Mirror position registration control device

Abstract

To provide a mirror position registration control device capable of improving convenience when adjusting a mirror position without forcing complicated work whenever a mirror position is adjusted.SOLUTION: A mirror position registration control device includes a shift position sensor 50 that detects a shift position, a mirror surface position detecting part 70 that detects changes of a predetermined mirror surface position provided on a vehicle 1, a mirror surface position memory part 120 that stores a set mirror surface position, a central information display panel 41 in which information is displayed to a driver H, and registration operation of the mirror surface position of the driver H is inputted, and a control part 110 that displays a registration screen of the changed mirror surface position in the central information display panel 41, when the shift position is changed from a reversed position to a parking position if the mirror surface position is changed at the time of reversing the shift position, and stores the changed mirror surface position in the mirror surface position memory part 120 on the basis of the registration operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mirror position registration control device that assists in position registration when the position of a mirror surface is changed. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles such as automobiles are equipped with rearview mirror devices such as door mirrors and fender mirrors. These rearview mirror devices are designed so that the mirror surface can be adjusted to an appropriate angle by operating a switch from inside the vehicle.

[0003] Furthermore, when reversing a vehicle to enter a garage, the appropriate angle is different from that during normal driving. Specifically, when entering a garage, it is preferable to be able to see the area around the rear wheels, which are angled slightly downward, rather than directly behind the vehicle. Therefore, some mirrors are equipped with a mechanism that automatically tilts the mirror surface downward by a predetermined angle when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear (hereinafter referred to as "reverse"), and then tilts the mirror surface back up to its original angle when the transmission is shifted from reverse gear to another gear, such as the drive position (hereinafter referred to as "non-reverse").

[0004] On the other hand, it is not uncommon for several family members to drive a single vehicle, and even in companies, company vehicles are rarely assigned exclusively to individual employees, and in many cases, a single vehicle is shared by several people. Therefore, in situations where multiple drivers are driving the same vehicle, it is necessary to adjust the angle of the vehicle mirrors each time the driver starts driving. For this reason, it has been proposed to register the mirror position for each driver, detect the seat position and the driver's eye position, and automatically change the mirror position to suit the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-095067 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-045217 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, even for the same driver, there is a demand to register multiple mirror surface positions. In particular, when reversing, the desired mirror angle may vary depending on the location (due to differences in parking locations such as a home parking lot or a shopping mall) and the time of day (due to the angle of sunlight or the angle of the headlights that are turned on depending on the time of day). On the other hand, when adjusting the mirror angle, there are problems such as being forced to perform a cumbersome re-registration process, forgetting to perform a specific process and not being able to register, or being bothered by a new mirror angle being automatically registered every time the mirror angle is adjusted.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems, and its object is to provide a mirror position registration control device that can improve convenience when adjusting the mirror position without forcing complicated work each time the mirror position is adjusted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The mirror position registration control device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a shift position detection unit that detects the shift position, a mirror surface position detection unit that detects changes to a predetermined mirror surface position provided in the vehicle, a mirror surface position memory unit that stores the set mirror surface position, an information display unit that displays information to the driver, a registration operation input unit that inputs the driver's mirror surface position registration operation, and a control unit that, when the mirror surface position is changed while the shift position is in reverse, displays a registration screen for the changed mirror surface position on the information display unit when the shift position is changed from the reverse position to the parking position, and stores the mirror surface position changed based on the registration operation in the mirror surface position memory unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mirror position registration control device that can improve convenience when adjusting a mirror position without forcing a user to perform complicated work each time the mirror position is adjusted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an interior of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the interior of the vehicle in front of the driver's seat. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle for explaining the mirror. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram of a mirror position registration control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 4 is a main flowchart of a mirror position control process performed by the mirror position registration control device. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a mirror position registration process performed by the mirror position registration control device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a pop-up display process performed by the mirror position registration control device. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a display screen showing a mirror surface position registration selection screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a display screen example showing a registration name designation screen. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a mirror position reproduction process performed by the mirror position registration control device. [Figure 11] 10 is a display screen example showing a rear image and an option display screen displayed on the central information display panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate parts with the same functions, and duplicated descriptions in each drawing will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] (Vehicle interior configuration) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, vehicle 1 has an instrument panel 3 provided on the front side of the vehicle from driver's seat 2, a steering wheel 4 arranged between the driver's seat 2 and instrument panel 3, and a shift lever 5 provided on the front side of the passenger seat from driver's seat 2.

[0013] The steering wheel 4 is rotatably attached to a steering column (not shown) via a steering shaft (not shown). An airbag 8 is stored inside the steering wheel 4, and is deployed toward the driver (hereinafter referred to as driver H) in the event of a collision or the like of the vehicle 1.

[0014] The shift lever 5 is a switching device (shift device) that is operated by the driver H to select and switch the driving state of the vehicle 1. Here, the shift lever 5 is configured to be able to switch among the following ranges: parking range (P range: parked position), neutral range (N range: neutral position), drive range (D range: driving position), and reverse range (R range: reverse position). The shift device may be a column type provided on the side of the steering wheel 4, or a button type that does not use a lever.

[0015] 3, the vehicle 1 is provided with door mirrors 11L and 11R, a room mirror 12, and a rear camera 13. The rear camera 13 captures an image behind the vehicle 1, and the image captured by the rear camera 13 is displayed on a central information display panel 41, which will be described later. Note that the change in the mirror surface position in this embodiment is not limited to a change in the mirror surface positions of the door mirrors 11L, 11R and the rearview mirror 12, but also includes a change in the position (direction) at which the rear camera 13 captures an image. Also, in this embodiment, the camera that captures an image of the periphery of the vehicle 1 is the rear camera 13 that captures an image behind the vehicle 1, but a front camera that captures an image in front of the vehicle 1, a side camera that captures an image to the side of the vehicle 1, etc. may also be used.

[0016] In addition, in this embodiment, the mirror surface positions of all of the door mirrors 11L, 11R, the rearview mirror 12, and the rear camera 13 are registered, but this is not limiting, and it is also possible to register a predetermined number of mirror surface positions for any one of the door mirrors 11L, 11R, the rearview mirror 12, and the rearview camera 13, or for all of them. For example, the rearview mirror 12 may be one whose position is adjusted manually, and therefore may not be subject to registration of the mirror surface position or automatic adjustment.

[0017] 2, the driver's door is provided with a door mirror operation switch 20 as a mirror operation input unit. The door mirror operation switch 20 has a door mirror folding switch 21 and a mirror surface adjustment switch 22. The door mirror folding switch 21 is used to input an operation command to fold and store the door mirrors 11L, 11R, or to return the stored door mirrors 11L, 11R to their original positions. The mirror surface adjustment switch 22 is used to input an operation to change the mirror surface positions of the door mirrors 11L, 11R. An operation command to the mirror surface adjustment switch 22 can be input by selecting either the door mirror 11L or 11R and pressing the up, down, left, or right sides of the mirror surface adjustment switch 22, thereby inputting the adjustment angle of the up, down, left, or right of the mirror surface of the selected door mirror 11L, 11R.

[0018] When an operation instruction is input to the door mirror storage switch 21 or the mirror surface adjustment switch 22, the door mirror drive unit 61 (see FIG. 4) stores or returns the selected door mirror 11L, 11R, or changes the mirror surface position. In this way, by operating the door mirror storage switch 21 and the mirror surface adjustment switch 22 on the door mirror operation switch 20, the driver H can manually store the door mirrors 11L and 11R, change the mirror surface position, etc., while remaining seated in the driver's seat.

[0019] 1, two display panels are provided in the cabin of the vehicle 1: an instrument display panel 31 and a central information display panel 41. The instrument display panel 31 is disposed on the instrument panel 3 in front of the driver's seat 2, and the central information display panel 41 is disposed on the instrument panel 3 on the passenger seat side of the driver's seat 2, closer to the center of the vehicle 1 in the width direction.

[0020] (Instrument display panel 31) 1 and 2, the instrument display panel 31 is configured to include pointer-type meters configured like an analog clock and a so-called liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal panel and a backlight are integrally provided. The driver H can view various information displayed in the first display area 32 of the instrument display panel 31 through the upper space 4a of the steering wheel 4.

[0021] 2, instrument display panel 31 is provided with a first display area 32, and on the left and right sides of this first display area 32 are two pointer-type meters that display information such as the traveling speed of vehicle 1 (speedometer) and the number of revolutions per unit time of the engine (tachometer), and a small liquid crystal display device that displays images showing general vehicle information is arranged between the two pointer-type meters and in the center of instrument display panel 31. Note that instrument display panel 31 may not be provided with a pointer-type meter and may be entirely formed from a single liquid crystal display device.

[0022] (Central information display panel 41) The central information display panel 41 is configured, for example, as a so-called liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal panel and a backlight are integrally provided. As described above, the central information display panel 41 displays the image captured by the rear camera 13, allowing the driver to check the area behind the vehicle 1 on the display screen.

[0023] The central information display panel 41 is also configured to display various types of information to the driver H. The central information display panel 41 is also a touch panel and is capable of receiving operation inputs from the driver H. For example, the central information display panel 41 is configured to input a registration operation for the mirror surface position of the driver H. In other words, the central information display panel 41 functions as an information display unit that displays information to the driver H and as a registration operation input unit that inputs a registration operation for the mirror surface position of the driver H. Furthermore, central information display panel 41 can be operated by driver H to input an instruction to change the imaging direction and imaging range of rear camera 13. When an instruction to change the imaging direction of rear camera 13 is input from central information display panel 41, rear camera driving unit 63 (see FIG. 4) changes the imaging direction and imaging range of rear camera 13.

[0024] The central information display panel 41 also displays map information and the like, and can function as a so-called car navigation system. The central information display panel 41 is provided on the central information display device 40, and various operation buttons and the like are provided around the central information display panel 41, allowing operation of audio equipment, air conditioning, and the like. Operation inputs from the driver H, which are input as the touch panel, may also be received by buttons and the like provided on the central information display device 40.

[0025] The liquid crystal display devices configured in the instrument display panel 31 and the central information display panel 41 may be configured as self-luminous display devices such as plasma displays and organic EL displays, or display devices such as projection projectors.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the mirror position registration control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the mirror position registration control device 100 includes a central information display device 40, a shift position sensor 50, a mirror driving unit 60, a mirror surface position detection unit 70, a vehicle position detection unit 80, a control unit 110, a mirror surface position memory unit 120, and an in-vehicle occupant monitoring unit 130.

[0028] (Shift position sensor 50) The shift position sensor 50 is a sensor (shift position detection unit) for detecting the shift range (shift position) of the vehicle 1. In other words, the shift position sensor 50 detects the switching position of the shift lever 5, and detects to which position the shift range is set, such as parking range, drive range, reverse range, neutral range, etc. The shift range detected by the shift position sensor 50 is input to the control unit 110, which then stores the current shift range in RAM. This allows the control unit 110 to recognize the shift range setting.

[0029] (Mirror driver 60) The mirror driving unit 60 changes the mirror surface position of each mirror. The mirror driving unit 60 has a door mirror driving unit 61 and a rear camera driving unit 63. The door mirror drive unit 61 folds and returns the door mirrors 11L and 11R and changes the mirror surface position. Specifically, when the door mirror folding switch 21 is operated, the door mirror drive unit 61 folds or returns the door mirrors 11L and 11R, and when the mirror surface adjustment switch 22 is operated, the door mirror drive unit 61 changes the mirror surface position of the selected door mirror 11L or 11R depending on the amount of operation. The rear camera driving unit 63 changes the imaging position and direction of the rear camera 13. Specifically, when an instruction to change the imaging direction of the rear camera 13 is input from the central information display panel 41, the rear camera driving unit 63 changes the imaging position and direction of the rear camera 13 in accordance with the input instruction.

[0030] (Mirror surface position detection unit 70) The mirror surface position detection unit 70 detects changes in the mirror surface positions of the door mirrors 11L, 11R and the rearview mirror 12, and changes in the imaging direction of the rear camera 13. For example, the mirror surface position detection unit 70 detects changes in the mirror surface position when the door mirror operation switch 20 is operated or when an instruction to change the imaging direction or imaging range of the rear camera 13 is input.

[0031] (Vehicle position detection unit 80) The vehicle position detection unit 80 detects the current position of the vehicle 1 (host vehicle). For example, the host vehicle position detection unit 80 has a GPS receiver and detects the current position of the vehicle 1 based on the received GPS signal. Note that the host vehicle position detection unit 80 may use a GPS included in a car navigation system or a host vehicle position detection system.

[0032] (control unit 110) The control unit 110 is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM (e.g., a ring buffer), EEPROM, input / output ports, etc. (not shown), and for example, when information is input through the input port, it controls various devices through the output port based on a control program read from the ROM.

[0033] A program for a mirror position control process, which will be described later, is stored in the ROM of the control unit 110. As will be described later, the CPU of the control unit 110 loads the program for the mirror position control process into the RAM in response to a door opening operation or the like (it is also possible to use key release, ignition on, or the like as a trigger), and starts the mirror position control process.

[0034] In the mirror position control process, for example, when the mirror surface position is changed while the shift position is in reverse, the control unit 110 displays a registration screen for the changed mirror surface position on the central information display panel 41 when the shift position is changed from the reverse position to the parking position, and stores the changed mirror surface position based on the registration operation in the mirror surface position memory unit 120.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 110 stores the changed mirror surface position for each location in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. Furthermore, the control unit 110 displays a registration screen on the central information display panel 41 when the mirror surface position has been changed a predetermined number of times or more (three or more times in this embodiment) at a predetermined location. Furthermore, the control unit 110 performs processing to erase the display of the registration screen if a predetermined time has passed without a registration operation being performed after the registration screen was displayed. Furthermore, the control unit 110 performs processing such as displaying the registration screen on the central information display panel 41 when the ignition is turned off after the shift position is changed from the reverse position to the parking position.

[0036] (Mirror surface position storage unit 120) The mirror surface position storage unit 120 is a storage unit that stores set mirror surface positions. Specifically, the mirror surface position storage unit 120 stores, for each registered user, information on each mirror surface position for normal driving (not in reverse) and each mirror surface position for each location when in reverse. The mirror surface position storage unit 120 also stores a default position (initial setting position) as a standard mirror surface position that is not dependent on the registered user. Furthermore, the mirror surface position storage unit 120 also stores registered candidate positions for storing mirror surface positions, the number of times this position has been specified (the number of times the mirror surface position has been changed), and the like. The mirror surface position storage unit 120 may use part of the EEPROM of the control unit 110.

[0037] (In-vehicle occupant monitoring unit 130) The in-vehicle occupant monitoring unit 130 processes images taken by an in-vehicle camera (not shown) that captures images of occupants in the vehicle cabin (including the driver H and other occupants) and detects the condition of the occupants, etc.

[0038] The in-vehicle occupant monitoring system, for example, performs predetermined processing on image data captured by an in-vehicle camera to detect the driver H's head movement, eyelid opening, gaze direction, blink rate, etc., and can recognize the driver H's state in real time, such as decreased attention or alertness. This makes it possible to issue warnings or take preventive measures at the appropriate time.

[0039] In addition, the in-vehicle occupant monitoring system can identify pre-registered driver H using facial recognition functions, etc. As a result, when registered driver H enters vehicle 1, the positions of the seats and mirrors, the interior temperature, etc. can be automatically adjusted to the registered settings.

[0040] Additionally, the interior cameras are positioned to cover all seats, and the interior occupant monitoring system monitors the entire cabin environment in real time to enhance occupant safety. Specifically, the interior occupant monitoring system enhances occupant safety and comfort by determining the number of occupants in the cabin, recognizing them, and analyzing their posture. For example, the interior occupant monitoring system can adjust airbag deployment in real time based on the size and position of occupants, issue warnings to specific occupants if their seatbelts are not fastened correctly, and adapt the interior environment to the current number of occupants.

[0041] Furthermore, the in-vehicle occupant monitoring system may obtain information from a steering angle sensor (not shown) instead of using an in-vehicle camera. In this case, the in-vehicle occupant monitoring system can analyze the steering behavior of the driver H while driving from the information input from the steering angle sensor, grasp the degree of fatigue of the driver H, and perform processing such as encouraging the driver H to take a rest.

[0042] The in-vehicle occupant monitoring system may have its control program stored in the ROM of the control unit 110 and processed by the CPU of the control unit 110. The in-vehicle occupant monitoring system may also be a driver monitoring system that monitors only the driver H. The in-vehicle camera is not limited to an in-vehicle camera dedicated to the in-vehicle occupant monitoring unit 130, but may also be an in-vehicle camera used in a drive recorder or the like.

[0043] Next, the mirror position control process in the mirror position registration control device 100 will be described. As described above, the mirror position control process is performed by storing a program for the mirror position control process in the ROM of the control unit 110, and when an occupant gets in after the door is opened, the program is loaded into the RAM of the control unit 110, and the mirror position control process is started by the CPU of the control unit 110. Note that the mirror position control process may also be started by releasing the key of the vehicle 1, etc. In this case, the process of identifying the driver H, etc. is performed every time an occupant gets in.

[0044] The main processing of the mirror position control processing performed by the CPU of the control unit 110 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0045] (Step S11) When the door is opened and an occupant gets in, the CPU of the control unit 110 starts the main process of the mirror position control process. When the mirror position control process starts, in step S11, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of identifying the driver H. For example, the CPU of the control unit 110 obtains identification information of the driver H identified by the face recognition function of the in-vehicle occupant monitoring system. Once the driver H has been identified, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0046] (Step S12) In step S12, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of determining whether or not the driver H is a registered memory user. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the identified driver H is a registered user based on the user registration information registered and stored in the RAM, EEPROM, or the like of the control unit 110. Note that when the user registration information is stored in the RAM of the control unit 110, even if the ignition is turned off, power continues to be supplied to the RAM of the control unit 110, and the stored contents are not lost. Furthermore, if the driver H is a registered memory user, the registered user's information is stored in the RAM. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that the driver H is a registered memory user, it proceeds to step S13, and if it determines that the driver H is not a registered memory user, it proceeds to step S14.

[0047] (Step S13) In step S13, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process of setting the mirror surface positions to the registered positions. Specifically, based on the registered users, the CPU of control unit 110 reads each mirror surface position information for normal driving stored in mirror surface position storage unit 120. As described above, mirror surface position information for each mirror for normal driving, normal reverse, and location-specific reverse is stored in mirror surface position storage unit 120 for each registered user. Based on the read mirror surface position information, the CPU of control unit 110 drives mirror drive unit 60 to set the mirror surface positions of door mirrors 11L, 11R, rearview mirror 12, and rear camera 13. After setting the mirror surface positions to the registered positions, the CPU of control unit 110 proceeds to step S15.

[0048] (Step S14) In step S14, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to set the mirror surface positions to default positions (initial setting positions). Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 reads the default positions of each mirror surface position from the mirror surface position storage unit 120. Based on the read default positions of each mirror surface position, the CPU of the control unit 110 drives the mirror driving unit 60 to set the door mirrors 11L, 11R, the rearview mirror 12, and the rear camera 13 to their default positions. After setting the mirror surface positions to the default positions, the CPU of the control unit 110 proceeds to processing in step S15.

[0049] (Step S15) In step S15, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process to determine whether the shift range is "R" (reverse range). Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether the shift range input from shift position sensor 50 is the reverse range. If the CPU of control unit 110 determines that the shift range is the reverse range, it proceeds to step S16, and if it determines that the shift range is not the reverse range, it temporarily terminates the mirror position control process. Note that the mirror position control process monitors the shift range after the ignition is turned on, for example, and when the shift range becomes the reverse range, it is started again and the process is executed from step S16.

[0050] (Step S16) In step S16, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to acquire the vehicle position. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 acquires vehicle position information from the vehicle position detection unit 80 and identifies the current position of the vehicle 1. Then, once the vehicle position has been acquired, the processing proceeds to step S17.

[0051] (Step S17) In step S17, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of determining whether or not the mirror position is a registered position. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the acquired vehicle position information (current position of the vehicle 1) is a registered position of a registered user stored in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. For example, if the current position of the vehicle 1 is the position of a home or a supermarket where the driver H has already registered the mirror surface position in the mirror surface position storage unit 120, the CPU determines that the mirror position is a registered position. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that the mirror position is a registered position based on the acquired vehicle position information, it proceeds to step S19, and if it determines that the mirror position is not a registered position, it proceeds to step S18.

[0052] (Step S18) In step S18, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a mirror position registration process. In the mirror position registration process, a process is performed to register the mirror surface position for each location when in reverse. Details of the mirror position registration process will be described later. Then, when the mirror position registration process is completed, the mirror position control process ends.

[0053] (Step S19) In step S19, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a mirror position reproduction process. In the mirror position reproduction process, a process is performed to move each mirror to the mirror surface position set during reverse. Details of the mirror position reproduction process will be described later. Then, when the mirror position reproduction process is completed, the mirror position control process is terminated.

[0054] Next, the mirror position registration process performed by the CPU of the control unit 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows a subroutine of step S18 (mirror position registration process) in Fig. 5.

[0055] (Step S31) In the mirror position registration process, first, in step S31, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of setting the mirror surface position for normal reverse. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 reads the reverse mirror surface position for normal reverse, i.e., the default (initial setting) for reverse, stored in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. Then, the CPU of the control unit 110 drives the mirror driving unit 60 using the default value of the read reverse mirror surface position, and sets the mirror surface positions of the door mirrors 11L and 11R, the rearview mirror 12, and the rear camera 13. Note that the mirror surface position for normal reverse is registered during user registration. If a mirror surface position for normal reverse has not been registered, the CPU of the control unit 110 does not change the mirror surface position. After setting the mirror surface position for normal reverse, the CPU of the control unit 110 proceeds to step S32.

[0056] (Step S32) In step S32, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not a manual operation of the mirror surface position has been performed. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the mirror surface positions of the door mirrors 11L, 11R, the room mirror 12, and the rear camera 13 have been changed by manual operation by the driver H using the door mirror operation switch 20 or the like. In other words, it determines whether or not the mirror surface position has been changed by manual operation by the driver H, rather than being automatically set to the mirror surface position stored in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that manual operation of the mirror surface position has been performed, it proceeds to step S33, and if it determines that manual operation of the mirror surface position has not been performed, it terminates the mirror position registration process.

[0057] (Step S33) In step S33, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether the current location is a stored location. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether the current location of the vehicle 1 input by the vehicle position detection unit 80 matches a registered candidate location stored in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. The storage area for the registered candidate location may be the RAM, EEPROM, etc. of the control unit 110. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that the current location is a stored location (a registered candidate location), it transfers processing to step S35, and if it determines that the current location is not a stored location (a registered candidate location), it transfers processing to step S34.

[0058] (Step S34) In step S34, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of storing the location and the number of times. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 stores the current location in the mirror surface position storage unit 120 as a registration candidate position, and also stores that this is the first time as the number of times the mirror surface position has been changed. As mentioned above, the storage area for the registration candidate positions may be the RAM, EEPROM, etc. of the control unit 110. That is, in the process of determining whether or not the current location is a stored position (step S33), the storage area for the registration candidate positions stored in the process of this registration candidate position is searched to determine whether or not the current location is a stored position.

[0059] Furthermore, the CPU of the control unit 110 may store the date and time of storage together with the registration candidate positions and the number of times. By storing the date and time in this manner, the number of times stored can be cleared when a predetermined time or more has passed. This makes it possible to limit the number of times stored to within a predetermined period in the process of determining whether it is the third or more times (step S35), which will be described later. For example, if two weeks or more have passed since the last time it was stored, by setting the number to the first time, it is possible to display the registration at a location where the mirror has not been manually operated for a long period of time. Then, after the CPU of the control unit 110 has performed the process of storing the location and the number of times, it ends the mirror position registration process.

[0060] (Step S35) In step S35, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the mirror surface has been changed three or more times at that position. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the number of times the current mirror surface position stored as a registered candidate position in the mirror surface position storage unit 120 has been changed is already two or more times. If the number of times the mirror surface position has been changed is two or more times, this counts as three or more times including the current mirror surface position change, and the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that the mirror surface has been changed three or more times at that position. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that the mirror surface has been changed at that position for the third or more times, it proceeds to step S37, and if it determines that the mirror surface has not been changed at that position for the third or more times, it proceeds to step S36.

[0061] (Step S36) In step S36, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of incrementing the number of times at the vehicle position. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of incrementing "1" to the current value of the number of mirror surface position changes stored as a registration candidate position in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. After performing the process of incrementing the number of times at the vehicle position, the CPU of the control unit 110 ends the mirror position registration process.

[0062] (Step S37) In step S37, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a pop-up display process. In the pop-up display process, a guide display (pop-up display) is displayed to the driver H to prompt the driver H to register the mirror surface position, and a registration process is performed. Details of the pop-up display process will be described later. Then, when the pop-up display process is completed, the mirror position registration process is completed.

[0063] Next, the pop-up display process performed by the CPU of the control unit 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows a subroutine of step S37 (pop-up display process) in Fig. 6.

[0064] (Step S51) In the pop-up display processing, first, in step S51, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to determine whether or not a pop-up hide command has been issued. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not a pop-up hide command has been issued (for example, whether a pop-up hide command flag is on or off) for the data on the registered candidate positions for the current position and the number of mirror surface position changes stored in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. Then, if the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that a pop-up hide command has been issued, it ends the pop-up display processing, and if it determines that a pop-up hide command has not been issued, it proceeds to step S52.

[0065] (Step S52) In step S52, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process of determining whether the shift range is "P" (parking range). Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether the shift range input from shift position sensor 50 is the parking range. That is, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether the shift range has been changed from "R" to "P." If the CPU of control unit 110 determines that the shift range is the parking range, it proceeds to step S53, and if it determines that the shift range is not the parking range, it returns to step S52 and repeats the process until the shift range becomes the parking range.

[0066] (Step S53) In step S53, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process of determining whether or not the ignition has been turned off. If the CPU of control unit 110 determines that the ignition has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S54, and if the CPU of control unit 110 determines that the ignition has not been turned off, the process returns to step S53 and repeats the process until the ignition is turned off.

[0067] (Step S54) In step S54, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a registration selection screen display process. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of displaying on the central information display panel 41 a selection screen for whether or not to register the mirror surface position when reversing at the current position. FIG. 8 shows an example of the display of the mirror surface position registration selection screen. As shown in FIG. 8, the mirror surface position registration selection screen prompts the user to input whether or not to register the mirror surface position at the current position (YES) or not (NO), and if not to register, whether or not to display this display (mirror surface position registration selection screen at the current position) in the future (for example, by default, "display in the future" is checked, and if not to display it next time, uncheck the box). Then, the CPU of the control unit 110 displays the registration selection screen, and once a predetermined item is selected, the process proceeds to step S55.

[0068] (Step S55) In step S55, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of determining whether or not registration has been selected. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether registration of the mirror surface position at the current position (for example, the YES item) has been selected from the central information display panel 41, which is a touch panel displaying a registration selection screen, or whether not to register (for example, the NO item) has been selected. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that registration has been selected, it proceeds to step S56, and if it determines that not to register has been selected, it proceeds to step S61. In addition, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the registration selection screen was displayed and no predetermined input operation, such as a registration operation, has been performed, the CPU of the control unit 110 will close the registration selection screen and terminate the pop-up display processing, thereby terminating the mirror position control processing.

[0069] (Step S56) In step S56, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to display a registration name designation screen. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to display on the central information display panel 41 a display screen for designating a registration name when registering a mirror surface position. FIG. 9 shows an example of the display of the registration name designation screen. As shown in FIG. 9, the registration name designation screen provides a plurality of pre-prepared default values ​​(home, convenience store, workplace, supermarket) and a manual input option that allows the driver H to freely input a registration name. From this registration name designation screen, the driver H selects a pre-prepared predetermined default value or a manual input option. The CPU of the control unit 110 displays the registration name designation screen, and once a predetermined option has been selected, the process proceeds to step S57.

[0070] (Step S57) In step S57, the CPU of control unit 110 performs processing to determine whether manual input of a registration position has been designated. Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether the manual input item for registration name input has been selected from central information display panel 41 displaying the registration name designation screen. That is, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether a predetermined default value prepared in advance or an item for manual input has been selected from the registration name designation screen. If the CPU of control unit 110 determines that manual input of a registration position has been designated, it proceeds to step S58. If the CPU of control unit 110 determines that manual input of a registration position has not been designated, i.e., that a predetermined default value prepared in advance has been selected, it proceeds to step S60.

[0071] (Step S58) In step S58, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a registration position manual input screen display process. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of displaying a screen for inputting a registration name for registering the mirror surface position on the central information display panel 41. After displaying the registration position manual input screen, the CPU of the control unit 110 proceeds to step S59.

[0072] (Step S59) In step S59, the CPU of control unit 110 performs processing to determine whether or not the input of the registered name has been completed. Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether or not the registered name has been input from central information display panel 41 displaying the registration position manual input screen, and whether or not, for example, an input completion item has been selected. If the CPU of control unit 110 determines that the input of the registered name has been completed, it proceeds to step S60, and if it determines that the input of the registered name has not been completed, it proceeds to step S58.

[0073] (Step S60) In step S60, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process of registering the mirror surface position during reverse using the specified name. Specifically, if the registered name has been manually entered, the CPU of control unit 110 registers the mirror surface position at the currently set position in mirror surface position storage unit 120 using the manually entered registered name. Furthermore, if a predetermined default value prepared in advance has been selected from the registered name designation screen, the CPU of control unit 110 registers the mirror surface position in mirror surface position storage unit 120 using the registered name of the predetermined default value. Once the registration of the mirror surface position has been completed, the CPU of control unit 110 ends the pop-up display processing.

[0074] (Step S61) In step S61, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to determine whether or not a pop-up non-display designation has been selected. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not a designation to no longer display pop-ups has been selected from the central information display panel 41. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that a pop-up non-display designation has been selected, it proceeds to step S62, and if it determines that a pop-up non-display designation has not been selected, it ends the pop-up display processing.

[0075] (Step S62) In step S62, the CPU of control unit 110 performs processing to set pop-up non-display at that position. Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 specifies pop-up non-display for the registered candidate positions for the current position stored in mirror surface position storage unit 120. For example, the CPU turns on a pop-up non-display flag for the registered candidate positions for the current position. As a result, from the next time onwards, pop-ups will not be displayed at that position (the display processing is not performed in step S51 above, and the pop-up display processing ends). After setting pop-up non-display at that position, the CPU of control unit 110 ends the pop-up display processing.

[0076] Next, the mirror position regeneration process performed by the CPU of the control unit 110 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows a subroutine of step S19 (mirror position regeneration process) in Fig. 5.

[0077] (Step S71) In the mirror position reproduction process, first, in step S71, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process of setting the registered reverse mirror surface positions that are suited to the location. Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 reads the reverse mirror surface positions stored in mirror surface position memory unit 120 for the host vehicle position detected by host vehicle position detection unit 80, and drives mirror drive unit 60 to set the mirror surface positions of door mirrors 11L, 11R, rearview mirror 12, and rear camera 13. After setting the reverse mirror surface positions, the CPU of control unit 110 proceeds to step S72.

[0078] (Step S72) In step S72, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of playing back an image of the mirror surface position set on the central information display panel 41. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process of displaying an image (video) captured by the rear camera 13 with the mirror surface position (the imaging position and angle at which the rear camera 13 captures an image) changed on the central information display panel 41. Then, after the CPU of the control unit 110 has played back the image of the mirror surface position, the process proceeds to step S73.

[0079] (Step S73) In step S73, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process to display options for normal mirror surface positions when reversing. Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process to display options for normal mirror surface positions when reversing on central information display panel 41. FIG. 11 shows an example of a rear image and option display screen (a display screen of an image captured by rear camera 13 and options) displayed on central information display panel 41. As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU of control unit 110 displays on central information display panel 41 that an image based on the mirror surface position of a specified location is being played back, and also displays options for normal mirror surface positions when reversing. After displaying the options for normal mirror surface positions when reversing, the CPU of control unit 110 proceeds to step S74.

[0080] (Step S74) In step S74, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to determine whether or not the normal mirror surface position has been selected. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the display of the normal mirror surface position has been selected from the central information display panel 41 that displays the rear image and the option display screen. That is, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not the option to set the normal mirror surface position has been selected from the rear image and the option display screen. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that the normal mirror surface position has been selected, it proceeds to step S75, and if it determines that the normal mirror surface position has not been selected, it proceeds to step S80.

[0081] (Step S75) In step S75, the CPU of control unit 110 performs processing to set the mirror surface positions to normal. Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 reads the default (initial setting value) reverse mirror surface positions for use during reverse stored in mirror surface position storage unit 120. Then, the CPU of control unit 110 drives mirror drive unit 60 using the read default value for the reverse mirror surface positions, and sets the mirror surface positions of door mirrors 11L, 11R, rearview mirror 12, and rear camera 13. After setting the mirror surface positions to normal reverse mirror surface positions, the CPU of control unit 110 proceeds to processing in step S76.

[0082] (Step S76) In step S76, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process of determining whether the shift range is "P" (parking range). Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether the shift range input from shift position sensor 50 is the parking range. In other words, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether the shift range has been changed from "R" to "P." If the CPU of control unit 110 determines that the shift range is the parking range, it proceeds to step S77, and if it determines that the shift range is not the parking range, it returns to step S76 and repeats the process until the shift range becomes the parking range.

[0083] (Step S77) In step S77, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to display a registration cancellation selection screen for the registered reverse mirror surface position. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to display a registration cancellation selection screen for prompting the user to select whether or not to cancel the registered reverse mirror surface position on the central information display panel 41. After displaying the registration cancellation selection screen for the registered reverse mirror surface position, the CPU of the control unit 110 proceeds to step S78.

[0084] (Step S78) In step S78, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs processing to determine whether or not deregistration has been selected. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 determines whether or not an option to cancel the registered reverse mirror surface position has been selected from the central information display panel 41, or whether or not cancellation has been selected. If the CPU of the control unit 110 determines that deregistration has been selected, it proceeds to step S79, and if it determines that no cancellation has been selected, it terminates the mirror position reproduction processing. Note that if no input is made within a predetermined time after the display of the deregistration selection screen, the display of the deregistration selection screen is terminated, and the mirror position reproduction processing is terminated.

[0085] (Step S79) In step S79, the CPU of the control unit 110 performs a process to cancel the registration of the mirror surface position when reversing at that location. Specifically, the CPU of the control unit 110 deletes the information on the mirror surface position at that location that is currently set in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. After canceling the registration of the mirror surface position, the CPU of the control unit 110 ends the mirror position reproduction process.

[0086] (Step S80) In step S80, the CPU of control unit 110 performs a process of determining whether the shift range is "P" (parking range). Specifically, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether the shift range input from shift position sensor 50 is the parking range. That is, the CPU of control unit 110 determines whether the shift range has been changed from "R" to "P." If the CPU of control unit 110 determines that the shift range is the parking range, it ends the mirror position regeneration process, and if it determines that the shift range is not the parking range, it returns to step S80 and repeats the process until the shift range becomes the parking range. In addition, when the mirror surface position is manually operated during the mirror position reproduction process, a pop-up display process may be performed to display a registration selection screen or the like to prompt the user to register a new mirror surface position.

[0087] As described above, when the mirror surface position is changed while the shift position is in reverse, the mirror position registration control device 100 of this embodiment displays a registration screen for the changed mirror surface position on the central information display panel 41 when the shift position is changed from the reverse position to the parking position, and when the driver H performs a simple registration operation, the changed mirror surface position is stored in the mirror surface position storage unit 120. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience when adjusting the mirror position without forcing the driver H to perform complicated work every time the mirror position is adjusted.

[0088] In addition, the mirror position registration control process of this embodiment is executed by the CPU of the control unit 110 after a program stored in the ROM, RAM, EEPROM, etc. of the control unit 110 is expanded into the RAM, etc. of the control unit 110. In this embodiment, the shift position sensor 50 constitutes a shift position detection unit of the present invention. In this embodiment, the central information display panel 41 constitutes an information display unit and a registration operation input unit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: vehicle, 5: shift lever, 11L, 11R: door mirrors, 12: room mirror, 13: rear camera, 20: door mirror operation switch, 21: door mirror storage switch, 22: mirror surface adjustment switch, 31: instrument display panel, 40: central information display device, 41: central information display panel, 50: shift position sensor, 60: mirror drive unit, 70: mirror surface position detection unit, 80: vehicle position detection unit, 100: mirror position registration control device, 110: control unit, 120: mirror surface position memory unit, 130: vehicle interior occupant monitoring unit

Claims

1. a shift position detection unit that detects a shift position; a mirror surface position detection unit that detects a change in a predetermined mirror surface position provided on the vehicle; a mirror surface position storage unit that stores the set mirror surface position; an information display unit that displays information to the driver; a registration operation input unit for inputting a registration operation of the driver's mirror surface position; a vehicle position detection unit that detects the position of the vehicle; a control unit that, when the mirror surface position is changed while the shift position is in reverse, displays a registration screen for the changed mirror surface position on the information display unit when the shift position is changed from the reverse position to the parking position, and stores the changed mirror surface position in the mirror surface position storage unit based on the registration operation; Equipped with The control unit When the mirror surface position is changed a predetermined number of times or more at a predetermined location, the registration screen is displayed on the information display unit, and the mirror surface position changed based on the registration operation is stored in the mirror surface position storage unit as the mirror surface position at the predetermined location. A mirror position registration control device characterized by the above.

2. the control unit erases the display of the registration screen if a predetermined time has elapsed without a registration operation being performed after the registration screen is displayed.

2. The mirror position registration control device according to claim 1.

3. the control unit displays the registration screen when the ignition is turned off after the shift position is changed from the reverse position to the parking position.

3. The mirror position registration control device according to claim 1 or 2.

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