JP2008140136A - Vehicle planning support system, vehicle planning support program and vehicle planning support method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle planning support system which can evaluate visibility with high accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: The vehicle planning support system 100 is provided with: a simulation module 15j; and a visual line direction detector 7. The simulation module 15j displays a simulation image visible from a driver's visual point of a planned vehicle module in a certain running scene in a virtual space of the planned vehicle module. The visual line direction detector 7 detects a gazing point of an evaluator who looks at the simulation image. The simulation module 15j determines the driver's visual line direction, based on the gazing point or the like, and displays the simulation image in the visual line direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle planning support system, a vehicle planning support program, and a vehicle planning support method.

Conventionally, a vehicle planning support system that supports vehicle planning is known (see Patent Document 1). In this system, a planned vehicle model, which is a planned virtual vehicle, is run on a virtual road in a three-dimensional virtual space, and the driver's field of view is displayed on a screen of a display device by simulation. A viewer (for example, an evaluator) who sees the simulation display image can evaluate the influence of the vehicle component of the planned vehicle on the visibility to the outside of the vehicle.
JP 2004-164341 A

  By the way, in the vehicle planning support system described above, the evaluator can evaluate the visibility with high accuracy since the gaze point of the evaluator who is actually viewing the simulation display image is not considered in the simulation display. There wasn't.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this point, The place made into the objective is to perform highly accurate visibility evaluation.

  A first invention is a vehicle planning support system that supports vehicle planning, and includes a planned vehicle model generation unit that generates a model of a planned vehicle, and a virtual space storage unit that stores a virtual space including a virtual road. , An image display means for displaying a simulation image seen from the viewpoint of the occupant of the planned vehicle model in a traveling scene of the planned vehicle model in the virtual space, and a gaze point of the viewer who sees the simulation image Visual point direction determining means for determining the sight line direction of the occupant based on at least the gazing point, and the image display means is configured to display the simulation image in the visual line direction. It is characterized by this.

  In this way, the sight line direction determining means, at least in a certain driving scene in the virtual space of the planned vehicle model, sees the simulation image seen from the viewpoint of the occupant of the planned vehicle model based on the watch point of the viewer and the occupant in the driving scene. The visual line direction is determined, and a simulation image in the visual line direction is displayed by the image display means. As described above, since the viewer's gazing point is taken into consideration when displaying the simulation image, it is possible to evaluate the visibility with high accuracy.

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, the image display means is a left-right turn scene of an intersection of a virtual general road in the virtual space, a parking scene in a virtual parking lot in the virtual space, or the virtual space It is comprised so that the simulation image of the said gaze direction in the driving scene of the inside virtual highway may be displayed.

  Thus, by the image display means, the crew of the planned vehicle model in the left-right turn scene of the intersection of the virtual general road in the virtual space, the parking scene in the virtual parking lot in the virtual space, or the driving scene of the virtual highway in the virtual space Since the simulation image in the line-of-sight direction is displayed, it is possible to evaluate the visibility in the traveling scene where the visibility should be evaluated with high accuracy.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, a visual target determination unit that determines a visual target in the virtual space is further provided, and the image display unit applies the visual target to the simulation image in the visual line direction. It is characterized by being configured to perform a display prompting attention.

  In this way, the image display means performs a display prompting attention to the visual target in the virtual space on the simulation image of the sight line direction of the occupant of the planned vehicle model in a certain driving scene in the virtual space of the planned vehicle model. Thus, since it is urged to pay attention to the visual recognition target, it is possible to evaluate the visibility with higher accuracy.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises visual range determining means for determining the visual range of the occupant based on at least the visual line direction, and the image display means is a simulation image of the visual line direction. It is configured to display an image in the viewing range.

  As a result, the image display means displays an image of the sighting range of the occupant on the simulation image of the sight line direction of the occupant of the planned vehicle model in a certain traveling scene in the virtual space of the planned vehicle model. Since the occupant's visible range is taken into consideration in this way, more accurate visibility evaluation can be performed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle planning support system for controlling a computer that supports vehicle planning, wherein the computer includes virtual space storage means for storing a virtual space including a virtual road, and the computer In contrast, a planned vehicle model generation process for generating a model of the planned vehicle, and an image display for displaying a simulation image of the planned vehicle model seen from the viewpoint of the passenger of the planned vehicle model in a certain traveling scene in the virtual space. The image display processing is executed by performing processing, gaze point detection processing for detecting a gaze point of a viewer who sees the simulation image, and gaze direction determination processing for determining the gaze direction of the occupant based on at least the gaze point. Is characterized in that the simulation image in the line-of-sight direction is displayed.

  A sixth aspect of the invention is a vehicle planning support method for supporting vehicle planning, in which a virtual space storage means for storing a virtual space including a virtual road is provided, and a planned vehicle model for generating a model of the planned vehicle A generation step, an image display step for displaying a simulation image seen from the viewpoint of the occupant of the planned vehicle model in a certain driving scene of the planned vehicle model in the virtual space, and a gaze point of the viewer who sees the simulation image A gaze point detecting step for detecting, and a gaze direction determining step for determining a gaze direction of the occupant based on at least the gaze point, wherein the image display step displays the simulation image in the gaze direction. It is what.

  According to the present invention, at least in the traveling scene in the virtual space of the planned vehicle model, the sight line direction of the occupant in the traveling scene is based on the gazing point of the viewer who sees the simulation image viewed from the viewpoint of the occupant of the planned vehicle model And a simulation image in the line-of-sight direction is displayed. As described above, since the viewer's gaze point is taken into consideration when displaying the simulation image, it is possible to evaluate the visibility with high accuracy.

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

(Overall system configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle planning support system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle planning support system 100 includes a computer 1 and a database server 2 connected to a network. The computer 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14, an HD (Hard Disk) 15, an input / output interface (I / O) 16, an image processing unit 18, and a communication unit 19. The main body is provided and connected to each other by a bus 12. An input device 20 and a display 17 are provided outside the main body, and are connected to the input / output interface 16 and the image processing unit 18, respectively.

  The CPU 11 is an arithmetic / control processor that controls the entire computer 1. The ROM 13 is a non-volatile memory that stores a boot program executed by the CPU 11, fixed values, and the like. The RAM 14 is a volatile memory for temporarily storing data and programs. The HD 15 is a storage medium that stores an OS executed by the computer 1 and various program modules. The input / output interface 16 is an interface for inputting / outputting data between the computer 1 main body and the input device 20. The input device 20 is a device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting commands and data. The display 17 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT that outputs characters and image data calculated by the image processing unit 18 based on a control command from the CPU 11. The image processing unit 18 is a unit that performs arithmetic processing on image data to be displayed on the projector type display device 6 and the display 17. The communication unit 19 is a unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the database server 2, the projector type display device 6, and the line-of-sight direction detection device 7 (corresponding to a gaze point detection unit) via a wireless or wired communication line. .

  Specifically, the RAM 14 temporarily stores a program execution area 14a for temporarily storing a program executed by the CPU 11 during the vehicle planning support process, and vehicle specification data input by the user. An original value storage area 14b, various model storage areas 14c for storing various models related to the planned vehicle, a display image storage area 14d for temporarily storing display images, and a simulation setting storage area 14e for storing simulation settings. ing.

  The HD 15 stores a program module for supporting the planning of a new vehicle. Specifically, the HD 15 includes a design table creation module 15a for generating a design table in which vehicle specification value data is compiled, a reference model construction module 15b for constructing a reference model with reference to the design table, An external model construction module 15c for constructing an external model with reference to the design table, a structural model construction module 15d for constructing a structural model with reference to the design table, and an interior model construction for constructing an interior model with reference to the design table A module 15e, a visibility-related part model construction module 15f that constructs a visibility-related part model with reference to the setting table, and a part model construction module that generates a part model representing the parts included in the planned vehicle in three-dimensional data 15g, built reference model, outline model, structure Planned vehicle model registration module 15h (corresponding to planned vehicle model generation means) for registering combinations of Dell, interior model, visibility-related part model, etc., model display module 15i for displaying various models, and the generated planned vehicle model A simulation module 15j that simulates the visibility of a driver (equivalent to an occupant) during traveling and calculates the degree of influence that the constructed visibility-related part model has on visibility from the driver to the outside of the vehicle is vehicle planning support Stored as a program. The simulation module 15j corresponds to a line-of-sight direction determining unit, a viewing range determining unit, a viewing target determining unit, and an image display unit.

  The HD 15 includes a design table file (hereinafter referred to as a design table) 15k generated by the design table creation module 15a and various model files (hereinafter referred to as various models) 15l generated by the various model construction modules 15b to 15g. And a simulation image file 15m generated in the simulation module 15j.

  The design table creation module 15a may not be a completely original program module, but may be a module that uses a part of functions of spreadsheet software that operates on an operating system, for example.

  In addition, the various model building modules 15b to 15g other than the visibility-related part model building module 15f and the model display module 15i may be modules using some functions of the three-dimensional CAD software. In this case, the various models 15l other than the visibility-related part model are constructed by the three-dimensional CAD software extracting vehicle specification values from the design table 15k and performing a predetermined calculation.

  In addition, the design table creation module 15a, the reference model construction module 15b, the external model construction module 15c, the structural model construction module 15d, the interior model construction module 15e, the visibility related part model construction module 15f, the part model construction module 15g, the planned vehicle model The registration module 15h, the model display module 15i, and the simulation module 15j may be packaged together as one vehicle planning support application.

  Moreover, although HD15 is provided with the simulation module 15j which performs both a simulation display and visibility influence degree calculation, you may provide separately the module which performs the module which performs simulation display, and the visibility influence degree calculation.

  The computer 1 includes the HD 15 as a non-volatile mass storage medium, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. Examples of other storage media that replace HD include flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs (DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs), and the like. That is, a vehicle planning support program is stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and the vehicle planning support program is realized by reading and executing the vehicle planning support program using a drive corresponding to the storage medium. It doesn't matter.

(Data structure and model construction process)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing data included in the computer 1 and the database server 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the database server 2 includes an occupant / seat / wheel database 2a, an outer shape database 2b, a structure database 2c, an interior database 2d, a visibility-related component database 2e, a general-purpose component database 2f, A completed vehicle database 2g and a virtual space database 2h (corresponding to virtual space storage means) are included.

  The occupant / seat / wheel database 2a is an occupant base model that represents the shape of an occupant defined by occupant sizes (standard standards for adults and children) in accordance with domestic and foreign standards in three-dimensional data. The seat base model represented by the data and the wheel base model represented by the three-dimensional data of the wheel shape are accumulated and managed. The outer shape database 2b stores and manages an outer shape base model expressing a typical external shape of a vehicle by three-dimensional data, classified for each vehicle type. The outer shape base model is expressed by three-dimensional data having the most general shape without any outer features for each vehicle type such as hatchback, minivan, sedan, sports, open, and truck. The outer shape base model includes a plurality of surface data with attributes added as doors, bonnets, and rear hatches, and display / non-display of each surface can be selected.

  The structure database 2c stores and manages a structure-based model in which a typical framework of a vehicle is represented by three-dimensional data, classified for each vehicle type. The interior database 2d accumulates and manages an interior base model in which typical interiors provided in the vehicle are expressed by three-dimensional data.

  The visibility-related component database 2e stores and manages a visibility-related component base model in which typical visibility-related components of a vehicle are expressed by three-dimensional data. The visibility-related component base model is generated based on scan data obtained by scanning an existing visibility-related component with high accuracy (fine scan pitch) by 3D scanning. That is, the external shape of the visibility-related component base model approximates the external shape of the existing visibility-related component. Note that base models other than the visibility-related component base model may be generated based on scan data obtained by scanning those actual objects with low accuracy (coarse scan pitch) by 3D scanning, for example.

  The general-purpose component database 2f stores and manages images of general-purpose components such as handles and rear spoilers. The images managed here are not limited to three-dimensional images but also include two-dimensional images. The completed vehicle database 2g accumulates and manages a real vehicle model in which a real vehicle is represented by three-dimensional data in addition to the completed planned vehicle model.

  The virtual space database 2h accumulates and manages three-dimensional virtual space data representing a virtual space in which a planned vehicle model or a real vehicle model travels virtually. The virtual space database 2h includes a plurality of types of three-dimensional virtual space data generated using real roads as models, such as general roads, parking lots, highways, and mountain roads. Each virtual space data has a virtual general road, a virtual parking lot, a virtual highway, a virtual mountain road, a virtual columnar object, a virtual vehicle, a virtual building, a virtual pedestrian, and the like as virtual objects. The virtual columnar object is a columnar object simulating a pedestrian or a two-wheeled vehicle. The virtual pillars p are spaced apart from each other at, for example, a side edge of a virtual general road, a crosswalk at an intersection (see FIGS. 3 and 4), a side edge of a parking space of a virtual parking lot, a virtual highway, and the like. It is arranged in multiple. For example, the virtual vehicle is arranged in a parking space of a virtual parking lot.

  In addition, the virtual space database 2h stores gaze point data that represents a position where the driver gazes when the vehicle travels in the virtual space corresponding to each virtual space data. The gazing point data is data indicating a change in the position of the gazing point with time. This gazing point data has, as a gazing point position, a swing angle (gazing angle) from the vehicle traveling direction (or the center of the screen) as a parameter. Further, it is desirable that this gazing point data is prepared for each vehicle type.

  The gaze point data will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the gazing point data 903 includes the driver's eyeball position (eye movement) data 901 and head rotation data 902 measured when the vehicle runs on a real road that is a model of a virtual road. Is a data representing the line-of-sight position from the driver of the planned vehicle. In the graph 903, the vertical axis represents the horizontal deflection angle from the vehicle traveling direction, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time. Here, for simplification of explanation, an addition state in which attention is paid only to the horizontal direction component of the gazing point position is shown, but the gazing point data also has a vertical direction component of the gazing point position. Needless to say. As described above, since the gaze point data is generated by the combination of the eyeball position data and the head rotation data, it is possible to simulate the gaze behavior almost the same as that of an actual driver.

  The computer 1 executes the design table creation module 15a based on user input. The design table creation module 15a displays the input screen shown in FIG. 6 and prompts for input of basic specification values such as the number of sheets, the sheet position, the total length, the total height, and the total width. 6A is an input table of specification values, and FIGS. 6B and 6C are respectively a vehicle front view image and a side view image showing corresponding portions of the specification values input in the input table. It is possible to input a numerical value in the portion of “...”. The specification values that can be entered in these figures are wheel base 1101, total width 1102, total height 1103, front overhang 1105, rear overhang 1106, horizontal position 1107 of cowl point CW, vertical position 1108 of cowl point CW, and windshield tilt 1109. It is. The specification values to be input are not limited to this, and a plurality of screens similar to those in FIG. 6 may be prepared in order to input other various specification values. And the design table 15k is created based on the inputted specification value. That is, the design table 15k includes various specification values related to the planned vehicle such as information on the seating position of the occupant.

  The computer 1 executes the reference model construction module 15b based on the user input. The reference model construction module 15b constructs a reference model 1a that expresses the living space of the vehicle based on the specification values set in the design table 15k. The reference model 1a includes line data indicating the riding posture of the occupant. The line data includes a line segment that connects a head point indicating the head position of the occupant, a hip point indicating the hip position, a knee point indicating the knee position, and a heel point indicating the heel position. The occupant model can be included in the reference model 1a by reading out an occupant base model representing the occupant's posture in a three-dimensional manner from the occupant / seat / wheel database 2a and deforming it along the line data.

  The reference model 1a includes point data indicating the steering wheel position, point data indicating the driver's viewpoint position, and line data indicating the driver's front view and rear view. Further, the reference model construction module 15b deforms and arranges the seat base model read from the occupant / seat / wheel database 2a based on hip point data set in the design table 15k, and the like, and uses the reference model 1a as a seat model. Can be part of

  The computer 1 executes the outline model construction module 15c based on the user input. The outline model construction module 15c reads the outline base model from the outline database 2b, and deforms it based on the specification values set in the design table 15k to construct the outline model 1b. That is, the computer 1 reads the outer shape base model from the outer shape database 2b based on the vehicle type (any of hatchback, minivan, sedan, sports, open, and truck) set in the design table 15k. Then, using various specifications (full length, full width, full height, wheel base, front, and rear overhang) stored in the design table 15k, predetermined external parameters (coordinates of bumper tip positions and roofs) included in the external base model are used. By changing the coordinates of the top, etc., a rough outline model 1b along the specifications is constructed. In other words, a three-dimensional external shape base model that can be automatically deformed according to the specification values is prepared in the database.

  Further, the computer 1 can locally deform the outer shape model 1 b in accordance with an input from the input device 20. The outline base model is configured on the basis of three-dimensional data of a plurality of control points having a correlation with each other. When the input device 20 instructs the movement of the control point in a state where the outline model is displayed as an image, the outline model is displayed. It is deformed locally. Specifically, the outline base model follows the definition points that are defined by the input specification values as control points, and the definition points so that the vehicle shape does not become unnatural. And a follow-up point that moves. Then, with the external shape model roughly determined by the specification values displayed as an image, the tracking point displayed on the image can be freely moved using a pointing device, and the external shape of the planned vehicle can be finely adjusted. To do.

  The computer 1 executes the structural model construction module 15d based on the user input. The structural model construction module 15d reads out the structural base model from the structural database 2c and deforms it based on the specification values set in the design table 15k to construct the structural model 1c.

  The computer 1 executes the interior model construction module 15e based on the user input. The interior model construction module 15e reads out the interior base model from the interior database 2d and transforms it based on the specification values set in the design table 15k to construct the interior model 1d. Interior models include front pillar trim, center pillar trim, rear pillar trim, door trim, instrument panel and roof trim. Of the driver model having a handle, only the arm model may be included as an interior model. Moreover, the structure which sets a color about each of these interior parts by the design table 15k may be sufficient.

  The computer 1 executes the visibility-related part model construction module 15f based on the user input. The visibility-related part model construction module 15f reads the visibility-related part base model from the visibility-related part database 2e and deforms it based on the specification values set in the design table 15k to construct the visibility-related part model 1e. To do. The visibility-related part model 1e is a model that has a large influence on visibility from the driver to the outside of the vehicle. The visibility-related part model 1e includes a front pillar and a door mirror model that have a large influence on the visibility from the driver to the front of the vehicle, a rear pillar that has a large influence on the visibility from the driver to the rear of the vehicle, and a headrest of the back seat. And a back window model, and a door belt line model that has a large influence on visibility from the driver to the diagonally backward direction of the vehicle.

  The external shape of the visibility-related part model 1e is modeled with higher accuracy than the external shapes of the other models 1a to 1d. The three-dimensional shape of the visibility-related component model 1e can be precisely created based on the visibility-related component base model, based on scan data obtained by scanning an existing visibility-related component with high accuracy using a 3D scanner. It is because it is generated. As a result, the external shape of the visibility-related part model 1e approximates the external shape of the existing visibility-related part.

  Here, only the outer shape of the visibility-related part model 1e is accurately modeled, but at least the three-dimensional shape of the visibility-related part model 1e among the models 1a to 1e may be made with high precision. For example, all models 1a The outer shape of ˜1e may be precisely shaped. Furthermore, the means for accurately creating the three-dimensional shape of the visibility-related part model 1e is not limited to the above method, and any means may be used.

  The reference model 1a, external model 1b, structural model 1c, interior model 1d, and visibility-related part model 1e constructed in this way are shown in FIGS. 7A to 7E using the model display module 15i. As shown in FIG. 7 (f), all can be displayed in combination, or only the specified models of all models can be displayed in combination. In the combination display, the visibility related part model 1e generated by the visibility related part model construction module 15f is replaced with the visibility related part model 1e included in each of the models 1a to 1d generated by the other modules 15b to 15e. Display with priority over. In other words, the visibility-related part model 1e constructed by the visibility-related part model construction module 15f is displayed, and the visibility-related part model 1e included in each of the models 1a to 1d constructed by the other modules 15b to 15e. Is partially hidden. The same applies to the following simulation display.

  Thus, the visibility-related part model 1e constructed by the visibility-related part model construction module 15f is preferentially displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the visibility-related component may be removed in advance from each base model other than the visibility-related component base model.

  And the presence or absence of interference of each model is confirmed by combination display. That is, it is visually verified that the passenger's head clearance and the driver's visibility are insufficient, and each model is changed based on the verification result. If the passenger's seating position and seating posture determined by the reference model are unsatisfactory with respect to the passenger compartment space set by the external model or structural model, the seating position can be shifted, the seating posture can be changed, the roof Make adjustments such as raising the position. In this way, the outer shape model can be constructed independently of the living space model, and the outer shape can be set effectively with free ideas without being restricted by the constraints of the internal space. Conversely, it is possible to plan living spaces with free ideas without being bound by the external shape.

  Here, the outer shape model 1b is data representing a very plain outer shape that does not include any accessories such as a wiper. Therefore, when the planned vehicle model 1g, which is simply a combination of the reference model 1a, the outer model 1b, and the structural model 1c, is displayed, it gives an unsatisfactory impression to the user familiar with the actual vehicle. May not be performed correctly. Therefore, in the present system 100, in order to give an impression close to that of an actual vehicle, a wiper is added and displayed, or a normal handle included in the interior model is displayed in place of another characteristic handle. It has a function.

  Specifically, when displaying the projected image of the planned vehicle model 1g on the model display module 15i, the component image read from the general-purpose component database 2f is displayed in an overlapping manner according to the user input. In other words, the user can select a general-purpose component to be added to the planned vehicle from the general-purpose component database 2f and easily attach it to the planned vehicle model 1g. As a result, it is possible to easily visualize a vehicle with various parts attached, and to give an impression close to an actual vehicle when displaying a planned vehicle. Examples of general-purpose parts for which such part image data is prepared include a door, a wiper, an operation panel of a car navigation system, a meter, an operation panel of an audio system, or a handle.

  On the other hand, the outer shape base model 2b and the structure base model 2c are data of general shapes having no characteristics because they are the bases of all planned vehicles. Therefore, when planning a vehicle with a completely novel design, it can be assumed that it is not possible to cope with the deformation alone. Therefore, the system 100 has a function of making it possible to separately create a part model with a completely new design, partially hiding the outer shape model and the structural model, and combining and displaying the newly created part model.

  More specifically, if the base model read from the database server 2 is not enough to cope with it, the part model creation module 15g is executed to create a newly created part model 1f and incorporate it into the planned vehicle model 1g. Can do.

  In this way, a new part model representing three-dimensional data representing parts that can be included in the planned vehicle is generated, and the outer shape base model and the occupant base model are transformed into models generated according to the specification value data, respectively. By combining them, it becomes possible to express a vehicle of a completely new concept that exceeds the existing concept in a three-dimensional space.

(Planned vehicle model registration)
As described above, the reference model 1a, the external model 1b, the structural model 1c, the interior model 1d, the visibility-related part model 1e, and the part model 1f constructed by the model construction modules 15b to 15g are various model files 15l. Each is stored in HD15. However, the number of models constructed in the planning of one vehicle is not limited to one, and a plurality of reference models 1a, external models b, structural models 1c, interior models 1d, and visibility-related component models 1e for the same planning. It is desirable to construct a part model 1f.

  If at least a plurality of reference models 1a and a plurality of external models 1b are stored in the HD 15, the planned vehicle model registration module 15h can receive a plurality of reference models 1a stored in the HD 15 and a plurality of external shapes in response to user input instructions. The model 1b is arbitrarily combined and registered as the planned vehicle model 1g.

  A plurality of planned vehicle models 1g obtained by combining different external models 1b with respect to one reference model 1a, or a plurality of planned vehicle models 1g combined with different reference models 1a with respect to one external model 1b are displayed. By displaying them, it is possible to easily generate a planned vehicle model 1g having the same outer shape and a different living space in the vehicle and a planned vehicle model 1g having the same living space and a different outer shape, and comparing these planned vehicle models 1g. An optimal vehicle can be planned.

(Planning verification process)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the overall flow of the plan verification process using the modules 15a to 15k.

  First, in step S1401, a design table 15k is created. Next, in steps S1402 to S1406, the reference model 1a, the external model 1b, the structural model 1c, the interior model 1d, and the visibility-related part model 1e are constructed using the data input to the design table 15k. If it is not possible to cope with the deformation of the base model alone, a newly created part model 1f is constructed in step S1407.

  In step S1408, the models 1a to 1f are combined and displayed in a superimposed manner. At that time, in step S1409, general-purpose parts may be added and displayed. If it is confirmed as a result of the superimposed display that there is no interference between the occupant and the outer shape, the process proceeds from step S1410 to step S1411, and a planned vehicle model 1g combining all the models 1a to 1f is generated and stored.

  If there is a problem as a result of the superimposed display in step S1408, the process returns from step S1410 to step S1401, and the design table 15k is changed or the models 1a to 1f are modified and corrected on the display screen.

  When the planned vehicle model 1g is generated in step S1411, the process proceeds to step S1412 to activate the simulation module 15j, and the driving conditions in the virtual space of the planned vehicle model 1g are the driving scene, sunshine direction, weather, driving speed. And so on. Examples of driving scenes include left and right turn scenes at intersections of ordinary roads, driving scenes of ordinary roads in urban areas, parking scenes in parking lots, lane change scenes on expressways, driving scenes on expressways, and mountains. The driving scene on the right curve of the road is displayed in a selectable manner. As the traveling speed, for example, an input screen for inputting the numerical value is displayed, or a low speed, a medium speed, and a high speed are displayed so as to be selectable.

  In step S1413, depending on which of the “viewing target designation evaluation mode” button 601, the “measured value gazing point evaluation mode” button 602, and the “evaluator gazing point evaluation mode” button 603 is selected on the screen shown in FIG. As the visibility evaluation mode, one of a visual target designation evaluation mode, an actual measurement gazing point evaluation mode, and an evaluator gazing point evaluation mode is selected.

  When the visual target designation evaluation mode is selected, the visual target designation evaluation mode is selected according to which of the “visual target stationary mode” button 604 and the “visual target movement mode” button 605 is selected on the screen shown in FIG. Then, one of the visual target stationary mode and the visual target movement mode is selected.

  When the measured value gazing point evaluation mode is selected, the age of the driver is set as the driver characteristics. As the driver's age, for example, an input screen for inputting the numerical value is displayed, or adolescence, middle age, and old age are displayed so as to be selectable.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S1414, and the landscape data read from the database server 2 and the three-dimensional data of the planned vehicle model 1g are combined in accordance with the traveling conditions set in step S1412. And the simulation image | video which can be seen from the driver | operator's viewpoint of the plan vehicle model 1g is displayed on the display 17 or the project type display apparatus 6, and an evaluator evaluates visibility. If the visual target designation evaluation mode is selected in step S1413, a circle or cross image is embedded in the simulation video. If the measured value gazing point evaluation mode is selected in step S1413, an image of the driver's gazing point and effective visual field is embedded in the simulation video. Further, a visibility influence degree calculation process is performed.

  As a result of the simulation display and the visibility influence calculation, if there is no problem in visibility under all driving conditions, the process proceeds to the creation of a planning document and the design development. When re-evaluation is performed under another traveling condition, the process returns from step S1415 to step S1412, the traveling condition is changed, and simulation display and visibility influence calculation are performed again. If there is any problem, the process returns from step S1416 to step S1401, and the design table 15k is corrected to change or correct the problematic visibility-related part model 1e, or to change the visibility-related part model 1e on the display screen. The visibility-related part model 1e is replaced with another visibility-related part model 1e stored in the HD 15, and is deformed / corrected.

(Simulation display process)
Next, the simulation display process shown in step S1414 of FIG. 8 will be described in detail.

<Viewing target designation evaluation mode>
In the visual target designation evaluation mode, the planned vehicle model 1g to be simulated is read from the completed vehicle database 2g, and based on the travel scene selected in step S1412, the virtual space data and corresponding notes are obtained from the virtual space database 2h. Read viewpoint data. In the planned vehicle model 1g, the viewpoint position of the driver is defined, the line-of-sight direction from the viewpoint position is determined based on the point-of-gaze data, and the gaze is displayed to the evaluator while displaying the view field image in that direction. Display a circle or cross image to prompt.

  That is, the simulation module 15j causes the planned vehicle model 1g, which is a planned virtual vehicle, to travel on a virtual road in a three-dimensional virtual space stored in advance in the virtual space database 2h, and the driver's field of view is displayed on the screen of the display 17. A simulation display is displayed on top, and images such as circles and crosses are superimposed and displayed on the simulation display screen. A portion surrounded by the circle or a portion located near the cross of the cross is a predetermined visual target in the virtual space. The visual recognition target is estimated to be visually recognized by the driver. In this way, the evaluator who evaluates the visibility is urged to pay attention to the visual recognition target rather than just watching the video. Thereby, highly accurate visibility evaluation can be performed. In the simulation display screen, the driver's gazing point is displayed in the center.

  Examples of simulation display screens are shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a simulation display screen when the planned vehicle model 1g makes a right turn at an intersection of a virtual general road. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a simulation display screen when the planned vehicle model 1g is traveling on the right curve of the virtual mountain road. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a simulation display screen when the planned vehicle model 1g parks backward in the parking space of the virtual parking lot.

  The visual recognition target is determined based on the selected traveling scene. For example, in a scene in which the planned vehicle model 1g turns right at an intersection of a virtual general road, a plurality of virtual columnar objects p arranged on the pedestrian crossing at the right front of the intersection are selected as visual targets (see FIG. 10). When driving on the right curve of the road, the vehicle traveling side of the right curve is selected as the object to be viewed (see FIG. 11), and when parking backward in the parking space of the virtual parking lot, parking on the left side of the parking space is performed. The right front end portion of the virtual vehicle parked in the space is selected as a visual recognition target (see FIG. 12). When the planned vehicle model 1g makes a left turn at an intersection of a virtual general road, a plurality of virtual columnar objects arranged at the left edge in front of the intersection are selected as objects to be viewed, and a lane is being traveled while traveling on a virtual highway. In the scene to be changed, a plurality of virtual columnar objects arranged in the lane are selected as objects to be viewed. Furthermore, in a scene where the parking space of the virtual parking lot is parked backward, a plurality of virtual columnar objects arranged at the right edge of the parking space adjacent to the left of the parking space may be selected as the visual recognition target. As described above, the visual recognition target can be adapted to the traveling scene.

  Although a circle or cross image is superimposed and displayed on the simulation display image, any display may be performed on the simulation display image as long as it is possible to promote attention to the visual recognition target.

  If the viewing object movement mode is selected in step S1413, the viewing object moves at a predetermined speed in the virtual space. Thereby, evaluation of the visibility of the moving visual recognition object can be performed with higher accuracy. On the other hand, if the visual target stationary mode is selected in step S1413, the visual target is stationary in the virtual space.

  The visual recognition target may be deformable. For example, in the simulation display image of FIG. 12, the sedan type virtual vehicle parked in the parking space on the left side of the parking space where the planned vehicle is to be parked is changed to the hatchback type based on the user input. be able to. Thereby, the visibility of various virtual vehicles can be evaluated with high accuracy.

  In addition to displaying a circle or cross image superimposed on a simulation display image representing the field of view of the driver of the planned vehicle model 1g, for example, a real vehicle model stored in the database server 2, virtual space data, gazing point data, etc. Based on the above, it is desirable to display the simulation of the driver's field of view of the real vehicle model in the driving scene selected in step S1412 while displaying a circle or cross image. The method of determining the visual target of the real vehicle model is the same as the method of determining the visual target of the planned vehicle model 1g. In this way, the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle can be compared with the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle by displaying the simulation of the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle. Thereby, evaluation of visibility with higher accuracy can be performed. It is also possible to simultaneously display an image representing the field of view of the driver of the planned vehicle and an image representing the field of view of the driver of the actual vehicle at the same time or in a superimposed manner.

  Although the visual recognition target is determined according to the driving scene, it is not limited to this. For example, the driver's visual range (for example, the driver's effective visual field or gaze stable visual field) is determined based on at least the driver's line-of-sight direction, and the virtual object in the virtual space is present within the visual range. May be determined as a visual recognition target. The viewing range is a range that is visible to the driver. Thereby, a visual recognition object can be made to suit the visual recognition range of a driver.

  In the simulation display images of FIGS. 10 to 12, the external shape of the visibility-related part model 1 e such as the front pillar, the door mirror, the rear pillar, the headrest of the back seat, the back window, and the door belt line in the planned vehicle model 1 g is The other models 1a to 1d and 1f are displayed as being more accurate than the outer shape. Thus, the three-dimensional shape of the visibility-related part model 1e is correctly displayed because the visibility-related part base model is based on scan data obtained by scanning an existing visibility-related part with high accuracy by 3D scanning. This is because the visibility-related component model 1e is constructed based on the visibility-related component base model. Thereby, highly accurate visibility evaluation can be performed.

  Examples of the external shape of the planned vehicle model 1g are shown in FIGS. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the outer shape of the planned vehicle model 1g. As is clear from FIG. 13, the external shape of the visibility-related part model 1e such as the front pillar, door mirror, rear pillar, back window, and door belt line is fine, but the external shape of the instrument panel of the interior model 1d is It is rough. FIG. 14A is an enlarged view showing the outer shape of a certain visibility-related part model 1e, and FIG. 14B is an enlarged view showing the outer shape of a part included in the outer model 1b. As is apparent from FIG. 14, the external shape of the visibility-related part model 1e is smooth, but the external form of the parts of the external model 1b is staggered.

  It should be noted that only the outer shape of the visibility-related part model 1e is displayed accurately in the actual measurement value gazing point evaluation mode and the evaluator gazing point mode. Further, as described above, when the three-dimensional shapes of all the models 1a to 1e are modeled with high accuracy, the three-dimensional shapes of the models 1a to 1f are displayed as accurate. Furthermore, as described above, when the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle is displayed by simulation, only the outer shape of the visibility-related component is displayed accurately.

<Measured value gaze point evaluation mode>
In the measured value gazing point evaluation mode, the planned vehicle model 1g is read from the completed vehicle database 2g, and the virtual space data and the corresponding gazing point data are read from the virtual space database 2h based on the traveling scene selected in step S1412. . In the planned vehicle model 1g, the viewpoint position of the driver is defined, the direction of the line of sight from the viewpoint position is determined based on the gazing point data, and the gazing direction is displayed to the evaluator while displaying the view field image in that direction. An image of the driver's gaze point (central vision) and effective visual field (corresponding to the viewing range) for prompting is displayed. The effective visual field is a peripheral visual field that can be seen without the driver moving his / her head.

  That is, the simulation module 15j causes the planned vehicle model 1g to travel on a virtual road in the three-dimensional virtual space stored in advance in the virtual space database 2h, and displays the driver's field of view on the screen of the display 17 as a simulation. An image of the driver's gazing point and effective visual field is superimposed and displayed on the simulation display image. In this way, the evaluator who evaluates the visibility is urged to pay attention to the effective field of view rather than just watching the video. Thereby, highly accurate visibility evaluation can be performed.

  An example of the simulation display screen is shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a simulation display screen when the planned vehicle model 1g is traveling on the right curve of the virtual mountain road.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the effective visual field is determined based on the driver's line-of-sight direction, viewing distance, and viewing angle.

  Here, the viewing distance is the distance from the viewpoint position of the driver to the position where the vehicle head (front end) of the planned vehicle model 1g is predicted to arrive after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). Thereby, the viewing distance becomes longer as the traveling speed increases. Then, the effective visual field is determined based on a point that is away from the driver's viewpoint position in the visual line direction by a visual distance.

The viewing angle is set based on a predetermined reference viewing angle, the age of the driver, the traveling scene, and the traveling speed. The viewing angle θ is determined based on the following equation, where θ0 is a reference viewing angle.
θ = θ0 × k1 × k2 × k3

  As shown in FIG. 17A, k1 is set smaller as the age increases. As a result, the viewing angle θ decreases as the age increases.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, k2 is set larger when the planned vehicle model 1g is parked in the parking space of the virtual parking lot than when the planned vehicle model 1g is traveling on the virtual highway. When the scene is traveling on a road, it is set to be larger than when the scene is traveling on a virtual general road that exists in an urban area. As a result, the viewing angle θ becomes larger when the parking scene is in the parking lot than when the highway driving scene, whereas when the highway driving scene is larger than the general road traveling scene in the urban area. Become.

  As shown in FIG. 17C, k3 is set to be smaller as the traveling speed is higher. As a result, the viewing angle θ is set smaller as the traveling speed is faster.

  As described above, the viewing angle can be adapted to the age, the traveling scene, and the traveling speed, and the effective visual field can be adapted to the age, the traveling scene, and the traveling speed.

  In this way, the viewing angle is set based on the reference viewing angle, the driver's age, the driving scene, and the driving speed, but at least at the reference viewing angle and at least one of the driver's characteristics and driving conditions. It may be set based on.

  Although the driver's effective visual field is determined as the driver's peripheral visual field, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the driver's effective visual field or gaze stable visual field may be determined as the driver's peripheral visual field based on the driving scene. The gaze stable visual field is a peripheral visual field that is wider than the effective visual field, which is visible when the driver moves the head a little. Specifically, the effective visual field is selected as the peripheral visual field when the planned vehicle model 1g travels in the urban area of the virtual general road, and the gaze stable visual field is the peripheral visual field when driving on the virtual highway. Chosen as. As a result, the peripheral visual field can be adapted to the traveling scene.

  Although the driver's effective visual field is determined as the visual range of the driver, any range may be determined as the visual range of the driver as long as it is determined based on at least the direction of the driver's line of sight.

  In addition to displaying the driver's gaze point and effective field of view superimposed on the simulation display image representing the driver's field of view of the planned vehicle model 1g, for example, the real vehicle model and virtual space data stored in the database server 2 are displayed. On the basis of the gazing point data and the like, while displaying the gazing point and the effective visual field image of the driver of the real vehicle model in the driving scene selected in step S1412, an image representing the sight of the driver is displayed. desirable. The method of determining the effective field of view of the driver of the real vehicle model is the same as the method of determining the effective field of view of the driver of the virtual vehicle model 1g. In this way, the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle can be compared with the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle by displaying the simulation of the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle. Thereby, evaluation of visibility with higher accuracy can be performed. It is also possible to simultaneously display an image representing the field of view of the driver of the planned vehicle and an image representing the field of view of the driver of the actual vehicle at the same time or in a superimposed manner.

<Evaluator gaze mode>
In the evaluator gazing point evaluation mode, the planned vehicle model 1g is read from the completed vehicle database 2g, and the virtual space data is read from the virtual space database 2h based on the traveling scene selected in step S1412. In the planned vehicle model 1g, the driver's viewpoint position is defined, and the driver's gaze direction from the viewpoint position is determined based on the viewpoint position and detection data detected by the gaze direction detection device 7, A view field image in that direction is displayed.

  That is, the simulation module 15j causes the planned vehicle model 1g to travel on a virtual road in the three-dimensional virtual space stored in advance in the virtual space database 2h, and based on the detection data from the line-of-sight direction detection device 7, the driver The field of view is displayed on the screen of the projector type display device 6 by simulation.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the projector type display device 6 includes a flat screen 61 and a projector 62. The projector 62 projects a simulation image that can be seen from the viewpoint of the driver in the traveling scene onto the flat screen 61. Then, an evaluator r (equivalent to a viewer) sitting on a chair in front of the flat screen 61 can see the simulation display screen.

  The line-of-sight direction detection device 7 includes a head track 71 (see FIG. 20) mounted on the evaluator r's head and two position detection cameras 72 and 72. The head track 71 is provided with a position reference mark 71a and a gazing point detection sensor (not shown) for detecting gazing point data indicating a position gazed by the evaluator r. The gazing point data is data indicating a change in the position of the gazing point with time. The gazing point data has a deflection angle from the vehicle traveling direction (or the center of the screen) as a parameter as the position of the gazing point. The position of the position reference mark 71a is detected by the position detection cameras 72 and 72.

  Then, the evaluator r sets a predetermined position with respect to the position of the position reference mark 71a detected by the position detection cameras 72 and 72 in a state where the evaluator r faces directly in front of the flat screen 61 (simulation display screen). And the simulation display screen is scrolled so that the driver's viewpoint position is directly opposite the viewpoint position. Then, the gaze direction of the evaluator r from the viewpoint position is determined based on the viewpoint position of the evaluator r and the gaze point data detected by the gaze point detection sensor, and the direction is assumed to be the driver's gaze direction. A view field image in that direction is displayed on the flat screen 61.

  An example of the simulation display screen is shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a simulation display screen of the driver's forward view in the forward scene of the planned vehicle model 1g. In the reverse scene, if the evaluator r sits backward with respect to the flat screen 61 and looks back in that state, a simulation screen of the driver's rear view is displayed.

  Although the simulation display screen is moved so that the driver's viewpoint position is directly in front of the viewpoint position of the evaluator r, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the evaluator r may sit so that the viewpoint position faces the driver's viewpoint position. Further, the gaze direction of the evaluator r is determined based on the position of the position reference mark 71a and the gazing point data, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the gaze point of the evaluator r may be estimated based on the position of the position reference mark 71a, and the gaze direction of the evaluator r may be determined based on the viewpoint position of the evaluator r and the gaze point data thereof. Furthermore, the means for determining the driver's line-of-sight direction may be any method as long as it is determined based on the gaze point data of the evaluator r.

  As the travel scene, it is desirable to select a right / left turn scene at an intersection of a general road, a parking scene in a parking lot, a lane change scene on an expressway, or an expressway travel scene. Thereby, the evaluation of the visibility in the traveling scene where the visibility should be evaluated can be performed with high accuracy.

  Similar to the visual target designation evaluation mode, for example, a visual target in the virtual space may be determined based on a traveling scene, and a display for prompting attention to the visual target may be displayed on the simulation display screen (see FIGS. 10 to 12). ). As a result, it is possible to prompt the evaluator r who evaluates the visibility to focus attention on the object to be viewed instead of simply watching the video, and to evaluate the visibility with higher accuracy. .

  Similar to the measured value gazing point evaluation mode, the driver's visual range (for example, the driver's effective visual field, stable visual field of sight, etc.) is determined based on at least the driver's gaze direction, and the image of the visual range is displayed on the simulation display image. May be displayed in an overlapping manner (see FIG. 15). As a result, it is possible to prompt the evaluator r who evaluates the visibility to focus attention on the viewing range rather than simply watching the video, and to evaluate the visibility with higher accuracy. .

  In addition to the simulation display of the driver's field of view of the planned vehicle model 1g, it is desirable to display the simulation of the driver's field of view of the actual vehicle model in the traveling scene selected in step S1412. In this way, the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle can be compared with the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle by displaying the simulation of the field of view of the driver of the real vehicle. Thereby, evaluation of visibility with higher accuracy can be performed.

  If there is a problem with the visibility in the simulation display as described above, the visibility or the like is changed to improve the visibility.

(Visibility impact calculation processing)
Next, the visibility influence degree calculation process shown in step S1414 in FIG. 8 will be described in detail.

<Viewing target designation evaluation mode>
In the visual recognition target designation evaluation mode, the simulation module 15j executes the planned vehicle model in the driving scene selected in step S1412 based on, for example, the planned display model or the planned vehicle model 1g or virtual space data stored in the database server 2. The degree of influence that the 1g visibility-related component model 1e has on the visibility of a predetermined visual target in the virtual space is calculated. Specifically, in the travel scene, the visibility-related component model 1e calculates the interference time that interferes with the visual recognition of the visual target as the degree of influence. In this way, by calculating the interference time between the visibility-related parts of the planned vehicle and the visual target in the virtual space, the visibility can be evaluated as a clearer index.

  For example, in a scene where the planned vehicle model 1g makes a right turn at an intersection of a virtual general road, a time is required for the front pillar to prevent visual recognition of a plurality of virtual columnar objects p arranged on the pedestrian crossing in front of the intersection (see FIG. 10), in a scene of driving on the right curve of a virtual mountain road, the front pillar is required to have time to prevent the right curve from being seen on the vehicle traveling side (see FIG. 11), and faces backward in the parking space of the virtual parking lot. In the scene where the vehicle is parked at the same time, the rear pillar is required to prevent the right front end of the virtual vehicle parked in the parking space adjacent to the left of the parking space from being visually recognized (see FIG. 12). Further, in a scene where the planned vehicle model 1g makes a left turn at an intersection of a virtual general road, a time is required for the front pillar to prevent visual recognition of a plurality of virtual columnar objects arranged on the left side edge before the intersection. In a scene where a lane is changed while traveling on an expressway, a time is required for the front pillar to hinder the visual recognition of a plurality of virtual columnar objects arranged in the lane.

  In addition to calculating the disturbance time of the visibility-related part model 1e of the planned vehicle model 1g, it is selected based on, for example, a simulation display screen or a real vehicle model or virtual space data stored in the database server 2 It is desirable to calculate the obstruction time during which the visibility-related component model of the real vehicle model obstructs the visual recognition of a predetermined visual object in the virtual space in the traveling scene. In this way, by calculating the interference time between the visibility related part of the real vehicle and the visual target in the virtual space, the interference time of the visibility related part of the planned vehicle is compared with the interference time of the visibility related part of the real vehicle. can do. Thereby, evaluation of visibility with higher accuracy can be performed.

  Although the disturbance time of the visibility-related part model 1e is calculated, it is not limited to this. For example, the number of disturbances of the visibility-related part model 1e may be calculated.

  It is desirable to calculate the interference time of each of the plurality of visually related part models 1e. For example, when parking backwards in a parking space in a virtual parking lot, the rear pillar, window division, back seat headrest, and center pillar are on the right front edge of the virtual vehicle parked in the parking space adjacent to the left of the parking space. It is desirable that the time overlapping each other is obtained (see FIG. 12). Thus, by calculating the interference time between each visibility-related component and the visual target in the virtual space, it is possible to evaluate the visibility with higher accuracy.

  Then, the calculation result is displayed on the screen of the display 17. Examples of this calculation result display screen are shown in FIGS. FIG. 21 shows the interference time when the planned vehicle model 1g makes a right turn at the intersection of the virtual general road and the front pillar and the door mirror interfere with the four virtual pillars arranged on the pedestrian crossing on the right front of the intersection. (A) is a figure which shows the display screen which displays the interference time before deform | transforming and correcting a front pillar, (b) is a figure after deform | transforming and correcting a front pillar. It is a figure which shows the display screen which displays interference time. In FIG. 21, the vertical axis represents elapsed time, and the shaded area represents the interference time with each virtual pillar-shaped object of the front pillar or door mirror. As shown in FIG. 21, after the front pillar is deformed and corrected, the interference time with the virtual pillar B of the front pillar is shortened.

  FIG. 22 shows that when the two planned vehicle models 1g and one real vehicle model are parked backward in the parking space of the virtual parking lot, their rear pillars, window divisions, back seat headrests, and center pillars are parked. It is a figure which shows the display screen which displays the interference time which interferes with the some virtual columnar object arranged in the right edge part of the parking space on the left of the space. In FIG. 22, the horizontal axis represents elapsed time. As shown in FIG. 22, the rear pillar, division, backrest headrest, and center pillar of each vehicle interfere with the virtual columnar object in that order, and in “planned vehicle 2”, the rear pillar does not interfere with the virtual columnar object.

  Thus, although a calculation result is displayed, it is not restricted to this. For example, a bar graph with the vertical axis as the interference time may be displayed, or the interference time may be displayed as a numerical value as it is.

<Measured value gaze point evaluation mode>
In the measured value gazing point evaluation mode, the simulation module 15j, for example, based on the simulation display screen or the planned vehicle model 1g stored in the database server 2, the virtual space data, the gazing point data, or the like, travels selected in step S1412. In the scene, the degree of influence of the visibility-related part model 1e of the planned vehicle model 1g on the visibility outside the vehicle is calculated. Specifically, in the travel scene, the block time during which the visibility-related component model 1e blocks the effective visual field of the driver is calculated as the degree of influence. Thus, by calculating the interference time between the visibility-related parts of the planned vehicle and the driver's effective visual field, the visibility can be evaluated as a clearer index.

  For example, in a scene where the planned vehicle model 1g travels on the right curve of a virtual mountain road, the time during which the front pillar interferes with the driver's effective field of view is obtained (see FIG. 15). This interference means that the front pillar blocks a portion of the driver's effective field of view at a predetermined ratio (for example, 70%) or more.

  In addition to calculating the blocking time of the visibility-related part model 1e of the planned vehicle model 1g, for example, based on a simulation display image, a real vehicle model stored in the database server 2, virtual space data, gazing point data, or the like. It is desirable to calculate a blocking time during which the visibility-related part model of the real vehicle model blocks the effective field of view of the driver of the real vehicle model in the travel scene selected in step S1412. Thus, by calculating the interference time between the visibility related parts of the real vehicle and the driver's effective visual field, the interference time of the visibility related parts of the planned vehicle is compared with the interference time of the visibility related parts of the real vehicle. be able to. Thereby, evaluation of visibility with higher accuracy can be performed.

  Then, the calculation result is displayed on the screen of the display 17. An example of the calculation result display screen is shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a bar graph showing the time when the front pillar overlaps the driver's effective field of view when one planned vehicle model 1g and one real vehicle model are each traveling on the right curve of a virtual mountain road. It is a figure which shows the display screen to do. In FIG. 23, the vertical axis represents the interference time.

  Thus, although the calculation result is displayed in the form of a bar graph, it is not limited to this. For example, the interference time may be displayed as a numerical value as it is.

<Evaluator attention point evaluation mode>
In the evaluator gazing point evaluation mode, the degree of influence of the visibility-related component model 1e of the planned vehicle model 1g on the visibility outside the vehicle in the travel scene selected in step S1412 is calculated. For example, as in the visual target designation evaluation mode and the measured value gazing point evaluation mode, the interference time with the visual target and the effective visual field is calculated.

  If there is a problem in visibility in the visibility influence calculation as described above, the visibility or the like of the parts related to visibility is changed to improve the visibility.

(Evaluation system)
As described above, the simulation image 15m generated by the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in the evaluation system shown in FIG. 24, for example, and used by a plurality of evaluators to evaluate the visibility of the planned vehicle. .

  In the evaluation system shown in FIG. 24, a simulation image 15m is displayed on each of a plurality of evaluation terminals 1501 connected to a network, and marks, comments, still images to be commented, etc. inputted on each terminal 1501 are displayed for the operator. Aggregate to terminal 1502.

  As described above, a three-dimensional model of the planned vehicle is constructed and virtually moved on the virtual road to display a simulation view of the video viewed from the driver's viewpoint of the planned vehicle model 1g, or the planned vehicle model 1g. By calculating the interference time between the visibility-related part model 1e and the visual target in the virtual space or the visual range of the driver, the planner can improve the driver's visibility without creating a prototype vehicle. Can be visually evaluated. Thereby, the time and cost required for vehicle planning can be significantly reduced.

-Effect-
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the gazing point of the viewer who sees the simulation image seen from the viewpoint of the driver of the planned vehicle model 1g in a certain driving scene in the virtual space of the planned vehicle model 1g by the simulation module 15j. The direction of the driver's line of sight in the driving scene is determined based on the above, and a simulation image of the line of sight is displayed. As described above, since the viewer's gaze point is taken into consideration when displaying the simulation image, it is possible to evaluate the visibility with high accuracy.

  In addition, the simulation module 15j allows the planned vehicle model 1g to be operated in a left-right turn scene at an intersection of a virtual general road in the virtual space, a parking scene in a virtual parking lot in the virtual space, or a driving scene in a virtual highway in the virtual space. Since the simulation image in the person's line-of-sight direction is displayed, it is possible to evaluate the visibility in the traveling scene where the visibility should be evaluated with high accuracy.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention can also be achieved by supplying a program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments directly or remotely to the system. As a recording medium for directly supplying the program, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory There are a card, a ROM, a DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like. As a method of supplying the program remotely, there is a method of accessing a web server using a browser of a client computer and downloading the program according to the present invention or a compressed file thereof to a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the client computer. is there. At this time, a plurality of files constituting the program according to the present invention may be downloaded from a plurality of servers and then combined in the client computer. In such a case, these files, servers, and programs finally stored in the client computer also implement the present invention.

  In the evaluator gazing point evaluation mode, both simulation display and visibility influence calculation are performed, but at least simulation display may be performed.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

  As described above, the above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and is not restricted by the text of the specification. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to uses for evaluating visibility with high accuracy.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the vehicle plan assistance system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data contained in a computer and a database server. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning in the virtual space of a virtual columnar thing. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning in the virtual space of a virtual columnar thing. It is a figure which shows gaze point data. It is a figure which shows an input screen, (a) is a figure which shows the input table of a specification value, (b) and (c) are vehicles which respectively show the corresponding | compatible part of the specification value input by an input table It is a figure which shows a front view image and a side view image. It is a figure which shows the display image of a plan vehicle model, (a) is a figure which shows the display image of a reference | standard model, (b) is a figure which shows the display image of an external model, (c) is a structure It is a figure which shows the display image of a model, (d) is a figure which shows the display image of an interior model, (e) is a figure which shows the display image of a front pillar model, (f) is a reference | standard model It is a figure which shows the display image which combines and displays all the external shape models, a structural model, an interior model, and a visibility related part model. It is a flowchart which shows the whole flow of a plan verification process. It is a figure which shows the setting image of visibility evaluation mode. It is a figure which shows the simulation display screen when a plan vehicle model turns right at the intersection of a virtual general road. It is a figure which shows the simulation display screen at the time of the plan vehicle model driving | running | working the right curve of a virtual mountain road. It is a figure which shows the simulation display screen when a plan vehicle model parks back in the parking space of a virtual parking lot. It is a figure which shows the external shape of a plan vehicle model. It is a figure which shows the external shape of a plan vehicle model, (a) is an enlarged view which shows the external shape of a certain visibility related component model, (b) shows the external shape of a certain part contained in an external model. It is an enlarged view. It is a figure which shows the simulation display screen at the time of the plan vehicle model driving | running | working the right curve of a virtual mountain road. It is a figure which shows the relationship between an effective visual field, a driver | operator's gaze direction, a visual distance, and a viewing angle. It is a figure which shows the coefficient of the formula for calculating | requiring a viewing angle, (a) is a figure which shows the relationship between a driver | operator's age and coefficient k1, (b) is the figure which shows the relationship between a driving | running | working scene and coefficient k2. (C) is a figure which shows the relationship between driving speed and the coefficient k3. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a central vision, an effective visual field, and a gaze stable visual field. It is a figure which shows the structure of a projector type display apparatus and a gaze direction detection apparatus. It is a figure which shows the simulation display screen of a driver | operator's front view in the forward scene of a plan vehicle model. When the planned vehicle model makes a right turn at an intersection of a virtual general road, the front pillar and the display screen displaying the interference time during which the door mirror interferes with the four virtual pillars arranged on the pedestrian crossing in front of the intersection It is a figure, (a) is a figure which shows the display screen which displays the interference time before deform | transforming and correcting a front pillar, (b) is displaying the interference time after deform | transforming and correcting a front pillar. It is a figure which shows a display screen. When two planned vehicle models and one real vehicle model are parked backwards in the parking space of the virtual parking lot, their rear pillars, window divisions, back seat headrests, and center pillars are adjacent to the left of the parking space. It is a figure which shows the display screen which displays the interference time which interferes with the some virtual pillar-shaped object arranged in the right edge part of a parking space. When one planned vehicle model and one real vehicle model are each driving on the right curve of a virtual mountain road, a display screen is displayed in which the front pillars display the time over which the driver's effective field of view overlaps with the driver's effective field of view. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the evaluation system of a plan vehicle model.

Explanation of symbols

1 Computer 1a Reference model 1b External model 1c Structural model 1d Interior model 1e Visibility related part model 1f Newly created part model 1g Planning vehicle model 2 Database server 2g Complete vehicle database 2h Virtual space database (virtual space storage means)
6 projector type display device 7 gaze direction detection device (gaze point detection means)
15 HD
15b Reference model construction module 15c External model construction module 15d Structural model construction module 15e Interior model construction module 15f Visibility related part model construction module 15g Part model construction module 15h Planning vehicle model registration module (planning vehicle model generation means)
15j Simulation module (line-of-sight direction determining means, visual range determining means, visual target determining means, image display means)
100 Vehicle planning support system p Virtual columnar object (viewing object)
r Evaluator (viewer)

Claims (6)

A vehicle planning support system that supports vehicle planning,
Planned vehicle model generation means for generating a model of the planned vehicle;
Virtual space storage means for storing a virtual space including a virtual road;
Image display means for displaying a simulation image viewed from the viewpoint of the occupant of the planned vehicle model in a traveling scene of the planned vehicle model in the virtual space;
Gaze point detection means for detecting a gaze point of a viewer who sees the simulation image;
Gaze direction determining means for determining the gaze direction of the occupant based on at least the gaze point,
The vehicle planning support system, wherein the image display means is configured to display the simulation image in the line-of-sight direction. In the vehicle planning support system according to claim 1,
The image display means is configured to change the line-of-sight direction in a right-left turn scene of an intersection of a virtual general road in the virtual space, a parking scene in a virtual parking lot in the virtual space, or a driving scene of a virtual highway in the virtual space. A vehicle planning support system configured to display a simulation image. In the vehicle planning support system according to claim 1 or 2,
A visual target determining means for determining a visual target in the virtual space;
The vehicle planning support system, wherein the image display means is configured to display on the simulation image in the line-of-sight direction to prompt attention to the visual target. In the vehicle planning support system according to claim 1 or 2,
A visual range determining means for determining the visual range of the occupant based on at least the line-of-sight direction;
The vehicle planning support system, wherein the image display means is configured to display an image in the viewing range on the simulation image in the line-of-sight direction. A vehicle planning support system for controlling a computer that supports vehicle planning,
The computer includes virtual space storage means for storing a virtual space including a virtual road,
For the above computer
Planning vehicle model generation processing for generating a model of the planning vehicle,
An image display process for displaying a simulation image viewed from the viewpoint of a passenger of the planned vehicle model in a traveling scene of the planned vehicle model in the virtual space;
Gazing point detection processing for detecting the gazing point of the viewer who sees the simulation image,
A gaze direction determination process for determining the gaze direction of the occupant based on at least the gaze point,
The vehicle planning support program, wherein the image display processing displays the simulation image in the line-of-sight direction. A vehicle planning support method for supporting vehicle planning,
Virtual space storage means for storing a virtual space including a virtual road is provided,
A planned vehicle model generation process for generating a model of the planned vehicle;
An image display step of displaying a simulation image seen from the viewpoint of the occupant of the planned vehicle model in a traveling scene of the planned vehicle model in the virtual space;
A gaze point detection step of detecting a gaze point of a viewer who sees the simulation image;
A gaze direction determining step for determining a gaze direction of the occupant based on at least the gaze point,
The vehicle display support method, wherein the image display step displays the simulation image in the line-of-sight direction.

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