JP6448806B2 - Display control device, display device, and display control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display control device and a display control method for controlling a display unit, and a display device including the display control device.

  In order to allow the driver to recognize the appropriate speed and distance between vehicles, a road manager confirms the distance between vehicles for confirming the distance between vehicles, or a white line provided at predetermined intervals such as 0 m, 50 m, and 100 m. Alternatively, a road marking for confirming the inter-vehicle distance including the white line and the numerical value of the predetermined interval is attached on the road.

  The driver can confirm an appropriate inter-vehicle distance and an appropriate speed by referring to an inter-vehicle distance confirmation signboard or the like. However, since installation and maintenance costs will be required if inter-vehicle distance confirmation signs, etc. are provided on all roads, usually inter-vehicle distance confirmation signs are often provided only in some sections of the road. The person could not confirm the distance between vehicles on any road.

  On the other hand, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technique of superimposing a virtual image (image) indicating a scale for checking a distance between vehicles on a road scene using HUD (Head Up Display). Further, for example, Patent Document 2 proposes a technique for adding an image showing a scale for checking a distance between vehicles to a live-action image displayed on a display screen of a display device. According to these techniques, the driver can check the inter-vehicle distance at any time.

JP-A-4-219900 Japanese Utility Model Publication 3-009117

  However, since the HUD of Patent Document 1 and the display device of Patent Document 2 always display a scale image, the scale image provides visibility of an actual scene (for example, a moving object in front of a vehicle or a road marking). There was an obstacle. As a result, there is a problem that it is difficult for the driver to check the actual road condition.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of appropriately displaying an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object.

A display control device according to the present invention is a display control device that controls a display unit, and the display unit is provided in a vehicle and displays a virtual image that is visible from a driver's seat of the vehicle through a windshield of the vehicle. As a head-up display that can change the virtual image distance. The display control device recognizes an inter-vehicle distance confirmation in front of the vehicle based on a road recognition unit that recognizes a road front portion that is a portion ahead of the vehicle among roads on which the vehicle is traveling, and a recognition result in the road recognition unit. point or the inter-vehicle distance check object is a display object indicating a point for confirmation transit time, as displayed in the virtual image direction and the virtual image distance corresponding to a location associated with the recognized road forward portion road recognition unit, The control part which controls a display part, and the 1st determination information acquisition part which acquires the 1st determination information for determining whether an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed are provided. A control part displays an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object on a display part, when it determines with displaying an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the 1st determination information acquired by the 1st determination information acquisition part. The virtual image distance is the distance between the vehicle distance confirmation object displayed from the display unit via the windshield and the specific position of the vehicle, and the virtual image direction is the vehicle distance confirmation displayed from the display unit via the windshield. The direction between the object and a specific position of the vehicle, and the control unit controls the virtual image distance based on the distance between the vehicle point and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point, and confirms the inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle point. The virtual image direction is controlled based on the direction from the point of interest.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit. Thereby, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object can be appropriately displayed.

  The objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display control device according to a first embodiment. 6 is a diagram for explaining a display object according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the display device according to the second embodiment. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to modification example 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to modification example 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to modification example 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to modification example 1; It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 2. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 3. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to Embodiment 3. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 5. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 5. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to Embodiment 4; FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to an eighth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a display control apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a display control apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to modification example 1;

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, the display control apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described as being mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle on which the display control device is mounted and which is a target of attention will be described as “own vehicle”.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the display control apparatus according to the first embodiment. The display control device 1 in FIG. 1 controls the virtual image display unit 21a. However, the display control device is not limited to this, and as described in the eighth embodiment, the real image display unit may be controlled instead of the virtual image display unit 21a.

  The virtual image display unit 21a is a display unit that is provided in the host vehicle and can display a display object that is visible from the driver's seat of the host vehicle, and has a display function of a HUD (head-up display).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a display object 82 displayed by the virtual image display unit 21a having a HUD display function. As shown in FIG. 2, the virtual image display unit 21 a can display a display object 82 that is a virtual image that is visible from the driver's seat of the host vehicle through the windshield 81 of the host vehicle. The actual display position of the display object 82 is the position on the windshield 81, but for the driver, it looks as if the display object 82 actually exists at the virtual image position. Here, the virtual image position is defined by the virtual image direction and the virtual image distance.

  The virtual image direction is the direction of the virtual image (display object 82) based on a specific position of the host vehicle (for example, the driver's seat or the windshield 81). The virtual image direction substantially corresponds to the position of the display object 82 on the windshield 81 (substantially two-dimensional plane) viewed from the driver 83, and is represented by, for example, a deviation angle θi and an elevation angle φi of a three-dimensional polar coordinate system. Of course, if a polar coordinate-orthogonal coordinate transformation is performed, it can also be expressed in an orthogonal coordinate system.

The virtual image distance is a distance to a virtual image (display object 82) based on a specific position of the host vehicle (for example, the driver's seat or the windshield 81). The virtual image distance substantially corresponds to a distance in the perspective direction from the driver 83 to the display object 82, and is represented by, for example, a moving radius (ri) of a three-dimensional polar coordinate system. Strictly speaking, the distance between the display object 82 on the same plane and the driver 83 differs depending on the declination angle θi and the elevation angle φi for each display object 82, but when the distance in the perspective direction is sufficiently far, The difference in distance due to the deflection angle θi and the elevation angle φi can be ignored. Here, when the position of the eyes of the driver 83 is the origin, the front of the host vehicle is the Y axis, the left direction is the X axis, and the overhead direction is the Z axis, the position Pi of the display object 82 is the orthogonal coordinate system. And (xi, yi, zi). In this case, the following relational expressions hold: ri = (xi ² + yi ² + zi ² ) ^1/2 , tan (θi) = xi / yi, tan (φi) = zi / (xi ² + yi ² ) ^1/2 Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, it is assumed that yi >> xi, yi >> zi, that is, the display object 82 is sufficiently far from the host vehicle. In this case, the relational expressions ri≈yi, tan (θi) = xi / yi, and tan (φi) ≈zi / yi hold.

  The driver 83 can visually recognize the display object 82 at the virtual image position represented by three-dimensional polar coordinates (ri, θi, φi) or the like by adjusting the distance of the focus (focus) of his / her eyes to the virtual image distance. . Here, the distance of the focal point of the driver 83 is xd = ri≈yi.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the display control device 1 includes a road recognition unit 11, a display object storage unit 12, a control unit 13, and a first determination information acquisition unit 14. For example, a memory described later is applied to the display object storage unit 12. The road recognition unit 11, the control unit 13, and the first determination information acquisition unit 14, for example, are realized by a processor executing a program stored in a memory, as will be described later.

  Next, each component of the display control device 1 will be described.

  The road recognizing unit 11 recognizes a road front portion that is a portion ahead of the host vehicle in the road on which the host vehicle is traveling. For example, the road recognition unit 11 acquires, for example, a video in front of the host vehicle captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle (in this specification, the video is a concept included in the image), and image recognition processing is performed on the video. The shape of the road scenery in front of the host vehicle is recognized by an image processing device that performs the above. Infrared illumination may be performed at night, and an image in front of the vehicle may be acquired with an infrared camera. In addition, as a recognition of the road scenery ahead of the vehicle, the road shape and road width corresponding to the current position and traveling direction of the vehicle detected by a position detection unit such as GPS (Global Positioning System) is acquired from the map database. May be. According to such a configuration, it is possible to estimate the contour of the road as recognition of the road scenery ahead of the host vehicle. Here, the road recognition unit 11 has been described as being separate from the above-described camera and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the road recognition unit 11 may include the above-described camera and the like.

  The display object storage unit 12 stores a plurality of display objects indicating arrows, for example.

  The control unit 13 comprehensively controls each component of the display control device 1 and controls the display of the virtual image display unit 21a. Here, the control unit 13 performs control to display a display object or the like stored in the display object storage unit 12 on the virtual image display unit 21a. However, the display object to be displayed may be one generated by the control unit 13 based on information acquired by the road recognition unit 11 or the like. In addition, what is received by the control unit 13 from the display object storage unit 12 may be applied to other standard display objects, or the display object received by the control unit 13 from the display object storage unit 12 may be modified. May be applied.

  In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the control unit 13 may display the display object on the virtual image display unit 21a, and the control unit 13 may display the display object.

  In the first embodiment, the control unit 13 is an inter-vehicle distance that is a display object indicating a point for confirming an inter-vehicle distance in front of the host vehicle or a point for confirming a transit time based on a recognition result in the road recognition unit 11. The virtual image display unit 21 a is controlled so that the confirmation object is displayed in association with the road front portion recognized by the road recognition unit 11.

  Specifically, the control unit 13 can control the virtual image direction of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object in a dynamically associated manner with the front part of the road. The control of the virtual image direction is realized, for example, by controlling the position of the display object in the displayable area of the virtual image display unit 21a. The displayable area is an area on the windshield 81 where the display device that forms the virtual image display unit 21a can display a display object.

  Here, the fact that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed in relation to the front part of the road is that the virtual inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed along with the front part of the road via the windshield 81 as viewed from the driver's seat. (For example, FIG. 5 and the like) and a virtual image inter-vehicle distance confirmation object viewed from the driver's seat are displayed superimposed on the front part of the road via the windshield 81 (for example, FIG. 15 and the like).

  In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the virtual image distance of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is a predetermined constant distance regardless of the type of inter-vehicle distance confirmation object. However, the virtual image distance may be adjusted in consideration of the fact that the viewpoint distance of the driver varies depending on the driver's driving skill, personality, and surrounding environment. Further, as will be described later in the fourth embodiment, the virtual image distance of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object may be controlled.

  The first determination information acquisition unit 14 acquires first determination information for determining whether to display an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object. The first determination information acquisition unit 14 acquires first determination information from, for example, an in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) device that acquires the traveling speed, traveling acceleration, steering wheel signal, brake signal, and the like of the host vehicle. In addition, although the 1st determination information acquisition part 14 demonstrated as a different body from the above-mentioned in-vehicle LAN apparatus etc. here, it is not restricted to this, The 1st determination information acquisition part 14 is the above-mentioned in-vehicle LAN apparatus etc. May be included.

  The control unit 13 determines whether or not to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14. If the control unit 13 determines to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object, the control unit 13 displays the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object on the virtual image display unit 21a, and determines that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is not displayed. Prohibits the display of objects (hides the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object).

<Summary of Embodiment 1>
The display control device 1 according to the first embodiment as described above appropriately displays the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the first determination information. According to such a configuration, when it is preferable for the driver to confirm an appropriate inter-vehicle distance or traveling speed, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed, and the driver confirms a real scene such as a road with a wide field of view. When it is preferable to do so, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object can be hidden. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately display and hide the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object.

<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Hereinafter, in the display device 2 according to the second embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components are mainly described.

  The display device 2 of FIG. 3 includes a display control device 1 and a virtual image display unit 21a. The display control device 1 in FIG. 3 includes the same components (the road recognition unit 11, the display object storage unit 12, the control unit 13, and the first determination information acquisition unit 14 in FIG. 1) as in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14 includes the traveling speed or traveling acceleration of the host vehicle acquired by the in-vehicle LAN device or the like. Then, the control unit 13 determines that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed when the traveling speed or the traveling acceleration included in the first determination information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Otherwise, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is determined. The display of is prohibited.

  In the second embodiment, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is a display object that is displayed along with the front portion of the road as viewed from the driver's seat of the host vehicle, and is installed around the front portion of the road (for example, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object). It contains an installation object displayed as a pole corresponding to a signboard. Here, attachment of the installation object to the front portion of the road includes that the installation object is close to, adjacent to, or partially overlaps the front portion of the road.

  In the second embodiment, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point indicated by the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is defined as a second point that is separated from the first point where the own vehicle is located by a predetermined distance in front of the own vehicle. Has been. The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is controlled so as to further indicate the predetermined distance value. Hereinafter, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object indicating the numerical value of the distance between the first point and the second point will be described as a “distance object”. In the second embodiment, the predetermined distance between the first point and the second point is constant and the value is 50 m. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as will be described later in the fifth embodiment, the predetermined distance may change.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 2 according to the second embodiment. Here, the operation when the first determination information is the traveling speed of the host vehicle will be described. In addition, since the operation | movement demonstrated below and the operation | movement in case 1st determination information is a driving | running | working acceleration of the own vehicle are the same, description of the latter is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, in step S1, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 acquires first determination information including the traveling speed of the host vehicle.

  In step S2, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the traveling speed included in the first determination information is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (for example, 100 km / h). If it is determined that the traveling speed is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed, and the process proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the traveling speed is smaller than the predetermined threshold, it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is not displayed, and the process proceeds to step S7.

  When the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3, the road recognition unit 11 recognizes the road front portion.

  In step S4, the control unit 13 selects an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object to be displayed. When there is no inter-vehicle distance confirmation object to be selected, the control unit 13 generates and selects the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object.

  In step S5, the control unit 13 corresponds to the position of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object in the displayable area (corresponding to the virtual image direction in FIG. 2) so that the selected inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is attached to the second point in the front part of the road. Position).

  In step S6, the control unit 13 displays the selected inter-vehicle distance confirmation object in association with the second point in the front part of the road. Then, it returns to step S1.

  When the process proceeds from step S2 to step S7, the control unit 13 prohibits the display of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object. Thereby, when the virtual image display unit 21a displays the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object, the display ends. Then, it returns to step S1.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the display (display in step S6) of the display device 2 according to the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 5, the scenery in front of the host vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object displayed by the display device 2 (virtual image display unit 21a) are shown.

  Here, as the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object, an installation object 82a and a distance object 82b are displayed along with the front part of the road. Specifically, the virtual object direction corresponding to a point where the installation object 82a such as a pole and the distance object 82b indicating a numerical value “50 m” are separated from the position of the host vehicle (lower side in FIG. 5) by 50 m. (FIG. 2). In a system including a virtual image display unit capable of displaying a display object such as an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object at a plurality of virtual image distances, the above-described numerical virtual image distance may not necessarily be the same as the distance indicated by the installation object 82a. . For example, a virtual image distance that is slightly longer than the distance indicated by the installation object 82a may be used as the traveling speed increases.

  6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the display of the display device 2 according to the second embodiment (display in step S6). Specifically, FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the position of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (the virtual image direction) and the movement of the host vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the host vehicle is located at a point a1 at time t1, and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installed object 82a and distance object 82b) are located at a point b1 that is 50 m away from the point a1. Assume that the vehicle has shifted from the state shown in FIG. 6 to a state where the host vehicle has advanced to point a2 at time t2 after time t1, as shown in FIG. In such a case, the control unit 13 displays an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (installed object 82a and distance object 82b) so as to be located at a point b2 50 m away from the point a2. That is, in the second embodiment, the distance between the host vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance is constant regardless of the movement of the host vehicle.

<Summary of Embodiment 2>
The display device 2 according to the second embodiment as described above determines to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object when the traveling speed or the traveling acceleration of the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and confirms the inter-vehicle distance. Display the object. Therefore, it is possible to display and hide the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object suitable for the traveling speed or traveling acceleration of the host vehicle.

  In the second embodiment, the installation object 82a is displayed as an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object along with the front portion of the road as viewed from the driver's seat of the host vehicle. Accordingly, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, the installation object 82 a and the preceding vehicle 87 are less likely to overlap the preceding vehicle 87 even if the preceding vehicle 87 or the like is present in the front part of the road. The visibility of the driver for each of the above can be improved.

  In the second embodiment, the distance object 82b indicates a numerical value of a predetermined distance between the first point where the host vehicle is located and the second point for checking the inter-vehicle distance. Accordingly, the driver can objectively recognize the distance between the host vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (installed object 82a and distance object 82b).

  It should be noted that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object does not include the distance object 82b in FIG. 5 indicating the numerical value of the distance, but as shown in FIG. 82c may be included. When it is configured to acquire the traveling speed of the host vehicle as in the second embodiment, or the traveling speed of the host vehicle is obtained by differentiating the position of the host vehicle acquired by GPS or the like with time. In the case of being configured to do so, a value obtained by dividing the above-mentioned distance by the traveling speed may be applied to the above-mentioned time. Alternatively, a predetermined constant value may be applied to the above-described time, and a value obtained by multiplying the time and the traveling speed may be applied as the above-described predetermined distance. Such a time object is particularly effective in Europe in which a rule is set so that the distance between the vehicles travels within the distance of 2 seconds.

  For example, the design of an actual inter-vehicle distance confirmation signboard may be applied to the installation object.

<Modification 1>
In the second embodiment, one set of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installation object and distance object) is displayed for one inter-vehicle distance confirmation point. However, the number of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (the number of inter-vehicle distance confirmation points Number) is not limited to one set.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of inter-vehicle distance confirmation points may be defined, and an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object may be displayed for each inter-vehicle distance confirmation point. In the example of FIG. 9, each of two points 50 m and 100 m away from the first point where the host vehicle is located is defined as the second point for checking the inter-vehicle distance. A set of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installation object 82a and distance object 82b) is displayed for the second point 50m away from the first point, and another one for the second point 100m away from the first point. A set of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installed object 82d and distance object 82e) are displayed.

  10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining display on the display device 2 according to the first modification. Specifically, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the position of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (virtual image direction) and the movement of the host vehicle with respect to the example of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the own vehicle is located at a point a1 at time t1, and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installed object 82a and distance object 82b) are located at a point b1 that is 50 m away from the point a1, and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation is performed. Assume that the objects (installed object 82d and distance object 82e) are located at a point c1 that is 100 m away from the point a1. Assume that the vehicle has shifted from the state shown in FIG. 10 to a state where the host vehicle has advanced to point a2 at time t2 after time t1, as shown in FIG. In such a case, the control unit 13 displays an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (installed object 82a and distance object 82b) so as to be located at a point b2 that is 50 m away from the point a2. The object 82d and the distance object 82e) are displayed so as to be located at a point c2 that is 100 m away from the point a2. That is, as in the second embodiment, the distance between the host vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance is constant regardless of the movement of the host vehicle.

  According to the above configuration, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed for each inter-vehicle distance confirmation point. For this reason, the driver can easily check the inter-vehicle distance or the traveling speed.

  In the example of FIG. 9, one set of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects is displayed for each of two second points 50 m and 100 away from the first point. However, the distance from the first point to the second point is not limited to 50,100 m, and the number of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (or the number of sets), and therefore the number of second points is three or more. There may be.

  Although not shown in FIG. 9, when the preceding vehicle 87, which is another vehicle, and the installation objects 82a and 82d overlap, the installation objects 82a and 82d are displayed in front of the preceding vehicle 87, and the preceding vehicle 87 A part of the vehicle 87 cannot be visually recognized by the installation objects 82a and 82d. Therefore, in such a case, portions of the installation objects 82a and 82d that overlap the preceding vehicle 87 may be deleted by image processing. FIG. 41 shows an example in which the installation object 82d from which the portion overlapping the preceding vehicle 87 is deleted is displayed. When displayed in this way, the visibility of the preceding vehicle 87 can be improved.

  Further, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object does not include the distance objects 82b and 82e shown in FIG. 9 indicating the numerical value of the distance, but as shown in FIG. 12, the time indicating the numerical value of the time required for the host vehicle to travel the distance. Objects 82c and 82f may be included.

<Modification 2>
In the second embodiment, the point where the host vehicle is located is the first point, and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance indicated by the inter-vehicle distance check object is separated from the first point in front of the host vehicle by a predetermined distance. It was defined as the second point. That is, the position of the host vehicle has become a reference for the numerical values of the distance object and the time object, but is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the point in front of the host vehicle is defined as the first point, and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance is defined as the second point separated from the first point by a predetermined distance in front of the host vehicle. May be. That is, instead of the position of the host vehicle, the first point in front of the host vehicle may serve as a numerical reference.

  In the example of FIG. 13, 50 m is applied to the distance between the position of the host vehicle and the first point in front of the host vehicle, and the distance between the first point and the second point for checking the inter-vehicle distance. 50m is also applied to the distance between them (predetermined distance). And about the 2nd point 50m away from the 1st point, the installation object 82g and the distance object 82h which shows the numerical value of the distance (predetermined distance) between the 1st point and the 2nd point are the distance between vehicles. It is displayed as a distance confirmation object. Further, in the example of FIG. 13, display objects 82i and 82j similar to the installation object 82g and the distance object 82h are also displayed for the first point.

  However, the distance between the point where the host vehicle is located and the first point is not limited to 50 m, and the distance between the first point and the second point is not limited to 50 m. In addition, since it can be easily understood that the numerical value indicated by the display object 82j is 0 without displaying, the display object 82j may not be displayed.

  According to the above configuration, the driver can check the inter-vehicle distance or the traveling speed based on the point ahead of the host vehicle, instead of using the position of the host vehicle as a reference.

  The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object does not include the distance object 82h of FIG. 13 indicating the numerical value of the distance, but as shown in FIG. 14, a time object 82k indicating the numerical value of the time required for the host vehicle to travel the distance. May be included. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, display objects 82i and 82l similar to the installation object 82g and the time object 82k may be displayed for the first point.

<Modification 3>
In the second embodiment, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object includes the installation object 82a of FIG. 5 displayed as an installation around the road front portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is a display object that is displayed superimposed on the front portion of the road as viewed from the driver's seat of the host vehicle, and is a road marking (for example, a white broken line) in the front portion of the road. May be included as a road marking object 82o. 15 is an example in which the installation object 82a in FIG. 5 is replaced with a road marking object 82o. In the drawings after FIG. 15, for convenience, the inside of the road marking indicated by the road marking object is hatched, but the same pattern as the actual road marking is applied.

  According to such a configuration, the road marking object 82o is displayed as an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object superimposed on the front portion of the road as viewed from the driver's seat of the host vehicle. As a result, a road marking for confirming the inter-vehicle distance is displayed in the front part of the road, so that the driver usually does not move the line of sight from the front part of the road that should normally be watched most. Can be confirmed.

  The display of the road marking object is not limited to the example of FIG. As shown in the example of FIG. 16, the installation object 82a of FIG. 8 may be displayed by being replaced with a road marking object 82o. Alternatively, as shown in the example of FIG. 17, the installation objects 82a and 82d of FIG. 12 may be replaced with road marking objects 82o and 82p and displayed. Alternatively, although not shown, the installation objects 82a and 82d in FIG. 9 may be displayed by being replaced with the road marking objects 82o and 82p in FIG.

  Alternatively, as shown in the example of FIG. 18, the installation object 82a of FIG. 8 and the road marking object 82o of FIG. 16 may be displayed simultaneously. Alternatively, as shown in the example of FIG. 19, the installation objects 82a and 82d of FIG. 9 and the road marking objects 82o and 82p of FIG. 17 may be displayed at the same time. Alternatively, as shown in the example of FIG. 20, the road marking object 82o of FIG. 18 may be displayed by being replaced with an extended road marking object 82q obtained by extending the road marking object 82o.

  21 and 22 are diagrams for explaining display on the display device 2 according to the third modification. Specifically, FIG.21 and FIG.22 is a figure which shows the relationship between the position (virtual image direction) of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object, and the movement of the own vehicle regarding the example of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the own vehicle is located at a point a1 at time t1, and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installed object 82a, distance object 82b, and road marking object 82o) are located at a point b1 that is 50 m away from the point a1. Assume that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (installed object 82d, distance object 82e, and road marking object 82p) is located at a point c1 that is 100 m away from the point a1. Assume that the vehicle has shifted from the state shown in FIG. 21 to a state where the host vehicle has advanced to point a2 at time t2 after time t1, as shown in FIG. In such a case, the control unit 13 displays the inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installed object 82a, distance object 82b, and road marking object 82o) so as to be located at a point b2 that is 50 m away from the point a2. The confirmation objects (installed object 82d, distance object 82e, and road marking object 82p) are displayed so as to be located at a point c2 that is 100 m away from the point a2. That is, as in the second embodiment, the distance between the host vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance is constant regardless of the movement of the host vehicle.

  Even in the configuration as described above, as in FIG. 15, the road marking for confirming the inter-vehicle distance is displayed in the front portion of the road, so that the driver substantially looks at the line of sight from the front portion of the road that is usually most closely watched. Even without moving, it is possible to check the inter-vehicle distance or the traveling speed.

  In the example of FIG. 18 and the like, the installation object and the road marking object are displayed at the same time. As a configuration for performing such display, the control unit 13 uniformly performs determination on whether to display the installation object and determination on whether to display the road marking object on the same basis. Assumed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As will be described later in the sixth embodiment, the control unit 13 determines whether or not to display the installation object and whether or not to display the road marking object. This determination may be performed based on different criteria.

  Note that the control unit 13 may switch and display the distance object and the time object as appropriate. For example, when there is a preceding vehicle within a certain distance ahead of the host vehicle, the control unit 13 determines that the time object is displayed without displaying the distance object, and the preceding vehicle falls within a certain distance ahead of the host vehicle. If it does not exist, it may be determined that the distance object is displayed without displaying the time object.

  In the example of FIG. 18, assuming that the host vehicle is traveling on a four-lane road (for example, a highway) having the same traveling direction, a road marking object straddling the four-lane is displayed. If the vehicle is traveling in the first lane among roads composed of one or more first lanes having the same travel direction and one or more second lanes having a different travel direction from the first lane, If present, the road marking object may be displayed so as to straddle the first lane without being displayed so as to straddle the second lane.

<Modification 4>
In Embodiment 2, although the 1st determination information acquisition part 14 acquired the 1st determination information containing the driving speed or driving | running | working acceleration of a vehicle, it is not restricted to this. Hereinafter, some examples of the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14 will be described in modified examples 4-1 to 4-3.

<Modification 4-1>
For example, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 may acquire first determination information including an attribute of a road on which the host vehicle is traveling. Such first determination information can be acquired by performing image recognition processing or road-to-vehicle communication with respect to an image captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle. Alternatively, the first determination information can be acquired based on map information including road attributes and the current position of the host vehicle.

  As an example of the modified example 4-1, the control unit 13 determines a predetermined threshold value used for determining whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the attribute of the road included in the first determination information (see FIG. The threshold value in step S2 of 4) may be changed.

  Specifically, the road attributes included in the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14 in a configuration in which road types such as general roads and highways are applied to the road attributes. The above-mentioned predetermined threshold value may be reduced when the road indicates a general road, and the predetermined threshold value may be increased when the road attribute indicates a highway.

  Alternatively, in a configuration in which the legal speed of the road is applied to the attribute of the road, a value of a constant ratio (for example, 80%) of the legal speed included in the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14 May be applied to the aforementioned predetermined threshold.

  As described above, according to the configuration in which the threshold value is changed based on the road attribute, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object suitable for the road attribute can be displayed and hidden.

  As another example of the modification 4-1, the control unit 13 may determine whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the road attribute included in the first determination information.

  Specifically, the road attributes included in the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14 in a configuration in which road types such as general roads and highways are applied to the road attributes. May indicate that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is not displayed, and if the road attribute indicates an expressway or an automobile road, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object may be determined to be displayed.

  Alternatively, in a configuration in which the number of road curves is applied to the road attribute, the number of road curves included in the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14 is greater than or equal to a threshold (for example, When the vehicle is traveling on a mountain road), it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is not displayed, and when the number of curves is less than the threshold (for example, when the vehicle is traveling on a monotonous straight road) It may be determined that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed.

  Alternatively, when a curve having a curvature greater than or equal to a predetermined value exists within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle, or when the frequency of such a curve is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, It may be determined that the distance confirmation object is not displayed. Such road route information may be obtained from at least one of a road map database, road infrastructure, and a map database server. Similarly, not only when the road shape is flat, but also when the up-and-down slope of the road and the frequency of undulations are equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is not displayed. Further, when a pitch, meandering, vibration, or the like is detected from a sensor installed in the host vehicle, it may be determined that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is not displayed.

  As described above, according to the configuration for determining whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the road attribute, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object suitable for the road attribute is displayed and hidden. Can do.

<Modification 4-2>
For example, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 acquires first determination information including a distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle ahead of the host vehicle or a time required for the host vehicle to travel the distance. Also good. The first determination information including the above-described distance can be acquired, for example, by performing an image recognition process on a video captured by a camera mounted on a vehicle or accessing a millimeter wave radar. The first determination information including the above-described time can be obtained, for example, by dividing the above-mentioned distance by the traveling speed of the host vehicle.

  Then, the control unit 13 determines to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object when the distance or time included in the first determination information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, and displays the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object otherwise. You may decide not to. According to such a configuration, it is possible to display and hide the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object suitable for the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle.

<Modification 4-3>
For example, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 may acquire first determination information including operation information received from the driver through an input unit such as a touch panel. Then, the control unit 13 determines that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed when the operation information included in the first determination information indicates the display of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object. Otherwise, the control unit 13 does not display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object. May be determined. According to such a configuration, it is possible to display and hide the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object in accordance with the driver's intention. The input unit may be provided in the first determination information acquisition unit 14 or may be separate from the first determination information acquisition unit 14.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Hereinafter, in the display device 2 according to the third embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components are mainly described.

  The display device 2 of FIG. 23 includes a display control device 1 and a virtual image display unit 21a. The display control device 1 in FIG. 23 includes the same components as in the second embodiment (the road recognition unit 11, the display object storage unit 12, the control unit 13, and the first determination information acquisition unit 14 in FIG. 1). 2 determination information acquisition unit 15 is provided.

  The second determination information acquisition unit 15 acquires second determination information for determining whether to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object. The second determination information acquisition unit 15 acquires second determination information including the traveling speed or traveling acceleration of the host vehicle from, for example, an in-vehicle LAN device that acquires the traveling speed, traveling acceleration, steering wheel signal, brake signal, or the like of the host vehicle. To do. In addition, although the 2nd determination information acquisition part 15 demonstrated as a different body from the above-mentioned in-vehicle LAN apparatus etc. here, it is not restricted to this, The 2nd determination information acquisition part 15 is the above-mentioned in-vehicle LAN apparatus etc. May be included.

  Hereinafter, a configuration in which the traveling speed of the host vehicle is included in both the first determination information and the second determination information will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first determination information and the second determination information are different as in the configuration in which the road attribute is included in the first determination information and the traveling speed of the host vehicle is included in the second determination information. Information may be included. In addition, since the operation | movement demonstrated below and the operation | movement in case the traveling acceleration of the own vehicle is contained in 2nd determination information are the same, description of the latter is abbreviate | omitted.

  Based on the second determination information acquired by the second determination information acquisition unit 15, the control unit 13 determines whether to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object to be displayed by the virtual image display unit 21a. In the third embodiment, the control unit 13 determines that the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is to be changed when the traveling speed included in the second determination information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the display mode is determined. The virtual image display unit 21a is controlled so as to be changed. On the other hand, when the traveling speed included in the second determination information is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 13 determines that the change of the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is prohibited and does not change the display mode. In addition, the virtual image display unit 21a is controlled.

  The predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as “second threshold value”) described in the third embodiment for determining whether or not to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object. Is set to a value larger than the predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as “first threshold value”) described in the second embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, when the traveling speed included in the second determination information is equal to or higher than the first threshold and smaller than the second threshold, the control unit 13 in FIG. 9 described in the second embodiment is used. Display. When the traveling speed included in the second determination information is equal to or higher than the second threshold, the control unit 13 changes the installation objects 82a and 82d in FIG. 9 into arrow shapes as shown in FIG. 82r and 82s are displayed.

  Note that the change in the display mode of the installed object is not limited to the change in the display mode shown in FIG. For example, the pole of the installation object may be thickened, the color of the installation object may be changed, or the shape of the installation object may be changed to a shape other than the arrow shape. The number of displayed installation objects may be changed.

<Summary of Embodiment 3>
The display device 2 according to the third embodiment as described above determines that the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is to be changed when the travel speed or the travel acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the display mode To change. Thus, the driver can know whether or not the current state has shifted to a state in which the inter-vehicle distance should be confirmed.

<Modification 5>
In the third embodiment, the control unit 13 determines to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object when the traveling speed or the traveling acceleration included in the second determination information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. It is not limited to.

<Modification 5-1>
For example, the second determination information is the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle ahead of the host vehicle, or the host vehicle travels the distance in the same manner as the first determination information described in Modification 4-2. It may include the time required for. And the control part 13 may determine with changing the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object, when the distance or time contained in 2nd determination information is below a predetermined threshold value.

  When the distance or time included in the second determination information acquired by the second determination information acquisition unit 15 is larger than the above-described threshold, the control unit 13 in FIG. 12 described in the second embodiment. Display. On the other hand, when the distance or time included in the second determination information acquired by the second determination information acquisition unit 15 is equal to or less than the above threshold value, the control unit 13 sets the installation of FIG. The installation objects 82r and 82s obtained by changing the object objects 82a and 82d into arrow shapes are displayed.

  Even with the configuration described above, the driver can know whether or not the current state has shifted to a state in which the inter-vehicle distance should be confirmed.

<Modification 5-2>
For example, the second determination information may include the presence or absence of a preceding vehicle ahead of the host vehicle, or the attribute of the road on which the host vehicle is traveling. The second determination information including the presence / absence of the preceding vehicle can be acquired by, for example, performing an image recognition process on a video image captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle or accessing a millimeter wave radar. The second determination information including the road attribute can be acquired, for example, in the same manner as the first determination information described in Modification 4-1.

  Then, the control unit 13 may determine whether to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the presence or absence of the preceding vehicle or the road attribute included in the second determination information.

  Specifically, when the second determination information acquired by the second determination information acquisition unit 15 includes information indicating that there is no preceding vehicle, the control unit 13 in FIG. 12 described in the second embodiment. Display. On the other hand, when the second determination information acquired by the second determination information acquisition unit 15 includes information indicating that there is a preceding vehicle, the control unit 13 changes the shape object as shown in FIG. 82r and 82s are displayed.

  Alternatively, when the road attribute included in the second determination information acquired by the second determination information acquisition unit 15 indicates a general road or a road in an urban area, the control unit 13 performs the process illustrated in FIG. Is displayed. On the other hand, when the road attribute included in the second determination information acquired by the second determination information acquisition unit 15 indicates an expressway or a motorway, the control unit 13 changes the shape as illustrated in FIG. The installation objects 82r and 82s are displayed.

  Even with the configuration described above, the driver can know whether or not the current state has shifted to a state in which the inter-vehicle distance should be confirmed.

<Modification 6>
In Embodiment 3, the control part 13 changed the display mode of the installation object. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display mode of the road marking object, the distance object, or the time object may be changed similarly to the display mode of the installation object.

  For example, when the traveling speed included in the second determination information is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 13 performs the display illustrated in FIG. 18 described in the third modification. On the other hand, when the traveling speed included in the second determination information is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 13 displays the display mode of the road marking object 82o indicated by the white broken line in FIG. 18 as shown in FIG. The display mode of the road marking object 82t is changed to a white broken line and a portion blackened between the white broken line.

  Even with the configuration described above, the driver can know whether or not the current state has shifted to a state in which the inter-vehicle distance should be confirmed.

<Embodiment 4>
The block diagram of the display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the block diagram (FIG. 3) of the display device according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, in the display device 2 according to the fourth embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components are mainly described.

  In the above description, the virtual image distance (ri≈yi in FIG. 2) of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object has been described as being a predetermined constant distance. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, the control unit 13 displays the inter-vehicle distance displayed from the virtual image display unit 21a via the windshield 81 based on the distance between the host vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance. The virtual object distance of the confirmation object is controlled.

  Here, as a function of the virtual image display unit 21a, the virtual image distances of a plurality of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects displayed at an instantaneous time point are the same, but the virtual image distance can be changed continuously or discretely with time. And a function capable of individually controlling virtual image distances of a plurality of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects displayed at an instantaneous time point.

  In the former function, a plurality of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects having different virtual image distances cannot be displayed simultaneously. Therefore, when the virtual image display unit 21a having the former function is used, another inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is added to the virtual image distance of one inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (for example, the foremost inter-vehicle distance confirmation object viewed from the driver). These virtual image distances may be displayed together. Alternatively, when the virtual image display unit 21a having the former function is used, a plurality of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects having different virtual image distances may be displayed in order by changing the virtual image distance over time.

  In the latter function, a plurality of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects having different virtual image distances can be displayed simultaneously. As a configuration for realizing the latter function, a configuration in which the virtual image display unit 21a is configured by a plurality of displays and the position of each display in the optical axis direction is individually controlled can be considered. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and each mirror in the middle of the optical path may be individually controlled. According to the configuration in which each mirror is individually controlled, it is possible to expect a reduction in the number of displays constituting the virtual image display unit 21a and a reduction in size. Even in this configuration, the virtual image distance can be changed continuously or discretely over time.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining display on the display device 2 according to the fourth embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the virtual image distance of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object with respect to the example of FIG. FIG. 27A is the same as FIG.

  Hereinafter, the virtual image display unit 21a will be described as having the latter function (function capable of individually controlling the virtual image distances of a plurality of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects displayed at an instantaneous time point). Although the virtual image distances of the plurality of inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects displayed at a specific time point are the same, they may have a function capable of changing the virtual image distances continuously or discretely over time. The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is described as an installation object and a distance object, but is not limited to this.

  The point for checking the inter-vehicle distance between the installation object 82a and the distance object 82b is 50 m away from the host vehicle. The control unit 13 sets the virtual image distance of the installation object 82a and the distance object 82b to 50 m in accordance with the distance (50 m) between the vehicle and the installation object object 82a. On the other hand, the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance between the installation object 82d and the distance object 82e is 100 m away from the host vehicle. The control unit 13 sets the virtual image distance of the installation object 82d and the distance object 82e to 100 m in accordance with the distance (100 m) between the host vehicle and the installation object object 82d.

  In the fourth embodiment, the virtual image distance of the distance object (numerical object) is matched with the virtual image distance of the installation object, but these virtual image distances may be different from each other. For example, the virtual image distance of one of the distance object 82e and the distance object 82b may be made to coincide with the virtual image distance of the corresponding installation object, or the virtual image distance of the corresponding installation object increases as the speed of the host vehicle increases. A slightly longer virtual image distance may be used. In the case of such a configuration, an effect that the recognition degree of the numerical value is improved is obtained. In the latter case, a virtual image display device capable of displaying three or more display objects having different virtual image distances is required.

<Summary of Embodiment 4>
The display device 2 according to the fourth embodiment as described above controls the virtual image distance of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the distance between the host vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point. Therefore, it is possible to display an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is easily visible to the driver) that matches the driver's feeling.

<Embodiment 5>
FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Hereinafter, in the display device 2 according to the fifth embodiment, components that are the same as or similar to those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components are mainly described.

  The display device 2 of FIG. 28 includes a display control device 1 and a virtual image display unit 21a. The display control device 1 in FIG. 28 moves in addition to the same components (the road recognition unit 11, the display object storage unit 12, the control unit 13, and the first determination information acquisition unit 14 in FIG. 1) as in the second embodiment. An acquisition unit 16 is provided.

  The movement acquisition unit 16 acquires the movement of the host vehicle. For example, the movement acquisition unit 16 determines the movement of the host vehicle (for example, the driving speed or the driving acceleration and the driving direction) from the in-vehicle LAN device that acquires the driving speed, the driving acceleration, the steering wheel signal, the brake signal, and the like of the own vehicle. get. In addition, although the movement acquisition part 16 demonstrated as a separate body from the above-mentioned in-vehicle LAN apparatus etc. here, it is not restricted to this, The movement acquisition part 16 may also contain the above-mentioned in-vehicle LAN apparatus etc.

  Based on the movement of the host vehicle acquired by the movement acquisition unit 16, the control unit 13 changes the distance between the host vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance.

  29 and 30 are diagrams for explaining display on the display device 2 according to the fifth embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the position of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (virtual image direction) and the movement of the host vehicle in the example of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 29 (a), the host vehicle is located at a point a1 at time t1, and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installed object 82a and distance object 82j) are located at a point b1 that is 50 m away from the point a1, Assume that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (installed object 82d and distance object 82h) is located at a point c1 that is 100 m away from the point a1. Suppose that the vehicle has shifted from the state of FIG. 29A to the state where the host vehicle has advanced to point a2 at time t2 after time t1, as shown in FIG. 30A.

  In such a case, the control unit 13 moves the point b1 in FIG. 29A to the own vehicle side (the lower side in FIG. 29A) by a distance corresponding to the distance traveled by the own vehicle. An inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (installed object 82a and distance object 82j) is displayed at a point b1 at 30 (a).

  Similarly, the control unit 13 moves the point c1 in FIG. 29 (a) to the own vehicle side (lower side in FIG. 29 (a)) by a distance corresponding to the distance traveled by the own vehicle. ) Is displayed at the point c1 of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (installed object 82d and distance object 82h).

<Summary of Embodiment 5>
The display device 2 according to the fifth embodiment as described above changes the distance between the host vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance based on the movement of the host vehicle acquired by the movement acquisition unit 16. Therefore, it is possible to display an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object whose behavior is similar to an actual inter-vehicle distance confirmation signboard or the like.

  The reason why the fifth embodiment is applied to the example of FIG. 13 instead of the example of FIG. 9 is that the distance from the own vehicle to the installation object 82a is not a fixed distance indicated by the distance objects 82b and 82e, for example. Because it changes. From this point of view, the example of FIG. 14 displaying the time objects 82k and 82l, or the time object 82k without displaying the time object 82l, although not shown, rather than the example of FIG. 12 displaying the time objects 82c and 82f. It is preferable to apply the fifth embodiment to an example in which is displayed. When displaying three or more installation objects, display such as 0 m, 50 m, and 100 m is preferable.

  Further, the configuration of the fifth embodiment may be combined with the configuration of the fourth embodiment that controls the virtual image distance of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the distance between the own vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point. That is, the control unit 13 may control the virtual image distance of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the movement of the host vehicle acquired by the movement acquisition unit 16. For example, when the distance traveled from the point a1 to the point a2 is Xm, the virtual image distance of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is shortened by Xm as shown in FIGS. 29 (b) and 30 (b). Also good. According to such a configuration, it is possible to display an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is easy for the driver to visually recognize) that matches the driver's feeling.

  In addition, although the case where the structure of this Embodiment 5 was applied to the structure which performs the display of FIG. 13 using FIG.29 and FIG.30 was demonstrated above, it is not restricted to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the configuration of the fifth embodiment may be applied to a configuration that performs the display of FIG. 13 and the display of road marking objects 82o and 82p.

<Embodiment 6>
The block diagram of the display device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the block diagram (FIG. 3) of the display device according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, in the display device 2 according to the sixth embodiment, components that are the same as or similar to those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components are mainly described.

  In the sixth embodiment, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 acquires first determination information including the complexity of an actual scene ahead of the vehicle. The complexity is, for example, in the actual scenery, the installation around the road front part indicating the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance, the road marking in the front part of the road indicating the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance, the preceding vehicle ahead of the host vehicle , And at least one of the features in front of the host vehicle (complexity, degree of overcrowding). Here, for example, an actual inter-vehicle distance confirmation signboard is applied to an installation around the front portion of the road indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point. Further, for example, a preceding vehicle within a certain distance from the own vehicle is applied to the preceding vehicle ahead of the own vehicle.

  Next, an example in which the complexity is determined based on the density of the installation object will be described. For example, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 acquires the density of the installation object in the actual scenery by performing an image recognition process or the like on the image in front of the host vehicle captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle. .

  The first determination information acquisition unit 14 is prepared in advance with a table in which the density and complexity of the installation objects are associated with each other. The 1st determination information acquisition part 14 produces | generates (acquires) the complexity corresponding to the density of the acquired said installation etc. among the distances in the said table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first determination information acquisition unit 14 may acquire the complexity using a predetermined calculation formula.

  For example, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 is configured to acquire a greater complexity as the number of lines and polygons in the scene ahead of the host vehicle increases. Alternatively, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 may be, for example, a meandering road in the scenery in front of the host vehicle as the number of buildings, the number of moving objects, the number of intersections, etc. in the scenery in front of the host vehicle increases. The greater the degree of presence, or the greater the number of building colors in the scenery in front of the host vehicle (the more difficult it is to recognize the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object), the greater the complexity.

  The control unit 13 determines whether or not to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the complexity included in the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14. Here, in the sixth embodiment, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object includes an installation object and a road marking object. Then, the control unit 13 determines whether to display the installation object based on the complexity acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14 and the complexity acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14. The determination based on whether or not to display the road marking object is performed based on different criteria.

  33 and 34 are diagrams for explaining display on the display device 2 according to the sixth embodiment.

  In FIG. 33, since there is neither an actual road marking nor a preceding vehicle, the complexity is “small”. In such a case, the control unit 13 determines to display the installation objects 82a and 82d, the road marking objects 82o and 82p, and the time objects 82c and 82f.

  In FIG. 34, there is no actual road marking, but since the preceding vehicle exists, the complexity is “medium”. In such a case, the control unit 13 prohibits the display of the road marking objects 82o and 82p and determines to display the installation objects 82a and 82d and the time objects 82c and 82f.

  Although not shown, the complexity is “large” when both an actual road marking and a preceding vehicle exist. In such a case, the control unit 13 determines that display of any of the installation objects 82a and 82d, the road marking objects 82o and 82p, and the time objects 82c and 82f is prohibited.

<Summary of Embodiment 6>
The display device 2 according to the sixth embodiment as described above determines whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the complexity of the actual scenery included in the first determination information. Therefore, it is possible to display and hide the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object suitable for the complexity of the actual scenery.

  Further, according to the sixth embodiment, the determination as to whether to display the installation object and the determination as to whether to display the road marking object are performed based on different criteria. Therefore, the installation object and the road marking object can be appropriately selected and displayed.

  The display object non-display control and the display object non-display control are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, and may be, for example, the controls shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. .

  In FIG. 35, since neither an actual road marking nor a preceding vehicle exists, the complexity is “small”. In such a case, the control unit 13 prohibits display of the installation objects 82a and 82d and determines to display the road marking objects 82o and 82p and the time objects 82c and 82f.

  In FIG. 36, there is no actual road marking, but since the preceding vehicle exists, the complexity is “medium”. In such a case, the control unit 13 prohibits the display of the road marking objects 82o and 82p and determines to display the installation objects 82a and 82d and the time objects 82c and 82f.

  Although not shown, the complexity is “large” when both an actual road marking and a preceding vehicle exist. In such a case, the control unit 13 determines that display of any of the installation objects 82a and 82d, the road marking objects 82o and 82p, and the time objects 82c and 82f is prohibited.

  Even with the control as described above, the installation object and the road marking object can be appropriately selected and displayed. Here, the installation object and the road marking object are selectively displayed based on the complexity. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 17, the display positions of the time objects 82c and 82f are based on the complexity so that the time objects 82c and 82f are displayed on a landscape with a low complexity. It may be changed.

<Embodiment 7>
The block diagram of the display device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is the same as the block diagram (FIG. 3) of the display device according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, in the display device 2 according to the seventh embodiment, components that are the same as or similar to those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components are mainly described.

  The first determination information acquisition unit 14 includes a degree of similarity between a presentation part indicating a point for checking the inter-vehicle distance in the actual scenery ahead of the host vehicle and an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object to be displayed in relation to the front part of the road. First determination information is acquired. In the seventh embodiment, the above-mentioned presentation part is the road in the front part of the road indicating the installation point around the road front part indicating the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance in the real scenery. Includes markings. The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object includes the installation object and the road marking object already described.

  Similarity is acquired similarly to complexity by applying the same configuration as the first determination information acquisition unit 14 according to the sixth embodiment to the first determination information acquisition unit 14 according to the seventh embodiment. Can do.

  For example, the first determination information acquisition unit 14 increases the similarity as the characteristics of the actual presentation part (installation object and road marking object) and the characteristics of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (installation object and road marking object) are similar. Configured to get. For example, at least one of shape, color, size, and position is applied to the feature.

  Alternatively, if the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object includes a distance object or a time object, the smaller the difference between the value indicated by them and the value indicated by the actual presentation part, the higher the similarity is obtained. The 1 determination information acquisition unit 14 is configured.

  When the similarity included in the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit 14 is smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 13 determines to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object, and the similarity When the degree is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that display of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is prohibited. This determination may be made for each type of presentation part. That is, whether or not to display the installation object is determined based on the similarity of the installation object, and whether or not the road marking object is displayed is determined based on the similarity of the road marking. It may be.

<Summary of Embodiment 7>
The display device 2 according to the sixth embodiment as described above performs the inter-vehicle distance confirmation when the actual presentation part is similar to the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object, that is, when the display of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is not valid. Prohibits object display. As a result, the driver can check a real scene such as a road with a wide field of view.

<Eighth embodiment>
FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display device according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention. Hereinafter, in the display device 2 according to the eighth embodiment, components that are the same as or similar to those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and different components are mainly described.

  The display device 2 of FIG. 37 includes a live-action display unit 21b instead of the virtual image display unit 21a. The display control device 1 in FIG. 37 includes the same components (the road recognition unit 11, the display object storage unit 12, the control unit 13, and the first determination information acquisition unit 14 in FIG. A video acquisition unit 17 is provided.

  The display control device 1 according to the seventh embodiment is configured to control the live-action display unit 21b. Here, the live-action display unit 21b is a display unit that is provided in the host vehicle and can display a display object that is visible from the driver's seat of the host vehicle. It has a function of displaying an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object.

  The front video acquisition unit 17 can acquire a video in front of the host vehicle from a camera or the like mounted on the host vehicle. From the video acquired by the front video acquisition unit 17, the control unit 13 detects static objects such as an entity (a shape of a road scenery in front of the host vehicle, a moving object such as another vehicle, and a falling object). An image recognition process for recognizing an object requiring attention is performed, and a process for superimposing an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object on the image (image) of the entity is displayed on the display screen of the live-action display unit 21b.

  By controlling the virtual image direction in the virtual image display unit 21a, the scenery in front of the host vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object are displayed so as to overlap each other, but in the live-action display unit 21b, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is superimposed on the live-action image. Are displayed on the display screen of the live-action display unit 21b. That is, the live-action display unit 21b can display the image in front of the host vehicle acquired by the front image acquisition unit 17 with the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object added thereto. For example, a display device (display device) such as a liquid crystal monitor provided in an instrument panel, a center display, or a meter cluster of the host vehicle is applied to the live-action display unit 21b.

  The display control apparatus 1 according to the eighth embodiment is configured to perform the same control as that performed on the virtual image display unit 21a so far on the live-action display unit 21b. However, in the virtual image display unit 21a, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed superimposed on the front part of the road via the windshield 81, or displayed along with the front part of the road. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 38, in the live-action display unit 21b, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation objects (installed object 82a and distance object 82b) in the display screen 21c are the road front portion in the display screen 21c. It is displayed superimposed on the video (image), or is displayed along with the video (image) of the front portion of the road in the display screen 21c.

<Summary of Embodiment 8>
The display device 2 according to the eighth embodiment as described above appropriately displays and hides the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object in the live-action display unit 21b as well as the virtual image display unit 21a described in the second embodiment. It can be carried out.

<Modification 7>
Note that the display function of the live-action display unit 21b may have a display function capable of realizing binocular stereoscopic vision so that a live-action video can be expressed by three-dimensional stereoscopic vision. In this case, two cameras are installed in order to generate binocular parallax, and the front image acquisition unit 17 acquires a real image captured by the two cameras.

  And the control part 13 displays the real image image | photographed with two cameras on the real image display part 21b so that parallax may be produced in a driver | operator's left eye and right eye. At this time, the display object may be stereoscopically displayed by adding the display object to the left and right images in front of the host vehicle as a right-eye image and a left-eye image for three-dimensional stereoscopic viewing. As a result, for the driver, the display object, and thus the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object, actually exists at an apparent display position (pseudo display position) whose position in the perspective direction is different from the actual display position (display screen position). It looks like that.

  In such a configuration using the live-action display unit 21b, the control unit 13 determines the inter-vehicle distance displayed in the display screen 21c of the live-action display unit 21b based on the distance between the host vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance. The pseudo display distance in the perspective direction of the confirmation object may be controlled. Thereby, also in the configuration using the live-action display unit 21b, as in the fourth embodiment using the virtual image display unit 21a, an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object (an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is easy for the driver to visually recognize) suits the driver's feeling. Can be displayed. However, as in the eighth embodiment, the function of displaying a monocular image can be generally realized at a lower cost than the function of displaying an image in three-dimensional stereoscopic view.

  In the eighth embodiment, the configuration in which the virtual image display unit 21a is substantially replaced with the actual image display unit 21b in the configuration of the second embodiment has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the virtual image display unit 21a may be replaced with the live-action display unit 21b in other embodiments and modifications.

<Other variations>
The road recognition unit 11, the control unit 13, the first determination information acquisition unit 14, the second determination information acquisition unit 15, the movement acquisition unit 16, and the forward image acquisition unit 17 (hereinafter “road recognition unit 11 and the like” in the display control device 1 described above. ”Is realized by the processing circuit 91 shown in FIG. That is, the processing circuit 91 includes a road recognition unit 11 that recognizes a road front portion that is a portion in front of the host vehicle among roads on which the host vehicle is traveling, a point for checking an inter-vehicle distance in front of the host vehicle, or a transit time. The first determination information acquisition unit 14 that acquires first determination information for determining whether or not to display an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is a display object indicating a confirmation point, and the recognition result in the road recognition unit 11 Based on this, the display unit (virtual image display unit 21a, live-action display unit 21b) is controlled so that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed in association with the road front portion recognized by the road recognition unit 11, and the first When it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed based on the first determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition unit 14, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit (virtual image display unit 21a, And a control unit 13 to be displayed on the copy display unit 21b). Dedicated hardware may be applied to the processing circuit 91, or a processor (Central Processing Unit, central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, Digital, which executes a program stored in the memory Signal Processor) may be applied.

  When the processing circuit 91 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 91 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a processor programmed in parallel, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. . Each function of each unit such as the road recognition unit 11 may be realized by a plurality of processing circuits 91, or the functions of each unit may be realized by a single processing circuit 91.

  When the processing circuit 91 is a processor, the functions of the road recognition unit 11 and the like are realized by a combination of software and the like (software, firmware, or software and firmware). Software or the like is described as a program and stored in a memory. As shown in FIG. 40, the processor 92 applied to the processing circuit 91 implements the functions of the respective units by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 93. That is, when the display control device 1 is executed by the processing circuit 91, the step of recognizing a road front portion that is a portion ahead of the host vehicle among the roads on which the host vehicle is traveling, and an inter-vehicle distance in front of the host vehicle. A step of acquiring first determination information for determining whether or not to display an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object which is a display object indicating a confirmation point or a passage time confirmation point; and a recognition result of a road front portion Based on the obtained first determination information, it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed so that the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed in association with the recognized road front portion. And a step for displaying the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object on the display unit, and a memo for storing a program to be executed as a result. Equipped with a 93. In other words, it can be said that this program causes the computer to execute procedures and methods such as the road recognition unit 11. Here, the memory 93 is non-volatile such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), etc. Or a volatile semiconductor memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), its drive device, etc. correspond.

  The configuration in which each function of the road recognition unit 11 and the like is realized by either hardware or software has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which a part of the road recognition unit 11 or the like is realized by dedicated hardware and another part is realized by software or the like. For example, the function of the control unit 13 is realized by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware, and for the other parts, the processing circuit 91 as the processor 92 reads out and executes the program stored in the memory 93. Can be realized.

  As described above, the processing circuit 91 can realize the functions described above by hardware, software, or the like, or a combination thereof. Note that the display object storage unit 12 includes the memory 93, but the display object storage unit 12 may include a single memory 93, or each may include an individual memory 93.

  The display control device described above includes an installed navigation device that can be mounted on a vehicle, a portable navigation device, a communication terminal (for example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a tablet), and an application that is installed on these devices. It is possible to apply to a display control system constructed as a system by appropriately combining these functions and a server. In this case, each function or each component of the display control device described above may be distributed and arranged in each device that constructs the system, or may be concentrated on any device. .

  It should be noted that the present invention can be freely combined with each embodiment and each modification within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment and each modification can be appropriately modified and omitted.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display control apparatus, 2 Display apparatuses, 11 Road recognition part, 13 Control part, 14 1st determination information acquisition part, 15 2nd determination information acquisition part, 16 Movement acquisition part, 21a Virtual image display part, 21b Live-action display part, 81 Windshield, 82a, 82d, 82g, 82r, 82s Installation object, 82b, 82e, 82h Distance object, 82c, 82f, 82k Time object, 82o, 82p, 82t Road marking object, 91 processing circuit, 92 processor, 93 memory .

Claims (27)

A display control device for controlling a display unit,
The display unit
A head-up display provided in a vehicle, capable of displaying a virtual image visible as a display object from the driver's seat of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle, and capable of changing a virtual image distance,
The display control device includes:
A road recognition unit for recognizing a road front portion that is a portion of the road on which the vehicle is traveling;
Based on the recognition result in the road recognition unit, the road recognition unit recognizes an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is the display object indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point in front of the vehicle or the passage time confirmation point. and the road to be displayed in the virtual image direction and the virtual image distance corresponding to the location associated with the front portion, a control unit for controlling the display unit has,
A first determination information acquisition unit that acquires first determination information for determining whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
The controller is
When it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit ,
The virtual image distance is a distance between the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object displayed from the display unit via the windshield and a specific position of the vehicle,
The virtual image direction is a direction between the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object displayed from the display unit via the windshield and a specific position of the vehicle,
The controller is
The virtual image distance is controlled based on the distance between the vehicle point and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point, and based on the direction between the vehicle point and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point, that controls the virtual direction, the display control device. A display control device for controlling a display unit,
The display unit
A head-up display provided in a vehicle, capable of displaying a virtual image visible as a display object from the driver's seat of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle, and capable of changing a virtual image distance,
The display control device includes:
A road recognition unit for recognizing a road front portion that is a portion of the road on which the vehicle is traveling;
Based on the recognition result in the road recognition unit, the road recognition unit recognizes an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is the display object indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point in front of the vehicle or the passage time confirmation point. and the road to be displayed in the virtual image direction and the virtual image distance corresponding to the location associated with the front portion, a control unit for controlling the display unit has,
A first determination information acquisition unit that acquires first determination information for determining whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
The controller is
When it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit ,
The first determination information includes a complexity of a real scene in front of the vehicle,
The controller is
A display control device that determines whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the complexity included in the first determination information . A display control device for controlling a display unit,
The display unit
A head-up display provided in a vehicle, capable of displaying a virtual image visible as a display object from the driver's seat of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle, and capable of changing a virtual image distance,
The display control device includes:
A road recognition unit for recognizing a road front portion that is a portion of the road on which the vehicle is traveling;
Based on the recognition result in the road recognition unit, the road recognition unit recognizes an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is the display object indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point in front of the vehicle or the passage time confirmation point. and the road to be displayed in the virtual image direction and the virtual image distance corresponding to the location associated with the front portion, a control unit for controlling the display unit has,
A first determination information acquisition unit that acquires first determination information for determining whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
The controller is
When it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit ,
The first determination information includes
Including a degree of similarity between a presentation portion indicating a point for confirming the inter-vehicle distance in the real scenery in front of the vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object to be displayed in relation to the front portion of the road;
The controller is
Wherein when the degree of similarity is a predetermined threshold or more, it determined to prohibit the display of the headway distance check object, the display control device. A display control device for controlling a display unit,
The display unit
A display object provided on the vehicle and visible from the driver's seat of the vehicle can be displayed.
The display control device includes:
A road recognition unit for recognizing a road front portion that is a portion of the road on which the vehicle is traveling;
Based on the recognition result in the road recognition unit, the road recognition unit recognizes an inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is the display object indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point in front of the vehicle or the passage time confirmation point. A control unit for controlling the display unit to be displayed in association with the road front portion;
A first determination information acquisition unit that acquires first determination information for determining whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
The controller is
When it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the first determination information acquired by the first determination information acquisition unit, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit,
The first determination information includes a traveling speed or a traveling acceleration of the vehicle,
The controller is
When the travel speed or the travel acceleration included in the first determination information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
The first determination information further includes an attribute of the road on which the vehicle is traveling,
The controller is
A display control apparatus that changes the predetermined threshold based on an attribute of the road included in the first determination information. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The point for checking the inter-vehicle distance is
It is defined as a second point separated from the first point where the vehicle is located in front of the vehicle by a predetermined distance,
The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is
The display control device further showing a numerical value of the predetermined distance or a numerical value of a time required for the vehicle to travel the predetermined distance. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A plurality of points for checking the inter-vehicle distance are defined,
A display control device that displays the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object for each inter-vehicle distance confirmation point. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The point for checking the inter-vehicle distance is
It is defined as a second point separated from the first point in front of the vehicle by a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle,
The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is
The display control device further showing a numerical value of the predetermined distance or a numerical value of a time required for the vehicle to travel the predetermined distance. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The first determination information includes an attribute of the road on which the vehicle is traveling,
The controller is
A display control device that determines whether to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the attribute of the road included in the first determination information. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The first determination information includes
A distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle ahead of the vehicle, or a time required for the vehicle to travel the distance;
The controller is
A display control device that determines to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object when the distance or the time included in the first determination information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A second determination information acquisition unit that acquires second determination information for determining whether to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
The controller is
A display control device that changes a display mode when it is determined to change a display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object to be displayed by the display unit based on the second determination information. The display control device according to claim 10 ,
The second determination information includes a traveling speed or a traveling acceleration of the vehicle,
The controller is
A display control device that determines to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object when the traveling speed or the traveling acceleration included in the second determination information is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The display control device according to claim 10 ,
The second determination information is
A distance between the vehicle and a preceding vehicle ahead of the vehicle, or a time required for the vehicle to travel the distance;
The controller is
A display control device that determines to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object when the distance or the time included in the second determination information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The display control device according to claim 10 ,
The second determination information is
Including the presence or absence of a preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle, or the attribute of the road on which the vehicle is traveling,
The controller is
A display control device that determines whether or not to change the display mode of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the presence or absence of the preceding vehicle or the attribute of the road included in the second determination information. The display control device according to claim 2 or claim 3 ,
The virtual image distance is a distance between the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object displayed from the display unit via the windshield and a specific position of the vehicle,
The controller is
A display control device that controls the virtual image distance based on a distance between the vehicle point and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A movement acquisition unit for acquiring movement of the vehicle;
The controller is
A display control device that changes a distance between the vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance based on the movement of the vehicle acquired by the movement acquisition unit. The display control device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 ,
The display control device, wherein a distance between the vehicle and the point for checking the inter-vehicle distance is constant. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is
The display object displayed along with the road front portion as viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle, or the display object displayed along with the image of the road front portion, around the road front portion A display control device including an installation object displayed as an installation object. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is
The display object displayed superimposed on the front part of the road as viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle or the display object displayed superimposed on the image of the front part of the road, the road in the front part of the road A display control device including a road marking object displayed as a sign. The display control device according to claim 2 ,
The complexity is
Of the scenery, an installation around the front portion of the road indicating a point for confirming the distance between vehicles, a road marking of the front portion of the road indicating a point for confirming the distance between vehicles, a preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle, and the front of the vehicle A display control device that is determined based on the density of at least one of the features. The display control device according to claim 2 ,
The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is
The display object displayed along with the road front portion as viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle, or the display object displayed along with the image of the road front portion, around the road front portion An installation object displayed as an installation;
The display object displayed superimposed on the front part of the road as viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle or the display object displayed superimposed on the image of the front part of the road, the road in the front part of the road Including a road marking object displayed as a sign,
The controller is
Display control based on different criteria for determining whether to display the installation object based on the complexity and determining whether to display the road marking object based on the complexity apparatus. The display control device according to claim 3 ,
The presenting portion includes a road marking of the front portion of the road indicating a point for checking a distance between vehicles in the scenery,
The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is
The display object displayed superimposed on the front part of the road as viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle or the display object displayed superimposed on the image of the front part of the road, the road in the front part of the road A display control device including a road marking object displayed as a sign. The display control device according to claim 3 ,
The presenting portion includes an installation around the front portion of the road indicating a point for checking a distance between vehicles in the scenery,
The inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is
The display object displayed along with the road front portion as viewed from the driver's seat of the vehicle, or the display object displayed along with the image of the road front portion, around the road front portion A display control device including an installation object displayed as an installation object. The display control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
A display device comprising the display unit. A display control method for controlling a display unit,
The display unit
A head-up display provided in a vehicle, capable of displaying a virtual image visible as a display object from the driver's seat of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle, and capable of changing a virtual image distance,
The display control method includes:
Recognizing a road front portion that is a portion of the road on which the vehicle is traveling in front of the vehicle;
Based on the recognition result of the front part of the road, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is the display object indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point in front of the vehicle or the passing time confirmation point is detected in the recognized road front part. to appear in the virtual direction and virtual image distance corresponding to the relevant position, and controls the display unit,
Obtaining first determination information for determining whether or not to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
As control of the display unit,
When it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the acquired first determination information, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit ,
The virtual image distance is a distance between the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object displayed from the display unit via the windshield and a specific position of the vehicle,
The virtual image direction is a direction between the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object displayed from the display unit via the windshield and a specific position of the vehicle,
The virtual image distance is controlled based on the distance between the vehicle point and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point, and based on the direction between the vehicle point and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point, that controls the virtual image direction, a display control method.   A display control method for controlling a display unit,
  The display unit
  A head-up display provided in a vehicle, capable of displaying a virtual image visible as a display object from the driver's seat of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle, and capable of changing a virtual image distance,
  The display control method includes:
  Recognizing a road front portion that is a portion of the road on which the vehicle is traveling in front of the vehicle;
  Based on the recognition result of the front part of the road, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is the display object indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point in front of the vehicle or the passing time confirmation point is detected in the recognized road front part. Controlling the display unit to be displayed in a virtual image direction and a virtual image distance corresponding to a related position;
  Obtaining first determination information for determining whether or not to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
  As control of the display unit,
  When it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the acquired first determination information, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit,
  The first determination information includes a complexity of a real scene in front of the vehicle,
  A display control method for determining whether or not to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the complexity included in the first determination information.   A display control method for controlling a display unit,
  The display unit
  A head-up display provided in a vehicle, capable of displaying a virtual image visible as a display object from the driver's seat of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle, and capable of changing a virtual image distance,
  The display control method includes:
  Recognizing a road front portion that is a portion of the road on which the vehicle is traveling in front of the vehicle;
  Based on the recognition result of the front part of the road, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is the display object indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point in front of the vehicle or the passing time confirmation point is detected in the recognized road front part. Controlling the display unit to be displayed in a virtual image direction and a virtual image distance corresponding to a related position;
  Obtaining first determination information for determining whether or not to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
  As control of the display unit,
  When it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the acquired first determination information, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit,
  The first determination information includes
  Including a degree of similarity between a presentation portion indicating a point for confirming the inter-vehicle distance in the real scenery in front of the vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object to be displayed in relation to the front portion of the road;
  A display control method for determining that display of the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is prohibited when the similarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.   A display control method for controlling a display unit,
  The display unit
  A display object provided on the vehicle and visible from the driver's seat of the vehicle can be displayed.
  The display control method includes:
  Recognizing a road front portion that is a portion of the road on which the vehicle is traveling in front of the vehicle;
  Based on the recognition result of the front part of the road, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object that is the display object indicating the inter-vehicle distance confirmation point in front of the vehicle or the passing time confirmation point is detected in the recognized road front part. Controlling the display unit to be displayed in association with
  Obtaining first determination information for determining whether or not to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
  As control of the display unit,
  When it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object based on the acquired first determination information, the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object is displayed on the display unit,
  The first determination information includes a traveling speed or a traveling acceleration of the vehicle,
  When the travel speed or the travel acceleration included in the first determination information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, it is determined to display the inter-vehicle distance confirmation object;
  The first determination information further includes an attribute of the road on which the vehicle is traveling,
  A display control method for changing the predetermined threshold based on an attribute of the road included in the first determination information.

Images