JP2006270586A - Vehicle periphery recognizing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a driver to recognize the image in high necessity range, depending on the driving state of a vehicle and to easily and safely drive the vehicle, without being uneasy. <P>SOLUTION: A vehicle periphery recognizing apparatus is provided with a state acquiring device for acquiring the state of the vehicle, a photographic device for photographing the periphery of the vehicle, and a display device for displaying the images photographed by the photographic device. The apparatus causes the display device to display an image of the rear part of the vehicle, and to display a scale indicating the distance from the rear end of the vehicle in the image of the rear part, and to change the size of the scale, depending on the state of the vehicle acquired by the state-acquiring means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle periphery visual recognition device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a visual recognition device for assisting driving of a vehicle by photographing an image around the vehicle with a camera mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this case, when the vehicle reaches an intersection, an image in the left-right direction of the vehicle taken by a camera attached to the front portion of the vehicle is displayed. Thereby, the driver can visually recognize other vehicles or the like traveling on an intersection that is difficult to visually recognize from the driver's seat.
JP 2003-127772 A

  However, the conventional visual device only displays a side image at the front portion of the vehicle when the vehicle approaches an intersection, and thus cannot be used in other situations and is not useful. It was. For example, when changing lanes while driving on a road, it is necessary to check whether there are other vehicles approaching from behind or other vehicles traveling sideways, but images of the rear and side of the vehicle are not displayed. Therefore, the driver could not grasp the information necessary for changing the lane accurately. Further, a technique for displaying an image behind the vehicle when the vehicle is moved backward has already been proposed, but an image behind the vehicle cannot be displayed while the vehicle is moving forward.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, displays a rear image of the vehicle on the display device, displays a scale indicating a distance from the rear end of the vehicle in the rear image, and By changing the interval of the scales based on the vehicle status acquired by the status acquisition device, the driver can visually recognize an image in a highly necessary range according to the driving state of the vehicle, and feels anxiety. An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle periphery visual recognition device that can be operated easily and safely without any problems.

  Therefore, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device of the present invention includes a situation acquisition device that acquires a vehicle situation, an imaging device that captures the periphery of the vehicle, and a display device that displays an image captured by the imaging device. A vehicle periphery visual recognition device that displays a rear image of the vehicle on the display device and displays a scale indicating a distance from a rear end of the vehicle in the rear image, and is acquired by the situation acquisition device The interval between the scales is changed based on the situation of the vehicle that has been operated.

  According to the present invention, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device displays an image of the rear of the vehicle on the display device, displays a scale indicating a distance from the rear end of the vehicle in the rear image, and acquires the situation. The interval between the scales is changed based on the vehicle status acquired by the apparatus. Accordingly, it is possible to visually recognize an image in a highly necessary range according to the traveling state of the vehicle, and the driver can easily and safely drive without feeling uneasy.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a range of images acquired by the vehicle periphery visual recognition device in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the vehicle periphery visual recognition device in the embodiment of the present invention.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to the present embodiment, and reference numeral 25 denotes a vehicle on which the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 is mounted. The vehicle 25 may be of any type as long as it can travel on a road such as a passenger car, a truck, a bus, and a two-wheeled vehicle. However, in the present embodiment, for convenience of explanation, four wheels are provided. It will be described as a passenger car.

  And the said vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus 10 has a structure as shown by FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a navigation device mounted on a vehicle, which includes arithmetic means such as a CPU and MPU, semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, magnetic tape, magnetic drum, flash memory, CD-ROM, CD-R / W, MD , DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R / W, optical disc, MO, IC card, optical card, memory card and other storage means such as a memory card, communication means, and the like. The navigation device 11 includes operation keys, push buttons, a jog dial, a cross key, a remote controller, a touch panel, and the like. An input device (not shown) for performing switch input (SW input), a CRT, a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light) (Emitting Diode) A display device 17 such as a display and a holography device, a voice input device (not shown) such as a microphone, and a voice output device 18 such as a loudspeaker and headphones are included. The display device 17 may be a touch panel that also has the function of an input device.

  Reference numeral 21 denotes a camera control device mounted on the vehicle, such as arithmetic means such as a CPU and MPU, semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, magnetic tape, magnetic drum, flash memory, CD-ROM, CD-R / W, MD , DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R / W, optical disc, MO, IC card, optical card, memory card, or other storage means. The navigation device 11 and the camera control device 21 are connected so that they can communicate with each other. The camera control device 21 may be built in the navigation device 11.

  In the present embodiment, a front side camera 22, a side camera 23, and a rear camera 24 are mounted on the vehicle 25 as cameras controlled by the camera control device 21. The front side camera 22, the side camera 23, and the rear camera 24 include imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and the like. It is attached to a surface portion or the like, captures a range around the vehicle 25, acquires the image, and transmits the acquired image to the camera control device 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the front side camera 22 captures the front side imaging range 26, the side camera 23 captures the left side imaging range 27 and the right side imaging range 28, and the rear camera 24 captures the rear side. The range 29 is photographed. The front side imaging range 26 includes a front side imaging range 26a, a front end left side imaging range 26b, and a front end right side imaging range 26c. Note that the ranges indicated by the front side imaging range 26, the left side imaging range 27, the right side imaging range 28, and the rear imaging range 29 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate.

  Here, the front side camera 22, the side camera 23, and the rear camera 24 may be singular or plural. For example, the front side camera 22 may include three cameras that respectively photograph the front side imaging range 26a, the front end left side imaging range 26b, and the front end right side imaging range 26c, a fisheye lens, a prism, an optical fiber, and the like. The front imaging range 26a, the front end left side imaging range 26b, and the front end right side imaging range 26c may be captured by a single camera. Further, the side camera 23 may include two cameras that respectively capture the left side imaging range 27 and the right side imaging range 28, or each range of the left side imaging range 27 and the right side imaging range 28. May be taken with two or more cameras. Furthermore, the rear camera 24 may also capture the rear imaging range 29 with two or more cameras.

  Further, the front side camera 22, the side camera 23, and the rear camera 24 are provided with a variable focus mechanism such as a zoom lens, and can change the shooting mode from close-up to telephoto, that is, capable of zooming operation. It may be. Further, the front side camera 22, the side camera 23, and the rear camera 24 are attached so as to be rotatable up and down or left and right, and can move the photographing range up and down or left and right, that is, tilting operation or panning. It may be operable. In this case, zooming operation, tilting operation, and panning operation of the front side camera 22, the side camera 23, and the rear camera 24 are controlled by the camera control device 21.

  A position detecting means 12 is connected to the navigation device 11. The position detecting means 12 receives a radio wave transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, thereby detecting a GPS sensor for detecting a current position on the earth, a geomagnetic sensor for detecting geomagnetism, and a traveling distance of the vehicle. A distance sensor, a gyro sensor that detects the direction in which the vehicle is facing, a beacon sensor that receives position information from a beacon arranged along the road and detects the current position, and an accelerator opening sensor that detects the accelerator opening A brake sensor for detecting movement of a brake pedal operated by the driver, a winker sensor for detecting movement of a winker switch operated by the driver, a shift lever sensor for detecting movement of a shift lever of a transmission operated by the driver, Altimeter, vehicle speed, ie vehicle speed sensor that detects vehicle speed Various sensors such as sensors detect the current position of the vehicle, the vehicle speed, the acceleration of the vehicle, the azimuth of the vehicle, and the like. The navigation device 11 performs navigation processing based on the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detection means 12, the vehicle speed, the acceleration of the vehicle, the azimuth of the vehicle, and the like. The position detection unit 12 may be built in the navigation device 11.

  The navigation device 11 is connected to a map information database 13 for storing map information necessary for searching for facilities and points or searching for routes. The map information database 13 includes a road data file. Here, the road data file stores data on all roads including narrow streets, for example, all roads in Japan. Here, intersection data, node data, road data, traffic regulation data, and route display data are also stored in the road data file. In the intersection data, in addition to the number of intersections in which data is stored, data relating to each intersection is assigned with a number for identification as intersection data. Further, each intersection data is stored with a number for identifying each connection road in addition to the number of roads connected to the corresponding intersection, that is, the number of connection roads. The intersection data may include the type of the intersection, that is, whether the intersection is a traffic signal lamp or an intersection where no traffic signal lamp is installed. Further, the node data constitutes at least the position and shape of the road in the data recorded in the map data file, and includes actual branch points (including intersections, T-junctions, etc.), nodes, and It consists of data indicating a link connecting each node. Further, the node indicates at least the position of the inflection point of the road.

  Further, in the road data file, in addition to the number of roads storing the data, data relating to each road is stored with road numbers assigned with identification numbers. Each road data stores a road type, a distance as a length of each road, a travel time as a time required for traveling on each road, and the like. Further, the road type includes administrative road attributes such as a national road, a prefectural road, a main local road, a general road, and an expressway.

  In the road data, the width, gradient, cant, altitude, bank, road surface condition, whether or not there is a median strip, the number of road lanes, and the number of lanes are reduced. It is desirable to include data such as points and points where the width becomes narrower. In the case of an expressway or a main road, each of the lanes in the opposite direction is stored as separate road data and processed as a double road. For example, in the case of a main road having two or more lanes on one side, it is processed as a two-way road, and the lane in the upward direction and the lane in the downward direction are each stored in the road data as independent roads. Further, for corners, it is desirable to include data such as radii of curvature, intersections, T-junctions, and corner entrances. Road attributes such as railroad crossings, expressway entrance / exit rampways, expressway toll gates, downhill roads, and uphill roads may also be included. Further, the road attributes include data such as railroad crossings, expressway entrance rampways, expressway toll gates, downhill roads, uphill roads, road types, and the like. The map data file stores map information such as nodes, links, coordinates, and facility names for drawing a map.

  The map information database 13 preferably includes a map data file for storing data for drawing a map, a POI (Point of Interest) data file, and the like. Here, the map data file stores data such as nodes, links, coordinates, and facility names for drawing a map. In addition, the POI data file stores facility data, town page (R) data, event data, and the like for searching points such as a departure point, a destination, and a passing point. The map information database 13 may be built in the navigation device 11.

  Further, a sensor signal acquisition processing device 14 is connected to the navigation device 11. The sensor signal acquisition processing device 14 is a kind of computer including a calculation unit such as a CPU and an MPU, a storage unit such as a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, but may be incorporated in the navigation device 11. The sensor signal acquisition processor 14 has four corners on the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle 25, that is, the corner sensor 15 disposed in the corner and the steering angle of the steering operated by the driver. A steering sensor 16 for detection is connected. The corner sensor 15 is a distance measuring sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar, or the like, and detects that the corner portion of the vehicle 25 has approached an obstacle to a predetermined set distance. The corner sensor 15 may be disposed only at a part of the corner of the vehicle 25. The set distance can be arbitrarily adjusted. Then, the sensor signal acquisition processing device 14 processes the detection signals acquired from the corner sensor 15 and the steering sensor 16 and transmits them to the navigation device 11.

  In the present embodiment, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 includes a situation acquisition device that acquires the situation of the vehicle 25 and an imaging device that captures the periphery of the vehicle 25 from the viewpoint of functions. In this case, the situation acquisition device includes a navigation device 11, a position detection unit 12, a map information database 13, a sensor signal acquisition processing device 14, a corner sensor 15, and a steering sensor 16. The photographing apparatus includes a camera control device 21, a front side camera 22, a side camera 23, and a rear camera 24. And if the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus 10 determines with driving | running | working on the road based on the condition of the vehicle 25 which the condition acquisition apparatus acquired, when driving | running | working at high speed, the image of the back of the vehicle 25 is shown. When the vehicle 25 turns when the vehicle 25 is traveling at a low speed while being displayed on the display device 17 and displaying an extension line of the vehicle 25 with a scale in the rear image, the vehicle 25 is turned in the turning direction. A side image is displayed on the display device 17.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 acquires the vehicle position. In this case, the position detection unit 12 acquires the current position of the vehicle 25 detected by various sensors such as a GPS sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a gyro sensor, and a vehicle speed sensor as the own vehicle position. Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 reads the navigation map database. In this case, the map information of the vehicle position is read from the map information database 13. The map information includes data relating to the road at the vehicle position and facility data.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle position has deviated from the road. That is, the attribute of the current position of the vehicle 25 is determined. And when the own vehicle position deviates from the road, it can be estimated that the own vehicle position is in the parking lot or the site of the facility, so the parking process is executed. Here, since data of relatively large facilities such as shopping centers, theme parks, golf courses and the like are stored in the map information database 13, if the own vehicle position is within the premises of these facilities, the own vehicle position Are thought to be in the parking lots of these facilities and the roads connecting to the parking lots. Even if the vehicle position is not within the premises of the facility stored in the map information database 13, when the vehicle is off the road, the parking lot of the store where the vehicle position is on the side of the road (side) It is considered that the lid in a parking lot such as is highly likely. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parking processing is executed when the vehicle position deviates from the road.

  When the vehicle position is not off the road, that is, when the vehicle is traveling on the road, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle position is on a general road. In this case, the general road is a road such as a national road, a prefectural road, a main local road, or a general road in the administrative road attribute, and does not include a highway and a narrow street. If the vehicle position is on a general road, the general road processing is executed.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle position is not on a general road, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle position is on a highway. In this case, the expressway includes not only intercity expressways such as Tomei Expressway and Meishin Expressway but also city expressways used in service in areas such as the capital, Hanshin, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. . When the vehicle position is on the highway, highway processing is executed.

  Further, when the vehicle position is not on the highway, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle position is on a narrow street. In this case, the narrow street is generally a road that is used by a local inhabitant for a living like a living road and has a low traffic volume. For example, a road of 5.5 [m] or less is defined as a narrow street. If the vehicle position is on a narrow street, the narrow street processing is executed. If the vehicle position is not on a narrow street, the process is terminated.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1: The own vehicle position is acquired.
Step S2: The navigation map database is read out.
Step S3: It is determined whether or not the vehicle position is off the road. If the vehicle position is off the road, the process proceeds to step S4. If the vehicle position is not off the road, the process proceeds to step S5.
Step S4 The parking process is executed and the process is terminated.
Step S5: Determine whether the vehicle position is on a general road. If the vehicle position is on a general road, the process proceeds to step S6. If the vehicle position is not on a general road, the process proceeds to step S7.
Step S6: The general road processing is executed and the processing is terminated.
Step S7: It is determined whether or not the vehicle position is on the highway. If the vehicle position is on the highway, the process proceeds to step S8, and if the vehicle position is not on the highway, the process proceeds to step S9.
Step S8: The highway processing is executed and the processing is terminated.
Step S9: Determine whether the vehicle position is on a narrow street. If the vehicle position is on the narrow street, the process proceeds to step S10. If the vehicle position is not on the narrow street, the process is terminated.
Step S10: The narrow street processing is executed and the processing is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the parking process will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during the operation of the parking process in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the parking process of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. It is. 4A-1 and 4B-1 show display contents of the divided screens, and FIGS. 4A-2 and 4B-2 show screen display examples.

  First, when the parking process is started, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not a parking start operation has been performed, that is, whether or not there is a parking start operation. In this case, the parking start operation is, for example, a shift change to a reverse (reverse) gear by the driver, lighting of a reverse lamp (back lamp), an input operation of a switch indicating a parking start operation by the driver, or the like.

  And when parking start operation is performed, the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus 10 of the back camera image as a back image of the vehicle 25 image | photographed with the back camera 24, and the vehicle 25 image | photographed with the side camera 23 is shown. A side camera image is displayed as a side image. In this case, a screen 31 as shown in FIG. 4A-2 is displayed on the display device 17. As shown in FIG. 4 (a-1), the screen 31 includes a rear camera screen 31a on which a rear camera image is displayed, a side camera screen (left) 31b on which a left side camera image is displayed, The screen is divided into four screens: a side camera screen (right) 31c on which a right side camera image is displayed and a corner sensor icon screen 31d on which a corner sensor icon is displayed.

  Here, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines that parking is performed regardless of the traveling direction of the vehicle 25 when the vehicle position is off the road. For this reason, the screen 31 is held until the vehicle position comes out of the parking lot onto the road. That is, while the vehicle 25 is in the parking lot, even if the reverse gear is released, the display of the screen 31 as shown in FIG. 4 (a-2) is continued. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4A-2, the vehicle 25 is displayed so that the front of the vehicle 25 faces downward in FIG. 4, but the rear camera screen 31a, side camera screen (left) 31b, side The direction of the display of the direction camera screen (right) 31c and the corner sensor icon screen 31d can be changed by performing processing such as vertical inversion according to the traveling direction of the vehicle 25 and the like.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 reads the steering angle of the steering detected by the steering sensor 16. Then, on the basis of the read steering angle, auxiliary lines such as the overall expected course line 32 and the side expected course line 33 as shown in FIG. 4A-2 are drawn. In FIG. 4 (a-2), the overall expected course line 32 indicates the predicted trajectory of the rear part of the vehicle 25, and the side expected course line 33 indicates the predicted trajectory of the front end of the vehicle 25, that is, the front corner part. Show. Here, when the vehicle 25 is moving forward, the expected side course 33 is drawn in an image corresponding to the inside of the turn of the left or right side camera image, and the rear end on the inside of the turn, That is, it indicates the expected course of the rear corner or rear wheel. Further, when the vehicle 25 is moving backward, it is drawn in an image corresponding to the outside of the turn in the left or right side camera image, and indicates the expected course of the front corner portion on the outside of the turn. In addition, when parking start operation is not performed, the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus 10 displays a side camera image, and does not perform operation | movement from the display of a back camera image and a side camera image to drawing of an auxiliary line.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the corner sensor 15 detects that the corner portion of the vehicle 25 has approached the obstacle to the set distance, that is, whether or not there is a warning of the corner sensor 15. . And when the corner sensor 15 has not detected, a process is complete | finished as it is. Further, when the corner sensor 15 detects it, it is necessary to output a warning, and as shown in FIG. 4B-2, the corresponding corner portion is highlighted. In the example shown in FIG. 4B-2, the corresponding corner portion is highlighted by being surrounded by a frame 35. In this case, in order to call the driver's attention, the color tone in the frame 35 may be different from the other parts, the image in the frame 35 may be blinked, Only the image may be enlarged. Further, the corner sensor icon image 34 may be displayed. Further, a warning sound may be output from the audio output device 18.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S401: It is determined whether or not there is a parking start operation. If there is a parking start operation, the process proceeds to step S402, and if there is no parking start operation, the process proceeds to step S407.
Step S402 A rear camera image and a side camera image are displayed.
Step S403: The steering angle is read.
Step S404 An auxiliary line is drawn.
Step S405: It is determined whether there is a warning of the corner sensor 15. If there is a warning from the corner sensor 15, the process proceeds to step S406. If there is no warning from the corner sensor 15, the process ends.
Step S406 The camera image on the detection side of the corner sensor 15 is highlighted, and the process ends.
Step S407: A side camera image is displayed.

  Next, the operation of general road processing will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during the operation of the general road processing in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a general road processing subroutine of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart to show. 6 (a-1), (b-1), and (c-1) show display contents of the divided screens, and FIGS. 6 (a-2), (b-2), and (c-2). ) Shows a screen display example.

  First, when the general road process is started, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling at a high speed. In this case, based on the vehicle speed detected by the position detection means 12, it is determined whether or not the speed is higher than a predetermined speed on a general road set in advance, for example, 20 [km / h].

  When the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined speed, that is, when the vehicle 25 is traveling at a high speed, it can be considered that the vehicle 25 is traveling along a road. The rear camera image photographed by the rear camera 24 is displayed. In this case, a screen 41 as shown in FIG. 6A-2 is displayed on the display device 17. As shown in FIG. 6 (a-1), the screen 41 has two screens: a rear camera screen 41a on which a rear camera image is displayed and a navigation screen 41b on which a navigation image by the navigation device 11 is displayed. It is divided into In the navigation image, a vehicle position mark 43 indicating the vehicle position, a road line 44 indicating the road, and the like are displayed.

  Further, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 draws the rear monitoring auxiliary line 42 on the general road, that is, the general road auxiliary line, in the rear camera image. The rear monitoring auxiliary line 42 is an extension line of the vehicle 25 in which the positions on both sides of the vehicle 25 are extended rearward, and a distance guide auxiliary line 42a is provided as a scale. The distance guide auxiliary line 42a is a guide for the distance from the rear end of the vehicle 25. The rear monitoring auxiliary line 42 can be drawn on both adjacent lanes. In this case, when the vehicle 25 is traveling on a two-lane road on one side, the position of the lane may be detected, and the rear monitoring auxiliary line 42 may be drawn only on one side. The distance between the distance guide auxiliary lines 42a is preferably 5 [m], which is the total length of a typical passenger car, for example. As a result, the driver can grasp the distance between the vehicle 25 that the driver is driving and another vehicle located behind. Further, the distance between the distance guide auxiliary lines 42a can be set by the driver for each road type such as a general road or a highway, or can be set for each traveling speed. For example, an interval of 10 [m] can be set for a general road, and an interval of 30 [m] can be set for an expressway. Further, when the traveling speed is less than 60 km / h, the interval can be 10 m, and when the traveling speed is 60 km / h or more, the interval can be 30 m. Further, the rear monitoring auxiliary line 42 and the distance guide auxiliary line 42a may be displayed only when another vehicle is recognized in the rear camera image.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the direction indicator of the vehicle 25 is operating. And when the direction indicator is operating, it is considered that the lane is changed, so the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 displays the side indicator image of the direction indicator operating side, that is, the turning direction. In this case, it is desirable to display a screen for displaying a side camera image taken by the side camera 23 on the display device 17 together with the rear camera screen 41a. Thereby, the driver | operator can visually recognize the other vehicle which overtakes from behind. When the direction indicator is not operating, it is considered that the lane change is not performed, so that it is not necessary to display the side camera image. Further, it may be determined whether or not to change the lane based on the steering angle detected by the steering sensor 16 instead of the operation of the direction indicator.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is not higher than the predetermined speed, that is, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle position is in front of the intersection. In this case, it is determined whether or not there is an intersection within a predetermined distance set in advance from the vehicle position, for example, 30 [m] forward. If there is an intersection in the range up to a predetermined distance ahead, it is determined whether or not the intersection is a right / left turn point of the guide route, assuming that the intersection is before the intersection. That is, it is determined whether or not the intersection corresponds to a right / left turn point where a right turn or a left turn is performed on the route when the navigation device 11 provides route guidance to the destination. And when the said intersection is a right-left turn point of a guidance route, since it is thought that a right turn or a left turn is performed, the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus 10 switches to the side camera image of a turning direction. That is, the side camera image in the turning direction is displayed on the display device 17.

  In addition, when the vehicle position is not before the intersection, and even when the vehicle position is before the intersection, and the intersection is not the right / left turn point of the guide route, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 has the direction indicator of the vehicle 25 Determine if it is working. When the direction indicator is operating, it is considered that the vehicle turns to the right or left, so the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 switches to the side camera image in the turning direction, and the side camera image in the turning direction is displayed on the display device 17. To display. In this case, a screen 41 as shown in FIG. 6B-2 is displayed on the display device 17. FIG. 6B-2 shows an example in which the vehicle 25 makes a left turn at an intersection. As shown in FIG. 6 (b-1), the screen 41 includes a side camera screen 41c on which a side camera image is displayed, a corner sensor icon screen 41d on which a corner sensor icon is displayed, and a navigation device. 11 is divided into three screens, a navigation screen 41b on which a navigation image is displayed.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 reads the steering angle of the steering detected by the steering sensor 16. Then, based on the read steering angle, an auxiliary line such as a predicted side course 45 as shown in FIG. 6B-2 is drawn. In FIG. 6 (b-2), since the vehicle 25 is moving forward, the predicted lateral side track 45 is the left rear corner of the vehicle 25 or the predicted rear track on the inside of the turn. The expected trajectory of the left rear wheel is shown.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the corner sensor 15 detects that the corner portion of the vehicle 25 has approached the obstacle to the set distance, that is, whether or not there is a warning of the corner sensor 15. . And when the corner sensor 15 has not detected, a process is complete | finished as it is. Further, when the corner sensor 15 detects, it is assumed that a warning needs to be output, and the corresponding corner portion is highlighted as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 6C-2, the corresponding corner portion is highlighted by being surrounded by a frame 46. In this case, in order to call the driver's attention, the color tone in the frame 46 may be different from other parts, the image in the frame 46 may be blinked, Only the image may be enlarged. Further, a corner sensor icon image may be displayed. Further, a warning sound may be output from the audio output device 18.

  In the case where the speed is higher than the predetermined speed, the direction is displayed after the side camera image in the turning direction is displayed on the display device 17, when the direction indicator is not operating, and when the speed is not higher than the predetermined speed. Even when the indicator is not operating, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not there is a warning of the corner sensor 15.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S601: It is determined whether the vehicle is traveling at high speed. If the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the process proceeds to step S602. If the vehicle is not traveling at high speed, the process proceeds to step S606.
Step S602: A rear camera image is displayed.
Step S603: A general road auxiliary line is drawn.
Step S604: It is determined whether or not the direction indicator is operating. If the direction indicator is operating, the process proceeds to step S605. If the direction indicator is not operating, the process proceeds to step S612.
Step S605 A side camera image on the direction indicator operating side is displayed.
Step S606: It is determined whether or not the vehicle position is before the intersection. If the vehicle position is before the intersection, the process proceeds to step S607. If the vehicle position is not before the intersection, the process proceeds to step S608.
Step S607: It is determined whether or not it is a right / left turn point of the guidance route. If it is a right / left turn point of the guide route, the process proceeds to step S609. If it is not a right / left turn point of the guide route, the process proceeds to step S608.
Step S608: It is determined whether the direction indicator is operating. If the direction indicator is operating, the process proceeds to step S609. If the direction indicator is not operating, the process proceeds to step S612.
Step S609: Switch to the side camera image in the turning direction.
Step S610: The steering angle of the steering is read.
Step S611 An auxiliary line is drawn.
Step S612: It is determined whether there is a warning from the corner sensor 15. If the corner sensor 15 has a warning, the process proceeds to step S613. If the corner sensor 15 has no warning, the process ends.
Step S613 The camera image on the detection side of the corner sensor 15 is highlighted, and the process ends.

  Next, the operation of the expressway process will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during the operation of the expressway processing in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a subroutine for the expressway processing of the vehicle periphery visual recognition device in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart to show. 8A-1 and 8B-1 show display contents of the divided screens, and FIGS. 8A-2 and 8B-2 show screen display examples.

  First, when the expressway process is started, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling in a high speed range. In this case, based on the vehicle speed detected by the position detection means 12, it is determined whether or not the speed is higher than a predetermined speed on a preset highway, for example, 60 [km / h].

  When the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined speed, that is, when the vehicle 25 is traveling at a high speed, it can be considered that the vehicle 25 is traveling at a high speed and is not involved in a traffic jam. In preparation for the lane change, the rear camera image taken by the rear camera 24 is displayed. In this case, a screen 51 as shown in FIG. 8A-2 is displayed on the display device 17. As shown in FIG. 8 (a-1), the screen 51 has two screens: a rear camera screen 51a on which a rear camera image is displayed and a navigation screen 51b on which a navigation image by the navigation device 11 is displayed. It is divided into In the navigation image, a vehicle position mark 53 indicating the vehicle position, a road line 54 indicating the road, and the like are displayed. In addition, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 draws the rear monitoring auxiliary line 52 on the highway, that is, the highway auxiliary line, in the rear camera image. The rear monitoring auxiliary line 52 is an extension line of the vehicle 25 in which the positions on both sides of the vehicle 25 are extended rearward, and a distance guide auxiliary line 52a is provided as a scale. The distance guide auxiliary line 52a is a guide for the distance from the rear end of the vehicle 25. The distance between the distance reference auxiliary lines 52a is longer than that of a general road, and is preferably set to 50 [m], for example, like the inter-vehicle distance confirmation sign. As a result, the driver can grasp the distance between the vehicle 25 that the driver is driving and another vehicle located behind. Further, the distance between the distance guide auxiliary lines 52a can be set by the driver for each road type such as a general road or a highway, or can be set for each traveling speed. For example, an interval of 10 [m] can be set for a general road, and an interval of 30 [m] can be set for an expressway. Further, when the traveling speed is less than 60 km / h, the interval can be 10 m, and when the traveling speed is 60 km / h or more, the interval can be 30 m. Further, the rear monitoring auxiliary line 52 and the distance guide auxiliary line 52a may be displayed only when another vehicle is recognized in the rear camera image.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the direction indicator of the vehicle 25 is operating. And when the direction indicator is operating, it is considered that the lane is changed, so the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 displays the side indicator image of the direction indicator operating side, that is, the turning direction.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 8B-2, a side camera screen 51c for displaying a side camera image taken by the side camera 23 is displayed on the display device 17 together with the rear camera screen 51a. As shown in FIG. 8B-1, the screen 51 has two screens, a rear camera screen 51a on which the rear camera image is displayed and a side camera screen 51c on which the side camera image is displayed. It is divided. Thereby, the driver | operator can visually recognize the other vehicle which overtakes from behind. When the rear camera screen 51a and the side camera screen 51c are displayed simultaneously, it is desirable to change the direction of the side camera screen 51c according to the direction of the rear camera screen 51a by performing processing such as vertical inversion. . When the direction indicator is not operating, it is considered that the lane change is not performed, so that it is not necessary to display the side camera image. Further, it may be determined whether or not to change the lane based on the steering angle detected by the steering sensor 16 instead of the operation of the direction indicator.

  When the vehicle is not traveling in a high speed range, that is, when traveling at a low speed, it is immediately determined whether or not the direction indicator of the vehicle 25 is operating. That is, the side camera image is displayed by using a direction indicator as a trigger during a traffic jam.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S801: It is determined whether the vehicle is traveling in a high speed range. If the vehicle is traveling in the high speed region, the process proceeds to step S802. If the vehicle is not traveling in the high speed region, the process proceeds to step S804.
Step S802: A rear camera image is displayed.
Step S803: A highway auxiliary line is drawn.
Step S804: Determine whether the direction indicator is operating. If the direction indicator is operating, the process proceeds to step S805. If the direction indicator is not operating, the process ends.
Step S805 A side camera image on the direction indicator operating side is displayed, and the process is terminated.

  Next, the operation of the narrow street processing will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed during the operation of the narrow street processing in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 shows a subroutine of the narrow street processing of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart to show. 10 (a-1), (b-1) and (c-1) show the display contents of the divided screens, and FIGS. 10 (a-2), (b-2) and (c-2). ) Shows a screen display example.

  First, when the narrow street process is started, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle is traveling in a low speed range. In this case, based on the vehicle speed detected by the position detection means 12, it is determined whether or not the speed is lower than a predetermined speed on a narrow street set in advance, for example, 10 [km / h].

  When the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined speed, it can be considered that the driver is driving while paying attention to the surroundings. Therefore, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 displays the side camera image captured by the side camera 23. Display. In this case, a screen 61 as shown in FIG. 10 (a-2) is displayed on the display device 17. As shown in FIG. 10 (a-1), the screen 61 includes a navigation screen 61a on which a navigation image by the navigation device 11 is displayed, and a side camera screen (left) on which a left side camera image is displayed. 61b, a side camera screen (right) 61c on which a right side camera image is displayed and a corner sensor icon screen 61d on which a corner sensor icon is displayed are divided into four screens. In this case, the side camera screen (left) 61b, the side camera screen (right) 61c, and the corner sensor icon screen 61d are displayed so that the front of the vehicle 25 faces upward. In the navigation image, a vehicle position mark 62 indicating the vehicle position, a road line 63 indicating the road, and the like are displayed.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 reads the steering angle of the steering detected by the steering sensor 16. Then, on the basis of the read steering angle, an auxiliary line such as a predicted lateral route 64 as shown in FIG. 10 (a-2) is drawn. FIG. 10A-2 shows an example in which the vehicle 25 makes a left turn at an intersection. Further, the side expected course line 64 indicates the expected trajectory of the left rear corner part or the left rear wheel of the vehicle 25 as the expected course of the rear corner part or the rear wheel inside the turn because the vehicle 25 is moving forward. ing.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the vehicle is near the intersection. In this case, it is determined whether or not there is an intersection within a predetermined distance set in advance from the vehicle position, for example, 10 [m] forward. When there is an intersection in the range up to a predetermined distance ahead, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 displays a front side camera image photographed by the front side camera 22 in preparation for a right or left turn, assuming that it is before the intersection. In this case, a screen 61 as shown in FIG. 10 (b-2) is displayed on the display device 17. As shown in FIG. 10 (b-1), the screen 61 includes a navigation screen 61a, a side camera screen (left) 61b, a side camera screen (right) 61c, a front side camera image, and a corner sensor. The screen is divided into four screens: a front side camera on which icons are displayed and a corner sensor icon screen 61e. In addition, when it is not before an intersection, it is not necessary to display a front side camera image. In addition, when the speed is not lower than the predetermined speed, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 does not perform the operation from the display of the side camera image to the display of the front side camera image.

  Subsequently, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines whether or not the corner sensor 15 detects that the corner portion of the vehicle 25 has approached the obstacle to the set distance, that is, whether or not there is a warning of the corner sensor 15. . And when the corner sensor 15 has not detected, a process is complete | finished as it is. Further, when the corner sensor 15 detects, the corresponding corner portion is highlighted as shown in FIG. 10 (c-2). In the example illustrated in FIG. 10C-2, the corresponding corner portion is highlighted by being surrounded by a frame 65. In this case, in order to call the driver's attention, the color tone in the frame 65 may be different from other parts, the image in the frame 65 may be blinked, Only the image may be enlarged. Further, the corner sensor icon image 66 may be displayed. Further, a warning sound may be output from the audio output device 18.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1001 It is determined whether the vehicle is traveling in a low speed range. If the vehicle is traveling in the low speed region, the process proceeds to step S1002, and if the vehicle is not traveling in the low speed region, the process proceeds to step S1007.
Step S1002 A side camera image is displayed.
Step S1003 The steering angle of the steering is read.
Step S1004 An auxiliary line is drawn.
Step S1005: It is determined whether or not the vehicle position is before the intersection. If the vehicle position is before the intersection, the process proceeds to step S1006. If the vehicle position is not before the intersection, the process proceeds to step S1007.
Step S1006 A front side camera image is displayed.
Step S1007: It is determined whether or not there is a warning from the corner sensor 15. If there is a warning from the corner sensor 15, the process proceeds to step S1008. If there is no warning from the corner sensor 15, the process ends.
Step S1008: The camera image on the detection side of the corner sensor 15 is highlighted, and the process ends.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, a plurality of images indicating a predetermined range around the vehicle 25 are switched according to the situation and displayed on the display device 17. Therefore, the driver can accurately grasp the information around the vehicle 25 by visually recognizing the image displayed on the display device 17, and can easily and safely feel the vehicle 25 without feeling uneasy. You can drive.

  That is, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 switches a plurality of images according to the attribute of the current position of the vehicle 25 and causes the display device 17 to display the images. Note that the attribute of the current position of the vehicle 25 indicates what place the current position of the vehicle 25 is. For example, it identifies a parking lot, a road, etc. May be identified. Specifically, when the attribute of the current position of the vehicle 25 is a parking lot, a general road, a highway, a narrow street, and an intersection, according to each attribute The rear camera image photographed by the rear camera 24, the side camera image photographed by the side camera 23, and the front side camera image photographed by the front side camera 22 are switched and displayed on the display device 17. Therefore, the driver can visually recognize an image of a highly necessary range according to the attribute of the current position of the vehicle 25, and can accurately grasp the information of the range according to the attribute of the current position of the vehicle 25. it can.

  In addition, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 switches a plurality of images according to the traveling state of the vehicle 25, that is, the traveling speed or the traveling direction, and causes the display device 17 to display the images. When the traveling state of the vehicle 25 is the traveling speed, specifically, the display is performed as follows. That is, the rear camera image is displayed on the display device 17 when the speed is higher than the predetermined speed on the general road and the highway, and the side camera image is displayed on the display device 17 when the speed is lower than the predetermined speed on the narrow street. Therefore, the driver can visually recognize an image in a highly necessary range according to the traveling speed of the vehicle 25, and can accurately grasp the information in the range corresponding to the traveling speed of the vehicle 25.

  Furthermore, when the traveling state of the vehicle 25 is the traveling direction, the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 has a plurality of images depending on whether the traveling direction is a straight traveling direction or a turning direction, and further, depending on whether the turning direction is left or right. Are displayed on the display device 17. Specifically, when the traveling direction is a straight traveling direction when the traveling speed is higher than a predetermined speed on general roads and highways, a rear camera image is displayed on the display device 17, and when the traveling direction is a turning direction, a side camera image is displayed on the display device 17. Let Further, when the traveling direction at the intersection is the turning direction when the speed is lower than the predetermined speed on the narrow street, the front side camera image is displayed on the display device 17. Therefore, the driver can visually recognize an image in a highly necessary range according to the traveling state of the vehicle 25, and can accurately grasp the information in the range corresponding to the traveling state of the vehicle 25.

  Furthermore, if the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus 10 determines that parking is performed based on the situation of the vehicle 25, the vehicle 25 is displayed on the display device 17 on the rear and side images of the vehicle 25, and the vehicle 25 is included in the rear image. The predicted trajectory of the rear part is displayed, and the predicted trajectory of the front end part of the vehicle 25 is displayed in the side image. Specifically, when the vehicle position is off the road, it is determined that parking is performed, and the rear camera screen 31a, the side camera screen (left) 31b, and the side camera screen (right) 31c are displayed. It is displayed on the device 17. Then, the entire expected course line 32 is displayed on the rear camera screen 31a, and the side expected course line 33 is displayed on the side camera screen (left) 31b or the side camera screen (right) 31c. Note that the overall expected course line 32 and the side expected course line 33 are drawn based on the steering angle of the steering detected by the steering sensor 16. Therefore, the driver can visually recognize the rear of the vehicle 25 when parking and can also grasp the predicted trajectory of the rear portion of the vehicle 25, so that it is easy and safe without feeling uneasy. Parking can be done. Moreover, since the side of the vehicle 25 can also be visually recognized, it is also possible to visually recognize the presence of left and right obstacles. Furthermore, since the predicted trajectory of the outer front end passing through the outermost periphery when turning the vehicle 25 backward can also be grasped, contact with the left and right obstacles can be avoided.

  Furthermore, when the vehicle periphery visual recognition device 10 determines that the vehicle 25 is traveling on the road based on the situation of the vehicle 25, when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, an image behind the vehicle 25 is displayed on the display device 17. In addition, an extension line of the vehicle 25 to which the scale is given is displayed in the rear image, and when the vehicle 25 turns while traveling at a low speed, a side image in the turning direction of the vehicle 25 is displayed. The information is displayed on the display device 17.

  Specifically, when the vehicle is traveling on a general road or highway at high speed, the rear camera screen 41a or 51a is displayed on the display device 17. The rear monitoring auxiliary line 42 or 52 to which the distance guide auxiliary line 42a or 52a is added is drawn on the rear camera screen 41a or 51a. As a result, the driver can grasp the distance between the vehicle 25 that the driver is driving and another vehicle located behind. Further, when the vehicle 25 turns while traveling at a high speed, both side images in the turning direction of the vehicle 25 are displayed. Thereby, the driver | operator can visually recognize the other vehicle which overtakes from behind.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle 25 turns while traveling on a general road or an expressway at a low speed, the side camera screen 41c or 51c is displayed on the display device 17. Accordingly, the driver can visually recognize obstacles, other vehicles, and the like that exist on the side of the vehicle 25 in the turning direction. Further, when the vehicle 25 turns while traveling on a general road at a low speed, a predicted side course 45 as a predicted trajectory of the rear end of the vehicle 25 is drawn on the side camera screen 41c. . As a result, it is possible to grasp the predicted trajectory of the inner rear end that passes through the innermost circumference when turning, so that contact with the left and right obstacles can be avoided.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously based on the meaning of this invention, and does not exclude them from the scope of the present invention.

It is a figure which shows the range of the image which the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in embodiment of this invention acquires. It is a figure which shows the structure of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the whole operation | movement of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed in the case of the operation | movement of the process for parking in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process for parking of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed in the case of the operation | movement of the process for general roads in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process for general roads of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed in the case of the operation | movement of the process for expressways in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process for highways of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen displayed in the case of the operation | movement of the process for narrow streets in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process for narrow streets of the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus 11 Navigation apparatus 12 Position detection means 13 Map information database 14 Sensor signal acquisition processing apparatus 15 Corner sensor 16 Steering sensor 17 Display apparatus 21 Camera control apparatus 22 Front side camera 23 Side camera 24 Rear camera 25 Vehicle 32 The whole Expected course lines 33, 64 Side expected course lines 42, 52 Rear monitoring auxiliary lines 42a, 52a Distance guide auxiliary lines 44, 54, 63 Road lines

Claims (8)

(A) a situation acquisition device that acquires the situation of the vehicle;
(B) a photographing device for photographing the periphery of the vehicle;
(C) a vehicle periphery visual recognition device having a display device for displaying an image photographed by the photographing device;
(D) displaying a rear image of the vehicle on the display device, and displaying a scale indicating a distance from a rear end of the vehicle in the rear image;
(E) A vehicle periphery visual recognition device that changes the interval of the scales based on the vehicle status acquired by the status acquisition device. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle condition is a vehicle traveling speed, and the scale interval is changed based on the traveling speed. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle status is an attribute of a current position of the vehicle, and an interval of the scale is changed based on the attribute of the current position. When the vehicle turns when traveling at a lower speed than the predetermined speed, a side image in the turning direction of the vehicle is displayed, and when the vehicle turns when traveling at a higher speed than the predetermined speed The vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus of Claim 1 which displays the image of the side in the turning direction of this vehicle with the image of the back of the said vehicle. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 4, wherein when the vehicle turns at a lower speed than a predetermined speed, a predicted locus of a rear end portion of the vehicle is displayed in the side image. The vehicle periphery visual recognition device according to claim 5, wherein the situation acquisition device detects a steering angle of the steering, and the predicted locus is drawn based on the steering angle. The situation acquisition device detects the operating state of the direction indicator and the current position of the vehicle, and the vehicle turns when the direction indicator is operating or when the current position is a right or left turn point on the route. Then, the vehicle periphery visual recognition apparatus of any one of Claims 4-6 determined. (A) The rear image of the vehicle photographed by the photographing device is displayed on the display device, and a scale indicating the distance from the rear end of the vehicle is displayed in the rear image,
(B) A vehicle periphery visualizing method, wherein the interval of the scale is changed based on the vehicle status acquired by the status acquisition device that acquires the vehicle status.

Images