DE102011085426A1 - Vehicle-bonded display device, has scale display for displaying distance between vehicle and object arranged within display area, and another scale display for displaying distance between vehicle and object arranged at outer side of area - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a recording device (1) for recording an image of a side view and a rear view of a vehicle, and a display unit for displaying the image of the recording device and comprising a display area. A distance sensor (11) detects the distance between the vehicle and an object and direction of the object with respect to the vehicle. A scale display (15) displays the distance between the vehicle and the object arranged within the display area. Another scale display (17) displays the distance between the vehicle and the object arranged at an outer side of the display area.

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted display device for displaying an image of a side view and a rear view of the vehicle.

A method of capturing an image of a side view and a rear view of a vehicle by a camera instead of a rearview mirror and a side mirror and displaying the image using a monitor in an interior of the vehicle is general JP-A-H11-5501 . JP-A-2010-92171 and JP-A-H06-32175 known.

JP-A-H11-5501 teaches that a marker relative to the vehicle, the length of which is actually detected by a driver, is displayed on a lower portion of the monitor to easily recognize a distance to another vehicle.

JP-A-2010-92171 teaches to arrange a light-emitting element around the monitor to visually recognize another vehicle approaching the vehicle from a rear of the vehicle. Further, the light-emitting element turns on and off based on a position of another vehicle and dimensions of an image of another vehicle.

JP-A-H06-32175 teaches to switch a display area of the monitor from a wide angle view to a narrow angle view when another vehicle is in a detection area of a distance sensor on a rear side of the vehicle and the driver requests to detect the distance to another vehicle, although a status of the camera is usually which is a wide-angle camera.

However, the above methods have the following problems, making it difficult for the driver to recognize the distance to another vehicle for a short time.

In the process in the JP-A-H11-5501 For example, it is necessary for the driver to estimate the distance to another vehicle located at the rear of the vehicle using the marker. Specifically, a certain time is required for recognizing another vehicle on the monitor and estimating the distance to another vehicle for the driver to recognize the approach of another vehicle.

Further, in the above method, when another vehicle is not displayed on the monitor, the driver can not recognize the distance to another vehicle. As a result, the driver can not estimate the distance to another vehicle that is not displayed on the monitor.

Further, in the method represented in FIG JP-A-2010-92171 the number of light emitting elements that turn on the dimensions of the image of another vehicle on the monitor. The dimensions of the image of another vehicle on the monitor do not accurately show the distance to another vehicle. For example, when a small vehicle and a large vehicle are at the same distance from the vehicle, the dimensions of the image of the large vehicle are larger than those of the small vehicle. Thus, the number of light emitting elements representing the large vehicle is larger than that of the small vehicle.

Further, in the above method, when another vehicle is not displayed on the monitor, the driver can not recognize the distance to another vehicle. As a result, the driver can not recognize the distance to another vehicle that is not displayed on the monitor.

In the process in the JP-A-H06-32175 it may be because the display angle is switched in accordance with the presence status of another vehicle on the rear of the vehicle that the driver is confused. In a specific case, the driver is usually used to seeing the monitor's wide angle display screen. Thus, when the wide angle display screen is switched to the narrow angle display screen, it is difficult for the driver to immediately recognize the distance to another vehicle based on the narrow angle display screen. Furthermore, it is because the method in the JP-A-H06-32175 does not provide for showing the exact distance to an approaching vehicle, necessary for the driver to estimate and determine the distance to the approaching vehicle.

In view of the above-described problem, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle-mounted display device for providing a distance to an object that the driver of the vehicle recognizes for a short time even when the object is not displayed on a display device.

According to the present disclosure, a vehicle-mounted display device includes: a pickup device for picking up an image of a side view and a rear view of a vehicle; a display device for displaying the image of the recording device, the display device having a display region for displaying of the image; a distance sensor for detecting a distance between the vehicle and an object and a direction to the object with respect to the vehicle as a standard direction, the distance sensor having a distance detection range that is wider than the display area and the display area, and the object is outside the vehicle ; a first distance display means for displaying the distance between the vehicle and the object located in the display area; and second distance display means for displaying the distance between the vehicle and the object located outside the display area.

In the above apparatus, the driver simply recognizes whether the distance displayed in the first distance display device and the second distance display device relates to the object displayed on the display device. As a result, the driver can immediately and accurately recognize the distance to the object. The driver of the vehicle recognizes the object for a short time even when an object is not displayed on the display device.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

It shows:

1 a block diagram illustrating a vehicle-mounted display device;

2 a diagram illustrating an arrangement of the vehicle-mounted display device in an interior of the vehicle;

3 FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a photographing area of a camera, a detection area of a distance sensor, and a display area of a monitor; FIG.

4 a diagram illustrating a front view of a display screen;

5A a diagram representing a scale in a case where a distance to another vehicle is ten meters, 5B a diagram illustrating a scale in a case where a distance to another vehicle is thirty meters, and 5C a diagram illustrating a scale in a case where a distance to another vehicle is fifty meters;

6 a flowchart illustrating processing in the on-vehicle device;

7 a flowchart illustrating a display processing of a scale display;

8th a flowchart illustrating another display processing of another scale display;

9A a diagram illustrating a scale display in a case where a distance to another vehicle is ten meters, 9B a diagram illustrating a scale display in a case where a distance to another vehicle is thirty meters, and 9C a diagram illustrating a scale display in a case where a distance to another vehicle is fifty meters, according to a modification.

(Embodiment)

A vehicle-mounted display device 1 is in 1 to 5 shown. As in 1 is shown, includes the display device 1 a camera 3 as a receiving element, an I / F element 5 as an interface device, a converter 7 , a monitor 9 as a display element, a distance sensor 11 as a distance measuring element, a calculator 13 , a scale indicator 15 as a first distance display element or a first distance display device, and a further scale display 17 as a second distance indicating element and a second distance indicating device, respectively. The display 9 and the scale displays 15 and 17 make a display screen 19 to disposal.

The camera 3 is on one side of a vehicle 101 , as in 2 and 3 is shown attached. The camera 3 takes a side view and a rear view of the vehicle 101 on. A maximum shooting range of the camera 3 is as a view angle or angle IIIB in 3 shown.

The I / F element 5 includes switches and knobs for adjusting an image of the camera 3 that on the monitor 9 is shown. Further, the I / F element selects 5 an area as an angle of view of the image through the camera 3 is taken out to on the monitor 9 to be displayed, according to a vote of the switches and knobs.

The converter 7 includes conventional functions of a computer, so the converter 7 a picture is going through the camera 3 is recorded. Specifically, the converter calls 7 a part of the image corresponding to a viewing angle passing through the I / F element 5 is selected. If necessary, the converter zooms 7 in or out of the picture, and then gives the converter 7 Data of the image to the monitor 9 out. For example, as in 3 is shown, the camera takes 3 an image of a viewing angle IIIB area. The driver selects an image of an area of the viewing angle IIIC using the I / F element 5 out, the converter calls 7 a part of the image of the range of the viewing angle IIIB, which corresponds to the range of the viewing angle IIIC. Furthermore, the converter increases 7 the retrieved part of the image to the display screen of the monitor 9 adjust, and then gives the converter 7 Data of the enlarged image to the monitor 9 out.

The display 9 is a conventional liquid crystal display. As in 2 is shown is the monitor 9 in an interior of the vehicle 101 arranged. The display 9 shows the picture of the camera 3 to that through the transducer 7 is converted. Thus, the driver can see the picture.

As in 2 and 3 is shown, is the distance sensor 11 on one side of the vehicle 101 arranged to the camera 3 to be adjacent. The distance sensor 11 includes a conventional sonar and a conventional laser radar. The distance sensor 11 monitors the side view and the rear view of the vehicle 101 , Furthermore, the distance sensor detects 11 the distance to another vehicle that is behind the vehicle 101 and to the side of it. The distance to another vehicle is defined as IIID. Furthermore, the distance sensor detects 11 a direction to another vehicle with respect to the vehicle 101 as a standard. The direction to another vehicle is defined as IIIT. The direction IIIT and the standard direction IIIZ have an angle IIIE. The standard direction IIIZ forms a direction starting from the vehicle 101 with the angle III of zero, so the default direction IIIZ is the direction just behind the vehicle 101 represents. Thus, the distance sensor detects 11 the angle IIIE, so that the distance sensor 11 the direction IIIT attained.

A detection range of the distance IIID and the direction IIIT by the distance sensor 11 is an area of view IIIA in 3 , The distance range corresponding to the viewing angle IIIA is wider than the range of the viewing angle IIIB, which is the maximum shooting range of the camera 3 is. Furthermore, the detection range includes the maximum recording range of the camera 3 ,

The computer 13 includes conventional functions of a computer. The computer 13 determines content in the first scale display 15 and the second scale display 17 are displayed based on the viewing angle (eg, the IIIC angle in FIG 3 ) passing through the I / F element 5 is selected, and the direction IIIT of another vehicle, by the distance sensor 11 is detected. The contents of the scale displays 15 and 17 are for example by positions of elements in the scale displays 15 and 17 shown. Specifically, if the distance sensor 11 detects another vehicle and detects the direction IIIT and the distance IIID to another vehicle, shows the first scale display 15 the distance IIID in a case where the direction IIIT to another vehicle is within the viewing angle IIIC, that of the display area of the monitor 9 is, and the distance IIIC is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. Captures the distance sensor 11 another vehicle and detects the direction IIIT and the distance IIID to another vehicle, shows the second scale display 17 the distance IIID in a case where the direction IIIT to another vehicle is not within the viewing angle IIIC which is the display area of the monitor 9 is, and the distance IIID is equal to or less than a predetermined value. These processes will be explained later.

As in 2 are shown are the scale displays 15 and 17 in the interior of the vehicle 101 appropriate. Positions of scale displays 15 and 17 in a vertical direction (top-to-bottom direction) are under a driver's point of view. Furthermore, as in 2 to 4 is shown, the monitor 9 and the scale displays 15 and 17 in the display screen 19 aligned in this order in the horizontal direction. Each of the scale displays 15 and 17 is a bar-shaped scale display with twenty scale display elements located in the vertical direction. Each scale display element can be individually switched on and off. One of the scale indicators in the scale display 15 and 17 turns on when one of the scale indicators corresponds to the distance IIID. For example, as in 5A is shown when the distance IIID is ten meters, only the second scale display element from the upper end of the scale display 15 and 17 switched on. It will, as in 5B is shown when the distance IIID is 30 meters, only the sixth scale display element from the upper end of the scale display 15 and 17 switched on. As in 5C is shown, if the distance IIID is 50 meters, only the tenth scale display element is starting from the upper end of the scale display 15 and 17 switched on. The brightness of the scale display element becomes high when the position of the scale display element is the top of the scale display 15 and 17 reached. A method of determining the position of the scale display element that is turned on and determining the brightness of the scale display element will be explained later. The color of the scale display 15 differs from the scale display 17 ,

A processing by the display device 1 is executed, in particular processing by the computer 13 , is related to 6 to 8th explained.

Processing in 6 is executed while the vehicle is running. This shows the image on the monitor 9 For example, the range of the IIIC angle is displayed.

In step S10, the distance sensor acquires 11 the distance IIID and the direction of another vehicle, which is within the viewing angle IIIC closest to the vehicle 101 located. If several other vehicles are within the IIIC angle of vision, the distance and direction of only one other vehicle will be that of the vehicle 101 is closest, attained.

In step S20, the display device determines 1 whether another vehicle is within a range of 50 meters from the vehicle 101 is located away. Specifically, the display device determines 1 whether the distance IIID is equal to or less than 50 meters. If another vehicle is in the 50-meter range, the indicator moves 1 continue with step s. If no other vehicle is in the 50-meter range, it proceeds to step S40. In this embodiment, the 50 meter range is a standard range. Alternatively, the standard range may differ from the 50 meter range. Furthermore, the standard range may be a fixed range. Alternatively, the default range may be a variable range that varies according to a situation. For example, the default range may be according to the speed of the vehicle 101 be changed. Alternatively, the driver may preferentially set the default range.

In step S30, the scale display shows 15 the distance IIID. The display processing in the first scale display 15 is related to 7 explained.

In step S110, the position of the scale display element that is turned on is calculated according to the distance IIID as follows. Twenty scale display elements in the scale display 15 and 17 are by L starting from the top of the scale display 15 and 17 numbered. The number L is one of 1, 2, 3,... And 20. The number L of the scale display element to be turned on is calculated by the following equation F1 based on the distance IIID. The answer to the equation F1 is truncated to places after the decimal point. The unit of distance IIID is meters. L = (IIID + 4.9) / 5 (F1)

For example, the distance IIID is 30 meters and the number L is six. As in 5B is shown, only turns on the sixth scale display element.

In step S120, the brightness K of the scale display element in the scale display becomes 15 calculated according to the equation F2. The answer to the equation F2 is truncated to places after the decimal point. K = LM - (L - 1) × (LM - LN) / 19 (F2)

Here LM forms the maximum value of the brightness in the scale display 15 from and LN forms the minimum value of the brightness in the scale display 15 from. The maximum value LM and the minimum value LN can be set in advance. Alternatively, the maximum value LM and the minimum value LN may be changeable according to a preference of the driver. Thus, the brightness K is large when the number L is small, that is, when the distance IIID is small.

In step S130, the scale display element determined in step S110 turns on with the brightness determined in step S120. Further, the color of the scale display element that turns on is an appropriate color of the scale display 15 that differ from the second scale display 17 different.

In 6 In step S40, the distance sensor acquires 11 the distance IIID and the direction IIIT of another vehicle, which is within the IIIF closest to the vehicle 101 located. As in 3 is shown, the viewing angle IIIF is defined by removing the viewing angle IIIC from the viewing angle IIIA. The viewing angle IIIA provides the area in which the distance sensor 11 can obtain the distance IIID and the direction IIIF to another vehicle, and the angle IIIC represents the display range of the monitor 9 ready. Thus, the viewing angle IIIF depicts the area that is not on the monitor 9 is shown. If there are several other vehicles within the IIIF point of view, the distance and direction will be that of another vehicle, that of the vehicle 101 is closest, attained.

When one part of another vehicle is within the viewing angle IIIF and another part of another vehicle is within the viewing angle IIIC, the display device determines 1 in that another vehicle is in IIIF and not IIIC.

In step S50, the display device determines 1 whether another vehicle is within a range of 50 meters from the vehicle 101 located. Specifically, the display device determines 1 . whether the distance IIID is equal to or less than 50 meters. If another vehicle is in the 50 meter range, it proceeds to step S60. If no other vehicle is in the 50-meter range, it returns. In this embodiment, the 50 meter range is a standard range. Alternatively, the standard range may be different from the 50 meter range. Furthermore, the standard range may be a fixed range. Alternatively, the default range may be a variable range that varies according to a situation. For example, the default range may be according to the speed of the vehicle 101 be changed. Alternatively, the driver may preferentially set the default range.

In step S60, the scale display shows 17 the distance IIID. The display processing in the second scale display 17 is related to 8th explained.

In step S210, the position of the scale display element that turns on is calculated according to the distance IIID. The calculation method of the position in step S210 is similar to the calculation process in step S110.

In step S220, the brightness K of the scale display element in the scale display becomes 17 calculated. The calculation method of the brightness in step S220 is similar to the calculation method in step S120.

In step S230, the scale display element determined in step S210 turns on with the brightness determined in step S220. Further, the color of the scale display element that turns on is a correct color of the scale display 17 that differ from the second scale display 15 different.

In the display device 1 is the distance IIID of another vehicle that is on the monitor 9 is displayed so that there is another vehicle within the viewing angle IIIC in the first scale display 15 shown. The distance IIID of another vehicle that is not on the monitor 9 is displayed so that another vehicle is within the viewing angle IIIF is displayed in the second scale display 17 shown. As a result, the driver can immediately detect if another vehicle is on the monitor 9 is displayed, and further, the driver can easily and accurately recognize the distance IIID to another vehicle.

Since the driver the distance IIID to another vehicle using the scale display 15 understands, the driver can see another vehicle on the monitor 9 is displayed, simply recognize.

Because the driver can recognize that another vehicle is not on the monitor 9 is displayed when the first scale display 15 does not represent the distance IIID, the driver may pay attention to a vehicle environment of the vehicle 101 dedicate without looking at the monitor 9 to pay attention.

Since the display color (ie, light color) of the first scale display 15 itself from the second scale display 17 different, the driver can based on the color of the scale display 15 and 17 determine if the monitor 9 displays the image of another vehicle.

If the distance IIID is small, the brightness of the scale display is 15 and 17 high. As a result, the driver can easily recognize the approach of another vehicle.

Each scale display 15 and 17 is located at a position that is the vertical direction of the vehicle below the driver's point of view. Thus, when the distance IIID is small, the position of the scale display element that turns on is high. As a result, when the distance IIID is small, the turn-on scale display element in the scale display becomes 15 and 17 simply put in the driver's field of vision. The driver simply recognizes the approach of another vehicle.

The display device 1 shows both the distance IIID to another vehicle that is on the monitor 9 displayed as well as the distance IIID to another vehicle that is not on the monitor 9 is shown. As a result, the driver does not overly focus on another vehicle that is on the monitor 9 is shown.

The display device 1 determines that another vehicle is within the viewpoint IIIF when a part of another vehicle is within the viewpoint IIIF and the other part of another vehicle is within the viewpoint IIIC. Thus, the driver is not overly focused on the monitor 9 to find another vehicle, but only on a part of the monitor 9 is shown.

As in 9A to 9C can display any scale display 15 and 17 , several lamps that are aligned in a line. The position of the turn-on lamp and the brightness of the turn-on lamp can be determined in a similar manner as in the above embodiment. 9A shows a case in which the second lamp, starting from the upper end of scale display 15 and 17 turns on when the distance IIID is ten meters. 9B shows a case in which the sixth lamp from the upper end of the scale display 15 and 17 turns on when the distance IIID is 30 meters. 9C shows a case in which the tenth lamp starting from the upper end of the scale display 15 and 17 turns on when the distance IIID is 50 meters. The brightness of the turning on lamp becomes high when the position of the turning on lamp is high.

The camera 3 , the distance sensor 11 and the display screen 19 can on both sides of the vehicle 101 be arranged. Alternatively, the camera can 3 , the distance sensor 11 and the display screen 19 on just one side of the vehicle 101 be arranged.

While the invention has been explained with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it is not intended to limit the invention to the preferred embodiments and constructions. The invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements. Moreover, in addition to the preferred various combinations and configurations, other combinations and configurations including more, less or a single element are also within the scope of the teachings of the present invention.

In summary, the invention relates to a vehicle-mounted display device including: a pick-up device for picking up an image of side and rear views of a vehicle; a display device for displaying the image of the recording device in a display area; a distance sensor for detecting a distance between the vehicle and an object located outside the vehicle and detecting a direction to the object with respect to the vehicle as a standard direction in a distance detection area that is wider than the display area and includes the display area; a first distance display means for displaying the distance between the vehicle and the object located in the display area; and a second distance display means for displaying the distance between the vehicle and the object located outside the display area.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 11-5501 A [0002, 0003, 0007]
• JP 2010-92171 A [0002, 0004, 0009]
• JP 06-32175 A [0002, 0005, 0011, 0011]

Claims (9)

A vehicle-mounted display device, comprising: a receiving device ( 3 ) for taking a picture of a side view and a rear view of a vehicle; a display device ( 9 ) for displaying the image of the recording device ( 3 ), wherein the display device ( 9 ) has a display area for displaying the image; a distance sensor ( 11 ) for detecting a distance between the vehicle and an object and a direction to the object with respect to the vehicle as a standard direction, wherein the distance sensor ( 11 ) has a distance detection area that is wider than the display area and includes the display area, and the object is outside the vehicle; a first distance display device ( 15 ) for displaying the distance between the vehicle and the object located in the display area; and a second distance display device ( 17 ) for displaying the distance between the vehicle and the object that is outside the display area. A vehicle-mounted display device according to claim 1, wherein a display color of said first distance display device (FIG. 15 ) differs from a display color of the second distance display device ( 17 ) is different. A vehicle-mounted display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a brightness of both the first distance display device ( 15 ) as well as the second distance display device ( 17 ) is raised when the distance is reduced. Vehicle-mounted display device according to one of claims 1-3, wherein both the first distance display device ( 15 ) as well as the second distance display device ( 17 ) includes: a switched on lighting element ( 15 . 17 ); and a lighting position control unit ( 13 ) for controlling a position of the lighting element ( 15 . 17 ) such that the position of the activated lighting element ( 15 . 17 ) is increased when the distance is reduced, and wherein the position of the activated lighting element ( 15 . 17 ) is arranged lower in a vertical direction than a driver's point of view of the vehicle. A vehicle-mounted display device according to claim 4, wherein the lighting position control unit ( 13 ) a computer ( 13 ) for controlling the first distance display device ( 15 ) and the second distance display device ( 17 ) and a converter ( 7 ) for converting a captured image of the camera ( 3 ) in data for displaying the image on the monitor device ( 9 ) includes. A vehicle-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the second distance display device ( 17 ) indicates the distance between the vehicle and the object when a part of the object is in the display area and the other part of the object is outside the display area. A vehicle-mounted display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit ( 7 . 13 ) for controlling the first distance display device ( 15 ) and the second distance display device ( 17 ), wherein both the first distance display device ( 15 ) as well as the second distance display device ( 17 ) includes: several display elements ( 15 . 17 ) aligned in a line according to a vertical direction of the vehicle, and wherein the control unit ( 7 . 13 ) a position of a turn-on display element ( 15 . 17 ) of both the first distance display device ( 15 ) as well as the second distance display device ( 17 ) controls such that the position of the switching-on display element ( 15 . 17 ) is raised when the distance is reduced. A vehicle-mounted display device according to claim 7, wherein a display color of said first distance display device (FIG. 15 ) differs from a display color of the second distance display device ( 17 ), and wherein a brightness of both the first distance display device ( 15 ) as well as the second distance display device ( 17 ) is raised when the distance is reduced. A vehicle-mounted display device according to claim 8, wherein the object is another vehicle around the vehicle, the receiving device ( 3 ) a camera ( 3 ), the display device ( 9 ) a monitor ( 9 ), and wherein the control unit ( 7 . 13 ) a computer ( 13 ) for controlling the first distance display device ( 15 ) and the second distance display device ( 17 ) and a converter ( 7 ) for converting a captured image of the camera ( 3 ) in data for displaying the image on the monitor device ( 9 ) includes.

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