JP2017171118A - Cabin index display device of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cabin index display device of a vehicle capable of properly displaying an advancing direction of a vehicle and a vehicle state relative to the advancing direction to a driver.SOLUTION: A cabin index display device includes a pair of left and right indexes 10R, 10L provided on upper surfaces at left and right end parts of an instrument panel 3, optical flow estimating means U2 which estimates a direction of an optical flow of a driver based on the information from various apparatuses S1-S7, and index control means U3 which makes control so that display of the indexes 10R, 10L becomes inconspicuous by turning off or dimming an entire or a part of the indexes 10R, 10L if a degree of estrangement becomes a specified value or larger between the indexes 10R, 10L and the direction of the optical flow estimated by the optical flow estimating means U2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle interior indicator display device.

  In a vehicle such as an automobile, an indoor index display device that displays an index on the interior of the vehicle may be used to support the driving operation of the driver. For example, in Patent Document 1, for the purpose of driving assistance, when a cautionary object (for example, a dangerous obstacle such as a pedestrian) is detected in front, an index provided on the vehicle interior is directed toward the cautionary object. An invention for displaying moving (moving) is disclosed.

JP 2006-331040 A

  By the way, at night, a driver who is in a dark room is immersive and difficult to recognize the space (decrease in space recognition ability). For this reason, it is difficult to grasp the position of the host vehicle and the behavior of the vehicle. It becomes. Therefore, there is a need for an indicator display device that can appropriately display the traveling direction of the vehicle and the state of the vehicle with respect to the traveling direction in accordance with the driving state of the vehicle to compensate for the reduction in the driver's spatial recognition ability. However, there has been no conventional indicator device in which such consideration has been made. For example, since the index in the invention of Patent Document 1 guides the driver's line of sight to the attention object outside the vehicle, it is irrelevant to the improvement of the driver's spatial recognition ability, and is not necessarily a driving operation. Since it does not coincide with the direction of the driver's line of sight, the driver may feel uncomfortable.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to appropriately indicate to the driver the vehicle traveling direction and the vehicle state with respect to the traveling direction in the vehicle indoor indicator display device. It is providing the vehicle indoor parameter | index display apparatus which can be displayed on.

In order to achieve the above object, the following solution is adopted in the present invention. That is, as described in claim 1, in the vehicle interior indicator display device,
An indicator disposed on the interior of the passenger compartment and having a predetermined direction,
Optical flow estimation means for estimating the direction of the driver's optical flow;
The direction of the optical flow estimated by the optical flow estimation means is compared with the direction of the index. When the difference between the direction of the optical flow and the direction of the index becomes a predetermined value or more, the index is conspicuous. And index control means for controlling so as to be difficult.

According to the above solution method, when the direction of the optical flow of the driver deviates more than the predetermined value, the display by the index is less noticeable, so the difference between the optical flow and the direction of the index is less than the predetermined value. If it is small, the driver can clearly recognize the position and direction of travel of the vehicle based on the position and direction of the index, and the sense of unity with the vehicle and the immersive feeling of driving can be enhanced while driving. Thus, when the difference between the direction of the optical flow and the index is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is possible to appropriately prevent the index oriented in a direction different from the optical flow from giving the driver a sense of incongruity.

Preferred embodiments based on the above solution are as described in claims 2 and below in the claims. That is, the indicator control means makes the indicator less noticeable by turning off or dimming all or at least a part of the indicator (corresponding to claim 2). In this case, the degree of visibility of the index can be set variously depending on the situation.

  The index control means changes the degree of making the index less noticeable according to the degree of deviation between the direction of the optical flow estimated by the optical flow estimation means and the direction of the index. 3 correspondence). In this case, the display by the index can be appropriately adjusted according to the degree of deviation between the optical flow and the direction of the index.

  The optical flow estimation means estimates the direction of the optical flow of the driver based on information from the driver state detection means for detecting the driver's state (corresponding to claim 4). In this case, for example, the driver's optical flow can be estimated directly from the information about the driver's state (direction of the driver's line of sight) from the in-vehicle camera, so the optical flow is estimated with high accuracy. be able to.

  The optical flow estimation means estimates the direction of the optical flow of the driver based on information from the outside situation detection means for detecting the outside situation in the vehicle traveling direction (corresponding to claim 5). In this case, for example, the driver's optical flow can be estimated by predicting the subsequent driving operation based on the information about the vehicle outside direction in the vehicle traveling direction from the camera outside the vehicle or the navigation device. It can be executed with a relatively simple configuration without time delay.

  The optical flow estimation means estimates the direction of the driver's optical flow based on information from the vehicle exterior situation detection means for detecting the vehicle exterior situation in the vehicle traveling direction (corresponding to claim 6). In this case, the optical flow can be estimated with a simple and inexpensive configuration based on, for example, information on the driving state of the vehicle from a steering angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a G sensor, and the like.

  According to the present invention, an appropriate index can be given to the driver only at an appropriate time according to a change in the driving situation of the vehicle (driver's optical flow). A sense of connection and a sense of unity with the vehicle can be improved, and it is possible to appropriately prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to an inappropriate index.

The figure which shows the vehicle interior example provided with the parameter | index display apparatus of this invention. The block block diagram which shows the example of a control system of this invention. The flowchart which shows the example of control of this invention.

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

  FIG. 1 shows a front part of a vehicle compartment provided with the indicator display device of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the vehicle includes a front window glass 1, left and right front pillars 2R and 2L provided on both sides of the front window glass 1, and an instrument panel 3 provided below the front window glass 1. A steering wheel 4 provided on the driver's seat side (right side) is provided.

  On the instrument panel 3, a pair of left and right indicators (indicator indicators) 10R and 10L are provided so as to be positioned near the lower ends of the front pillars 2R and 2L. The indicators 10R and 10L are in a bar-like (bar-like) display mode having a predetermined direction (vector component), and for example, a thin-film display or LED light using liquid crystal or organic EL is used. It consists of a display. As another aspect, the indicators 10R and 10L may be projected and displayed by a projection mapping device provided on the instrument panel 3. The indicators 10R and 10L can be switched on, off, and extinguished.

  The indicators 10R and 10L are arranged in a direction assumed as the direction of the driver's optical flow (vector indicating the flow of scenery) when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead. In FIG. 1, a part of the optical flow extending radially toward the host vehicle from the enlarged center (vanishing point) O in front of the driver when the vehicle travels straight is shown as OP <b> 1 and OP <b> 2. The optical flow OP1 gradually extends downward and to the right as it goes rearward, and passes through the upper surface position of the right end portion of the instrument panel 3. The optical flow OP2 extends gradually downward and to the left as it goes rearward, and passes through the position of the upper surface of the left end portion of the instrument panel 3.

  The right indicator 10R that is lit and displayed in a bar shape is set to face in the same direction as the extension line of the optical flow OP1 (so as to overlap). The left indicator 10L that is lit and displayed in a bar shape is set to face in the same direction as the extension line of the optical flow OP2 (so as to overlap). Such a pair of left and right indicators 10R and 10L is displayed in such a manner that the interval gradually decreases toward the front (display in a C shape in plan view).

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a control system of the index display device of this embodiment. As shown, the control system includes a controller (control unit) U configured using a microcomputer. Signals from various devices (detection means) S1 to S7 are input to the controller U. Here, S1 is an in-vehicle camera (occupant imaging device) capable of photographing a driver in the vehicle interior, and S2 is an out-of-vehicle camera capable of photographing the front of the vehicle (vehicle traveling direction). S3 is a navigation device for obtaining map information and the vehicle position. Further, S4 is a steering angle sensor that detects the steering angle, S5 is a vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed, and S6 is a G sensor that detects the inclination state of the vehicle. S7 is a seat position detection device that detects the seat position of the driver's seat (driver seat).

  The controller U includes an optical flow estimation unit U1, and the optical flow estimation unit U1 estimates the direction of the driver's optical flow based on a signal (information) from at least one of the devices S1 to S7. . Since the optical flow is a velocity field of the entire image of the outside world projected on the human retina, the direction of the optical flow changes when the direction of the driver's line of sight changes according to the change in the traveling direction of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle turns to the left, the driver's line of sight faces the left side, and as shown in FIG. 1, the optical flow expansion center O ′ moves to the left side from the expansion center O when traveling straight, The optical flows OP1 ′ and OP2 ′ reaching 10R and 10L are inclined to the left side with respect to the optical flows OP1 and OP2 when traveling straight. The controller U estimates such an optical flow change based on information from at least one of the devices S1 to S7.

  Note that the information from the devices S1 to S7 can be classified into any of information on the driver's state, information on the vehicle exterior direction in the vehicle traveling direction, and information on the vehicle driving state. The in-vehicle camera S1 and the seat position detecting means S7 are information about the driver's condition, the out-of-vehicle camera S2 and the navigation device S3 are information about the out-of-vehicle status, the steering angle sensor S4, the vehicle speed sensor S5 and the G sensor S6 are Information about the driving state of the vehicle is provided.

  The optical flow estimation means U1 directly estimates the optical flow based on the state of the driver imaged by the in-vehicle camera S1. That is, since the optical flow changes depending on the direction of the occupant's line of sight, the direction of the optical flow is directly determined by estimating the direction of the occupant's line of sight from the image of the occupant's face by the in-vehicle camera S1 ( Accurately).

  Further, since the road condition in the traveling direction of the vehicle is detected from the image in front of the vehicle by the outside camera S2 and the map information from the navigation device S3, the optical flow estimating means U1 determines the condition of the road in the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is possible to predict the driving situation based on the above and indirectly estimate the change in the optical flow (change in the driver's line of sight).

  Further, the optical flow estimation means U1 is based on the steering angle of the vehicle detected by the steering angle sensor S3, the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor S4, and the vehicle inclination detected by the G sensor S5. The optical flow is indirectly estimated by detecting (right turn or left turn, etc.). The direction of the sight line of the occupant who determines the optical flow does not always face the direction of travel of the vehicle, but before the change of the travel direction of the vehicle (right turn or left turn), to the side where the travel direction of the vehicle changes. Therefore, the estimation of the optical flow based on the motion state of the vehicle is indirect (with a time lag).

  Further, since the driver's optical flow changes depending on the driver's driving position, the optical flow estimation means U1 specifies the driving position based on the detection signal from the seat position detection means, and estimates the optical flow. adjust.

  The controller U includes index control means U2, and can control the indices 10R and 10L by transmitting a control signal toward the indices 10R and 10L. Specifically, the driver's optical flow estimated by the optical flow estimation means U1 is within a predetermined range with respect to the optical flow directions OP1 and OP2 (that is, the directions in which the vector components of the indices 10R and 10L are directed) when traveling straight ahead. In some cases (when the angle between the direction of the actual optical flow and the direction of the optical flow when going straight is smaller than a predetermined angle), the indicators 10R and 10L are controlled to a normal lighting state. As a result, the driver sees the indicators 10R and 10L facing the direction of the optical flow in the vicinity of both ends of the vehicle (near the lower ends of the front pillars 2R and 2L), and the positions and directions of these indicators 10R and 10L. Since the vehicle position and the vehicle traveling direction can be clearly recognized on the basis of the above, the sense of unity with the vehicle during driving and the feeling of immersion in driving are enhanced. Such an improvement in space recognition capability is enhanced particularly at night.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the driver's optical flow estimated by the optical flow estimation unit U1 deviates beyond the predetermined range with respect to the directions of the indicators 10R and 10L (the estimated optical flow direction and the indicator 10R When the angle between the directions of 10L is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle), the control is performed so that the display by the indicators 10R and 10L is inconspicuous (the display is suppressed). Specifically, the display of the indicators 10R and 10L is not easily recognized by the driver by turning off or dimming all or part of the indicators 10R and 10L. This appropriately prevents the driver from feeling uncomfortable due to the indicators 10R and 10L pointing in a direction deviating from the optical flow.

  Various methods (configurations) for making the indicators 10R and 10L inconspicuous are conceivable. For example, the entire indicator may be simply turned off or dimmed so that the display becomes inconspicuous, or a part of the indicator may be turned off or dimmed. The indicators 10R and 10L may be made inconspicuous by reducing the display areas of the indicators 10R and 10L (for example, reducing the area range to be lit).

  It is also possible to change the extent that the indications by the indicators 10R and 10L are inconspicuous according to the extent to which the estimated optical flow and the direction of the indicator are deviated. For example, as a reference for determining the degree of optical flow deviation, a first predetermined angle and a second predetermined angle larger than the first predetermined angle are set, and the deviation is equal to or greater than the first predetermined angle. When the angle is less than the second predetermined angle, the display may be dimmed. On the other hand, when the deviation is equal to or greater than the second predetermined angle, the display may be turned off.

  Next, an example of control by the controller U will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following description, Q indicates a step. First, in Q1, information (signals) from various devices S1 to S6 is acquired, and in subsequent Q2, the driver's optical flow is estimated based on these information.

  In Q3, the optical flow estimated in Q2 is compared with the indicators 10R and 10L (that is, the directions of the optical flows OP1 and OP2 when traveling straight), and the difference between the estimated optical flow and the indicators 10R and 10L is It is determined whether or not it is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (predetermined angle). If it is determined that the predetermined range is not exceeded, the process proceeds to Q4, and the indicators 10R and 10L are controlled to a normal lighting state to End the cycle.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in Q3 that the difference between the optical flow and the direction of the indicators 10R and 10L is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to Q5, and the indication of the indicators 10R and 10L is inconspicuous (all or part of The light is dimmed or turned off. The steps of Q3 and Q5 are repeatedly executed until the optical flow divergence becomes smaller than a predetermined value. If the optical flow divergence becomes less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to Q4 and the indicators 10R and 10L are set to the normal values. The lighting state is controlled to complete one cycle of control.

  Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. In order to make the indicators 10R and 10L inconspicuous, various methods other than turning off or dimming all or part of the indicators 10R and 10L are conceivable. For example, an appropriate one can be adopted such as covering the indicators 10R and 10L with a separately provided cover member. In addition, the indicators 10R and 10L only need to have a vector component indicating the direction of the optical flow, and may have an appropriate shape such as a polygonal shape. Further, the number of the indicators 10R and 10L is not particularly limited, and only one indicator may be provided, or three or more indicators may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the indicators 10R and 10L are integrally controlled. However, each of the indicators 10R and 10L can be controlled independently. For example, the lighting, extinguishing, and dimming of each index 10R, 10L may be controlled separately according to the degree of deviation between the estimated optical flow direction and each index 10R, 10L.

  The indicators 10R and 10L may be provided so as to be offset only on either the left or right side of the driver. In particular, when provided only on the left or right side, the vehicle width direction on the side of the passenger seat that is far away from the driver It is preferable to provide at a position close to the outer side end. The indicators 10R and 10L are not limited to the vicinity of the front window glass 1, but are provided in the vicinity of the side window glass of the driver side door or the passenger side door that the driver's line of sight may turn when turning left or right. Also good. The vehicle interior material provided with the indicators 10R and 10L is not limited to the instrument panel 3, but may be appropriately selected such as the front pillars 2R and 2L (especially the lower end), and the side door (especially the front upper edge). You can choose one. The height position at which the indicators 10R and 10L are provided is set to a position lower than the driver's eye position so that the driver is not unnecessarily dazzled and the driver's awareness. Is preferable in order not to concentrate too much on the indicators 10R and 10L.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can provide a vehicle interior indicator display device that is particularly suitable during night driving.

1: Front window glass 2R, 2L: Front pillar 3: Instrument panel 4: Steering wheel 10R, 10L: Index OP1, OP2: Optical flow OP1 ′ when traveling straight, OP2 ′: Optical flow when turning left U: Controller S1: In-vehicle camera S2: Outside camera S3: Navigation device S4: Rudder angle sensor S5: Vehicle speed sensor S6: G sensor S7: Seat position detecting means

Claims (6)

An indicator disposed on the interior of the passenger compartment and having a predetermined direction,
Optical flow estimation means for estimating the direction of the driver's optical flow;
The direction of the optical flow estimated by the optical flow estimation means is compared with the direction of the index. When the difference between the direction of the optical flow and the direction of the index becomes a predetermined value or more, the index is conspicuous. An indoor index display device for a vehicle, comprising index control means for controlling so as to be difficult. In the vehicle indoor index display device according to claim 1,
The indicator control unit is a vehicle interior indicator display device that makes the indicator less noticeable by turning off or dimming all or at least a part of the indicator. In the vehicle interior indicator display device according to claim 1 or 3,
The indoor index display device for a vehicle, wherein the index control means changes the degree of making the index less noticeable according to the degree of deviation between the direction of the optical flow estimated by the optical flow estimation means and the direction of the index. The vehicle indoor index display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The optical flow estimation means is a vehicle interior indicator display device that estimates the direction of the driver's optical flow based on information from the driver condition detection means that detects the driver's condition. The vehicle indoor index display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The optical flow estimation means is a vehicle interior indicator display device that estimates the direction of the optical flow of the driver based on information from the vehicle exterior situation detection means that detects the vehicle exterior situation in the vehicle traveling direction. In the vehicle indoor index display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The optical flow estimation means is a vehicle indoor indicator display device that estimates the direction of the driver's optical flow based on information from the driving state detection means for detecting the driving state of the vehicle.

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