JP2005107918A - Vehicular information providing device, vehicular information providing method, and vehicular information providing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicular information providing device or the like improving safety by reducing line of sight movement, and providing positive recognition of a travel route to be taken without a sense of incongruity to a driver by an image of a virtual lead car. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicular information providing device 1 carries out route guidance by setting the travel route to be taken by a vehicle. It has an inter-vehicle distance setting means for setting a first inter-vehicle distance which is an inter-vehicle distance with a precedent vehicle 48 of the virtual lead car 46 traveling between one's vehicle and the precedent vehicle, and a lead car displaying means for displaying an image of the virtual lead car traveling to this side from the precedent vehicle for the first inter-vehicle distance in correspondence to the travel route in an actual landscape seen from the driver. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular information providing apparatus, a vehicular information providing method, and a vehicular information providing program, and more particularly, a vehicle that supports driving of a vehicle by providing a driver with route information regarding a travel route on which the vehicle should travel. The present invention relates to a vehicle information providing apparatus, a vehicle information providing method, and a vehicle information providing program.

  2. Description of the Related Art A vehicle information providing device (car navigation device) that supports driving of a vehicle by providing a travel route that the vehicle should travel to a destination set for a vehicle occupant and related route information is known (patent) Reference 1).

  In this conventional vehicle information providing apparatus, the travel route and related route information are displayed on a monitor screen arranged in the vicinity of the center console, thereby supporting the driving of the vehicle.

  In this conventional vehicle information providing device, a vehicle occupant (driver) can check the traveling route displayed on the monitor screen, related route information, and the like, and then look forward through the windshield. It is necessary to look at actual roads, buildings, signs, etc., and match them with the information on the monitor screen to determine the actual route to travel and the intersection to bend. For this reason, there are cases where it is inconvenient, for example, that the travel route is wrong or the intersection is passed while the intersection to be bent is determined. In addition, the driver needs to remove the line of sight from the front in order to view the monitor screen, which increases the movement of the line of sight and causes a problem in safety.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-101653

  On the other hand, when a plurality of vehicles head for a certain destination, the leading vehicle may guide the route as a leading vehicle, and the following vehicle may follow the leading vehicle. In such a case, the driver of the following vehicle does not need to judge the road to be traveled by comparing the information on the monitor screen with the actual driving environment, and it is also necessary to remove the line of sight from the front. This is convenient for the driver.

  Therefore, the present inventors, when guiding the travel route by the vehicle information providing device, instead of the actual leading vehicle described above, lead by a virtual image as if the leading vehicle is actually running ahead. It has been found that if the vehicle can be seen several meters ahead of the vehicle through the windshield, the movement of the line of sight can be reduced and the same driver convenience can be obtained.

  However, if the vehicle information providing device simply displays the leading vehicle in the virtual image in front of the host vehicle, the actual road condition, for example, the traveling speed of the preceding vehicle, the distance between the vehicles, and the like are not considered. As a result, the leading vehicle by image will be displayed, and as a result, the distance between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle will be inappropriate depending on the situation, and in accordance with the traffic flow where the preceding vehicle actually exists There is a new problem that leading with a virtual leading vehicle cannot be performed without a sense of incongruity, and the driver cannot follow the leading vehicle with a virtual image safely and safely.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a new problem, and since the driver's line of sight movement is small, the safety is improved and the driving route that the driver should follow from the image of the virtual leading vehicle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle information providing apparatus, a vehicle information providing method, and a vehicle information providing program capable of reliably recognizing the above.
The present invention also provides a vehicle information providing apparatus, a vehicle information providing method, and a vehicle capable of driving the vehicle with substantially the same feeling as when the driver travels along a travel route that should follow the actual leading vehicle. The purpose is to provide an information provision program.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a vehicle information providing apparatus for setting a travel route on which a vehicle should travel and guiding the route between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle based on a predetermined condition. The driver visually recognizes the inter-vehicle distance setting means for setting the first inter-vehicle distance, which is the inter-vehicle distance of the virtual leading vehicle traveling on the vehicle, and the virtual leading vehicle traveling in front of the preceding vehicle by the first inter-vehicle distance. And leading vehicle display means for displaying in correspondence with the travel route in the actual scenery.
In the present invention configured as described above, when the vehicle is traveling while being guided along a travel route on which the vehicle should travel, the image of the virtual leading vehicle is displayed on the travel route in the actual scenery that the driver is viewing. Since the display is correspondingly performed, the driver only needs to follow the virtual leading vehicle, and therefore the vehicle can travel on the travel route that the vehicle should travel, and the driver's line-of-sight movement can be reduced. Less and safety is improved. In addition, according to the present invention, the image of the virtual leading vehicle is displayed so that the first inter-vehicle distance, which is the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle, is an appropriate distance according to the traveling conditions of the host vehicle and the leading vehicle. Therefore, leading by the virtual leading vehicle can be performed without a sense of incongruity along the traffic flow in which the preceding vehicle or the like actually exists. Therefore, according to the present invention, by displaying the image of the virtual leading vehicle in the actual scenery, the vehicle can be driven with the same feeling as following the leading vehicle in reality, so that the driver can Convenience is good.

In the present invention, preferably, the inter-vehicle distance setting means sets the first inter-vehicle distance large when the vehicle speed of the host vehicle or the preceding vehicle is large.
According to the present invention configured as described above, when the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is high, the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle is set to be large. Even if there is a delay in the reaction of the driver who performs braking, the own vehicle can be prevented from colliding with the preceding vehicle, and when the speed of the preceding vehicle is high, the distance between the preceding vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle Since the distance is set large, it is possible to prevent the virtual leading vehicle from overtaking the preceding vehicle even if there is a reaction delay of each detection device or image display device of the information providing device.

In the present invention, preferably, the inter-vehicle distance setting means sets the first inter-vehicle distance so that the first inter-vehicle distance and the second inter-vehicle distance, which is the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle, have a predetermined ratio.
According to the present invention configured as described above, by appropriately setting the ratio between the first inter-vehicle distance and the second inter-vehicle distance, it is possible to travel safely even when there is a reaction delay of the driver or the device. In addition, the driver can easily follow the virtual leading vehicle.

The present invention preferably further includes correction means for correcting the first inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting means based on a predetermined condition.
According to the present invention configured as described above, the correction means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance on the basis of a predetermined condition. Therefore, the driver can safely guide the virtual guidance by the corrected first inter-vehicle distance. You can follow the car.

In the present invention, preferably, the correction means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance so as to increase when the preceding vehicle is in a deceleration state.
According to the present invention configured as described above, when the preceding vehicle is in a decelerating state, the preceding vehicle may stop or turn right or left after that. The distance between the vehicles is increased in advance, and the driver can follow the virtual leading vehicle with a margin.

In the present invention, preferably, the correction means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance to be small when the driver can visually recognize the preceding vehicle.
According to the present invention configured as described above, when the driver can visually recognize the preceding vehicle, the driver can check the traveling state of the preceding vehicle by himself / herself. Since safety can be ensured and the distance between the vehicles is corrected to be small, it is possible to set the distance appropriately so as to avoid interruption of other vehicles as much as possible.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the correction unit corrects the first inter-vehicle distance according to a third inter-vehicle distance that is an inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle.
According to the present invention configured as described above, an appropriate inter-vehicle distance can be set according to the third inter-vehicle distance, which is the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle.

In the present invention, preferably, the correcting means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance so as to increase when the third inter-vehicle distance is large.
According to the present invention configured as described above, when the third inter-vehicle distance is large, the first inter-vehicle distance is corrected so as to increase, so that the driver can easily follow the virtual leading vehicle.

In the present invention, preferably, the correction means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance to be small when the third inter-vehicle distance is small.
According to the present invention configured as described above, the image is displayed so that the virtual leading vehicle travels without greatly approaching the host vehicle, and the driver can easily follow the virtual leading vehicle.

The present invention preferably further includes display restricting means for restricting display of an image of the virtual leading vehicle by the leading vehicle display means when the third inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
According to the present invention configured as described above, when the preceding vehicle travels to a position close to the host vehicle, the display of the image of the virtual leading vehicle is restricted, so that the image of the virtual leading vehicle is displayed by the driver. The driver can easily see the preceding vehicle without disturbing the field of view.

  In this invention, Preferably, a display control means controls the display of the image of a virtual leading vehicle, when the own vehicle is a stop state.

The present invention preferably further includes instruction means for instructing a travel route on which the host vehicle is to travel by sound and / or an image other than the virtual leading vehicle. The instruction means restricts display by the display restriction means. When the vehicle is traveling, it provides the driver with a travel route on which the vehicle should travel.
According to such a configuration, the driver can obtain information on the travel route even during display restriction of the image of the virtual leading vehicle.

In the present invention, preferably, the inter-vehicle distance setting means cancels the setting of the inter-vehicle distance when the third inter-vehicle distance is greater than a predetermined value.
According to the present invention configured as described above, when the third inter-vehicle distance is larger than the predetermined value, the setting of the inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting means is canceled, so that the driver can It is possible to prevent a situation where it is difficult or impossible to follow.

In the present invention, preferably, the correcting means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance so that the virtual leading vehicle approaches the host vehicle when the third inter-vehicle distance is larger than the first predetermined value, and the third inter-vehicle distance. Is greater than a second predetermined value greater than the first predetermined value, the setting of the first inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting means is cancelled.
According to the present invention configured as described above, the correction means increases the first inter-vehicle distance so that the virtual leading vehicle approaches the own vehicle when the inter-vehicle distance between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle is greater than the first predetermined value. Therefore, the driver can easily follow the virtual vehicle. Further, when the third inter-vehicle distance is greater than the second predetermined value, the setting of the first inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting means is canceled, so that the driver is less likely to follow the virtual vehicle or It is possible not to be in a state where it cannot follow. Further, until the third inter-vehicle distance reaches from the first predetermined value to the second predetermined value, the first inter-vehicle distance is corrected so that the virtual leading vehicle approaches the host vehicle. The driver can easily follow the virtual leading vehicle without the virtual leading vehicle abruptly approaching the host vehicle when the distance setting is canceled.

In the present invention, preferably, the correcting means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance so that the second inter-vehicle distance and the first vehicle distance are in a predetermined ratio when the third inter-vehicle distance is larger than the first predetermined value. When the third inter-vehicle distance is larger than the second predetermined value that is larger than the first predetermined value, the setting of the first inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting means is cancelled.
According to the present invention configured as described above, when the third inter-vehicle distance is greater than the first predetermined value, the correcting means is configured so that the second inter-vehicle distance and the first inter-vehicle distance become a predetermined ratio. Since the distance is corrected, it becomes easier for the driver to follow the virtual vehicle, and when the third inter-vehicle distance is larger than a predetermined value, the setting of the first inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting means is canceled. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver from following a state where it is difficult or impossible to follow the virtual vehicle. Furthermore, the third inter-vehicle distance is between the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value that reach the second predetermined value at which the setting of the first inter-vehicle distance is cancelled. Since the first inter-vehicle distance is corrected so that the ratio becomes the predetermined ratio, the virtual leading vehicle does not suddenly approach the host vehicle when the setting of the first inter-vehicle distance is canceled, and the driver It becomes easy to follow.

  The present invention is a vehicle information providing method for setting a travel route for a vehicle to travel and guiding the route, and a preceding vehicle of a virtual leading vehicle that travels between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle based on a predetermined condition. Driving in the actual scenery where the driver is viewing the image of the virtual leading vehicle that travels in front of the preceding vehicle by the first inter-vehicle distance, and the first inter-vehicle distance setting step that sets the first inter-vehicle distance that is And a leading vehicle display step of displaying corresponding to the route.

  The present invention is a vehicle information providing program for a computer that guides a route by setting a travel route on which the vehicle should travel, and is a virtual guide that travels between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle based on a predetermined condition. A first driving distance that is an inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle of the vehicle is set, and a driving route in a real landscape where the driver is viewing an image of a virtual leading vehicle that travels in front of the preceding vehicle by the first inter-vehicle distance. It is the information provision program for vehicles for controlling a computer so that it may display corresponding to.

  According to the vehicle information providing apparatus, the vehicle information providing method, and the vehicle information providing program of the present invention, since the driver's line of sight movement is small, safety is improved, and the driving that the driver should proceed according to the image of the virtual leading vehicle The route can be reliably recognized without a sense of incongruity. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to drive the vehicle with almost the same feeling as when the driver travels along a traveling route that should follow the actual leading vehicle.

Hereinafter, a vehicle information providing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a vehicle information providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment displays an image of a virtual leading vehicle instead of an actual leading vehicle, and provides route information regarding a traveling route to be traveled to the driver so as to support driving of the vehicle. It is a thing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle information providing device mounted on a vehicle. This vehicle information providing device 1 is route information related to a travel route to be traveled to a destination set by a driver. Is provided with a CPU 2 that achieves a navigation function, which is a basic function for supporting driving of the vehicle, and other functions described later.

  The vehicle information providing device 1 further includes a DVD-ROM 4 for storing main map information and building information, an HDD storage device 6 for storing detailed map information and information related to images of virtual leading vehicles, and map information. A monitor screen 8 for displaying various information and an operation switch 10 for setting a destination are provided.

  The HDD storage device 6 stores a destination set by the driver, data related to the travel route, data related to the driving characteristics of the driver, data related to the traveling performance of the host vehicle, and the like. Furthermore, the image data for virtual display including the image of the virtual leading vehicle for displaying in the actual scenery visually recognized by the driver is included.

The vehicular information providing apparatus 1 includes a transmission / reception apparatus 12, and the transmission / reception apparatus 12 transmits various types of information including the latest map information, detailed local road information, and information related to virtual leading vehicle images to the outside of the vehicle. Transmission / reception is possible from an information center (not shown) via the Internet or the like. Information obtained by the transmission / reception device 12 is stored in the HDD storage device 6.
The vehicle information providing apparatus 1 further includes a GPS receiver 14, a vehicle speed sensor 16, and a gyro sensor 18 for detecting the current position of the vehicle.

  The vehicle information providing apparatus 1 further detects the position and line of sight of the driver's eyes, and based on these, displays an image of the virtual leading vehicle in the actual landscape visually recognized by the driver. A camera 20, a virtual image display device 22, and a CCD camera 24 are provided.

  The eye camera 20 is for detecting the position of the occupant's pupil, the direction of the line of sight, the distance to the visual recognition object, and the like by photographing the occupant's pupil and the like. Various techniques such as EOG (P-EOG) method, corneal reflection method, first and fourth Purkinje image detection methods, contact lens method, search coil method, infrared fundus camera method, and the like are applied.

  The virtual image display device 22, together with the CPU 2, uses a method such as a hologram in the actual scenery that the driver is viewing through the windshield based on the position of the driver's pupil and the current position and orientation of the vehicle. Thus, an image of the virtual leading vehicle is displayed so that the driver can recognize as if the virtual leading vehicle is traveling in front of the host vehicle.

  The CCD camera 24 is attached to the upper part of the vehicle toward the front of the vehicle, captures the scenery in front of the vehicle, and from the image data of the scenery, another preceding vehicle that travels in front of the vehicle and the blinker of the preceding vehicle. Blinking and lighting of brake lamps, parked vehicles, various obstacles on the route, curve conditions, lanes, traffic lights, intersections, road signs, road signs, pedestrians, brightness outside the vehicle, fog conditions, visibility conditions, etc. The weather conditions including can be detected.

  The vehicle information providing device 1 further includes a laser radar device 26 and a road surface μ sensor 28. The laser radar device 26 is attached to the front end of the vehicle toward the front of the vehicle, detects a preceding vehicle, an obstacle on the road, and the like, and detects an inter-vehicle distance and a relative speed between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Is. The road surface μ sensor 28 detects a road surface state or a road surface friction coefficient.

The vehicle information providing device 1 further includes a voice interaction device 30. The voice interaction device 30 includes a speaker 30a and a microphone 30b, provides voice information to the driver, and accepts voice instructions from the driver.
The vehicular information providing apparatus 1 further includes an alarm device 32 for issuing an alarm to the driver when the host vehicle needs to decelerate (brake operation or the like).

  FIG. 2 is a view showing the periphery of the driver's seat of the vehicle on which the vehicle information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment is mounted. As shown in FIG. 2, a speaker 30a and a microphone 30b, which are voice interaction devices 30, are attached to an A-pillar 34 near the driver's seat.

  The operation switch 10 is provided on the instrument panel 36, and the monitor screen 8 is attached in the vicinity of the operation switch 10. The eye camera 20 is incorporated in the room mirror 38. The transmission / reception device 12 is attached between the driver seat 40 and the passenger seat 42. Furthermore, the virtual image display device 22 is attached to the upper part of the instrument panel 36, and as described above, displays the virtual leading vehicle image 46 by a method such as a hologram, and the driver images the virtual leading vehicle. 46, the virtual leading vehicle 46 can be recognized as if traveling in front of the host vehicle.

Next, the basic operation of the vehicle information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a basic control flow of the vehicle information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, S indicates a step.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the vehicle information providing apparatus according to the present embodiment, in S1,
Make initial settings. This initial setting is performed by the driver operating the operation switch 10 in accordance with the display on the monitor screen 8. Details of the initial setting will be described later.

  Next, in S2, the destination is set, and in S3, the current location of the vehicle is detected. In step S4, a travel route to be traveled from the current location to the destination is set based on the map data in the DVD-ROM 4 and the HDD storage device 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S5, and route guidance is performed so that the vehicle can travel on the travel route that the vehicle should travel.

  Next, the initial setting by the vehicle information providing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams showing a monitor screen at the time of initial setting by the vehicle information providing apparatus of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in the initial setting, first, a screen of initial setting (1) for performing verification / registration related to visual acuity is displayed on the monitor screen 8. By selecting the item "Verification of visual acuity and verification of visual recognition level", a screen (not shown) for inspecting visual acuity / moving body visual acuity, etc. is displayed, and the visual acuity of the user is inspected by this inspection screen. The result is recorded in the HDD storage device 6 as data relating to the user's visual acuity and the like.

  Next, when the item “eye position registration” is selected, the position of the pupil of the driver seated in the driver's seat is calculated from the image data photographed by the eye camera 20 and stored in the HDD storage device 6. The position of the driver's eyes may be estimated from the position of the driver's seat and the angle of the rearview mirror.

Next, the initial setting (2) screen is displayed on the monitor screen 8 as shown in FIG. On the initial setting (2) screen, the driving level of the driver, the running performance (vehicle level) of the vehicle (own vehicle), the necessity of displaying an image of the virtual leading vehicle, and the like are set.
Specifically, first, in the “driving level” section, the driver selects his / her driving level from driving levels set in five stages. In the “vehicle level” section, the acceleration performance, deceleration performance, and turning performance of the vehicle (own vehicle) are selected from five levels. In either case, the larger the number, the higher the level.

  Next, “ON” or “OFF” is selected in the “virtual leading vehicle display” section to set whether or not to display an image of the virtual leading vehicle. In the case of “OFF”, the driving route is not guided by the image of the virtual leading vehicle. On the other hand, when “ON” is selected, the driving route is guided by the virtual leading vehicle. Here, when “ON” is selected, the type of the virtual lead vehicle can be arbitrarily selected from “Open car”, “Sedan”, “Dog”, and “Other” according to the driver's preference. It can be done. As described above, “dog” other than the car can be selected as the virtual leading car.

  Furthermore, in the “other settings”, it is possible to perform the setting of the “sound guidance combined use” section. When this “use of voice guidance” is set to ON, for example, when turning right or left, the image of the virtual leading vehicle is displayed to turn right, and voice guidance “turn right” is executed.

Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an actual scenery that the driver recognizes through the front window glass of the vehicle (own vehicle), and FIG. 7 shows the driver through the front window glass of the vehicle according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the scenery containing the image of the virtual leading vehicle to see.
In the present embodiment, when “ON” is selected in the “virtual leading vehicle display” section and “sedan” is selected as the virtual leading vehicle, actually, as shown in FIG. Only the preceding vehicle 48 and the pedestrian 50 are present in front of the host vehicle through the front window glass 44 of the vehicle. According to the vehicle information providing apparatus of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. The virtual leading vehicle 46 is virtually displayed in the scenery of the actual preceding vehicle 48 and the pedestrian 50 recognized by the vehicle as if traveling in front of the vehicle (own vehicle).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the image of the virtual leading vehicle 46 also includes a brake lamp 52 and a blinker 54. As a result, the brake lamp 52 is turned on when the virtual leading vehicle 46 is decelerated, and the blinker 54 is blinked when turning right or left.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the image of the virtual leading vehicle 46 is displayed in the actual landscape recognized by the driver, and the route on which the image of the virtual leading vehicle 46 is displayed should be driven by the vehicle. Since the driving route is the same as that set in advance and the brake lamp 52 and the blinker 54 are also displayed, the driver recognizes the virtual leading vehicle 46 as if it were an actual leading vehicle. By following the virtual leading vehicle 46 and driving, route guidance is performed as a result, and it is possible to travel on the travel route to be reached and arrive at the destination.

  It is also possible to select a “dog” other than the car as the virtual lead vehicle. In this case, the dog is displayed as if it is running in front of the host vehicle, and the “dog” is decelerated. When turning right or left, a display that performs the same function as a brake lamp or turn signal is made to be recognized by the driver.

  In the present embodiment, the image of the virtual leading vehicle is displayed so that the inter-vehicle distance (first inter-vehicle distance) between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle is an appropriate distance according to the traveling state of the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. This makes it possible to guide the virtual leading vehicle without a sense of incongruity along the traffic flow in which a preceding vehicle or the like actually exists. 8 and 9 display images of the virtual leading vehicle so that the inter-vehicle distance (first inter-vehicle distance) between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle is an appropriate distance according to the traveling state of the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. It is a flowchart which shows the control flow when making it do. 8 and 9, S indicates each step.

  Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, first, various states are detected in S11 shown in FIG. Specifically, the CCD camera 24 recognizes an image of a road condition ahead of the vehicle, and a laser radar device 26 detects an inter-vehicle distance and a relative speed with respect to an obstacle or a preceding vehicle. Further, the traveling speed and acceleration / deceleration of the host vehicle are detected.

Next, in S12, the inter-vehicle distance (first inter-vehicle distance) between the preceding vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle is set according to the traveling speed of the preceding vehicle or the host vehicle. In this embodiment, it is set according to the vehicle speed of the vehicle having a higher vehicle speed than that of the preceding vehicle or the host vehicle. Specifically, when the traveling speed of the vehicle is high, the inter-vehicle distance is set to be large. .
The distance between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle (first inter-vehicle distance) and the distance between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle (second inter-vehicle distance) may be set to a predetermined ratio.

Next, it progresses to S13 and it is detected whether the preceding vehicle is in the deceleration state. When it is determined in S13 that the preceding vehicle is in a decelerating state, the process proceeds to S14 and correction is performed so that the first inter-vehicle distance set in S12 is increased.
When the preceding vehicle is not in a decelerating state in S13, and when the inter-vehicle distance is corrected in S14, the process proceeds to S15 to determine whether or not the driver can visually recognize the preceding vehicle. It is determined whether or not it can be visually recognized well without being largely hidden. When it is determined in S15 that the preceding vehicle can be visually confirmed, the process proceeds to S16, and the first inter-vehicle distance set in S12 or the first inter-vehicle distance corrected in S14 is corrected to be small.

When it is not determined in S15 that the preceding vehicle can be visually recognized or when the first inter-vehicle distance is corrected in S16, the process proceeds to S17, and the first inter-vehicle distance set in S12, or the correction in S14 and S16. The first inter-vehicle distance is corrected according to the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle.
Specifically, when the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is small, the inter-vehicle distance (first inter-vehicle distance) between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle is corrected.
Further, when the inter-vehicle distance (first inter-vehicle distance) between the corrected virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle is larger than the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, that is, the virtual leading vehicle is When the inter-vehicle distance is such that it is located behind the vehicle, the inter-vehicle distance between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle (the first inter-vehicle distance) so that the virtual leading vehicle is positioned between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. (Distance) is corrected to be small.

  Next, it progresses to S18 and it is determined whether the distance (3rd distance) between the own vehicle and a preceding vehicle is more than predetermined value. This predetermined value indicates that the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is gradually increasing, and the virtual leading vehicle travels at the inter-vehicle distance set or corrected in S12, S14, S16, S17. The vehicle distance is set to a value that makes it difficult for the driver to follow the virtual vehicle. That is, it is set as the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle when the inter-vehicle distance (second inter-vehicle distance) between the own vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle becomes large.

  If it is determined in S18 that it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S19, and the inter-vehicle distance (first inter-vehicle distance) between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle is corrected so that the virtual leading vehicle approaches the host vehicle. To do. Note that the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle have a predetermined ratio between the distance between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle (the second inter-vehicle distance) and the distance between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle (the first inter-vehicle distance). The inter-vehicle distance (first inter-vehicle distance) may be corrected. In addition, such a correction may cause the virtual leading vehicle to be displayed so as to approach the host vehicle suddenly. Therefore, in such a case, the correction amount is adjusted so that the virtual leading vehicle is not displayed so as to suddenly approach the host vehicle.

  Next, it progresses to S20 and it is determined whether the inter-vehicle distance (3rd inter-vehicle distance) of the own vehicle and a preceding vehicle is more than predetermined value. The predetermined value in S20 is larger than the predetermined value in S18, the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is very large, and the driver cannot follow the virtual vehicle. It is set as the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle when considered.

When it is determined in S20 that it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the setting of the inter-vehicle distance (first inter-vehicle distance) between the virtual leading vehicle and the preceding vehicle set or corrected in S12, S14, S16, S17 is canceled, and S21 and S23. Then, the travel position of the virtual leading vehicle is defined by the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle.
That is, in S21, an inter-vehicle distance (second inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle is set. The second inter-vehicle distance is set according to the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, and is set such that the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle increases as the vehicle speed of the host vehicle increases.
The second inter-vehicle distance may be fixed to the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle at the time of determination in S21. Further, the virtual leading vehicle may be driven at a predetermined speed.

Next, proceeding to S22, an image of the virtual leading vehicle is displayed so that the virtual leading vehicle travels at the second inter-vehicle distance set in S21.
Next, it progresses to S23 and it is determined whether return conditions are satisfy | filled. This return condition is when it is determined that the preceding vehicle is traveling again within the distance determined by the predetermined value in S20 ahead of the host vehicle.

When it is determined in S23 that the return condition is not satisfied, the process returns to S21 again, and thereafter S21 to S23 are repeated.
In the flow from S18 to S23 described above, S19 and S20 may be omitted, and if it is determined in S18 that the value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process may proceed to S21. In this case, the virtual leading vehicle is not set to approach the host vehicle as in S19, and the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is difficult for the driver to follow the virtual vehicle. When it is such an inter-vehicle distance (S18), the setting of the inter-vehicle distance set or corrected in S12, S14, S16, S17 is canceled at that time.

  Note that the virtual leading vehicle is displayed at a position relatively far from the own vehicle, and in S20, the position of the virtual leading vehicle is determined based on the vehicle speed of the own vehicle and the distance between the own vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle (the second inter-vehicle distance). If the distance is set, the virtual leading vehicle may be displayed so as to approach the own vehicle suddenly. Therefore, in such a case, when the setting of the inter-vehicle distance (second inter-vehicle distance) between the virtual leading vehicle set and corrected in S12, S14, S16, and S17 and the preceding vehicle is canceled, in S21, the virtual leading vehicle The inter-vehicle distance (second inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle is set so as to gradually approach the vehicle.

If it is determined in S18 or S20 that the value is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S24 shown in FIG. 9 to determine whether the host vehicle is stopped or in a low speed state.
When it is determined in S24 that the host vehicle is not stopped or in a low speed state, the process proceeds to S25 so that, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the inter-vehicle distance set or corrected in S12, S14, S16, S17 is obtained. The image of the virtual leading vehicle 46 is normally displayed.

When it is determined in S24 that the host vehicle is stopped or in a low speed state, the process proceeds to S26, in which it is determined whether the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is smaller than a predetermined value. This predetermined value is set on the assumption that the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle becomes very small, such as when there is a traffic jam or when the signal stops.
If it is not determined that the value is smaller than the predetermined value in S26, the process proceeds to S25, and the image of the virtual leading vehicle is normally displayed.

When it is determined in S25 that the value is smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S27 and the virtual leading vehicle is regulated and displayed. As the restriction display, one of prohibiting the display, displaying the virtual leading vehicle in a reduced size, and displaying the virtual leading vehicle thinly, that is, translucently, is performed.
For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, the preceding vehicle 48 is stopped at a position near the front of the host vehicle, and the virtual leading vehicle 46 is displayed so as to be reduced and displayed on the hood 56 of the host vehicle. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the virtual leading vehicle 46 is displayed lightly so as to stop on the own vehicle side of the preceding vehicle 48 that stops ahead.

  Next, it progresses to S28 and travel route information is displayed. This travel route information provides information on the travel route to the driver in place of route guidance by the virtual leading vehicle that is regulated and displayed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 11, an arrow display 58 indicating the direction in which the host vehicle should turn next time is displayed. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 11, when the preceding vehicle 48 starts to travel and starts to leave the host vehicle, the driver may start traveling before displaying the virtual leading vehicle to travel ( A “Go sign” 60 that conveys a travel start signal) is displayed.

  Next, returning to S26 again, it is determined whether or not the inter-vehicle distance (third inter-vehicle distance) between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is smaller than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance is smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S25. When the normal display of the virtual leading vehicle is performed and it is not determined that the virtual leading vehicle is smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to S27 and S28 again, and the restriction display and the travel route information display of the virtual leading vehicle are performed.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating a vehicle information providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the circumference | surroundings of the driver's seat of the vehicle by which the information provision apparatus for vehicles by this embodiment is mounted. It is a flowchart which shows the basic control flow of the information provision apparatus for vehicles by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows initial setting (1) which is a monitor screen at the time of initial setting by the vehicle information provision apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows initial setting (2) which is a monitor screen at the time of initial setting by the vehicle information provision apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the actual scenery which a driver | operator recognizes through the front window glass of a vehicle (own vehicle). It is a figure which shows the scenery containing the image of the virtual leading vehicle which the driver | operator by this embodiment sees through the front window glass of a vehicle. It is a flowchart which shows the first half of the control flow when displaying the image of a virtual leading vehicle so that it may become an appropriate distance according to the driving | running | working condition of the own vehicle and preceding vehicle by this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of the control flow when displaying the image of a virtual leading vehicle so that it may become an appropriate distance according to the driving | running | working condition of the own vehicle and preceding vehicle by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the scenery containing the image of the virtual leading vehicle which the driver | operator by this embodiment looks through the front window glass of a vehicle, presence of a curve, and presence of a preceding vehicle. It is a figure which shows the scenery containing the image of the virtual leading vehicle by which the driver | operator by the embodiment looked through the front window glass of a vehicle reduced, and the presence of a preceding vehicle. It is a figure which shows the scenery containing the image of the virtual leading vehicle displayed translucently which the driver | operator by this embodiment looks through the front window glass of a vehicle, and presence of a preceding vehicle.

Explanation of symbols

1 Vehicle Information Providing Device 2 CPU
4 DVD-ROM
6 HDD storage device 8 monitor screen 10 operation switch 12 transmission / reception device 14 GPS receiver 16 vehicle speed sensor 18 gyro sensor 20 eye camera 22 virtual image display device 24 CCD camera 26 laser radar device 28 road surface μ sensor 30 voice interactive device 32 alarm device 44 Front window 46 Virtual leading vehicle 48 Leading vehicle 50 Pedestrian 52 Brake lamp 54 Turn signal 56 Bonnet 58 Arrow display 60 Travel start signal

Claims (17)

An information providing device for a vehicle that guides a route by setting a travel route on which the vehicle should travel,
An inter-vehicle distance setting means for setting a first inter-vehicle distance that is an inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and a virtual leading vehicle that travels between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle based on a predetermined condition;
Leading vehicle display means for displaying an image of the virtual leading vehicle traveling in front of the first inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle in correspondence with the traveling route in an actual scene viewed by the driver;
A vehicle information providing apparatus comprising:   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inter-vehicle distance setting means sets the first inter-vehicle distance to be large when the vehicle speed of the host vehicle or the preceding vehicle is high.   2. The inter-vehicle distance setting means sets the first inter-vehicle distance so that the first inter-vehicle distance and the second inter-vehicle distance, which is the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle, have a predetermined ratio. Vehicle information providing device.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a correcting unit that corrects the first inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting unit based on a predetermined condition.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the correction unit corrects the first inter-vehicle distance so as to increase when the preceding vehicle is in a deceleration state.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the driver can visually recognize the preceding vehicle, the correction unit corrects the first inter-vehicle distance to be small.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the correction unit corrects the first inter-vehicle distance according to a third inter-vehicle distance that is an inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the correction unit corrects the first inter-vehicle distance so as to increase when the third inter-vehicle distance is large.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the correction unit corrects the first inter-vehicle distance to be small when the third inter-vehicle distance is small.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display restricting means for restricting display of the image of the virtual leading vehicle by the leading vehicle display means when the third inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the display restricting unit restricts display of an image of the virtual leading vehicle when the host vehicle is in a stopped state.   Furthermore, it has an instruction means for instructing a travel route to be traveled by the vehicle by voice and / or an image other than the virtual leading vehicle, and the instruction means regulates the display by the display restriction means. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle is provided with a travel route on which the vehicle should travel.   The vehicle information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inter-vehicle distance setting means cancels the setting of the inter-vehicle distance when the third inter-vehicle distance is larger than a predetermined value.   When the third inter-vehicle distance is greater than a first predetermined value, the correcting means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance so that the virtual leading vehicle approaches the host vehicle, and the third inter-vehicle distance is the first 13. The vehicle information providing device according to claim 1, wherein when the second predetermined value is greater than the predetermined value, the setting of the first inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting unit is canceled. .   The correction means corrects the first inter-vehicle distance so that the second inter-vehicle distance and the first vehicle distance are in a predetermined ratio when the third inter-vehicle distance is greater than a first predetermined value. 13. The setting of the first inter-vehicle distance set by the inter-vehicle distance setting means is canceled when the third inter-vehicle distance is greater than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value. The vehicle information providing apparatus according to claim. A vehicle information providing method for setting a travel route on which a vehicle should travel and guiding the route,
An inter-vehicle distance setting step for setting a first inter-vehicle distance that is an inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the virtual leading vehicle that travels between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle based on a predetermined condition;
A leading vehicle display step of displaying an image of the virtual leading vehicle traveling in front of the first inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle in correspondence with the traveling route in an actual scene viewed by the driver;
An information providing method for a vehicle characterized by comprising: A vehicle information providing program for a computer for setting a travel route on which a vehicle should travel and guiding the route,
Based on a predetermined condition, a first vehicle-to-vehicle distance that is a distance between the preceding vehicle and a virtual leading vehicle that travels between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is set, and the distance between the preceding vehicle and the first inter-vehicle distance is short. A vehicle information providing program for controlling the computer so as to display an image of the traveling virtual leading vehicle in correspondence with the traveling route in an actual scene viewed by a driver.

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