of energy consumption for the candidate vehicle detected by the candidate vehicle detection unit 11a. Furthermore, since the vehicle 1 in the first embodiment is an electric vehicle, the reduction effect calculation unit 11b calculates the effect of reducing the power consumed during following travel. In other words, the reduction effect calculation unit 11b calculates the electricity consumption reduction effect.

[0036] The reduction effect calculation unit 11b also calculates the reduction effect of air resistance due to following driving, for example, as the reduction effect of energy consumption. The air resistance that the vehicle 1 receives while traveling is calculated by multiplying the frontal projection area of ​​the vehicle 1, the air resistance coefficient, and the pressure. The reduction effect of air resistance obtained by following driving can be calculated based on the size of the preceding candidate vehicle, the distance (inter-vehicle distance) between the vehicle and the preceding candidate vehicle, and the vehicle speed. In this case, the size of the preceding candidate vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding candidate vehicle can be calculated based on the preceding vehicle information acquired by the vehicle detection sensor 13. For example, the reduction effect calculation unit 11b analyzes an image in front of the vehicle acquired by a front camera included in the vehicle detection sensor 13 to calculate the size of the preceding candidate vehicle and calculate the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the preceding candidate vehicle. Alternatively, the reduction effect calculation unit 11b calculates the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding candidate vehicle and the vehicle based on the radar measurement result acquired by a millimeter wave radar included in the vehicle detection sensor 13. The vehicle speed can be detected by the vehicle speed sensor 14. The reduction effect calculation unit 11b calculates the air resistance reduction effect based on the size of the preceding candidate vehicle, the inter-vehicle distance, and the vehicle speed. As an example, when the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding candidate vehicle and the own vehicle is short, the air resistance reduction effect is large, and when the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding candidate vehicle and the own vehicle is long, the air resistance reduction effect is small.

[0037] The driving area calculation unit 11c calculates a recommended driving area 3 according to the effect of reducing energy consumption. The recommended driving area 3 is an area with a predetermined distance behind the candidate preceding vehicle. The predetermined distance is set in the range of a short distance to a medium distance set in an automatic following system such as radar cruise control. In addition, the predetermined distance changes according to the vehicle speed. That is, the recommended driving area 3 changes according to the vehicle speed.

[0038] For example, a map showing the relationship between vehicle speed and a predetermined inter-vehicle distance (data of the predetermined inter-vehicle distance according to the vehicle speed) is stored in the storage unit of the control device 11. This map is set so that the inter-vehicle distance increases as the vehicle speed increases, and decreases as the vehicle speed decreases. The driving area calculation unit 11c can use this map to calculate the recommended driving area 3 according to the vehicle speed. This allows the driving area calculation unit 11c to change the recommended driving area 3 according to the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the driving area calculation unit 11c can set the recommended driving area 3 at a position where the reduction effect of energy consumption is large according to the reduction effect, and where the inter-vehicle distance of the preceding vehicle 2 can be suppressed from becoming shorter than necessary. In other words, the driving area calculation unit 11c sets the display size and display position of the recommended driving area 3.

[0039] The image generator 11d generates an image for displaying the recommended driving area 3. The image generator 11d generates an image of the driving area according to the recommended driving area 3 calculated by the driving area calculator 11c. Then, the image data of the recommended driving area 3 generated by the image generator 11d is output to the display device 12.

[0040] The display device 12 displays the traveling position of the vehicle 1 relative to the preceding vehicle 2 during platooning. The display device 12 is disposed inside the cabin of the vehicle 1, and is a display that displays an image at a position visible to the driver of the vehicle 1. For example, the display device 12 is configured with a car navigation device, a multi-information display, a head-up display, or the like. In other words, the display device 12 is configured with an HMI (Human Machine Interface) mounted on the vehicle 1. The display device 12 is controlled by the control device 11, and displays an image according to a signal input from the control device 11.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 12 displays the driving position of the preceding vehicle 2, which is a candidate preceding vehicle, the recommended driving area 3, and the driving position of the vehicle 1. The recommended driving area 3 is displayed at a position a predetermined distance behind the preceding vehicle 2. This is to prevent the vehicle 1 from getting too close to the preceding vehicle 2. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the vehicle 1, the preceding vehicle 2, and the recommended driving area 3 is displayed in real time. Then, when the vehicle 1 is driving in the recommended driving area 3, an image is displayed showing that the vehicle is contained within the recommended driving area 3. In this way, the recommended driving area 3 based on the reduction effect of energy consumption for the preceding vehicle 2 is displayed, and an image showing the position of the vehicle relative to the recommended driving area 3 is displayed, so that the driver can easily determine where to drive. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image displayed on the display device 12 when the vehicle 1 is driving on a multi-lane road and there is a preceding vehicle 2 driving ahead of the vehicle.

[0042] Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing a display control flow. Note that the control shown in Fig. 3 is repeatedly performed by the control device 11 while the vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0043] The control device 11 determines whether or not there is a preceding vehicle candidate vehicle to be followed by the host vehicle (step S101). In step S101, it is determined whether or not there is a preceding vehicle candidate vehicle to be followed by the host vehicle. In this case, an image from the front camera and a measurement result from the radar are acquired based on preceding vehicle information input from the vehicle detection sensor 13 to the control device 11. Then, the candidate vehicle detection unit 11a analyzes the image from the front camera to determine whether or not a preceding vehicle candidate vehicle has been detected.

[0044] If there is no preceding vehicle candidate (step S101: No), this control routine ends.

[0045] If a preceding vehicle candidate exists (step S101: Yes), the control device 11 calculates the energy consumption reduction effect at a driving position behind the preceding vehicle candidate (step S102). In step S102, the energy consumption reduction effect obtained by the vehicle 1 when following the preceding vehicle candidate is calculated. The process of step S102 is performed by the reduction effect calculation unit 11b.

[0046] Then, the control device 11 causes the display device 12 to display the recommended driving area 3 where the effect of reducing energy consumption can be obtained (step S103). At this time, the control device 11 calculates the recommended driving area 3 according to the effect of reducing energy consumption, and sets the display position and display size of the recommended driving area 3. The display position is set to a position behind the candidate preceding vehicle within the display area of ​​the display device 12. The display size is set to a predetermined value. Then, based on the set display position and display size, the image generation unit 11d generates an image of the recommended driving area 3. The image data is output from the control device 11 to the display device 12 and displayed on the display device 12. After the processing of step S103 is performed, this control routine ends.

[0047] The vehicle 1 configured in this manner can obtain information regarding the relative position between the vehicle itself and the preceding vehicle 2 by an autonomous sensor such as a millimeter wave radar. In addition, the vehicle 1 calculates the energy consumption reduction effect for a preceding vehicle candidate to be followed among the vehicles traveling around the vehicle itself, and displays a recommended driving area 3 according to the energy consumption reduction effect obtained by the vehicle itself during following driving on the display device 12. At this time, the control device 11 sets the display position of the recommended driving area 3 to a position that is a predetermined inter-vehicle distance behind the preceding vehicle 2, and sets the display size of the recommended driving area 3 according to the energy consumption reduction effect. Then, the control device 11 displays the recommended driving area 3 on the display device 12 together with the positional relationship between the vehicle itself and the preceding vehicle 2.

[0048] As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to detect a preceding vehicle candidate to be followed when platooning, and to display a recommended driving area 3 based on the effect of reducing energy consumption obtained when following that vehicle as visual information on the display device 12. This makes it possible to encourage the driver to drive within the recommended driving area 3, which can contribute to improving fuel efficiency and electricity cost.

[0049] In addition, the recommended driving area 3 is set to an area with a predetermined inter-vehicle distance behind the preceding vehicle 2, so that it is possible to prevent the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle 2 from becoming shorter than necessary. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the recommended driving area 3 and the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle 2 is displayed on the display device 12, so that the driver of the vehicle 1 can easily visually understand the positional relationship.

[0050] The vehicle 1 is not limited to an electric vehicle, but may be a vehicle equipped with only an engine as a power source, or a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor as a power source. That is, the reduction effect calculation unit 11b can calculate the fuel consumption reduction effect of the vehicle 1, not limited to the electricity consumption reduction effect of the vehicle 1. That is, the energy consumption described here includes at least one of the power consumption and the fuel consumption.

[0051] In addition, vehicle 1 can be switched between a manual driving mode in which vehicle 1 is driven by manual operation by the driver and an automatic driving mode. Therefore, an electronic control device that controls the driving of vehicle 1 may execute drive control to automatically adjust the distance between vehicles by accelerating and decelerating vehicle 1 so that vehicle 1 is located inside recommended driving area 3 in the automatic driving mode.

[0052] Further, although the vehicle detection sensor 13 has been described as including both a forward camera and a millimeter wave radar, the present invention is not limited thereto. The vehicle detection sensor 13 may be configured with only one of a forward camera and a millimeter wave radar. For example, when the vehicle detection sensor 13 is configured with only a forward camera, the control device 11 can calculate the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and a preceding candidate vehicle by analyzing a forward image included in the preceding vehicle information. Alternatively, when the vehicle detection sensor 13 is configured with only a millimeter wave radar, the control device 11 can calculate the size of the preceding candidate vehicle based on the radar measurement results included in the preceding vehicle information.

[0053] In addition, the number of preceding vehicle candidate vehicles is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In other words, even if multiple preceding vehicle candidate vehicles are detected by the candidate vehicle detection unit 11a, the reduction effect calculation unit 11b can calculate the energy consumption reduction effect for each preceding vehicle candidate vehicle, and the traveling area calculation unit 11c can calculate the recommended traveling area 3 for each preceding vehicle candidate vehicle according to the reduction effect.

[0054] Furthermore, the control device 11 can execute emphasis control to highlight locations in the recommended driving area 3 that have a large effect on reducing energy consumption, compared to locations that have a small effect on reducing energy consumption. For example, the highlighting can be performed by displaying locations that have a large effect on reducing energy consumption in a darker color than other locations. This can encourage driving in locations that have a large effect on reducing energy consumption, further contributing to improved fuel economy and electricity cost.

[0055] Furthermore, the map showing the relationship between the vehicle speed and the predetermined inter-vehicle distance is not limited to the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, but may be a map corresponding to the relative vehicle speed between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle 2. In this map, the relationship is set such that the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer when the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is faster than that of the preceding vehicle 2 as the relative vehicle speed, and the inter-vehicle distance becomes shorter when the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is slower than that of the preceding vehicle 2 as the relative vehicle speed. This allows the inter-vehicle distance to be appropriately set when following the preceding vehicle 2.

[0056] Further, an example has been described in which the display device 12 displays the recommended driving area 3, the driving position of the vehicle 1, and the driving position of the preceding vehicle 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The recommended driving area 3 is an area with a predetermined inter-vehicle distance behind the candidate preceding vehicle, which means that the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle 2 has already been secured. Therefore, it is sufficient for the display device 12 to visualize the positional relationship between the recommended driving area 3 and the vehicle itself, and the driving position of the preceding vehicle 2 does not necessarily need to be displayed. In other words, the control device 11 can execute display control to display the driving position of the vehicle 1 and the recommended driving area 3 on the display device 12. Note that in order to allow the driver to easily determine whether the vehicle 1 is driving within the recommended driving area 3 or not, it is essential to display the positional relationship between the driving position of the vehicle itself and the recommended driving area 3.

[0057] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a recommended driving area 3 is displayed on the display of a mobile terminal carried by a vehicle occupant. In the description of the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as the first embodiment will be omitted and the reference numerals thereof will be cited.

[0058] 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an image of the recommended driving area 3 generated by the control device 11 of the vehicle 1 is displayed on the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20. In other words, the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal functions as a display device. The vehicle 1 and the mobile terminal 20 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0059] The vehicle 1 includes a control device 11, a vehicle detection sensor 13, and a vehicle speed sensor 14. The control device 11 includes a communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from a mobile terminal 20. The communication unit transmits image data of the recommended driving area 3 generated by the image generation unit 11d to the mobile terminal 20.

[0060] The mobile terminal 20 is configured by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone carried by a passenger of the vehicle 1. The mobile terminal 20 includes a display unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a control unit .

[0061] The display unit 21 is a display of the mobile terminal 20. On the display unit 21, image data of the recommended traveling area 3 input from the vehicle 1 is displayed.

[0062] The communication unit 22 communicates with the vehicle 1 and receives image data of the recommended driving area 3 transmitted from the vehicle 1. The mobile terminal 20 may transmit and receive information in a wired connection with the vehicle 1, or may transmit and receive information via wireless communication in a wireless connection. The method of wireless communication is not particularly limited, whether it is short-distance communication or long-distance communication.

[0063] The control unit 23 is a control unit that controls the display unit 21, and causes the display unit 21 to display image data of the recommended traveling area 3 acquired by the communication unit 22. The control unit 23 is configured to include a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, and an input / output interface. In the second embodiment, the control unit 23 is included in the control device of the display device.

[0064] In the vehicle 1 and the mobile terminal 20 of the second embodiment configured as described above, while the vehicle 1 is traveling, display control is executed in a state in which the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 is placed in a position visible to the driver of the vehicle 1. This control flow is illustrated in Figs.

[0065] Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing a control flow on the vehicle side in the second embodiment. Note that steps S201 to S203 shown in Fig. 5 are similar to steps S101 to S103 shown in Fig. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Also, the control shown in Fig. 5 is repeatedly performed by the control device 11 while the vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0066] After performing the process of step S203, the control device 11 outputs a display instruction to display image data of the recommended driving area 3 on the mobile terminal 20 (step S204). In step S204, image data of the recommended driving area 3 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 20 brought into the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1. The control device 11 transmits the image data of the recommended driving area 3 to the mobile terminal 20, for example, when the mobile terminal 20 is capturing an image of the area in front of the vehicle 1 with the camera of the mobile terminal 20. After performing the process of step S204, this control routine ends.

[0067] 6 is a flow chart showing a control flow on the mobile terminal side of the second embodiment. The control shown in FIG.

[0068] The mobile terminal 20 determines whether or not a display instruction has been received from the vehicle 1 (step S301). In step S301, it is determined whether or not image data of the recommended traveling area 3 transmitted from the vehicle 1 has been received.

[0069] If a display instruction is not received from the vehicle 1 (step S301: No), this control routine ends.

[0070] When a display instruction is received from the vehicle 1 (step S301: Yes), the control unit 23 causes the display unit 21 to display a recommended driving area 3 in which the effect of reducing energy consumption can be obtained (step S302). In step S302, the image data of the recommended driving area 3 received from the vehicle 1 is displayed on the display unit 21. After the processing of step S302 is performed, this control routine ends.

[0071] According to the second embodiment, it is possible to display the recommended traveling area 3 on the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal 20 brought into the cabin of the vehicle 1. In addition, since the display device is not limited to an in-vehicle device, the range of application of the display device is expanded.

[0072] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, all of the functions for displaying the recommended driving area 3 that the vehicle 1 had in the first embodiment are provided in a mobile terminal brought into the cabin of the vehicle 1. In the description of the third embodiment, the description of the same configurations as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted and the reference numerals thereof will be cited.

[0073] 7 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, a mobile terminal 30 brought into the cabin of a vehicle 1 detects a preceding vehicle 2 and displays a recommended driving area 3. The mobile terminal 30 includes a control device 31, a display unit 32, a camera 33, and a GPS receiver 34.

[0074] The control device 31 is configured with an electronic control device, and has a hardware configuration similar to that of the control device 11 of the first embodiment. The control device 31 performs display control to display, on the display unit 32, information about the preceding vehicle 2 traveling ahead of the predetermined vehicle, with the vehicle 1 in which the mobile terminal 30 is carried being regarded as a predetermined vehicle.

[0075] Furthermore, signals from various sensors provided in the mobile terminal 30 are input to the control device 31. For example, signals from a camera 33 and a GPS receiver 34 are input to the control device 31.

[0076] Camera 33 is a camera mounted on mobile terminal 30, and functions as a sensor for detecting preceding vehicle 2 traveling in front of vehicle 1 when mobile terminal 30 is brought into vehicle 1. Mobile terminal 30 is disposed in a position and orientation such that camera 33 captures an image of the area in front of vehicle 1 from within the cabin of vehicle 1. Camera 33 also outputs preceding vehicle information including an image captured by a forward camera to control device 31.

[0077] The GPS receiver 34 receives signals from GPS satellites, and functions as a vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle 1 when the mobile terminal 30 is brought into the vehicle 1. Position information acquired by the GPS receiver 34 is output to the control device 31. Since the mobile terminal 30 can acquire its own position information by the GPS receiver 34, the control device 31 can calculate its own moving speed, i.e., the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1, based on the position information.

[0078] Then, for a specific vehicle in which the mobile terminal 30 is brought, the control device 31 executes display control to display a recommended driving area 3 for a preceding vehicle 2 traveling ahead of the vehicle 1, based on signals input from the camera 33 and the GPS receiver 34. At that time, image data of the recommended driving area 3 is output from the control device 31 to the display unit 32.

[0079] More specifically, the control device 31 includes a candidate vehicle detection unit 31a, a reduction effect calculation unit 31b, a driving area calculation unit 31c, and an image generation unit 31d. Note that the candidate vehicle detection unit 31a, the reduction effect calculation unit 31b, the driving area calculation unit 31c, and the image generation unit 31d are functionally similar to the candidate vehicle detection unit 11a, the reduction effect calculation unit 11b, the driving area calculation unit 11c, and the image generation unit 11d in the first embodiment.

[0080] The candidate vehicle detection unit 31a analyzes an image of the area ahead of the predetermined vehicle input from the camera 33, thereby detecting the preceding vehicle 2 traveling ahead of the predetermined vehicle.

[0081] The reduction effect calculation unit 31b calculates the size and the vehicle distance of the candidate preceding vehicle based on the preceding vehicle information acquired from the camera 33, and calculates the vehicle speed based on the position information acquired from the GPS receiver 34. Then, the reduction effect calculation unit 31b calculates the reduction effect of energy consumption.

[0082] The travel area calculation unit 31c calculates a recommended travel area 3 based on the energy consumption reduction effect calculated by the reduction effect calculation unit 31b.

[0083] The image generator 31d generates image data relating to the recommended traveling area 3 calculated by the traveling area calculator 31c. The image data of the recommended traveling area 3 generated by the image generator 31d is output to the display unit 32.

[0084] The display unit 32 is a display of the mobile terminal 20. The display unit 32 displays an image of the recommended traveling area 3 generated by the image generating unit 31d.

[0085] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to display the recommended driving area 3 relating to the driving position behind the leading vehicle driving in front of the vehicle 1 using the mobile terminal 30 brought into the cabin of the vehicle 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 vehicle 2 Leading vehicle 3 Recommended riding area 11 Control device 11a Candidate vehicle detection unit 11b Reduction effect calculation section 11c Driving area calculation section 11d Image Generation Section 12 Display device 13 Vehicle detection sensor 14 Vehicle speed sensor 20,30 Mobile devices 21,32 Display section 31 Control device

Claims

1. A control device for a display device that displays a traveling position of a predetermined vehicle relative to a preceding vehicle during platooning, a detection unit that detects a preceding vehicle candidate vehicle to be followed from among vehicles traveling around the predetermined vehicle; a calculation unit that calculates an energy consumption reduction effect obtained by the predetermined vehicle when the predetermined vehicle follows the detected preceding vehicle candidate vehicle; a control unit that executes display control to cause the display device to display a recommended driving area based on the energy consumption reduction effect as an area in which driving of the specified vehicle is recommended; Equipped with the recommended driving area is an area at a predetermined distance behind the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle, The control unit is When executing the display control, the display device is caused to display the traveling position of the predetermined vehicle, the recommended traveling area, and the traveling position of the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle, and an image showing the position of the predetermined vehicle relative to the recommended traveling area is displayed on the display device; When the specified vehicle is traveling within the recommended traveling area, an image showing that the specified vehicle is within the recommended traveling area is displayed on the display device. A control device comprising:

2. The control unit executes emphasis control for emphasizing a location in the recommended travel area where the reduction effect is large compared to a location in the recommended travel area where the reduction effect is small. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. A display device that displays the traveling position of a predetermined vehicle relative to a preceding vehicle during platooning, displaying a recommended driving area based on an energy consumption reduction effect that can be obtained by the specified vehicle when the specified vehicle follows the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle detected as a following destination from among the vehicles traveling around the specified vehicle; the recommended driving area is an area in which driving of the specified vehicle is recommended, and is an area at a specified inter-vehicle distance behind the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle, When displaying the recommended driving area, a driving position of the specified vehicle and a driving position of the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle are displayed together with the recommended driving area, and an image showing the position of the specified vehicle relative to the recommended driving area is displayed; When the specified vehicle is traveling within the recommended traveling area, an image showing that the specified vehicle is within the recommended traveling area is displayed. A display device comprising:

4. Within the recommended driving area, a location where the reduction effect is large is highlighted compared to a location where the reduction effect is small.

4. The display device according to claim 3.

5. A vehicle equipped with the control device according to claim 1 or 2, When the control device executes the display control, the display device is caused to display the recommended driving area based on an energy consumption reduction effect obtained by the host vehicle when the host vehicle follows the preceding vehicle candidate vehicle. A vehicle characterized by:

6. A mobile terminal communicably connected to the vehicle according to claim 5, a communication unit that receives image data of the recommended traveling area transmitted from the vehicle; a display unit that displays image data of the recommended traveling area received by the communication unit; A mobile terminal comprising:

Images