Communication device and communication method

Abstract

To provide a communication device that allows a user to easily visually grasp from which vehicle around the user's vehicle communication information is received.SOLUTION: A communication device 100 has: a communication information receiving unit 110 that receives, from a communication vehicle communicating with the communication device, communication information including the details of communication and position information or vehicle information; a communication vehicle specification unit 120 that specifies the communication vehicle by using the communication information; a symbol acquisition unit 130 that acquires a symbol that is an image simulating the specified communication vehicle; and a display control unit 150 that displays the symbol and the details of communication on a screen of a display. When a plurality of communication vehicles are present, the display control unit displays the details of communication related to the plurality of communication vehicles sequentially in a predetermined order, and displays, in a flickering manner, at least part of the symbol corresponding to the details of communication being displayed, or displays, at a reduced display brightness, symbols that are images simulating communication vehicles other than the symbol corresponding to the details of communication being displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and a communication method, and particularly to a communication device and a communication method capable of performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless communication device capable of easily specifying a communication partner who intends to make a call by short-range wireless communication between vehicles. In the wireless communication device according to Patent Document 1, its own wireless communication unit communicates with other wireless communication units to receive the position information of other wireless communication units and predetermined information regarding other wireless communication units. The image processing unit images the predetermined information received by its own wireless communication unit to generate image information. Then, based on its own position information and the position information of other wireless communication units received by its own wireless communication unit, the image processing unit determines the position on the display unit where the image information is to be displayed, and displays the image information at the determined position on the display unit. In the wireless communication device according to Patent Document 1, its own wireless communication unit communicates with other wireless communication units to receive the position information of other wireless communication units and predetermined information regarding other wireless communication units. The image processing unit images the predetermined information received by its own wireless communication unit to generate image information. Then, based on its own position information and the position information of other wireless communication units received by its own wireless communication unit, the image processing unit determines the position on the display unit where the image information is to be displayed, and displays the image information at the determined position on the display unit. The image processing unit images the predetermined information received by its own wireless communication unit to generate image information. Then, based on its own position information and the position information of other wireless communication units received by its own wireless communication unit, the image processing unit determines the position on the display unit where the image information is to be displayed, and displays the image information at the determined position on the display unit. Then, based on its own position information and the position information of other wireless communication units received by its own wireless communication unit, the image processing unit determines the position on the display unit where the image information is to be displayed, and displays the image information at the determined position on the display unit. Then, based on its own position information and the position information of other wireless communication units received by its own wireless communication unit, the image processing unit determines the position on the display unit where the image information is to be displayed, and displays the image information at the determined position on the display unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology according to Patent Document 1, based on the position information of other wireless communication units, that is, other vehicles, the position where the image of the other vehicle is to be displayed on the display unit is determined. On the other hand, in order to realize more appropriate vehicle-to-vehicle communication, it is required that a user such as a driver can more easily recognize from which vehicle the communication information has been received. In the technology according to Patent Document 1, based on the position information of other wireless communication units, that is, other vehicles, the position where the image of the other vehicle is to be displayed on the display unit is determined. On the other hand, in order to realize more appropriate vehicle-to-vehicle communication, it is required that a user such as a driver can more easily recognize from which vehicle the communication information has been received. On the other hand, in order to realize more appropriate vehicle-to-vehicle communication, it is required that a user such as a driver can more easily recognize from which vehicle the communication information has been received.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication device and a communication method that can easily allow a user to visually grasp from which vehicle around the host vehicle communication information has been received.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The communication device according to the present invention includes a communication information receiving unit that receives communication information including communication content and position information or vehicle information from a communication vehicle that is a vehicle existing around the host vehicle and performing communication, a communication vehicle specifying unit that specifies a communication vehicle using the communication information, a symbol acquisition unit that acquires a symbol that is an image imitating the specified communication vehicle, and a display control unit that causes the symbol and the previous communication content to be displayed on the screen of a display device. When there are a plurality of communication vehicles, the display control unit sequentially displays the communication content related to each of the plurality of communication vehicles in a predetermined order, and at least a part of the symbol corresponding to the displayed communication content is caused to blink, or a symbol that is an image imitating a communication vehicle other than the symbol corresponding to the displayed communication content is displayed with a reduced display brightness.

[0007] Further, the communication method according to the present invention includes a communication information receiving step of receiving communication information including communication content and position information or vehicle information from a communication vehicle that is a vehicle existing around the host vehicle and performing communication, a communication vehicle specifying step of specifying a communication vehicle using the communication information, a symbol acquisition step of acquiring a symbol that is an image imitating the specified communication vehicle, and a display control step of causing the symbol and the communication content to be displayed on the screen of a display device. When there are a plurality of communication vehicles, the communication content related to each of the plurality of communication vehicles is sequentially displayed in a predetermined order, and at least a part of the symbol corresponding to the displayed communication content is caused to blink, or a symbol that is an image imitating a communication vehicle other than the symbol corresponding to the displayed communication content is displayed with a reduced display brightness.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device and a communication method that can easily allow a user to visually grasp from which vehicle around the own vehicle communication information has been received.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The elements are numbered the same.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment. In FIG. In the illustrated example, the camera 2 includes two or more cameras 2 and a communication device 100. The plurality of cameras 2 may be provided on the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle 1. The camera 2 may be, for example, a visible light camera. In the first embodiment, the camera may be a camera used in a recorder. In the following description, it is assumed that the communication device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 1. 1, the communication device 100 according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 1. For example, the communication device 100 may be a smartphone owned by the driver. It may be installed in an information terminal such as the above.

[0012] The communication device 100 may be installed at any position in the vehicle 1. Equipped with CAN (Control Area Network) and GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver The communication device 100 may be connected to a position detection device such as a vehicle position sensor. The communication information received from the communication vehicle is used to visually display the characteristics of the communication vehicle. A communication vehicle symbol (first symbol) which is an image represented by This will be described in detail later. The communication vehicle symbol may be, for example, an icon formed in a shape corresponding to the vehicle type of the communication vehicle and colored with a color corresponding to the color of the communication vehicle. Alternatively, the communication vehicle symbol may be, for example, a thumbnail image of an image of the appearance of the communication vehicle. The thumbnail image may be, for example, an image of the front of the host vehicle or an overhead image. Hereinafter, vehicle 1 may be referred to as the "host vehicle". Also, hereinafter, the term "image" also means "image data indicating an image" as an object to be processed in information processing. The term "image" is not limited to a still image and includes a moving image. Also, the term "voice" also means "voice data indicating a voice" as an object to be processed in information processing. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the interior of vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a view of the interior of vehicle 1 looking forward from the driver's seat in the forward direction of vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 includes a steering wheel 10, a dashboard 12, a windshield 14, a center console 16, a cluster panel 18 that displays the running speed and engine speed of the vehicle, and the like. Also, a center display unit 20 for displaying a navigation screen or the like may be provided on the center console 16. A head-up display unit 22 for displaying an image by a head-up display may be provided above the cluster panel 18 in vehicle 1. When the head-up display is a combiner type, the head-up display unit 22 is a combiner. Also, when the head-up display displays a virtual image on the windshield 14, the head-up display unit 22 is the windshield 14.

[0013]

[0014] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​is a region where a virtual image is presented. Further, the vehicle 1 has a rear view monitor 24 as well. The rear view monitor 24 is disposed at a position similar to that of a rear view mirror for rearward confirmation in a general vehicle, i.e., near the upper center of the windshield 14.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 100 and the communication system 50 having the communication device 100 according to Embodiment 1. The communication system 50 according to Embodiment 1 includes a camera 2, a position detection device 4, a display device 6, a microphone 7, a speaker 8, and a communication device 100. The communication device 100 is communicably connected to the camera 2, the position detection device 4, the display device 6, the microphone 7, and the speaker 8. Note that the communication device 100 may have at least one of the camera 2, the position detection device 4, the display device 6, the microphone 7, and the speaker 8. Further, at least one component or all components of the communication system 50 may be incorporated in the vehicle 1 or may be removable from the vehicle 1 and portable. This also applies to other embodiments described later.

[0016] The position detection device 4 detects the position of the vehicle 1. The position of the vehicle 1 can be represented by, for example, latitude and longitude. The position detection device 4 is a position detection device such as a GPS receiver. Note that the position detection device 4 may be any satellite positioning system other than a GPS receiver. Further, the position detection device 4 may include an acceleration sensor, a gyro, a sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the tires of the vehicle 1, or a position detection assistance processing unit (not shown) that processes signals from these sensors to improve the detection accuracy of the position of the vehicle 1.

[0017] ​​​The display device 6 is, for example, a display. The display device 6 is preferably a touch panel. The display device 6 displays an image under the control of the communication device 100. In this case, the display device 6 can be used for communication with a communication vehicle. Yaview monitor 24, cluster panel 18, center display unit 20 or head-up display The display device 6 may be realized by a spray display unit 22. The display device 6 may also be connected to the communication device 100. The display unit of a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal is capable of displaying the image. The communication device 100 may be implemented as a computer built in, for example, the center console 16. The communication device 1 may be a personal computer device or the above-mentioned mobile terminal device. When the vehicle 1 is equipped with the display device 6, the display device 6 displays the vehicle driver's driving status while the vehicle 1 is driving. In this case, the display device 6 is provided at a position where it can be seen by the user. This may be achieved by 08.

[0018] The microphone 7 collects the voice of a user such as a driver under the control of the communication device 100. The speaker 8 outputs a voice under the control of the communication device 100. The microphone 7 and the speaker 8 are incorporated in the display device 6. The microphone 7 and the speaker 8 may be incorporated in the communication device 100. In this case, the microphone 7 and the speaker 8 are realized by an interface unit 108 described later. Good too.

[0019] The communication device 100 mainly comprises a control unit 102, a storage unit 104, and The control unit 1 includes a communication unit 106 and an interface unit 108 (IF; Interface). 02, the memory unit 104, the communication unit 106, and the interface unit 108 are interconnected via a data bus or the like. That is, the communication device 100 has the function of a computer. The control unit 102 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 102 has the function of an arithmetic unit that performs control processing, arithmetic processing, and the like. The memory unit

[0020] 104 is a storage device such as a memory or a hard disk. The memory unit 104 is for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory unit 104 has the function of storing control programs, arithmetic programs, etc. that are executed by the control unit 102 or as a function of the control unit 102. Also, the memory unit 104 has the function of temporarily storing processing data and the like.

[0021] The communication unit 106 performs the processing necessary for communication. The communication unit 106 performs the processing necessary for communicating with devices other than the communication device 100 in the communication system 50. Further, in the present embodiment, the communication unit 106 performs the processing necessary for vehicle-to-vehicle communication with a communication vehicle. The communication unit 106 performs, for example, short-range wireless communication with a communication vehicle. Note that the standard for vehicle-to-vehicle communication is arbitrary. The standard for vehicle-to-vehicle communication is, for example, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) adopted in Japan, or IEEE802.11p adopted in Europe and the United States. Also, vehicle-to-vehicle communication may be any communication referred to as other P2P (peer-to-peer) communication. For example, it may be communication referred to as Wi-Fi Direct. ​​​​​​​​It may be communication, or it may be communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark). Communication unit 106 may communicate one-on-one with one other vehicle around the host vehicle. Alternatively, the communication unit 106 may communicate with a plurality of other vehicles around the host vehicle by broadcast communication or the like.

[0022] The interface unit 108 (IF; Interface) is, for example, a user interface (UI ). The interface unit 108 includes an input device such as a keyboard, a touch panel, or a mouse, and an output device such as a display or a speaker.

[0023] Furthermore, the communication device 100 includes a communication information receiving unit 110, a host vehicle position acquisition unit 112, a communication vehicle identification unit 120, an image acquisition unit 122, a symbol acquisition unit 130, a display size determination unit 140, a display control unit 150, and a communication processing unit 160. These components can be realized, for example, by executing a program under the control of the control unit 102. More specifically, these components can be realized by the control unit 102 executing a program stored in the storage unit 104. Also, by recording the necessary program on an arbitrary non-volatile recording medium and installing it as needed, these components may be realized. The same applies to other embodiments described later. Moreover, these components are not limited to being realized by software based on a program, and may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software, etc.

[0024] Also, these components are not limited to being realized by software based on a program, and may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software, etc. Moreover, these components may be realized by any combination of hardware, firmware, and software, etc. For example, they may be realized by an FPGA (field-programmable ​It may also be implemented using a user-programmable integrated circuit such as a field-programmable gate array or a microcomputer. In this case, a program composed of the above-described respective components may be realized using this integrated circuit. The same applies to other embodiments described later. The communication information receiving unit 110 receives communication information transmitted by communication vehicles around the host vehicle via the communication unit 106. The communication information will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. Note that the communication vehicles may transmit the communication information, for example, by broadband transmission. Further, when the communication information receiving unit 110 receives the communication information, the communication device 100 may control the speaker 8 to generate a voice notifying that the communication information has been received. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the communication information according to Embodiment 1. The communication information includes communication content information indicating the communication content and position information. The position information is the position of the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information, specifically, information indicating latitude and longitude. The position information can be acquired by a GPS receiver or the like mounted on the communication vehicle. Further, the position information may include the traveling direction of the communication vehicle.

[0025] The communication content is content for the driver of the communication vehicle or the like to communicate with surrounding vehicles. The communication content may be, for example, a text message input or selected by the driver of the communication vehicle or the like. In this case, the driver of the communication vehicle or the like may input the text, which is the communication content, to a touch panel mounted on the communication vehicle, or may select an option displayed on the touch panel. Further, the text message may be the speech of the driver of the communication vehicle or the like. The communication information receiving unit 110 receives communication information transmitted by communication vehicles around the host vehicle via the communication unit 106. The communication information will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. Note that the communication vehicles may transmit the communication information, for example, by broadband transmission. Further, when the communication information receiving unit 110 receives the communication information, the communication device 100 may control the speaker 8 to generate a voice notifying that the communication information has been received. The communication vehicles may transmit the communication information, for example, by broadband transmission. Further, when the communication information receiving unit 110 receives the communication information, the communication device 100 may control the speaker 8 to generate a voice notifying that the communication information has been received. When the communication information receiving unit 110 receives the communication information, the communication device 100 may control the speaker 8 to generate a voice notifying that the communication information has been received.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the communication information according to Embodiment 1. The communication information includes communication content information indicating the communication content and position information. The position information is the position of the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information, specifically, information indicating latitude and longitude. The position information can be acquired by a GPS receiver or the like mounted on the communication vehicle. Further, the position information may include the traveling direction of the communication vehicle. The communication content information indicates the communication content. The position information is the position of the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information, specifically, information indicating latitude and longitude. The position information can be acquired by a GPS receiver or the like mounted on the communication vehicle. Further, the position information may include the traveling direction of the communication vehicle. The position information is the position of the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information, specifically, information indicating latitude and longitude. The position information can be acquired by a GPS receiver or the like mounted on the communication vehicle. Further, the position information may include the traveling direction of the communication vehicle. The position information can be acquired by a GPS receiver or the like mounted on the communication vehicle. Further, the position information may include the traveling direction of the communication vehicle.

[0027] The communication content is content for the driver of the communication vehicle or the like to communicate with surrounding vehicles. The communication content may be, for example, a text message input or selected by the driver of the communication vehicle or the like. The communication content may be, for example, a text message input or selected by the driver of the communication vehicle or the like. In this case, the driver of the communication vehicle or the like may input the text, which is the communication content, to a touch panel mounted on the communication vehicle, or may select an option displayed on the touch panel. The driver of the communication vehicle or the like may input the text, which is the communication content, to a touch panel mounted on the communication vehicle, or may select an option displayed on the touch panel. ​​​​It may be generated by voice recognition. Alternatively, the communication content may be voice data indicating the speech of the driver of the communication vehicle or the like. In this case, the voice data may be collected and generated by a microphone mounted on the communication vehicle. Alternatively, the communication content may be symbol images such as icons, emojis, and photographic images input or selected by the driver of the communication vehicle or the like. It may be.

[0028] In addition, the communication information may include vehicle information regarding the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information. The vehicle information may include vehicle type information indicating the vehicle type of the communication vehicle, color information indicating the paint color of the communication vehicle, a vehicle ID, and symbol information. The vehicle type information may indicate the vehicle name (model) of the communication vehicle, and may also indicate the model name of the communication vehicle (sedan, wagon, minivan, sports type, truck, etc.). The vehicle ID is identification information for identifying the vehicle, and may be, for example, a motor vehicle registration number or a vehicle number (the number on the so-called license plate). The symbol information is information indicating the communication vehicle symbol. The communication vehicle symbol indicated by the symbol information may be, for example, a shape corresponding to the vehicle type of the communication vehicle and an icon of a color corresponding to the color of the communication vehicle. Alternatively, the communication vehicle symbol indicated by the symbol information may be a thumbnail image of an image of the exterior of the communication vehicle.

[0029] The host vehicle position acquisition unit 112 (FIG. 3) acquires the position information of the host vehicle from the position detection device 4. The communication vehicle identification unit 120 identifies the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information using the communication information. Specifically, the communication vehicle identification unit 120 may identify the position of the communication vehicle relative to the host vehicle from the position information of the communication vehicle included in the communication information. Further, the communication vehicle identification unit 120 may Using the position information of the vehicle and the position information of the communication vehicle, the distance between the host vehicle and the communication vehicle may be specified. Further, the communication vehicle specifying unit 120 may specify the direction of the communication vehicle with respect to the host vehicle using the traveling direction of the host vehicle, the position information of the host vehicle, and the position information of the communication vehicle. Note that the distance between the vehicles and the direction of the communication vehicle may be calculated by a geometric method using the position information of the host vehicle and the position information of the communication vehicle. Using the traveling direction of the host vehicle, the position information of the host vehicle, and the position information of the communication vehicle, the direction of the communication vehicle with respect to the host vehicle may be specified. Note that the distance between the vehicles and the direction of the communication vehicle may be calculated by a geometric method using the position information of the host vehicle and the position information of the communication vehicle. Using the position information of the host vehicle and the position information of the communication vehicle, the distance between the vehicles and the direction of the communication vehicle may be calculated by a geometric method.

[0030] The image acquisition unit 122 acquires an image of the surroundings of the host vehicle from the camera 2. Note that the image acquisition unit 122 may acquire an image in a direction capable of photographing at least the position of the communication vehicle specified by the communication vehicle specifying unit 120. That is, in the case where a plurality of cameras 2 are mounted on the vehicle 1, the image acquisition unit 122 acquires an image from the camera 2 capable of photographing the position of the specified communication vehicle. Note that the image acquisition unit 122 may acquire an image in a direction capable of photographing at least the position of the communication vehicle specified by the communication vehicle specifying unit 120. That is, in the case where a plurality of cameras 2 are mounted on the vehicle 1, the image acquisition unit 122 acquires an image from the camera 2 capable of photographing the position of the specified communication vehicle. That is, in the case where a plurality of cameras 2 are mounted on the vehicle 1, the image acquisition unit 122 acquires an image from the camera 2 capable of photographing the position of the specified communication vehicle. acquires an image.

[0031] The symbol acquisition unit 130 acquires a communication vehicle symbol. Specifically, when the communication information received from the communication vehicle includes vehicle type information and color information, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may generate an icon formed in a shape corresponding to the vehicle type of the communication vehicle and colored in a color corresponding to the color of the communication vehicle using the vehicle type information and the color information. Further, when the communication information received from the communication vehicle includes symbol information, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may extract the symbol information from the communication information. Further, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may acquire symbol information indicating a symbol corresponding to the communication information received from the communication vehicle from a database (not shown) or may acquire it from a server via a network. Specifically, when the communication information received from the communication vehicle includes vehicle type information and color information, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may generate an icon formed in a shape corresponding to the vehicle type of the communication vehicle and colored in a color corresponding to the color of the communication vehicle using the vehicle type information and the color information. Specifically, when the communication information received from the communication vehicle includes vehicle type information and color information, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may generate an icon formed in a shape corresponding to the vehicle type of the communication vehicle and colored in a color corresponding to the color of the communication vehicle using the vehicle type information and the color information. using the vehicle type information and the color information, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may generate an icon formed in a shape corresponding to the vehicle type of the communication vehicle and colored in a color corresponding to the color of the communication vehicle. Further, when the communication information received from the communication vehicle includes symbol information, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may extract the symbol information from the communication information. Further, when the communication information received from the communication vehicle includes symbol information, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may extract the symbol information from the communication information. Further, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may acquire symbol information indicating a symbol corresponding to the communication information received from the communication vehicle from a database (not shown) or may acquire it from a server via a network. from a database (not shown) or may acquire it from a server via a network.

[0032] In addition, the symbol acquisition unit 130 may generate a thumbnail image, which is a vehicle symbol, from the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 122. Specifically, the symbol acquisition unit 130 detects the communication vehicle in the image from the position and direction of the communication vehicle specified by the communication vehicle identification unit 120. Then, the image of the communication vehicle is extracted to generate a thumbnail image. Here, since the shooting direction, field of view angle, magnification, etc. of the camera 2 are known, it is possible to detect the communication vehicle in the image from the position and direction of the communication vehicle by a geometric method. For example, it is possible to determine the match between the direction of existence of the communication vehicle with respect to the host vehicle specified by the communication vehicle identification unit 120 and the inter-vehicle distance, which is the distance between the host vehicle and the communication vehicle, and the position and direction of the communication vehicle calculated from the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 122. Note that the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 122 is used for the symbol acquisition unit 130 to generate a thumbnail image. Therefore, if the symbol acquisition unit 130 does not generate a thumbnail image from the image, the image acquisition unit 122 is not an essential component. The display size determination unit 140 determines the display size of the communication vehicle symbol according to the inter-vehicle distance obtained by the communication vehicle identification unit 120. Specifically, the display size determination unit 140 determines the display size such that the display size of the communication vehicle symbol becomes smaller if the inter-vehicle distance is long. On the other hand, the display size determination unit 140 determines the display size such that the display size of the communication vehicle symbol becomes larger if the inter-vehicle distance is short. Note that the display size is defined by, for example, the number of vertical and horizontal pixels of the image representing the communication vehicle symbol.

[0033]

[0034] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It may be defined by dimensions such as inches, etc. Also, regarding the display size, it can be determined as a relative size with respect to the screen size of the display device 6. Therefore, even if the inter-vehicle distance is the same, the display size can be larger when the screen size is larger than when the screen size is smaller. For example, if the inter-vehicle distance is L and the screen size is D, the display size S of the communication vehicle symbol is It can be determined as a relative size with respect to the screen size of the display device 6 of the vehicle. Therefore, even if the inter-vehicle distance is The same, the display size can be larger when the screen size is larger than when the screen size is smaller. For example, if the inter-vehicle distance is L and the screen size is D, the display size S of the communication vehicle symbol is It can be expressed as S=a×D / L ···(1) S=a×D / L ···(1) where a is a proportionality constant.

[0035] Also, the size s of the communication vehicle symbol acquired by the symbol acquisition unit 130 may be determined according to the vehicle body dimensions of the communication vehicle, etc. In this case, the display size determination unit 140 may determine the display magnification of the communication vehicle symbol actually displayed. That is, the display size determination unit 140 may determine the display magnification b when S in the above formula 1 is expressed as S=b×s. It may be determined according to the vehicle body dimensions of the communication vehicle, etc. In this case, the display size determination unit 140 may determine the display magnification of the communication vehicle symbol actually displayed. That is, the display size determination unit 140 may determine the display magnification b when S in the above formula 1 is expressed as S=b×s. It may determine the display magnification of the communication vehicle symbol actually displayed. That is, the display size determination unit 140 may determine the display magnification b when S in the above formula 1 is expressed as S=b×s. That is, the display size determination unit 140 may determine the display magnification b when S in the above formula 1 is expressed as S=b×s. .

[0036] The display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol on the screen of the display device 6 with the display size determined by the display size determination unit 140. Specifically, the display control unit 150 generates a display image to be displayed on the screen of the display device 6. Here, the generated display image includes the communication vehicle symbol. And in the display image, the size of the communication vehicle symbol is the determined Display size. Specifically, the display control unit 150 generates a display image to be displayed on the screen of the display device 6. Here, the generated display image includes the communication vehicle symbol. And in the display image, the size of the communication vehicle symbol is the determined Display size. Here, the generated display image includes the communication vehicle symbol. And in the display image, the size of the communication vehicle symbol is the determined Display size. And in the display image, the size of the communication vehicle symbol is the determined Display size.

[0037] Furthermore, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol so that the existence direction of the communication vehicle specified by the communication vehicle specifying unit 120 can be visually perceived. Specifically, The display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol at a position corresponding to the existence direction of the communication vehicle so that the existence direction of the communication vehicle specified by the communication vehicle specifying unit 120 can be visually perceived. Specifically, The display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol at a position corresponding to the existence direction of the communication vehicle so that the existence direction of the communication vehicle specified by the communication vehicle specifying unit 120 can be visually perceived. Specifically, Generate a display image as shown. Thereby, the display control unit 150 causes the communication vehicle symbol to be displayed at a position corresponding to the direction of presence of the communication vehicle on the screen of the display device 6. On the screen, at a position corresponding to the direction of presence of the communication vehicle, display the communication vehicle symbol.

[0038] Here, the upper position on the screen may be associated with the front of the host vehicle. Also, the lower position on the screen may be associated with the rear of the host vehicle. Also, the right position on the screen may be associated with the right direction of the host vehicle. Also, the left position on the screen may be associated with the left direction of the host vehicle.

[0039] For example, when the direction of presence of the communication vehicle is in the front direction of the host vehicle, that is, in the direction along the traveling direction, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol at the upper center of the screen. Also, when the direction of presence of the communication vehicle is in the right front of the host vehicle, that is, in the right direction with respect to the traveling direction, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol at the upper right of the screen. Also, when the direction of presence of the communication vehicle is in the rear of the host vehicle, that is, in the direction opposite to the traveling direction, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol at the lower center of the screen.

[0040] Note that the method of displaying the communication vehicle symbol so that the direction of presence of the communication vehicle can be visually perceived is not limited to the method of setting the display position of the communication vehicle symbol to a position corresponding to the direction of presence of the communication vehicle. For example, the display control unit 150 may display an arrow in the direction corresponding to the direction of presence of the communication vehicle near the communication vehicle symbol. That is, the display control unit 150 may generate a display image representing the direction of presence of the communication vehicle using the arrow.

[0041] For example, when the direction of the communication vehicle is in the direction of the front of the host vehicle, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol at the center of the screen, and may display an upward-pointing arrow near the communication vehicle symbol (for example, above). Also, when the direction of the communication vehicle is in the right front of the host vehicle, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol at the center of the screen and display an arrow pointing to the upper right near the communication vehicle symbol (for example, upper right). Also, when the direction of the communication vehicle is in the rear of the host vehicle, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol at the center of the screen and display a downward-pointing arrow near the communication vehicle symbol (for example, below). Even when using an arrow to represent the direction of the communication vehicle, the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be set as the position corresponding to the direction of the communication vehicle.

[0042] Furthermore, the display control unit 150 may display the communication content near the communication vehicle symbol on the screen of the display device 6. In this case, the display control unit 150 may display a speech bubble near the communication vehicle symbol on the screen and display the communication content inside the speech bubble. That is, the display control unit 150 may display a speech bubble near the communication vehicle symbol and generate a display image with the communication content displayed inside the speech bubble. For example, when the communication content is "Please go ahead", the display control unit 150 may display a speech bubble with "Please go ahead" shown near the communication vehicle symbol. Note that, for example, when outputting the communication vehicle by voice, the display control unit 150 may output the communication content of the communication vehicle corresponding to the touched communication vehicle symbol by voice when the communication vehicle symbol is touched. When outputting the communication vehicle by voice, the display control unit 150 may output the communication content of the communication vehicle corresponding to the touched communication vehicle symbol by voice when the communication vehicle symbol is touched. When outputting the communication vehicle by voice, the display control unit 150 may output the communication content of the communication vehicle corresponding to the touched communication vehicle symbol by voice when the communication vehicle symbol is touched. When the communication content is a symbol image, the display control unit 150 may display the received symbol image near the communication vehicle symbol.

[0043] The communication processing unit 160 performs a process that enables communication with the communication vehicle in a predetermined case. Specifically, when the communication vehicle symbol is touched on the screen of the display device 6, the communication processing unit 160 starts communication with the communication vehicle corresponding to the touched communication vehicle symbol. Then, the communication processing unit 160 controls the communication unit 106 to establish a wireless communication path with the communication vehicle. The communication processing unit 160 transmits the communication information of the host vehicle to the communication vehicle via the communication unit 106 and the established wireless communication path. In this case, the communication processing unit 160 may transmit the communication information illustrated in FIG. 4 to the communication vehicle. That is, the communication processing unit 160 may transmit the host vehicle symbol, which is a symbol indicating the host vehicle, to the communication vehicle. For example, when only one communication vehicle symbol is displayed on the screen of the display device 6, the communication processing unit 160 may start communication with the communication vehicle corresponding to the communication vehicle symbol even if the communication vehicle symbol is not touched.

[0044] Then, the communication processing unit 160 receives communication information from the communication vehicle via the wireless communication path and the communication unit 106. Note that the communication information transmitted and received after the wireless communication is established may or may not include position information.

[0045] For example, the communication processing unit 160 may transmit text data input to the touch panel of the display device 6 by the driver or the like as communication content. Alternatively, the communication processing unit 160 may transmit, among the options such as text data and symbol images displayed on the touch panel, the one selected by the driver or the like as communication content. ​​​​​​In other words, the screen of the display device 6 may be operated to select the desired content and transmit it as the communication content. The communication content may be input by making the above-mentioned operation.

[0046] The communication processing unit 160 also detects speech uttered by the driver or the like and collected by the microphone 7. In this case, the communication processing unit 160 may transmit the information to the communication vehicle as the communication content. The speech may be converted into text data by speech recognition and transmitted to the communication vehicle. The processing unit 160 outputs the communication contents transmitted from the communication vehicle to the display device 6 or the speaker 8. You may do so.

[0047] In addition, communication with the communication vehicle can be performed without interfering with the driving operation of the vehicle. Then, depending on the driving situation of the vehicle, the output method of the communication contents of the communication vehicle and the communication contents of the vehicle are For example, when the vehicle is traveling, the communication processing unit 160 In this case, only voice input and voice output may be possible as the input and output method of communication contents. When the vehicle is stopped, the communication content input / output method is voice input and voice output. In addition, the touch panel of the display device 6 may be made available.

[0048] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to the first embodiment. 110 receives communication information from communication vehicles existing around the vehicle and communicating with the vehicle (step (Step S102) The communication vehicle identification unit 120 uses the communication information to identify the vehicle that transmitted the communication information. As described above, the communication vehicle identification unit 120 The communication vehicle identification unit 120 may also identify the vehicle-to-vehicle distance. may be specified.

[0049] The symbol acquisition unit 130 acquires the communication vehicle symbol by the above-mentioned method (step (Step S106) The display size determination unit 140 determines the display size according to the vehicle distance by the above-mentioned method. The display size of the communication vehicle symbol acquired in the process of S106 is determined (step S10 8) The vehicle-to-vehicle distance may be calculated by the display size determination unit 140.

[0050] The display control unit 150 displays the image on the screen of the display device 6 at the display size determined in the process of S108. The communicating vehicle symbol is displayed (step S110). When there are a plurality of communicating vehicles, the display control unit 150 displays a plurality of communicating vehicle symbols as follows: The vehicle identification unit 120 may display the vehicle information on the screen of the display device 6. When the direction of the vehicle is identified, the display control unit 150 displays the direction of the vehicle as described above. A communication vehicle symbol may be displayed so that the direction is visually perceptible. For example, The display control unit 150 displays, on the screen of the display device 6, a position corresponding to the direction in which the communicating vehicle is located. A communicating vehicle symbol may be displayed.

[0051] Furthermore, as described above, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol in the vicinity of the communication vehicle symbol. A balloon or symbol image showing the communication contents of the communication vehicle corresponding to the vehicle symbol is displayed. This allows the driver, etc. to visually recognize the contents of communication from the communicating vehicle. In particular, when multiple communication vehicle symbols are displayed, the communication status of each communication vehicle can be displayed. In this case, multiple voices may overlap, making it easier to recognize the content. In this case, the person may not be able to understand the meaning of each sound. Even if the meaning of each voice can be understood, it may not be easy to understand which voice corresponds to the communication content from which communication vehicle. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, by displaying a balloon indicating the communication content of the communication vehicle corresponding to the communication vehicle symbol near the communication vehicle symbol, the problems in the case of outputting the communication content by voice can be solved . Also, when a plurality of communication vehicle symbols are displayed, the displays such as balloons indicating the communication content may overlap, making it difficult to visually recognize. To solve such a problem , instead of simultaneously displaying the communication content of the communication vehicle corresponding to the communication vehicle symbol, it may be displayed sequentially . In that case, the display order may be, for example, preferably in the order of earlier reception timing, but there are various forms such as preferentially displaying the communication content of the communication vehicle closer to the own vehicle . Also, when displaying the communication content of the communication vehicle corresponding to the communication vehicle symbol, the communication vehicle symbol or symbol image may be in a display form that makes it easier to grasp from which vehicle the communication content is being displayed . For example, the display control unit 150 may blink-display all or a part such as an edge of the communication vehicle symbol corresponding to the displayed communication content . Alternatively, the display control unit 150 may blink-display all or a part such as an edge of the symbol image . Alternatively, the display control unit 150 may gray out the communication vehicle symbols other than the communication vehicle symbol corresponding to the displayed communication content by reducing their display luminance . . . Or, the display control unit 150 may blink-display all or a part such as an edge of the symbol image . Or, the display control unit 150 may gray out the communication vehicle symbols other than the communication vehicle symbol corresponding to the displayed communication content by reducing their display luminance . .

[0052] The display control unit 150 determines whether or not the communication vehicle symbol displayed on the screen of the display device 6 has been touched (step S112). When the communication vehicle symbol has been touched (S11 ​In the case of YES for 2), the communication processing unit 160 performs processing to enable communication with the communication vehicle corresponding to the touched communication vehicle symbol (step S114). In this way, by enabling communication with the communication vehicle when the communication vehicle symbol is touched, the driver or the like can specify the communication vehicle with which they want to communicate. In other words, it is possible to prevent communication with a communication vehicle that the driver or the like does not want to communicate with. and (step S114). Thus, by enabling communication with the communication vehicle when the communication vehicle symbol is touched, the driver or the like can specify the communication vehicle with which they want to communicate. That is, when the communication vehicle symbol is touched, communication with the communication vehicle is enabled, so that the driver or the like can specify the communication vehicle with which they want to communicate. In other words, it is possible to prevent communication with a communication vehicle that the driver or the like does not want to communicate with.

[0053] FIGS. 6 to 9 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first example of a state in which the host vehicle 90 equipped with the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment receives communication information from the communication vehicle 92. The host vehicle 90 corresponds to the vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 6, the host vehicle 90 is traveling in one lane of a two-lane road with left-hand traffic, and the communication vehicle 92 is traveling in the oncoming lane. And the host vehicle 90 is about to turn right in front of the communication vehicle 92. Note that the host vehicle 90 corresponds to the vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 6, the host vehicle 90 is traveling in one lane of a two-lane road with left-hand traffic, and the communication vehicle 92 is traveling in the oncoming lane. And the host vehicle 90 is about to turn right in front of the communication vehicle 92. In the example of FIG. 6, the host vehicle 90 is traveling in one lane of a two-lane road with left-hand traffic, and the communication vehicle 92 is traveling in the oncoming lane. And the host vehicle 90 is about to turn right in front of the communication vehicle 92. In the example of FIG. 6, the host vehicle 90 is traveling in one lane of a two-lane road with left-hand traffic, and the communication vehicle 92 is traveling in the oncoming lane. And the host vehicle 90 is about to turn right in front of the communication vehicle 92.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 6, the communication vehicle 92 is transmitting communication information including the position information of the communication vehicle 92 and the communication content "After you". Also, the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle 90 and the communication vehicle 92 is assumed to be L1 (m). Also, the communication vehicle 92 is present diagonally in front of the host vehicle 90 in the traveling direction of the host vehicle 90. In the example of FIG. 6, the communication vehicle 92 is transmitting communication information including the position information of the communication vehicle 92 and the communication content "After you". Also, the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle 90 and the communication vehicle 92 is assumed to be L1 (m). Also, the communication vehicle 92 is present diagonally in front of the host vehicle 90 in the traveling direction of the host vehicle 90.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display image displayed by the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment for the first example shown in FIG. 6. The communication vehicle specifying unit 120 uses the position information of the host vehicle 90 and the position information of the communication vehicle 92 to specify the position of the communication vehicle 92 with respect to the host vehicle 90. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display image displayed by the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment for the first example shown in FIG. 6. The communication vehicle specifying unit 120 uses the position information of the host vehicle 90 and the position information of the communication vehicle 92 to specify the position of the communication vehicle 92 with respect to the host vehicle 90. and the position information of the communication vehicle 92 to specify the position of the communication vehicle 92 with respect to the host vehicle 90. ​​is determined. The symbol acquisition unit 130 acquires a communication vehicle symbol 92Im that visually represents the characteristics of the communication vehicle 92. The display size determination unit 140 determines the display size S1 of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im according to the distance L1 between the host vehicle 90 and the communication vehicle 92. Note that the display size S1 of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im can be determined according to the vehicle - to - vehicle distance L1 and the screen size D of the screen 6a. In the example of FIG. 7, the display size S is defined by the horizontal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im, and the screen size D is defined by the horizontal size of the screen 6a, but it is not limited thereto. The display size S may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. Similarly, the screen size D may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the screen 6a. This is the same for the examples shown in other figures. The display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 92Im on the screen 6a with the display size S1 determined by the display size determination unit 140. Further, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 92Im at a position corresponding to the direction of existence of the communication vehicle 92 specified by the communication vehicle specifying unit 120 on the screen 6a. In the example of FIG. 6, since the communication vehicle 92 exists in the right front of the host vehicle 90, the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed in the upper right of the screen 6a. Further, the display control unit 150 displays a speech balloon 72Im indicating the communication content "After you" inside, near the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of a state in which the host vehicle 90 equipped with the communication device 100 according to Embodiment 1 receives communication information from the communication vehicle 94. FIG. 8 shows a two - vehicle round - trip on the left - hand traffic. In the example of FIG. 7, the display size S is defined by the horizontal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im, and the screen size D is defined by the horizontal size of the screen 6a, but it is not limited thereto. The display size S may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. Similarly, the screen size D may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the screen 6a. This is the same for the examples shown in other figures. In the example of FIG. 7, the display size S is defined by the horizontal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im, and the screen size D is defined by the horizontal size of the screen 6a, but it is not limited thereto. The display size S may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. Similarly, the screen size D may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the screen 6a. This is the same for the examples shown in other figures. The display size S may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. Similarly, the screen size D may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the screen 6a. This is the same for the examples shown in other figures. The display size S may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. Similarly, the screen size D may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the screen 6a. This is the same for the examples shown in other figures. The display size S may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. Similarly, the screen size D may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the screen 6a. This is the same for the examples shown in other figures.

[0056] The display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 92Im on the screen 6a with the display size S1 determined by the display size determination unit 140. Further, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 92Im on the screen 6a. Furthermore, the display control unit 150 is at a position corresponding to the direction of existence of the communication vehicle 92 specified by the communication vehicle specifying unit 120 on the screen 6a. In the example of FIG. 6, since the communication vehicle 92 exists in the right front of the host vehicle 90, the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed in the upper right of the screen 6a. In the example of FIG. 6, since the communication vehicle 92 exists in the right front of the host vehicle 90, the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed in the upper right of the screen 6a. Furthermore, the display control unit 150 displays a speech balloon 72Im indicating the communication content "After you" inside, near the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. Furthermore, the display control unit 150 displays a speech balloon 72Im indicating the communication content "After you" inside, near the communication vehicle symbol 92Im.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of a state in which the host vehicle 90 equipped with the communication device 100 according to Embodiment 1 receives communication information from the communication vehicle 94. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second example of a state in which the host vehicle 90 equipped with the communication device 100 according to Embodiment 1 receives communication information from the communication vehicle 94. In the example of FIG. 8, the display size S is defined by the horizontal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im, and the screen size D is defined by the horizontal size of the screen 6a, but it is not limited thereto. The display size S may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. Similarly, the screen size D may be defined by the vertical or diagonal size of the screen 6a. This is the same for the examples shown in other figures.A vehicle 90 is traveling in one lane of a road with multiple lanes, and a communication vehicle 94 is traveling in the opposite lane. Then, the host vehicle 90 is about to make a right turn just before the communication vehicle 92.

[0058] In the example of FIG. 8, the communication vehicle 94 transmits the position information of the communication vehicle 92 and the communication content "You go first. In addition, the vehicle distance between the vehicle 90 and the communication vehicle 94 is Here, L2>L1. The distance between the two vehicles 94 is assumed to be longer than the distance between the vehicle 90 and the communication vehicle 92. The receiving vehicle 92 is located to the right and in front of the host vehicle 90 in the traveling direction.

[0059] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the second example shown in FIG. 8, which is performed by the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image displayed by the communication vehicle identification unit 120. Using the information and the position information of the communication vehicle 94, the position of the communication vehicle 94 relative to the vehicle 90 is identified. The symbol acquisition unit 130 acquires a communication vehicle symbol that visually represents the characteristics of the communication vehicle 94. The display size determination unit 140 obtains the distance between the host vehicle 90 and the communication vehicle 94. The display size S2 of the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is determined according to the distance L2. The display size S2 of both symbols 94Im is determined by the vehicle distance L2 and the screen size D of the screen 6a. It can be determined depending on.

[0060] The display control unit 150 performs communication at the display size determined by the display size determination unit 140. The display control unit 150 causes the vehicle symbol 94Im to be displayed on the screen 6a. At a position corresponding to the direction of the communication vehicle 94 identified by the communication vehicle identification unit 120 , a communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed. In the example of FIG. 8, since the communication vehicle 94 exists in the upper right front of the host vehicle 90, the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed in the upper right of the screen 6a. Further, the display control unit 150 displays a speech balloon 74Im indicating the communication content "How about going ahead first" near the communication vehicle symbol 94Im. Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the display control unit 150 generates a display image such that the communication vehicle symbol 94Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a long inter-vehicle distance is displayed smaller than the communication vehicle symbol 92Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a short inter-vehicle distance. That is, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol so that S1 > S2 when L1 < L2. In this way, by making the display size of the communication vehicle symbol smaller as the inter-vehicle distance is longer and larger as the inter-vehicle distance is shorter, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp the distance to the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information visually. Thereby, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp which vehicle around the host vehicle 90 transmitted the communication information. Specifically, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 7, since the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed relatively large, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively close vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 92. On the other hand, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 9, since the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed relatively small, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively distant vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 94. Therefore, the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment

[0061] Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the display control unit 150 generates a display image such that the communication vehicle symbol 94Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a long inter-vehicle distance is displayed smaller than the communication vehicle symbol 92Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a short inter-vehicle distance. That is, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol so that S1 > S2 when L1 < L2. In this way, by making the display size of the communication vehicle symbol smaller as the inter-vehicle distance is longer and larger as the inter-vehicle distance is shorter, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp the distance to the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information visually. Thereby, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp which vehicle around the host vehicle 90 transmitted the communication information. Specifically, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 7, since the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed relatively large, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively close vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 92. On the other hand, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 9, since the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed relatively small, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively distant vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 94. Therefore, the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the display control unit 150 generates a display image such that the communication vehicle symbol 94Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a long inter-vehicle distance is displayed smaller than the communication vehicle symbol 92Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a short inter-vehicle distance. That is, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol so that S1 > S2 when L1 < L2. In this way, by making the display size of the communication vehicle symbol smaller as the inter-vehicle distance is longer and larger as the inter-vehicle distance is shorter, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp the distance to the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information visually. Thereby, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp which vehicle around the host vehicle 90 transmitted the communication information. Specifically, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 7, since the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed relatively large, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively close vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 92. On the other hand, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 9, since the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed relatively small, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively distant vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 94. Therefore, the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the display control unit 150 generates a display image such that the communication vehicle symbol 94Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a long inter-vehicle distance is displayed smaller than the communication vehicle symbol 92Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a short inter-vehicle distance. That is, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol so that S1 > S2 when L1 < L2. In this way, by making the display size of the communication vehicle symbol smaller as the inter-vehicle distance is longer and larger as the inter-vehicle distance is shorter, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp the distance to the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information visually. Thereby, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp which vehicle around the host vehicle 90 transmitted the communication information. Specifically, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 7, since the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed relatively large, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively close vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 92. On the other hand, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 9, since the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed relatively small, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively distant vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 94. Therefore, the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment

[0062] Specifically, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 7, since the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed relatively large, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively close vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 92. On the other hand, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 9, since the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed relatively small, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively distant vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 94. Therefore, the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the display control unit 150 generates a display image such that the communication vehicle symbol 94Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a long inter-vehicle distance is displayed smaller than the communication vehicle symbol 92Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a short inter-vehicle distance. That is, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol so that S1 > S2 when L1 < L2. In this way, by making the display size of the communication vehicle symbol smaller as the inter-vehicle distance is longer and larger as the inter-vehicle distance is shorter, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp the distance to the communication vehicle that transmitted the communication information visually. Thereby, drivers and the like can intuitively grasp which vehicle around the host vehicle 90 transmitted the communication information. Specifically, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 7, since the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed relatively large, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively close vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 92. On the other hand, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 9, since the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed relatively small, drivers and the like can grasp that communication information is transmitted from a relatively distant vehicle, that is, the communication vehicle 94. Therefore, the communication device 10 according to the first embodiment Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the display control unit 150 generates a display image such that the communication vehicle symbol 94Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a long inter-vehicle distance is displayed smaller than the communication vehicle symbol 92Im corresponding to the communication vehicle 94 with a short inter-vehicle distance. That is, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol so that S1 > S2 when L1 < L2. In this way, by making the display size of the communication vehicle symbol smaller as the inter-vehicle distance is longer and larger as the inter-vehicle distance is shorter, 0 can visually and easily enable the user to grasp which vehicle around the host vehicle has transmitted communication information.

[0063] In addition, the display control unit 150 displays a communication vehicle symbol so that the direction of presence of the communication vehicle can be visually perceived. Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the display control unit 150 displays communication vehicle symbols 92Im and 94Im in the upper right of the screen 6a. Thereby, the driver or the like can intuitively grasp that the communication vehicles 92 and 94 exist in the right front of the host vehicle 9 0. As described above, the display control unit 150 may display an arrow indicating the direction of presence of the communication vehicle near the communication vehicle symbol. Even in such a method, the driver or the like can intuitively grasp that the communication vehicles 92 and 94 exist in the right front of the host vehicle 90. Further, the display control unit 1 50 may change the display positions of the communication vehicle symbols 92Im and communication vehicle symbol 94Im based on the distance difference between the inter-vehicle distance L1 between the host vehicle 90 and the communication vehicle 92 and the inter-vehicle distance L2 between the host vehicle 90 and the communication vehicle 94. Specifically, by displaying the display position of the communication vehicle symbol 94I m higher than that of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im, it can be visually and easily grasped that the communication vehicle 94 exists at a position farther than the communication vehicle 92.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 2, different from Embodiment 1, not only a communication vehicle symbol but also a host vehicle symbol (second symbol), which is an image visually representing the features of the host vehicle, is displayed. Note that the hardware configuration of the vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 2 The composition and configuration of the communication device 100 are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1, so the description thereof will be omitted. That's why the explanation is omitted.

[0065] Note that the communication device 100 acquires the own-vehicle symbol by the symbol acquisition unit 130. The symbol acquisition unit 130 may store the own-vehicle symbol in the storage unit 104 in advance. In addition, the communication device 100 may acquire the own-vehicle symbol from a database (not shown), or may acquire it from a server via a network. The own-vehicle symbol may be, for example, an icon formed in a shape corresponding to the vehicle type of the own vehicle and colored in a color corresponding to the color of the own vehicle. Alternatively, the own-vehicle symbol may be, for example, a thumbnail image of an image of the appearance of the own vehicle. The thumbnail image may be an image of the front or a bird's-eye view image of the own vehicle. Note that when the communication vehicle symbol is a bird's-eye view image, it is preferable that the own-vehicle symbol is also a bird's-eye view image. That's preferred.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the communication method according to Embodiment 2. Note that the processes of S202 to S208 are substantially the same as the processes of S102 to S108 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, so the description thereof will be omitted. Also, the processes of S212 to S214 are substantially the same as the processes of S112 to S114 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, so the description thereof will be omitted. That's why the explanation is omitted. Also, the processes of S212 to S214 are substantially the same as the processes of S112 to S114 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, so the description thereof will be omitted. That's why the explanation is omitted.

[0067] The display size determination unit 140 determines the display size S' of the own-vehicle symbol according to the inter-vehicle distance (step S209). Note that the method for determining the display size of the own-vehicle symbol may be substantially the same as the method for determining the display size S of the communication vehicle symbol described above. That is, That's why the explanation is omitted. it may be substantially the same as the method for determining the display size S of the communication vehicle symbol described above. That is, , the display size determination unit 140 determines the display size S' of the own vehicle symbol such that if the vehicle - to - vehicle distance L is long, the display size S' becomes small. On the other hand, the display size determination unit 140 determines the display size S' such that if the vehicle - to - vehicle distance L is short, the display size S' of the own vehicle symbol becomes large. Also, the display size of the own vehicle symbol may be fixed. The display control unit 150 causes the communication vehicle symbol determined in the process of S208 to be displayed on the screen of the display device 6, and causes the own vehicle symbol to be displayed in the display size determined in the process of S209 (step S210). That is, when the vehicle - to - vehicle distance is long, the display control unit 150

[0068] displays a communication vehicle symbol and an own vehicle symbol with a relatively small display size on the screen. On the other hand, when the vehicle - to - vehicle distance is short, the display control unit 150 displays a communication vehicle symbol and an own vehicle symbol with a relatively large display size on the screen. At this time, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol on the screen of the display device 6 such that the interval L' between the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol on the screen is an interval corresponding to the vehicle - to - vehicle distance L. That is, when the vehicle - to - vehicle distance is long, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol on the screen of the display device 6 such that the interval between the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol becomes long. On the other hand, when the vehicle - to - vehicle distance is short, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol on the screen of the display device 6 such that the interval between the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol becomes short.

[0069] Also, the display control unit 150, on the screen, for the own vehicle symbol, with respect to the own vehicle

[0070] ​​​​​​​​ A communication vehicle symbol may be displayed at a position corresponding to the direction of presence of the communication vehicle. For example, when a communication vehicle exists diagonally in front of the host vehicle on the right side, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol diagonally above and to the right of the host vehicle symbol. Also, when a communication vehicle exists directly in front of the host vehicle, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol directly above and in the center of the host vehicle symbol on the screen. Also, when a communication vehicle exists behind the host vehicle, the display control unit 150 may display the communication vehicle symbol directly below and in the center of the host vehicle symbol on the screen. In this case, the display position of the host vehicle symbol on the screen may be arbitrary.

[0071] FIGS. 11 to 12 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the communication device 100 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display image displayed by the communication device 100 according to Embodiment 2 for the first example shown in FIG. 6. As described above, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 92Im on the screen 6a in the display size S1 determined according to the inter-vehicle distance L1. Also, the display control unit 150 displays the host vehicle symbol 90Im on the screen 6a in the display size S1' determined according to the inter-vehicle distance L1. Furthermore, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 92Im on the screen 6a at a position corresponding to the direction of presence of the communication vehicle 92 with respect to the host vehicle 90, relative to the host vehicle symbol 90Im. In the example of FIG. 6, since the communication vehicle 92 exists diagonally in front of the host vehicle 90 on the right side, the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed diagonally above and to the right of the host vehicle symbol 90Im on the screen 6a. Furthermore, the display control unit 150 displays the communication content "ahead" near the communication vehicle symbol 92Im.

[0072] on the screen. on the screen 6a. In the example of FIG. 6, since the communication vehicle 92 exists diagonally in front of the host vehicle 90 on the right side, the communication vehicle symbol 92Im is displayed diagonally above and to the right of the host vehicle symbol 90Im on the screen 6a. Furthermore, the display control unit 150 displays the communication content "ahead" near the communication vehicle symbol 92Im. on the screen. Display a speech bubble 72Im that indicates "After you" inside. Further, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 92Im and the own vehicle symbol 90Im on the screen 6a such that the distance L1' between the communication vehicle symbol 92Im and the own vehicle symbol 90Im is an interval corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance L1.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display image displayed by the communication device 100 according to Embodiment 2 for the second example shown in FIG. 8. As described above, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 94Im on the screen 6a with a display size S2 determined according to the inter-vehicle distance L2. The display control unit 150 also displays the own vehicle symbol 90Im on the screen 6a with a display size S2' determined according to the inter-vehicle distance L2.

[0074] Further, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 94Im at a position corresponding to the direction of presence of the communication vehicle 94 with respect to the own vehicle 90 with respect to the own vehicle symbol 90Im on the screen 6a. In the example of FIG. 8, since the communication vehicle 94 is present diagonally in front of the right of the own vehicle 90, the communication vehicle symbol 94Im is displayed at the upper right of the own vehicle symbol 90Im on the screen 6a. Further, the display control unit 150 displays a speech bubble 74Im that indicates "After you" inside in the vicinity of the communication vehicle symbol 94Im. Further, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol 94Im and the own vehicle symbol 90Im on the screen 6a such that the distance L2' between the communication vehicle symbol 94Im and the own vehicle symbol 90Im is an interval corresponding to the inter-vehicle distance L2.

[0075] ​​​​​​​​​​Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the display control unit 150 according to Embodiment 2 displays the own vehicle symbol together with the communication vehicle symbol on the screen 6a. At this time, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol smaller on the screen 6a when the inter-vehicle distance is long, as compared with the case where the inter-vehicle distance is short. That is, the display control unit 15 0 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol to be displayed on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S2' when L1 < L2. In this way, by reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. 0 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol to be displayed on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S2' when L1 < L2. In this way, by reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. Thus, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. By reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. Specifically, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 11, since the communication vehicle symbol 92Im and the own vehicle symbol 90Im are displayed relatively large, the driver or the like can grasp that the communication information has been transmitted from the communication vehicle 92 relatively close to the own vehicle 90. On the other hand, in the screen illustrated in FIG. 12 Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the display control unit 150 according to Embodiment 2 displays the own vehicle symbol together with the communication vehicle symbol on the screen 6a. At this time, the display control unit 150 displays the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol smaller on the screen 6a when the inter-vehicle distance is long, as compared with the case where the inter-vehicle distance is short. That is, the display control unit 15 0 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol to be displayed on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S2' when L1 < L2. In this way, by reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. 0 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol to be displayed on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S2' when L1 < L2. In this way, by reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. 0 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol to be displayed on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S2' when L1 < L2. In this way, by reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. 0 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol to be displayed on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S2' when L1 < L2. In this way, by reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists.

[0076] Specifically, in the screen 6a illustrated in FIG. 11, since the communication vehicle symbol 92Im and the own vehicle symbol 90Im are displayed relatively large, the driver or the like can grasp that the communication information has been transmitted from the communication vehicle 92 relatively close to the own vehicle 90. On the other hand, in the screen illustrated in FIG. 12 0 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol to be displayed on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S2' when L1 < L2. In this way, by reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. 0 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol to be displayed on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S2' when L1 < L2. In this way, by reducing the display sizes of the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp, visually, the distance to the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information, as compared with Embodiment 1. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp whether the communication information has been transmitted and where the communication vehicle exists. Also, as described above, when the display size of the own vehicle symbol is fixed, the display size of the communication vehicle symbol may be reduced as the inter-vehicle distance becomes longer, and the display position of the communication vehicle symbol may be made farther from the own vehicle symbol. Thereby, the driver or the like can more intuitively grasp where the communication vehicle that has transmitted the communication information exists. In the example shown in FIG. 6a, the communicating vehicle symbol 94Im and the vehicle symbol 90Im are displayed relatively small. Therefore, the driver or the like can see that the communication information is transmitted from the communication vehicle 94 that is relatively far from the vehicle 90. Therefore, it can be understood that the communication in the second embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. The device 100 visually indicates to the user from which vehicles around the vehicle communication information has been received. can be more easily understood.

[0077] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the display control unit 150 according to the second embodiment The interval L' between the communicating vehicle symbol and the host vehicle symbol on the screen 6a changes in response to the inter-vehicle distance L. That is, the display control unit 150 generates a display image so that the intervals are the same as those of the screen 6a. In this case, the longer the inter-vehicle distance L, the longer the interval L' between the communicating vehicle symbol and the host vehicle symbol. The communicating vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol are displayed on the screen 6a so that This allows the driver or the like to more easily recognize the sense of distance between the communicating vehicle and the own vehicle. Therefore, the user can visually know from which vehicles around the vehicle the communication information is received. It can be easily understood.

[0078] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the display control unit 150 according to the second embodiment On the screen 6a, the vehicle symbol 90Im is displayed with the vehicle communication vehicle 90. A communicating vehicle symbol is displayed at a position corresponding to the direction of the vehicle. The direction of the communicating vehicle relative to the vehicle 90 can be grasped more intuitively. This makes it easier for the user to visually see from which vehicles around the vehicle communication information has been received. It can be easily understood.

[0079] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In Embodiment 3, it is different from other embodiments in that the communication vehicle symbol is superimposed and displayed on the map. Note that the hardware configuration of Vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 3 is substantially the same as that according to Embodiment 1, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of the communication device 100 according to Embodiment 3 and the communication system 50 having the communication device 100. The communication system 50 according to Embodiment 3 includes a camera 2, a position detection device 4, a display device 6, a microphone 7, a speaker 8, a map storage unit 9, and a communication device 100. The communication device 100 is communicably connected to the camera 2, the position detection device 4, the display device 6, the microphone 7, the speaker 8, and the map storage unit 9. Note that the communication device 1 00 may have at least one of the camera 2, the position detection device 4, the display device 6, the microphone 7, the speaker 8, and the map storage unit 9.

[0081] The map storage unit 9 is a device that stores map information indicating a map. The map storage unit 9 may be realized by, for example, a car navigation system. The map indicated by the map information includes at least the current position of the vehicle 1 and surrounding information indicating the surroundings of the current position of the vehicle.

[0082] The communication device 100 includes a communication information receiving unit 110, a host vehicle position acquisition unit 112, a communication vehicle identification unit 120, an image acquisition unit 122, a symbol acquisition unit 130, a display size determination unit 140, a display control unit 350, and a communication processing unit 160. Note that the operations of the components other than the display control unit 350 are substantially the same as those of the above-described embodiments, so the description thereof will be omitted. ​​​​

[0083] The display control unit 350 causes a map corresponding to the current position of the vehicle 1 to be displayed on the screen of the display device 6. Then, the display control unit 350 causes a communication vehicle symbol to be displayed at a position on the map corresponding to the position of the communication vehicle. Furthermore, the display control unit 350 may cause a self-vehicle symbol to be displayed at a position on the map corresponding to the current position of the vehicle 1. Other operations of the display control unit 350 are substantially the same as the operations of the display control unit 150 described above. In the third embodiment, the display size may be determined according to the scale of the map.

[0084] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a communication method according to the third embodiment. The processes of S302 to S308 are substantially the same as the processes of S102 to S108 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Also, the process of S309 is substantially the same as the process of S209 shown in FIG. 10, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Further, the processes of S312 to S314 are substantially the same as the processes of S112 to S114 shown in FIG. 5, respectively, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0085] The display control unit 350 causes the communication vehicle symbol and the self-vehicle symbol to be displayed on the map (step S310). At this time, similar to the above-described embodiment, the display control unit 350 displays the communication vehicle symbol with the display size determined in the process of S308, and displays the self-vehicle symbol with the display size determined in the process of S309.

[0086] FIGS. 15 to 16 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the communication device 100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 15 shows the first example shown in FIG. 6, and the communication device 100 according to the third embodiment. It is a figure exemplifying a display image displayed by . FIG. 15 shows an example in which a map 80Im, which is an overhead map or a three-dimensional map, is displayed on the screen 6a.

[0087] The display control unit 350 causes the communication vehicle symbol 92Im to be displayed on the map 80Im displayed on the screen 6a with a display size S1 determined according to the inter-vehicle distance L1. Further, the display control unit 350 causes the own vehicle symbol 9 0Im to be displayed on the screen 6a with a display size S1' determined according to the inter-vehicle distance L1. At this time, since the own vehicle 90 exists in front of the communication vehicle 92, the display size S1' of the own vehicle symbol 90Im may be made larger than the display size S1 of the communication vehicle symbol 92Im.

[0088] FIG. 16 is a figure exemplifying a display image displayed by the communication device 100 according to the third embodiment for the second example shown in FIG. 8. The display control unit 350 causes the communication vehicle symbol 94Im to be displayed on the map displayed on the screen 6a with a display size S2 determined according to the inter-vehicle distance L2. Further, the display control unit 150 causes the own vehicle symbol 90Im to be displayed on the map 80Im displayed on the screen 6a with a display size S2' determined according to the inter-vehicle distance L2. At this time, since the own vehicle 90 exists in front of the communication vehicle 94, the display size S2' of the own vehicle symbol 90Im may be made larger than the display size S2 of the communication vehicle symbol 94Im.

[0089] Here, as exemplified in FIGS. 15 and 16, similar to the above-described embodiment, the display control unit 350 according to the third embodiment displays the own vehicle symbol together with the communication vehicle symbol on the screen 6 ​​​​​​​​​It is displayed on a. At this time, when the inter-vehicle distance is long, the display control unit 150 displays smaller communication vehicle symbols and own vehicle symbols on the screen 6a as compared with the case where the inter-vehicle distance is short. That is, the display control unit 350 displays the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol on the screen 6a such that S1 > S2 and S1' > S 2' when L1 < L2. Further, the display control unit 350 according to the third embodiment displays the communication vehicle symbol and the own vehicle symbol on the map 80Im. Thereby, compared with the above-described embodiment, the driver etc. can more intuitively grasp which vehicle around the own vehicle 90 has transmitted the communication information. In other words, the driver etc. can more intuitively grasp whether the communication vehicle has transmitted the communication information and where the communication vehicle exists.

[0090] Also, by displaying the communication vehicle symbol on the map, even for a communication vehicle that is difficult to visually recognize from the own vehicle because it is located behind an obstacle such as a building, the driver etc. can grasp it. That is, even at a position where it is difficult to visually recognize from the own vehicle, if it is on the map, the driver etc. can grasp the position. Therefore, even when receiving communication information from a communication vehicle that is in a blind spot due to a building etc., the driver etc. can grasp the position of the communication vehicle that has transmitted the information.

[0091] (Modification example) Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist. For example, the order of each process in the above-described flowchart can be appropriately changed. Also, one or more of each process in the above-described flowchart ​​​​​​​​​may be omitted. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the processes of S112 and S114 may not be necessary. This also applies to the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 16.

[0092] Also, the communication device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is assumed to identify the communication vehicle using communication information including the position information of the communication vehicle, but is not limited to such a configuration. It is not necessary to use position information to identify

[0093] the communication vehicle. In this case, the communication information transmitted from the communication vehicle may not include the position information of the communication vehicle. For example, assume that the communication information includes the vehicle ID of the communication vehicle. In this case, the communication vehicle identification unit 120 uses, for example, OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology to detect the license plate corresponding to the vehicle ID from the image captured using the camera 2. From this, the communication vehicle identification unit 120 can detect the communication vehicle from the image. Therefore, the communication vehicle identification unit 120 can identify the

[0094] direction of the communication vehicle with respect to the host vehicle. Further, ​However, the communication device 100 according to the present embodiment is not limited to such a configuration for performing inter-vehicle communication. The communication device 100 may communicate with a communication vehicle via a roadside device (not shown), or may communicate with a communication vehicle via a server.

[0095] In addition, the above-described program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to a computer. The non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD -R / W, semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EP ROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). In addition, the program may be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer readable media can supply the program to a computer via a wired communication path such as electric wires and optical fibers, or a wireless communication path.

[0096]

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0096] 1 Vehicle 2 Camera 4 Position Detection Device 6 Display Device 6a Screen 7 Microphone 8 Speaker 9 Map Memory Unit 50 Communication System 100 Communication Device 110 Communication Information Receiving Unit 112 Own Vehicle Position Acquisition Unit 120 Communication Vehicle Identification Unit 122 Image Acquisition Unit 130 Symbol Acquisition Unit 140 Display Size Determination Unit 150 Display Control Unit 160 Communication Processing Unit 350 Display Control Unit

Claims

1. a communication information receiving unit that receives communication information including communication contents and position information or vehicle information from a communication vehicle that is a vehicle existing around the vehicle and communicating; a communication vehicle identification unit that identifies the communication vehicle using the communication information; a symbol acquisition unit that acquires a symbol that is an image that resembles the identified communication vehicle; a display control unit that displays the symbol and the communication content on a screen of a display device; having The display control unit, when there are a plurality of communication vehicles, sequentially displays the communication contents related to each of the plurality of communication vehicles in a predetermined order, and blinks at least a part of the symbol corresponding to the displayed communication contents, or displays a symbol that is an image imitating the communication vehicle other than the symbol corresponding to the displayed communication contents with reduced display brightness. Communications equipment.

2. a communication information receiving step of receiving communication information including communication contents and position information or vehicle information from a communication vehicle that is a vehicle existing around the vehicle and performing communication; a communicating vehicle identification step of identifying the communicating vehicle using the communication information; a symbol acquisition step of acquiring a symbol which is an image imitating the identified communication vehicle; a display control step of displaying the symbol and the communication content on a screen of a display device; having When there are a plurality of communication vehicles, the communication contents relating to each of the plurality of communication vehicles are displayed in a predetermined order, and at least a part of the symbols corresponding to the displayed communication contents are displayed in a blinking manner, or a symbol which is an image imitating the communication vehicle other than the symbol corresponding to the displayed communication contents is displayed with a reduced display brightness. Communication methods.

Images