JP2001344700A - Display device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more improve safety while preventing the display from obstructing the view of a driver as much as possible in the case of displaying an infrared ray image picked up by an infrared ray camera 12 on an infrared ray image display 3. SOLUTION: When the intra-tunnel traveling of a vehicle C is detected by an intra-tunnel traveling detection means 41, the infrared ray image is displayed on the infrared ray image display 3. Also, it is judged that the vehicle C is traveling inside a specified traveling environment without the need of displaying the infrared ray image when the presence of an approaching vehicle is not detected by a specified traveling environment judgment means 42 and the infrared ray image is not displayed even when the intra-tunnel traveling is detected.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention belongs to the technical field of a vehicle display device in which the front of a vehicle is imaged with infrared rays and the imaged infrared image is displayed on display means provided in front of a driver's seat.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2308
05, JP-A-6-247184, JP-A-6
As shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 0-231193, when driving in a driving environment where visibility is poor such as at night or in dense fog, the front of the vehicle is irradiated with infrared rays in order to assist the driver in driving. It is known to take an image and display the taken infrared image on a display provided in front of a driver's seat.

[0003]

When the infrared image is displayed on the display as described above, if the infrared image is always displayed on the display, the driver may be disturbed and adversely affect the driving operation. In particular, it is desirable to display an infrared image when the vehicle is traveling in a traveling environment where visibility is deteriorated and the driver easily feels danger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to display an infrared image on a display while keeping the display as unobtrusive to the driver as possible. To improve the performance.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an infrared image is displayed on a display means when a vehicle traveling in a tunnel is detected.

More specifically, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an image pickup means provided in a vehicle and taking an image of the front of the vehicle with infrared rays, and an image pickup means provided in front of a driver's seat of the vehicle and taken by the image pickup means. A display device for a vehicle including a display unit on which an infrared image is displayed.

[0007] Then, the traveling-in-tunnel detecting means for detecting the traveling of the vehicle in the tunnel, and the infrared image is displayed on the display means when the traveling in the tunnel is detected by the traveling-in-tunnel detecting means. And display control means for causing the display control means to perform the control.

According to the above configuration, the visibility is suddenly deteriorated, and the infrared image is displayed when the driver is traveling in a tunnel where the driver is particularly likely to feel danger. Therefore, the visibility in the tunnel is improved, and the safety in traveling in the tunnel is improved. Can be enhanced.
On the other hand, when the vehicle is not running in a tunnel, the infrared image is not displayed normally (for example, until the driver turns on the display ON switch for the infrared image), so that the display hardly obstructs the driver.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment in which it is not necessary to display the infrared image picked up by the image pickup means on the display means. A display control means for determining whether the vehicle is traveling in the specific travel environment by the specific travel environment determination means; It is assumed that the infrared image is configured not to be displayed on the display unit even if the inside running is detected.

[0010] As a result, if the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment in which safety can be ensured even when traveling in a tunnel, the infrared image is not displayed. It is possible to further improve the safety by avoiding this.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the specific driving environment is a driving environment in which a driver of the vehicle does not dazzle due to the light of the oncoming vehicle. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the specific traveling environment is a traveling environment in which no oncoming vehicle exists. That is, when the vehicle is traveling in such a traveling environment, there is almost no possibility that the driver will be dazzled by the light of the oncoming vehicle and is concerned about traveling, so there is no problem even if the infrared image is not displayed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the specific traveling environment determining means has an oncoming vehicle detecting means for detecting the presence of an oncoming vehicle, and the oncoming vehicle detecting means detects the presence of the oncoming vehicle. It is assumed that, when the presence is not detected, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment.

Thus, the presence of an oncoming vehicle is actually detected by a laser radar or the like. When the presence of an oncoming vehicle is detected, it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in a specific traveling environment.
When an infrared image is displayed while the presence of an oncoming vehicle is not detected, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment, and the infrared image is not displayed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the specific driving environment determining means includes a current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the vehicle, and a road information storing means for storing road map information. It is detected that the vehicle is traveling on a road where there is no oncoming lane based on the current position of the vehicle detected by the current position detection means and the road map information stored by the road information storage means. When the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment.

By doing so, when the current position detecting means for detecting the current position based on a GPS signal or the like and the road map information storing means detect that the vehicle is traveling on a one-way road or the like where no oncoming lane exists, It is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment, and no infrared image is displayed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the specific traveling environment determining means has an inter-vehicle distance detecting means for detecting an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle. When the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle detected by is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined distance, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the invention, the specific traveling environment determining means has a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a vehicle speed of the vehicle, and the vehicle speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detecting means is detected. When the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined vehicle speed, the vehicle is determined to be traveling in a specific traveling environment. Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the third aspect
In the invention of the above, the specific traveling environment determination means has a congestion traveling detection means for detecting that the vehicle is traveling in congestion, and when the traffic congestion traveling of the vehicle is detected by the congestion traveling detection means, Is determined to be traveling in a specific traveling environment. That is,
When the vehicle is traveling in congestion (the distance between the vehicles is short, the vehicle speed is low) or the like, the driver of the vehicle does not dazzle due to the light of the oncoming vehicle, so there is no problem even if the infrared image is not displayed.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the specific traveling environment determining means includes a turn detecting means for detecting that the vehicle is turning toward the oncoming lane. When the turning detecting means detects that the vehicle is turning toward the oncoming lane, it is determined that the vehicle is not running in the specific driving environment.

Accordingly, when the vehicle is turning toward the oncoming lane, it is determined that the driver is not traveling in the specific traveling environment because the driver of the oncoming vehicle tends to dazzle due to the lights of the oncoming vehicle. The display is made.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the turning detecting means is such that the vehicle turns toward the oncoming lane when the steering angle to the oncoming lane is equal to or greater than a predetermined steering angle. It is configured to detect that By doing so, it is possible to easily and reliably detect turning to the opposite lane (curve running or lane change).

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the invention, the specific traveling environment determining means includes a vehicle / oncoming lane distance detecting means for detecting a distance from the vehicle to the oncoming lane. When the distance between the vehicle and the oncoming lane detected by the inter-lane distance detecting means is larger than the set distance, the vehicle is determined to be traveling in the specific traveling environment. .

Thus, when the distance from the vehicle to the oncoming lane is larger than the set distance, such as when a median strip exists or when the vehicle is traveling on the sidewalk side of a plurality of lanes, the oncoming vehicle light Accordingly, it is determined that the driver is traveling in a specific traveling environment in which dazzling does not occur, and no infrared image is displayed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the specific traveling environment determining means has a curve detecting means for detecting that a curve heading toward the oncoming lane exists in front of the vehicle. When it is detected by the curve detecting means that a curve toward the opposite lane exists in front of the vehicle, it is configured to determine that the vehicle is not traveling in the specific traveling environment.

Thus, when it is detected by road-to-vehicle communication or the like that a curve heading for the oncoming lane exists, the driver of the oncoming vehicle may be dazzled by the light of the oncoming vehicle. It is determined that the vehicle is not running, and an infrared image is displayed.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the specific driving environment is a driving environment in which the driver of the vehicle hardly feels danger even when receiving the light of the oncoming vehicle. In other words, when the vehicle is traveling in such a traveling environment, there is almost no possibility that the driver may be dazzled by the light of the oncoming vehicle and has anxiety in traveling (the driver is less likely to feel danger), so the infrared image is displayed. There is no problem if you do not.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the fourteenth aspect, the specific traveling environment determining means includes a road width detecting means for detecting a road width on which the vehicle is traveling. When the road width is larger than a predetermined width, the vehicle is determined to be traveling in a specific traveling environment.

According to the present invention, when the road width is larger than the predetermined width, it is determined that the driver is traveling in a specific traveling environment in which it is difficult for the driver to feel danger even when receiving the light of the oncoming vehicle,
No infrared image is displayed.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the specific driving environment determining means includes a current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the vehicle, a road information storing means for storing road map information, High-use road extraction means for extracting high-use roads frequently used by the driver of the vehicle from the road map information stored by the road information storage means; When the vehicle is detected to be traveling on a high-use road based on the current position of the vehicle and the high-use road extracted by the high-use road extraction means, the vehicle travels in a specific traveling environment. It is assumed that the system is configured to determine that it is inside.

Thus, when the driver is traveling on a frequently used road where the driver is well aware of the road conditions,
Even if the driver of the vehicle receives the light of the oncoming vehicle, it is difficult for the driver to feel danger, so that the infrared image is not displayed.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the sixteenth aspect, the high use frequency road extracting means has a personal information storing means for storing personal information, and the personal information stored by the personal information storing means is stored. It is assumed that the system is configured to extract a frequently used road of a driver who is currently driving according to the information.

With this, like a smart card or the like,
The frequently used roads of the driver who is currently driving are extracted according to the storage contents of the personal information storage means in which the personal information such as the driver's name and home address is input and stored. Therefore, a frequently used road can be easily extracted for each driver.

According to the eighteenth aspect, in the sixteenth aspect, the specific traveling environment determining means is based on the current position detecting means and the road information storing means, and the vehicle is traveling on a road which requires the driver's attention. When it is detected that the vehicle is traveling, it is configured to determine that the vehicle is not traveling in the specific traveling environment, even if the vehicle is traveling on a frequently used road.

By doing so, for example, when the vehicle is traveling on a road that requires the driver's attention, such as a narrow road, an infrared image is displayed even on a frequently used road. Can be further improved.

According to a nineteenth aspect, in the fourteenth aspect, the specific driving environment determining means includes an obstacle detecting means for detecting that an obstacle exists in front of the vehicle and within a reference distance from the vehicle. When the obstacle detection means detects that an obstacle is present in front of the vehicle and within a reference distance from the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in the specific traveling environment. It is assumed to be configured as

Thus, when an obstacle exists in front of the vehicle and within a reference distance from the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in the specific traveling environment, and an infrared image is displayed to improve safety. Can be done.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the specific driving environment determining means determines whether the vehicle has traveled within the specific driving environment when the time elapsed since the vehicle entered the tunnel is longer than a predetermined time. It is assumed that it is configured to determine that the vehicle is traveling.

According to the present invention, it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in the specific traveling environment until a predetermined time (the time required for dark adaptation of the human eye) elapses after entering the tunnel, and an infrared image is displayed. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment, and the infrared image is not displayed.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the twentieth aspect, the specific traveling environment determining means is configured to set the predetermined time to be longer as the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel is larger. By doing so, the time required for dark adaptation increases as the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel increases, so that the predetermined time can be set appropriately.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the specific traveling environment is a traveling environment in which the scenery in front of the vehicle does not become difficult to see immediately after the vehicle enters the tunnel. That is, when the scenery ahead is not difficult to see even when entering a tunnel, such as at night, there is no problem even if the infrared image is not displayed.

According to a twenty-third aspect, in the twenty-second aspect, the specific traveling environment determining means determines that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment when the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel is smaller than a set value. It is assumed to be configured to make the determination. As a result, when the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel is small, such as at night, the scenery ahead is not difficult to see immediately after entering the tunnel, so that no infrared image is displayed.

[0040]

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a main part of an instrument panel 1 of a vehicle C (automobile: see FIGS. 3 and 4) on which a display device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is mounted. The instrument panel 1 includes an entertainment display 2 and an infrared image display 3 as display means for displaying an infrared image described later.
Are provided. The entertainment display 2 is disposed substantially at the center in the vertical direction of the instrument panel 1 and substantially at the center in the vehicle width direction. on the other hand,
The infrared image display 3 is disposed at an upper portion of the instrument panel 1 and at a driver seat side end in a meter unit 4 provided at a substantially central position in a vehicle width direction.
This means that the infrared image display 3 is disposed obliquely above the driver's seat side with respect to the entertainment display 2.

The meter unit 4 includes indicator lights such as a speedometer, a fuel gauge, a water temperature gauge, an odometer, a trip meter, a selector indicator light and a turn signal indicator light, and various kinds of lights such as an alternate tone warning light and an oil pressure warning light. A warning light is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the meter unit 4 (infrared image display 3) is disposed at the front end of the instrument panel 1 on the vehicle front side. Is also provided on the rear side of the vehicle. With this,
The vertical viewing angle of the entertainment display 2, that is, the vertical angle of the line connecting the entertainment display 2 and the driver's eye point of the vehicle C is set to about 22 degrees, and the vertical viewing angle of the infrared image display 3 is about 11 degrees. By setting, the visibility of the infrared image display 3 is better than that of the entertainment display 2.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes on-vehicle electronic equipment such as an audio device (not shown in FIG. 2), reference numeral 6 denotes a steering wheel, and reference numeral 7 in FIG. 2 denotes a front window glass.

As shown in FIG. 3, an obstacle existing in front (including diagonally forward) of the vehicle C is detected at the front grill portion at the substantially central portion in the vehicle width direction at the front end of the vehicle C. An obstacle sensor 11 for measuring a positional relationship and a distance between the vehicle C and the obstacle is provided. Specifically, the obstacle sensor 11 is a laser radar, a millimeter-wave radar, an ultrasonic radar, a CCD camera, or the like.

Further, an infrared camera 12 as an image pickup means for picking up an image of the front of the vehicle C with infrared rays is provided beside the obstacle sensor 11 in the front bumper of the vehicle C. An infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3. The display of the infrared image on the infrared image display 3 is performed by the CPU 20 as display control means.
, The infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3 or not.

As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle C has a steering angle sensor 25 for detecting the steering angle of the steering wheel 6, a vehicle speed sensor 26 for detecting the vehicle speed, and G
G as a current position detecting means for receiving the GPS signal transmitted from the PS satellite and detecting the current position of the vehicle C
A PS sensor 27, a CD-ROM 28 (which may receive road map information distributed via the Internet) as road information storage means storing road map information, and an information providing device outside the vehicle C Road-vehicle communication for receiving information transmitted from the (infrastructure) regarding road conditions ahead of the traveling road of the vehicle C (information on the existence of tunnels and curves, presence or absence of traffic congestion, road surface conditions (frozen roads and bad roads)). A unit 29 is provided.

The obstacle sensor 11 and the infrared camera 1
2, steering angle sensor 25, vehicle speed sensor 26, GPS sensor 2
7. Each signal (information) of the CD-ROM 28 and the road-vehicle communication unit 29 is input to the CPU 20, as shown in FIG. Also, the CPU 20 includes:
The signal of the mode changeover switch 30 operable by the driver is input. The mode switch 30 allows the driver to automatically display an infrared image captured by the infrared camera 12 on the infrared image display 3 in an ON mode, an OFF mode in which the infrared image is not always displayed, and an automatic display and non-display mode. One of the modes can be selected. The CPU 20 outputs an ON signal to the infrared image display 3 when the ON mode is selected, and outputs an OFF signal when the OFF mode is selected. On the other hand, when the automatic mode is selected, the CPU 20 operates as described below to output an ON signal or an OFF signal to the infrared image display 3 based on the input of each signal. An ON signal or an OFF signal is also output from the CPU 20 to the entertainment display 2 based on the state of an operation switch (not shown).
When the ON signal is output, a map, the current position of the vehicle, and the like are displayed on the entertainment display 2.

Next, the control operation of the CPU 20 for displaying and not displaying an infrared image will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in the first step SA1, it is detected whether the mode changeover switch 30 is in the ON mode, the OFF mode or the automatic mode.
At A2, it is determined whether or not the mode changeover switch 30 is in the OFF mode. If this determination is YES and O
If it is in the FF mode, the flow advances to step SA9 to output an OFF signal to the infrared image display 3 and return. On the other hand, if the above determination is NO and OFF
If not, the process proceeds to step SA3 to determine whether the mode changeover switch 30 is in the ON mode. If the determination is YES and the camera is in the ON mode, the flow advances to step SA8 to output an ON signal to the infrared image display 3 and return. On the other hand, if the determination in step SA3 is NO and the state is not the ON mode (that is, the state is the automatic mode), the process proceeds to step SA4.

In step SA4, the current position of the vehicle C is detected by the GPS sensor 27.
At 5, based on the detected current position and the road map information in the CD-ROM 28, it is determined whether or not the vehicle C is traveling in a tunnel (including a predetermined distance before the tunnel). The predetermined distance is set to be larger as the vehicle speed is higher, and is set to be longer when the wiper is in the operation state than in the non-operation state. The determination in step SA5 is not limited to the method based on the current position detected by the GPS sensor 27 and the road map information in the CD-ROM 28. A method of detecting the current position from the information and performing the detection based on the current position and the road map information may be used, or a method of performing the detection based on the information received by the road-to-vehicle communication unit 29 may be used. At least two of the three methods may be used in combination.

If the determination in step SA5 is NO and the vehicle is not traveling in a tunnel, the flow advances to step SA9 to output an OFF signal to the infrared image display 3 and return. On the other hand, if the determination in step SA5 is YES, indicating that the vehicle is traveling in a tunnel, step SA6
Then, the detection result of the obstacle sensor 11 is input, and it is determined whether or not the oncoming vehicle is detected by the obstacle sensor 11 in the next step SA7. Specifically, vehicle C
If an obstacle is detected diagonally forward from the road on which the vehicle is traveling to the side where the oncoming vehicle is traveling (right side in Japan)
When the detected relative speed of the obstacle approaching the vehicle is higher than the reference speed, the obstacle is determined to be an oncoming vehicle, and it is determined that the presence of the oncoming vehicle has been detected.

When the determination in step SA7 is YES and the presence of an oncoming vehicle is detected, step SA8
The process proceeds to step SA9 to output an ON signal to the infrared image display 3 and return. On the other hand, when the determination is NO and the presence of an oncoming vehicle is not detected, the process proceeds to step SA9 to output an OFF signal to the infrared image display 3. Output and return.

In the first embodiment, step SA5
Constitutes traveling detection means 41 for detecting traveling of the vehicle C in the tunnel. In step SA7, the vehicle C displays the infrared image on the infrared image display 3.
A specific traveling environment determination means 42 for determining whether or not the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment that does not need to be displayed on the CPU 20 is configured. Specifically, the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3. When it is determined that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment, the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image even if the traveling of the vehicle C in the tunnel is detected. The image is not displayed on the image display 3. And
The specific driving environment is a driving environment in which the light of the oncoming vehicle does not cause the driver of the vehicle to dazzle. Specifically, the specific driving environment is a driving environment in which the oncoming vehicle does not exist. An obstacle sensor 11 is provided as oncoming vehicle detection means for detecting the presence of the obstacle.
1, when the oncoming vehicle is not detected, it is determined that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the vehicle C
When traveling in a tunnel is detected, an infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3 when the presence of an oncoming vehicle is detected, and when no oncoming vehicle is detected, the infrared image is displayed as an infrared image. Not displayed on the display 3. When the traveling of the vehicle C in the tunnel is not detected, the infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3. As a result, the infrared image is displayed when traveling in a tunnel where visibility is suddenly deteriorated and the driver is particularly likely to feel danger, so that visibility in the tunnel is improved, and safety in traveling in the tunnel is improved. Can be. On the other hand, when the vehicle is not traveling in a tunnel, an infrared image is not displayed, and even when traveling in a tunnel, the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment in which the light of an oncoming vehicle is not seen by the driver. No infrared image is displayed. Therefore, safety can be improved while displaying the infrared image as little as possible to the driver's eyes.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 7 shows Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
(In each of the following embodiments, the hardware configuration of the display device is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, and when different, the different points will be described), and the presence of an oncoming vehicle is detected. Instead, the presence of an oncoming lane is detected.

That is, in the second embodiment, in steps SB1 to SB5, the same processes as those in steps SA1 to SA5 in the first embodiment are performed. If the determination in step SB5 is NO and the vehicle is not traveling in a tunnel, Proceeding to SB8, an OFF signal is output to the infrared image display 3, and the process returns. If the determination in step SB5 is YES and the vehicle is traveling in a tunnel, the process proceeds to step SB6.

In step SB6, the GPS sensor 2
7 and the current position of the vehicle C detected by the CD-ROM 2
8 to determine whether or not there is an oncoming lane based on the stored road map information. If this determination is YES and there is an oncoming lane, an ON signal is output to the infrared image display 3 to return. On the other hand, if the determination is NO and there is no oncoming lane, the process proceeds to step SB8, where the infrared image is displayed. An OFF signal is output to the display 3 and the routine returns.

In the second embodiment, step SB5
Thus, in-tunnel traveling detecting means 41 similar to that of Embodiment 1 described above is configured, and in Step SB6, the specific traveling environment that determines whether or not the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment based on the presence or absence of the oncoming lane. The determining means 43 is configured. Then, the GPS sensor 27 and the CD-ROM 2
Numeral 8 is a part of the in-tunnel traveling detecting means 41 and also a part of the specific traveling environment determining means 43. The specific traveling environment determining means 43 includes the current position of the vehicle C detected by the GPS sensor 27 and the CD. When it is detected based on the road map information stored in the ROM 28 that the vehicle C is traveling on a road where there is no oncoming lane, the vehicle C is driven in a specific traveling environment (the driver of the vehicle is driven by the light of the oncoming vehicle). Is configured to determine that the vehicle is traveling in a driving environment where dazzling does not occur (specifically, a driving environment in which there is no oncoming vehicle).

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the vehicle C
In the case where traveling in a tunnel is detected, when an oncoming lane exists, an infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3 while traveling in a traveling environment where no oncoming lane does not exist (a traveling environment where no oncoming vehicle exists). When it is in the middle, the infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3. As a result, as in the first embodiment, visibility in the tunnel can be improved while displaying the infrared image as little as possible to the driver's eyes.

In the second embodiment, in the automatic mode, when an oncoming lane exists, an infrared image is unconditionally displayed on the infrared image display 3. However, even when an oncoming lane exists. When the distance from the vehicle C to the oncoming lane is larger than the set distance (when there is a median strip or when the vehicle is running on the sidewalk side of a plurality of lanes), as in Embodiment 5 described later, the display is performed. You may not make it do.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 8 shows Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
Even if the oncoming lane exists, the infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3 when the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle C and the preceding vehicle (preceding vehicle) is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

That is, in the third embodiment, in steps SC1 to SC6, the same processes as those in steps SB1 to SB6 in the second embodiment are performed. When the determination in step SC6 is NO and there is no oncoming lane, Proceeding to Step SC10, an OFF signal is output to the infrared image display 3, and the process returns.
When the determination in step SC6 is YES and there is an oncoming lane, the process proceeds to step SC7.

In step SC7, the obstacle sensor 1
In step SC8, it is determined whether or not the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle C and the preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance is set to a distance (for example, about 10 m) where the light of the oncoming vehicle is not bothersome to the driver or is difficult to see the driver's eyes because of the shadow of the vehicle ahead, as in traffic congestion. If the determination in step SC8 is NO and the inter-vehicle distance is larger than the predetermined distance, the process proceeds to step SC9 to output an ON signal to the infrared image display 3 and return, while the determination is YES and the inter-vehicle distance is If the distance is equal to or shorter than the predetermined distance, the process proceeds to step SC10, where an OFF signal is output to the infrared image display 3, and the process returns.

In the third embodiment, step SC5
Constitutes a first specific traveling environment determining means 44 similar to the specific traveling environment determining means 43 in the second embodiment by the above-described step SC6, and forms the vehicle C by the above-mentioned step SC8. And an obstacle sensor 11 as an inter-vehicle distance detecting means for detecting an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle.
When the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle C and the preceding vehicle detected by Step 1 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, a second specific traveling environment determination unit 45 that determines that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment is configured. I have. Both the first and second specific traveling environment determination means 44 and 45 determine whether or not the vehicle C is traveling in a specific traveling environment in which the driver of the vehicle C is not dazzled by the light of the oncoming vehicle. When it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment, the infrared image is not displayed even when traveling in the tunnel.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the vehicle C
When traveling in the tunnel is detected, when the presence of the oncoming lane is detected and the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle C and the preceding vehicle is larger than a predetermined distance, the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3 while the infrared image is displayed. When the presence of the lane is not detected, or when the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance even if the presence of the oncoming lane is detected, it is determined that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment, and the infrared image is displayed in the infrared image. Not displayed on the image display 3. Thereby, the same operation and effect as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained, and
The display of the infrared image by the first and second specific traveling environment determination means 44 and 45 is less likely to be an obstacle for the driver than in the first and second embodiments.

In the third embodiment, the first and second specific traveling environment determining means 44 and 45 are provided, but only the second specific traveling environment determining means 45 may be provided. That is,
When the inter-vehicle distance is larger than the predetermined distance regardless of the presence or absence of the on-coming lane, the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3 while the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance. In such a case, the infrared image may not be displayed on the infrared image display 3.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 9 shows Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
The infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3 when the vehicle speed of the vehicle C is equal to or lower than the predetermined vehicle speed even if the oncoming lane exists.

That is, in the fourth embodiment, in steps SD1 to SD6, the same processing as in steps SB1 to SB6 in the second embodiment is performed, and when the determination in step SD6 is NO and there is no oncoming lane, Proceeding to step SD10 to output an OFF signal to the infrared image display 3 and return,
If the determination in step SD6 is YES and there is an oncoming lane, the process proceeds to step SD7.

In step SD7, the vehicle speed sensor 26
Is detected, and in a next step SD8, it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed of the vehicle C is equal to or lower than a predetermined vehicle speed. The predetermined vehicle speed is a considerably low speed (for example, 20 km) at which the light of the oncoming vehicle is not bothersome to the driver as in traffic congestion.
/ H). If the determination in step SD8 is NO and the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined vehicle speed, the process proceeds to step SD9, and the infrared image display 3 displays O
On the other hand, if the determination is YES and the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined vehicle speed, the process returns to step SD10.
And outputs an OFF signal to the infrared image display 3 and returns.

In the fourth embodiment, step SD5
Constitutes the first traveling condition determining means 46 similar to the first traveling condition determining means 43 in the second embodiment.
In step SD8, the vehicle has a vehicle speed sensor 26 as vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle C. When the vehicle speed of the vehicle C detected by the vehicle speed sensor 26 is equal to or less than a predetermined vehicle speed, A second specific traveling environment determination unit 47 that determines that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment is configured. As in the third embodiment, both the first and second specific traveling environment determination means 46 and 47 are driving the vehicle C in a specific traveling environment in which the driver of the vehicle C does not dazzle due to the light of the oncoming vehicle. The infrared image is not displayed even when the vehicle is traveling in a tunnel when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the vehicle C
Is detected in the tunnel, and when the presence of the oncoming lane is detected and the vehicle speed of the vehicle C is higher than the predetermined vehicle speed, the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3.
On the other hand, even when traveling in a tunnel, when the presence of the oncoming lane is not detected, or when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined vehicle speed, it is determined that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment. , Infrared image display 3
Is not displayed on As a result, the same functions and effects as those of the third embodiment can be obtained.

In the fourth embodiment, the first and second specific traveling environment determining means 46 and 47 are provided, but only the second specific traveling environment determining means 47 may be provided. That is,
Irrespective of the presence or absence of the oncoming lane, the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3 when the vehicle speed of the vehicle C is higher than the predetermined vehicle speed, while the infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3 when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined vehicle speed. You may do so.

In the third and fourth embodiments, when the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle C and the preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, or when the vehicle speed of the vehicle C is equal to or less than the predetermined vehicle speed, the vehicle C is driven in a specific traveling environment. (A driving environment in which the driver of the vehicle does not dazzle due to the light of the oncoming vehicle as in the case of traffic congestion). When receiving the information that the vehicle C is traveling in the section where the vehicle is traveling, it may be determined that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment, and the infrared image may not be displayed on the infrared image display 3. . In this case, the second specific traveling environment determination means 45 and 47 have the road-vehicle communication unit 29 as the traffic congestion detection means, and when the traffic congestion traveling of the vehicle C is detected by the road-vehicle communication unit 29. In addition, it is configured to determine that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Even when an oncoming vehicle exists, when the distance from the vehicle C to the oncoming lane is larger than the set distance, the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display. 3, and when it is detected that the distance from the vehicle C to the oncoming lane is equal to or less than the set distance and that the vehicle is turning toward the oncoming lane, the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display. 3 is displayed.

That is, in the fifth embodiment, in steps SE1 to SE7, the same processes as those in steps SA1 to SA7 in the first embodiment are performed. When the determination in step SA7 is NO and there is no oncoming vehicle, The process advances to step SE13 to output an OFF signal to the infrared image display 3 and returns. On the other hand, when the determination in step SE7 is YES and there is an oncoming vehicle, the process advances to step SE8.

In step SE8, step SE4
, The vehicle C based on the current position detected by the GPS sensor 27 and the road map information in the CD-ROM 28.
It is determined whether or not the distance from the vehicle to the oncoming lane is greater than the set distance. This determination is made based on the presence or absence of a median strip (when the median strip exists, it is determined that the distance to the oncoming lane is greater than the set distance), and when there are multiple lanes, the vehicle C travels on the sidewalk side. (When the vehicle is traveling on the sidewalk side, it is determined that the distance to the oncoming lane is larger than the set distance). The determination may be made based on information, or a magnetic signal output from a magnet embedded in the road surface may be detected by a magnetic sensor provided on the vehicle C to determine the lane in which the vehicle C is traveling. Good).

If the determination in step SE8 is YES and the distance from the vehicle C to the oncoming lane is greater than the set distance, the flow advances to step SE13 to output an OFF signal to the infrared image display 3 and return. When the determination is NO and the distance is equal to or less than the set distance, the process proceeds to Step SE9.

In step SE9, the steering angle sensor 25
Is detected, and in a next step SE10, it is determined whether or not the steering angle is equal to or larger than a predetermined steering angle. When the determination is NO and the steering angle is smaller than the predetermined steering angle, the process proceeds to Step SE13, and the display is turned off to the infrared image display 3.
On the other hand, if the determination is YES and the steering angle is equal to or larger than the predetermined steering angle, the process returns to step SE.
Proceed to 11.

In step SE11, it is determined whether or not the vehicle C is turning toward the opposite lane (including not only running on a curve but also performing a lane changing operation). This judgment is Y
If it is ES and the vehicle C is turning toward the oncoming lane, the process advances to step SE12 to output an ON signal to the infrared image display 3 and return.
When the determination is NO and the vehicle C is not turning toward the oncoming lane, the process proceeds to step SE13, where an OFF signal is output to the infrared image display 3, and the process returns.

In the fifth embodiment, step SE5
Constitutes the first traveling condition determining means 48 similar to the first traveling condition determining means 42 in the first embodiment. Also, in step SE8, the GPS sensor 27 and C as the vehicle / oncoming lane distance detecting means for detecting the distance from the vehicle C to the oncoming lane.
When the vehicle C has a D-ROM 28 and the distance from the vehicle C to the oncoming lane detected by the GPS sensor 27 and the CD-ROM 28 is larger than a set distance, the vehicle C is traveling in a specific traveling environment. The second specific traveling environment determining means 49 for determining the above is configured, and the above-mentioned step SE11 constitutes the third specific traveling environment determining means 50. The third specific traveling environment determining means 50 has a steering angle sensor 25 as a turning detecting means, and it is detected by the steering angle sensor 25 that the vehicle C is turning toward the oncoming lane. Is determined so that the vehicle C is not traveling in the specific traveling environment. When the steering angle to the oncoming lane is equal to or greater than the predetermined steering angle, the steering angle sensor 25 It is configured to detect that the vehicle is turning toward.

Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, the vehicle C
When traveling in the tunnel is detected, the presence of the oncoming vehicle is detected, and when the distance from the vehicle C to the oncoming lane is equal to or less than the set distance and the vehicle C is turning toward the oncoming lane, While the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3, even when traveling in a tunnel, when the presence of the oncoming lane is not detected, when the distance from the vehicle C to the oncoming lane is larger than the set distance, or When the vehicle C is not turning toward the oncoming lane, it is determined that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment, and the infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect the specific driving environment in which the driver of the vehicle C does not cause dazzling by the light of the oncoming vehicle, and to perform the display only when the driver needs to display the infrared image.

In the fifth embodiment, the first to third specific driving environment determining means 48 to 50 are provided, but only at least one of the second and third specific driving environment determining means 49, 50 is provided. It may be provided.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 11 shows Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Even when there is no oncoming vehicle, when it is detected that a curve toward the oncoming lane exists in front of the vehicle C, It is determined that the vehicle C is not traveling in the specific traveling environment, and the infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3.

That is, in the sixth embodiment, in steps SF1 to SF7, the same processing as in steps SA1 to SA7 in the first embodiment is performed, and when the determination in step SF7 is YES and there is an oncoming vehicle, Proceeding to step SF9, an ON signal is output to the infrared image display 3 and the process returns. On the other hand, if the determination in step SF7 is NO and there is no oncoming vehicle, the process proceeds to step SF8.

In step SF8, it is determined whether there is a curve ahead of the vehicle C (forward of the traveling road) toward the oncoming lane. That is, the road-vehicle communication unit 29
Determines whether or not information that a curve exists in front of the vehicle C has been received. This determination may be made by inputting a departure place, detecting a current position from travel locus information such as a vehicle speed and a steering angle, and performing the determination based on the current position and road map information.

If the determination in step SF8 is YES and there is a curve, an ON signal is output to the infrared image display 3 and the routine returns, while the determination is NO.
If there is no curve, an OFF signal is output to the infrared image display 3 and the routine returns.

In the sixth embodiment, step SF5
A first specific traveling environment determining unit 51 similar to the specific traveling environment determining unit 42 in the first embodiment is configured by step SF7, and a second specific traveling environment determining unit 51 is configured by step SF8. The specific traveling environment determining means 52 is configured. The second specific traveling environment determining means 52 has a road-vehicle communication unit 29 as a curve detecting means for detecting that there is a curve toward the oncoming lane in front of the vehicle C. When the unit 29 detects that a curve toward the oncoming lane exists in front of the vehicle C,
It is configured to determine that the vehicle C is not traveling in the specific traveling environment.

Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, the vehicle C
When traveling in a tunnel is detected, when the presence of an oncoming vehicle is detected, or when it is detected that a curve exists in front of the vehicle C even if the presence of an oncoming vehicle is not detected, Image is infrared image display 3
On the other hand, when neither an oncoming vehicle nor a curve is detected, it is determined that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment, and the infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3. Therefore, when it is detected that there is a curve toward the oncoming lane, it is expected that the driver will be dazzled by the light of the oncoming vehicle, and an infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3 to enhance safety. be able to.

In the sixth embodiment, the first and second specific traveling environment determining means 51 and 52 are provided, but only the second specific traveling environment determining means 52 may be provided.

(Embodiment 7) FIGS. 12 and 13 show Embodiment 7 of the present invention, in which the specific driving environment is a driving environment in which the driver of the vehicle hardly feels danger even when receiving the light of the oncoming vehicle. is there.

That is, in the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 20 includes the obstacle sensor 11, the infrared camera 12, the GPS sensor 27, the CD-ROM 28,
Each signal (information) of the mode switch 30 and the personal information storage device 31 is input. The personal information storage device 31 inserts a smart card on which personal information is recorded and inputs and stores the personal information (name, home address, etc.), and identifies the owner of the vehicle C. It also has the role of preventing theft.

Then, the CPU 20 operates as shown in FIG. That is, in steps SG1 to SG7, the same processes as those in steps SA1 to SA7 in the first embodiment are performed. When the determination in step SG7 is NO and there is no oncoming vehicle, the process proceeds to step SG14 to display the infrared image display. On the other hand, if the determination in step SG7 is YES and there is an oncoming vehicle, the process proceeds to step SG8.

In step SG8, an obstacle (for example, a falling object on the road or a stopped vehicle) is positioned in front of the vehicle C and at a reference distance from the vehicle C (the driver can sufficiently avoid contact with the obstacle by braking or steering. Distance or obstacle sensor 1
1 is determined to be within a distance at which an obstacle can be detected with high accuracy). If this determination is YES and an obstacle is present, the process proceeds to step SG13 and an ON signal is sent to the infrared image display 3. And returns, while the determination is NO and there is no obstacle,
Proceed to step SG9.

At step SG9, the CD-RO is stored in accordance with the personal information stored in the personal information storage device 31.
From the road map information stored by M28, a high-use road (eg, a road within an area within a radius of 20 km from home, a road used for commuting, going to school, shopping, etc.) Roads that have passed a predetermined number of times or more) are extracted. Then, in step SG11,
From the current position detected by the GPS sensor 27, the vehicle C
It is determined whether the vehicle is traveling on the high use frequency road. If this determination is NO and the vehicle is not traveling on a high-use road, the process proceeds to step SG13, where an ON signal is output to the infrared image display 3 and the routine returns. If it is middle, the process proceeds to step SG12.

In step SG12, it is determined based on the current position detected by the GPS sensor 27 and the road map information in the CD-ROM 28 whether or not the width of the road on which the vehicle C is traveling is equal to or smaller than a predetermined width. . This judgment is YES
If the road width is equal to or less than the predetermined width, an ON signal is output to the infrared image display 3 and the routine returns. If the determination is NO and the road width is larger than the predetermined width, an OFF signal is output to the infrared image display 3. Output and return.

In the seventh embodiment, step SG5
Constitutes a first specific traveling environment determining means 53 similar to the specific traveling environment determining means 42 in the first embodiment by the step SG7, and the vehicle C is determined by the step SG8. And an obstacle sensor 11 as an obstacle detecting means for detecting the presence of an obstacle in front of the vehicle C and within a reference distance from the vehicle C, and an obstacle exists in front of the vehicle C by the obstacle sensor 11. When it is detected that the vehicle C
Is configured to determine that the vehicle is not traveling in the specific traveling environment.

Further, the above steps SG11 and SG12
Constitutes the third specific driving environment determining means 55. The high use frequency road for extracting the high use frequency road with the high use frequency of the driver of the vehicle C from the road map information stored in the CD-ROM 28 by the above step SG10. The extracting means 35 is configured. The high use frequency road extraction means 35 has a personal information storage device 31 as personal information storage means for storing personal information, and according to the personal information stored by the personal information storage device 31, It is configured to extract the frequently used roads of the driver performing the operation. The third specific traveling environment determining means 55 is a GPS sensor 2 as a current position detecting means.
7 and the CD-ROM 28 as road information storage means and the high use frequency road extracting means 35, and the vehicle C uses the high use frequency based on the current position of the vehicle C and the extracted high use frequency road. When it is detected that the vehicle C is traveling on the road, it is difficult for the driver of the vehicle C to feel a danger even if the driver of the vehicle C receives the light of the oncoming vehicle (the driver of the vehicle C may be dazzled by the light of the oncoming vehicle and cannot travel). It is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a (driving environment) where there is almost no possibility of anxiety, and G
Vehicle C based on PS sensor 27 and CD-ROM 28
When it is detected that the vehicle C is traveling on a road that requires the driver's attention (a road whose width is equal to or less than a predetermined width), the vehicle C travels in a specific traveling environment even when traveling on a frequently used road. It is configured to determine that it is not inside.
A part of the third specific traveling environment determining means 55 (step SG12) includes a GPS sensor 27 as a road width detecting means for detecting a road width on which the vehicle C is traveling and the CD-R.
OM28 and the GPS sensor 27 and the CD-RO
When the road width detected by M28 is larger than the predetermined width, it also serves as a specific traveling environment determination unit that determines that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment.

Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, the vehicle C
In the case where traveling in a tunnel is detected, even if the presence of an oncoming vehicle is detected, if there is no obstacle in front of the vehicle C, the driver of the vehicle hardly feels danger even if receiving the light of the oncoming vehicle. When traveling on a frequently used road or a wide road, an infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3. However, even on high-use roads,
If the road requires the driver's attention, such as a narrow road, an infrared image is displayed on the infrared image display 3. Accordingly, visibility in the tunnel can be improved while displaying the infrared image as little as possible to the driver's eyes.

In the seventh embodiment, the roads requiring the driver's attention are the roads whose width is equal to or smaller than the predetermined width. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there are no lights, tunnels with a large traffic volume, and tunnels with many curves. And the like may be roads that require the driver's attention. When the vehicle C is traveling on these roads, it is desirable to display an infrared image on the infrared image display 3 even on a frequently used road.

(Embodiment 8) FIGS. 14 and 15 show Embodiment 7 of the present invention. When the elapsed time since the vehicle C enters the tunnel is longer than a predetermined time, the vehicle C is moved in a specific traveling environment. Is determined to be running.

That is, in the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Each signal (information) of the S sensor 27, the CD-ROM 28, the mode changeover switch 30, and the illuminance sensor 32 is input. The illuminance sensor 32 can measure the illuminance outside the vehicle and measure the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel.

Then, the CPU 20 operates as shown in FIG. That is, in steps SH1 to SH4, the same processes as those in steps SA1 to SA4 in the first embodiment are performed, and in the next step SH5, the illuminance sensor 3
2, the illuminance is detected, and in the next step SH6, it is determined whether or not the vehicle C is traveling in the tunnel, as in step SA5 in the first embodiment. If this determination is NO and the vehicle is not traveling in a tunnel, then step SH7
Then, an OFF signal is output to the infrared image display 3 and the detection flag F in the tunnel (set to 1 during traveling in the tunnel as described later) is set to 0, and the process returns. On the other hand, when the determination is YES and the vehicle is traveling in the tunnel, the process proceeds to step SH8.

In step SH8, it is determined whether the in-tunnel detection flag F is 1 or not.
If ES and F = 1, step SH12
On the other hand, when the determination is NO and F ≠ 1 is satisfied, the process proceeds to step SH9, where the in-tunnel detection flag F
Is set to 1.

Subsequently, at step SH10, a predetermined time t is selected based on the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel. That is,
The predetermined time t corresponds to the illuminance ratio Δ inside and outside the tunnel as shown in FIG.
Illuminance ratio Δ inside and outside the tunnel
Is smaller than the first set value Δ0, the predetermined time t becomes 0, while when the illuminance ratio Δ inside and outside the tunnel is Δ0 to Δ1, the predetermined time t increases proportionally as the illuminance ratio Δ increases. When the ratio Δ is larger than the second set value Δ1, the predetermined time t is set to a constant value (maximum time required for dark adaptation: about 10 minutes).

Next, after the timer is started in step SH11, it is determined in step SH12 whether a predetermined time t has elapsed. When the determination is YES and the predetermined time t has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SH13, where an OFF signal is output to the infrared image display 3 and the process returns. On the other hand, the determination is NO and the predetermined time t has not elapsed. Sometimes, proceed to step SH14,
An ON signal is output to the infrared image display 3 and the routine returns.

In the eighth embodiment, step SH6
Constitutes the traveling in the tunnel detecting means 41. When the elapsed time since the vehicle C enters the tunnel is longer than the predetermined time t by the above-mentioned step SH12, it is determined that the vehicle C is traveling in the specific traveling environment. The specific traveling environment determining means 56 for determining is configured. When the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel is Δ0 to Δ1, the specific traveling environment determination means 56 sets the predetermined time t to a longer time as the illuminance ratio increases, and the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel becomes larger than the first set value Δ0. When the vehicle C is too small, the predetermined time t is set to 0, that is, the vehicle C is in a specific traveling environment (the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel is small, such as at night, etc., and it is difficult to see the scenery ahead immediately after the vehicle enters the tunnel. It is configured to determine that the vehicle is traveling in a traveling environment where the vehicle is not running.

Therefore, in the eighth embodiment, the vehicle C
If the elapsed time since the vehicle C enters the tunnel is less than or equal to the predetermined time t, the driver's eyes do not adapt to the darkness in the tunnel, and the infrared image is On the other hand, when the elapsed time is longer than the predetermined time t, the infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3 because the darkness in the tunnel has already been adjusted.
In addition, when the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel is very small, such as at night, the scenery ahead is not difficult to see immediately after entering the tunnel, so that the infrared image is not displayed on the infrared image display 3. Therefore, visibility in the tunnel can be improved while displaying the infrared image as little as possible to the driver's eyes.

[0108]

As described above, according to the display device for a vehicle of the present invention, when the traveling of the vehicle in the tunnel is detected, the infrared image is displayed on the display means. The safety can be improved while the display does not obstruct the driver as much as possible. In particular, when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment in which it is not necessary to display the infrared image, the infrared image is not displayed even when traveling in the tunnel is detected, so that the above effect is achieved. It can be more effectively exerted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a main part of an instrument panel of a vehicle equipped with a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing positions of components of the display device in a vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing positions of components of the display device in a vehicle.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a display control operation of the CPU.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 6, showing the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart corresponding to FIG. 6 showing the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth embodiment and corresponding to FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth embodiment and corresponding to FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a sixth embodiment corresponding to FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a seventh embodiment corresponding to FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, showing an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an eighth embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 6;

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel and a predetermined time.

[Explanation of symbols]

C vehicle 3 infrared image display (display means) 11 obstacle detection sensor (oncoming vehicle detection means) (obstacle detection means) (inter-vehicle distance detection means) 12 infrared camera (imaging means) 20 CPU (display control means) 25 steering angle Sensor (turning detecting means) 26 Vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed detecting means) 27 GPS sensor (current position detecting means) (vehicle / oncoming lane distance detecting means) (road width detecting means) 28 CD-ROM (road information storing means) (vehicle)・ Oncoming lane distance detecting means) (road width detecting means) 29 road-vehicle communication unit (congestion traveling detecting means) (curve detecting means) 31 personal information storage device (personal information storing means) 35 high use frequency road extracting means 41 inside tunnel Driving detecting means 42-56 Specific running environment determining means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) B60R 21/00 626 B60R 21/00 626G 628 628B 628C G06T 1/00 330 G06T 1/00 330B 7/20 100 7/20 100 (72) Inventor Hidekazu Sasaki 3-1, Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda F-term (reference) 5B057 AA06 BA01 CA08 CA13 CB08 CB12 CC01 CH18 DA07 DA11 DA16 DB03 DB09 DC05 DC07 DC08 DC36 5H180 BB13 CC02 CC03 CC04 CC14 FF05 LL01 LL15 5L096 AA09 BA04 CA02 FA10 FA12 FA64 FA66 FA67 FA68 FA69

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means provided in a vehicle and taking an image of the front of the vehicle with infrared light, and a display means provided in front of a driver's seat of the vehicle and displaying an infrared image picked up by the image pickup means. A display device for a vehicle, comprising: a tunnel running detection unit that detects running of the vehicle in a tunnel; and the infrared image when the running of the vehicle in a tunnel is detected by the tunnel running detecting unit. A display device for a vehicle, comprising: a display control means for displaying on the display means. 2. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment in which it is not necessary to display an infrared image picked up by the image pickup means on the display means. Display control means, when the specific driving environment determining means determines that the vehicle is running in the specific driving environment, the display control means determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling in the tunnel by the in-tunnel running detecting means. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the infrared image is not displayed on the display unit even when traveling is detected. 3. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the specific driving environment is a driving environment in which a driver of the vehicle does not dazzle with a light of an oncoming vehicle. 4. The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein the specific traveling environment is a traveling environment in which no oncoming vehicle exists. 5. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the specific traveling environment determining means includes an oncoming vehicle detecting means for detecting the presence of an oncoming vehicle, and the presence of the oncoming vehicle is detected by the oncoming vehicle detecting means. A vehicle display device configured to determine that the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment when is not detected. 6. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the specific driving environment determining means has a current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the vehicle, and a road information storing means for storing road map information. It is detected that the vehicle is traveling on a road where there is no oncoming lane based on the current position of the vehicle detected by the current position detection means and the road map information stored by the road information storage means. A vehicle display device configured to determine that the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment. 7. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the specific traveling environment determining means has an inter-vehicle distance detecting means for detecting an inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle. A vehicle display device configured to determine that a vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment when a detected inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. 8. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the specific traveling environment determining means includes a vehicle speed detecting means for detecting a vehicle speed of the vehicle, and the vehicle speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detecting means is determined. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the display device is configured to determine that the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined vehicle speed. 9. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the specific traveling environment determining means includes a traffic congestion detection means for detecting that the vehicle is traveling in congestion. A vehicle display device configured to determine that a vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment when a traffic jam traveling of the vehicle is detected. 10. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the specific traveling environment determination means includes a turn detection means for detecting that the vehicle is turning toward the oncoming lane, and When the detecting means detects that the vehicle is turning toward the opposite lane, it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in a specific traveling environment. apparatus. 11. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the turning detecting means is that the vehicle is turning toward the oncoming lane when the steering angle toward the oncoming lane is equal to or greater than a predetermined steering angle. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the display device is configured to detect a vehicle. 12. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the specific driving environment determining means includes a vehicle / oncoming lane distance detecting means for detecting a distance from the vehicle to the oncoming lane. When the distance between the vehicle and the oncoming lane detected by the oncoming lane distance detecting means is greater than a set distance, the vehicle is configured to determine that the vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment. Vehicle display device. 13. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the specific driving environment determining means includes a curve detecting means for detecting that a curve heading toward the oncoming lane exists in front of the vehicle. A vehicle configured to determine that the vehicle is not traveling in a specific traveling environment when the curve detecting unit detects that a curve toward the oncoming lane exists in front of the vehicle. Display device. 14. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein the specific driving environment is a driving environment in which a driver of the vehicle hardly feels danger even when receiving a light of an oncoming vehicle. . 15. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the specific driving environment determining means has a road width detecting means for detecting a road width on which the vehicle is traveling, and the specific driving environment detecting means detects the road width. A vehicle display device configured to determine that a vehicle is traveling in a specific traveling environment when a road width is larger than a predetermined width. 16. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the specific driving environment determining means includes a current position detecting means for detecting a current position of the vehicle, a road information storing means storing road map information, High-use road extraction means for extracting high-use roads frequently used by the driver of the vehicle from the road map information stored by the information storage means, and the vehicle detected by the current position detection means is provided. The vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment when it is detected that the vehicle is traveling on the high frequency road based on the current position of the vehicle and the high frequency road extracted by the high frequency road extracting means. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the display device is configured to determine that 17. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the frequently used road extracting means has personal information storage means for storing personal information, and the personal information stored by the personal information storage means. A vehicle display device configured to extract a frequently used road of a driver who is currently driving according to the following. 18. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the specific traveling environment determination means is based on the current position detection means and the road information storage means, and the vehicle is traveling on a road requiring attention of a driver. A vehicle display device configured to determine that the vehicle is not traveling in a specific traveling environment, even if the vehicle is traveling on a frequently used road when the vehicle is traveling. 19. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the specific driving environment determining means includes an obstacle detecting means for detecting that an obstacle exists in front of the vehicle and within a reference distance from the vehicle. When the obstacle detection means detects that an obstacle is present in front of the vehicle and within a reference distance from the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling in a specific traveling environment. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the display device is configured. 20. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the specific traveling environment determining means is configured to drive the vehicle in the specific traveling environment when an elapsed time after the vehicle enters the tunnel is longer than a predetermined time. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the display device is configured to determine that the vehicle is in the middle. 21. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 20, wherein the specific driving environment determining means is configured to set the predetermined time longer as the illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel is larger. Display device of vehicle. 22. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the specific driving environment is a driving environment in which a scene in front of the vehicle does not become difficult to see immediately after the vehicle enters a tunnel. 23. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 22, wherein the specific traveling environment determining means determines that the vehicle is traveling in the specific traveling environment when an illuminance ratio inside and outside the tunnel is smaller than a set value. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the display device is configured to: