JP4266607B2 - Vehicle front display device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicle front display device having a camera that images the front of a vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, a device that displays an image captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle is commercially available (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-127874 A (first page)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in most cases, the image of the driver's blind spot is captured, and the camera is attached to the rear. Therefore, when the driver misses the sign, the missed sign cannot be confirmed even when the recorded image is reproduced.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The vehicle front display device according to the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and includes a camera that images the front of the vehicle, a storage unit that stores an image captured by the camera, and an image stored in the storage unit. A display unit for displaying; current position detecting means for detecting the current position; map storage means for storing the position of the sign; and detecting that the current position has approached the sign, causing the camera to start imaging, Comprises a control means for displaying an image picked up a predetermined time on the display unit.
[0006]
Further, the vehicle includes travel measurement means for measuring the travel distance of the vehicle, and control means for displaying an image captured by the camera on the screen before the vehicle travels a predetermined distance.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the embodiment. (1) is a control circuit which controls each part based on the program written in ROM (2). (3) is a RAM which stores information necessary for the operation of the control circuit (1). (4) is a GPS (Global Positioning System) positioning means that receives radio waves from GPS satellites, measures the current position, and outputs the measurement data to the control circuit (1). (5) is a DVD playback device that reads map information from a DVD in which map information is written. (8) is a CCD camera, and as shown in FIG. 2, it is held in front of the vehicle at an elevation angle toward a sign or signal at a high place and images it. (6) is a liquid crystal display unit, which displays an image captured by the CCD camera (8), map information and the current position based on the control of the control circuit (1). (7) is an input unit operated by the user.
[0008]
The image captured by the CCD is stored in the RAM (3) together with the imaging time data. The control means (1) reads an image captured by the camera from the RAM (3) before a time set by the operation of the input unit (7) (for example, 10 seconds) and displays it on the display unit (6). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of displaying an image with such a delay. The vehicle travels a distance L after time T from position A and reaches position B. At position B, an image captured at position A is displayed.
[0009]
Thereby, even if it overlooks a sign and a traffic light, it can check without returning a vehicle and operating.
[0010]
Note that, for example, if it is not possible to see the sign by approaching the sign, the small character that is difficult to read can be confirmed by zooming the camera.
[0011]
Further, the signs and traffic lights stored in the RAM (3) can be viewed at any time by operating the input unit (7).
[0012]
The control circuit (1) calculates the current position from the data received from the GPS positioning means (4). The control circuit (1) can calculate the travel distance by the time change of the current position. Therefore, the control means (1) reads the image captured by the camera from the RAM (3) before the vehicle travels a distance (for example, 200 m) set by the operation of the input unit (7), and displays the display unit. Display in (6).
[0013]
Thereby, even if it overlooks a sign and a traffic light, it can check without returning a vehicle and operating. In this case, in order to always display the state before the predetermined distance, the image changes according to the speed of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is stopped, the sign can be checked carefully.
[0014]
The vehicle front display device of the present invention also has a navigation function for displaying the current position calculated from the data received from the GPS positioning means (4) so as to be superimposed on the map read from the DVD playback device. That is, by sharing the configuration with the navigation device, an inexpensive and small vehicle front display device can be supplied.
[0015]
Further, by using the traffic signal and the position data of the sign in the map information used for navigation, it is possible to automatically start imaging when the signal or the sign approaches. Thereby, power consumption can be reduced and the storage capacity can be reduced.
[0016]
The above-described example of the operation and effect is confirmation of traffic lights and signs. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is effective for confirmation of roadsides such as store names, people, oncoming vehicles, and the like.
[0017]
【The invention's effect】
Even if you overlook a sign or traffic light, you can check without returning the vehicle or operating it. It is effective not only for checking signs and traffic lights but also for checking along the road, for example, store names, people, oncoming vehicles, and the like.
[0018]
Further, if the camera is set in an enlarged state, when it is determined that it is difficult to see the sign directly, the enlarged image of the sign is automatically displayed for a while if the imaging screen is viewed.
[0019]
If the state before the predetermined distance is displayed, the image can be changed according to the speed of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is stopped, the sign can be checked carefully.
[0020]
If used together with the navigation function, the display unit, the control circuit, the storage unit, the input unit, and the GPS positioning unit can be used together, and power consumption can be reduced or the storage capacity can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display state.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control circuit 4 GPS positioning means 7 Input part 8 CCD camera

Claims (6)

A camera that images the front of the vehicle, a storage unit that stores an image captured by the camera, a display unit that displays an image stored in the storage unit, a current position detection unit that detects a current position, and a sign Map storage means for storing the position of the camera, and control means for causing the camera to start imaging when it detects that the current position is approaching the sign, and to display an image captured by the camera for a predetermined time on the display unit, A vehicle front display device comprising:   The vehicle front display device according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the predetermined time. A camera that images the front of the vehicle, a storage unit that stores an image captured by the camera, a display unit that displays an image stored in the storage unit, a travel measurement unit that measures a travel distance of the vehicle, Current position detecting means for detecting the current position, map storage means for storing the position of the sign, and detecting that the current position has approached the sign, the camera starts imaging, and before the vehicle travels a predetermined distance A vehicle front display device comprising: control means for causing the display section to display an image captured by the camera over time.   The vehicle front display device according to claim 3, further comprising setting means for setting the predetermined distance. The travel measurement means calculates a travel distance by detecting the current position by the current position detection, and also has a navigation function for displaying the current position also using the current position detection means. The vehicle front display device according to claim 3.   The vehicle front display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit enlarges and displays a captured image.

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