JP2009157501A - Vehicle group state display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle group state display device making a change of a state of a vehicle group be recognized from the periphery. <P>SOLUTION: This vehicle group state display device has a lighting part 3 performing lighting display to the outside of a vehicle, and has an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 4 varying a lighting display state of the lighting part 3 according to the change of the state of the vehicle group and performing display control. When the state of the vehicle group changes, for example, when the vehicle group is separated, the display control is executed such that the lighting display of the lighting part 3 moves toward a direction to which the vehicle group is separated. Thereby, it can be made to be intuitively recognized through sight that the vehicle group is separated from the periphery of the vehicle group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle group state display device that displays a vehicle group state.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device for displaying a vehicle group state, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-123180, it is a display device for a vehicle traveling in a vehicle group. In the case of traveling, there is known a device that causes a vehicle group to be recognized around the vehicle by causing the entire vehicle in the vehicle group to emit light with a predetermined light emission pattern.
JP 2003-123180 A

  However, in such a vehicle group state display device, when the state of the vehicle group changes, the change state cannot be recognized. For example, a change in the vehicle group cannot be recognized, for example, when a part of the vehicle forming the vehicle group is separated from the vehicle group or when the vehicle joins the vehicle group.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle group state display device that can recognize a change in the state of the vehicle group from the surroundings.

  That is, the vehicle group state display device according to the present invention includes a vehicle group state acquisition unit that acquires a state of a vehicle group formed by a plurality of vehicles, a display unit that displays the outside of the vehicle, and the vehicle group Display control means for performing display control by changing the display state of the display means in accordance with the change in the state.

  According to this invention, by changing the display state of the display means according to the change in the state of the vehicle group and performing display control, the change state of the vehicle group from around the vehicle group by viewing the display state of the display means Can be easily recognized.

  In the vehicle group state display device according to the present invention, the display control means controls the display so that the display of the display means moves in a direction in which the vehicle group is separated when the vehicle group is separated. It is preferable.

  According to the present invention, when the vehicle group is separated, display control is performed so that the display of the display unit moves in the direction in which the vehicle group is separated. It is possible to intuitively recognize that the vehicle group is separated from the vehicle.

  In the vehicle group state display device according to the present invention, when the vehicle group is separated, the display control unit displays the display unit from the separation position of the vehicle group toward the end of the vehicle group. It is preferable to control the display so as to move.

  According to this invention, when the vehicle group is separated, the display state of the display unit is viewed by controlling the display so that the display of the display unit moves from the separation position toward the end of the vehicle group. Thus, the separation of the vehicle group from the surroundings of the vehicle group and the separation position can be intuitively recognized.

  In the vehicle group state display device according to the present invention, when there is a vehicle that merges with the vehicle group, the display control unit displays the display unit so that the display moves toward the merge position of the vehicle. It is preferable to control.

  According to the present invention, when the vehicles join the vehicle group, the display control is performed so that the display of the display means moves toward the joining position, so that the position to join by looking at the display state of the display means. Can be recognized intuitively.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily recognize a change in the state of the vehicle group from the surroundings by performing display control according to the change in the state of the vehicle group.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle group state display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle group state display device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that is installed in a vehicle and displays the state of the vehicle group of the vehicle, and includes a vehicle group control unit 2 and a lighting unit 3. (3a-3f) and ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 4 are comprised.

  The vehicle group control unit 2 functions as vehicle group state acquisition means for acquiring the vehicle group state of the vehicle, for example, acquires position information and vehicle speed information of other vehicles, position information and vehicle speed information of the own vehicle, The vehicle group control ECU is configured to control the state of the vehicle group based on such information. Further, as means for acquiring position information and vehicle speed information of other vehicles, for example, a millimeter wave radar device, a laser radar device, a vehicle communication device, or the like is used. As vehicle group state acquisition means for acquiring the vehicle group state of the vehicle, a vehicle group control ECU other than the vehicle group control ECU may be used as long as it can acquire the vehicle group state of the vehicle.

  The lighting unit 3 (3a to 3f) functions as a display unit that performs display on the outside of the vehicle. For example, an illuminator provided on the outside of the vehicle is used. The lighting unit 3 can change the display state by turning on and off according to a lighting control signal from the ECU 4. The lighting unit 3 includes, for example, a lighting unit 3a provided at the right front of the vehicle, a lighting unit 3b provided at the right rear of the vehicle, a lighting unit 3c provided at the left front of the vehicle, a lighting unit 3d provided at the left rear of the vehicle, and a lighting unit provided at the right side of the rear of the vehicle. 3e, the lighting part 3f provided in the vehicle rear left side is provided.

  The lighting unit 3 makes it easy to visually recognize changes in the state of the vehicle group from around the vehicle group by changing the display state according to the change in the state of the vehicle group.

  In addition, as a display means for performing display on the outside of the vehicle, a device other than the lighting unit 3 that emits light may be used. For example, the display means may be capable of displaying different colors and changing the display state by changing the display of the colors.

  The ECU 4 controls the entire vehicle group state display device, and is composed mainly of a computer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, for example. The ECU 4 functions as a display control unit and a lighting control unit that control the display state of the lighting unit 3, that is, the lighting state. When the vehicle group is separated, the ECU 4 performs display control so that the display of the lighting unit 3, that is, the lighting position is moved in the direction in which the vehicle group is separated. In addition, when there is a vehicle that merges with the vehicle group, the ECU 4 performs display control so that the display of the lighting unit 3 moves toward the merge position of the vehicle group.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the vehicle group is separated into front and rear in the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the broken arrow indicates the direction in which the vehicle group is separated, and the solid arrow indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle group.

  FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the lighting operation of the lighting unit of the vehicle group state display device 1 when the vehicle group is separated into front and rear. FIG. 3 shows the operating pulse of the lighting part. The lighting part is in the on state during the period when the pulse rises and is on, and the lighting part is off during the period in which the pulse is off. It has become. The lighting operation of the lighting unit in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed until the vehicle group separation operation is completed, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the vehicles A to C travel in a row and form a vehicle group, and the vehicle group is separated between the vehicle A and the vehicle B, the lighting position of the lighting unit 3 of the vehicles A to C Is controlled so as to move from the separation position of the vehicle group toward the end of the vehicle group.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, first, the lighting part 3b of the vehicle A and the lighting part 3a of the vehicle B that are close to the separation position are turned on, and the lighting parts 3a, 3b are sequentially turned on toward the end of the vehicle group. The display control is performed so that the lighting state moves.

  In this way, by performing display control by changing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3 according to the change in the state of the vehicle group, the change state of the vehicle group can be changed from the surroundings of the vehicle group by viewing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3. It can be easily recognized. In this case, when the vehicle group is separated, the display control is performed so that the lighting position of the lighting unit 3 moves from the separation position toward the end of the vehicle group. It is possible to intuitively recognize through vision that the vehicle group is separated from the surroundings of the vehicle group. The separation position can be easily recognized in the same manner. This is particularly effective when a group of vehicles traveling in a row is separated into front and rear.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the vehicle group is separated into left and right in the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, a broken arrow indicates a direction in which the vehicle group is separated, and a solid arrow indicates a traveling direction of the vehicle group.

  FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the lighting operation of the lighting unit of the vehicle group state display device 1 when the vehicle group is separated into left and right. FIG. 5 shows an operation pulse of the lighting part in the vehicle A. The lighting part is lit during the period when the pulse rises and is on, and the lighting part when the pulse is off. Is turned off. The lighting operation of the lighting unit in FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed until, for example, the vehicle group separation operation is completed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when vehicles A to D travel in a row and form a vehicle group, and the vehicle group is separated into left and right, that is, vehicles A and C are separated to the right side, and vehicles B and D are on the left side. In the case of separation, the display control is performed so that the lighting position of the lighting unit 3 moves in the direction in which the vehicle separates from the vehicle group.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle A will be described. First, the lighting unit 3f on the left side of the rear part is turned on, and the lighting unit 3e, the lighting unit 3b, and the lighting unit 3a are sequentially turned on in the separating direction. . Thus, the display control is performed so that the lighting state moves in the direction in which the vehicle is separated.

  In this way, by performing display control by changing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3 according to the change in the state of the vehicle group, the change state of the vehicle group can be changed from the surroundings of the vehicle group by viewing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3. It can be easily recognized. Further, in this case, since display control is performed so that the lighting position of the lighting unit 3 moves in the direction in which the vehicle group is separated, the vehicle group can be seen from around the vehicle group by observing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3. Can be intuitively recognized through vision. The separation position can be easily recognized in the same manner. This is particularly effective when a group of vehicles traveling in a row is separated into left and right.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation in the case where the vehicles merge with the vehicle group in the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, broken arrows indicate the direction and route in which the vehicles merge, and solid arrows indicate the traveling direction of the vehicle group.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing the lighting operation of the lighting unit of the vehicle group state display device 1 when the vehicle joins the vehicle group. FIG. 7 shows an operation pulse of the lighting part in the vehicle A. The lighting part is lit during the period when the pulse rises and is on, and the lighting part when the pulse is off. Is turned off. The lighting operation of the lighting unit in FIG. 7 is repeatedly executed until the merging operation of the vehicle group is completed, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when vehicles A to C travel in a row and travel in a group of vehicles, and vehicle E joins this vehicle group, that is, vehicle E is between vehicle A and vehicle B. When the lights merge, display control is performed so that the display of the lighting unit 3 moves toward the merge position of the vehicle.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the lighting part 3d of the vehicle C is in the lighting state, and then the lighting part 3c of the vehicle C is in the lighting state, and toward the joining position, that is, the rear position of the vehicle A and the front position of the vehicle B. Thus, the lighting section 3d of the vehicle B and the lighting section 3c of the vehicle A, and the lighting section 3c of the vehicle B and the lighting section 3d of the vehicle A are sequentially turned on. Thus, the display control is performed so that the lighting display moves toward the joining position of the vehicle E.

  In this way, by performing display control by changing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3 according to the change in the state of the vehicle group, the change state of the vehicle group can be changed from the surroundings of the vehicle group by viewing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3. It can be easily recognized. Further, in this case, since display control is performed so that the lighting display position of the lighting unit 3 moves toward the position where the vehicle E joins the vehicle group, the vehicle E can be obtained by observing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3. Can be easily recognized through vision. In addition, a vehicle around the vehicle group can intuitively recognize the position where the vehicle E joins through vision.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the configuration of the vehicle group changes in the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 8, solid arrows indicate the traveling direction of the vehicle group.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the lighting operation of the lighting unit of the vehicle group state display device 1 when the configuration of the vehicle group changes. FIG. 9 shows the operation pulse of the lighting part in the vehicle A. The lighting part is lit during the period when the pulse rises and is on, and the lighting part when the pulse is off. Is turned off. The lighting operation of the lighting unit in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed until, for example, the configuration state of the vehicle group changes.

  FIG. 9A is a timing chart showing the configuration status during the vehicle group configuration negotiation, FIG. 9B is a timing chart showing the configuration status during the vehicle group arrangement, and FIG. FIG. 9D is a timing chart showing the configuration status during dissolution of the vehicle group.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicles A to C travel in a row and travel in a group of vehicles, and the lighting state of the lighting unit 3 changes as the configuration status (configuration state) of the vehicle group changes. Display control is performed so that

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the vehicle group configuration negotiation is in progress whether or not the vehicles A to C travel in a vehicle group, the lighting units 3a and 3c of the vehicles A to C flash. State. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the vehicle groups are arranged such that the vehicles A to C form a vehicle group, the lighting parts 3a and 3c of the vehicles A to C are the vehicle A, the vehicle B, the vehicle The lighting display is moved so as to blink twice in the order of C. Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, when the vehicles A to C travel in a group of vehicles and are traveling, the lighting portions 3a and 3c of the vehicles A to C are the vehicles A and B. The lighting display is moved so as to blink once in the order of the vehicle C. Further, as shown in FIG. 9C, when the vehicles A to C are disbanded and the vehicle group is being disbanded, the lighting portions 3a and 3c of the vehicles A to C are blinked twice simultaneously. The lighting is controlled.

  In this way, by performing display control by changing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3 according to the change in the state of the vehicle group, the change state of the vehicle group can be changed from the surroundings of the vehicle group by viewing the lighting state of the lighting unit 3. It can be easily recognized and intuitively recognized through vision.

  As described above, according to the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment, the lighting unit 3 is controlled by changing the lighting display state of the lighting unit 3 in accordance with the change in the state of the vehicle group. It is possible to easily recognize the change state of the vehicle group from around the vehicle group by looking at the lighting display state of.

  Further, in the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle group is separated, the lighting is controlled by performing display control so that the lighting display of the lighting unit 3 is moved in the direction in which the vehicle group is separated. By viewing the display of the unit 3, it can be intuitively recognized that the vehicle group is separated from the periphery of the vehicle group.

  In the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle group is separated, display control is performed so that the lighting display of the lighting unit 3 moves from the separation position toward the end side of the vehicle group. Thus, it is possible to intuitively recognize the separation of the vehicle group from the periphery of the vehicle group and the separation position by viewing the display state of the lighting unit 3.

  Furthermore, in the vehicle group state display device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle joins the vehicle group, the lighting unit 3 controls the display so that the lighting display of the lighting unit 3 moves toward the joining position. The position to be merged can be intuitively recognized by looking at the display state 3.

  In addition, this embodiment mentioned above shows an example of the vehicle group state display apparatus which concerns on this invention. For this reason, the vehicle group state display device according to the present invention is not limited to the above, and the vehicle group state display device according to the embodiment is modified so as not to change the gist described in each claim. Or it may be applied to other things.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the display control at the time of the separation operation of the vehicle group, the display control at the time of the merging operation of the vehicle group, and the display control at the time of the change of the vehicle group configuration have been described. Display control may be performed.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle group state display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing about the vehicle group separation operation | movement in the vehicle group state display apparatus of FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating a vehicle group separation operation of the vehicle group state display device of FIG. 2. It is explanatory drawing about the vehicle group separation operation | movement in the vehicle group state display apparatus of FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a vehicle group separation operation of the vehicle group state display device of FIG. 4. It is explanatory drawing about the vehicle group joining operation | movement in the vehicle group state display apparatus of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the vehicle group merge operation | movement of the vehicle group state display apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing about the vehicle group structure state change operation | movement in the vehicle group state display apparatus of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the vehicle group structure state change operation | movement of the vehicle group state display apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle group state display apparatus, 2 ... Vehicle group control part, 3 (3a-3f) ... Lighting part, 4 ... ECU.

Claims (4)

Vehicle group state acquisition means for acquiring the state of the vehicle group formed by a plurality of vehicles;
Display means for displaying on the outside of the vehicle;
Display control means for performing display control by changing the display state of the display means according to a change in the state of the vehicle group;
A vehicle group state display device. The display control means performs display control so that the display of the display means moves in a direction in which the vehicle group separates when the vehicle group separates;
The vehicle group state display device according to claim 1. The display control means performs display control so that the display of the display means moves from the separation position of the vehicle group toward the end side of the vehicle group when the vehicle group separates;
The vehicle group state display device according to claim 1 or 2. The display control means, when there is a vehicle that joins the vehicle group, display control so that the display of the display means moves toward the joining position of the vehicle;
The vehicle group state display device according to claim 1.

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