View control method and view control device

Abstract

To appropriately secure visibility of a driver in consideration of acceleration of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A visibility control device 100 of a vehicle 1 enables a variable light shielding part 30 provided at a lower part of a window shield 3 to expand or contract in a vertically direction on the basis of a vehicle speed. The visibility control device 100 comprises a control part 110 that makes the variable light shielding part 30 expand upward in the vertical direction as the vehicle speed becomes faster, and an acceleration calculating part 113 that detects acceleration of the vehicle 1. The control part 110, when acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds a reference value, suppresses the expanding speed of the variable light shielding part 30 on the basis of magnitude of the acceleration.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vision control method and a vision control device for controlling the vision in a windshield of a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technique for adjusting the vision area of the windshield at the front of a vehicle. For example, a technique has been proposed in which the light-shielding state and the light-transmitting state in the lower region of the windshield can be switched, and when the vehicle speed becomes a predetermined value or more, the lower region is controlled to be in the light-shielding state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, when the vehicle speed becomes a predetermined value or more, the lower region of the windshield becomes in the light-shielding state, so that the driver's vision becomes narrow. For this reason, when the vehicle speed fluctuates greatly and when the vehicle speed becomes a predetermined value or more, the vision in the windshield changes abruptly according to the vehicle speed, so it is also assumed that the driver will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when the vehicle speed fluctuates greatly, that is, when the acceleration is large, it is important to avoid giving the driver an uncomfortable feeling and to ensure the driver's vision.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to appropriately ensure the driver's vision in consideration of the acceleration of the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle vision control method capable of expanding or contracting a variable light-shielding region provided at the lower part of a windshield in the vertical direction based on the vehicle speed. This vision control method includes a control step of expanding the variable light-shielding region upward in the vertical direction as the vehicle speed increases, and a detection step of detecting the acceleration of the vehicle. The control step Based on the vehicle speed, control the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding area. When the acceleration exceeds the reference value, reduce the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding area as the acceleration increases. Suppresses the expansion of the variable light-shielding region.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the driver's field of vision can be appropriately ensured in consideration of the acceleration of the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [Example of the Configuration of a Windshield and a Variable Light-Shielding Part] FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of the external configuration of a windshield 3 and a variable light-shielding part 30. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 show a simplified interior of the vehicle 1, and illustrations other than the dashboard 2, the windshield 3, and the steering wheel 4 are omitted. Further, FIG. 1 shows an example when the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30 is minimized, and FIG. 2 shows an example when the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30 is maximized.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the internal cross-sectional configuration at the front of the vehicle 1. Note that FIG. 3 shows a simplified cross-section of the interior of the vehicle 1 when viewed from the left side in the left-right direction, and illustrations other than the dashboard 2, the windshield 3, and the steering wheel 4 are omitted.

[0012] The windshield 3 is a shield (e.g., a front glass) provided at the front part of the vehicle 1, and a variable light-shielding part 30 is provided at the lower part. Note that the region R2 in the windshield 3 is a region where light shielding can be performed by the variable light-shielding part 30. Also, the region R1 in the windshield 3 is a region where light shielding by the variable light-shielding part 30 does not occur, and it is a region where the driver D1 (see FIG. 3) can see the actual scene through the windshield 3 regardless of whether light shielding by the variable light-shielding part 30 is performed or not. Note that the windshield 3 may be formed using glass, or may be formed using other members, such as resin members such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and acrylic.

[0013] For example, as the windshield 3, a laminated glass composed of a rear glass, a front glass, and an intermediate film can be used. The rear glass is a transparent glass disposed on the passenger compartment side of the windshield 3. Also, the front glass is a transparent glass disposed on the outside of the windshield 3. Also, the intermediate film is a transparent resin film sandwiched between the rear glass and the front glass.

[0014] The variable light-shielding part 30 is a region capable of expanding or contracting the light-shielded region in the vertical direction of the windshield 3 based on the control of the control unit 110 (see FIG. 4). The variable light-shielding part 30 in this light-shielded state is a region where visual recognition from the passenger compartment to the outside of the vehicle is restricted, and is, for example, a black region. Note that here, an example where the light-shielded region of the variable light-shielding part 30 is black is shown, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a color close to black or other colors capable of light shielding may also be used.

[0015] For the variable light-shielding region in the variable light-shielding part 30, various materials capable of switching between a light-shielding state and a light-transmitting state can be used. For example, a photochromic material, an electrochromic dimming glass, a liquid crystal for light transmission, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), a gasochromic dimming sheet, etc. can be used. Note that the photochromic material is a material that colors when exposed to ultraviolet light and returns to transparency under visible light. Also, the electrochromic dimming glass is a material whose light-shielding state can be changed by applying a voltage. These materials can be provided on the surface of the windshield 3. When using laminated glass as the windshield 3, these materials may be used as the interlayer film of the windshield 3, or may be provided on the surface of the rear glass or the front glass.

[0016] Here, a state having a visible light transmittance that allows the driver D1 to visually recognize the outside of the vehicle through the variable light-shielding part 30 is referred to as a light-transmitting state. For example, a state with a visible light transmittance of 80% or more can be referred to as a light-transmitting state. Also, a state having a visible light transmittance that restricts the driver D1 from visually recognizing the outside of the vehicle through the variable light-shielding part 30 is referred to as a light-shielding state. For example, it can be referred to as a state with a visible light transmittance of 20% or less. Note that these values are just examples and can be appropriately set based on the preferences of the driver D1, experimental data, etc.

[0017] Also, as described above, the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding part 30 can be changed in the vertical direction. Specifically, it is made variable by a distance d3 in the vertical direction with reference to the upper end of the fixed region d1. Also, when the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding part 30 is expanded by a distance d3, it becomes the maximum region d2. Note that for the fixed region d1, for example, the black portion existing around the windshield 3 can be utilized. This black portion is a strip-shaped black ceramic layer printed on the passenger compartment side of the windshield 3 and is referred to as a black ceramic. In this embodiment, the fixed region with a vertical distance d1 of the windshield 3 is referred to as the fixed region d1, and the maximum region with a vertical distance d2 of the windshield 3 is referred to as the maximum region d2 for explanation.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the fixed area d1 is set without expanding the variable light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30, the field of view below the driver D1 becomes wider. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the angle formed by the line of sight IS2 of the driver D1 and the ground G1 is θ2. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the variable light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30 is expanded to the maximum area d2, the field of view below the driver D1 becomes narrower. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the angle formed by the line of sight IS1 of the driver D1 and the ground G1 is θ1 (θ1 < θ2).

[0019] In addition, the visual recognition limit distance X shown in FIG. 3 means the distance from the driver D1 to the actual scene area that can be visually recognized. Specifically, the visual recognition limit distance X is the distance to the position where the driver D1 sitting in the driver's seat can visually recognize the ground G1 in front of the vehicle 1 when looking down, and means the shortest distance from the vehicle 1. Note that as the vehicle speed increases, it becomes difficult to see the actual scene at a position closer to the vehicle 1. For this reason, it is possible to adjust the visual recognition limit distance X by adjusting the variable light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30 as the vehicle speed increases.

[0020] In FIGS. 1 and 2, an example in which the variable light-shielding part 30 is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction of the windshield 3, that is, an example in which the variable light-shielding part 30 is provided on both the driver's seat side and the passenger seat side of the windshield 3 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the variable light-shielding part 30 may be provided only on the driver's seat side of the windshield 3. In this case, a rectangular variable light-shielding part 30 that is long in the left-right direction can be provided on the driver's seat side of the windshield 3.

[0021] [Functional Configuration Example of Visual Field Control Device] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the visual field control device 100.

[0022] The visual field control device 100 includes sensors 10, a vehicle speed sensor 20, a variable light-shielding part 30, a control part 110, and a storage part 120. Note that the variable light-shielding part 30 corresponds to the variable light-shielding part 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0023] The sensors 10 are various sensors installed in the vehicle 1, and output their detected values to the control unit 110. The sensors 10 are, for example, an accelerator sensor, an accelerator position sensor, an image sensor, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a stroke sensor, an acceleration sensor, a wheel measurement sensor, and a lateral G sensor. Note that these are just examples, and other sensors may be used.

[0024] The vehicle speed sensor 20 is a sensor that detects the traveling speed of the vehicle 1, and outputs its detected value to the control unit 3110. The vehicle speed sensor 20 is provided, for example, on a brake rotor, a transmission, or the like.

[0025] The control unit 110 includes a visual recognition limit distance calculation unit 111, a detection unit 112, an acceleration calculation unit 113, a correction coefficient calculation unit 114, a correction unit 115, a light shielding amount calculation unit 116, and a light shielding region adjustment unit 117.

[0026] The visual recognition limit distance calculation unit 111 calculates the visual recognition limit distance X based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 20, and outputs the calculated visual recognition limit distance X to the correction unit 115. Note that the visual recognition limit distance X is the visual recognition limit distance X shown in FIG. 3. The method for calculating the visual recognition limit distance X will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 or FIG. 8.

[0027] The detection unit 112 executes various detection processes based on each detection value output from the sensors 10, and outputs the detection results to the acceleration calculation unit 113 and the correction coefficient calculation unit 114. For example, the detection unit 112 detects the accelerator opening and the accelerator opening speed based on the detection values output from the acceleration sensor and the accelerator position sensor. Here, the accelerator opening means the amount of depression when the driver D1 depresses the accelerator. The accelerator opening speed means the speed when reaching the accelerator opening (the amount of accelerator depression). For example, the accelerator opening speed can be detected based on the accelerator opening and the time until the accelerator opening is reached. Also, for example, the detection unit 112 detects the line-of-sight vertical angle based on each detection value output from the sensors 10. The method for detecting this line-of-sight vertical angle will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 12.

[0028] The acceleration calculation unit 113 calculates the acceleration of the vehicle 1 based on the accelerator opening and the accelerator opening speed detected by the detection unit 112, and outputs the calculated acceleration to the correction coefficient calculation unit 114. For example, the acceleration of the vehicle 1 can be calculated based on the value obtained by differentiating the accelerator opening speed with respect to time. Generally, the timing at which the vehicle accelerates is the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed after the driver steps on the accelerator, so there is a deviation between the timing of the accelerator operation and the acceleration timing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by calculating the acceleration of the vehicle 1 using the accelerator opening and the accelerator opening speed, it becomes possible to quickly estimate the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

[0029] In the present embodiment, an example of calculating the acceleration of the vehicle 1 based on the accelerator opening and the accelerator opening speed is shown, but the actual acceleration of the vehicle 1 may be obtained using an acceleration sensor. Also, the acceleration of the vehicle 1 may be detected using two detection means, namely, the detection of acceleration using an acceleration sensor and the estimation of acceleration using the accelerator opening. Thereby, the detection accuracy of the acceleration of the vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0030] The correction coefficient calculation unit 114 calculates a correction coefficient G based on the acceleration calculated by the acceleration calculation unit 113, and outputs the calculated correction coefficient G to the correction unit 115. Note that the method for calculating the correction coefficient G will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 or FIG. 9.

[0031] The correction unit 115 calculates a corrected visibility limit distance Xc based on the visibility limit distance X calculated by the visibility limit distance calculation unit 111 and the correction coefficient G calculated by the correction coefficient calculation unit 114. Then, the correction unit 115 outputs the calculated corrected visibility limit distance Xc to the light shielding amount calculation unit 116. Note that the method for calculating the corrected visibility limit distance Xc will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7 or FIG. 10.

[0032] The light shielding amount calculation unit 116 calculates a light shielding amount d based on the corrected visibility limit distance Xc calculated by the correction unit 115, and outputs the calculated light shielding amount d to the light shielding area adjustment unit 117. Note that this calculation method will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 10.

[0033] The light shielding area adjustment unit 117 adjusts the light shielding area of the variable light shielding unit 30 of the windshield 3 based on the light shielding amount d calculated by the light shielding amount calculation unit 116. For example, when a photochromic material is used as the material of the variable light shielding unit 30, the light shielding area adjustment unit 117 adjusts the light shielding area of the variable light shielding unit 30 by applying ultraviolet light to the area corresponding to the light shielding amount calculated by the light shielding amount calculation unit 116. Also, for example, when an electrochromic dimming glass is used as the material of the variable light shielding unit 30, the light shielding area adjustment unit 117 adjusts the light shielding area of the variable light shielding unit 30 by applying a voltage for setting the area corresponding to the light shielding amount calculated by the light shielding amount calculation unit 116 as the light shielding area to the variable light shielding unit 30.

[0034] The memory unit 120 is a memory medium that stores various types of information. For example, the memory unit 120 stores various types of information (such as control programs and the information shown in FIGS. 5 to 10) necessary for the control unit 110 to perform various processes. Note that, as the memory unit 120, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof can be used.

[0035] [Example 1 of setting the light-shielding area] FIGS. 5 to 7 are diagrams showing setting examples when setting the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30. Note that the light-shielding amount d shown in the present embodiment means the vertical distance in the windshield 3.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the vehicle speed V and the visual recognition limit distance X. In the graph shown in FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the vehicle speed V of the vehicle 1 detected by the vehicle speed sensor 20, and the vertical axis represents the visual recognition limit distance X calculated by the visual recognition limit distance calculation unit 111. Also, the straight line L1 is a straight line showing the visual recognition limit distance X when the correction coefficient G described later is 1, that is, when the acceleration is less than the threshold value. The dotted line L2 is a curve showing the visual recognition limit distance X when the acceleration is greater than or equal to the threshold value. Specifically, the dotted line L2 shows the corrected visual recognition limit distance X (corrected visual recognition limit distance Xc) when the correction coefficient G is greater than 0 and less than 1.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, a range from X11 to X12 is calculated as the visual recognition limit distance X. For example, when the vehicle speed V is less than V10, the visual recognition limit distance X is increased according to the vehicle speed V. When the vehicle speed V is greater than or equal to V10, the visual recognition limit distance X is set to a fixed value X12. When the acceleration exceeds the reference value, as shown by the dotted line L2, the increase amount of the visual recognition limit distance X according to the vehicle speed V is suppressed.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the acceleration A and the correction coefficient G. In the graph shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents the acceleration A of the vehicle 1 calculated by the acceleration calculation unit 113, and the vertical axis represents the correction coefficient G calculated by the correction coefficient calculation unit 114. Note that the correction coefficient G is a value for correcting the visibility limit distance X, and a value between 0 and 1 is set.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, when the acceleration A is less than A11, 1 is set as the correction coefficient G. That is, when the acceleration A is a small value, it is assumed that the visibility in the windshield 3 does not change rapidly according to the vehicle speed, and the discomfort given to the driver D1 is small. Therefore, the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding portion 30 is expanded according to the vehicle speed V. Note that A11 can be a value of about 4 m / s 2 or more. Further, for example, when the acceleration A is A11 or more, the correction coefficient G is decreased according to the acceleration A.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the corrected visibility limit distance Xc and the light-shielding amount d. In the graph shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents the corrected visibility limit distance Xc corrected by the correction unit 115, and the vertical axis represents the light-shielding amount d calculated by the light-shielding amount calculation unit 116. Here, for X(V) and G(A) shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the following equation holds. Xc - X11 = (X(V) - X11) × G(A)

[0041] Therefore, using the above-described relationship, the corrected visibility limit distance Xc can be calculated using the following Equation 1. Xc = (X(V) - X11) × G(A) + X11... Equation 1

[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, when the corrected visibility limit distance Xc is less than Xc11, a fixed area d1 is set as the light-shielding amount d. Further, for example, when the corrected visibility limit distance Xc is within the range from Xc11 to Xc12, the light-shielding amount d is increased according to the corrected visibility limit distance Xc. Further, for example, when the corrected visibility limit distance Xc is Xc12 or more, the maximum area d2 is set as the light-shielding amount d.

[0043] [Example 2 of the setting of the light-shielding area] Figs. 8 to 10 are diagrams showing examples of settings when setting the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30.

[0044] Fig. 8 shows the relationship between the vehicle speed V and the visual recognition limit distance X. As shown in Fig. 8, when the vehicle speed V is less than V1, the visual recognition limit distance X is set to X1. Also, when the vehicle speed V is within the range from V1 to V4, the visual recognition limit distance X is increased according to the vehicle speed V. Further, when the vehicle speed V is V4 or more, the visual recognition limit distance X is set to the maximum value X5. Note that X1 < X2 < X3 < X4 < X5.

[0045] For example, V1 can be set to 40 km / h, V2 can be set to 60 km / h, V3 can be set to 80 km / h, and V4 can be set to 100 km / h. Also, for example, X1 can be set to 6 m, X2 can be set to 8 m, X3 can be set to 10 m, X4 can be set to 12 m, and X5 can be set to 14 m.

[0046] Fig. 9 shows the relationship between the acceleration A and the correction coefficient G. As shown in Fig. 9, when the acceleration A is less than A1, the correction coefficient G is set to 1. Also, when the acceleration A is within the range from A1 to A3, the correction coefficient G is decreased according to the acceleration A. Further, when the acceleration A is A3 or more, the correction coefficient G is set to the minimum value G3. Note that 0 < G3 < G2 < G1 < 1.

[0047] For example, A1 is set to 4 m / s 2 and A2 is set to 6 m / s 2 and A3 is set to 8 m / s 2 can be set. Also, for example, G1 can be set to 0.8, G2 can be set to 0.6, and G3 can be set to 0.4.

[0048] Fig. 10 shows the relationship between the corrected visual recognition limit distance Xc and the light-shielding amount d. Note that the calculation method of the corrected visual recognition limit distance Xc is the same as the calculation method shown in Fig. 7.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 10, when the corrected visibility limit distance Xc is less than Xc1, a fixed region d1 is set as the light-shielding amount d. Also, for example, when the corrected visibility limit distance Xc is within the range from Xc1 to Xc4, the light-shielding amount d is increased according to the corrected visibility limit distance Xc. Further, for example, when the corrected visibility limit distance Xc is Xc4 or more, a maximum region d2 is set as the light-shielding amount d.

[0050] For example, Xc1 can be set to 6 m, Xc2 can be set to 8 m, Xc3 can be set to 10 m, and Xc4 can be set to 12 m. Also, for example, d11 can be set to (d1 + 30) mm, d12 can be set to (d1 + 60) mm, d13 can be set to (d1 + 90) mm, and d2 can be set to (d1 + 120) mm.

[0051] [Operation Example of Visibility Control Device] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the visibility control process in the visibility control device 100. This visibility control process is executed by the control unit 110 based on a program stored in the storage unit 120. This visibility control process is executed when the ignition key (start key) is turned on by the driver seated in the driver's seat. In FIG. 11, the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 are appropriately referred to for explanation.

[0052] In step S201, the vehicle speed sensor 20 detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1.

[0053] In step S202, the visibility limit distance calculation unit 111 calculates the visibility limit distance X based on the vehicle speed detected in step S201. For example, the visibility limit distance X is calculated by the calculation method shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 8.

[0054] In step S203, the detection unit 112 performs a detection process of detecting the accelerator opening and the accelerator opening speed based on each detection value output from the sensors 10.

[0055] In step S204, the acceleration calculation unit 113 calculates the acceleration of the vehicle 1 based on the accelerator opening and the accelerator opening speed detected in step S203.

[0056] In step S205, the correction coefficient calculation unit 114 calculates a correction coefficient G based on the acceleration calculated in step S204. For example, the correction coefficient G is calculated by the calculation method shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 9.

[0057] In step S206, the correction unit 115 calculates a corrected visibility limit distance Xc based on the visibility limit distance X calculated in step S202 and the correction coefficient G set in step S205. This corrected visibility limit distance Xc is calculated using the above-described formula 1.

[0058] In step S207, the light shielding amount calculation unit 116 calculates a light shielding amount d based on the corrected visibility limit distance Xc calculated in step S208. For example, the light shielding amount d is calculated by the calculation method shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 10.

[0059] In step S208, the light shielding area adjustment unit 117 adjusts the light shielding area of the variable light shielding unit 30 of the windshield 3 based on the light shielding amount d calculated in step S209. In this case, the light shielding area may be adjusted to immediately expand or contract so that the light shielding amount d calculated in step S209 is obtained, or the light shielding area may be adjusted to gradually expand or contract.

[0060] In step S209, the control unit 110 determines whether or not there has been a stop operation of the vehicle 1. For example, it is determined whether or not the ignition key (start key) has been turned off by the driver seated in the driver's seat. If there has been a stop operation of the vehicle 1, the operation of the visibility control process is terminated. On the other hand, if there has been no stop operation of the vehicle 1, the process returns to step S201.

[0061] [Control example when the driver's line of sight is separated from the variable light shielding unit by a predetermined distance or more] In FIG. 11, an example is shown in which when the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds a reference value, the expansion speed of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding part 30 is suppressed based on the magnitude of the acceleration. That is, an example is shown in which when the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds a reference value, the expansion speed of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding part 30 is suppressed to reduce the discomfort given to the driver D1. Here, when the driver D1's line of sight is far away from the variable light-shielding part 30, since the driver D1 is not looking at the variable light-shielding part 30, it is considered that even if such suppression of the expansion speed is not performed, the driver D1 will not feel discomfort. Therefore, in FIG. 12, an example is shown in which when the driver D1's line of sight is separated from the variable light-shielding part 30 by a predetermined distance or more, the suppression of the expansion speed of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding part 30 based on the acceleration is not performed.

[0062] [Operation Example of Vision Control Device] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the vision control process in the vision control device 100. Note that this vision control process is a modified example of the vision control process shown in FIG. 11. For this reason, parts common to FIG. 11 are denoted by common reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0063] In step S221, the detection unit 112 performs a detection process of detecting the line-of-sight vertical angle θ based on each detection value output from the sensors 10. This line-of-sight vertical angle θ means the angle formed by the line connecting the upper end of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding part 30 and the driver D1's eye and the driver D1's line of sight. That is, as the driver D1's line of sight moves away from the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding part 30, the line-of-sight vertical angle θ increases. Note that as the line-of-sight detection method, a known line-of-sight detection method can be used. For example, when performing line-of-sight detection using an image sensor (for example, a camera), the driver D1's eye is detected from an image including the driver D1's face, a reference point (non-moving part) and a moving point (moving part) in the eye are extracted, and the line of sight is detected based on the positional relationship between the reference point and the moving point.

[0064] In step S222, the detection unit 112 determines whether or not the line-of-sight vertical angle θ detected in step S221 is less than or equal to a threshold value. That is, it is determined whether or not the line of sight of the driver D1 is separated from the upper end of the variable light-shielding unit 30 by a predetermined distance or more. If the line-of-sight vertical angle θ is less than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, if the line-of-sight vertical angle is greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S223. Note that it is assumed that the line of sight of the driver D1 frequently changes. Therefore, the line-of-sight vertical angle θ in a predetermined period (for example, about several seconds) may be calculated, and this determination may be made based on the comparison result between the calculation result and the threshold value. The calculation may be, for example, a calculation for obtaining an integrated value by adding the line-of-sight vertical angle θ in a predetermined period, or a calculation for adding the line-of-sight vertical angle θ in a predetermined period and obtaining an average value thereof.

[0065] In step S223, the correction coefficient calculation unit 114 sets the correction coefficient G to 1. That is, since the line of sight of the driver D1 is greatly separated from the upper end of the variable light-shielding unit 30, the suppression of the expansion speed of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding unit 30 based on the acceleration is not performed.

[0066] As described above, when the line of sight of the driver D1 is greatly separated from the upper end of the variable light-shielding unit 30, it is assumed that the driver D1 rarely recognizes the expansion of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding unit 30 according to the vehicle speed, and the discomfort given to the driver D1 is also small. Therefore, the suppression of the expansion speed of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding unit 30 based on the acceleration is not performed. In other words, when the line of sight of the driver D1 is separated from the variable light-shielding unit 30 by a predetermined distance or more, the expansion of the variable light-shielding unit 30 based on the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 is executed regardless of the acceleration of the vehicle 1. Note that the control may be executed on the condition that the line of sight of the driver D1 is separated from the variable light-shielding unit 30 by a predetermined distance or more for a predetermined time or more.

[0067] Here, when the vehicle speed varies greatly, if the variation speed of the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30 also varies greatly in response to the variation, it may give the driver D1 a sense of discomfort and the driver D1 may feel bothered. In other words, although the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is expanded as the vehicle speed increases, if this control is executed during a rapid acceleration of the vehicle 1, it may give the driver D1 a sense of discomfort and the driver D1 may feel bothered. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a correction coefficient is set based on the acceleration of the vehicle 1, and when the acceleration exceeds the reference value even when the vehicle speed is high, control is performed to suppress the expansion speed of the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30. That is, the expansion speed of the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is finely adjusted according to the acceleration of the vehicle 1. For example, the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is decreased as the acceleration increases. Thereby, even when the vehicle speed varies greatly, the expansion speed of the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is suppressed, so that the sense of discomfort given to the driver D1 can be reduced, and the bother of the driver D1 can also be reduced. Also, it is possible to prevent the variable light-shielding unit 30 from switching frequently and rapidly. That is, the driver D1's field of vision can be appropriately ensured in consideration of the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

[0068] However, when the driver D1's line of sight is separated from the variable light-shielding unit 30 by a predetermined distance or more, regardless of the acceleration of the vehicle 1, the expansion of the variable light-shielding unit 30 based on the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 is executed. Thereby, for example, when the driver D1's line of sight is separated from the variable light-shielding unit 30 by a predetermined distance or more, the switching of the variable light-shielding unit 30 can be executed rapidly.

[0069] [Control Example When a Sudden Driving Operation is Detected] In FIGS. 11 and 12, an example was shown in which the expansion speed of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is suppressed when the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds a reference value. Here, when a specific event that may cause a risk related to the vehicle is detected, it is also important to suppress the expansion of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding unit 30 to ensure the driver D1's field of vision. Therefore, here, as an event that may cause a risk related to the vehicle 1, an example is shown in which when a sudden driving operation is detected, the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is reduced downward in the vertical direction to make the variable light-shielding unit 30 in the minimum region. Here, an operation in which the vehicle 1 suddenly decelerates and a sudden steering operation by the driver D1 are described as an example of a sudden driving operation.

[0070] After the process of step S202 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the detection unit 112 performs a detection process of detecting whether a driving operation of sudden deceleration has been performed based on each detection value output from the sensors 10. That is, it is detected that there has been a sudden change in the traveling vehicle 1. For example, when the driver D1 suddenly steps on the brake, it is determined that a driving operation of sudden deceleration has been performed. In this case, based on the detection values from various sensors related to the brake, for example, a stroke sensor that detects a brake operation, it is possible to detect that a driving operation of sudden deceleration has been performed. Also, for example, the sudden deceleration of the vehicle 1 may be detected using other sensors. For example, based on the detection values from an acceleration sensor or a wheel measurement sensor, the sudden deceleration of the vehicle 1 can be detected.

[0071] Further, the detection unit 112 performs a detection process of detecting the steering amount of the steering wheel 4 based on each detection value output from the sensors 10. Then, the detection unit 112 performs a detection process of detecting whether a sudden steering operation has been performed based on the steering amount of the steering wheel 4. That is, it is detected that there has been a sudden change in the traveling vehicle 1. For example, when the steering amount of the steering wheel 4 exceeds a threshold value, it is determined that a sudden steering operation has been performed. Note that the fact that a sudden steering operation has been performed may be detected using the steering angle of the steering wheel 4. That is, when the steering angle of the steering wheel 4 exceeds a threshold value, it is possible to detect that a sudden steering operation has been performed. Further, for example, the fact that a sudden steering operation has been performed may be detected using other sensors. For example, based on the detection values from a yaw rate sensor or a lateral G sensor, by detecting a sudden rotation of the vehicle 1, it is possible to detect that a sudden steering operation has been performed.

[0072] When a driving operation of sudden deceleration is performed, or when a sudden steering operation is performed, the correction coefficient calculation unit 114 sets the correction coefficient G to 0. That is, since a driving operation of sudden deceleration has been performed, the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is set to return to the minimum area (fixed area d1 (see FIG. 1)). Then, the process proceeds to step S206 (FIGS. 11 and 12).

[0073] On the other hand, when a driving operation of sudden deceleration is not performed and a sudden steering operation is not performed, the process proceeds to step S203 (FIG. 11) or S221 (FIG. 12).

[0074] Note that as a specific event in which a risk related to the vehicle 1 may occur, when a driving operation of sudden deceleration or a sudden steering operation is detected, it becomes important to quickly secure the field of view of the driver D1. Therefore, when a driving operation of sudden deceleration or a sudden steering operation is detected and the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is reduced to the minimum area (fixed area d1 (see FIG. 1)), it is preferable to immediately reduce the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30 in step S208.

[0075] As described above, when a rapid deceleration operation or a sharp steering operation is performed, there is a high possibility that an emergency has occurred for the driver D1 of the vehicle 1. In this case, in consideration of the safety of the driver D1, the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30 is immediately reduced until it becomes a reduced area, and the visibility of the driver D1 is ensured. Thereby, the occurrence of risks related to the vehicle 1 can be prevented, and the safety can be enhanced.

[0076] In this example, the case where a rapid driving operation is detected is described as an example of an event in which a risk related to the vehicle 1 may occur, but it is not limited to this. For example, an event in which a risk related to the vehicle 1 may occur is when the estimated collision time between an object existing in the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1 is less than a reference time, when the distance between an object existing in the traveling direction of the vehicle 1 and the vehicle 1 is less than a reference value, when a specific sign exists in the traveling direction of the vehicle 1, or when the environment around the vehicle 1 changes rapidly. The environment around the vehicle 1 shall include the weather around the vehicle 1. When these events are detected, the expansion of the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30 may be suppressed.

[0077] [Configuration and Effects of the Present Embodiment] The visibility control method according to the present embodiment is a visibility control method for the vehicle 1 capable of expanding or reducing the variable light-shielding part 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding area) provided at the lower part of the windshield 3 in the vertical direction based on the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1. This visibility control method includes a control step (steps S201 to S208) of expanding the variable light-shielding part 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding area) upward in the vertical direction as the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 increases, and a detection step (step S204) of detecting the acceleration of the vehicle 1. The control step (steps S201 to S208) suppresses the expansion of the variable light-shielding part 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding area) based on the magnitude of the acceleration when the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds a reference value.

[0078] According to this configuration, when the vehicle speed fluctuates greatly and the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds the reference value, the expansion speed of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding unit 30 is suppressed, so that the discomfort given to the driver D1 can be reduced, and the annoyance of the driver D1 can also be reduced. That is, the driver D1's field of view can be appropriately ensured in consideration of the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

[0079] Also, in the field of view control method according to the present embodiment, the control steps (steps S201 to S208) control the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding unit 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding region) based on the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1. When the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds the reference value, the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding unit 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding region) is decreased as the acceleration increases.

[0080] According to this configuration, when the vehicle speed fluctuates greatly and the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds the reference value, it is possible to prevent the variable light-shielding unit 30 from switching frequently and rapidly.

[0081] Also, the field of view control method according to the present embodiment further includes a detection step (step S221) for detecting the line of sight of the driver D1 driving the vehicle 1. When the line of sight of the driver D1 is separated from the variable light-shielding unit 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding region) by a predetermined distance or more, the control steps (steps S222, S223, S206 to S208) execute the expansion of the variable light-shielding unit 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding region) based on the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 regardless of the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

[0082] According to this configuration, when the line of sight of the driver D1 is separated from the variable light-shielding unit 30 by a predetermined distance or more, the switching of the variable light-shielding unit 30 can be executed quickly.

[0083] Further, the field of view control method according to the present embodiment further includes a detection step (detection process by the detection unit 112) of detecting a sudden driving operation by the driver D1 of the vehicle 1. When a sudden driving operation is detected, the control step (steps S201 to S208) stops the expansion of the variable light-shielding part 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding area), reduces the variable light-shielding part 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding area) downward in the vertical direction, and sets the variable light-shielding part 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding area) to the minimum area.

[0084] According to this configuration, when a specific event (sudden driving operation) highly likely to cause an emergency occurs to the driver D1 of the vehicle 1, in consideration of the safety of the driver D1, the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30 is immediately reduced until it becomes a reduced area. Thereby, the field of view of the driver D1 can be secured, the occurrence of risks related to the vehicle 1 can be prevented, and the safety can be enhanced.

[0085] In addition, in the field of view control method according to the present embodiment, the sudden driving operation can be an operation in which the vehicle 1 suddenly decelerates or a sudden steering operation by the driver D1.

[0086] According to this configuration, when an operation in which the vehicle 1 suddenly decelerates or a sudden steering operation by the driver D1 is detected, the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30 can be immediately reduced until it becomes a reduced area.

[0087] Further, the vision control device 100 is a vision control device for a vehicle 1 capable of expanding or contracting a variable light-shielding portion 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding region) provided at the lower part of the windshield 3 in the vertical direction based on the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1. The vision control device 100 includes a control unit 110 (particularly, a visual recognition limit distance calculation unit 111, a light-shielding amount calculation unit 116, and a light-shielding region adjustment unit 117) that expands the variable light-shielding portion 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding region) upward in the vertical direction as the vehicle speed of the vehicle 1 increases, and an acceleration calculation unit 113 (an example of a detection unit) that detects the acceleration of the vehicle 1. When the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds a reference value, the control unit 110 (particularly, the visual recognition limit distance calculation unit 111, a correction coefficient calculation unit 114, a correction unit 115, the light-shielding amount calculation unit 116, and the light-shielding region adjustment unit 117) suppresses the expansion of the variable light-shielding portion 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding region) based on the magnitude of the acceleration.

[0088] According to this configuration, when the vehicle speed fluctuates greatly and the acceleration of the vehicle 1 exceeds the reference value, the expansion speed of the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30 is suppressed, so that the discomfort given to the driver D1 can be reduced, and the annoyance of the driver D1 can also be reduced. That is, the vision of the driver D1 can be appropriately ensured in consideration of the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

[0089] [Modification Example] Here, as a modification example of the present embodiment, an example of displaying vehicle information on the variable light-shielding portion 30 and an example of setting a minimum region for each driver for the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30 based on the eye height position of the driver D1 are shown. In the following, embodiments for realizing these two examples are shown, but it may also be an embodiment for realizing one of these two, or an embodiment for realizing a part of these two examples. Note that since the modification examples shown below are modification examples of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the present embodiment, and the descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. Also, for the parts corresponding to the present embodiment, an A is added after the same reference numeral, and the descriptions thereof are appropriately omitted. For example, the variable light-shielding portion 30A corresponds to the variable light-shielding portion 30 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0090] [Configuration Example of Vision Control Device] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example for realizing visual field control in the windshield 3. Note that FIG. 13 schematically shows a cross section inside the vehicle 1A when viewed from the left side in the left - right direction, and illustration other than the dashboard 2, the windshield 3A, and the steering wheel 4 is omitted.

[0091] An image acquisition unit 40 for capturing an image including the face of the driver D1 is provided on the upper surface of the dashboard 2. Note that in FIG. 13, an example of providing the image acquisition unit 40 on the upper surface of the dashboard 2 is shown, but the image acquisition unit 40 may be provided at other positions, for example, on the upper part of the windshield 3A.

[0092] The image acquisition unit 40 generates an image (image data) by capturing a subject based on the control of the control unit 310 (see FIG. 14), and outputs the generated image to the control unit 310. The image acquisition unit 40 is composed of, for example, an image sensor (image sensor) that receives light from the subject condensed by a lens, and an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing on the image data generated by the image sensor. As the image sensor, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) - type or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) - type image sensor can be used.

[0093] Also, on the upper surface of the dashboard 2, near the boundary with the windshield 3A, a display unit 50 for realizing the HUD (Head Up Display) of the vehicle 1A is provided.

[0094] The windshield 3A is a shield (for example, a front glass) provided at the front of the vehicle 1A, functions as a display medium for the HUD of the vehicle 1A, and has a variable light - shielding portion 30A provided at the lower part. Also, in a modification of the present embodiment, an example of providing two display areas R1A and R2A as the display area in the windshield 3A is shown.

[0095] The display area R1A is a HUD display area for displaying an AR (Augmented Reality)-HUD image. Also, the display area R2A is a HUD display area for displaying a HUD image in the light-shielded area of the variable light-shielding portion 30A on the windshield 3A. Note that the AR-HUD image means an image displayed as a virtual image on the windshield 3A using AR technology. Various types of information regarding the road and the vehicle are displayed as the AR-HUD image. Also, hereinafter, the display in the display area R1A will be referred to as AR-HUD display, and the display in the display area R2A will be referred to as vehicle information display for explanation. Note that the vehicle information is, for example, information required by the driver D1 driving the vehicle 1A during driving, and is various types of information regarding the road and the vehicle, such as the vehicle speed and road signs.

[0096] Also, regarding the windshield 3A, similar to the windshield 3, it may be formed using glass, or may be formed using other members. For example, when using laminated glass composed of a rear glass, a front glass, and an intermediate film as the windshield 3A, the refraction of light can be controlled by forming the cross-section of the intermediate film in a wedge shape. That is, the laminated glass is formed such that the rear glass and the front glass are in a V shape in a cross-sectional view. Thereby, the windshield 3A can function as a display medium for the HUD.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 13, the display unit 50 is a display device, such as a projector and an optical system, for realizing an AR-HUD display that projects lights P11 and P21 onto the display areas R1A and R2A of the windshield 3A and shows a virtual image to the driver D1 using the reflected lights P12 and P22. That is, the lights P11 and P21 projected from the display unit 50 onto the display areas R1A and R2A of the windshield 3A are reflected by the windshield 3A, and the reflected lights P12 and P22 go toward the eyes of the driver D1. Then, the reflected light P12 projected onto the display area R1A and entering the eyes of the driver D1 is perceived as an image (virtual image) that is superimposed on the actual object visible through the windshield 3A and appears on the opposite side (outside of the vehicle) of the windshield 3A. Further, since the reflected light P22 projected onto the display area R2A and entering the eyes of the driver D1 appears to be displayed in the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30A, it is perceived as an image (virtual image) that appears on the opposite side of the windshield 3A. In this way, the display unit 50 realizes HUD display by displaying a virtual image using the windshield 3A. In this modification, an image displayed on the windshield 3A so as to be visible outside the windshield 3A is described as a virtual image. Also, in this modification, an image displayed on the windshield 3A so as to be visible on the surface of the windshield 3A is described as a real image.

[0098] As described above, in this modification, an example is shown in which the lower region (display area R2A) of the windshield 3A is used to deliver the light in that lower region (reflection area) to the eyes of the driver D1 in the same principle as HUD, so that the driver D1 can see a virtual image. That is, an example of providing vehicle information to the driver D1 in combination with AR-HUD is shown.

[0099] Note that, in this example, an example is shown in which a virtual image is displayed as vehicle information in the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30A using AR-HUD display, but it is not limited to this. For example, a diffusive screen or other display members, such as a transparent display panel, may be used in the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding unit 30A, and vehicle information may be displayed so that a real image is displayed on the windshield 3A.

[0100] In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which an AR-HUD display and a vehicle information display are realized using one display unit 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display may be realized using a plurality of display units. For example, two display units, a first display unit for realizing the AR-HUD display and a second display unit for realizing the vehicle information display, may be provided to realize the AR-HUD display and the vehicle information display.

[0101] In this way, various information can be displayed in the display areas R1A and R2A of the windshield 3A using the display unit 50 fixedly installed on the dashboard 2. However, since the display unit 50 is fixed, when the eye height position of the driver D1 seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1A changes, a shift occurs in the various information displayed in the display areas R1A and R2A of the windshield 3A. Therefore, in this modified example, the eye height position of the driver D1 seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1A is detected, and based on the eye height position, the position of the image displayed in the display areas R1A and R2A of the windshield 3A is changed. Further, in this example, an example is shown in which a minimum area is set for each driver with respect to the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding part 30A of the windshield 3A based on the eye height position of the driver D1 seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1A. Note that in this modified example, the eye height position of the driver means the distance from the ground to the eye position of the driver seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1A.

[0102] [Functional Configuration Example of Vision Control Device] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the vision control device 300. The vision control device 300 is obtained by adding an image acquisition unit 40, a display unit 50, a minimum area setting unit 311, and a display control unit 312 to the vision control device 100 shown in FIG. 3, and providing a variable light-shielding part 30A instead of the variable light-shielding part 30. Other than these points, it is common to the vision control device 100. Therefore, hereinafter, the description will focus on the points different from the vision control device 100.

[0103] The minimum area setting unit 311 detects the face of the driver included in the image and the eyes included in the face based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 40, and calculates the minimum area for each driver based on the detected height position of the driver's eyes. Then, the minimum area setting unit 311 outputs the calculation result to the light shielding area adjustment unit 117 and the display control unit 312. That is, based on the position of the eyes detected by the minimum area setting unit 311 (the position of the eyes included in the image), the height position of the eyes of the driver sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 can be obtained. Note that known detection methods such as the template matching method and detection methods using various feature amounts can be used as the face detection method and the eye detection method. The calculation method of the minimum area for each driver will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0104] The light shielding area adjustment unit 117 uses the minimum area for each driver set by the minimum area setting unit 311 as the lower limit value instead of the fixed area d1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and adjusts the light shielding area of the variable light shielding unit 30 of the windshield 3 between the minimum area and the maximum area d2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Specifically, the light shielding area adjustment unit 117 adjusts the light shielding area of the variable light shielding unit 30 of the windshield 3 based on the light shielding amount d calculated by the light shielding amount calculation unit 116. In this case, the light shielding amount d calculated by the light shielding amount calculation unit 116 is appropriately corrected and used according to the range between the minimum area set by the minimum area setting unit 311 and the maximum area d2.

[0105] The display control unit 312 performs various display controls on the images displayed in the display areas R1A and R2A of the windshield 3A. For example, the display control unit 312 controls the display unit 50 so that vehicle information is displayed above the light shielding area of the variable light shielding unit 30A adjusted by the light shielding area adjustment unit 117. Also, for example, the display control unit 312 controls the display unit 50 so that an AR-HUD image is displayed in the display area R1A of the windshield 3 based on the height position of the driver's eyes detected by the minimum area setting unit 311.

[0106] [Example 1 of Setting the Light Shielding Area] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the eye height position of the driver and the minimum area for each driver when setting the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding portion 30A. In the graph shown in FIG. 15, the horizontal axis represents the eye height position z of the driver detected by the minimum area setting unit 311, and the vertical axis represents the minimum area d for each driver set by the minimum area setting unit 311. Note that the vertical axis means the vertical distance in the windshield 3A.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 15, when the eye height position is less than HP1, the increase amount is set to 0, and the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding portion 30A becomes the fixed area d1. Also, when the eye height position is within the range from HP1 to HP2, the light-shielding amount d of the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding portion 30A is increased according to the eye height position, and the minimum area for each driver is set. Further, when the eye height position is HP2 or more, the maximum area d21 is set as the minimum area for each driver. Note that d21 < d2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0108] [Example 2 of Setting the Light-Shielding Area] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between the eye height position of the driver and the minimum area for each driver when setting the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding portion 30A. FIG. 16 shows an example in which the minimum area for each driver is increased stepwise based on the eye height position z of the driver.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 16, when the eye height position z is less than z1, the increase amount is set to 0, and the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding portion 30A becomes the fixed area d1. Also, when the eye height position z is within the range from z1 to z4, the light-shielding amount d of the light-shielding area of the variable light-shielding portion 30A is increased according to the eye height position z, and the minimum area for each driver is set. Further, when the eye height position z is z4 or more, the maximum area d34 is set as the minimum area for each driver. Note that d1 < d31 < d32 < d33 < d34 < d2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0110] In this way, based on the fixed region d1 of the variable light-shielding portion 30A, the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30A is expanded according to the eye height position of the driver, and the minimum region for each driver is set. Thereby, an appropriate light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30A corresponding to the driver can be set. Also, when there is a possibility that a risk may occur, by reducing the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30A within the range up to the minimum region, an event in which the field of view of the driver D1 is narrowed can be avoided. In particular, when a sudden driving operation is detected, the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30A is immediately reduced to the minimum region. By these means, the field of view of the driver D1 can be appropriately ensured in consideration of the risks related to the vehicle 1. In this example, an example is shown in which the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30A is reduced to the minimum region set by the minimum region setting unit 311, but the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30A may be reduced to the fixed region d1. In particular, when a sudden driving operation is detected, it is preferable to immediately reduce the light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30A to the fixed region d1.

[0111] [Configuration and Effects of Modification Example of Present Embodiment] The field of view control method according to the modification example of the present embodiment further includes a detection step of detecting the eye height position of the driver D1 sitting on the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 (detection process by the minimum region setting unit 311), and based on the detected eye height position of the driver D1, a setting step of setting the minimum region of the variable light-shielding portion 30 (an example of a variable light-shielding region) during driving of the driver D1 (setting process by the minimum region setting unit 311).

[0112] According to this configuration, an appropriate light-shielding region of the variable light-shielding portion 30 corresponding to the eye height position of the driver D1 sitting on the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 can be set. Also, based on the set light-shielding region, the expansion and contraction of the variable light-shielding portion 30 according to the vehicle speed can be controlled.

[0113] Note that each process shown in this embodiment is executed based on a program for causing a computer to execute each process step. Therefore, this embodiment can also be understood as an embodiment of a program that realizes the functions for executing those processes and a recording medium that stores the program. For example, the program can be stored in the storage device of the vision control device by an update process for adding a new function to the vision control device. As a result, it becomes possible to cause the updated vision control device to execute each process shown in this embodiment.

[0114] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the above embodiments merely show a part of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0115] 1 Vehicle, 2 Dashboard, 3, 3A Windshield, 4 Steering Wheel, 10 Sensors, 20 Vehicle Speed Sensor, 30, 30A Variable Light-Shielding Portion, 40 Image Acquisition Unit, 50 Display Unit, 100, 300 Vision Control Device, 110, 310 Control Unit, 111 Visual Recognition Limit Distance Calculation Unit, 112 Detection Unit, 113 Acceleration Calculation Unit, 114 Correction Coefficient Calculation Unit, 115 Correction Unit, 116 Light-Shielding Amount Calculation Unit, 117 Light-Shielding Region Adjustment Unit, 114 Display Control Unit, 120 Storage Unit, 311 Minimum Region Setting Unit, 312 Display Control Unit

Claims

1. A method for controlling the visibility of a vehicle capable of expanding or contracting a variable light-shielding region provided at the lower part of a windshield in the vertical direction based on the vehicle speed, a control step of expanding the variable light-shielding region upward in the vertical direction as the vehicle speed increases, and a detection step of detecting the acceleration of the vehicle, wherein the control step controls the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding region based on the vehicle speed, and when the acceleration exceeds a reference value, the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding region is decreased as the acceleration increases, suppressing the expansion of the variable light-shielding region, A visibility control method.

2. A method for controlling the visibility of a vehicle capable of expanding or contracting a variable light-shielding region provided at the lower part of a windshield in the vertical direction based on the vehicle speed, a control step of expanding the variable light-shielding region upward in the vertical direction as the vehicle speed increases, and a detection step of detecting the acceleration of the vehicle and the line of sight of the driver driving the vehicle, wherein when the acceleration exceeds a reference value, the control step suppresses the expansion of the variable light-shielding region based on the magnitude of the acceleration, and when the line of sight of the driver is separated from the variable light-shielding region by a predetermined distance or more, the control step executes the expansion of the variable light-shielding region based on the vehicle speed regardless of the acceleration, A visibility control method.

3. The visibility control method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detection step of detecting a sudden driving operation by the driver of the vehicle, wherein when the sudden driving operation is detected, the control step stops the expansion of the variable light-shielding region, contracts the variable light-shielding region downward in the vertical direction, and sets the variable light-shielding region to a minimum region, A visibility control method.

4. The visibility control method according to claim 3, The sudden driving operation is an operation in which the vehicle suddenly decelerates or a sudden steering operation by the driver. Vision control method.

5. A vision control method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, a detection step of detecting the height position of the eyes of the driver seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle; and a setting step of setting a minimum area of the variable light-shielding area during driving of the driver based on the detected height position of the eyes of the driver. Vision control method.

6. A vision control device for a vehicle capable of expanding or contracting a variable light-shielding area provided at the lower part of a windshield in the vertical direction based on the vehicle speed, a control unit that expands the variable light-shielding area upward in the vertical direction as the vehicle speed increases; a detection unit that detects the acceleration of the vehicle, wherein the control unit controls the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding area based on the vehicle speed, and when the acceleration exceeds a reference value, the expansion speed of the variable light-shielding area is decreased as the acceleration increases, suppressing the expansion of the variable light-shielding area. Vision control device.

7. A vision control device for a vehicle capable of expanding or contracting a variable light-shielding area provided at the lower part of a windshield in the vertical direction based on the vehicle speed, a control unit that expands the variable light-shielding area upward in the vertical direction as the vehicle speed increases; a detection unit that detects the acceleration of the vehicle and the line of sight of the driver driving the vehicle, wherein when the acceleration exceeds a reference value, the control unit suppresses the expansion of the variable light-shielding area based on the magnitude of the acceleration, and when the line of sight of the driver is separated from the variable light-shielding area by a predetermined distance or more, the control unit executes the expansion of the variable light-shielding area based on the vehicle speed regardless of the acceleration. Vision control device.

Images