JP2008030729A - Vehicular display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular display device capable of reducing troubles given to a driver in information display control. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicular display device 1 comprises a visual information control part 30. The visual information control part 30 makes a half display status, which is a half display between a complete display and a complete elimination, intervene between a vanishing status in which information is completely eliminated and a lighting status in which the information is completely displayed to perform displaying, eliminating and flickering control. This slowly carries out display, elimination and flickering of the information, which prevents rapid visual change and reduces effects of attracting the driver's line of sight. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle display device.

  Conventionally, a display device for a vehicle that displays a road with a name designated by a user on a screen in an easy-to-understand manner is known. In this device, the road with the name specified by the user is displayed in a color and width different from the normal time, or blinked to display the road with the name specified by the user in an easy-to-understand manner on the screen. I am going to do that. In addition, this apparatus performs control to change the blinking speed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Furthermore, a display device for a vehicle that employs a water temperature gauge using an indicator lamp instead of the analog pointer type water temperature gauge is known. In this apparatus, the temperature of the cooling water is expressed by a low temperature indicator lamp and a high temperature indicator lamp. Further, in this apparatus, the blinking control of the indicator lamp is performed, and the blinking speed is changed according to the cooling water temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-221878 JP 2004-338446 A

  However, since the conventional vehicle display device performs blinking display, the line of sight is guided by the blinking display, and the display becomes troublesome. Note that this problem also occurs when information is simply displayed or when information is simply deleted.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle display device and method capable of reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in information display control. Is to provide.

  The vehicle display device of the present invention includes display means, information generation means, and display control means. The display means displays information for the driver, and the information generation means generates information to be displayed on the display means. The display control means displays information generated by the information generation means on the display means. Furthermore, the display control means is configured to display a disappearance state in which the information is completely erased and a lighting state in which the information is completely displayed in at least one case of displaying information, erasing information, and displaying information in a blinking manner. In the meantime, the control is performed by interposing a half display state which is a half display between the complete display and the complete erase.

  According to the present invention, the control is performed by interposing the half display state that is a half display between the complete display and the complete erase between the disappearance state in which the information is completely erased and the lighting state in which the information is completely displayed. For this reason, when information is displayed, erased, or blinking, display switching is not performed between complete erasure and complete display, and display switching is performed slowly due to the half-display state. Thereby, the visual change does not become abrupt, and the effect of attracting the driver's line of sight can be reduced. Therefore, the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control can be reduced.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the vehicle display device 1 includes a display unit (display unit) 10, a visual information generation unit (information generation unit) 20, a visual information control unit (display control unit) 30, and a host vehicle running state detection unit. (Traveling state detecting means) 40 and outside information detecting section (ambient environment detecting means) 50 are provided.

  The display unit 10 displays information for the driver, and includes a liquid crystal display device installed in the passenger compartment, a head-up display device provided in a window shield, a projector projection device, and a transparent liquid crystal device. The visual information generation unit 20 generates information to be displayed on the display unit 10. The visual information generation unit 20 generates navigation information such as approach information of other vehicles and right / left turns, for example.

  The visual information control unit 30 controls the display unit 10 to display information generated by the visual information generation unit 20. Furthermore, the visual information control unit 30 is configured to interpose a half-display state when displaying information, when erasing information being displayed, and when displaying information blinking. That is, when the information is completely erased and the information is completely displayed, the visual information control unit 30 interposes a half display state between the complete display and the complete erase. Display and the like are controlled.

  More specifically, when information is generally displayed, the visual information control unit 30 controls the extinction state to the lighting state. Unlike the above control, the visual information control unit 30 in the present embodiment controls from the extinguished state to the half display state, and from the latter half display state to the lighting state.

  Similarly, when erasing information, the visual information control unit 30 in the present embodiment controls from the lighting state to the half display state and from the latter half display state to the disappearance state. Furthermore, the visual information control unit 30 in the present embodiment executes the blinking control by combining the control of the information display and the information erasing when the information is blinked.

  Here, performing the control with the half-display state interposed includes the following cases. That is, it includes not only the case where the three states of the lighting state, the half-display state, and the extinction state are switched in stages, but also the case where a plurality of half-display states are provided and controlled in multiple stages. Furthermore, it also includes a case where the rate of increase / decrease in the display contrast of information is lowered to continuously shift from the lighting state to the extinguishing state or from the extinguishing state to the lighting state.

  The own vehicle running state detection unit 40 detects the running state of the own vehicle. Here, the traveling state corresponds to, for example, a vehicle speed, an accelerator opening, a steering angle, a brake operation, an engine speed, a blinker signal, an automatic signal, a traveling direction (front-rear direction), and the like. The own vehicle running state detection unit 40 is configured to detect at least one of these.

  The vehicle outside information detection part 50 estimates and detects the surrounding environment of the own vehicle. Here, the surrounding environment is, for example, approach information of other vehicles, distance and direction to other vehicles, relative position between the own vehicle position and the other vehicle position, the state of the traveling path of the own vehicle (for example, dry, wet, water film) , Snow cover, freezing), driving lane of the vehicle (for example, straight lane, right turn lane), curvature of the driving path of the vehicle, position information such as bicycles and pedestrians, traffic signal status (for example, red, blue), road sign Information, weather information, daytime and nighttime visibility information, and the like. The vehicle exterior information detection unit 50 is configured to detect at least one of these.

  Next, an outline of the vehicle display method by the vehicle display device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, a case where display control is performed according to the vehicle speed that is the traveling state of the host vehicle will be described as an example. First, the host vehicle running state detection unit 40 reads the signal from the vehicle speed sensor and detects the vehicle speed of the host vehicle. Then, the vehicle running state detection unit 40 transmits vehicle speed information to the visual information control unit 30.

  On the other hand, the visual information generation unit 20 generates information to be displayed on the display unit 10. Next, the visual information control unit 30 determines whether the vehicle speed (running state) of the host vehicle is less than the predetermined vehicle speed (whether the predetermined traveling condition is satisfied). Here, when the predetermined vehicle speed is 40 km / h and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is 30 km, the predetermined traveling condition is satisfied. In this case, the visual information control unit 30 performs display, erase, and blinking control with the half-display state interposed. On the other hand, if the predetermined vehicle speed is 40 km / h and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is 80 km, the predetermined traveling condition is not satisfied, and the visual information control unit 30 displays and erases without interposing the half-display state. And blinking control is performed.

  Here, the attractiveness (ease of attracting a person's line of sight) when the half-display state is interposed in the blinking control will be described. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining attractiveness. FIG. 2A shows the display contrast when the half-display state is interposed, and FIG. 2B shows the display contrast when the half-display state is not interposed.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, when the increase / decrease rate of the display contrast is lowered through the half-display state, switching from the extinguished state to the lighting state and switching from the lighting state to the extinguishing state are performed slowly. It will be. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), when blinking control is performed without interposing a half-display state, switching from the extinguished state to the lighting state and switching from the lighting state to the extinguishing state are performed rapidly. It becomes.

  Such a difference in switching causes a difference in attractiveness as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph for explaining the attractiveness. In FIG. 3, the vertical axis indicates the attractiveness, and the horizontal axis indicates the case where the half display state is interposed and the case where the half display state is not interposed. In preparing the graph of FIG. 3, the right turn mark is displayed blinking to the driver. In addition, the right turn mark is displayed to the driver 100 times, and the number of times the driver notices in 100 times is expressed on the vertical axis in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the half-display state was interposed, the driver's line of sight could be attracted only about 5 times out of 100 times. On the other hand, when the half-display state was not interposed, the driver's line of sight could be attracted nearly 50 times out of 100 times. As described above, when the half-display state is interposed, the display is not troublesome for the driver, and when the half-display state is not interposed, the driver can easily notice the display.

  Therefore, when the vehicle speed is 40 km / h or more as described above, it is possible to make the driver aware of information during high-speed driving by not interposing the half-display state. That is, during high-speed driving, the driver is likely to pay considerable attention to the front and the like, and even if information is displayed on the display unit 10, it may be difficult to notice. It is possible to make the driver notice the display. In addition, when the vehicle speed is less than 40 km / h, it is considered that the driver has a relatively large margin in driving and is likely to notice the display, so that the annoyance can be reduced by interposing the half-display state.

  Contrary to the above, the visual information control unit 30 may determine whether or not a predetermined traveling condition that the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined vehicle speed (for example, 40 km / h) is satisfied. Thus, for example, if the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is 30 km, the predetermined traveling condition is not satisfied, and the visual information control unit 30 performs display, erasure, and blinking control without interposing a half-display state. It becomes. On the other hand, if the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is 80 km or the like, a predetermined traveling condition is satisfied, and the visual information control unit 30 performs display, erasure, and blinking control with a half display state interposed.

  When the vehicle is low speed, the driver visually recognizes many objects, and the amount of movement of the line of sight increases. For this reason, the driver may not be aware of the display. Therefore, by not interposing the half-display state during low-speed operation, the display can be made to be noticed even when the line of sight moves more and the display is difficult to notice. Also, during high speed driving such as driving on an expressway, the driver often sees a single point, and the amount of movement of the line of sight is small. For this reason, the driver may easily notice the display. Therefore, the troublesomeness can be reduced by interposing the half-display state during high-speed operation.

  Here, the information display is not limited to the right turn mark shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an information display example when another vehicle approaches, (a) shows a display example when a half-display state is interposed, and (b) is a case when no half-display state is interposed. A display example is shown.

  The vehicle mark shown in FIG. 4 indicates the approach of another vehicle. Even in the case of the vehicle mark shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to make a difference in the attractiveness similarly to the right turn mark shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, by interposing a half display state between the complete display and the complete erase, the attractiveness can be lowered and the annoyance can be reduced. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, by not interposing the half display state between the complete display and the complete erasure, the attractiveness can be enhanced and the driver's line of sight can be attracted. .

  Next, the case where display control is performed according to the distance to the intersection that is the surrounding environment of the host vehicle will be described as an example. First, the vehicle outside information detection unit 50 (navigation device) detects information on the distance to the intersection from the own vehicle position and the intersection position stored as map information. Then, the vehicle outside information detection unit 50 transmits vehicle speed information to the visual information control unit 30.

  Further, the visual information generation unit 20 generates information (for example, a right / left turn mark) to be displayed on the display unit 10. Then, the visual information control unit 30 determines whether the distance to the intersection (ambient environment) is a predetermined distance or more (whether the predetermined environmental condition is satisfied). Here, if the predetermined distance is 30 m and the distance from the host vehicle to the intersection is 20 m, the predetermined traveling condition is not satisfied. In this case, the visual information control unit 30 performs blink control for the right / left turn mark without interposing the half-display state. On the other hand, if the predetermined distance is 30 m and the distance from the own vehicle to the intersection is 80 m, the predetermined traveling condition is satisfied, and the visual information control unit 30 performs the blinking control with the half-display state interposed. It will be.

  Furthermore, in the above case, a difference in the attractiveness may be provided depending on whether the distance from the own vehicle to the intersection is 100 m or more. That is, when the distance to the intersection is 100 m or more, the visual information control unit 30 lengthens the half display state, and more slowly shifts between complete erasure and complete display to lower the attractiveness. On the other hand, when the distance to the intersection is not less than 30 m and less than 100 m, the visual information control unit 30 shortens the half-display state, and makes the transition between complete erasure and complete display relatively fast to enhance the attractiveness. .

  In addition, when the distance to the intersection is 300 m or more, the visual information control unit 30 may turn on the right / left turn mark constantly (or always turn off) without performing the blinking control itself, so that the display is not troublesome. .

  In addition to the above, depending on whether or not the vehicle is driving in a right / left turn lane when approaching an intersection that is scheduled to turn left or right, a flashing display may be performed without interposing a half display state, or a half display You may make it perform blink display by interposing a state. Further, it may be determined whether or not the half-display state is interposed by determining whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied based on information from both the vehicle running state detection unit 40 and the vehicle outside information detection unit 50.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the vehicle display method by the vehicle display device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the host vehicle running state detection unit 40 detects the running state of the host vehicle (ST1). Next, the vehicle exterior information detection unit 50 detects the surrounding environment of the host vehicle (ST2). Next, the visual information generation unit 20 generates display information.

  Thereafter, the visual information control unit 30 determines whether or not the traveling state of the host vehicle and the surrounding environment satisfy predetermined conditions (ST4). Here, the predetermined condition includes not only whether the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined vehicle speed and whether the distance to the intersection is less than the predetermined distance, but also whether the distance to the other vehicle is less than the predetermined distance, etc. Good. In this case, the vehicle outside information detection unit 50 detects the distance to another vehicle by laser radar or inter-vehicle communication. Alternatively, another vehicle may be photographed with an in-vehicle camera, and the distance may be detected by image analysis.

  If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied (ST4: YES), the visual information control unit 30 determines to perform control with the half-display state interposed (ST5). Then, the process proceeds to step ST7. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (ST4: NO), the visual information control unit 30 determines to perform control without interposing the half-display state (ST6). Then, the process proceeds to step ST7. In step ST7, the visual information control unit 30 performs display control using the control method determined in step ST5 or step ST6 (ST7). Thereafter, the process ends.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display control example when the vehicle speed (running state) of the host vehicle and the distance to the other vehicle (ambient environment) are combined. In FIG. 6, the hatched portion indicates the first example, and the portion without the hatched portion indicates the second example.

  As shown in the figure, when there is no other vehicle approaching the host vehicle in the first example, the visual information control unit 30 is turned off without displaying a vehicle mark indicating the approach of the other vehicle. Moreover, when another vehicle approaches, the visual information control part 30 performs blink control about a vehicle mark. However, when the distance to the other vehicle is far and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is low, the visual information control unit 30 performs blinking control with a half-display state interposed for a long time to reduce the attractiveness. On the other hand, when the distance to the other vehicle is far and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is high, and when the distance to the other vehicle is short, the visual information control unit 30 performs blinking control by interposing a short display state shortly, Increase sex.

  In the second example, when there is no other vehicle approaching the host vehicle, the visual information control unit 30 turns off the light without displaying a vehicle mark indicating the approach of the other vehicle. Further, when the distance to the other vehicle is far, the visual information control unit 30 performs the constant lighting control for the vehicle mark. At the time of lighting, when the vehicle speed is high, the visual information control unit 30 turns on the vehicle mark by interposing a half display state for a long time, thereby reducing the attractiveness. On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is low, the visual information control unit 30 turns on the vehicle mark with a short half-display state interposed therebetween, thereby increasing the attractiveness. Further, when the distance to the other vehicle is short, the visual information control unit 30 performs blinking control and increases the attractiveness by interposing the half display state shortly.

  Note that the display control examples are not limited to the first example and the second example shown in FIG. 6, and various changes can be made. Furthermore, although display control is performed according to the vehicle speed and the distance to the other vehicle in FIG. 6, the display control may be performed according to other factors without being limited to these.

  Thus, according to the vehicle display device 1 and the method according to the first embodiment, between the complete display and the complete erase between the disappearance state in which the information is completely erased and the lighting state in which the information is completely displayed. Control is performed through a half-display state that is half-display. For this reason, when information is displayed, erased, or blinking, display switching is not performed between complete erasure and complete display, and display switching is performed slowly due to the half-display state. Thereby, the visual change does not become abrupt, and the effect of attracting the driver's line of sight can be reduced. Therefore, the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control can be reduced.

  Further, when the traveling state satisfies a predetermined traveling condition, the control is performed with the half display state interposed, and when the traveling state does not satisfy the predetermined traveling condition, the control is performed without the half display state interposed. For this reason, for example, when the vehicle speed is detected as the traveling state, if the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined vehicle speed, it is considered that there is some margin in driving and it is easy to notice the information. Therefore, it is considered that it is difficult to notice information by concentrating on driving, so that control can be performed without interposing a half-display state. As described above, it is possible to make the driver aware of the information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control.

  Further, when the surrounding environment satisfies a predetermined environmental condition, control is performed with a half-display state interposed, and when the surrounding environment does not satisfy a predetermined environmental condition, control is performed without interposing the half-display state. For this reason, for example, when the distance to the intersection scheduled to turn right is detected as the surrounding environment, if the distance is less than the predetermined distance, it is determined that the information must be noticed because there is no room to the intersection, and a half-display state is interposed. If the distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, it is considered that the information may not be noticed because there is a margin to the intersection, so that control can be performed with a half-display state interposed. As described above, it is possible to make the driver aware of the information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicular display device 2 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the configuration and processing contents are different. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the vehicular display device 2 according to the second embodiment newly includes a data storage unit (storage unit) 60 and a driver gaze estimation unit (gaze direction estimation unit) 70.

  The data storage unit 60 associates the detection information including at least one of the driving state detected by the host vehicle driving state detection unit 40 and the surrounding environment detected by the vehicle outside information detection unit 50 with the driver's gaze direction. I remembered it. For example, if the winker (running state) is not operated immediately before the intersection where the right turn is scheduled, the data storage unit 60 does not visually recognize the right turn mark displayed on the display unit 10 and the line of sight faces the front direction. The data is stored. Similarly, the data storage unit 60 stores data indicating that the driver's line of sight is directed to the inside of the curve when traveling on a curve (ambient environment). These data are stored as a map in the data storage unit 60.

  Further, the visual information control unit 30 in the second embodiment reads detection information from at least one of the own vehicle traveling state detection unit 40 and the outside vehicle information detection unit 50, and the line-of-sight direction corresponding to the detection information is read from the data storage unit 60. It is designed to read. The visual information control unit 30 performs control by interposing a half-display state when the read line-of-sight direction is a predetermined direction, and performs control without interposing a half-display state when the read line-of-sight direction is not the predetermined direction. I do. Here, the predetermined direction is a direction to the information display location of the display unit 10. The direction to the information display location on the display unit 10 can be obtained from the estimated or detected position of the driver's eyes and the position of the information display location on the display unit 10.

  Since it is configured in this way, the visual information control unit 30 reads from the data storage unit 60 that the line-of-sight direction is near the inside of the curve from, for example, detection information (ambient environment) that the host vehicle is traveling on the curve. And the visual information control part 30 judges that the display part 10 is not visually recognized, and performs control without interposing a half-display state. Further, for example, the visual information control unit 30 reads from the data storage unit 60 that the line-of-sight direction is the direction of the display unit 10 from the detection information (running state) that the right turn signal is turned on when the host vehicle turns right. Then, the visual information control unit 30 controls the information display regarding the right turn by interposing a half display state.

  In order to perform control in this way, the vehicle display device 2 according to the second embodiment can make the driver aware of information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in displaying information. .

  The driver's line-of-sight estimation unit 70 acquires the current information of the driver and estimates the driver's line-of-sight direction. More specifically, the driver's line-of-sight estimation unit 70 includes, for example, an in-vehicle camera that captures the driver's face and an image processing apparatus, and the driver's line-of-sight direction is analyzed by analyzing the current driver's face information in the image processing apparatus. It is the structure which estimates.

  Further, since the driver's line-of-sight estimation unit 70 is provided, the visual information control unit 30 performs control by interposing a half-display state when the line-of-sight direction estimated by the driver's line-of-sight estimation unit 70 is a predetermined direction, When the line-of-sight direction is not a predetermined direction, control is performed without interposing a half-display state. Here, the predetermined direction is the direction to the information display location of the display unit 10 as described above.

  Thus, the vehicle display device 2 according to the second embodiment can make the driver aware of the information when necessary, while reducing the troublesomeness to the driver, as in the case of using the data storage unit 60. It will be possible. In addition, you may make it determine a driver | operator's gaze direction using both the data storage part 60 and the driver | operator gaze estimation part 70. FIG.

  Furthermore, in 2nd Embodiment, when the driver | operator's visual recognition direction is the direction to the display part 10, the visual recognition object (approach to the own vehicle) which the vehicle exterior information detection part 50 (gazing target detection means) should pay attention to others When detecting cars, bikes, bicycles, pedestrians crossing intersections, traffic light information, road sign information, etc.), lower the attractiveness of the display information and inform the presence of other gaze targets Also good. That is, when the outside information detection unit 50 detects another visual target to be watched, the visual information control unit 30 changes the gaze direction, whether or not the direction of the line of sight is the direction to the information display location of the display unit 10. Whether or not half-display is to be interposed may be determined based on whether or not the direction is toward the visual recognition target. Thereby, it is possible to make it easier for the line of sight to face the gaze target to be watched.

  In the second embodiment, the difference between the direction to the information display location on the display unit 10 and the line-of-sight direction by at least one of the data storage unit 60 and the driver's line-of-sight estimation unit 70 is obtained. May be controlled so as to increase. In this case, the attractiveness may be changed stepwise or continuously. Thereby, a line of sight can be directed to the information display location of the display unit 10 more appropriately.

  Thus, according to the vehicle display device 2 and the method according to the second embodiment, the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control can be reduced as in the first embodiment. Further, it is possible to make the driver aware of the information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control.

  Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when the line-of-sight direction that is stored by the data storage unit 60 and is considered to be facing the driver from the detection information is a predetermined direction, the control is performed by interposing the half-display state, When the line-of-sight direction is not a predetermined direction, control is performed without interposing a half-display state. For this reason, for example, when reading from the data storage unit 60 that the line-of-sight direction is near the inside of the curve from detection information (ambient environment) that the host vehicle is traveling on a curve, it is determined that the display unit 10 is not visually recognized. Control without interposing the half-display state. Further, for example, when reading from the data storage unit 60 that the line-of-sight direction is the direction of the display unit 10 from the detection information (running state) that the right turn signal is turned on when the host vehicle makes a right turn, about the information display about the right turn Control can be performed with the display state interposed. As described above, it is possible to make the driver aware of the information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control.

  Further, when the estimated line-of-sight direction is a predetermined direction, control is performed with a half-display state interposed, and when the line-of-sight direction is not the predetermined direction, control is performed without interposing the half-display state. For this reason, if the line-of-sight direction is the direction of the display unit 10, the control is performed with the half-display state interposed, and if the line-of-sight direction is not the direction of the display unit 10, the control can be performed without interposing the half-display state. It becomes possible. As described above, it is possible to make the driver aware of the information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control.

  In addition, when the object to be watched is detected by the vehicle outside information detection unit 50, whether or not the direction of the line of sight is the direction to the information display location of the display unit 10 is the direction to the object to be watched. It is determined whether or not the half-display state is interposed depending on whether or not. Thus, in an emergency where an obstacle is approaching the host vehicle, the line of sight can be easily directed to the subject to be watched.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle display device 3 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the processing content is different. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described.

  First, prior to describing the vehicle display device 3 according to the third embodiment, the blinking display of the visual information control unit 30 according to the first embodiment will be described again. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining blinking display by the visual information control unit 30 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when information is blinked, the visual information control unit 30 according to the first embodiment continuously changes the extinction state and the lighting state, for example. That is, the visual information control unit 30 according to the first embodiment blinks and displays information according to the first profile indicating the amount of contrast change with respect to the change time when changing the extinction state and the lighting state. Here, the contrast includes not only light and dark but also light and shade, and is a target of change between the extinguished state and the lighting state.

  In contrast, the visual information control unit 30 according to the third embodiment superimposes the second profile on the first profile, and controls blinking according to the composite profile obtained by the superposition.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the second profile. As shown in FIG. 9, the second profile indicates the amount of change in contrast with respect to the change time, like the first profile. The second profile has a change time period T2 shorter than the change time T1 of the first profile. Further, the second profile has a change amount C2 that is smaller than the contrast change amount C1 of the first profile. In this way, the second profile has a slight change compared to the first profile.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a composite profile. As shown in FIG. 10, the composite profile is obtained by superposing the second profile on the first profile. The visual information control unit 30 according to the third embodiment performs blinking control according to this composite profile. Thereby, the display apparatus 3 for vehicles which concerns on 3rd Embodiment can perform the display which has the characteristic of both the 1st profile and the 2nd profile. That is, the vehicular display device 3 according to the third embodiment can perform blinking display with reduced attractiveness, which is a characteristic of the first profile. Furthermore, since the second profile is small compared to the first profile, when the driver visually recognizes the flashing display with the peripheral visual field, the driver does not feel the flashing display bothersome and the driver displays the flashing display with the central visual field. When visually recognizing, the driver's attention can be attracted by small changes.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the vehicle display device 3 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the visual information control unit 30 displays the route 100 searched by the navigation device only by the first profile. Here, it is assumed that a traffic congestion point 101 exists on the route 100. At this time, the visual information control unit 30 obtains a composite profile by superimposing the second profile on the traffic jam location 101, and displays the composite profile on the display unit 10 according to the composite profile. As a result, when the driver does not look at the display unit 10 (that is, when viewing with the peripheral visual field), the driver does not bother to display the route 100 including the traffic congestion point 101 and the driver looks at the display unit 10. If it is present (that is, when visually recognizing with the central visual field), the display of the traffic jam location 101 can be changed little by little to attract attention.

  Here, in a general navigation apparatus, a route is colored, and a line indicating traffic jam information is often displayed in the traffic jam spot 101 in parallel with the road. However, as shown in FIG. 11, when the traffic congestion point 101 is displayed according to the composite profile, the display can be simple and easy to see.

  In addition, although the example which performs blink control according to a synthetic | combination profile was demonstrated in FIGS. 8-10, it can apply also to lighting and light extinction control not only to blink control. The second profile shown in FIG. 9 has a change time period T2 shorter than the change time T1 of the first profile, and a change amount smaller than the contrast change amount C1 of the first profile. C2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second profile is any one of the period T2 of the change time shorter than the change time T1 of the first profile and the change amount C2 smaller than the change amount C1 of the contrast of the first profile. You may have only one side.

  Further, the vehicle display device 3 according to the third embodiment can change at least one of the period of change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast. In changing the period and the amount of change, in the third embodiment, the visual information control unit 30 refers to the detection results from the vehicle running state detection unit 40 and the vehicle outside information detection unit 50. That is, the visual information control unit 30 changes at least one of the period of the change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast according to the running state detected by the own vehicle running state detection unit 40. Further, the visual information control unit 30 changes at least one of the period of change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast according to the surrounding environment estimated by the outside information detection unit 50.

  Here, if the period of the change time is shortened, the attractiveness can be improved, and if the period of the change time is lengthened, the attractiveness can be lowered. Further, when the amount of change in contrast is increased, the attractiveness can be increased, and when the amount of change in contrast is reduced, the attractiveness can be reduced. For this reason, for example, when the vehicle speed is detected as the running state, if the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined vehicle speed, it is considered that there is some margin in driving and the information is likely to be noticed. Or increasing the amount of contrast change to increase the attractiveness. On the other hand, if the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined vehicle speed, it is considered difficult to notice information by concentrating on driving. Therefore, the visual information control unit 30 is tempted by increasing the period of change time or reducing the amount of change in contrast. Reduce sex.

  Further, for example, when the distance to the intersection scheduled to turn right is detected as the surrounding environment, if the distance is less than a predetermined distance, it is determined that there is no room for the intersection and the information must be noticed. Increase the attractiveness by shortening the period of the change time or increasing the amount of change in contrast. On the other hand, if the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, it is considered that the information may not be noticed because there is a margin to the intersection, so the visual information control unit 30 increases the period of the change time or reduces the amount of change in contrast. To reduce the attractiveness.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a second display example of the vehicle display device 3 according to the third embodiment. For example, it is assumed that the information on the traffic congestion point 101 is detected as the surrounding environment. Furthermore, it is assumed that information on the degree of congestion of the detected traffic congestion point 101 is also detected as the surrounding environment. In this case, the visual information control unit 30 obtains a composite profile by superimposing the second profile on the traffic jam location 101, and displays the composite profile on the display unit 10 according to the composite profile. Furthermore, the visual information control unit 30 sets the cycle of the change time of the more congested traffic jam portion 101b to be shorter than the cycle of the change time of the traffic jam traffic jam 101a for the second profile to be superimposed. . As a result, the conspicuousness of the congested traffic congestion portion 101b can be enhanced, and for example, the driver can be prompted to avoid the traffic congestion portion 101b. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 12, only the cycle of the change time of the congested traffic jam 101b is increased. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the contrast change amount may be shortened, or both are performed. You may do it.

  Further, a specific example will be described. Here, a case will be described in which the distance to an intersection where a right turn is detected as information on the surrounding environment and a right turn mark is displayed. First, when the distance to the intersection is 300 m or more, there is a margin until the intersection is reached. Therefore, the visual information control unit 30 gives priority to reducing the troublesomeness of display, and according to only the first profile, A right turn mark is displayed through the display. When the distance to the intersection is 100 m or more and less than 300 m, the visual information control unit 30 superimposes the second profile on the first profile and displays the right turn mark according to the composite profile obtained by the superposition. .

  When the distance to the intersection is less than 100, the visual information control unit 30 superimposes the second profile on the first profile and displays the right turn mark according to the composite profile obtained by the superposition. At this time, the visual information control unit 30 sets the period of change time of the second profile to be superimposed to be shorter than the period of change time when the distance to the intersection is 100 m or more and less than 300. Thereby, when the distance to the intersection is less than 100, it is possible to provide the driver with the information of turning right at the intersection while enhancing the attractiveness and reducing the troublesomeness to the driver. In this example, only the cycle of the change time is changed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the change amount of contrast may be changed, or both may be changed.

  Thus, according to the vehicle display device 3 and the method according to the third embodiment, the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control can be reduced as in the first embodiment. Further, it is possible to make the driver aware of the information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control.

  Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the visual information control unit 30 superimposes the second profile on the first profile and performs control according to the composite profile obtained by the superposition. Here, the second profile includes at least a period of a change time shorter than a change time between the extinction state and the lighting state, and a change amount smaller than a change amount of the contrast between the extinction state and the lighting state. Have one. For this reason, changes due to the second profile are small compared to the first profile. Therefore, small changes are not bothersome when visually recognizing the display with the peripheral visual field, and every small change attracts the driver's attention when visually recognizing with the central visual field. Therefore, it is possible to attract attention and improve the visibility while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver.

  Further, the visual information control unit 30 changes at least one of the period of the change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast according to the detected running state. Here, if the period of the change time is shortened, the attractiveness can be improved, and if the period of the change time is lengthened, the attractiveness can be lowered. Further, when the amount of change in contrast is increased, the attractiveness can be increased, and when the amount of change in contrast is reduced, the attractiveness can be reduced. For this reason, for example, when the vehicle speed is detected as a traveling state, if the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined vehicle speed, it is considered that there is some margin in driving and the information is likely to be noticed. It becomes possible to increase the attractiveness by increasing the size. On the other hand, if the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined vehicle speed, it is considered difficult to notice information by concentrating on driving, so it is possible to reduce the attractiveness by increasing the period of change time or reducing the amount of change in contrast, etc. Become. As described above, fine adjustment of the attractiveness can be performed, and various expressions can be performed.

  Further, the visual information control unit 30 changes at least one of the period of change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast according to the detected surrounding environment. For this reason, for example, when the distance to the intersection scheduled to turn right is detected as the surrounding environment, if the distance is less than the predetermined distance, it is determined that the information must be noticed because there is no room for the intersection, and the period of change time is shortened. Alternatively, the attractiveness can be enhanced by increasing the amount of change in contrast. On the other hand, if the distance is greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, there is a margin to the intersection, so it may be unnecessary to notice the information, so the period of change time is increased or the amount of change in contrast is reduced to reduce the attractiveness. It becomes possible. As described above, fine adjustment of the attractiveness can be performed, and various expressions can be performed.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle display device 4 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, but the processing content is different. Hereinafter, differences from the second embodiment will be described.

  First, similarly to the vehicle display device 3 according to the third embodiment, the vehicle display device 4 according to the fourth embodiment superimposes the second profile on the first profile, and the composite obtained by the superposition. At least one control of lighting, extinguishing and blinking is executed according to the profile.

  Furthermore, the visual information control unit 30 in the fourth embodiment reads detection information from at least one of the own vehicle traveling state detection unit 40 and the outside vehicle information detection unit 50 and corresponds to the detection information, as in the second embodiment. The line-of-sight direction is read from the data storage unit 60. In addition, the visual information control unit 30 in the fourth embodiment changes at least one of the period of change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast according to the read line-of-sight direction.

  When configured in this way, the visual information control unit 30 reads from the data storage unit 60 that the line-of-sight direction is near the inside of the curve from, for example, detection information (ambient environment) that the host vehicle is traveling on the curve. Therefore, it is determined that the display unit 10 is not visually recognized, and the attractiveness is enhanced by shortening the period of the change time or increasing the contrast change amount. Further, for example, when reading from the data storage unit 60 that the direction of the line of sight is the direction of the display unit 10 from the detection information (running state) that the right turn signal is turned on when the host vehicle makes a right turn, the information display regarding the right turn changes. The attractiveness is lowered by increasing the period of time or reducing the amount of change in contrast. As described above, the vehicle display device 4 according to the fourth embodiment can perform fine adjustment of the attractiveness, and can perform various expressions.

  Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the visual information control unit 30 changes at least one of the period of change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast according to the gaze direction estimated by the driver gaze estimation unit 70. Let Thereby, similarly to the case where the data storage unit 60 is used, the vehicle display device 4 according to the fourth embodiment can perform fine adjustment of the attractiveness, and can perform various expressions.

  Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when the vehicle exterior information detection unit 50 detects another visual target to be watched, the visual information control unit 30 changes the line-of-sight direction to the information display location on the display unit 10, At least one of the period of the change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast is changed depending on whether or not the direction is toward the visual target to be watched. Thereby, it is possible to make it easier for the line of sight to face the gaze target to be watched.

  Thus, according to the vehicle display device 4 and the method according to the fourth embodiment, the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control can be reduced as in the second embodiment. Further, it is possible to make the driver aware of the information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control. Further, it is possible to make the driver aware of the information when necessary while reducing the troublesomeness given to the driver in the information display control. In addition, the line of sight can be easily directed to the object to be watched.

  Furthermore, as in the third embodiment, while reducing the annoyance to the driver, it is possible to attract attention and improve the visibility, and fine adjustment of the attractiveness can be performed. It can be performed.

  Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, the period of the change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast according to the line-of-sight direction stored by the data storage unit 60 and considered to be facing the driver from the detection information. At least one of them is changed. For this reason, for example, when reading from the data storage unit 60 that the line-of-sight direction is near the inside of the curve from detection information (ambient environment) that the host vehicle is traveling on a curve, it is determined that the display unit 10 is not visually recognized. Thus, it is possible to increase the attractiveness by shortening the period of the change time or increasing the amount of change in contrast. Further, for example, when reading from the data storage unit 60 that the direction of the line of sight is the direction of the display unit 10 from the detection information (running state) that the right turn signal is turned on when the host vehicle makes a right turn, the information display regarding the right turn changes. It is possible to reduce the attractiveness by increasing the period of time or decreasing the amount of change in contrast. As described above, fine adjustment of the attractiveness can be performed, and various expressions can be performed.

  Further, at least one of the period of change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast is changed according to the estimated line-of-sight direction. For this reason, if the line-of-sight direction is the direction of the display unit 10, the attractiveness can be lowered by increasing the period of the change time or reducing the amount of change in contrast. On the other hand, if the line-of-sight direction is not the direction of the display unit 10, the attractiveness can be enhanced by shortening the period of change time or increasing the amount of change in contrast. As described above, fine adjustment of the attractiveness can be performed, and various expressions can be performed.

  In addition, when the object to be watched is detected by the vehicle outside information detection unit 50, whether or not the direction of the line of sight is the direction to the information display location of the display unit 10 is the direction to the object to be watched. Depending on whether or not, at least one of the period of change time of the second profile and the amount of change in contrast is changed. This makes it possible to adjust the attractiveness in an emergency where an obstacle is approaching the host vehicle. Therefore, the line of sight can be easily directed to the object to be watched.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the embodiments may be combined. It may be.

  For example, the vehicle display devices 1 to 4 according to the above embodiment may be applied to a plurality of display devices or a large display device that displays a plurality of information. In this case, a plurality of information can be appropriately provided to the driver by changing the attractiveness according to the priority of the information.

  Moreover, you may make it apply the display apparatus 1 for vehicles which concerns on the said embodiment to the display apparatus which displays information on a window shield. In this case as well, information can be appropriately provided to the driver by controlling the attractiveness so that the driver does not disturb the outside world through the window shield.

It is a lineblock diagram of a display for vehicles concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining attractiveness, (a) shows the display contrast when interposing a half display state, (b) shows the display contrast when not interposing a half display state. It is a graph explaining attractiveness. It is a figure which shows the example of an information display when another vehicle approaches, (a) shows the example of a display when interposing a half-display state, (b) shows the example of a display when not interposing a half-display state ing. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the display method for vehicles by the display device 1 for vehicles which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display control when combining both the vehicle speed (running state) of the own vehicle, and the distance (ambient environment) to other vehicles. It is a block diagram of the display apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the blink display by the visual information control part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining a 2nd profile. It is a figure explaining a synthetic profile. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd display example of the display apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1-4 ... Display device 10 for vehicles ... Display part (display means)
20 ... Visual information generation unit (information generation means)
30 ... Visual information control section (display control means)
40. Own vehicle travel state detection unit (travel state detection means)
50. Information outside vehicle detection unit (ambient environment detection means, gaze target detection means)
60: Data storage unit (storage means)
70: Driver gaze estimation unit (gaze direction estimation means)

Claims (15)

Display means for displaying information to the driver;
Information generating means for generating information to be displayed on the display means;
Display control means for displaying the information generated by the information generation means on the display means,
The display control means, when displaying information, when erasing information, and when displaying information in a blinking manner, between the extinguished state where the information is completely erased and the lighting state where the information is completely displayed. In addition, the vehicle display device is characterized in that control is performed with a half-display state that is a half-display between complete display and complete erasure being interposed. When the display control means continuously changes the extinction state and the lighting state, a first profile indicating a change amount of contrast with respect to a change time when changing the extinction state and the lighting state, A second having at least one of a cycle of a change time shorter than a change time between the extinction state and the lighting state and a change amount smaller than a change amount of contrast between the extinction state and the lighting state; The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the profiles are superposed and controlled according to a composite profile obtained by superposition. The vehicle further comprises a running state detecting means for detecting the running state of the host vehicle,
The display control unit performs control by interposing the half-display state when the driving state detected by the driving state detection unit satisfies a predetermined driving condition, and the driving state does not satisfy the predetermined driving condition. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed without interposing the half-display state. The vehicle further comprises a running state detecting means for detecting the running state of the host vehicle,
The display control means changes at least one of a period of change time of the second profile and a change amount of contrast according to the running state detected by the running state detecting means. The vehicle display device according to 2. It further comprises ambient environment detecting means for estimating the ambient environment of the host vehicle,
The display control unit performs control by interposing the half-display state when the ambient environment estimated by the ambient environment detection unit satisfies a predetermined environmental condition, and the ambient environment does not satisfy the predetermined environmental condition The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed without interposing the half-display state. It further comprises ambient environment detecting means for estimating the ambient environment of the host vehicle,
The display control means changes at least one of a period of change time of the second profile and a change amount of contrast according to the surrounding environment estimated by the surrounding environment detection means. The display apparatus for vehicles in any one of Claim 2 or Claim 4. Traveling state detecting means for detecting the traveling state of the host vehicle;
Ambient environment detection means for detecting the surrounding environment of the vehicle,
And storage means for storing detection information consisting of at least one of the driving state detected by the driving state detection means and the surrounding environment estimated by the surrounding environment detection means and the gaze direction of the driver in association with each other. ,
The display control unit reads a line-of-sight direction corresponding to the detection information from the storage unit, and performs control by interposing the half-display state when the line-of-sight direction is a predetermined direction, and the line-of-sight direction is not the predetermined direction The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed without interposing the half-display state. Traveling state detection means for detecting the traveling state of the host vehicle;
Ambient environment detection means for detecting the surrounding environment of the vehicle,
And storage means for storing detection information consisting of at least one of the running state detected by the running state detection means and the surrounding environment estimated by the surrounding environment detection means and the driver's line-of-sight direction in association with each other. ,
The display control unit reads a line-of-sight direction corresponding to the detection information from the storage unit, and changes at least one of a change time period and a contrast change amount of the second profile according to the read line-of-sight direction. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein: It further comprises gaze direction estimation means for obtaining the current information of the driver and estimating the gaze direction of the driver,
The display control means controls the half-display state when the line-of-sight direction estimated by the line-of-sight direction estimation means is a predetermined direction, and controls the half-display state when the line-of-sight direction is not the predetermined direction. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein control is performed without intervention. It further comprises gaze direction estimation means for obtaining the current information of the driver and estimating the gaze direction of the driver,
The display control means changes at least one of a period of change time of the second profile and a change amount of contrast according to the gaze direction estimated by the gaze direction estimation means. The vehicle display device according to 2. The vehicle display device according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined direction is a direction toward an information display location of the display unit. The display control means changes at least one of a period of change time of the second profile and a change amount of contrast according to whether or not the line-of-sight direction is a direction toward the information display location of the display means. The vehicle display device according to claim 8, wherein the display device for a vehicle is used. It further comprises gaze target detection means for detecting a target to be watched by the driver of the host vehicle,
The predetermined direction is a direction to a target to be watched instead of a direction to an information display location of the display unit when a target to be watched is detected by the gaze target detection unit. The vehicle display device according to claim 11. It further comprises gaze target detection means for detecting a target to be watched by the driver of the host vehicle,
When the target to be watched is detected by the gaze target detection unit, the display control unit is configured to determine whether the gaze direction is a gaze direction instead of whether the gaze direction is a direction to the information display location of the display unit. 13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein at least one of a period of change time of the second profile and a change amount of contrast is changed depending on whether the direction is to a target. Display device. An information generation step for generating information to be displayed to the driver;
A display control step for displaying the information generated in the information generation step,
In the display control step, when at least one of displaying information, erasing information, and displaying information blinking, between the extinguished state where information is completely erased and the lighting state where information is completely displayed. In addition, the vehicle display method is characterized in that control is performed by interposing a half display state that is a half display between the complete display and the complete erase.