JP2013032082A - Vehicle display device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle display device that enables a driver to confirm an attention object outside a vehicle more quickly and intuitively with as less processing load and cost as possible.SOLUTION: The vehicle display device includes: display parts 12 for giving an alarm which are each provided in side mirrors 10 provided on both right and left sides outside the vehicle; and an obstacle detection parts 13 (13R, 13L) that detect an obstacle 100 in front side dead zones 130 (130R, 130L) of the driver 3D existing in each of the right and left sides outside the vehicle. When the obstacle 100 is detected, a predetermined fixed-shaped emission figure is displayed in the display part 10 of the side mirror on the same side of the detected obstacle 100 to alarm the driver.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle display device using display units provided on both left and right side mirrors outside a vehicle in order to visually recognize the rear of the vehicle.

  A technology for assisting driving by photographing the front of the vehicle with a camera and displaying the photographed image on a predetermined display unit has already been developed. As the display unit for the captured image, for example, a vehicle left and right door mirror, a room mirror, a meter, a navigation screen, or the like can be used (Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-165087 A

  In such driving assistance technology, it is important that the driver can quickly detect the attention object. In particular, a driving support technology that makes it possible to detect a vehicle driver's blind spot in a blind spot more quickly and more intuitively is important. However, the image captured by the camera as described above is merely an image outside the vehicle that is taken outside the vehicle, and can provide a certain effect as driving assistance. In order to recognize quickly, it is desirable to install a technology that assists the recognition. However, in this case, there arises a new problem that processing load and cost increase such as analysis of captured images and display processing of analysis results.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a display device for a vehicle that can quickly and more intuitively detect an object of caution outside a vehicle with a processing load and cost as low as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle display device according to the present invention includes:
A warning display unit that is provided at a position that can be visually recognized by the driver in both side mirrors provided on the left and right sides outside the vehicle, and that allows the display output in such a manner that the driver can check the rear of the vehicle with these side mirrors. When,
Obstacle detection means for detecting an obstacle in the blind spot area of the driver present on each of the left and right sides outside the vehicle;
When an obstacle is detected, it is determined in advance as a warning display that is displayed more emphasized than when no obstacle is detected on the side mirror display on the same side as the detected obstacle. A control means for executing a display visually recognized as a fixed-shaped light-emitting figure;
It is characterized by providing.

  Here, the predetermined fixed shape of the light emitting figure is a figure having a predetermined shape that does not change in shape, and is a figure that emits light by a light source such as a backlight, for example, a side mirror. This includes a form in which a light source such as an LED fixedly installed on the device is directly or indirectly visually recognized. That is, the predetermined fixed shape of the light emission graphic may be anything that can be visually recognized as a certain shape when the light emission graphic in the light emission state is visually recognized. For example, in the case where the light source is directly visible, The predetermined light emission pattern is the outermost surface shape (outermost surface shape) of the light source, and the outermost surface shape does not change. On the other hand, what is not included in the predetermined fixed shape of the light emission pattern in the present invention is, for example, a photographed image by a camera or the like in which the display shape changes according to a minute difference in the detection position of the obstacle. is there.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, in the left and right side mirrors for visually recognizing the rear of the vehicle, an obstacle present in the driver's blind spot is detected as a caution object, and a caution display for the obstacle is displayed as a caution object. This is done in the side mirror on the side where the object is detected. As a result, it is possible to more quickly and more intuitively detect whether the object of caution outside the vehicle is on the left or right. In addition, instead of displaying real captured images taken with an imaging device such as a camera on the display section of the side mirror, the presence of obstacles is simplified using predetermined fixed figures, bright spots, etc. By notifying, the presence of an obstacle can be detected more quickly and intuitively. Further, an advantage that the processing load and cost can be reduced as compared with the case of using a camera can be obtained.

  The obstacle detection means in the present invention can detect an obstacle present in a blind spot area located in front of the driver.

  According to this configuration, an obstacle in the blind spot area positioned in front of the driver is detected as a caution object, and the caution object is displayed on the side mirror that is also positioned in front of the driver. Can do. Thereby, it becomes possible to perceive this attention object more quickly and intuitively. In addition, a warning object that is present in the left and right blind spot areas on the front side of the vehicle, that is, in the blind spot area diagonally forward of the vehicle, is also displayed by using a side mirror located diagonally forward of the vehicle. It is possible to more intuitively detect the presence of the attention object located on the left and right front sides.

  In the present invention, a distance specifying means for specifying the distance between the detected obstacle and the vehicle can be provided. In this case, the control means of the present invention can be configured to change the display state of the alerting display according to the distance between the specified obstacle and the vehicle.

  In addition, regarding the light emission figure of the predetermined fixed shape in the present invention described above, the change in the display state according to the distance here may be a change in size according to the distance, and the shape may be If it is similar, it is assumed that there is no change in shape.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to specify the level of attention to an obstacle existing outside the vehicle by the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle. That is, the closer the obstacle is to the vehicle, the higher the attention level of the obstacle, and the display according to the attention level can be performed. Thereby, the driver can detect the attention level of the obstacle more quickly. In addition, for example, the higher the attention level is, the more emphasis is placed on the display for alerting, so that the driver can more easily detect an obstacle with a higher attention level.

  In this case, the control means of the present invention can be configured to change the display color of the alerting display according to the distance between the specified obstacle and the vehicle. For example, the warning display may be performed in red when the distance between the specified obstacle and the vehicle is closer than a predetermined reference distance, and in yellow when the distance is not closer than the reference distance. Good. Further, the control means of the present invention always displays a warning display when the distance between the specified obstacle and the vehicle is closer than a predetermined reference distance, and when the distance is not closer than the reference distance. It may be performed by blinking display, or may be performed by combining these display states. Such a difference in display state makes it possible to more intuitively understand the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle, that is, the level of the attention level.

  The obstacle detection means in the present invention can transmit a predetermined detection wave and detect an obstacle based on reception of the reflected wave, and the distance specifying means can transmit the detection wave from the transmission of the detection wave. The distance to the obstacle can be calculated based on the time until reception of the reflected wave. According to this configuration, both the detection of the obstacle and the calculation of the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle can be performed by using the detection wave, so that the configuration is efficient and low cost.

  The obstacle detection means in the present invention can be a laser radar. There are various distance detection methods, such as detecting the distance by analyzing the image captured by the camera, and detecting the distance using millimeter waves. However, by adopting laser radar, more accurate distance detection is possible. It becomes possible.

  In the present invention, it can be configured with an obstacle discriminating means for discriminating the type of the obstacle. In this case, the control means of the present invention can change the display state of the alerting display according to the determined type of obstacle. According to this configuration, since it is possible to grasp what type of obstacle is present in the blind spot, it is possible to intuitively grasp the attention level for the obstacle.

  Further, in this case, the control means of the present invention provides a predetermined obstacle type visual recognition image (obstacle type identification image) in which the identified obstacle type can be visually recognized (identified) as a warning display. Can be configured to display. Thereby, the type of the obstacle can be intuitively grasped from the shape of the graphic image displayed as the alerting display.

  Further, the control means of the present invention can be configured to blink the obstacle type visually recognized image. Thereby, since the obstacle type visually recognized image is displayed in an emphasized manner, the obstacle can be recognized more quickly.

  Moreover, the display part of this invention can be made to perform the display for alerting on the mirror surface of a side mirror. Thereby, since the display for alerting is performed on the mirror surface where the line of sight gathers most in the side mirror, the presence of the obstacle can be recognized more quickly. In addition, when the warning display on the mirror surface, particularly in the central part, is performed in the form of an overlaid display, the display state of blinking display is used to visually recognize the situation behind the vehicle displayed on the mirror surface. There is no hindrance.

  Further, the display unit of the present invention may be provided on the outer peripheral part in the mirror surface of the side mirror. For example, it may be provided in an annular shape so as to surround the outer periphery of the mirror surface of the side mirror. Thereby, visual recognition of the situation behind the vehicle displayed on the mirror surface of the side mirror is not hindered.

  In this invention, it can comprise and comprise a vehicle speed detection means to detect the vehicle speed of a vehicle. When the vehicle speed detecting means is provided, the control means of the present invention is configured to display a warning when the detected vehicle speed falls below a predetermined reference speed (for example, 5 km per hour or 0 km per hour). it can. The situation where the driver should pay attention to the obstacle in the blind spot is the situation where the vehicle accelerates when the vehicle is slow, especially when the vehicle is stopped. It is useless to perform. According to the above configuration, such waste can be omitted.

  When the vehicle speed detection means is provided, the obstacle detection means of the present invention starts detecting an obstacle when the detected vehicle speed falls below a predetermined reference speed (for example, 5 km / h, 0 km / h, etc.). (For example, transmission of a detection wave is started). According to this configuration, useless obstacle detection is omitted when there is no need to execute a process for alerting an obstacle, except when the vehicle is accelerated from a low speed (particularly when the vehicle is stopped). be able to.

  When the vehicle speed detection means is provided, the obstacle detection means of the present invention starts detecting an obstacle when the detected vehicle speed falls below a predetermined first reference speed (for example, 5 km / h). When the detected vehicle speed falls below a predetermined second reference speed (for example, 0 km / h) that is lower than the first reference speed, the control means of the present invention Can be configured to display. According to this configuration, the obstacle detection starts when the vehicle falls below a certain speed, and the warning display based on the obstacle detection result when the vehicle falls below a certain speed lower than that. Is made. When it is time to execute the warning display, the obstacle detection result has already been obtained, so there is little time difference between the obstacle detection and the warning display. That's it.

  Further, in the present invention, current position specifying means for specifying the current position of the vehicle, and area determination means for determining whether the vehicle is present in a predetermined road section or a predetermined vehicle parking / stopping area. And can be configured. In this case, the control means of the present invention can be configured to display a warning when the vehicle is in a road section or a vehicle parking / stopping area, and the obstacle detection means of the present invention When the vehicle is present in a road section or a vehicle parking / stopping area, the obstacle detection can be started. According to this configuration, a road section (a predetermined section before an intersection, a predetermined section before a pedestrian crossing or a traffic light, etc.) or a vehicle parking / stopping area (parking / parking) that should be executed to warn of an obstacle alert. Since the obstacle detection and the warning display are executed only in the car park etc., useless processing can be omitted.

The schematic diagram which showed simply the vehicle carrying the vehicle display apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows simply the structure of the display apparatus for vehicles of FIG. The figure explaining the internal structure of a side mirror. The flowchart which shows the flow of alert display control. An example of a warning display on the side mirror. The figure which shows the non-display state of the alert display in a side mirror. The figure which shows the 1st display state of the alerting display in a side mirror. The figure which shows the 2nd display state of the alerting display in a side mirror. The 1st modification of the alert display in a side mirror. The 2nd modification of the alert display in a side mirror. The 3rd modification of the alert display in a side mirror. The figure which is a 4th modification of the alert display in a side mirror, and the obstacle classification image was displayed as an alert display. The figure which is the 4th modification of the alerting display in a side mirror, and the obstacle classification image of the obstacle of a different type from FIG. 12 is displayed as an alerting display. The flowchart which shows the flow of alerting display control different from FIG. The 1st figure explaining the identification method of the obstruction classification by an obstruction detection part. The 2nd figure explaining the identification method of the obstruction classification by an obstruction detection part. The block diagram which shows simply the structure of the display apparatus for vehicles of this invention different from FIG.

  Hereinafter, one embodiment of a display device for vehicles of the present invention is described with reference to drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a vehicle 20 equipped with a vehicle display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the vehicle 20 on which the vehicle display device 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is mounted is a side for allowing the driver 3D sitting on the driver's seat 2D to visually recognize the left and right rear sides outside the vehicle. An obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 10B) that detects the obstacle 100 (100A, 100B, etc.) in the mirror 10 (10R, 10L) and the blind spot area 120 (120R, 120L) of the driver 3D existing on the left and right sides outside the vehicle. 13L), when the obstacle 100 is detected, the display unit 12 of the side mirror 10 (10R, 10L) on the same side as the detected obstacle 100 is emphasized more than when the obstacle 100 is not detected. As the alerting display 13 displayed, the control unit 11 is configured to execute a display output for visually recognizing a predetermined fixed-shaped light-emitting figure.

  Here, the fixed shape of the light emission figure is a figure of a predetermined shape that does not change in shape, and is a figure that emits light by a light source such as a backlight. For example, the side mirror 10 such as an LED or the like. This includes a form in which a light source fixedly installed on the camera is directly or indirectly visually recognized, but does not include images taken by a camera.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the side mirror 10 (10R, 10L) projects a reflected image (an image of the rear visual field 120 on the left and right sides of the vehicle) on the surface 15a of the mirror member 15 (hereinafter referred to as a mirror surface), thereby driving. The person 3D visually recognizes the rear of the vehicle 20 (confirms the rear of the vehicle). As shown in FIG. 3, the side mirror 10 (10R, 10L) of the present embodiment protrudes outward from the vehicle main body 21 at a predetermined position on the left and right sides outside the driver seat 2D, and is a mirror surface 15a. Is provided to face the rear of the vehicle so as to project the field of view 120 (120R, 120L) behind the vehicle. The side mirror 20 of the present embodiment is a door mirror provided on the door of a vehicle (here, an automobile) 20 that forms the vehicle main body 21.

  The side mirrors 10 (10R, 10L) provided on both the left and right sides outside the vehicle are provided with a display unit 13 for calling attention at a position that can be visually recognized by the driver 3D. However, the display unit 13 for alerting is provided so that display output is performed in such a manner that the driver 3D can confirm the left and right rear of the vehicle by the mirror surface 15a of the side mirrors 10 (10R, 10L). .

  The display unit 13 for alerting in the present embodiment is displayed with a part or all of the mirror surface 15a of the side mirror as a display surface. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the side mirror 10 (10R, 10L) in the present embodiment. The mirror member 15 of the side mirror 10 (10R, 10L) in the present embodiment has a mirror surface (reflective surface) 15a for the driver 3D to visually recognize the rear of the vehicle 20, and a display device located behind the mirror surface 15a. Twelve display surfaces 12c are visible through the mirror surface 15a by the driver 3D. In other words, the rear image of the vehicle is displayed on the mirror surface 15a of the mirror member 15, while the display on the display surface 12c of the display device 12 positioned behind the mirror member 15 can also be visually recognized (see through). The display state is visually recognized.

  The mirror member 15 in the present embodiment is a half mirror.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the display device 12 transmits light from a light source (for example, an LED or a fluorescent lamp) 12a located behind the light transmitting portion 12b1 and the non-light transmitting portion 12b2. By irradiating the back surface of the mirror surface 15a through the mask member 12b, the display device enables the light-emitting figure having the shape of the translucent portion 12b1 to be seen through from the mirror surface 15a. Note that a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display device may be adopted as the display device 12 to display a fixed shape graphic image.

  The obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) is provided for the vehicle 20 so that each detection area includes the blind spot area of the driver 3D. In the present embodiment, the front blind spot area 120 (120R, 120L: these blind spot areas are located on the front side of the driver 3D and are determined for each shape of the vehicle. A straight line extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle from a position that is substantially the front end on both the left and right sides of the vehicle 20, and a region that forms 20 degrees from the straight line to the front side of the vehicle centering on the front-end position of both. Presence of obstacles (only pedestrians such as pedestrians, two-wheeled vehicles, automobiles, etc.) or predetermined fixed obstacles such as utility poles fixed on the side of the road may be used. Obstacle detectors 13R and 13L are provided corresponding to the front blind spots 120R and 120L on the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively.

  The obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) of the present embodiment transmits a predetermined detection wave and detects the obstacle 100 based on whether or not the reflected wave is received. It is also possible to calculate the distance to the obstacle 100 based on the time from when the detection wave is transmitted until the reflected wave is received. The obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) here may be any one that can detect the specific obstacle 100, and may be a detection wave transmission / reception device that uses millimeter waves or radar waves as detection waves. In addition, laser radars 13R and 13L (which output laser light as detection waves and receive reflected light) that can detect obstacles 100 such as pedestrians with higher accuracy are employed, and are provided on the left and right sides of the bumper portion in front of the vehicle. Each is provided.

  The control unit 11 is a control unit configured as a normal computer having a known CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like, and includes the display unit 12 (12R, 12L) and the obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) described above. Furthermore, it is configured to be connected to a vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed detection means) 14 for detecting the speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle 20. The control unit 11 performs various controls based on programs and data stored in a ROM, an external storage device (not shown) or the like, and here, the obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) obtains it. The detection result based on the detection information (waveform information of the received reflected wave) to be identified is specified, and the alert display control for causing the display unit 12 (12R, 12L) to execute the display output corresponding to the detection result is executed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of alert display control executed by the control unit 11. This control is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle.

  First, in S1, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 14 is lower than a predetermined first reference speed (here, a low speed such as 5 km / h). If the speed is lower than the first reference speed, the process proceeds to S2, the obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) is set in the driving state, the obstacle detection is started (detection wave output is started), and the process proceeds to S3. On the other hand, if the speed is not lower than the first reference speed, the process proceeds to S10, the obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) is stopped, and the obstacle detection is stopped (detection wave output is stopped (prohibited)). Then, this process ends.

  In S3, whether or not the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 14 falls below a predetermined second reference speed (here, a low speed such as 0 km / h, which is lower than the first reference speed). Determine whether. If the speed falls below the second reference speed, the process proceeds to S4. If not, the process proceeds to S11.

  In S4, the control unit 11 acquires detection information (waveform information of the received reflected wave) detected by the obstacle started in S2, and the obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) detects the obstacle 100. Whether or not (obstacle detection means). If the obstacle 100 is detected, the process proceeds to S5, and if not detected, the process proceeds to S11.

  In S5, the control unit 11 specifies whether the detected obstacle exists on the left or right side of the vehicle (obstacle presence side specifying means). Here, based on the detection information acquired by any of the obstacle detection units 13 (13R, 13L) provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle, the identification is performed based on whether or not an obstacle is detected. That is, the detection information includes reception presence / absence information indicating the presence / absence of reception of the reflected wave with respect to the detection wave transmitted by the obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L), and the obstacle 100 is based on the reception presence / absence information. Specify whether there is.

  In S6, the control unit 11 identifies the side mirror 10 (10R, 10L) on the same side as the identified obstacle detection unit 13, and the display unit 12 provided in the identified side mirror 10 is Identified as a target for arousal display.

  In S7, the control unit 11 specifies the distance between the detected obstacle 100 and the host vehicle 20 (distance specifying means). Here, time detection is started as the obstacle 100 is started to be detected in S2 (detection wave output is started), and from the count value (time) until it is determined that the obstacle 100 is detected in S4. The time from the detection wave transmission to the reception is specified, and the distance between the obstacle 100 and the host vehicle 20 is specified based on the count value (time). Since there is a relationship between the time from the transmission to the reception of the detection wave and the distance, the longer the time is, the longer the distance is proportional to the distance. The distance based on the time between transmission and reception is specified in a form stored in advance in a storage device (not shown) and referred to.

  In S <b> 8, the control unit 11 determines the display state of the alerting display 13 made on the display unit 12. The control unit 11 of the present embodiment displays the alerting display 13 so as to be visually recognized as a graphic having a predetermined shape. The display state of the graphic image is the same as that of the detected obstacle 100. Since it changes according to the distance to the vehicle 20, the display state corresponding to the distance specified in S7 is specified here. In the control unit 11 or an external storage device (not shown), information defining display states corresponding to each distance is stored in advance, and the display state corresponding to the distance is determined by referring to the information. .

  In S9, the control unit 11 outputs a display command for executing the alerting display 13 based on the specified display state to the display unit 12 of the side mirror 10 specified in S6, and executes the display. After the display command is output in S9, this process ends, but S1 is executed again after a predetermined period. If the command content (display state) is different between the display command sent in S9 sent earlier and the display command sent in S9 sent in the next process, the display command is displayed here. The display state in the part 12 will change. For example, what is displayed with a warning 13 as shown in FIG. 7 is more emphasized than FIG. 7 as shown in FIG. 8 because the distance between the obstacle 100 and the vehicle 20 is closer. It becomes display 13 for alerting.

  If it is determined in S3 that the vehicle speed is not lower than the second reference speed (for example, a low speed such as 0 km / h), or if it is determined in S4 that the obstacle 100 is not detected. The display on the display unit 12 is terminated. If the display on the display unit 12 (the alerting display 13) is as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the display is terminated as shown in FIG. 6, and if the display is not shown as in FIG. If so, it will keep that state. Then, although this process ends, S1 is executed again after a predetermined period.

  As a result, the alert display 13 is executed on the side mirror 10 on the side of the vehicle 20 where the obstacle 100 is detected. For example, when the obstacle 100 is detected in front of the right side of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 5, the warning display 13 is executed in the right side mirror 10R. By just looking at 10R, it can be recognized that there is an obstacle 100 on the right side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the obstacle 100 is detected within a detection area including a blind spot area 130 (130R, 130L) in front of the vehicle, and the detection area is more than the driver 3D (driver's seat 2D). Located in front. For this reason, for the driver, the obstacle 100 existing in the blind spots on the diagonally forward sides of both the left and right sides of the vehicle is similarly notified in the side mirrors 10 (10R, 10L) located on the diagonally forward sides of the left and right sides of the vehicle. Therefore, it is easy to intuitively grasp the position where the obstacle 100 exists.

  Hereinafter, the display 13 for alerting in this embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is an example of a visual recognition state of the side mirror 10 in a state where the obstacle 100 is not detected. The mirror member 15 that forms the mirror surface 15a is a half mirror, but only the reflected image of the rear of the vehicle is displayed on the mirror surface 15a, and the display unit 12 behind the screen 15a other than the reflected image is displayed on the mirror surface 15a. The display is not visually recognized, and is difficult to be visually recognized. Here, since the display unit 12 behind is in a non-display state (light source non-lighting state), the display surface 12c is hardly visible.

  FIG. 7 is an example of a visual recognition state of the side mirror 10 in a state where the obstacle 100 is detected. On the mirror surface 15a, a reflected image of the rear of the vehicle is displayed, while the rear display unit 12 has a light-transmitting portion 12b1 having an annular graphic shape surrounding the outer periphery of the mirror surface 15a. The fluoroscopic image can be seen through (superimposed display) so as to overlap the reflected image displayed on the mirror surface 15a, and the fluoroscopic image is a display 13 for alerting.

  FIG. 8 is also an example of a visual recognition state of the side mirror 10 in a state in which the obstacle 100 is detected, but the visual recognition state of the side mirror 10 in a state in which the distance between the obstacle 100 and the vehicle 20 is closer than in FIG. It is. As in FIG. 7, a reflected image of the rear of the vehicle is displayed on the mirror surface 15 a, while the display unit 12 on the back side emits light from the light-transmitting unit 12 b 1 that has an annular shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the mirror surface 15 a. The state can be seen through (overlapping display), but the light emission state is different from that in FIG. 7 and is more emphasized. That is, since the distance of the obstacle 100 is closer, the alerting display 13 is emphasized.

  The difference in the display state of the alerting display 13 can be made in such a manner that the luminance, display color, display cycle, etc. are changed according to the distance between the obstacle 100 and the vehicle 20. For example, when the distance between the obstacle 100 and the vehicle 20 is closer than a predetermined reference distance in S8 of the process of FIG. 4, the display is performed with a predetermined luminance (FIG. 8). The display state according to the distance can be determined in such a manner that the display is performed with a lower brightness than the brightness (FIG. 7). Further, in S8 of the process of FIG. 4, when the distance between the obstacle 100 and the vehicle 20 is closer than a predetermined reference distance, red (FIG. 8), which is a predetermined warning color, from the reference distance The display state corresponding to the distance may be determined as yellow (FIG. 7), which is a predetermined attention color, when the distance is not close. Further, when the distance between the obstacle 100 and the vehicle 20 is closer than a predetermined reference distance in S8 of the process of FIG. 4 (always maintaining the state of FIG. 8), it is not closer than the reference distance. The case may be displayed by blinking display (display by alternately switching between FIG. 6 and FIG. 8).

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this, and the knowledge of those skilled in the art can be used without departing from the spirit of the claims. Various modifications based on this are possible.

  In the above embodiment, the alerting display 13 has a predetermined shape of the light emission graphic as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, but forms the display unit 12 as shown in FIG. 9, for example. The bullet-type LED may be visually recognized directly or indirectly (for example, via a semi-transmissive member (semi-transmissive member) or the like). Further, if the mirror member 15 is a half mirror, as shown in FIG. 10, the entire shape of the mirror surface 15a of the side mirror 10 is directly displayed as a light emitting figure on the display surface 12c of the display unit 12, and this is the mirror surface. It may be configured so as to be visible (transparent) so as to overlap the entire reflected image of the rear of the vehicle displayed on the vehicle 15a, and the light emitting graphic may be used as the alerting display 13. When the entire surface of the mirror surface 15a is used as the light emission graphic 13, or when the light emission graphic 13 is displayed at the center of the mirror surface 15a, the light emission graphic 13 is highlighted by displaying the light emission graphic 13 in a blinking manner. In addition, the visibility of the reflected image behind the vehicle displayed on the mirror surface 15a can be improved.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, the alerting display 13 may be provided within the mirror surface 15a of the side mirror 10, but may be provided outside the mirror surface 15a. For example, it may be provided annularly on the outer periphery of the mirror surface 15a.

  Further, the light emitting figure 13 may be any shape as long as it has a predetermined fixed shape, and in the present invention, if the shape is similar, it can be said that it has a fixed shape (the shape does not change), so that it is displayed according to distance. When changing the state, the light emission pattern 13 may be displayed larger as the distance is shorter.

  Further, the type of the obstacle 100 may be determined (obstacle determination unit), and the display state of the alerting display 13 may be different depending on the determined type of the obstacle 100. That is, in the predetermined storage unit of the control unit 11 or an external storage device, light emitting figures having different shapes are stored in advance in association with various types of the obstacle 100, and the type of the obstacle 100 is determined. Sometimes, the light emission pattern 13 corresponding to the determined type of the obstacle 100 may be displayed. For example, as a type of the obstacle 100, a predetermined type such as a pedestrian 100A or a bicycle (two-wheeled vehicle) 100B is discriminated, and when the type is discriminated, an alerting display 13 is displayed as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, predetermined obstacle type visual recognition images 13 </ b> A and 13 </ b> B that can visually recognize (identify) the type of the identified obstacle 100 may be displayed as the alerting display 13. Good. Here, an approach direction indication image (here, an arrow image) 13C indicating that the obstacle 100 is approaching is also displayed together with the obstacle type visually recognized images 13A and 13B.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of alert display control when the type of the obstacle 100 is determined.

  The processes from S101 to S106 are the same as S1 to S6 in FIG. If it is determined by the control unit 11 that the obstacle 100 has been detected in S104, it is specified in S105 whether the obstacle exists on the left or right side of the vehicle 20, and in S106, the side on the same side is specified. The display unit 12 of the mirror 10 is specified as a target for performing a display for alerting.

  In subsequent S106, the control unit 11 determines the type of the detected obstacle 100 (obstacle determination means). In subsequent S107, the control unit 11 determines the display content of the alerting display 13 according to the determined type of the obstacle 100. Here, a predetermined obstacle type visually recognized image 13 (reference numerals 13A, 13B, etc. in FIGS. 12 and 13) that can visually recognize the type of the identified obstacle 100 is displayed as the display content of the alerting display 13. decide. In the control unit 11 or an external storage device (not shown), the type of the obstacle 100 and the display content of the alerting display 13 (here, the obstacle type visually recognized image, and the type of the obstacle 100 is shown in its shape Is stored, and the control unit 11 determines the display content of the alerting display 13 by referring to the information. That is, the shape of the light emitting graphic displayed on the alerting display 13 is determined from a plurality of fixed shapes.

  Subsequent S109 to S113 are the same processes as S7 to S11. In S109, the control unit 11 identifies the distance between the detected obstacle 100 and the host vehicle 20, and in S110, the display state of the alert display 13 (brightness and Highlighting method such as display color and display cycle) is determined.

  In S111, the control unit 11 displays the display content determined in S107 (light emission graphic shape: here the obstacle type visually recognized image) in the display state determined in S110 (for example, blinking) ( Warning display 13).

  Here, a method for determining the type of the obstacle 100 will be described.

  As a method for determining the type of the obstacle 100, there is a method for determining the type by performing pattern matching on the image captured by the camera. However, in this embodiment, the obstacle for detecting the obstacle using reflection of the detected wave The object detection unit 13 can also determine the type of the detected obstacle 100.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the obstacle detection unit 13 configures the reception surface 13A for receiving the reflected wave of the detection wave in a form in which a plurality of reception cells 13a are spread in advance, and reception is performed in each reception cell 13a. Each piece of waveform information of the reflected wave is transmitted to the control unit 11, and the control unit 11 specifies the reception intensity (the amplitude of the received wave) of the reflected wave in each reception cell. Thereby, after the detection wave is transmitted, the control unit 11 can obtain the distribution of the reception intensity of the reflected wave in each reception cell 13a as shown on the right side of FIG. In the case of FIG. 16, each square arrayed vertically and horizontally corresponds to each reception cell 13a laid down on the reception surface 13A, and the higher the density of dots in the square, the reception of the reflected wave in the corresponding reception cell 13a. It shows that the strength is high. Since the reflection direction of the reflected wave reflected by the obstacle 100 changes depending on the shape of the obstacle, the distribution of the received wave intensity of each reflected wave in each receiving cell 13a is shown in FIG. It has a specific distribution pattern. Therefore, the distribution pattern of the reception intensity of the reflected wave corresponding to the various types of the obstacle 100 is stored in advance as model information in the control unit 11 or an external storage device (not shown), and reflected after transmitting the detection wave. As the wave is received, the control unit 11 specifies the distribution of the reception intensity of the reflected wave in each reception cell 13a, and sets the distribution pattern in which the distribution of the reception intensity matches at a predetermined reference level or higher. When the model information is identified with reference to the model information and a distribution pattern that matches the reference level or higher is specified, the detected obstacle 100 is specified as the type of obstacle corresponding to the distribution pattern. . The obstacle detection unit 13 in the present embodiment may have a configuration in which the detection wave transmission surface and the reception surface are a common surface 13A.

  In the case where the display state of the alerting display 13 is switched according to the type of the obstacle 100, the display device 12 may be a liquid crystal display device capable of displaying an arbitrary image or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. A display device such as a device may be employed. Thereby, it is easy to execute the alerting display 13 corresponding to many types of obstacles 100.

  In the above embodiment, the first reference speed and the second reference speed are provided, and both the detection start timing of the obstacle 100 and the display start timing of the alerting display 13 are determined. Any timing may be determined. When both timings are provided, the first reference speed and the second reference speed may coincide with each other. However, as shown in the above embodiment, before the display of the alerting display 13 starts, It is desirable that the detection of the object 100 be disclosed.

  In the above embodiment, the first reference speed and the second reference speed are provided, and both the detection start timing of the obstacle 100 and the display start timing of the alerting display 13 are determined. By cooperating with the vehicle navigation device 90, the control unit 11 causes the obstacle detection unit 13 (13R, 13L) to detect an obstacle when the vehicle 20 is located in a predetermined road section or vehicle parking / stopping area. The detection of the object 100 can be started, or when the vehicle 20 exists in a predetermined road section or vehicle parking / stopping area, the display unit 12 can be configured to display a warning 13. .

  The predetermined road section is, for example, a section in front of an intersection or in front of a stop line (reference numeral 110 is an intersection and reference numeral 111 is a stop line in FIG. 1), a predetermined section in front of a pedestrian crossing or a traffic light. The predetermined vehicle parking area may be a parking lot or the like.

  In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the control unit 11 is configured to be connected to the control unit 91 of the navigation device 90 via, for example, an in-vehicle LAN. The navigation device 90 includes a position detector (current position specifying means) 92 that specifies the current position of the vehicle 20, and therefore, the control unit 91 has the vehicle 20 parked in a predetermined road section or a predetermined vehicle 20. It can be configured to determine whether or not the vehicle is present in the stop area (area determination means) and transmit the determination result to the control unit 11. And based on the determination result, the control part 11 starts the detection of the obstruction 100 by the obstruction detection part 13 (13R, 13L), or performs the display 13 for alerting by the display part 12. It can be configured as follows.

  The navigation device 90 includes a position detector 92, a display device (liquid crystal display, etc.) 93, a voice output unit (voice synthesis circuit and speaker) 94, an operation input unit (mechanical switch, touch switch, remote controller, voice input unit, etc.). 95 and a storage device (hard disk drive or the like) 96 are connected to the control unit 91.

  The position detector 1 is current position specifying means for specifying the current position of the vehicle 20, and is a known geomagnetic sensor, a gyroscope for detecting the rotational angular velocity of the vehicle 20, a distance sensor for detecting the travel distance of the vehicle 20, and a satellite. This is a well-known device having a GPS receiver 414 that detects the position of the vehicle 20 based on radio waves from the vehicle.

  The control unit 91 is a normal computer configured with a well-known CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU performs control based on a navigation program and data stored in the storage device 96, for example, a destination. Route guidance can be performed by display on the display 93 or voice output from the voice output unit 94.

  In the storage device 96, in addition to the well-known navigation program for executing the route guidance and the like, a map database which is so-called map matching data for improving the accuracy of position detection, and a map database including road data representing road connections. Data is stored. The map data stores predetermined map image information for display and road network information including link information and node information. Further, in the storage device 96, the user can independently write data to auxiliary information for route guidance, entertainment information, etc., and is stored as user data. Data and various information necessary for the operation of the navigation device 90 are also stored as a database.

  By the way, in the said embodiment, you may provide the obstruction detection part which detects the obstruction 100 which exists in the blind spot area | region of the vehicle outer left and right located behind the driver | operator 3D. In this case, when the obstacle 100 is detected in any one of the left and right blind spots outside the vehicle located behind the driver 3D, the detected side mirror is the same as the above embodiment. Can be displayed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle display device 2D Driver's seat 3D Driver 20 Vehicle 10 Side mirror 11 Control part 12 Warning display part 12R Right side mirror warning display part 12L Left side mirror warning display part 120 Side mirror 13 Obstacle detection unit 13R Obstacle detection unit on the right side of the vehicle 13L Obstacle detection unit on the left side of the vehicle 130 Blind spot area of the driver 130R Blind spot area on the right side of the vehicle 130L Blind spot area on the left side of the vehicle 14 Vehicle speed sensor (vehicle speed detection means) )
15 Mirror member (half mirror)

Claims (19)

A warning display that is provided at a position that can be visually recognized by the driver in both side mirrors provided on the left and right sides outside the vehicle, and that allows the driver to confirm the rear of the vehicle by using the side mirrors. And
Obstacle detection means for detecting an obstacle in the blind spot area of the driver present on each of the left and right sides outside the vehicle;
When the obstacle is detected, in the display part of the side mirror on the same side as the detected obstacle, as a warning display that is displayed more emphasized than when the obstacle is not detected, Control means for executing a display in which a light-emitting figure of a predetermined shape is visually recognized;
A vehicle display device comprising:   The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the obstacle detection unit detects an obstacle present in a blind spot area located in front of the driver. A distance specifying means for specifying a distance between the obstacle and the vehicle;
The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to change a display state of the alerting display according to a distance between the specified obstacle and the vehicle. .   The vehicle display device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes a display color of the alerting display according to a distance between the specified obstacle and the vehicle.   The control means displays the warning display in red when the distance between the specified obstacle and the vehicle is closer than a predetermined reference distance, and in yellow when the distance is not closer than the reference distance. The vehicle display device according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle display device is performed.   The control means always displays the warning display when the distance between the specified obstacle and the vehicle is closer than a predetermined reference distance, and flashes when the distance is not closer than the reference distance. The vehicle display device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the display device is a display. The obstacle detection means transmits a predetermined detection wave, and detects the obstacle based on reception of the reflected wave.
7. The distance determination unit according to claim 3, wherein the distance specifying unit calculates a distance from the obstacle based on a time from transmission of the detection wave to reception of the reflected wave. Vehicle display device.   The vehicle display device according to claim 7, wherein the obstacle detection means is a laser radar. An obstacle discriminating means for discriminating the type of the obstacle;
9. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display state of the alerting display to be different depending on the determined type of the obstacle. 10. Vehicle display device.   The vehicle display device according to claim 9, wherein the control means is configured to display a predetermined obstacle type visually recognizable image capable of visually recognizing the determined obstacle type as the warning display. .   The vehicle display device according to claim 10, wherein the control means blinks the obstacle type visually recognized image.   The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display unit is configured to display the alert display in a form of being superimposed on a mirror surface of the side mirror.   The vehicle display device according to claim 11, wherein the display unit is provided on an outer peripheral portion in a mirror surface of the side mirror.   The vehicle display device according to claim 12, wherein the display unit is provided in an annular shape so as to surround an outer periphery in a mirror surface of the side mirror. Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle,
The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control means causes the warning display to be displayed when the detected vehicle speed falls below a predetermined reference speed. Display device. Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle,
The obstacle detection means according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the obstacle detection means starts detection of the obstacle when the detected vehicle speed falls below a predetermined reference speed. Vehicle display device. Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed of the vehicle,
The obstacle detection means starts detection of the obstacle when the detected vehicle speed falls below a predetermined first reference speed,
The control means causes the alert display to be performed when the detected vehicle speed falls below a predetermined second reference speed that is lower than the first reference speed. The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. Current position specifying means for specifying the current position of the vehicle;
Area determination means for determining whether the vehicle is present in a predetermined road section or a predetermined vehicle parking area;
The control means is configured to cause the warning display to be performed when the vehicle is present in the road section or a vehicle parking / stopping area. The vehicle display device described in 1. Current position specifying means for specifying the current position of the vehicle;
Area determination means for determining whether the vehicle is present in a predetermined road section or a predetermined vehicle parking area;
The obstacle detection means starts detection of the obstacle when the vehicle is present in the road section or a vehicle parking / stopping area. The vehicle display device according to the item.

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