In-vehicle display device, display control device, and display control method

Abstract

The present technology relates to an on-board display device, a display control device, and a display control method that make it possible to present in which direction a vehicle will travel in an easy-to-understand manner to a pedestrian or the like near the vehicle. On the basis of the state of a vehicle or location information about the vehicle, control is performed such that a first image showing a travel direction of the vehicle is displayed on the front of the vehicle, and also control is performed such that a second image differing from the first image and showing the travel direction of the vehicle is displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an in-vehicle display device, a display control device, and a display control method, and particularly relates to an in-vehicle display device, a display control device, and a display control method that can easily present to pedestrians and the like around the vehicle the direction in which the vehicle is traveling.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that markers indicating the traveling direction are mounted on the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, interest in autonomous driving systems has been increasing. In particular, in the means of transportation for the elderly and small-scale logistics, etc., the demand for autonomous driving vehicles that travel at low speeds in the same environment as pedestrians and bicycles has been increasing. However, when an autonomous driving vehicle travels in the same environment as pedestrians, it is difficult for pedestrians to predict the direction in which the autonomous driving vehicle is moving, and there is a problem that some pedestrians feel scared. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that markers indicating the traveling direction are mounted on the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle. However, there is no description regarding the point indicating the direction in which the vehicle turns, and there is also no description regarding the point of performing different arrow displays in the front and rear of the vehicle. For this reason, it has been difficult for pedestrians around to intuitively grasp the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0005] This technology was developed in light of these circumstances, and aims to clearly indicate to pedestrians and others around a vehicle which direction the vehicle is moving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect of this technology is an in-vehicle display device comprising: a first display unit mounted on the front of the vehicle; a second display unit mounted on the rear of the vehicle; and a display control unit that controls the first display unit to display a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle or the position information of the vehicle, and controls the second display unit to display a second image different from the first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0007] In the in-vehicle display device of the first aspect of this technology, a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle is controlled to be displayed on the front of the vehicle based on the vehicle's status or location information, and a second image, different from the first image and also indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle, is controlled to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

[0008] A second aspect of this technology is a display control device that includes a display control unit that controls the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the front of the vehicle, and the display of a second image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle, which is different from the first image, on the rear of the vehicle, based on the state of the vehicle or the position information of the vehicle.

[0009] A second aspect of this technology is a display control method in which the display control unit of a display control device having a display control unit controls the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the front of the vehicle, and the display of a second image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle and different from the first image on the rear of the vehicle, based on the state of the vehicle or the position information of the vehicle.

[0010] In the display control device and display control method of the second aspect of this technology, the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the front of the vehicle and the display of a second image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle, which is different from the first image, on the rear of the vehicle are controlled based on the state of the vehicle or the position information of the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the external configuration of a cart (vehicle) equipped with an in-vehicle display device according to one embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an example of the image displayed on the external display unit of the cart when it is moving forward. [Figure 3] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the image displayed on the external display unit when the cart is moving in reverse. [Figure 4] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the image displayed on the exterior display when the cart is making a right turn while moving forward. [Figure 5] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the image displayed on the exterior display when the cart is turning left while moving forward. [Figure 6] Figure 1 illustrates an example of the image displayed on the external display unit of the cart when it is decelerating. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an in-vehicle display device according to one embodiment of this technology. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the image that the cart in Figure 1 displays on the exterior display unit when it is moving forward in the second display mode. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the image displayed on the exterior display unit when the cart in Figure 1 is making a right turn while moving forward, in the second display mode. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the image that the cart in Figure 1 displays on the exterior display when it is moving forward in the third display mode. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates the image displayed on the exterior display unit when the cart in Figure 1 makes a right turn while moving forward, in the third display mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <Appearance and Interior of the Cart> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the appearance of a cart 1 equipped with an in-vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the cart 1 when viewed from the front left obliquely.

[0014] The cart 1 is a vehicle that can move by autonomous driving or remote control. A person can ride on the cart 1. The cart 1 may be driven by an occupant.

[0015] Examples of the cart 1 include an electric vehicle that moves with a motor, such as an electric cart. Note that the cart 1 according to the present embodiment is not limited to an electric vehicle.

[0016] The body of the cart 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. On the front, left, right, and rear (back) surfaces of the cart 1, an external display unit 11F, an external display unit 11L, an external display unit 11R (not shown), and an external display unit 11B (not shown) are provided, respectively. The external display units 11F to 11B are each constituted by a thin display device (display), such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL panel. Note that the external display units 11F to 11B are also referred to as a front display unit 11F, a left-side display unit 11L, a right-side display unit 11R, and a rear display unit 11B, respectively, corresponding to the surfaces of the cart 1 on which they are arranged.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, an entrance / exit for a person to get on and off is provided at a position near the rear on the left side surface of the body. There is no door at the entrance / exit. A similar entrance / exit is also provided on the right side surface of the body.

[0018] In addition, on the front, left side, right side, and rear of the cart 1, a camera 12F, a camera 12L, a camera 12R (not shown), and a camera 12B (not shown) are provided, respectively. Images of the front, left side, right side, and rear of the cart 1 are captured by the cameras 12F to 12B, respectively.

[0019] Furthermore, on the front, left side, right side, and rear of the cart 1, an outside vehicle speaker 13F, an outside vehicle speaker 13L, an outside vehicle speaker 13R (not shown), and an outside vehicle speaker 13B (not shown) are provided, respectively. In FIG. 1, the outside vehicle speaker 13F and the outside vehicle speaker 13L are shown as circles with hatches, but the shape and position of the speakers are not limited to the shape and position shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] The cart 1 having such an external configuration is used to carry people and travel at a relatively low speed on a circuit course set in a park or a theme park. The passengers can enjoy the effects provided by the cart 1 while looking at the surrounding scenery.

[0021] <Example of display when the vehicle is moving forward> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating images displayed on the outside vehicle display units 11F to 11B when the cart 1 (vehicle) in FIG. 1 is moving forward. In FIG. 2, a front perspective view (A in FIG. 2) showing the cart 1 from the front left diagonal and a rear perspective view (B in FIG. 2) showing the cart 1 from the rear right diagonal are shown. The state of moving forward may include not only the state when the vehicle is moving forward but also the state when the vehicle starts to move forward.

[0022] In A of FIG. 2, an arrow (an image of an arrow, hereinafter simply referred to as an arrow) facing the vertically downward direction is displayed on the front display unit 11F (the first display unit) of the cart 1. An arrow facing the vehicle traveling direction is displayed on the left side display unit 11L (the third display unit) of the cart 1.

[0023] In Figure 2B, the rear display unit 11B (second display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow pointing vertically upwards. The right side display unit 11R (fourth display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow pointing in the direction of vehicle travel.

[0024] According to this method, pedestrians and others can intuitively recognize that the vehicle is moving forward regardless of whether they are viewing it from the front, back, left, or right, as indicated by the arrow display. Therefore, the direction of travel of the vehicle is clearly presented.

[0025] The arrows may be displayed as either flat or three-dimensional representations with depth. The length of the arrows may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. The higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be.

[0026] <Example of display when the vehicle is moving in reverse> Figure 3 is an example of the images displayed on the external display units 11F to 11B when the cart 1 (vehicle) in Figure 1 is moving in reverse. Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the cart 1 from the left front (Figure 3A) and a rear perspective view of the cart 1 from the right rear (Figure 3B). When moving in reverse, it may include not only the state in which the vehicle is moving in reverse, but also the state in which the vehicle is about to start moving in reverse.

[0027] In Figure 3A, the front display unit 11F (first display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow pointing vertically upwards. The left side display unit 11L (third display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow pointing in the direction of vehicle travel.

[0028] In Figure 3B, the rear display unit 11B (second display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow pointing vertically downwards. The right side display unit 11R (fourth display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow pointing in the direction of vehicle travel.

[0029] According to this method, pedestrians and others can intuitively recognize that the vehicle is moving in reverse, regardless of whether they are viewing the vehicle from the front, back, left, or right, as indicated by the arrow display. Therefore, the direction of travel of the vehicle is clearly presented.

[0030] The arrows may be displayed as either flat or three-dimensional representations with depth. The length of the arrows may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. The higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be.

[0031] <Example of display when a vehicle is turning right while moving forward> Figure 4 illustrates images displayed on the external display units 11F to 11B when the cart 1 (vehicle) in Figure 1 is making a right turn while moving forward. Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of the cart 1 from the left front (Figure 4A) and a rear perspective view of the cart 1 from the right rear (Figure 4B). "Making a right turn while moving forward" may include not only the state in which the vehicle is making a right turn while moving forward, but also the state in which the vehicle is beginning to make a right turn while moving forward.

[0032] In Figure 4A, the front display unit 11F (first display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow formed from a straight section extending vertically from top to bottom and a curved section curving downwards to the left. The left side display unit 11L (third display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow formed from a straight section extending vertically from right to left when viewed from the side (left side) of the vehicle and a curved section curving upwards to the left.

[0033] In Figure 4B, the rear display unit 11B (second display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow (point-symmetric to the arrow of the first display unit) formed from a straight section extending vertically from bottom to top and a curved section curving to the upper right. The right side display unit 11R (fourth display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow (point-symmetric to the arrow of the third display unit) formed from a straight section extending vertically from left to right when viewed from the side (right side) of the vehicle and a curved section curving to the lower right.

[0034] According to this method, pedestrians and others can intuitively recognize that the vehicle is turning right while moving forward, regardless of whether they are viewing the vehicle from the front, back, left, or right, thanks to the arrow-based display method, thus clearly indicating the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0035] The arrows may be displayed as either flat or three-dimensional representations with depth. The length of the arrows may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. The higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be.

[0036] The external display units 11F to 11B may display not only arrows but also text simultaneously. For example, when turning right, text such as "Turning Right" should be displayed to clearly indicate the direction the vehicle is moving. Simply displaying "Turning Right" may cause surrounding vehicles to mistakenly believe that the vehicle is requesting a right turn, so the expression "Turning Right" is preferable. Similarly, when the vehicle is moving forward or backward, text (such as "Moving Forward" or "Reversing") may be displayed on the external display units 11F to 11B. The same content as the displayed text may also be broadcast as voice to the outside of the vehicle using external speakers (13F, 13L, 13R, 13B).

[0037] <Example of a sign displayed when a vehicle is turning right while reversing> When cart 1 (vehicle) in Figure 1 is making a right turn while reversing, the external display units 11F to 11B will display the arrows shown in Figure 4 and arrows that are point-symmetrical to them, respectively. The explanation in the diagram is omitted. "Making a right turn while reversing" may include not only the state in which the vehicle is making a right turn while reversing, but also the state in which the vehicle is beginning to make a right turn while reversing.

[0038] According to this method, pedestrians and others can intuitively recognize that the vehicle is making a right turn while reversing, regardless of whether they are viewing the vehicle from the front, back, left, or right, thanks to the arrow-based display method, thus clearly indicating the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0039] The arrows may be displayed as either flat or three-dimensional representations with depth. The length of the arrows may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. The higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be.

[0040] The external display units 11F to 11B may display not only an arrow but also text (such as "Turning Right"), or they may emit voice messages to the outside of the vehicle, similar to when the vehicle is turning right while moving forward.

[0041] <Example of display when a vehicle is turning left while moving forward> Figure 5 illustrates images displayed on the external display units 11F to 11B when the cart 1 (vehicle) in Figure 1 is making a left turn while moving forward. Figure 5 shows a front perspective view of the cart 1 from the front left (Figure 5A) and a rear perspective view of the cart 1 from the rear right (Figure 5B). "Making a left turn while moving forward" may include not only the state in which the vehicle is making a left turn while moving forward, but also the state in which the vehicle is beginning to make a left turn while moving forward.

[0042] In Figure 5A, the front display unit 11F (first display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow formed from a straight section extending vertically from top to bottom and a curved section curving downwards to the right. The left side display unit 11L (third display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow formed from a straight section extending vertically from right to left when viewed from the side (left side) of the vehicle and a curved section curving downwards to the left.

[0043] In Figure 5B, the rear display unit 11B (second display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow (point-symmetric to the arrow of the first display unit) formed from a straight section extending vertically from bottom to top and a curved section curving to the upper left. The right side display unit 11R (fourth display unit) of cart 1 displays an arrow (point-symmetric to the arrow of the third display unit) formed from a straight section extending vertically from left to right when viewed from the side (right side) of the vehicle and a curved section curving to the upper right.

[0044] According to this method, pedestrians and others can intuitively recognize that the vehicle is turning left while moving forward, regardless of whether they are viewing the vehicle from the front, back, left, or right, thanks to the arrow-based display method, thus clearly indicating the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0045] The arrows may be displayed as either flat or three-dimensional representations with depth. The length of the arrows may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. The higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be.

[0046] The external display units 11F to 11B may display not only an arrow but also text (such as "Turning left"), or they may emit voice messages to the outside of the vehicle, similar to when the vehicle is turning right while moving forward.

[0047] <Example of a display when a vehicle is turning left while reversing> When cart 1 (vehicle) in Figure 1 is making a left turn while reversing, the external display units 11F to 11B will display the arrows shown in Figure 5 and arrows that are point-symmetrical to them, respectively. The explanation in the diagram is omitted. "Making a left turn while reversing" may include not only the state in which the vehicle is making a left turn while reversing, but also the state in which the vehicle is beginning to make a left turn while reversing.

[0048] According to this method, pedestrians and others can intuitively recognize that the vehicle is turning left while reversing, regardless of whether they are viewing the vehicle from the front, back, left, or right, thanks to the arrow-based display method, thus clearly indicating the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0049] The arrows may be displayed as either flat or three-dimensional representations with depth. The length of the arrows may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. The higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be.

[0050] The external display units 11F to 11B may display not only an arrow but also text (such as "Turning left"), or they may emit voice messages to the outside of the vehicle, similar to when the vehicle is turning right while moving forward.

[0051] <Example of display when a vehicle is decelerating> Figure 6 illustrates images displayed on the external display units 11F to 11B of cart 1 (vehicle) in Figure 1 when decelerating. Figure 6 shows a front perspective view of cart 1 from the left front (Figure 6A) and a rear perspective view of cart 1 from the right rear (Figure 6B). Deceleration can mean not only when the vehicle is decelerating while moving forward, but also when the vehicle begins to decelerate while moving forward. In Figure 6, images displayed on the external display units 11F to 11B of cart 1 when moving forward are shown as examples, but the same can be applied not only when moving forward, but also when moving in reverse, etc.

[0052] In Figures 6A and 6B, the arrows displayed on the exterior display units 11F to 11B are in the same direction as the arrows displayed on the exterior display units 11F to 11B in Figure 2 when the cart 1 is moving forward.

[0053] However, during deceleration, the displayed arrow is more compressed compared to the arrow in Figure 2. That is, the arrow has a line segment portion (shaft) consisting of straight or curved lines, and an arrowhead portion. In the arrow displayed during deceleration in Figure 6, compared to the arrow in Figure 2, the shaft portion is shorter, and the width near the center of the shaft portion is wider than near the endpoints (start and end points). Similarly, the arrowhead portion is shorter in length and wider (has a larger tip angle).

[0054] As a representation of a flattened arrow, the tip of the arrowhead may be rounded. The arrow displayed during deceleration may include one or more of the following representations compared to the arrow in Figure 2: shortening the length of the shaft, widening the width of the shaft, shortening the length of the arrowhead, widening the width of the arrowhead, and rounding the tip of the arrowhead. When cart 1 comes to a complete stop, the shaft portion of the arrow may be removed, and only the arrowhead portion (for example, only a triangular image) may be displayed, or an image of a shape representing stopping, such as a circle, may be displayed.

[0055] According to this system, pedestrians and others can intuitively recognize that a vehicle is slowing down regardless of the direction from which they view the vehicle (front, back, left, or right), as indicated by the arrow display. This makes the vehicle's deceleration clearly presented in conjunction with its direction of travel.

[0056] Furthermore, the external display units 11F to 11B may display not only arrows but also text simultaneously, similar to when turning right while moving forward. For example, when decelerating, text such as "Decelerating" may be displayed to clearly indicate that the vehicle is slowing down. Voice messages may also be broadcast to those outside the vehicle.

[0057] <Example of the configuration of an in-vehicle display device according to one embodiment of this technology> Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an in-vehicle display device according to one embodiment of the present technology. In Figure 7, the vehicle display device 31 includes the exterior display units 11F to 11B described above: the front display unit 11F, the left side display unit 11L, the right side display unit 11R, and the rear display unit 11B, and a display control unit 51.

[0058] The display control unit 51 generates images such as arrows, as shown in Figures 2 to 6, to be displayed on the front display unit 11F, left side display unit 11L, right side display unit 11R, and rear display unit 11B, respectively, based on the display instruction signal, and supplies them to the front display unit 11F, left side display unit 11L, right side display unit 11R, and rear display unit 11B, respectively.

[0059] The display instruction signal is generated, for example, according to the state of the vehicle (cart 1). More specifically, the display instruction signal is generated according to the vehicle's driving state, the operation state of the turn signals, etc. For example, when the vehicle is moving forward, a display instruction signal indicating that the vehicle is moving forward is given to the display control unit 51. When the display control unit 51 receives a display instruction signal indicating that the vehicle is moving forward, it generates an image of the forward-moving arrow shown in Figure 2 and displays it on each of the exterior display units 11F to 11B. If text is to be displayed, an image of the text is also generated (the same applies hereafter). In this state, if the right-turn turn signal is operated, a display instruction signal indicating that the vehicle is turning right is given to the display control unit 51. When the display control unit 51 receives a display instruction signal indicating that the vehicle is turning right, it generates an image of the forward-moving arrow for a right turn shown in Figure 4, changes the image of the arrow in Figure 2, and displays the image of the arrow in Figure 4 on each of the exterior display units 11F to 11B.

[0060] Another example of a display instruction signal is that when the shift lever is in the drive position, a display instruction signal is given to the display control unit 51 indicating that the vehicle is moving forward. When the shift lever is operated to the reverse position, a display instruction signal is given to the display control unit 51 indicating that the vehicle is moving in reverse (or has started to move in reverse). When the display control unit 51 receives a display instruction signal indicating that the vehicle is moving in reverse, it generates an image of a reverse arrow as shown in Figure 3 and displays it on the external display units 11F to 11B, respectively.

[0061] The display instruction signal may be generated according to the vehicle's location information. For example, if a driving route is set in advance, the display instruction signal indicating to turn right when approaching a right-turn point may be provided to the display control unit 51. The vehicle's location information may be obtained using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or by reading RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​embedded in the road.

[0062] <Other display formats for the vehicle's direction of travel (second display format)> Figures 8 and 9 illustrate other display modes (second display modes) of the vehicle's direction of travel that the cart 1 (vehicle) in Figure 1 displays on the external display units 11F to 11B. In the display modes described in Figures 2 to 6, an arrow indicating the direction of travel is displayed stationary on each screen of the external display units 11F to 11B. In the second display mode, the arrow moves in the direction of travel (direction of the arrow) on each screen of the external display units 11F to 11B.

[0063] <Example of display when the vehicle is moving forward (or in reverse)> Figures 8A to 8C show a forward perspective view of cart 1 in chronological order, illustrating the images displayed on the exterior display units 11F and 11L when cart 1 is moving forward in the second display mode. In Figures 8A to 8C, the front display unit 11F of cart 1 displays an image that changes over time as an arrow (arrow image) pointing vertically downward moves across the screen, and the left side display unit 11L displays an image that changes over time as an arrow (arrow image) pointing to the left, which is the direction of vehicle travel, moves across the screen. When the terms up, down, left, or right are used in relation to the images (arrows, etc.) or screens displayed on the exterior display units 11F to 11B, they refer to the up, down, left, or right when the respective screens are viewed from the front.

[0064] The arrow displayed on the front display unit 11F moves in the direction it points, that is, downwards from the top of the screen to the bottom of the screen. Initially, when the arrow appears on the screen, a portion of the tip (arrowhead) of the arrow appears from the top of the screen, as shown in Figure 8A. Then, the arrow moves downwards on the screen, and the entire arrow is displayed within the screen, as shown in Figure 8B. As the arrow moves further downwards, only a portion of the base (part of the line segment) of the arrow is displayed at the bottom of the screen, as shown in Figure 8C, and finally the arrow disappears from the screen. In this way, on the front display unit 11F of cart 1, the arrow appears from the top of the screen, moves toward the bottom of the screen, and disappears from the bottom of the screen. After disappearing from the bottom of the screen, the arrow reappears from the top of the screen. This display of the arrow is repeated on the front display unit 11F. Note that the next arrow may appear from the top of the screen before the previous arrow disappears from the screen. The repetition of the appearance and disappearance of the arrow may also be changed according to the vehicle's movement speed, etc.

[0065] The arrow displayed on the left side display unit 11L moves in the direction the arrow is pointing, that is, from the right side of the screen to the left side of the screen. Initially, when the arrow appears on the screen, a portion of the tip of the arrow appears from the right side of the screen, as shown in Figure 8A. Then, the arrow moves to the left on the screen, and the entire arrow is displayed on the screen, as shown in Figure 8B. As the arrow moves further to the left, only a portion of the base end of the arrow is displayed on the left side of the screen, as shown in Figure 8C, and finally the arrow disappears from the screen. In this way, on the left side display unit 11L of the cart 1, the arrow appears from the right side of the screen, moves toward the left side of the screen, and disappears from the left side of the screen. After disappearing from the right side of the screen, the arrow reappears from the right side of the screen. This display of the arrow is repeated on the left side display unit 11L. Note that the next arrow may appear from the right side of the screen before the previous arrow disappears from the screen. Furthermore, the repetition of the appearance and disappearance of the arrow may be changed according to the vehicle's movement speed, etc.

[0066] Although a detailed explanation using diagrams will be omitted, when cart 1 is moving forward, the rear display unit 11B displays an upward-pointing arrow that moves upward from the bottom to the top of the screen. The right side display unit 11R displays an arrow pointing to the right, which is the direction of vehicle travel, that moves to the right from the left to the right of the screen. Also, similar to the relationship between Figures 2 and 3, the displays on the front display unit 11F and the rear display unit 11B are swapped when cart 1 is moving forward and when it is moving backward, and the displays on the left side display unit 11L and the right side display unit 11R are swapped.

[0067] With the second display mode for indicating the direction of vehicle movement when the vehicle is moving forward or backward, pedestrians and others can intuitively recognize whether the vehicle is moving forward or backward based on the arrow display method and the direction of the arrow's movement, regardless of which direction they are viewing the vehicle from (front, back, left, or right), thus clearly indicating the direction of vehicle movement.

[0068] In the second display mode, the shape of the arrow may be changed as shown in Figure 6 when the vehicle decelerates. The arrow may be displayed in either a planar or three-dimensional form with depth. The length of the arrow or the speed at which the arrow moves may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. For example, the higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be made, or the faster the arrow moves.

[0069] <Example of display when turning right (or left) while the vehicle is moving forward (or backward)> Figures 9A to C show a forward perspective view of cart 1 in chronological order, illustrating the images displayed on the exterior display units 11F and 11L when cart 1 is turning right while moving forward in the second display mode. In Figures 9A to C, the front display unit 11F of cart 1 displays an image that changes over time as an arrow (image of an arrow) moves across the screen and changes direction from bottom to left, while the left side display unit 11L displays an image that changes over time as an arrow moves across the screen and changes direction from left to top.

[0070] The arrow displayed on the front display unit 11F appears from the top of the screen as a downward-pointing arrow. Initially, when the arrow appears on the screen, a portion of the tip (arrowhead) of the arrow appears from the top of the screen, as shown in Figure 9A. After that, the arrow moves downward on the screen, and once the entire arrow is displayed on the screen, the arrow changes to a curved arrow, as shown in Figure 9B, similar to Figure 4. A curved arrow is formed from a straight section extending downward from the top and a curved section curving downward to the left. In other words, compared to an arrow that points downward as a whole, the arrowhead portion (arrowhead) points to the left, and the arrowhead side of the straight line segment (shaft) extending downward from the base end curves downward to the left. Furthermore, as time passes, the arrow changes to one that points to the left as a whole. After that, the arrow moves to the left, and only a portion of the base end (part of the line segment) of the arrow is displayed on the left side of the screen, as shown in Figure 9C, and finally the arrow disappears from the screen. In this way, on the front display unit 11F of cart 1, an arrow appears from the top of the screen, moves toward the bottom of the screen, changes direction midway, moves toward the left side of the screen, and disappears from the left side of the screen. After disappearing from the left side of the screen, the arrow reappears from the top of the screen. It is also possible that the next arrow appears from the top of the screen before the previous arrow disappears from the screen. This display of arrows is repeated on the front display unit 11F. It is also possible that a downward-pointing arrow appears from the top of the screen, moves downward, and then the arrowhead gradually or instantaneously changes direction to the left while moving in the direction of the arrowhead, and the shaft follows the arrowhead while deforming to follow the same trajectory as the arrowhead. Furthermore, the repetition of the appearing and disappearing arrow display may be changed according to the vehicle's movement speed, etc.

[0071] The arrow displayed on the left side display unit 11L appears from the right side of the screen as a leftward-pointing arrow. Initially, when the arrow appears on the screen, a portion of the tip (arrowhead) of the arrow appears from the right side of the screen, as shown in Figure 9A. Subsequently, the arrow moves to the left on the screen, and after the entire arrow is displayed on the screen, the arrow changes to a curved arrow, as shown in Figure 9B, similar to Figure 4. A curved arrow is formed from a straight section extending from right to left and a curved section curving upwards to the left. That is, compared to an arrow that points entirely to the left, the arrowhead portion points upwards, and the arrowhead portion of the line segment extending linearly from the base to the left curves upwards to the left. Furthermore, as time passes, the arrow changes to one that points entirely upwards. Subsequently, the arrow moves upwards, and as shown in Figure 9C, only a portion of the base (part of the line segment) of the arrow is displayed at the top of the screen, and finally the arrow disappears from the screen. In this way, on the left side display unit 11L of cart 1, an arrow appears from the right side of the screen, moves toward the left side of the screen, changes direction midway, moves toward the top of the screen, and disappears from the top of the screen. After the arrow disappears from the top of the screen, it reappears from the right side of the screen. It is also possible that the next arrow appears from the right side of the screen before the previous arrow disappears from the screen. This display of arrows is repeated on the left side display unit 11L. Furthermore, the repetition of the display of arrows appearing and disappearing may be changed according to the vehicle's movement speed, etc. It is also possible that an arrow pointing to the left appears from the right side of the screen, moves toward the left, and then the arrowhead portion of the arrow gradually or instantaneously changes direction upward while moving in the direction of the arrowhead, and the shaft portion follows the arrowhead portion while deforming to pass along the same trajectory as the arrowhead portion.

[0072] While a detailed explanation using diagrams is omitted, when cart 1 turns right while moving forward, the rear display unit 11B displays an arrow that moves across the screen and changes direction from bottom to right, and the right side display unit 11R displays an arrow that moves across the screen and changes direction from left to bottom. Also, similar to the relationship between Figure 2 and Figure 3, when cart 1 turns right or left while moving forward, the front display unit 11F and rear display unit 11B display are reversed left to right, and the left side display unit 11L and right side display unit 11R display are reversed up to down. When cart 1 turns right or left, the displays on the front display unit 11F and rear display unit 11B are swapped, and the displays on the left side display unit 11L and right side display unit 11R are swapped depending on whether the cart is moving forward or backward. Note that turning right (or left) while reversing means turning right (or left) relative to the direction of vehicle travel.

[0073] The second display format for indicating the direction of travel of a vehicle when it is turning right or left while moving forward allows pedestrians and others to intuitively recognize that the vehicle is turning right or left while moving forward, regardless of which direction they are viewing the vehicle from (front, back, left, or right), as the display method using arrows and the direction of the arrows' movement indicate this, thus clearly indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0074] In the second display mode, the shape of the arrow may be changed as shown in Figure 6 when the vehicle decelerates. The arrow may be displayed in either a planar or three-dimensional form with depth. The length of the arrow and the speed at which the arrow moves may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. For example, the longer the arrow or the faster the arrow moves, the higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration. The external display units 11F to 11B may also display text (such as "Turning Right") or make voice announcements directed outside the vehicle, in addition to the arrow.

[0075] <Other display formats for the vehicle's direction of travel (third display format)> Figures 10 and 11 illustrate other display modes (third display mode) of the direction of travel displayed on the external display units 11F to 11B of the cart 1 (vehicle) in Figure 1. In the second display mode described in Figures 9 and 10, the arrow indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle moved on each screen of the external display units 11F to 11B. In the third display mode, the arrow indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle is displayed in approximately the same position on the screen, and the background image moves in the opposite direction to the direction the arrow is pointing, so that the image changes over time.

[0076] <Example of display when the vehicle is moving forward (or backward)> Figures 10A to C show a forward perspective view of cart 1 in chronological order, illustrating the images displayed on the external display units 11F and 11L when cart 1 is moving forward in the third display mode. In Figures 10A to C, a downward-pointing arrow (arrow image) is displayed at a fixed position on the front display unit 11F of cart 1. Meanwhile, the background (background image) shown by the grid on the front display unit 11F moves upward, opposite to the downward direction of the arrow. In the second display mode, the arrow needs to be displayed again after it moves off-screen, resulting in a period when the arrow is not displayed on the screen. In the third display mode, the arrow remains displayed without disappearing from the screen, allowing pedestrians and others around cart 1 to constantly recognize the direction of cart 1's movement. Furthermore, this simplifies the animation.

[0077] On the left side display unit 11L, an arrow (an image of the arrow) pointing to the left, which is the direction of vehicle movement, is displayed at a fixed position on the image. Meanwhile, the background shown by the grid on the left side display unit 11L moves on the screen to the right, opposite to the left direction the arrow points. As a result, the arrow does not disappear from the screen, indicating that the vehicle is moving to the left and that cart 1 is moving forward. Note that in Figures 10A to C, the grid displayed as the background on the front display unit 11F and the left side display unit 11L is just an example, and the background can be any type of image (the same applies to the background in Figure 11 and below).

[0078] While a detailed explanation using diagrams will be omitted, when cart 1 is moving forward, the rear display unit 11B displays an upward-pointing arrow at a fixed position on the screen, and a background that moves downward. The right side display unit 11R displays a rightward-pointing arrow at a fixed position on the screen, and a background that moves left.

[0079] The third display mode for indicating the direction of vehicle movement when the vehicle is moving forward or backward allows pedestrians and others to intuitively recognize whether the vehicle is moving forward or backward based on the arrow display method and the direction of movement of the arrow's background, regardless of which direction they are viewing the vehicle from (front, back, left, or right), thus clearly indicating the direction of vehicle movement.

[0080] In the third display mode, the shape of the arrow may be changed when the vehicle decelerates, as in Figure 6. The arrow may be displayed as either a flat or three-dimensional representation with depth. The length of the arrow or the background movement speed may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. For example, the higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be made, or the faster the background may be made.

[0081] <Example of display when turning right (or left) while the vehicle is moving forward (or backward)> Figures 11A to C show a forward perspective view of cart 1 in chronological order, illustrating the images displayed on the exterior display units 11F and 11L when cart 1 is turning right while moving forward in the third display mode. In Figures 11A to C, the front display unit 11F of cart 1 alternately displays a downward-pointing arrow and an arrow curving from the bottom to the lower left (or left) at a certain position on the screen. In Figure 11A, the arrow on the front display unit 11F is a downward-pointing arrow. In Figure 11B, after some time has passed, the arrow on the front display unit 11F changes to an arrow where the arrowhead points to the lower left (or left), and the arrowhead of the linear segment (shaft) extending downward from the base end curves to the lower left. In Figure 11C, after even more time has passed, the arrow on the front display unit 11F changes to a downward-pointing arrow, similar to Figure 11A. On the other hand, the background shown by the grid on the front display unit 11F moves in the opposite direction to the direction the arrow is pointing (the direction of the arrowhead). In Figures 11A and 11C, the background of the front display unit 11F moves upwards, opposite to the direction the arrow is pointing. In Figure 11B, the background of the front display unit 11F rotates upwards (or to the right), opposite to the direction the arrow is pointing. The front display unit 11F repeatedly switches between displaying downward-pointing arrows and curved arrows, and switches the direction of movement of the background. When switching from displaying downward-pointing arrows to curved arrows, the direction of the arrowhead portion of the arrow may be gradually changed from downwards to the left, and the rotation of the background may also be gradually changed according to the direction of the arrowhead. Alternatively, the direction of the arrowhead portion of the arrow may be instantly changed from downwards to the left.

[0082] In Figures 11A through C, the left side display unit 11L of cart 1 alternately displays an arrow pointing to the left and an arrow curving from left to upper left (or upward) at a certain position on the screen. In Figure 11A, the arrow on the left side display unit 11L is a left-pointing arrow. In Figure 11B, after some time has passed, the arrow on the left side display unit 11L changes to an arrow where the arrowhead (arrowhead portion) points to the upper left (or upward), and the arrowhead portion of the line segment (shaft portion) extending straight to the left from the base end curves to the upper left. In Figure 11C, after even more time has passed, the arrow on the left side display unit 11L changes to a left-pointing arrow, similar to Figure 11A. On the other hand, the background shown by the grid on the left side display unit 11L moves in the opposite direction to the direction the arrow is pointing (the direction of the arrowhead). In Figures 11A and 11C, the background on the left side display unit 11L moves to the right, opposite to the direction the arrow is pointing. In Figure 11B, the background on the left side display unit 11L rotates downwards to the right (or downwards), opposite to the direction the arrow is pointing. The left side display unit 11L repeatedly switches between displaying an arrow pointing to the left and a curved arrow, and switches the direction of movement of the background. When switching from displaying an arrow pointing to a curved arrow, the direction of the arrowhead may be gradually changed from left to upward, and the rotation of the background may also be gradually changed according to the direction of the arrowhead, or the direction of the arrowhead may be instantly changed from left to upward.

[0083] Although a detailed explanation using diagrams will be omitted, when cart 1 turns right while moving forward, the rear display unit 11B switches between displaying an upward-pointing arrow and an arrow curving from the upward direction to the upper right (or to the right), and accordingly the direction of background movement changes to the opposite direction of the arrow. The right side display unit 11R switches between displaying an arrow pointing to the right and an arrow curving from the right direction to the lower right (or downward), and accordingly the direction of background rotation changes to the opposite direction of the arrow. Also, similar to the relationship between Figures 2 and 3, when cart 1 turns right or left while moving forward, the front display unit 11F and rear display unit 11B display are reversed left to right, and the left side display unit 11L and right side display unit 11R display are reversed up to down. When cart 1 is turning right or left, the displays on the front display unit 11F and the rear display unit 11B are swapped depending on whether it is moving forward or backward, and the displays on the left side display unit 11L and the right side display unit 11R are swapped.

[0084] The third display format for indicating the direction of travel of a vehicle when it is turning right or left while moving forward allows pedestrians and others to intuitively recognize that the vehicle is turning right or left while moving forward, regardless of which direction they are viewing the vehicle from (front, back, left, or right), as the display method using arrows and the direction of movement of the arrow background indicate this, thus clearly indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0085] In the third display mode, the shape of the arrow may be changed as in Figure 6 when the vehicle decelerates. The arrow may be displayed in either a planar or three-dimensional form with depth. The length of the arrow, the speed at which the arrow moves, and the speed at which the background moves may be changed according to the vehicle's speed or acceleration. For example, the higher the vehicle's speed or acceleration, the longer the arrow may be made, or the speed at which the arrow moves or the background moves may be increased. The external display units 11F to 11B may also display text (such as "Turning Right") or make voice announcements directed outside the vehicle, in addition to the arrow.

[0086] This technology can also be configured as follows: (1) A first display unit mounted on the front of the vehicle, A second display unit mounted on the rear of the aforementioned vehicle, A display control unit controls the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the first display unit, based on the state of the vehicle or the location information of the vehicle, and controls the display of a second image, different from the first image, indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the second display unit. An in-vehicle display device equipped with the following features. (2) The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit based on the status of the vehicle. The in-vehicle display device described in (1) above. (3) The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit based on the turn signal operation state and driving state of the vehicle. The in-vehicle display device described in (1) or (2) above. (4) The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit based on the vehicle's position information. The in-vehicle display device described in (1) above. (5) The first and second images are arrows. An in-vehicle display device as described in any of (1) to (4) above. (6) The arrow in the second image is a point-symmetrical version of the arrow in the first image. The in-vehicle display device described in (5) above. (7) The arrows in the first image and the arrows in the second image have a straight section and a curved section. The in-vehicle display device described in (5) or (6) above. (8) A third display unit mounted on the left side of the aforementioned vehicle, A fourth display unit mounted on the right side of the aforementioned vehicle and Furthermore, The display control unit controls the display unit to display a third image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the third display unit, based on the state or position information, and controls the display unit to display a fourth image, different from the third image, indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the fourth display unit. An in-vehicle display device as described in any of (1) to (7) above. (9) The third and fourth images are arrows. The in-vehicle display device described in (8) above. (10) The arrow in the fourth image is a point-symmetrical version of the arrow in the third image. The in-vehicle display device described in (9) above. (11) The arrows in the third image and the fourth image have a straight section and a curved section. The in-vehicle display device described in (9) or (10) above. (12) The first and second images are modified based on the vehicle's speed or acceleration. An in-vehicle display device as described in any of (1) to (11) above. (13) The first image and the second image change over time. An in-vehicle display device as described in any of (1) to (12) above. (14) The first image and the second image include an arrow and a background image. The display control unit determines that the position of the arrow changes over time. The in-vehicle display device described in (13) above. (15) The first image and the second image include an arrow and a background image. The display control unit determines that the background image changes over time. The in-vehicle display device described in (13) above. (16) A display control unit controls the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel on the front of the vehicle, and the display of a second image, which indicates the direction of travel of the vehicle and is different from the first image, on the rear of the vehicle, based on the state of the vehicle or the position information of the vehicle. A display control device equipped with the following features. (17) Display Control Unit A display control device having The display control unit controls the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the front of the vehicle, and the display of a second image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle, which is different from the first image, on the rear of the vehicle, based on the state of the vehicle or the position information of the vehicle. Display control method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1 Cart, 11B, 11F, 11L, 11R Exterior display unit, 31 Vehicle display device, 51 Display control device

Claims

1. A first display unit mounted on the front of the vehicle, A second display unit mounted on the rear of the aforementioned vehicle, The system includes a display control unit that controls the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the first display unit, based on the state of the vehicle or the location information of the vehicle, and controls the display of a second image, different from the first image, indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the second display unit. The first image and the second image include an arrow and a background image. The display control unit changes the position of the arrow and at least one of the background image over time. In-vehicle display device.

2. The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit based on the status of the vehicle. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1.

3. The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit based on the turn signal operation state and driving state of the vehicle. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 2.

4. The display control unit controls the first display unit and the second display unit based on the vehicle's position information. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1.

5. The arrow in the second image is a point-symmetrical version of the arrow in the first image. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1.

6. The arrows in the first image and the arrows in the second image have a straight section and a curved section. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 5.

7. A third display unit mounted on the left side of the aforementioned vehicle, A fourth display unit mounted on the right side of the aforementioned vehicle and Furthermore, The display control unit controls the display unit to display a third image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the third display unit, based on the state or position information, and controls the display unit to display a fourth image, different from the third image, indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the fourth display unit. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1.

8. The third and fourth images are arrows. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 7.

9. The arrow in the fourth image is a point-symmetrical version of the arrow in the third image. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 8.

10. The arrows in the third image and the fourth image have a straight section and a curved section. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 9.

11. The first and second images are modified based on the vehicle's speed or acceleration. The in-vehicle display device according to claim 1.

12. The system includes a display control unit that controls the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the front of the vehicle, and the display of a second image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle, which is different from the first image, on the rear of the vehicle, based on the state of the vehicle or the position information of the vehicle. The first image and the second image include an arrow and a background image. The display control unit changes the position of the arrow and at least one of the background image over time. Display control device.

13. Display Control Unit Display control device having A display control method comprising the display control unit performing a control process to control the display of a first image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle on the front of the vehicle, and the display of a second image indicating the direction of travel of the vehicle and different from the first image on the rear of the vehicle, based on the state of the vehicle or the position information of the vehicle, The first image and the second image include an arrow and a background image. The display control unit changes the position of the arrow and at least one of the background image over time. Display control method.

Images