JP2023126324A - Navigation device, head-up display, control method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a navigation device and a head-up display that enable a driver to visually recognize a route guidance image in good condition.SOLUTION: A head-up display 2 includes a light source unit 4 and a combiner 9. A control part 55 of the light source unit 4 controls a communication part 56 to acquire positional information on a vehicle Ve from a navigation device 1. The control part 55 then controls the combiner 9 to display a route guidance image and switches between a normal mode and a wide area mode. When a route distance Dtag in a display object area Atag in the normal mode becomes equal to or less than a first threshold Dth1, the control part 55 switches to the wide area mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a display technology for providing route guidance.

2. Description of the Related Art In-vehicle display systems that display route guidance images showing a route from a current location to a destination or stopover have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a head-up display that displays a route guidance image showing a route from a current position to a destination or a stopover in correspondence with a road surface included in the scenery in front of the vehicle.

JP2013-79930A

In a head-up display, when the user approaches a curve with a large curvature or a turning point, the guide route makes a large turn, so the route guide image also turns, and the distance of the route shown by the route guide image becomes shorter. In this case, since the user can only understand the most recent route from the route guidance image, the user may feel uneasy because he or she does not know the route ahead.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a navigation device and a head-up display that allow a user to suitably view route guidance images. .

The claimed invention provides an acquisition means for acquiring the position of a moving object, and a method of superimposing the scenery in front of the moving object or a front image obtained by photographing the scenery to determine the destination or stopover from the current position of the moving object. Normally, a route guidance image indicating a route to the ground is displayed on a display means, and the route guidance image is displayed on the display means in correspondence with a road surface corresponding to the route included in the scenery or the forward image. mode, and a control means for switching between a wide area mode and a wide area mode in which the display means displays a route guidance image showing a wider route than the route guidance image displayed in the normal mode, and the control means The present invention is characterized in that when the route guidance image is displayed in the normal mode and the distance of the road surface corresponding to the route guidance image becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the mode is switched to the wide area mode.

Further, the claimed invention is a control method executed by a navigation device, which includes an acquisition step of acquiring the position of a moving object, and a step of superimposing the scenery in front of the moving object or the scenery on a photographed front image. displaying on a display means a route guidance image showing a route from the current position of the moving body to a destination or a stopover, and displaying the route guidance image corresponding to the route included in the scenery or the forward image. switching between a normal mode in which the display means displays a route guidance image corresponding to a road surface to be displayed on the display means, and a wide area mode in which the display means displays a route guidance image indicating a wider route than the route guidance image displayed in the normal mode. and a control step, in the control step, when displaying the route guidance image in the normal mode causes a distance of a road surface corresponding to the route guidance image to be equal to or less than a predetermined value, switching to the wide area mode is performed. shall be.

Further, the claimed invention is a program executed by a computer, comprising an acquisition means for acquiring the position of a moving body, and a scene in front of the moving body or superimposing the scene on a photographed front image, A display means displays a route guidance image showing a route from the current position of the moving object to a destination or a stopover, and the route guidance image is displayed on a road surface corresponding to the route included in the scenery or the forward image. control means for switching between a normal mode that causes the display means to display a route guidance image corresponding to the normal mode; and a wide area mode that causes the display means to display a route guidance image that shows a wider route than the route guidance image that is displayed in the normal mode. wherein the control means switches to the wide area mode when the distance of the road surface corresponding to the route guidance image becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value when displaying the route guidance image in the normal mode. shall be.

A schematic configuration of the display system is shown. A schematic configuration of a navigation device is shown. A schematic configuration of a head-up display is shown. A schematic configuration of a light source unit is shown. (A) shows the setting range of the display target area in the map representing the vicinity of the current position. (B) is an example of the front scenery seen from the driver's seat in the example of (A). A state after the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance from the example of FIG. 5 is shown. The state after switching to the wide area mode from the example of FIG. 6 is shown. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a route distance calculation method. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a route distance calculation method. A flowchart showing processing in normal mode is shown. A flowchart showing processing in wide area mode is shown. The configuration of a display system according to a modification is shown. A display example according to a modification is shown.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the navigation device includes an acquisition unit that acquires the position of the moving body, and a position of the moving body that superimposes the landscape in front of the moving body or a front image of the landscape. Displaying a route guidance image showing a route from the current position to a destination or a stopover on a display means, and making the route guidance image correspond to a road surface corresponding to the route included in the scenery or the forward image. control means for switching between a normal mode for displaying on the display means and a wide area mode for displaying on the display means a route guidance image showing a wider route than the route guidance image displayed in the normal mode; The control means switches to the wide-area mode when the distance of a road surface corresponding to the route guidance image becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value when the route guidance image is displayed in the normal mode.

The navigation device includes an acquisition means and a control means. The acquisition means acquires the position of the moving object. The control means displays the route guidance image on the display means and switches between the normal mode and the wide area mode. Here, the route guide image is superimposed on the scenery in front of the moving object or a forward image obtained by photographing the scenery, and shows the route from the current position of the moving object to the destination or stopover. In addition, the normal mode is a mode in which the route guidance image is displayed on the display means in correspondence with the road surface corresponding to the route included in the scenery or the forward image, and the wide area mode is a mode in which the route guidance image is displayed in a manner that corresponds to the road surface corresponding to the route included in the scenery or the forward image. This is a mode in which a route guide image showing a wide range of routes is displayed on the display means. Then, the control means switches to the wide area mode when the distance of the road surface corresponding to the route guidance image becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value when the route guidance image is displayed in the normal mode. In this aspect, when the distance of the road surface corresponding to the route guidance image is short, the navigation device switches to the route guidance image showing a wide range of routes. As a result, even when the navigation device approaches a curve with a large curvature or a turn point, it is possible to make the user recognize a route within an appropriate range and give the user a sense of security.

In one aspect of the navigation device, the acquisition means acquires the position and traveling direction of the moving object, and the control means displays a route guidance image existing within a first angular range including the traveling direction in the normal mode. and in the wide-area mode, route guidance images existing within a second angular range wider than the first angular range are displayed. In this way, in the wide-area mode, the navigation device displays a route guidance image that exists within the second angular range that is wider than the first angular range, so that the navigation device can display route guidance images that exist within the second angular range, which is wider than the first angular range, so that the navigation device can display route guidance images that are within the second angular range that is wider than the first angular range. Also, a wide range of routes can be suitably displayed using route guidance images.

In another aspect of the navigation device, the control means may be configured to control a case where a distance of a road surface corresponding to the route guidance image displayed when the normal mode is set is greater than a second predetermined value that is longer than the predetermined value. Then, the wide area mode is switched to the normal mode. In this way, the navigation device uses a threshold value used for switching from wide area mode to normal mode that is stricter than the threshold value used for switching from normal mode to wide area mode, so that switching between wide area mode and normal mode becomes more frequent. This can be suitably suppressed from occurring.

In another aspect of the navigation device, the control means displays a mark image indicating a facility included in the scenery together with the route guidance image at a position corresponding to the facility in the normal mode, and in the wide area mode , the mark image is not displayed. In the wide-area mode, by making the route displayed on the route guide image wide-area, there is a possibility that the mark image will be displayed at a position that does not correspond to a facility in the actual scenery. Therefore, with this aspect, it is possible to suitably suppress the user's discomfort caused by the positional shift of the mark image.

In another aspect of the navigation device, the control means increases the predetermined value as the moving speed of the mobile object increases. In general, when traveling at high speed, the distance traveled within a unit time is long, so it is assumed that the user wants to check the route further ahead. Therefore, with this aspect, the navigation device can speed up the timing of switching to the wide area mode when traveling at high speed, and suitably reduce anxiety caused by not being able to grasp the upcoming route.

In another aspect of the navigation device, when the road surface indicated by the route guidance image displayed when the normal mode is set is not continuous, the control means selects a road surface after the break among the road surfaces. When the distance of the excluded road surface is less than or equal to the predetermined value, the mode is switched to the wide area mode. With this aspect, the navigation device can suitably switch to the wide-area mode when, for example, the route has a large dogleg-shaped curve and the route on the near side is displayed in a short route guide image.

In another aspect of the navigation device, the control means causes the display means to display the route guidance image superimposed on a front image obtained from a camera that captures a scene in front of the moving body. Even in this embodiment, the present invention can be suitably practiced.

In another aspect of the navigation device, the control means causes the display means to display a route guidance image existing within a first angle range including the traveling direction in the normal mode, and in the wide area mode, When displaying a route guide image existing within a second angle range wider than the range, the angle of view of the front image displayed in the wide area mode is made wider than the angle of view of the front image displayed in the normal mode. . By doing so, the navigation device can suitably display the route guidance image and the road surface displayed in the forward image in association with each other even when switching to the wide area mode.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a head-up display includes the navigation device according to any one of the above, and reflects light constituting an image toward the driver of the vehicle to present a virtual image to the driver. A display means for visual recognition is provided. The head-up display of the above aspect can make the user recognize a route within an appropriate range even when the user approaches a curve with a large curvature or a turning point.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a control method executed by a navigation device, which includes an acquisition step of acquiring the position of a moving object, and a step of superimposing the scenery in front of the moving object or the scenery on a photographed front image. displaying on a display means a route guidance image showing a route from the current position of the moving body to a destination or a stopover, and displaying the route guidance image corresponding to the route included in the scenery or the forward image. switching between a normal mode in which the display means displays a route guidance image corresponding to a road surface to be displayed on the display means, and a wide area mode in which the display means displays a route guidance image indicating a wider route than the route guidance image displayed in the normal mode. and in the control step, when the route guidance image is displayed in the normal mode and the distance of the road surface corresponding to the route guidance image becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the control step switches to the wide area mode. By executing this control method, the navigation device can make the user aware of the route within an appropriate range and give the user a sense of security even when approaching a curve with a large curvature or a turn point. .

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer, comprising an acquisition means for acquiring the position of a moving body, and a scene in front of the moving body or superimposing the scene on a photographed front image, A display means displays a route guidance image showing a route from the current position of the moving object to a destination or a stopover, and the route guidance image is displayed on a road surface corresponding to the route included in the scenery or the forward image. control means for switching between a normal mode that causes the display means to display a route guidance image corresponding to the normal mode; and a wide area mode that causes the display means to display a route guidance image that shows a wider route than the route guidance image that is displayed in the normal mode. The control means switches to the wide area mode when the distance of the road surface corresponding to the route guidance image becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value when displaying the route guidance image in the normal mode. By executing this program, the computer can make the user recognize an appropriate route even when approaching a curve with a large curvature or a turn point, giving the user a sense of security. Preferably, the program is stored on a storage medium.

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

[Schematic configuration]
(1) System configuration
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a display system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the display system 100 is mounted on a vehicle Ve and includes a navigation device 1 and a head-up display 2. Note that instead of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the head-up display 2 may include a function corresponding to the navigation device 1.

The navigation device 1 has functions such as providing route guidance from a departure point to a destination. The navigation device 1 can be, for example, a stationary navigation device installed in the vehicle Ve, a PND (Portable Navigation Device), or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

The head-up display 2 generates an image (also referred to as a "guidance image") that displays map information including the current location, route guidance information, driving speed, and other information to assist driving, and displays the guidance image to the driver. This is a device that allows you to view a virtual image from the eye position (eye point). The head-up display 2 is supplied with various information used for navigation processing, such as vehicle position information, information regarding a guide route, and map information including facility information, from the navigation device 1 . Note that instead of generating the guide image, the head-up display 2 may receive the guide image generated by the navigation device 1 and allow the driver to visually recognize the guide image as a virtual image.

Note that when the navigation device 1 is a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, the navigation device 1 may be held by a cradle or the like. In this case, the navigation device 1 may exchange information with the head-up display 2 via a cradle or the like.

(2) Configuration of navigation device FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the navigation device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation device 1 includes an independent positioning device 10, a GPS receiver 18, a system controller 20, a disk drive 31, a data storage unit 36, a communication interface 37, a communication device 38, an interface 39, and a display unit 40. , an audio output unit 50, and an input device 60.

The independent positioning device 10 includes an acceleration sensor 11, an angular velocity sensor 12, and a distance sensor 13. The acceleration sensor 11 is made of, for example, a piezoelectric element, detects the acceleration of the vehicle Ve, and outputs acceleration data. The angular velocity sensor 12 includes, for example, a vibrating gyro, detects the angular velocity of the vehicle Ve when the vehicle Ve changes direction, and outputs angular velocity data and relative orientation data. The distance sensor 13 measures a vehicle speed pulse consisting of a pulse signal generated as the wheels of the vehicle Ve rotate.

The GPS receiver 18 receives radio waves 19 carrying downlink data including positioning data from a plurality of GPS satellites. The positioning data is used to detect the absolute position (also referred to as "current position") of the vehicle Ve from latitude and longitude information.

The system controller 20 includes an interface 21, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, and controls the entire navigation device 1.

The interface 21 performs an interface operation with the acceleration sensor 11, the angular velocity sensor 12, the distance sensor 13, and the GPS receiver 18. From these, vehicle speed pulses, acceleration data, relative azimuth data, angular velocity data, GPS positioning data, absolute azimuth data, etc. are input to the system controller 20. The CPU 22 controls the entire system controller 20. The ROM 23 includes a non-volatile memory (not shown) in which a control program for controlling the system controller 20 and the like are stored. The RAM 24 readably stores various data such as route data set in advance by the user via the input device 60, and provides a working area for the CPU 22.

A system controller 20, a disk drive 31 such as a CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive, a data storage unit 36, a communication interface 37, a display unit 40, an audio output unit 50, and an input device 60 are interconnected via a bus line 30. It is connected to the.

Under the control of the system controller 20, the disk drive 31 reads content data such as music data and video data from a disk 33 such as a CD or DVD and outputs it. Note that the disk drive 31 may be either a CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive, or may be a CD- and DVD-compatible drive.

The data storage unit 36 is configured by, for example, an HDD, and is a unit that stores various data used for navigation processing such as map data. The map data includes road data represented by links corresponding to roads and nodes corresponding to connecting parts (intersections) of roads, facility information regarding each facility, and the like. The facility information includes, for example, information on a facility mark (mark image) to be displayed for each registered facility and location information of the facility.

The communication device 38 is configured with, for example, an FM tuner, a beacon receiver, a mobile phone, a dedicated communication module, etc., and receives traffic jams and other information distributed from a VICS (registered trademark, Vehicle Information Communication System) center via a communication interface 37. Receive road traffic information such as traffic information and other information. The communication device 38 also transmits various information used for navigation processing to the head-up display 2, such as current position information acquired from the GPS receiver 18, information such as vehicle speed pulses acquired from the independent positioning device 10, and map data. do.

The display unit 40 displays various display data on a display device such as a display under the control of the system controller 20. Specifically, system controller 20 reads map data from data storage unit 36. The display unit 40 displays map data read out from the data storage unit 36 by the system controller 20 on a display screen. The display unit 40 includes a graphic controller 41 that controls the entire display unit 40 based on control data sent from the CPU 22 via the bus line 30, and a memory such as VRAM (Video RAM), and displays image information that can be displayed immediately. It includes a buffer memory 42 for temporary storage, and a display control unit 43 that controls display 44 such as a liquid crystal or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) based on image data output from the graphic controller 41, and a display 44. . The display 44 functions as an image display unit, and is comprised of, for example, a liquid crystal display device with a diagonal of about 5 to 10 inches, and is mounted near the front panel inside the vehicle.

The audio output unit 50 performs D/A (Digital to Analog) conversion of audio digital data sent from the CD-ROM drive 31, DVD-ROM 32, RAM 24, etc. via the bus line 30 under the control of the system controller 20. an amplifier (AMP) 52 that amplifies the audio analog signal output from the D/A converter 51, and a speaker 53 that converts the amplified audio analog signal into audio and outputs it to the inside of the car. Configured with the necessary features.

The input device 60 includes keys, switches, buttons, a remote control, a voice input device, etc. for inputting various commands and data. The input device 60 is arranged around the front panel or display 44 of the main body of the in-vehicle electronic system mounted in the vehicle. Further, when the display 44 is of a touch panel type, a touch panel provided on the display screen of the display 44 also functions as the input device 60.

(3) Configuration of head-up display FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the head-up display 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the head-up display 2 according to the present embodiment includes a light source unit 4 and a combiner 9, and is mounted on a vehicle Ve including a front window 25, a ceiling portion 27, a hood 28, a dashboard 29, etc. It is attached.

The light source unit 4 is installed on the ceiling 27 in the vehicle interior via support members 5a and 5b, and emits light constituting a guide image showing information to assist driving toward the combiner 9. The virtual image "Iv" is made visible to the driver through the virtual image "Iv".

The combiner 9 projects the display image emitted from the light source unit 4 and displays the display image as a virtual image Iv by reflecting the display image to the driver's eye point "Pe". The combiner 9 has a support shaft part 8 installed on the ceiling part 27, and rotates about the support shaft part 8 as a support shaft. The support shaft portion 8 is installed, for example, in the ceiling portion 27 near the upper end of the front window 25, in other words, near the position where a sun visor (not shown) for the driver is installed. Note that the support shaft portion 8 may be installed instead of the above-mentioned sun visor. The combiner 9 is an example of "display means" in the present invention.

(4) Structure of light source unit FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the light source unit 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the light source unit 3 includes a light source 54, a control section 55, and a communication section 56.

The light source 54 includes, for example, laser light sources of red, blue, and green colors, and emits light (also referred to as "display light") that forms a display image to be irradiated onto the combiner 9 under the control of the control unit 55. .

The communication unit 56 receives various information used for navigation processing from the navigation device 1 under the control of the control unit 55. For example, the communication unit 56 receives guide route information from the navigation device 1 when a destination is set. The communication unit 56 also receives information on the current position measured by the GPS receiver 18 from the navigation device 1 at predetermined intervals. The communication unit 56 also receives information on facilities that serve as landmarks for route guidance, information on traffic regulations on the guidance route and around the current location, etc. from the navigation device 1 as POI (Point of Interest) information. Receive.

The control unit 55 includes a CPU, a ROM that stores control programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM in which various data are sequentially read and written as a work memory when the CPU is operating. control.

In this embodiment, the control unit 55 recognizes the position and traveling direction of the vehicle Ve based on the measurement information of the GPS receiver 18 and the measurement information of the independent positioning device 10 received from the navigation device 1. Then, the control unit 55 controls an area (" (Also called "display target area Atag.") is recognized. Then, the control unit 55 generates a route guide image indicating a guide route within the display target area Atag and a mark image indicating a facility within the display target area Atag as guide images, and lights the light constituting these guide images. By emitting light from the light source 54, the guide image is displayed on the combiner 9 so as to overlap with the scenery in front of the driver. The control unit 55 functions as an "acquisition means", a "control means", and a computer that executes a program.

[Display guide image]
Next, a method of displaying a guide image executed by the control unit 55 will be described. Roughly speaking, the control unit 55 increases the angle θ when the length of the road surface serving as the guide route within the display target area Atag (also referred to as "route distance Dtag") is within a predetermined distance. This enlarges the display target area Atag. Thereby, the control unit 55 allows the driver to appropriately recognize the route to be taken even when the vehicle approaches a right or left turn point or a sharp curve.

Hereinafter, the display mode of the guide image before the display target area Atag is enlarged by increasing the angle θ will be referred to as "normal mode", and the display mode of the guide image when the display target area Atag is enlarged by increasing the angle θ will be referred to as the "normal mode". The mode is also called "wide area mode." In addition, the angle θ and distance r used in the normal mode are also called "first angle θ1" and "first distance r1", respectively, and the angle θ and distance r used in wide area mode are also called "second angle θ2" and "second distance r1", respectively. It is also called "distance r2".

(1) Display processing in normal mode First, the display processing of guide images in normal mode will be specifically explained with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5(A) shows the setting range of the display target area Atag in the map representing the vicinity of the current position of the vehicle Ve. In addition, in FIG. 5A, a guide route within the display target area Atag is shown by a solid line 84A, and a guide route outside the display target area Atag is shown by a broken line 84B.

First, the control unit 55 recognizes the display target area Atag based on the first angle θ1 (for example, 20 degrees) and the first distance r1 (for example, 200 m). In the example of FIG. 5A, the control unit 55 selects a fan-shaped area surrounded by a broken line that is within a first angle θ1 from the traveling direction of the vehicle Ve and within a first distance r1 from the current position of the vehicle Ve. , is recognized as the display target area Atag. Note that the first angle θ1 and the first distance r1 are set, for example, to values such that the range of scenery visible to the driver via the combiner 9 and the display target area Atag approximately match.

Then, the control unit 55 generates a route guidance image corresponding to the road 85A in the display target area Atag and a mark image (here, "A") for a facility serving as a landmark on the route guidance, and displays these images. It is displayed on the combiner 9 superimposed on the front scenery. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 5(B).

FIG. 5(B) is an example of the front scenery seen from the driver's seat in the example of FIG. 5(A). In FIG. 5B, the control unit 55 displays a route guidance image 80 showing a road 85A that is a guidance route existing within the display target area Atag, and a mark image of a facility 90 existing within the display target area Atag. 81 is displayed. Here, the control unit 55 displays the route guide image 80 at a position above the road 85A, which is the guide route within the display target area Atag, which is flipped upside down. Furthermore, the control unit 55 displays the mark image 81 at a position corresponding to the facility 90, with a size corresponding to the distance from the current position.

In addition to the display process of the guide image, the control unit 55 calculates the route distance Dtag within the display target area Atag, and sets the route distance Dtag to a threshold value (the "second" 1 threshold value Dth1"). In the examples of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the control unit 55 determines that the route distance Dtag is longer than the first threshold Dth1 (for example, 100 m), and continues the normal mode.

FIG. 6(A) shows a state after the vehicle Ve has traveled a predetermined distance from the example of FIG. 5(A). In this case, the control unit 55 again recognizes the display target area Atag based on the first angle θ1 and the first distance r1. Furthermore, the control unit 55 calculates the route distance Dtag within the display target area Atag, determines that the route distance Dtag is longer than the first threshold value Dth1, and continues the normal mode. Then, the control unit 55 generates a guide image for the roads 85A and 85B, which are the guide route, existing within the display target area Atag, and the facility 90 existing within the display target area Atag.

FIG. 6(B) is a display example of the combiner 9 superimposed on the scenery in the example of FIG. 6(A). In addition, in FIG. 6(B), only the portion that overlaps with the combiner 9 is shown. In this case, the control unit 55 displays a route guidance image 80 showing roads 85A and 85B, which are guidance routes existing within the display target area Atag, in association with each road. At the same time, the mark image 81 of the facility 90 existing within the display target area Atag is displayed at a position corresponding to the facility 90.

In the example of FIG. 6, the road 85B, which is the route after turning left on the road 85A, extends through the left end position of the combiner 9, and the route guidance image 80 corresponding to the road 85B is cut off at the left end of the combiner 9. There is. Therefore, in this case, the driver cannot yet grasp the route after turning left from road 85A to road 85B. In order to cope with this, the control unit 55 immediately switches to wide area mode, which will be described later.

(2) Display processing in wide area mode Next, display processing in wide area mode will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7(A) shows the range of the display target area Atag after the vehicle Ve has traveled a predetermined distance from the state shown in FIG. 6(A). In this example, the control unit 55 calculates the route distance Dtag within the display target area Atag recognized based on the first angle θ1 and the first distance r1, and determines that the route distance Dtag has become equal to or less than the first threshold Dth1. , switching from normal mode to wide area mode.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in the wide area mode, the control unit 55 sets a second angle θ2 set to a value larger than the first angle θ1 (here, twice the first angle θ1) and a first distance The display target area Atag is set based on the second distance r2 set to a value equal to or greater than r1. As a result, the set display target area Atag is set to be wider than the display target area Atag in the normal mode. The set display target area Atag newly includes a road 85C that is scheduled to be traveled next after the road 85B, and a facility corresponding to the facility mark "B" existing near the intersection of the road 85B and the road 85C. It will be. Then, the control unit 55 controls the roads 85A to 85C existing within the display target area Atag based on the second angle θ2 and the second distance r2, and the facilities 90 and facility mark "B" existing within the display target area Atag. A guide image is generated for the corresponding facility.

FIG. 7(B) is a display example of the combiner 9 superimposed on the scenery in the example of FIG. 7(A). Note that, in FIG. 7(B), like FIG. 6(B), only the portion that overlaps with the combiner 9 is shown.

As shown in FIG. 7(B), in this case, the control unit 55 displays on the combiner 9 a route guide image 80 corresponding to a road 85C in the landscape that cannot be visually recognized through the combiner 9, in addition to the roads 85A and 85B. It is displayed. Similarly, the control unit 55 displays a facility mark 88 corresponding to a facility in the scenery that cannot be visually recognized through the combiner 9 at a position with respect to the route guide image 80. Further, the control unit 55 displays a facility mark 81 corresponding to the facility 90 at a position with respect to the route guide image 80.

In this way, in the example of FIG. 7B, the control unit 55 sets the display target area Atag to be wider than the area visually recognized via the combiner 9, thereby changing the guidance route indicated by the route guidance image 80. The scope is expanding. Thereby, the control unit 55 can allow the driver to suitably view the route after turning left from the road 85A to the road 85B.

Furthermore, even in the wide area mode, the control unit 55 calculates the route distance Dtag within the display target area Atag based on the first angle θ1 and the first distance r1, and the route distance Dtag is changed from the wide area mode to the normal mode. If it is longer than the threshold value (also referred to as "second threshold value Dth2") for determining whether to switch to the wide area mode, the wide area mode is returned to the normal mode. The second threshold Dth2 may be the same value as the first threshold Dth1, or may be a different value. Preferably, the control unit 55 sets the second threshold Dth2 to a distance longer than the first threshold Dth1. For example, when the first threshold value Dth1 is set to 100 m, the control unit 55 sets the second threshold value Dth2 to 150 m. Thereby, the control unit 55 can suitably suppress frequent switching between the normal mode and the wide area mode.

(3) Method for calculating guide distance Next, a specific example of a method for calculating route distance Dtag will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a guide route represented by points (nodes) N1 to N6 and lines (links) L1 to L6 on the map data together with the display target area Atag. When calculating the route distance Dtag in the example of FIG. 8, the control unit 55 first determines the boundary of the display target area Atag based on the traveling direction and current position of the vehicle Ve, the first angle θ1, and the first distance r1. recognize. Next, the control unit 55 recognizes the intersection point “α” between the lines L1 to L6 indicating the guide route and the boundary of the display target area Atag, and recognizes that the point closest to the intersection α is the point N4. . Then, the control unit 55 calculates the sum of the lengths of each line connecting the current point on the line L2 or the point N2 closest to the current point to the point N4 closest to the intersection α, and calculates the scale of the map based on the sum total. The value obtained by multiplying by a coefficient according to is recognized as the route distance Dtag. By doing so, the control unit 55 can suitably calculate the route distance Dtag.

Note that when the control unit 55 determines that the current position is off the guide route, the control unit 55 does not need to perform the process of calculating the route distance Dtag. In this case, the control unit 55 performs the guide image display process while fixing the display mode (normal mode or wide area mode) of the guide image before the current position deviates from the guide route.

Further, preferably, when the guide route reenters the display target area Atag after leaving the display target area Atag, the control unit 55 controls the route distance Dtag for the part that reenters the display target area Atag. Not included in the calculation. This will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a specific example of a case where the guide route exits the display target area Atag and then enters the display target area Atag again. In the road 89 shown in FIG. 9, the section 89B preceding the section 89A is outside the display target area Atag, and the section 89C beyond the section 89B exists within the display target area Atag again.

In this case, the control unit 55 calculates the route distance Dtag for the section 89A from the current position until exiting the display target area Atag, and calculates the route distance Dtag for the section 89C that has entered the display target area Atag from outside the display target area Atag. Not included in Dtag calculation. That is, if the guidance route indicated by the route guidance image displayed in the normal mode is not continuous, the control unit 55 calculates the route distance Dtag by excluding the part after the break in the guidance route. do. As a result, even when driving on a road that curves in a dogleg shape like the road 89 shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 55 can suitably switch from the normal mode to the wide area mode before approaching a curve. I can do it.

(4) Processing Flow FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing the processing procedure in the normal mode. The control unit 55 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 when the guide image display mode is the normal mode.

First, the control unit 55 recognizes the display target area Atag based on the first angle θ1 and the first distance r1 (step S101). Next, the control unit 55 calculates the route distance Dtag within the display target area Atag recognized in step S101, and determines whether the route distance Dtag is less than or equal to the first threshold value Dth1 (step S102). If the route distance Dtag is less than or equal to the first threshold value Dth1 (step S102; Yes), the control unit 55 determines that the route indicated by the route guidance image is short in the normal mode, and switches to the wide area mode to display the guidance image. Display processing is performed (step S103). Processing in the wide area mode will be described later with reference to FIG. 11.

On the other hand, if the control unit 55 determines that the route distance Dtag is longer than the first threshold Dth1 (step S102; No), the control unit 55 generates a guide image based on the display target area Atag based on the first angle θ1 and the first distance r1. and displayed on the combiner 9 (step S104). That is, in this case, the control unit 55 generates route guidance images, mark images, etc. corresponding to the guidance routes and facilities visually recognized via the combiner 9, and compares these images with actual roads and facilities. It is displayed on the combiner 9 in association with the facility.

FIG. 11 is an example of a flowchart showing the processing procedure in wide area mode. The control unit 55 repeatedly executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 when the guide image display mode is the wide area mode.

First, the control unit 55 recognizes the display target area Atag based on a second angle θ2 that is larger than the first angle θ1 and a second distance r2 that is set to be greater than or equal to the first distance r1. Then, the control unit 55 generates a guide image for the recognized display target area Atag, and causes the combiner 9 to display it (step S201). In this case, since the angle θ is expanded from the first angle θ1 to the second angle θ2, the range of the guidance route displayed as the route guidance image is expanded. Therefore, the control unit 55 can suitably suppress the driver's anxiety caused by the short guide route displayed as a route guide image when approaching a right or left turn point or a curve point with a large curvature.

Next, the control unit 55 calculates the route distance Dtag within the display target area Atag based on the first angle θ1 and the first distance r1 (step S202). Then, the control unit 55 determines whether the route distance Dtag is longer than the second threshold Dth2 (step S203). When the control unit 55 determines that the route distance Dtag is longer than the second threshold Dth2 (step S203; Yes), the control unit 55 switches the guide image display mode to the normal mode (step S204). Here, preferably, the control unit 55 sets the second threshold Dth2 to a value larger than the first threshold Dth1. Thereby, it is possible to suppress frequent switching of the guide image display mode. On the other hand, if the control unit 55 determines that the route distance Dtag is less than or equal to the second threshold value Dth2 (step S203; No), the control unit 55 returns the process to step S202 again.

As described above, the head-up display 2 according to this embodiment includes the light source unit 4 and the combiner 9. The control section 55 of the light source unit 4 acquires position information of the vehicle Ve from the navigation device 1 through the communication section 56 . Then, the control unit 55 causes the combiner 9 to display the route guidance image, and switches between the normal mode and the wide area mode. At this time, the control unit 55 switches to the wide area mode when the route distance Dtag within the display target area Atag in the normal mode is equal to or less than the first threshold Dth1. Thereby, the head-up display 2 allows the user to recognize a route within an appropriate range even when the user approaches a curve with a large curvature or a turn point, and can give the user a sense of security.

[Modified example]
Hereinafter, suitable modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described. The following modifications may be applied to the above embodiments in any combination.

(Modification 1)
The display system 100 displays the guide image on the display 44 of the navigation device 1 superimposed on the image of the camera photographing the front of the vehicle Ve, instead of displaying the guide image on the head-up display 2 superimposed on the scenery. It's okay.

FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of a display system 100A according to this modification. As shown in FIG. 12, the display system 100A includes a navigation device 1 such as a mobile terminal, and a camera 6 that photographs the front of the vehicle Ve. The camera 6 supplies a captured image (also referred to as a "camera image") to the navigation device 1. Then, the system controller 20 of the navigation device 1 displays a guide image such as a route guide image or a mark image on the display 44, superimposing it on the camera image.

Then, like the control unit 55 of the embodiment, the system controller 20 executes the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and switches between the normal mode and the wide area mode according to the route distance Dtag. With this aspect as well, the control unit 55 can make the user recognize a route within an appropriate range even when the user approaches a curve with a large curvature or a turning point.

Preferably, in addition to the processes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the system controller 20 switches the viewing angle of the camera 6 in conjunction with the switching of the guide image display mode. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the positional deviation between the route guide image and the mark image in the wide area mode and the actual scenery. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 13.

FIG. 13(A) is a display example of the display 44 in the normal mode immediately before switching to the wide area mode when the vehicle Ve is traveling on the road 85A, and FIG. This is an example of the display on the display 44 immediately after switching from the state to the wide area mode.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the system controller 20 widens the angle of view of the camera 6 in the wide area mode compared to the normal mode. In other words, the system controller 20 expands the angle of view of the camera 6 by the amount that the angle θ is expanded from the first angle θ1 to the second angle θ2 due to switching from the normal mode to the wide area mode. In this case, for example, the system controller 20 changes the angle of view of the camera image in the normal mode and in the wide area mode by transmitting a control signal regarding the setting of the angle of view to the camera 6. In another example, the angle of view of the camera 6 is fixed to the angle of view used in the wide area mode, and in the normal mode, the system controller 20 cuts out both left and right ends of the camera image and displays it on the display 44. Display in full screen.

As a result of widening the angle of view of the camera 6 in the wide-area mode, in the example of FIG. Images 81 and 88 are associated with appropriate positions. In this way, the system controller 20 widens the angle of view of the camera 6 in the wide-area mode to display route guidance images and mark images in appropriate correspondence with the guidance route positions and facility positions on the camera images. be able to.

Note that in this modification, the display 44 of the display unit 40 is an example of a "display means" in the present invention. Further, the system controller 20 is an example of an "acquisition means", a "control means", and a "computer" in the present invention.

(Modification 2)
The control unit 55 may change the first threshold value Dth1 and the second threshold value Dth2 according to the traveling speed of the vehicle Ve, instead of setting them to fixed values. Specifically, the control unit 55 may increase the first threshold value Dth1 and the second threshold value Dth2 as the traveling speed of the vehicle Ve increases.

Generally, when traveling at high speed, the distance traveled by the vehicle Ve within a unit time is long, so the driver needs to check the route further ahead compared to when traveling at low speed. Therefore, the control unit 55 increases the first threshold value Dth1 and the second threshold value Dth2 as the traveling speed of the vehicle Ve increases, thereby making it easier to switch to the wide-area mode when traveling at high speed, and making it easier for the driver to understand the guide route. can be done.

In addition to or in place of increasing the first threshold value Dth1 and the second threshold value Dth2 as the traveling speed of the vehicle Ve is higher, the control unit 55 increases the second threshold value Dth1 and the second threshold value Dth2 as the traveling speed of the vehicle Ve increases. The angle θ2 and/or the second distance r2 may be increased. Thereby, the control unit 55 can suitably allow the driver to visually confirm the further guidance route when switching to the wide area mode during high-speed driving.

(Modification 3)
Instead of the display example in the wide area mode of FIG. 7(B), the control unit 55 may hide the mark image in the wide area mode.

As shown in FIG. 7B, in the wide area mode, as a result of making the angle θ larger than in the normal mode, the deviation between the display position of the mark image 81 and the position of the facility 90 becomes large. In consideration of the above, in this modification, the control unit 55 hides the mark image in the wide area mode to prevent the occurrence of a sense of discomfort due to the misalignment between the display position of the mark image 81 and the position of the facility 90. can.

(Modification 4)
When switching the display mode from the normal mode to the wide area mode, the control unit 55 may stepwise or continuously shift the angle θ from the first angle θ1 to the second angle θ2. For example, when the second angle θ2 is twice the first angle θ1, the control unit 55 changes the angle θ from the first angle θ1 to 1.2×θ1, 1.4×θ1, 1.6×θ1, etc. It is gradually changed like 1.8×θ1 and 2×θ1.

(Modification 5)
In FIG. 3, the head-up display 2 includes a combiner 9, and allows the driver to visually recognize the virtual image Iv based on the emitted light from the light source unit 4 that is reflected by the combiner 9. However, the configuration to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. Alternatively, the head-up display 2 may not include the combiner 9 and may allow the driver to visually recognize the virtual image Iv based on the light emitted from the light source unit 4 and reflected by the windshield 25. In this case, the windshield 25 is an example of a "display means" in the present invention.

Moreover, the position of the light source unit 4 is not limited to the case where it is installed on the ceiling part 27. Alternatively, the light source unit 4 may be installed on the dashboard 29 or inside the dashboard 29. When installed on the dashboard 29, the dashboard 29 is provided with a combiner 9, or the windshield 25 directly reflects light from the light source unit 4 to make the driver recognize the virtual image Iv. When installed in a dashboard, the dashboard 29 is provided with an opening to allow light to pass through the combiner 9 or the windshield 25.

(Modification 6)
The system controller 20 may execute part of the processing of the control unit 55. For example, the system controller 20 may generate a guide image for the head-up display 2 to display, and the light source unit 4 of the head-up display 2 may receive the guide image. In this case, the system controller 20 executes the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11 instead of the control unit 55. In this case, the system controller 20 displays the generated guide image on the head-up display 2 by transmitting the generated guide image to the light source unit 4 in steps S104 and S201 of FIG.

Note that in this modification, the system controller 20 is an example of the "acquisition means", "control means", and "computer" in the present invention.

1 Navigation device 2 Head-up display 4 Light source unit 9 Combiner 25 Windshield 28 Bonnet 29 Dashboard 100, 100A Display system

Claims (1)

a normal mode in which the route guidance image is superimposed on the forward scenery and displayed on a display means so that the scenery in front of the moving object corresponds to the route guidance image to the destination; and the route is displayed in the normal mode. comprising a control means for switching between a wide-area mode in which the display means displays a route guidance image showing a wider route than the guidance image;
The navigation device is characterized in that the control means switches to the wide area mode when the distance of the road surface corresponding to the route guidance image in the normal mode is less than or equal to a predetermined value.