JP2020187415A - Road sign information display device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a road sign information display device for a vehicle, which can reduce troublesomeness due to displaying of sign information.SOLUTION: A road sign information display device for a vehicle for recognizing a road sign so as to display the sign in a display section, includes: multiple switches 91-98 for performing a predetermined input operation with respect to a driving support function to support driving; and the display section. A first switch among the multiple switches 91-98, that is, an LIM switch 91 in one example, is also used as a constant display on-switch for inputting an instruction to allow the display section to constantly display sign information to be expressed by the recognized road sign. A second switch among the multiple switches 91-98, which is different from the first switch, that is, an INFO switch 98 in one example, is also used a temporary display on-switch for inputting an instruction to allow the display section to temporarily, for a predetermined time, display sign information to be expressed by the recognized road sign.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle road sign information display device that is mounted on a vehicle and displays sign information represented by a road sign (traffic sign).

Conventionally, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, by using an image processing technique such as pattern recognition or template matching on an image captured by an in-vehicle camera, a road sign (traffic sign) is used from the image. ) Is recognized, and a road sign information display device that displays the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display device is known.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-160116 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-153167

By the way, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, when the recognized sign information is constantly displayed on the display device, the driver may find the display annoying. In particular, when the sign information is displayed on the head-up display, it is easy to enter the field of view, and the driver may find the display annoying.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a road sign information display device for vehicles that can reduce the troublesomeness of displaying sign information.

As a result of various studies, the present inventor has found that the above object can be achieved by the following invention. That is, the vehicle road sign information display device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of switches and a display unit for performing a predetermined input operation for a driving support function for supporting driving, and includes a road sign. Is a device that recognizes and displays on the display unit, and the first switch among the plurality of switches always gives an instruction to display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display unit. The second switch, which is also used as a constant display on switch for input and is different from the first switch among the plurality of switches, temporarily displays the sign information represented by the recognized road sign for a predetermined time. It is also used as a temporary display on switch for inputting an instruction to be displayed on the display unit.

Since such a vehicle road sign information display device includes not only the constant display on switch that is also used as the first switch but also the temporary display on switch that is also used as the second switch, the sign information can be displayed. , Not only can it be displayed all the time, but it can also be displayed temporarily, so that the troublesomeness of displaying the sign information can be reduced. In the vehicle road sign information display device, since the constant display on switch and the temporary display on switch are also used as the existing first and second switches, no additional switch is required.

In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the driving support function of the first switch is a function of supporting the driving by controlling the traveling speed, and the first switch is , A switch for performing a predetermined input operation for controlling the traveling speed. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the driving support function of the first switch is a function of supporting the driving by controlling the driving speed so as to limit the traveling speed to or less than the upper limit value. Is.

Since such a vehicle road sign information display device also serves as a first switch for performing a predetermined input operation for a driving support function for controlling a traveling speed and the constant display on switch, the first switch is used. By simply inputting and operating, the sign information that is used as a reference when performing the input operation for the driving support function can be displayed at all times.

In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the first switch is a speed limiter switch for inputting an upper limit value of a controlled traveling speed.

In such a vehicle road sign information display device, since the first switch is a speed limiter switch, the sign information that can be used as a reference when inputting the upper limit value of the traveling speed simply by inputting the first switch. Can always be displayed.

In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the driving support function related to the second switch supports the driving by displaying predetermined driving information regarding driving on the display unit. As a function, the second switch is an INFORMATION switch for inputting an instruction to display the driving information on the display unit. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the travel information is obtained by dividing the instantaneous fuel consumption, which is the fuel consumption in the current driving state, and the mileage from the reset by the fuel consumption consumed in the traveling of the mileage. The average fuel consumption, which is the fuel consumption obtained by doing so, the mileage which is the total mileage from the start of running (for example, the mileage measured by the ODO meter), and the section mileage which is the mileage from the reset (for example, the trip meter). Includes at least one of (mileage measured by).

According to this, it is possible to provide a road sign information display device for vehicles that also serves as an INFORMATION switch and the temporary display on switch.

In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the first switch recognizes the sign information represented by the recognized road sign until a predetermined display end condition is satisfied after the recognition. , It is also used as a display automatic off switch for inputting an instruction to be displayed on the display unit.

In such a vehicle road sign information display device, since the first switch is further used as the display automatic off switch, not only the sign information is always displayed, but also when the road sign is recognized, the sign information is displayed at all times. Since it is possible to temporarily display the information until the display end condition is satisfied, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of displaying the sign information.

In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the road sign is a speed regulation sign indicating a maximum speed, the sign information is the maximum speed, and the predetermined display end condition. Is that the difference between the traveling speed of the own vehicle and the maximum speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, and the difference between the traveling speed of another vehicle traveling around the own vehicle and the maximum speed is equal to or greater than the threshold value. There is. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the predetermined display end condition is that the mileage of the own vehicle after the recognition reaches a predetermined distance. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the predetermined display end condition is either that the own vehicle has turned right after the recognition and that the own vehicle has turned left after the recognition. To meet one. Preferably, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the predetermined display end condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed after the recognition.

Such a vehicle road sign information display device ends the display of the recognized maximum speed when the recognized maximum speed and each traveling speed of the own vehicle and each other vehicle deviate from the above threshold value or more. .. Therefore, for example, in the case of erroneous recognition, the vehicle road sign information display device can end the display of the recognized maximum speed. Also, for example, even if it is not a false recognition, in order to prevent an accident, the own vehicle is running at a speed that matches the flow of other vehicles, but since it exceeds the maximum speed, the display of the maximum speed is continued. If this is the case, the driver may feel psychological pressure. Therefore, the vehicle road sign information display device eliminates such psychological pressure by ending the display of the recognized maximum speed. it can.

In another aspect, in the above-mentioned vehicle road sign information display device, the first switch is for inputting an instruction not to always display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display unit. It is also used as a constant display off switch for.

In such a vehicle road sign information display device, since the first switch is further used as the constant display off switch, not only the sign information is always displayed, but also the sign information is not always displayed. It is also possible to reduce the troublesomeness of displaying the sign information.

The vehicle road sign information display device according to the present invention can reduce the troublesomeness of displaying the sign information.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the driving support device which incorporated the road sign information display device for a vehicle in embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the arrangement position of a radar apparatus and an image pickup apparatus. As an example, it is a figure for demonstrating the arrangement of the input part and the display part in the vehicle interior in the driving support device which incorporated the road sign information display device for a vehicle shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the input part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation about the input operation of the input part in the driving support device which incorporated the road sign information display device for a vehicle shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation about the recognition of the road sign in the driving support device which incorporated the road sign information display device for a vehicle shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation about the display of the sign information in the driving support device which incorporated the road sign information display device for a vehicle shown in FIG. As an example, it is a figure for demonstrating the display example of the maximum speed in the 1st to 3rd display modes.

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. It should be noted that the configurations with the same reference numerals in the respective drawings indicate the same configurations, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the present specification, when they are collectively referred to, they are indicated by reference numerals without subscripts, and when they refer to individual configurations, they are indicated by reference numerals with subscripts.

The vehicle road sign information display device according to the embodiment includes a plurality of switches for performing a predetermined input operation for a driving support function for supporting driving, and a display unit for displaying predetermined information on the road. It is a device that recognizes a sign and displays it on the display unit. Then, in the present embodiment, the first switch among the plurality of switches is a constant display on switch for constantly inputting an instruction to display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display unit. The second switch, which is different from the first switch among the plurality of switches, causes the display unit to temporarily display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign for a predetermined time. It is also used as a temporary display on switch for inputting instructions. Such a road sign information display device for vehicles will be described more specifically below with reference to a case where it is incorporated in a driving support device that supports driving of a vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a driving support device incorporating a road sign information display device for vehicles in the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement positions of the radar device and the image pickup device. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the input unit and the display unit in the vehicle interior in the driving support device incorporating the road sign information display device for vehicles shown in FIG. 1 as an example. FIG. 3A mainly shows an input unit, and FIG. 3B shows a display unit. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the input unit shown in FIG. FIG. 4A shows a part of the input unit arranged on the right side of the center position of the steering wheel, and FIG. 4B shows another part of the input unit arranged on the left side of the center position of the steering wheel.

The driving support device DS incorporating the vehicle road sign information display device in the embodiment includes, for example, a radar device 1, an image pickup device 2, a vehicle speed measurement unit 3, and a control processing unit 4, as shown in FIG. A storage unit 5, an input unit 9, and an output unit 10 including a display unit are provided, and a power unit 6a, a power transmission unit 6b, a braking unit 7, and a steering unit 8 are provided for traveling.

The radar device 1 is connected to the control processing unit 4, transmits a predetermined transmission wave according to the control of the control processing unit 4, and receives the reflected wave of the transmission wave reflected by the object (for example, the preceding vehicle). , A device that measures the position of an object by detecting the object and measuring the direction of the object and the distance to the object. Then, in the present embodiment, in order to realize a predetermined driving support function such as follow-up running, the radar device 1 is based on the Doppler shift of the reflected wave with respect to the transmitted wave, and the relative speed of the object with respect to the own vehicle VCs. Also seeking. For example, in the present embodiment, the radar device 1 is provided at the front end of the vehicle (own vehicle) VCs, and the front of the own vehicle is an object in a predetermined first target range (range) R1 as shown in FIG. To measure. In one example, the radar device 1 has a transmitting unit that transmits a transmission wave in the millimeter wave band while scanning it in the first target range R1, a receiving unit that receives the reflected wave reflected by the object, and the transmission. It is provided with a signal processing unit for obtaining the position of the object by obtaining the direction of the object and the distance to the object based on the wave and the reflected wave. The signal processing unit obtains the direction of the object from the transmission direction of the transmission wave in the scan of the first target range R1, and based on the time difference between the transmission timing of the transmission wave and the reception timing of the reflected wave, the signal processing unit said. The distance to the object is obtained (TOF (Time-Of-Flight) method). The radar device 1 is not limited to such a configuration, and may be an appropriate type of radar device. For example, the radar device 1 may be a laser radar device that uses laser light instead of the millimeter wave band, and the radar device 1 includes a plurality of receiving antennas and the reflected waves received by the plurality of receiving antennas. The device may be used to determine the direction of the object from the phase difference of. The radar device 1 outputs the position (direction, distance) and relative velocity of the object measured in this way to the control processing unit 4.

The image pickup device 2 is a device that is connected to the control processing unit 4 and generates an image under the control of the control processing unit 4. The image pickup device 2 is mounted on the own vehicle VCs so as to image the front (traveling direction) of the own vehicle VCs. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the image pickup apparatus 2 defines the front surface (traveling direction) of the own vehicle VCs on the ceiling surface (inner side surface of the roof) near the windshield in the own vehicle VCs. It is arranged so as to image in the second target range (angle of view) R2. In one example, for example, the image pickup apparatus 2 is arranged with an imaging optical system that forms an optical image of a subject (object) on a predetermined imaging surface, and a light receiving surface that is aligned with the imaging surface. A digital camera including an area image sensor that converts an optical image of the above into an electrical signal, an image processing unit that generates image data that is data representing the image of the subject by image processing the output of the area image sensor, and the like. Is. The image pickup device 2 outputs the generated image to the control processing unit 4.

The vehicle speed measuring unit 3 is a device that is connected to the control processing unit 4 and measures the speed of the vehicle according to the control of the control processing unit 4. The vehicle speed measuring unit 3 includes, for example, a rotary encoder and its peripheral circuits, and is a wheel speed sensor or the like that measures a wheel speed (wheel rotation speed) from a displacement amount of rotation on a wheel (axle) per unit time. The vehicle speed measuring unit 3 outputs the measured wheel speed to the control processing unit 4. In the present embodiment, the control processing unit 4 converts the wheel speed into the vehicle speed based on the size of the wheel, and the conversion from the wheel speed to the vehicle speed may be performed by the vehicle speed measuring unit 3 provided with the wheel speed sensor, or , The control processing unit 4 may treat the wheel speed as the vehicle speed.

The power unit 6a is a device that is connected to the control processing unit 4 and generates power to drive (move) the vehicle according to the control of the control processing unit 4. The power unit 6a includes, for example, a prime mover such as an engine, a motor, and a hybrid device thereof, and an accessory device thereof. The power transmission unit 6b is a mechanism for transmitting the power generated by the power unit 6a to the drive wheels, is connected to the control processing unit 4, and is switched in the traveling direction of the vehicle and has a gear ratio and a gear ratio according to the control of the control processing unit 4. Includes a transmission that switches the reduction ratio. The power generated by the power unit 6a is transmitted to the drive wheels via the power transmission unit 6b to rotate the drive wheels.

The braking unit 7 is a device that is connected to the control processing unit 4 and applies a braking force to the vehicle according to the control of the control processing unit 4 to decelerate the vehicle. The braking unit 7 can stop the vehicle as a result of decelerating the vehicle, and can maintain the stop of the vehicle as a result of continuing to apply the braking force while the vehicle is stopped. The braking unit 7 includes, for example, a braking device such as a disc brake and a regenerative brake, and an accessory device thereof. The braking unit 7 includes a function of a so-called parking brake device.

The steering unit 8 is a device that is connected to the control processing unit 4 and steers the vehicle according to the control of the control processing unit 4. The steering unit 8 includes a steering device that changes the direction of the steering wheels of the vehicle and its accessories.

By controlling each of the power unit 6a and the braking unit 7, the acceleration of the vehicle is adjusted, and the wheel speed and the speed of the vehicle (vehicle speed) are adjusted. By controlling the transmission of the power transmission unit 6b, the gear ratio and the traveling direction (forward, backward) of the vehicle are adjusted. By controlling the steering unit 8, the traveling direction of the vehicle is adjusted.

The input unit 9 is connected to the control processing unit 4, and includes, for example, various commands such as a command for instructing the start and release of driving support, a command for instructing the start and release of automatic driving, and, for example, the driving support. It is a device that inputs various data such as the traveling speed at the time of the operation to the driving support device DS, and is, for example, a plurality of switches to which functions are assigned in advance.

Then, in the present embodiment, the input unit 9 includes a plurality of switches for performing a predetermined input operation for the driving support function for supporting the driving. More specifically, the plurality of switches as part of the input unit 9 include at least first and second switches. The driving support function related to the first switch is a function of supporting driving by controlling the running speed, and the first switch performs a predetermined input operation for controlling the running speed with respect to the driving support function. It is a switch to carry out. For example, the first switch is a speed limiter switch for inputting an upper limit value of a controlled traveling speed. The driving support function related to the second switch is a function of supporting driving by displaying predetermined driving information related to driving on a display unit included in the output unit 10 as described later, and the second switch is For example, it is an INFO switch for inputting an instruction to display the driving information on the display unit.

More specifically, in the present embodiment, the plurality of switches as a part of the input unit 9 are, for example, LIM switch 91, TJA switch 92, MRCC switch 93, and CANCEL switch 94, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4. , RES switch 95, SET + switch 96, SET-switch 97, and INFORMATION switch 98, and are arranged on a substantially T-shaped spoke portion in a plan view of the steering wheel ST. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the LIM switch 91, the TJA switch 92, The MRCC switch 93, the CANCEL switch 94, the RES switch 95, the SET + switch 96, and the SET-switch 97 are arranged, and the INFO switch 98 is located on the other portion of the spoke portion on the left side of the center position, as shown in FIG. 4B. Are arranged.

The LIM switch 91 is a switch for inputting an instruction to change the upper limit value of the traveling speed in the variable speed limiter function with respect to the driving support function. The variable speed limiter function is a function that prevents the speed exceeding the upper limit value from being output even if acceleration is instructed by the input operation of the accelerator.

The TJA switch 92 is a switch for inputting an instruction to change the upper limit value of the traveling speed in the TJA function with respect to the driving support function. The TJA function is a function that assists steering so as to maintain a lane and assists acceleration / deceleration at a vehicle speed equal to or lower than the upper limit value so as to follow a preceding vehicle. This TJA function works particularly effectively in traffic jams.

The MRCC switch 93 is a switch for inputting an instruction to change the upper limit value of the traveling speed in the MRCC function with respect to the driving support function. The MRCC function is a function that supports acceleration / deceleration at a vehicle speed equal to or lower than the upper limit value so as to follow the preceding vehicle.

The SET + switch 96 is a switch for inputting an instruction to advance the upper limit value by 1 km / h in each of the variable speed limiter function, the TJA function, and the MRCC function (upper limit value ← upper limit value + 1).

The SET-switch 97 is a switch for inputting an instruction to lower the upper limit value to only 1 km / h in each of the variable speed limiter function, the TJA function, and the MRCC function (upper limit value ← upper limit value -1). ..

The RES switch 95 is a switch for determining the upper limit value of each of the variable speed limiter function, the TJA function, and the MRCC function, and instructing the start of the driving support function.

The CANCEL switch 94 is a switch for instructing the end (cancellation) of the driving support function in each of the variable speed limiter function, the TJA function, and the MRCC function.

The INFORMATION switch 98 is a switch for inputting an instruction to display predetermined driving information related to driving on the display unit with respect to the driving support function. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the INFO switch 98 is instructed to cyclically display, for example, the instantaneous fuel consumption, the average fuel consumption, the mileage, and the section mileage on the display unit for each input operation of the INFO switch 98. It is a switch for inputting. The instantaneous fuel consumption is the fuel consumption in the current running state. The average fuel consumption is the fuel consumption obtained by dividing the mileage from the reset by the fuel consumption consumed in the mileage. The mileage is the total mileage from the start of travel of the vehicle, for example, the mileage measured by an ODO meter. The section mileage is a mileage from the reset, for example, a mileage measured by a trip meter.

These LIM switch 91, TJA switch 92, MRCC switch 93, CANCEL switch 94, RES switch 95, SET + switch 96 and SET-switch 97 correspond to an example of the first switch, respectively, and the LIM switch 91 corresponds to the speed. It corresponds to an example of a limiter switch. The INFO switch 98 corresponds to an example of the second switch.

Then, in the present embodiment, the first switch, for example, the existing LIM switch 91, always turns on the display for inputting an instruction to always display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display unit. Also used as a switch. The second switch, for example, the existing INFO switch 98 temporarily displays the sign information represented by the recognized road sign for a predetermined first time (for example, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, etc.). It is also used as a temporary display on switch for inputting instructions to be displayed on the display unit. Further, the first switch, for example, the LIM switch 91, inputs an instruction to display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display unit after the recognition until a predetermined display end condition is satisfied. It is also used as an automatic display off switch. In this display automatic off switch, the recognized road sign is a speed regulation sign indicating the maximum speed, the sign information is the maximum speed, and the predetermined display end condition is, firstly, self. The difference between the traveling speed of the vehicle and the maximum speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the difference between the traveling speed of another vehicle traveling around the own vehicle and the maximum speed is equal to or greater than the threshold. Including. Therefore, when the traveling speed of the own vehicle is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value from the maximum speed and the traveling speed of the other vehicle is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value from the maximum speed, the predetermined display end condition When the traveling speed of the own vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value than the maximum speed, and the traveling speed of the other vehicle is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value than the maximum speed, the predetermined display ends. Satisfy the conditions. The predetermined display end condition secondly includes that the mileage of the own vehicle after the recognition has reached a predetermined distance. The predetermined display end condition includes, thirdly, satisfying either one of the fact that the own vehicle has turned right after the recognition and the fact that the own vehicle has turned left after the recognition. Fourth, the predetermined display end condition is that a predetermined second time has elapsed after the recognition. The predetermined threshold value, the predetermined distance, and the predetermined second time are appropriately set, and for example, the predetermined threshold value is set to 10 km / h, 15 km / h, 20 km / h, or the like. The predetermined distance is set to 1 km, 2 km, 3 km, or the like, and the predetermined time is set to 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 120 seconds, or the like.

The output unit 10 is a device that is connected to the control processing unit 4 and outputs commands, data, and the like input from the input unit 9 under the control of the control processing unit 4, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic EL display. Display devices and speakers that output audio. Then, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the output unit 10 includes a head-up display (HUD, active driving display) for displaying the sign information SP as an example of the display unit. This head-up display is a device that projects information such as sign information SP onto the windshield in front of the driver's seat. The head-up display may be a device that projects information onto a combiner arranged on the dash board between the windshield and the steering wheel.

The storage unit 5 is a circuit connected to the control processing unit 4 and stores various predetermined programs and various predetermined data under the control of the control processing unit 4. The various predetermined programs include, for example, a control program for controlling each unit 1, 3, 5 to 10 of the driving support device DS incorporating a vehicle road sign information display device according to the function of each unit, and an image pickup. A sign processing program that recognizes a road sign based on an image captured by the device 2 and acquires sign information, and an output processing program (display) that controls an output unit 10 including the display unit (head-up display in the above example). A processing program) and a control processing program such as a driving control program for controlling driving are included. For the various predetermined data, each program such as screen information representing the screen to be displayed on the display unit, the sign information image representing the sign information, and the sign information recognized and acquired by the sign processing program is executed. It contains the data necessary for doing so. For example, in order to temporarily display the sign information according to the input operation of the INFO switch 98 as described later, for example, the sign information finally (most recently) recognized and acquired for each type of road sign by the sign processing program. Is remembered. Alternatively, for example, a plurality of identification information is stored for each type of road sign with (corresponding to) the recognized and acquired time. The storage unit 5 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which is a non-volatile storage element, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) which is a rewritable non-volatile storage element, and the like. The storage unit 5 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like that serves as a working memory of the so-called control processing unit 4 that stores data or the like generated during the execution of the predetermined program. Then, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 5 functionally includes the sign information image storage unit 51 that stores the sign information image. The sign information image corresponds to each of a plurality of different maximum speeds, and includes a plurality of images representing the maximum speed. For example, the sign information image includes a plurality of speed control sign images imitating a speed control sign from 30 km / h to 130 km / h at intervals of 10 km / h.

The control processing unit 4 controls each of the parts 1 to 3, 5 to 10 of the driving support device DS incorporating the road sign information display device for vehicles according to the function of each part, and the sign including the maximum speed at a predetermined timing. It is a circuit for displaying information and controlling driving. The control processing unit 4 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and peripheral circuits thereof. The control processing unit 4 functionally includes a control unit 41, a sign processing unit 42, an output processing unit (display processing unit) 43, and a traveling control unit 44 when the control processing program is executed.

The control unit 41 controls each of the parts 1 to 3, 5 to 10 of the driving support device DS incorporating the road sign information display device for vehicles according to the function of each part, and controls the entire driving support device DS. Is. The control unit 41 executes a predetermined process as described later in response to an input operation for each of the switches 91 to 98 of the input unit 9.

The sign processing unit 42 recognizes the road sign based on the image captured by the image pickup device 2 and acquires the sign information. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-147393, etc., by using an image processing technique such as pattern recognition or template matching on an image captured by the image pickup apparatus 2. , For example, a road sign such as a speed regulation sign is recognized from the image, and sign information such as a maximum speed represented by the recognized road sign is acquired. The sign processing unit 42 stores the acquired sign information in the storage unit 5 as described above, and notifies the output processing unit 43.

The output processing unit 43 controls the output unit 10 including the display unit (head-up display in the above example).

More specifically, when the LIM switch 91 is input-operated, the first display mode and the second display mode are alternately switched for each input operation. That is, in the second display mode, when the LIM switch 91 is input-operated, the first display mode is turned on, the second display mode is turned off, and then the LIM switch 91 is input-operated. The first display mode is turned off and the second display mode is turned on.

The first display mode is a mode in which the sign information is always displayed on the display unit. In this case, the output processing unit 43 always displays the sign information represented by the road sign recognized by the sign processing unit 42. , Displayed on the display unit. For example, when the sign processing unit 42 recognizes the speed regulation sign and notifies the output processing unit 43, the output processing unit 43 stores the speed regulation sign image corresponding to the maximum speed represented by the speed regulation sign. Select (search) from a plurality of speed limit sign images stored in the sign information image storage unit 51 of 5, and display the selected speed control sign image on the display unit at all times during the first display mode. ..

The second display mode is a mode in which the sign information is displayed on the display unit after the sign processing unit 42 recognizes the road sign from the image until the predetermined display end condition is satisfied. In this case, the output mode is output. After the recognition, the processing unit 43 displays the sign information represented by the road sign recognized by the sign processing unit 42 on the display unit until a predetermined display end condition is satisfied. For example, when the sign processing unit 42 recognizes the speed regulation sign and notifies the output processing unit 43, the output processing unit 43 stores the speed regulation sign image corresponding to the maximum speed represented by the speed regulation sign. Select (search) from a plurality of speed limit sign images stored in the sign information image storage unit 51 of 5, and after recognizing the selected speed control sign image, the above-mentioned until a predetermined display end condition is satisfied. Display on the display. In the present embodiment, the display of the sign information, in this example, the speed regulation sign image is terminated when the mileage of the own vehicle after the recognition reaches a predetermined distance, and the display of the own vehicle after the recognition is completed. It ends when either the right turn or the left turn of the own vehicle after the recognition is satisfied, and it ends when a predetermined time elapses. The mileage can be obtained, for example, based on the vehicle speed measured by the vehicle speed measuring unit 3. Whether or not to turn left or right can be detected by, for example, providing a sensor for measuring the steering angle of the steering unit 8 and using the sensor output. The traveling time can be measured, for example, by functionally providing a clock unit for measuring time in the control processing unit 4 and measuring the time measurement result of this clock unit. Then, when the sign information is the maximum speed, the own vehicle speed measured by the vehicle speed measuring unit 3 and the maximum speed are compared, and the display of the speed regulation sign image is the traveling speed of the own vehicle and the maximum speed. It is terminated when the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and the difference between the traveling speed of another vehicle traveling around the own vehicle and the maximum speed is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

On the other hand, when the INFO switch 98 is input-operated, the third display mode is turned on and the first and second display modes are turned off. Then, when the third display mode is turned on and the LIM switch 91 is input-operated, the first display mode is turned on. If the LIM switch 91 is input-operated when the third display mode is turned on, the second display mode is turned on if the first display mode is turned on before the third display mode is turned on. May be turned on and the first display mode may be turned on if the second display mode was turned on before the third display mode was turned on. That is, in the present embodiment, one of the first to third display modes is turned on and the remaining modes are turned off, depending on the status of the input operation for the LIM switch 91 and the INFO switch 98.

The third display mode is a mode in which the sign information is temporarily displayed on the display unit for a predetermined first time. In this case, the output processing unit 43 has the road most recently recognized by the sign processing unit 42. The sign information represented by the sign and stored in the storage unit 5 is temporarily displayed on the display unit for a predetermined first time. For example, when the maximum speed represented by the speed regulation sign most recently recognized by the sign processing unit 42 is stored in the storage unit 5, when the INFORMATION switch 98 is input-operated, the output processing unit 43 stores this storage. A speed control sign image corresponding to the latest maximum speed is selected (searched) from a plurality of speed control sign images stored in the sign information image storage unit 51 of the storage unit 5, and the selected speed control sign image is selected. Is displayed on the display unit for a predetermined first time after the input operation of the INFO switch 98. Therefore, when the first time elapses, the speed regulation sign image displayed on the display unit is erased from the screen and is not displayed. When a plurality of types of sign information are stored, a predetermined number (for example, 2 or 3) of the plurality of sign information is displayed on the display unit, and the remaining sign information is scrolled. Or, it may be switched and displayed every time the first time elapses. In this case, the maximum speed may be displayed first with priority.

The travel control unit 44 controls travel. More specifically, for example, when the LIM switch 91 is input-operated, the upper limit of the traveling speed is input by the input operation of the SET + switch 96 or the SET-switch 97, and the RES switch 95 is input-operated, the variable speed is described. The limiter function is started, and the travel control unit 44 sets the power unit 6a, the power transmission unit 6b, and the braking unit so that the speed does not exceed the upper limit of the travel speed based on the vehicle speed measured by the vehicle speed measurement unit 3. 7 Control each. When the CANCEL switch 94 is input-operated in this state, the variable speed limiter function is terminated. Further, for example, when the TJA switch 92 is input-operated, the upper limit of the traveling speed is input by the input operation of the SET + switch 96 or the SET-switch 97, and the RES switch 95 is input-operated, the TJA function is started and the vehicle travels. The control unit 44 controls the steering unit 8 so as to maintain the lane within the pair of left and right white lines based on the image captured by the image pickup device 2, and the distance to the preceding vehicle measured by the radar device 1 and the distance thereof. Based on the relative speed and the vehicle speed measured by the vehicle speed measuring unit 3, the power unit 6a, the power transmission unit 6b, and the braking unit 7 are used to accelerate and decelerate at a vehicle speed equal to or lower than the upper limit in order to follow the preceding vehicle. Control each. When the CANCEL switch 94 is input-operated in this state, the TJA function is terminated. Further, for example, when the MRCC switch 93 is input-operated, the upper limit of the traveling speed is input by the input operation of the SET + switch 96 or the SET-switch 97, and the RES switch 95 is input-operated, the MRCC function is started and the traveling is performed. Based on the distance to the preceding vehicle measured by the radar device 1 and its relative speed, and the vehicle speed measured by the vehicle speed measuring unit 3, the control unit 44 follows the preceding vehicle and travels at a vehicle speed equal to or lower than the upper limit value. Each of the power unit 6a, the power transmission unit 6b, and the braking unit 7 is controlled so as to accelerate or decelerate.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation related to an input operation of an input unit in a driving support device incorporating a vehicle road sign information display device shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation related to recognition of a road sign in a driving support device incorporating a road sign information display device for vehicles shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation related to the display of sign information in the driving support device incorporating the road sign information display device for vehicles shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a display example of the maximum speed in the first to third display modes as an example. 8A shows the case of the first display mode, FIG. 8B shows the case of the second display mode, and FIG. 8C shows the case of the third display mode.

When the vehicle starts operation, the driving support device DS incorporating such a vehicle road sign information display device executes necessary initialization of each part and starts the operation. By executing the control processing program, the control processing unit 4 is functionally configured with a control unit 41, a sign processing unit 42, an output processing unit (display processing unit) 43, and a travel control unit 44.

First, the operation related to the input operation of each of the switches 91 to 98 in the input unit 9 will be described.

In FIG. 5, the control processing unit 4 determines whether or not an input operation has been performed on the input unit 9 by the control unit 41 (S1). As a result of this determination, if no input operation is performed (No), the control unit 41 returns the process to the process S1. Therefore, the control unit 41 repeatedly executes the process S1 until there is an input operation. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the input operation is performed (Yes), the control unit 41 next executes the process according to the switch for which the input operation is performed. That is, when the LIM switch 91 is input-operated (LIM), the control unit 41 then executes the processes S2a and S3a, and then executes the process S4. When the TJA switch 92 is input-operated (TJA), the control unit 41 then executes the process S4 after executing the process S2b. When the MRCC switch 93 is input-operated (MRCC), the control unit 41 then executes the process S4 after executing the process S2c. When the SET + switch 96 is input-operated (SET +), the control unit 41 then executes the process S4 after executing the process S2d. When the SET-switch 97 is input-operated (SET-), the control unit 41 then executes the process S4 after executing the process S2e. When the CANCEL switch 94 is input-operated (CANCEL), the control unit 41 then executes the process S4 after executing the process S2f. When the RES switch 95 is input-operated (RES), the control unit 41 then executes the process S4 after executing the process S2g. When the INFO switch 98 is input-operated (INFO), the control unit 41 then executes the processes S2h and S3h, and then executes the process S4. Then, when other switches other than these switches 91 to 98 are input-operated (others), the control unit 41 executes a predetermined process according to the input-operated switch (S2i), and then the control unit 41 executes a predetermined process. , Process S4 is executed.

When the LIM switch 91 is input-operated, in the process S2a, the control process unit 4 makes the upper limit value of the traveling speed in the variable speed limiter function changeable by the control unit 41, and the variable speed. The storage unit 5 stores that it is waiting for an input operation related to the limiter function. For example, a flag (changeable flag) indicating whether or not the upper limit of the traveling speed can be changed is set, and a flag (input waiting flag) indicating that the input operation is waiting for the variable speed limiter function is set. Can be set up. For example, if it can be changed, the changeable flag is set to "1", and if it cannot be changed, the changeable flag is set to "0". For example, when waiting for an input operation related to the variable speed limiter function, the input waiting flag is set to "LIM", and when waiting for an input operation related to the TJA function, the input waiting flag is set to "TJA". When waiting for an input operation related to the MRCC function, the input waiting flag is set to "MRCC", and when not waiting for input, the input waiting flag is set to "0".

In the process 3a following the process S2a, the control process unit 4 alternately switches and sets the mode between the first and second display modes for each input operation of the LIM switch 91 by the control unit 41, and sets the current mode. The mode is stored in the storage unit 5. For example, when the first display mode is set and stored, the control unit 41 sets the second display mode and stores the second display mode in the storage unit 5 as the current mode. When the second display mode is set and stored, or when the third display mode is set and stored, the control unit 41 sets the first display mode and sets the first display as the current mode. The mode is stored in the storage unit 5.

When the TJA switch 92 is input-operated, in the process S2b, the control process unit 4 sets the upper limit value of the traveling speed in the TJA function to be in a state where the control unit 41 can change the upper limit value of the traveling speed, and inputs the TJA function. The storage unit 5 stores that it is waiting for an operation.

When the MRCC switch 93 is input-operated, in the process S2c, the control process unit 4 sets the upper limit value of the traveling speed in the MRCC function to be changeable by the control unit 41, and inputs the MRCC function. The storage unit 5 stores that it is waiting for an operation.

When the SET + switch 96 is input-operated, in the process S2d, the control process unit 4 refers to the storage unit 5 by the control unit 41, and the variable speed limiter function, the TJA function, and the MRCC function. The upper limit of the running speed corresponding to the driving support function waiting for the input operation is moved up by 1 km / h (upper limit ← upper limit +1).

When the SET-switch 97 is input-operated, in the process S2e, the control process unit 4 refers to the storage unit 5 by the control unit 41, and the variable speed limiter function, the TJA function, and the MRCC function. The upper limit of the traveling speed corresponding to the driving support function waiting for the input operation is moved down by 1 km / h (upper limit ← upper limit -1).

When the CANCEL switch 94 is input-operated, in the process S2f, the control process unit 4 refers to the storage unit 5 by the control unit 41, and the variable speed limiter function, the TJA function, and the MRCC function. Among them, the driving support function being executed is terminated (released) by the traveling control unit 44.

When the RES switch 95 is input-operated, in the process S2g, the control process unit 4 refers to the storage unit 5 by the control unit 41, and the variable speed limiter function, the TJA function, and the MRCC function. The driving support function waiting for the input operation is started by the traveling control unit 44, and the waiting for the input is terminated (in the above example, the changeable flag is set to "0" and the input waiting flag is set to "". 0 ").

When the INFO switch 98 is input-operated, in the process S2h, the control processing unit 4 causes the output processing unit 43 to display the traveling information by the control unit 41. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the travel information is a plurality of instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, mileage, and section mileage. Therefore, the output processing unit 43 uses the plurality of travel information of the INFO switch 98. Each input operation is cyclically displayed on the display unit. More specifically, when the INFO switch 98 is input-operated when the instantaneous fuel consumption is displayed on the display unit, the output processing unit 43 displays the average fuel consumption on the display unit in the current process S2h. When the INFO switch 98 is input-operated when the average fuel consumption is displayed on the display unit, the output processing unit 43 displays the mileage on the display unit in the current process S2h. Similarly, for each input operation of the INFORMATION switch 98, a plurality of mileage information is sequentially cyclically displayed in the display unit such as section mileage → instantaneous fuel consumption → average fuel consumption → mileage → section mileage → ... Is displayed in. The display unit on which the traveling information is displayed may be the head-up display shown in FIG. 3B described above, or may be a display device displaying a speedometer or the like shown in FIG. 3A, or FIG. It may be an abbreviated display device.

In the process 3h following the process S2h, the control processing unit 4 sets the third display mode by the control unit 41, stores the third display mode as the current mode in the storage unit 5, and the INFO switch 98 inputs. Notify the output processing unit 43 that the operation has been performed.

Then, in the process S4 following any one of the process S3a, the process S2b, the process S2c, the process S2d, the process S2e, the process S2f, the process S2g, the process S2h and the process S2i, the control process unit 4 is subjected to, for example, by the control unit 41. It is determined whether or not the end of the operation is instructed by the input operation of the switch for turning on / off the operation of the vehicle. As a result of this determination, when the end of the operation is instructed (Yes), the control unit 41 ends the main process and ends the operation, while, as a result of the determination, the end of the operation is instructed. If not (No), the control unit 41 returns the process to the process S1.

The control processing unit 4 operates in this way with respect to the input operations of the switches 91 to 98 in the input unit 9.

Next, the operation related to the recognition of the road sign will be described. The driving support device DS incorporating the road sign information display device for vehicles operates as follows at predetermined sampling intervals (for example, 1/15 second interval, 1/24 second interval, 1/30 second interval, etc.). As a result, the road sign is recognized and the sign information is acquired.

In FIG. 6, first, the control processing unit 4 acquires an image (image data) imaged and generated by the imaging device 2 by the labeling processing unit 42 from the imaging device 2 (S11).

Next, the control processing unit 4 recognizes the road sign by the sign processing unit 42 and acquires the sign information (S12). More specifically, the sign processing unit 42 performs image processing such as template matching on the image acquired in the process S11 in order to detect the road sign. As a result, when a road sign is included in the image, the sign processing unit 42 recognizes a road sign such as a speed regulation sign from the image, and the recognized road sign represents, for example, the maximum speed or the like. Sign information is acquired. On the other hand, when the image does not include the road sign, the road sign is not recognized and the sign information is not acquired.

Next, the control processing unit 4 determines whether or not the sign processing unit 42 has recognized (detected) the road sign in the process S12 (S13). As a result of this determination, when the road sign is not recognized (detected) (No), the sign processing unit 42 ends the present processing, while the road sign is recognized (detected) ( In Yes), the sign processing unit 42 then sequentially executes each of the processes of the process S14 and the process S15, and ends the present process.

In this process S14, the control processing unit 4 notifies the output processing unit 43 that the road sign has been recognized (detected) by the sign processing unit 42, and the sign information recognized and acquired in the process S12 is as described above. It is stored in the storage unit 5.

In the process S15 following the process S14, the control processing unit 4 executes a predetermined process according to the road sign recognized in the process S12. For example, when the road sign recognized in the process S12 is a speed regulation sign, the upper limit value of the traveling speed set by the driving support function is a predetermined speed threshold (for example, from the maximum speed represented by the speed regulation sign). When the speed is 15 km / h, 20 km / h, 30 km / h, etc.) or more, the output processing unit 43 warns that the upper limit of the set traveling speed greatly deviates from the maximum speed on the traveling road ( Message) is displayed on the display unit. Further, for example, when the road sign recognized in the process S12 is a regulation sign for prohibiting vehicle entry and steering is started to enter the road, the output processing unit 43 warns that the road cannot be entered ( The message) is displayed on the display unit. Note that this process S15 may be omitted.

Regarding the recognition of the road sign, the control processing unit 4 operates in this way.

Next, the operation related to the display of the sign information will be described.

In FIG. 7, the control processing unit 4 determines whether or not the output processing unit 43 has notified the processing S3h by the control unit 41, that is, whether or not there is a notification that the INFO switch 98 has been input-operated (S21). As a result of this determination, if there is the notification (Yes), the output processing unit 43 then executes the process S23 after executing the process S22, while the output processing unit 43 does not have the notification as a result of the determination. In (No), the output processing unit 43 then executes the process S23.

In this process S22, the control processing unit 4 refers to the storage unit 5 by the output processing unit 43, and temporarily displays the sign information stored in the storage unit 5 in the above-mentioned processing S14 for a predetermined first time. It is displayed on the display unit. For example, when the sign information has the maximum speed, the output processing unit 43 selects (searches) a speed control sign image corresponding to the maximum speed from a plurality of speed control sign images stored in the sign information image storage unit 51. ), The selected speed limit sign image is temporarily displayed on the display unit for a predetermined first time.

In the process S23, the control processing unit 4 determines whether or not the output processing unit 43 has notified the processing S14 by the sign processing unit 42, that is, whether or not there is a notification that the road sign has been recognized (detected). As a result of this determination, if there is the notification (Yes), the output processing unit 43 then executes the process S24, while if the result of the determination is that there is no notification (No), the output processing unit 43 outputs. The processing unit 43 returns to the processing S21.

In this process S24, the control processing unit 4 refers to the storage unit 5 by the output processing unit 43, and determines the display mode. As a result of this determination, in the case of the first display mode (first display mode), the output processing unit 43 then executes the process S28 after executing the process S25a. As a result of the determination, in the case of the second display mode (second display mode), the output processing unit 43 then executes the processing S25b, the processing S26, and the processing S27, and then executes the processing S28. To do. As a result of the determination, in the case of the third display mode (third display mode), the output processing unit 43 then executes the process S28.

In this process S25a, the control processing unit 4 refers to the storage unit 5 by the output processing unit 43, and the sign information stored in the storage unit 5 in the above-mentioned processing S14 is constantly stored in the storage unit 5 during the first display mode. Display on the display. If the same type of sign information is already displayed on the display unit, the sign information is overwritten and updated. For example, when the sign information has the maximum speed, the output processing unit 43 selects (searches) a speed control sign image corresponding to the maximum speed from a plurality of speed control sign images stored in the sign information image storage unit 51. ), And the selected speed limit sign image is always displayed on the display unit during the first display mode.

In the processing S25b, the control processing unit 4 refers to the storage unit 5 by the output processing unit 43, displays the sign information stored in the storage unit 5 in the processing S14, and then processes. Execute S26. The display of the sign information is started by executing the process S25b.

In the process S26 following the process S25b, the output processing unit 43 determines whether or not the predetermined display end condition is satisfied. As a result of this determination, if the predetermined display end condition is not satisfied (No), the output processing unit 43 returns the processing to the processing S26. Therefore, the output processing unit 43 repeatedly executes the process S26 until the predetermined display end condition is satisfied. On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the predetermined display end condition is satisfied (Yes), the output processing unit 43 then executes the process S27.

In this process S27, the control processing unit 4 ends the display of the sign information that started the display in the process S25b by the output processing unit 43.

For example, when the sign information is the maximum speed, in the process S25b, the output processing unit 43 stores the speed control sign image corresponding to the maximum speed in a plurality of speed control sign images stored in the sign information image storage unit 51. The selected speed limit sign image is displayed on the display unit to start the display, and when the predetermined display end condition is satisfied in the process S26, the output is output in the process S27. The processing unit 43 ends the display of the speed limit sign image.

Then, in the process S28 following any of the process S25a, the process S27, and the process S24, is the control processing unit 4 instructed by the output processing unit 43 to end the operation of the vehicle in the same manner as the above-mentioned processing S4? Judge whether or not. As a result of this determination, when the end of the operation is instructed (Yes), the output processing unit 43 ends the main process and ends the operation, while, as a result of the determination, the end of the operation is instructed. If not (No), the output processing unit 43 returns the processing to the processing S21.

Regarding the display of the sign information, the control processing unit 4 operates in this way.

As an example, a case where the speed regulation sign is recognized and the speed regulation sign image (maximum speed as sign information) is displayed during traveling will be described.

First, for example, when the second display mode is set, the LIM switch 91 is input-operated, and each process of process S1, process S2a, and process S3a is executed to set the first display mode. When the processing S11 to the processing S15 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined sampling interval and the speed regulation sign having a maximum speed of 80 km / h is recognized at the time point T11 as shown in FIG. 8A, Each process of process S21, process S23, process S24 and process S25a is executed, and a speed limit sign image of 80 km / h is displayed on the display unit. This 80 km / h speed control sign image is always displayed during the first display mode, and continues to be displayed at the time point T12 after the time point T11 as shown in FIG. 8A. Then, each of the processes S11 to S15 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined sampling interval, and as shown in FIG. 8A, when the speed regulation sign having a maximum speed of 50 km / h is recognized at the time point T13, the process S21, the process Each process of S23, process S24 and process S25a is executed, and a speed limit sign image of 50 km / h is displayed on the display unit. As described above, in the first display mode, the speed control sign image corresponding to the maximum speed of the most recently recognized speed control sign is always displayed until the next speed control sign is recognized.

Secondly, for example, when the first display mode is set, the second display mode is set by inputting the LIM switch 91 and executing each process of process S1, process S2a, and process S3a. When the processes S11 to S15 are repeatedly executed at predetermined sampling intervals and a speed limit sign having a maximum speed of 80 km / h is recognized at the time point T21 as shown in FIG. 8B, Each process of process S21, process S23, process S24 and process S25b is executed, and a speed limit sign image of 80 km / h is displayed on the display unit. Subsequently, the process S26 is repeatedly executed until the predetermined display end condition is satisfied, and when the predetermined display end condition is satisfied at the time point T22 after the time point T21, the process S27 is executed, and as shown in FIG. 8B, 80 km / The display of the speed regulation sign image of h is finished. Then, when each of the processes S11 to S15 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined sampling interval and a speed regulation sign having a maximum speed of 50 km / h is recognized at the time point T33 as shown in FIG. 8B, as described above, Each process of process S21, process S22, process S24, process S25b, process S26 and process S27 is executed, and a speed limit sign image of 50 km / h is displayed on the display unit until the predetermined display end condition is satisfied. As described above, in the second display mode, each time the speed regulation sign is recognized, the speed regulation sign is displayed on the display unit until the predetermined display end condition is satisfied.

In these first and second cases, in the above description, after the speed regulation sign of 80 km / h was recognized, the speed control sign of 50 km / h having a different maximum speed was recognized, but the speed of 80 km / h. Even if the speed limit sign of the same maximum speed of 80 km / h is recognized after the control sign is recognized, each process is similarly executed and the operation is performed in the same manner (in this case, there is no change in the display). ).

Thirdly, when the third display mode is set by inputting the INFO switch 98 in the past (before the time point T31 described later) and executing each process of process S1, process S2h, and process S3h. , Processes S11 to S15 are repeatedly executed at predetermined sampling intervals, and as shown in FIG. 8C, when a speed regulation sign having a maximum speed of 80 km / h is recognized at the time point T31, the processes S21 and S23 And each process of the process S24 is executed, and the speed limit sign image of 80 km / h is not displayed on the display unit. Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the INFO switch 98 is input-operated at the time point T32 after the time point T31, each process of the process S1, the process S2h and the process S3h is executed, and then the processes S21 and the process S22 Each process is executed, and an 80 km / h speed control sign image is displayed on the display unit for a predetermined first time. As shown in FIG. 8C, at the time point T33 after the time point T32, which is longer than the predetermined first time, the speed limit sign image of 80 km / h is not already displayed, and each process of the process S11 to the process S15. Is repeatedly executed at predetermined sampling intervals, and when a speed regulation sign having a maximum speed of 50 km / h is recognized at this time point T33, each process of process S21, process S23, and process S24 is executed, and the speed is 50 km / h. The regulation sign image is not displayed on the display unit. As described above, in the third display mode, the speed regulation sign image corresponding to the most recently recognized maximum speed of the speed regulation sign is temporarily displayed only when the INFO switch 98 is input-operated.

As described above, the vehicle road sign information display device incorporated in the driving support device DS in the present embodiment is the constant display on switch (LIM switch 91 in the above example) which is also used as the first switch. ), The temporary display on switch (INFO switch 98 in the above example) that is also used as the second switch is provided, so that the indicator information can be displayed not only constantly but also temporarily. Since it is possible, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of displaying the sign information. In the vehicle road sign information display device, since the constant display on switch and the temporary display on switch are also used as the existing first and second switches, no additional switch is required.

Since the vehicle road sign information display device also serves as the first switch for performing a predetermined input operation for the driving support function for controlling the traveling speed and the constant display on switch, the first switch is input. Just by operating, the sign information that is used as a reference when performing the input operation for the driving support function can be displayed at all times. In the present embodiment, since the first switch is the LIM switch 91, indicator information such as the maximum speed, which can be used as a reference when inputting the upper limit value of the traveling speed, can be obtained by simply inputting the first switch. It can be displayed at all times.

In the vehicle road sign information display device, since the first switch is further used as the display automatic off switch, not only the sign information is always displayed, but also when the road sign is recognized, the predetermined value is displayed. Since it is possible to temporarily display the information until the display end condition of the above is satisfied, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of displaying the sign information.

The vehicle road sign information display device ends the display of the recognized maximum speed when the recognized maximum speed and the traveling speeds of the own vehicle and each of the other vehicles deviate from each other by the above threshold value or more. Therefore, for example, in the case of erroneous recognition, the vehicle road sign information display device can end the display of the recognized maximum speed. Also, for example, even if it is not a false recognition, in order to prevent an accident, the own vehicle is running at a speed that matches the flow of other vehicles, but since it exceeds the maximum speed, the display of the maximum speed is continued. If this is the case, the driver may feel psychological pressure. Therefore, the vehicle road sign information display device eliminates such psychological pressure by ending the display of the recognized maximum speed. it can.

When the mileage of the own vehicle after the recognition reaches a predetermined distance, the vehicle road sign information display device ends the display of the recognized sign information, and after the recognition, a predetermined time When the lapse has passed, the display of the recognized sign information is terminated. Therefore, while it is possible to secure the time for the passenger to recognize the sign information, it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of displaying the sign information.

When turning right or left, the sign information recognized before turning right or before turning left may differ from the sign information applied to the road after turning right or the road after turning left, but for the above vehicles. The road sign information display device ends the display of the recognized sign information when either the own vehicle turns right after the recognition or the own vehicle turns left after the recognition is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to avoid displaying inappropriate sign information.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a vehicle road sign information display device that also serves as the INFORMATION switch 98 and the temporary display on switch.

In the above-described embodiment, the first switch (LIM switch 91 in the above-mentioned example) is further used as the display automatic off switch, but instead of the display automatic off switch, the recognized road sign is used. The sign information represented by the above may also be used as a constant display off switch for inputting an instruction not to be displayed on the display unit at all times. Alternatively, the TJA switch 92 or the MRCC switch 93 may be further used as the constant display off switch. Such a vehicle road sign information display device can not only always display the sign information but also not always display the sign information, so that the troublesomeness of displaying the sign information can be reduced. In addition, when the indicator information is always hidden by the constant display off switch, the indicator information is exceptionally displayed temporarily when the INFO switch 98 is input-operated. A road sign information display device for vehicles may be configured. Such a vehicle road sign information display device can exceptionally meet the passenger's request to refer to the sign information.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the automatic display off switch is also used as the LIM switch 91, but the LIM switch 91 is also used only as the constant display on switch, and the automatic display off switch is the TJA switch 92 or MRCC. It may also be used as a switch 93.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, one of the first to third display modes is turned on and the remaining modes are turned off depending on the status of the input operation to the LIM switch 91 and the INFO switch 98. , In the case of the second display mode, when the INFO switch 98 is input-operated, the mode may be returned to the second display mode and the second display mode may be executed after the third display mode is executed. .. That is, the third display mode may be mixed with the second display mode.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the case of the first display mode, an instruction for forcibly not displaying the displayed sign information is always input until the road sign is recognized and the sign information is acquired next. There may be a temporary forced display off switch, and this temporary forced display off switch may also be used as a third switch different from the first and second switches among the plurality of switches. Such a vehicle road sign information display device can temporarily forcibly end the display of the sign information being displayed when the passenger notices the misrecognition of the sign information or finds the display troublesome.

In order to express the present invention, the present invention has been appropriately and sufficiently described through the embodiments with reference to the drawings above, but those skilled in the art can easily change and / or improve the above embodiments. It should be recognized that it can be done. Therefore, unless the modified or improved form implemented by a person skilled in the art is at a level that deviates from the scope of rights of the claims stated in the claims, the modified form or the improved form is the scope of rights of the claims. It is interpreted as being included in.

Driving support device incorporating a road sign information display device for DS vehicles 2 Imaging device 3 Vehicle speed measurement unit 4 Control processing unit 5 Storage unit 9 Input unit 10 Output unit (including display unit)
41 Control unit 42 Sign processing unit 43 Output processing unit (display processing unit)
51 Marking information image storage unit 91 LIM switch 92 TJA switch 93 MRCC switch 94 CANCEL switch 95 RES switch 96 SET + switch 97 SET-switch 98 INFO switch

Claims (7)

A vehicle road sign information display device that is equipped with a plurality of switches and a display unit for performing a predetermined input operation for a driving support function for supporting driving, and recognizes a road sign and displays it on the display unit. There,
The first switch among the plurality of switches is also used as a constant display on switch for constantly inputting an instruction to display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display unit.
The second switch, which is different from the first switch among the plurality of switches, inputs an instruction to temporarily display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display unit for a predetermined time. Also used as a temporary display on switch for
Road sign information display device for vehicles. The driving support function applied to the first switch is a function of supporting the driving by controlling the traveling speed.
The first switch is a switch for performing a predetermined input operation for controlling the traveling speed.
The vehicle road sign information display device according to claim 1. The first switch is a speed limiter switch for inputting an upper limit value of a controlled traveling speed.
The vehicle road sign information display device according to claim 2. The driving support function related to the second switch is a function of supporting the driving by displaying predetermined driving information related to the driving on the display unit.
The second switch is an INFO switch for inputting an instruction to display the traveling information on the display unit.
The vehicle road sign information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first switch is a display automatic off switch for inputting an instruction to be displayed on the display unit after the recognition of the sign information represented by the recognized road sign until a predetermined display end condition is satisfied. Also used as a
The vehicle road sign information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The road sign is a speed control sign indicating the maximum speed, and the sign information is the maximum speed.
The predetermined display end condition is that the difference between the traveling speed of the own vehicle and the maximum speed is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, and the traveling speed of another vehicle traveling around the own vehicle and the maximum speed The difference is greater than or equal to the threshold.
The vehicle road sign information display device according to claim 5. The first switch is further used as a constant display off switch for inputting an instruction not to always display the sign information represented by the recognized road sign on the display unit.
The vehicle road sign information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images