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

Abstract

To provide a display device for a vehicle, a vehicle, a display processing method and a program in which an occupant can certainly grasp update of display.SOLUTION: A display device for a vehicle comprises: a display part 24, 26 which is arranged in a cabin and has a display area 24A, 26A capable of displaying an image; and a controller which shows a plurality of plans P1 - P3 to be executed in the vehicle on the display area 24A, 26A in order of execution, and removes, when a prescribed condition is satisfied for a top plan P1 that is going to be executed at first among the plurality of plans, the top plan P1 from the display area 24A, 26A by fade-out processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle display device that displays support actions (such as lane changes, lane merges, and lane bifurcations) during a driving operation on a route for guiding a vehicle to a destination on a display or a head-up display (hereinafter referred to as "HUD"). In this display device, a plurality of support actions are stacked and displayed from the bottom to the top in the order of proximity of the operation positions (distances), the bottommost support action that has ended is deleted, and a new support action is additionally displayed at the top.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the display device described in Patent Document 1 above, when the same support action (for example, a lane change to the right) continues, there is a possibility that the driver may not easily notice that the display has been updated. That is, there is room for improvement in ensuring that the driver surely grasps that the display has been updated.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display device, a vehicle, a display processing method, and a program that can surely make a driver grasp that the display has been updated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle display device according to the first aspect is provided in the vehicle interior, and includes a display unit having a display area capable of displaying an image, and a control unit that arranges and displays a plurality of plans scheduled to be executed by the vehicle in the order of execution schedule in the display area, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan, which is the plan scheduled to be executed first among the plurality of plans, the control unit erases the top plan in the display area by a fade-out process.

[0007] In this vehicle display device, the display unit is provided in the vehicle interior. In the display area of this display unit, a plurality of plans scheduled to be executed by the vehicle are arranged and displayed in the order of execution schedule by the control unit. When a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan, which is the plan scheduled to be executed first among the plurality of plans displayed in the display area of the display unit, the control unit erases the top plan in the display area by a fade-out process. As a result, the occupant can clearly recognize that the predetermined condition has been satisfied for the top plan.

[0008] In particular, when the same (type) of plans are continuously displayed in the display area, if only the top plan is erased and the display is updated to add a new plan, there is a possibility that the occupant may not notice that the display of the plans on the display unit has been updated. However, since the plan is erased by the fade-out process, the occupant can surely recognize the update of the plan display in the display area.

[0009] Note that the "fade-out process" includes both an image display process in which the display density of the plan displayed in the display area is gradually decreased and erased while maintaining the position of the plan (without moving the plan), and an image display process in which the plan is moved within the display area and then erased.

[0010] The vehicle display device according to the second aspect is the vehicle display device according to the first aspect, wherein when the control unit erases the top plan, the control unit moves the plan that was displayed in the display area together with the top plan to the position side where the top plan was displayed in the display area.

[0011] In this vehicle display device, in the display area of the display unit where a plurality of plans are displayed in the order of scheduled implementation, when the top plan is erased, the plans that were displayed together with the top plan within the display area are moved to the side of the position where the top plan was displayed within the display area, so that the display of the plans is updated and the plan scheduled to be implemented next can be clearly grasped by the occupant.

[0012] The vehicle display device according to the third aspect is the vehicle display device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit adds and displays an additional plan, which is a plan different from the plurality of plans, in the display area.

[0013] In this vehicle display device, the control unit erases the top plan in the display area of the display unit and displays an additional plan, which is a plan different from the plurality of plans displayed in the display area. That is, among the plurality of plans displayed in the display area, the top plan is erased and an additional plan different from the displayed plurality of plans is added to the display area. Thereby, the occupant can always grasp a plurality of plans scheduled to be implemented in a constant number by visually recognizing the display area of the display device.

[0014] The vehicle display device according to the fourth aspect is the vehicle display device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit displays a road image on which the vehicle is traveling at a position different from the plurality of plans in the display area, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan, the top plan is moved onto the road image within the display area and then erased.

[0015] In this vehicle display device, when a predetermined condition for the top plan is satisfied, the control unit moves the top plan onto the road image on which the host vehicle is traveling, which is displayed at a position different from the plurality of plans in the display area, and then erases it.

[0016] As a result, after moving the top plan onto the road image where the driver's line of sight tends to gather on the display area of the display device and then deleting it, the driver can more surely grasp the deletion of the top plan (update of the plan display in the specific display area).

[0017] The vehicle display device according to the fifth aspect is the vehicle display device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and when the operation of the top plan is started, the predetermined conditions of the top plan are satisfied.

[0018] In this vehicle display device, when the control unit determines that the operation of the top plan has started in the vehicle and the predetermined conditions of the top plan are satisfied, the top plan is deleted by fade-out processing.

[0019] As a result, the driver can surely grasp that the operation of the top plan has started.

[0020] The vehicle display device according to the sixth aspect is provided in the vehicle interior, and has a display unit having a display area capable of displaying an image. A plurality of plans scheduled to be implemented by the vehicle are arranged and displayed in the order of implementation schedule in the display area, and after the last plan (last plan) among the plurality of plans is deleted by fade-out processing within the display area, an additional plan, which is a plan different from the plurality of plans, is inserted between the plurality of plans and arranged and displayed in the order of implementation schedule.

[0021] In this vehicle display device, after the control unit deletes the last plan (last plan) among the plurality of plans displayed in the display area by fade-out processing from the display area, an additional plan (additional plan), which is a plan different from the plurality of plans, is inserted between the plurality of plans displayed in the display area and arranged and displayed in the order of implementation schedule. For example, even when an additional plan occurs subsequently, the additional plan can be inserted between the plurality of plans displayed in the display area, and the plurality of plans can be displayed in the order of implementation schedule in the display area.

[0022] "Inserted between multiple plans" includes being inserted at the outermost ends of the multiple plans displayed in the display area.

[0023] The vehicle display device according to the seventh aspect is the vehicle display device according to the third or sixth aspect, wherein when the control unit displays the additional plan in the display area, the control unit causes the additional plan to be displayed in the display area by a fade-in process.

[0024] In this vehicle display device, when the top plan or the last plan is deleted from the multiple plans that have been displayed in the display area of the display unit, a plan (additional plan) different from the multiple plans is displayed in the display area of the display device by a fade-in process.

[0025] As a result, the occupant can clearly grasp the additional plan and the position (execution scheduled order) where the additional plan is inserted.

[0026] Note that the "fade-in process" includes both an image display process of gradually increasing the density of the plan at the display position in the display area to display the plan, and an image display process of moving the plan from another position to the display position in the display area for display.

[0027] The vehicle display device according to the eighth aspect is the vehicle display device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the control unit highlights the plan before deleting the plan from the display area.

[0028] In this vehicle display device, the control unit highlights the plan (top plan or last plan) before deleting it from the display area of the display unit.

[0029] Thereby, the occupant can more surely recognize that the top plan or the last plan is deleted (the display of the plan is updated).

[0030] The vehicle display device according to the ninth aspect is the vehicle display device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the display unit is provided in front of the driver's seat in the instrument panel in the vehicle front direction.

[0031] In this vehicle display device, since the display unit is provided in front of the driver's seat in the instrument panel in the vehicle front direction, the occupant can check the plan in the planned execution order without significantly moving the line of sight of the driver during driving.

[0032] The vehicle display device according to the tenth aspect is the vehicle display device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the display unit is a projection surface projected by a head-up display device.

[0033] In this vehicle display device, the display unit is a projection surface projected by a head-up display device, and a plurality of plans are displayed on the projection surface above the vehicle in the planned execution order. Thereby, the driver during driving can check a plurality of plans that are about to be executed by the vehicle without significantly moving the line of sight.

[0034] The vehicle according to the eleventh aspect includes the vehicle display device according to claims 1 to 10.

[0035] Since this vehicle includes the vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, it is easy to grasp the plan to be implemented by the vehicle, and it is possible to surely grasp the update of the plan display in the vehicle display device.

[0036] The display processing method according to the twelfth aspect is a display processing method for arranging and displaying a plurality of plans to be implemented by the vehicle in the planned execution order in a display area capable of displaying an image on a display unit provided in the vehicle interior, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan, which is the plan to be implemented first among the plurality of plans, erasing the top plan in the display area by a fade-out process.

[0037] According to this display processing method, the same operational effects as those in the first aspect are achieved.

[0038] The program according to the 13th aspect is a program that causes a display area capable of displaying an image on a display unit provided in the vehicle interior to display a plurality of plans scheduled to be executed by the vehicle in the order of execution schedule, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan, which is the plan scheduled to be executed first among the plurality of plans, causes the computer to execute a process including a step of erasing the top plan in the display area by a fade-out process.

[0039] By causing the computer to execute this program, the same operational effects as those in the first aspect are achieved.

Effect of the Invention

[0040] As described above, according to the vehicle display device according to the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th, and 8th aspects, the occupant can surely grasp that the display of the plan has been updated.

[0041] According to the vehicle display device according to the 3rd and 6th aspects, a plurality of plans, which are a fixed number, are always displayed on the display unit.

[0042] According to the vehicle display device according to the 4th aspect, the occupant can surely recognize the plan (driving support control) being executed.

[0043] According to the vehicle display device according to the 9th and 10th aspects, the occupant can confirm the plans displayed in the order of execution schedule without significantly moving the line of sight during driving.

[0044] According to the vehicle according to the 11th aspect, the occupant can surely grasp that the display of the plan has been updated.

[0045] According to the display processing method according to the 12th aspect, the occupant can surely grasp that the display of the plan has been updated.

[0046] According to the program according to the 13th aspect, the occupant can surely grasp that the display of the plan has been updated.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0047]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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[0048] [First Embodiment]

[0049] With respect to the vehicle 12 to which the vehicle display device 10 according to the first embodiment is applied, it will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, as an example, the vehicle 12 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to switch between automatic driving and manual driving. As shown in FIG. 1, an instrument panel 14 is provided at the front part of the vehicle interior in the vehicle 12.

[0050] The instrument panel 14 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a steering wheel 16 is provided on the right side of the vehicle of the instrument panel 14. That is, in the present embodiment, as an example, it is a right-hand drive vehicle with the steering wheel 16 provided on the right side, and the driver's seat is set on the right side of the vehicle.

[0051] A windshield glass 18 is provided at the front end of the instrument panel 14. The windshield glass 18 extends in the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle width direction to partition the inside of the vehicle compartment and the outside of the vehicle compartment.

[0052] The right end of the windshield glass 18 in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the front pillar 20 on the right side of the vehicle. The front pillar 20 extends in the vehicle vertical direction, and the windshield glass 18 is fixed to the inner end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction. Also, the front end of the front side glass 22 is fixed to the outer end of the front pillar 20 in the vehicle width direction. Note that the left end of the windshield glass 18 in the vehicle width direction is fixed to a front pillar on the left side of the vehicle (not shown).

[0053] Here, a first display unit 24 is provided on the instrument panel 14. The first display unit 24 is provided in front of the driver's seat in the vehicle in the instrument panel 14, and is provided at a position that comes into the field of view when the driver looks forward.

[0054] The windshield glass 18 is provided with a second display unit 26. The second display unit 26 is set on the upper side of the vehicle of the first display unit 24 and is constituted by a projection surface projected by a head-up display device 44 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, the head-up display device 44 is provided on the front side of the vehicle rather than the instrument panel 14, and an image is projected from the head-up display device 44 to the second display unit 26 of the windshield glass 18.

[0055] (Hardware Configuration of Vehicle Display Device 10)

[0056] The vehicle 12 is provided with an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 28 as a control unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle display device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the ECU 28 of the vehicle display device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a storage 36, a communication interface 38, and an input / output interface 40. Each component is connected to be communicable with each other via a bus 42.

[0057] The CPU 30 is a central arithmetic processing unit and executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU 30 reads a program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and executes the program using the RAM 34 as a work area. The CPU 30 performs control of the above components and various arithmetic processes according to the program recorded in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0058] The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 34 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 36 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various programs including an operating system and various data. In this embodiment, the ROM 32 or the storage 36 stores a program for performing display processing, various data, and the like.

[0059] The communication interface 38 is an interface for the vehicle display device 10 to communicate with a server (not shown) and other devices. For example, standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), LTE, FDDI, and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) are used.

[0060] Connected to the input / output interface 40 are a head-up display device 44 that projects images onto the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, and an actuator 46. The actuator 46 includes a steering actuator, an accelerator actuator, and a brake actuator. The steering actuator is for steering the vehicle 12. The accelerator actuator is for accelerating the vehicle 12. Also, the brake actuator decelerates the vehicle 12 by controlling the brakes. Note that sensors (not shown) for automatically driving the vehicle 12, a GPS device, and the like are connected to the input / output interface 40.

[0061] (Functional Configuration of Vehicle Display Device 10)

[0062] The vehicle display device 10 realizes various functions using the above hardware resources. The functional configuration realized by the vehicle display device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle display device 10 includes, as functional components, a communication unit 50, an operation plan setting unit 52, an automatic driving control unit 54, a first display instruction unit 56, a second display instruction unit 58, an emphasis display unit 60, a first determination unit 62, and a second determination unit 64. Each functional component is realized by the CPU 30 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 32 or the storage 36.

[0064] The communication unit 50 transmits and receives data to and from an external server and other devices via the communication interface 38. For example, it transmits and receives data such as map data and traffic conditions stored in the server. Also, the communication unit 50 may be configured to perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication with surrounding vehicles.

[0065] The operation plan setting unit 52 sets the operation plan of the vehicle 12. Specifically, when a destination is input by the occupant, an operation plan from the current location to the destination is set.

[0066] The automatic driving control unit 54 automatically drives the vehicle 12 along the set operation plan while considering the position information and the environmental information around the vehicle 12. Specifically, it automatically drives the vehicle 12 by controlling the actuator 46.

[0067] The first display instruction unit 56 causes the first display unit 24 to display the plan of the vehicle 12 based on the operation plan set by the operation plan setting unit 52. The function of this first display instruction unit 56 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(B), 5(B), and 6(B).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4(B), the set speed VA during cruise control and the current vehicle speed VB of the vehicle 12 are displayed at the upper part of the display area of the first display unit 24. The set speed VA and the vehicle speed VB are displayed on the left side in the vehicle width direction in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24. The set speed VA is displayed smaller in the lower row and is set to 120 km / h as an example here. Also, the current vehicle speed VB is displayed in the upper row and is displayed as 58 km / h. Therefore, the vehicle 12 is set to travel at a speed up to 120 km / h while maintaining a certain inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle ahead.

[0069] On the left side in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24, an image V1 simulating the host vehicle, and images V2 and V3 simulating surrounding vehicles are displayed on the road image R. Looking at the image V1, it can be seen that the host vehicle is traveling in the middle lane out of the three driving lanes of the road image R. Also, the images V2 and V3 are each displayed based on information detected by sensors (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 12. And by looking at the images V2 and V3, it can be seen that vehicles are traveling diagonally in front of the right side of the host vehicle and in front of the host vehicle. Note that the position of the host vehicle can be detected by a GPS device mounted on the vehicle 12. Also, as sensors for detecting surrounding vehicles, sensors such as a stereo camera, an ultrasonic sensor, a millimeter-wave radar, and a laser radar are used in combination. In addition, it may be configured to be able to grasp the position of the host vehicle and the positions of surrounding vehicles by performing vehicle-to-vehicle communication with surrounding vehicles.

[0070] On the right side of the display area 24A of the first display unit 24, a specific display area 24B where the plan of the vehicle 12 is displayed by the first display instruction unit 56 is set, and a plurality of plans to be implemented are displayed in the specific display area 24B. In the present embodiment, as an example, three plans, namely the first plan P1, the second plan P2, and the third plan P3, are displayed in order from the bottom. In addition, for each plan, three pieces of information, namely the distance from the current position to the planned implementation position of the operation, the planned driving route, and the type of driving, are displayed. Here, the type of driving refers to the type of whether the operation is manually performed by the driver or performed by automatic driving. In the present embodiment, as an example, only the three latest plans are displayed, and subsequent plans are not displayed, but it is not limited to this. For example, four or more plans may be displayed on the first display unit 24. Further, the number (but a plurality) of plans to be displayed on the first display unit 24 may be arbitrarily set.

[0071] Hereinafter, the first plan P1, the second plan P2, and the third plan P3 will be specifically described.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4(B), "100m" is displayed to the left of the first plan P1, indicating that the operation is to be performed about 100m ahead of the current position. In the middle of the first plan P1, a lane change from the left lane to the right lane is displayed as a schematic diagram, and the planned driving route can be understood from this schematic diagram. Further, on the right side of the first plan P1, "ASSIST" is displayed, indicating that the operation is performed (implemented) by automatic driving (driving support control).

[0073] Note that the first plan P1 is displayed slightly enlarged compared to the second plan P2 and the third plan P3 described later. In addition, the first plan P1 corresponds to the "top plan".

[0074] On one side, a second plan P2 is displayed on the first plan P1. On the left of the second plan P2, it is displayed as "200m", indicating that it is an operation to be performed (executed) about 200m ahead from the current position. Also, in the middle of the second plan P2, a path for merging from the left side road to the main line is displayed as a schematic diagram, and the planned driving route can be understood from this schematic diagram. Furthermore, on the right side of the second plan P2, it is displayed as "MANUAL", indicating that it is an operation to be performed by manual driving. That is, a temporary handover from automatic driving to manual driving is performed before driving 200m. In this embodiment, as an example, only the merging operation is performed by the occupant, and after the lane change, it is configured to be switched to automatic driving.

[0075] On the second plan P2, a third plan P3 is displayed. On the left of the third plan P3, it is displayed as "800m", indicating that it is an operation to be performed (executed) about 800m ahead from the current position. Also, in the middle of the third plan P3, a lane change from the left lane to the right lane is displayed as a schematic diagram, and the planned driving route can be understood from this schematic diagram. Furthermore, on the right side of the third plan P3, it is displayed as "ASSIST", indicating that it is an operation to be performed by automatic driving (driving support control).

[0076] By the way, as a case where a manual driving plan is inserted into the operation plan of automatic driving, for example, when it is previously grasped that the merging point is always congested and it is difficult to merge by automatic driving, or when a traffic jam has occurred due to an accident or the like and it is considered difficult to change lanes by automatic driving.

[0077] FIG. 5(B) shows an image of the first display unit 24 in a state where the vehicle 12 has traveled about 100m from the state of FIG. 4(B). As shown in this FIG. 5(B), the display on the left of the first plan P1 is changed to "0m", and the display on the left of the second plan P2 is changed to "100m". Also, the display on the left of the third plan P3 is changed to "700m".

[0078] Further, FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing a state during a fade-out process (image display process of gradually decreasing the display density), which is one of the animation processes of the first plan P1 shown in FIG. 4(B).

[0079] That is, in FIG. 5(B), in the specific display area 24B of the display area 24A, the first plan P1 has a state where the display density has been decreased from the state of FIG. 4(B) (this state is shown by indicating the frame showing the first plan P1 with a dashed line). Other display contents are the same as in FIG. 4(B).

[0080] FIG. 6(B) shows a state where, after the fade-out process of the first plan P1 shown in FIG. 5(B) is completed (the first plan P1 is erased), the second plan P2 and the third plan P3 are slid (moved) downward one by one within the specific display area 24B, and the fourth plan P4 is in the process of a fade-in process (image display process of gradually increasing the display density) at the position of the third row.

[0081] That is, FIG. 6(B) shows a process (intermediate state) of gradually increasing the display density of the fourth plan P4 at the position of the third row within the specific display area 24B (this state is shown by indicating the frame showing the fourth plan P4 with a dashed line).

[0082] As shown in this FIG. 6(B), on the left of the fourth plan P4, it is displayed as "1.5 km", indicating that it is an operation performed about 1.5 km ahead from the current position. Also, in the middle of the fourth plan P4, a schematic diagram of the route for merging from the right side road to the main line is displayed, and the planned driving route can be understood from this schematic diagram. Further, on the right side of the fourth plan P4, it is displayed as "ASSIST", indicating that it is an operation performed by automatic driving (driving support control).

[0083] FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing a state where the fade-in process of the fourth plan P4 is completed.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 7(B), in the specific display area 24B of the display area 24A, the display density of the fourth plan P4 is increased to the display densities of other plans (the second plan P2 and the third plan P3), and the fourth plan P4 is displayed on top of the third plan P3 in the specific display area 24B. Other display contents are the same as those in FIG. 6(B).

[0085] Next, the second display instruction unit 58 will be described.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle display device 10 includes a second display instruction unit 58 as a functional configuration. The second display instruction unit 58 is configured to display, on the second display unit 26, the two plans with the earliest implementation schedules among the plans displayed on the first display unit 24 by the first display instruction unit 56.

[0087] When a plurality of plans are respectively displayed in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, the highlighting unit 60 has a function of highlighting (enlarging the display) the plan with the earliest implementation schedule (hereinafter referred to as the "top plan") more than other plans.

[0088] Due to the function of the highlighting unit 60, in the specific display area 24B of the first display unit 24, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the top plans, i.e., the first plan P1 (see FIG. 4(B)) and the second plan P2 (see FIG. 7(B)), are enlarged and displayed slightly more than other plans. For example, the enlargement is about 110%.

[0089] On the other hand, when the highlighting unit 60 causes a plurality of plans to be displayed on the second display unit 26, it highlights and displays the most recent plan on the second display unit 26 more than other plans.

[0090] The functions of the second display instruction unit 58 and the highlighting unit 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(A) to 7(A). For the video displayed on the second display unit 26, the same reference numerals are given to those that are substantially the same as the video displayed on the first display unit 24, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. Also, for the video displayed on the second display unit 26 that is substantially the same as the first display unit 24, the content synchronized with the display of the first display unit 24 is displayed.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 4(A), at the lower part of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26, the set speed VA during cruise control and the current vehicle speed VB of the vehicle 12 are displayed. The set speed VA and the vehicle speed VB are displayed on the left side in the vehicle width direction of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26. The set speed VA is displayed on the right side, and here, as an example, it is set to 120 km / h. Also, the current vehicle speed is displayed on the left side and is shown as 58 km / h. Therefore, the vehicle 12 is set to travel at a speed up to 120 km / h while maintaining a certain distance from the vehicle ahead. Note that the display of the set speed and the vehicle speed is synchronized with the content of the first display unit 24.

[0092] On the right side of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26, a specific display area 26B is set where the plan of the vehicle 12 is displayed by the second display instruction unit 58, and a plurality of plans to be executed (the latest first plan P1 and the second plan P2 to be executed next) are displayed within the specific display area 26B. The latest plan, the first plan P1, is displayed below. As shown in FIG. 4(A), this first plan P1 is displayed enlarged compared to other plans (the second plan P2), the distance of 100 m to the first plan P1 is described below, and above the distance of 100 m, a schematic diagram of a lane change from the left lane to the right lane is shown, and "ASSIST" indicating automatic driving is displayed on the right side of the schematic diagram.

[0093] Also, in the display area 26A of the second display unit 26, the second plan P2 is displayed above the first plan P1.

[0094] FIG. 5(A) is a diagram showing a state at a position where the vehicle 12 has traveled 100 m from the state of FIG. 4(A), and is a diagram showing a state in which the first plan P1 is in the process of fading out in the specific display area 26B of the display area 26A.

[0095] FIG. 6(A) is a diagram showing a state in which after the first plan P1 is erased from the specific display area 26B of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26 from the state of FIG. 5(A), the second plan P2 moves downward and is enlarged and displayed, and in the display area 26A, in the specific display area 26B, the added third plan P3 is in the process of fading in.

[0096] FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing a state in which the fade-in process of the third plan P3 is completed from the state of FIG. 6(A), and the third plan P3 is displayed above the second plan P2 in the specific display area 26B.

[0097] Next, the function of the first determination unit 62 will be described. As described above, the display of the plan in the specific display areas 24B and 26B is updated by the first display instruction unit 56 and the second display instruction unit 58, and the timing of the start of this update is the timing when the operation of the top plan is started. The first determination unit 62 determines whether or not the operation of the top plan has started.

[0098] Specifically, the first determination unit 62 has a function of detecting whether or not the operation has started by detecting whether or not to detect a drive signal for the actuator first performed at the start of the operation for each type of operation of the top plan (lane change, lane merger, lane branch, etc.). For example, if the top plan is a lane change to the right lane, it is determined that the operation of the top plan has started by detecting a blink drive signal for the direction indicator on the right side of the vehicle 12.

[0099] Subsequently, the function of the second determination unit 64 will be described. It has a function of determining whether or not there is a plan to be additionally displayed when the display of the plan in the specific display areas 24B and 26B is updated.

[0100] Specifically, it is determined whether there is a plan that is not displayed in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 in the operation plan (list of plans) created by the operation plan setting unit 52.

[0101] When the number of plans displayed in the specific display area 24B and the specific display area 26B is different as in this embodiment, the second determination unit 64 first determines for the first display unit 24 (specific display area 24B) with the larger number of displays. Here, if an affirmative determination is made (there is an undisplayed (additional) plan), it means that there is also an additional plan for the second display unit 26 (specific display area 26B).

[0102] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made there, the second determination unit 64 determines whether there are a plurality of plans displayed in the specific display area 24B. If an affirmative determination is made, it is determined that there is an additional plan for the second display unit 26.

[0103] (Function)

[0104] Next, the function of this embodiment will be described.

[0105] (Display processing)

[0106] An example of the display processing for displaying the plan of the vehicle 12 based on the operation plan will be described using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. This display processing is implemented by the CPU 30 reading a display program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and expanding it in the RAM 34.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 30 determines in step S102 whether a destination is set. The destination may be directly input to the vehicle 12 by the passenger, or may be indirectly input via a mobile terminal or the like.

[0108] When the CPU 30 determines in step S102 that the destination is set, it proceeds to the process of step S104. Also, when the CPU 30 determines in step S102 that the destination is not set, it ends the display process.

[0109] The CPU 30 sets the operation plan of the vehicle 12 in step S104. Specifically, the CPU 30 sets the operation plan from the current location to the destination by the function of the operation plan setting unit 52. When setting the operation plan, information on traffic conditions and accidents, etc. may be acquired and reflected. Also, the operation plan may be set so that automatic driving increases according to the previously input requests of the passengers.

[0110] The CPU 30 causes the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 to display the plan in step S106. Specifically, the CPU 30 causes the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 to display the plan of the vehicle 12 by the functions of the first display instruction unit 56 and the second display instruction unit 58 based on the operation plan.

[0111] Here, as an example, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the CPU 30 displays three plans, the first plan P1, the second plan P2, and the third plan P3, in a specific display area 24B set on the right side of the display area 24A of the first display unit 24. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the CPU 30 displays three plans, the first plan P1 and the second plan P2, in a specific display area 26B set on the right side of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26.

[0112] At this time, the CPU 30, by the function of the highlighting unit 60, as shown in FIG. 4(B), in the specific display area 24B of the first display unit 24, displays the first plan P1, which is the top plan, slightly enlarged compared to the displays of the other plans (the second plan P2, the third plan P3).

[0113] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4(A) by the function of the highlighting unit 60, the CPU 30 enlarges and displays the display of the top plan, the first plan P1, in the specific display area 26B of the second display unit 26 more than the display of other plans (the second plan P2).

[0114] In step S108, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the operation of the top plan (the first plan P1) has started by the function of the first determination unit 62. Among the plans P1 to P3 displayed on the first display unit 24 shown in FIG. 4(B), it is determined from a drive signal or the like for the actuator 46 whether or not the operation (lane change control (driving support control)) of the first plan P1, which is the top plan, has started. For example, in the case of a lane change, it is determined that the lane change control (driving support control) of the first plan P1 has started by the first determination unit 62 detecting the blinking drive signal of the direction indicator.

[0115] If the CPU 30 makes a negative determination in step S108, it waits until a positive determination is made.

[0116] If the CPU 30 makes a positive determination in step S108, as shown in FIG. 9, in step S110, by the functions of the first display instruction unit 56 and the second display instruction unit 58, a fade-out process is performed on the top plan (the first plan P1) displayed on the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26.

[0117] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(B), in the specific display area 24B of the display area 24A of the first display unit 24, the display density of the first plan P1 for which the operation has started is gradually decreased to erase the first plan P1.

[0118] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5(A), in the specific display area 26B of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26, the display density of the first plan P1 for which the operation has started is gradually decreased to erase the first plan P1.

[0119] Subsequently, in step S112, the CPU 30, by the function of the first display instruction unit 56, as shown in FIG. 6(B), moves the second plan P2 and the third plan P3 downward (toward the position where the top plan was displayed) within the specific display area 24B from the state of FIG. 5(B). At this time, by the function of the highlighting unit 60, the second plan P2 that has moved to the position of the top plan is displayed slightly enlarged.

[0120] Similarly, the CPU 30, by the function of the second display instruction unit 58, as shown in FIG. 6(A), moves the second plan P2 downward from the state of FIG. 5(A). At this time, by the function of the highlighting unit 60, the second plan P2 that has moved to the position of the top plan is displayed enlarged.

[0121] Furthermore, in step S114, the CPU 30, by the function of the second determination unit 64, determines whether there is a plan (additional plan) that is not displayed in the specific display area 24B of the first display unit 24. In the case of an affirmative determination, the process proceeds to step S116, and in the case of a negative determination, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0122] In step S116, the CPU 30, by the function of the first display instruction unit 56, as shown in FIGS. 6(B) and 7(B), performs a fade-in process on the fourth plan P4, which is the additional plan with the earliest implementation schedule among the non-displayed plans. Specifically, in the specific display area 24B of the display area 24A, the display density of the fourth plan P4 is gradually increased at a position above the third plan P3 until it reaches the display density of the other plans (the second plan P2 and the third plan P3), and the fourth plan P4 is displayed above the third plan P3. That is, as shown in FIG. 7(B), at the current position of the vehicle 12, the three plans with the earliest implementation schedules (the second plan P2, the third plan P3, and the fourth plan P4) will be displayed (the plans displayed in the specific display area 24B will be updated).

[0123] Similarly, the CPU 30, by the function of the second display instruction unit 58, as shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 7(A), in the specific display area 26B of the display area 26A where the added third plan P3 is located, gradually increases the display density of the third plan P3 above the second plan P2 until the display density of the other plan (the second plan P2) is reached, and displays the third plan P3 above the second plan P2. That is, as shown in FIG. 7(A), at the current position of the vehicle 12, the two plans (the second plan P2 and the third plan P3) with the earliest implementation schedule will be displayed (the plan displayed in the specific display area 26B will be updated).

[0124] In addition, when a negative determination is made in step S114, the CPU 30 determines, in step S118, by the function of the second determination unit 64, whether a plurality of plans are displayed on the first display unit (the specific display area 24B).

[0125] This is because the number of plans displayed in the specific display area 26B of the second display unit 26 (two in this embodiment) is less than the number of plans displayed in the specific display area 24B of the first display unit 24 (three in this embodiment). Therefore, even if there is no additional plan for the first display unit 24, if a plurality of plans are displayed on the first display unit 24, there will be an additional plan for the second display unit 26.

[0126] Therefore, when an affirmative determination is made in step S118, the CPU 30, in step S120, by the function of the second display instruction unit 58, performs a fade-in process on only the second display unit 26 for the added third plan P3. Specifically, in the specific display area 26B of the display area 26A where the added third plan P3 is located, the display density of the third plan P3 is gradually increased above the second plan P2 until the display density of the other plan (the second plan P2) is reached, and the third plan P3 is displayed above the second plan P2. That is, as shown in FIG. 7(A), at the current position of the vehicle 12, the two plans (the second plan P2 and the third plan P3) with the earliest implementation schedule will be displayed (the plan displayed in the specific display area 26B will be updated).

[0127] In addition, when the negative determination is made in step S118, the CPU 30 proceeds to step S122.

[0128] Subsequently, in step S122, the CPU 30 determines whether there is a plan to be executed remaining in the first display unit 24 (specific display area 24B). If the affirmative determination is made in step S122, since the display process of this plan is necessary, the process returns to step S108.

[0129] If the negative determination is made in step S122, since there is no plan displayed in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, the display process is terminated.

[0130] As described above, in the vehicle display device 10 according to the present embodiment, the top plan (for example, the first plan P1) whose operation has been started is faded out in the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. Specifically, in the specific display area 24B of the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 and the specific display area 26B of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26, the display density of the top plan (for example, the first plan P1) is gradually decreased and the top plan is erased.

[0131] In this way, when erasing the top plan (for example, the first plan P1) displayed in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, the fade-out process (gradually decreasing the display density of the top plan in the specific display areas 24B and 26B and then erasing it) is performed, so that the occupant in the driver's seat can surely grasp that the top plan is erased from the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26.

[0132] Therefore, for example, even when the same (same type) plan (for example, lane change to the right lane) is continuously displayed in the specific display area 24B of the first display unit 24 or the specific display area 26B of the second display unit 26, it is possible to prevent or suppress the situation where the occupant cannot grasp that the display of the plan has been updated (the top plan has been erased).

[0133] Also, when updating the plan display in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 or the second display unit 26, after the movement (deletion) of the top action plan, the remaining plans are moved downward (slid) one by one, and the additional plan is additionally displayed by fade-in processing (gradually increasing the display density of the additional plan), so that the crew can surely recognize the addition of the plan (update of the plan display).

[0134] Furthermore, since the instrument panel 14 of the first display unit 24 is arranged at the upper front of the driver's seat occupant, and the second display unit 26 is arranged in front of the driver's seat occupant on the windshield glass 18. Therefore, the driver's seat occupant can visually recognize the update of the plan displayed in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 without much movement of the line of sight. That is, the driver's seat occupant can easily visually recognize the update of the plan.

[0135] Furthermore, since the vehicle 12 has such a vehicle display device 10, the crew can easily grasp the plan to be implemented (the planned order of implementing operations (such as lane change and lane merging)) and can surely grasp the update of the display of the plan.

[0136] (First Variation)

[0137] The vehicle display device 10A of the first variation of the present embodiment will be described. The difference from the first embodiment is only in the way of the fade-out process of the top plan, so only this point will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0138] In the vehicle display device 10A according to the first variation, the operation of the first plan P1 which is the top plan is started, and the first plan P1 which is fade-out processed on the specific display area 24B of the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 is highlighted (for example, blinking process (refer to the thick line part of FIG. 10, the first display unit 24)) before the fade-out process.

[0139] Note that in the vehicle display device 10 of the first variation, in the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, since the first plan P1, which is the top plan, is already enlarged and displayed in the specific display areas 24B and 26B in the same manner as in the first embodiment, this highlighting means highlighting other than enlarged display. However, when the first plan P1, which is the top plan, is not enlarged and displayed as in the first embodiment, this highlighting includes enlarged display.

[0140] As a result, the occupant can more surely grasp that the operation of the first plan P1 has started (been implemented) and that the display of the first plan P1 has been erased.

[0141] (Second Variation)

[0142] The vehicle display device of the second variation of this embodiment will be described. The vehicle display device 10B according to the second variation is slightly different in its functional configuration from the vehicle display device 10, and the display process is different. This difference will be described.

[0143] When a plan different from the plan previously set in the operation plan is additionally required, the display process in the case of additionally displaying the plan (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "additional plan") will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 and FIGS. 12 to 15.

[0144] First, the functional configuration of the vehicle display device 10B will be described. The same components as those in the functional configuration of the vehicle display device 10 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 12, the vehicle display device 10B has a third determination unit 66. The third determination unit 66 has a function of determining whether there is a plan (additional plan) newly generated by the operation plan setting unit 52, and a function of determining whether the additional plan must be inserted and displayed in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26.

[0146] Specifically, when a plan other than the initial plan is added (generated) by the operation plan setting unit 52, the third determination unit 66 determines that an additional plan has been generated. Further, in this case, the third determination unit 66 determines whether it is necessary to insert and display in each of the specific display areas 24B and 26B based on whether the scheduled execution order of the additional plan is less than or equal to the number of plans (in this variation, 3) displayed in the specific display area 24B of the first display unit 24 and the number of plans (in this variation, 2) displayed in the specific display area 26B of the second display unit 26.

[0147] (Function)

[0148] In the vehicle display device 10B, the following display process is performed.

[0149] First, in step S202, the CPU 30 determines whether an additional plan has been generated by the operation plan setting unit 52 by the function of the third determination unit 66. Specifically, when the CPU 30 detects a vehicle behavior (vehicle operation) that is not in the operation plan by the function of the operation plan setting unit 52, it determines whether an additional plan needs to be added accordingly, and if necessary, an additional plan is generated. When the CPU 30 detects the generation of this additional plan, it determines that an additional plan has been generated.

[0150] For example, when the vehicle 12 is in the state shown in FIG. 1 and the vehicle in front (displayed in video V3) suddenly decelerates, and the passenger of the vehicle 12 manually changes the lane of the own vehicle (displayed in video V1) to the left, it is necessary to add a lane change to the right to return to the original lane. In such a case, an additional plan (lane change to the right lane) is generated.

[0151] If the determination in step S202 is negative, the CPU 30 ends the process.

[0152] Subsequently, if the determination in step S202 is positive, in step S204, the CPU 30 determines by the function of the third determination unit 66 whether it is necessary to insert the plan (the fifth plan P5) into the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, respectively.

[0153] For example, if the additional plan is scheduled to be the fifth or later in the execution order of the plans to be executed, after the top plan (the first plan P1) is deleted, it may be displayed by normal fade-in processing (similar to step S116 of the flowchart in FIG. 9 (see FIG. 6(B))).

[0154] For example, as described above, when the vehicle manually changes lanes to the left and a lane change to the right lane is added, since it is necessary to change lanes to the right lane at least before the right merge (the second plan P2), the fifth plan P5, which is an additional plan, has an execution scheduled distance set to 150 m, which is before the execution scheduled distance of 200 m of the second plan.

[0155] Based on the function of the third determination unit 66, the CPU 30 determines that it is necessary to insert the fifth plan P5, which is an additional plan, before the second plan P2 because the execution scheduled distance of the fifth plan P5 is smaller than that of the second plan P2.

[0156] If a negative determination is made in step S204, the CPU 30 ends the display process.

[0157] If an affirmative determination is made in step S204, in step S206, the CPU 30 performs a fade-out process on the plan with the latest scheduled execution (hereinafter referred to as the "last plan") displayed at the top in each specific display area 24B, 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26.

[0158] That is, as shown in FIG. 13(B), based on the function of the first display instruction unit 56, in the specific display area 24B of the display area 24A of the first display unit 24, the display density of the third plan P3, which is the last plan, is gradually decreased and erased.

[0159] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13(A), based on the function of the second display instruction unit 58, in the specific display area 26B of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26, the display density of the second plan P2, which is the last plan, is gradually decreased and erased.

[0160] Next, in step S208, the CPU 30 performs a slide process in the specific display areas 24B and 26B by the functions of the first display instruction unit 56 and the second display instruction unit 58 when there is a display space above the insertion position of the additional plan.

[0161] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14(B), in the specific display area 24B of the first display unit 24, the second plan P2 that can be displayed above the insertion position of the fifth plan P5 moves upward.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 14(A), in the first display unit 26, there is no space to display another plan above the insertion position of the fifth plan P5 in the specific display area 26B, so the slide process is not performed.

[0163] Subsequently, in step S210, the CPU 30 performs a fade-in process on the fifth plan P5 which is the additional plan.

[0164] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14(B), by the function of the first display instruction unit 56, in the specific display area 24B of the display area 24A of the first display unit 24, the display density of the fifth plan P5 is gradually increased at a position between the first plan P1 and the second plan P2 that has been slid, until it reaches the display density of the other plans (the first plan P1 and the second plan P2). As a result, as shown in FIG. 15(B), in the specific display area 24B, the fifth plan P5 is inserted (displayed) between the first plan P1 and the second plan P2.

[0165] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14(A), by the function of the second display instruction unit 58, in the specific display area 26B of the display area 26A of the second display unit 26, the display density of the fifth plan P5 is gradually increased at a position above the first plan P1 until it reaches the display density of the other plan (the first plan P1). As a result, as shown in FIG. 15(A), the fifth plan P5 is inserted (displayed) above the first plan P1 inside the specific display area 24B.

[0166] Thus, in the vehicle display device 10 according to the second variation, when an additional plan is generated due to the behavior of the vehicle (operation of the occupant), etc., and the additional plan (for example, the fifth plan P5) is inserted into the specific display area 24B of the first display unit 24 and the specific display area 26B of the second display unit 26, the last plans (the third plan P3, the second plan P2) are erased from the specific display areas 24B and 26B by fade-out processing, and if necessary, slide processing is performed (moving the second plan P2 upward), and the additional plan (the fifth plan P5) is inserted into the specific display areas 24B and 26B by fade-in processing.

[0167] As a result, the occupant can surely recognize that the last plan has been erased from the display and that the additional plan (the fifth plan P5) has been inserted. That is, the driver can surely recognize that a plan has been added.

[0168] In particular, since the additional plan (the fifth plan P5) is inserted into the specific display areas 24B and 26B by fade-in processing, the occupant can clearly recognize at which position among the plurality of displayed plans the additional plan is inserted.

[0169] Note that the "insertion" of the additional plan includes not only the case where the additional plan is inserted between a plurality of plans, but also the case where the additional plan is inserted at the end (position) of the plurality of plans arranged side by side in the specific display areas 24B and 26B as shown in FIG. 15(A).

[0170] [Second Embodiment]

[0171] The vehicle display device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. The same components as those of the vehicle display device 10 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0172] Also, since the difference from the vehicle display device 10 is only in the method of display processing, the description will be made only with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 for this part.

[0173] In the first half of the display process in the vehicle display device 100, since it is exactly the same as the display process of the vehicle display device 10 (see FIG. 8), the flowchart in FIG. 8 will be used for substitution in the explanation. Also, in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the same step numbers are assigned to the steps similar to the display process of the vehicle display device 10, and the detailed explanations thereof are omitted.

[0174] When the CPU 30 determines in step S108 (see FIG. 8) that the operation of the top plan (the first plan P1) has started, in step S302 of FIG. 16, by the functions of the first display instruction unit 56 and the second display instruction unit 58, in the display areas 24A and 26A of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 respectively, the first plan P1 is moved from the specific display areas 24B and 26B to the left side (outer side) and positioned on the road image R (see FIGS. 17(A) and (B)).

[0175] Next, in step S204, the CPU 30 erases the first plan P1 located on the road image R in the display area 24A of the first display unit 24 and the display area 26A of the second display unit 26 respectively by fade-out processing using the functions of the first display instruction unit 56 and the second display instruction unit 58.

[0176] At the same time, the CPU 30 moves (slides) the remaining plans (the second plan P2 and the third plan, or the second plan) downward in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, and when there is an additional plan, the additional plan (the fourth plan P4, or the third plan P3) is displayed at the uppermost stage of the specific display areas 24B and 26B by fade-in processing (steps S112 to S116).

[0177] According to the vehicle display device 100 that performs the display process in this way, since the started top plan (the first plan P1) is moved onto the road image R, the passenger can surely grasp the plan on which the operation is being performed.

[0178] For example, when the top plan and the plan scheduled to be executed next (the second) are of the same type (lane change to the right lane), if only the top plan is erased from the specific display areas 24B and 26B and the plan display is updated with the start of the operation, there is a risk that the crew may misunderstand that the plan for which the operation has started is the next plan.

[0179] However, in this vehicle display device 100, by moving the top plan (the first plan P1) for which the operation has started onto the road image R displayed in the display areas 24A and 26A of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, the crew can surely grasp which plan the operation is being carried out for.

[0180] Note that the vehicle display device 100 has the same operational effects as the vehicle display device 10.

[0181] (Others)

[0182] As described above, the vehicle display device and the display processing method according to the embodiment have been described. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the first display unit 24 is provided in front of the driver's seat in the instrument panel 14 in the vehicle front direction, and the second display unit 26 is the projection surface projected by the head-up display device 44. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the first display unit may be a center display provided at the center in the vehicle width direction of the instrument panel 14. Further, the second display unit may be provided in front of the steering wheel 16 in the instrument panel 14 in the vehicle front direction.

[0183] Further, in the first embodiment (including the first and second variations (hereinafter the same)) and the second embodiment, the top plan is enlarged and displayed in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 by the function of the highlighting unit 60, but this is not essential. That is, in the specific display areas 24B and 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, a plurality of all plans may be displayed in the same size.

[0184] Furthermore, in the first variation of the first embodiment, when fading out the top plan, the top plan was highlighted by blinking display, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other methods may be used for highlighting. For example, highlighting may be performed by changing the color and tone, etc. Also, highlighting may be performed by a method such as increasing the brightness of the plan. In each specific display area 24B, 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, when a plurality of all plans are displayed in the same size (the top plan is not enlarged), when the top plan is faded out, the top plan may be highlighted by being enlarged.

[0185] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, three types of information, namely, the distance to the operation of the vehicle 12, the planned travel route of the vehicle, and the type of driving, were displayed as the plan, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information such as the speed limit may be displayed, but from the viewpoint of making the display easy to view, it is preferable to display only the above three types of information. Also, the display of the planned travel route is not limited to the schematic diagrams shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and may be displayed by other icons, etc.

[0186] Also, in the above embodiment, the second display instruction unit 58 displayed the two latest plans on the second display unit 26, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second display instruction unit 58 may display three or more latest plans on the second display unit 26.

[0187] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a plurality of plans were displayed from the bottom to the top in the order of the planned implementation in the specific display areas 24B, 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, but the present invention is not limited to this direction. For example, a plurality of plans may be displayed from the top to the bottom in the order of the planned implementation in the specific display areas 24B, 26B of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26.

[0188] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a plurality of plans were respectively displayed in each display area 24A, 26A of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, but the second display unit 26 may be configured to display only the latest top plan.

[0189] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, fade-out processing, slide processing, and fade-in processing are performed in the display areas 24A and 26A of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26. However, a configuration in which only one of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26 performs the above processing may also be used. Also, in the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, only the fade-out processing of the top plan is essential, and the slide processing and the fade-in processing of the additional plan may be omitted.

[0190] In a series of embodiments, the fade-out processing is described as an image display process of gradually decreasing and erasing the display density of the plan in the specific display areas 24B and 26B. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a process of moving the plan outside the specific display areas 24B and 26B within the display areas 24A and 26A and then erasing it may also be used. In this case, the display density of the plan may be gradually decreased during the movement, or it may be configured to move with a constant display density and then be erased after the movement.

[0191] The same applies to the fade-in processing. The fade-in processing is described as an image display process of gradually increasing and displaying the display density of the plan in the specific display areas 24B and 26B. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a process of moving the plan displayed outside the specific display areas 24B and 26B within the display areas 24A and 26A to the inside of the specific display areas 24B and 26B may also be used. In this case, the display density of the plan may be gradually increased during the movement, or the display density during the movement may be constant.

[0192] In the case of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18(B), when performing fade-out processing on the first plan P1, which is the top plan, it is conceivable that the first plan P1 moves to the left from the specific display area 24B in the display area 24A and then is erased. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 19(B), when performing fade-in processing on the fourth plan P4, which is an additional plan, it is conceivable that the fourth plan P4 is moved from the left side of the specific display area 24B to the inside of the specific display area 24B in the display area 24A and then is erased.

[0193] As shown in FIGS. 18(A) and 19(A), it is conceivable that the second display unit 26 also performs image display processing in the same manner as the first display unit 24.

[0194] In the vehicle display devices of the first and second embodiments, the fade-out process of the top plan starts at the operation start timing of the top plan, but the start condition of the fade-out process of the top plan is not limited to this. For example, the start condition of the fade-out process of the top plan may be the operation completion timing of the top plan, or the timing when the vehicle 12 passes through the planned execution position. The start condition of this fade-out process is not particularly limited as long as it is a condition related to the top plan. Note that these start conditions correspond to the "predetermined conditions".

[0195] Also, in the explanatory diagrams of the first and second embodiments, it is described that the fade-out process starts at the planned execution position (0 m) of the top plan, but it is not limited to this. For example, if the blinking of the direction indicator starts before the planned execution position for the lane change of the first plan P1 to the right lane, the fade-out process may be started from the blinking start position (the time point when blinking starts) of the direction indicator.

[0196] Furthermore, in a series of embodiments, for the sake of convenience of explanation, it is described that the fade-out process of the plan, the slide process, and the fade-in process are performed at different timings in the display areas 24A and 26A of the first display unit 24 and the second display unit 26, but these processes may be performed simultaneously.

[0197] In a series of embodiments, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the fade-out process is illustrated such that the plan moves to the outside of the specific display areas 24B and 26B while maintaining a certain density and then disappears, but a process of thinning the density while moving and then disappearing may also be used.

[0198] Note that the road conditions, plan types, distances, etc. displayed on the screen are described only for the convenience of explanation and may not match the actual road surface conditions.

[0199] In addition, in the above embodiment, the display process implemented by the CPU 30 by reading software (program) may be implemented by various processors other than the CPU 30. Examples of the processor in this case include a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electric circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) having a circuit configuration designed specifically for implementing specific processing. Further, the display process may be implemented by one of these various processors, or may be implemented by a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of a plurality of FPGAs, and a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, etc.). More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is an electric circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0200] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the configuration is such that various data is stored in the storage 36, but it is not limited to this. For example, a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disk), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory may be used as the storage unit. In this case, various programs and data etc. will be stored in these recording media.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0201] 10 Vehicle display device 12 Vehicle 14 Instrument panel 24 First display unit (display unit) 24A, 26A Display area 26 Second display unit (display unit, projection surface) 28 ECU (control unit) 44 Head-up display device P1~P5 Plan R Road video

Claims

1. A display unit provided in the vehicle interior and having a display area capable of displaying an image; A control unit that displays a plurality of plans scheduled to be executed by the vehicle in the order of execution schedule in the display area, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan, which is the plan scheduled to be executed first among the plurality of plans, erases the top plan in the display area by a fade-out process; A vehicle display device having the above.

2. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit erases the top plan, the plan that was displayed in the display area together with the top plan is moved to the position side where the top plan was displayed in the display area.

3. The vehicle display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit adds and displays an additional plan, which is a plan different from the plurality of plans, in the display area.

4. The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit displays a road image of the road on which the vehicle is traveling at a position different from the plurality of plans in the display area, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan, the top plan is moved onto the road image in the display area and then erased.

5. The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined condition of the top plan is satisfied when the operation of the top plan is started.

6. A display unit provided in the vehicle interior and having a display area capable of displaying an image; A control unit that displays a plurality of plans scheduled to be executed by the vehicle in the order of execution schedule in the display area, erases the last plan, which is the plan scheduled to be executed last among the plurality of plans, in the display area by a fade-out process, and then inserts an additional plan, which is a plan different from the plurality of plans, between the plurality of plans and arranges and displays them in the order of execution schedule; A vehicle display device having the above.

7. The vehicle display device according to claim 3 or 6, wherein when the control unit displays the additional plan in the display area, the additional plan is displayed in the display area by a fade-in process.

8. The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit highlights the plan before erasing it from the display area.

9. The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display unit is provided in front of the driver's seat in the instrument panel in the vehicle front.

10. The display unit is the vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is a projection surface projected by a head-up display device.

11. A vehicle including the vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A display processing method for displaying a plurality of plans scheduled to be implemented in a vehicle in the order of implementation schedule in a display area capable of displaying an image on a display unit provided in the vehicle interior, The display processing method includes a step of erasing the top plan, which is the plan scheduled to be implemented first among the plurality of plans, by a fade-out process within the display area when a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan.

13. A program for causing a display area capable of displaying an image on a display unit provided in the vehicle interior to display a plurality of plans scheduled to be implemented in the vehicle in the order of implementation schedule, When a predetermined condition is satisfied for the top plan, which is the plan scheduled to be implemented first among the plurality of plans, a step of erasing the top plan by a fade-out process within the display area A program for causing a computer to execute a process including the above.

Images