JP7346801B2 - Vehicle display device, display method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle display device , a display method, and a program .

Patent Document 1 below discloses an invention related to a display system. In this display system, in a vehicle that performs self-driving, there are two types: a front-shielding state in which the screen is displayed in a position that blocks the driver's forward view, and a non-front-shielding state in which the screen is displayed in a different position that does not block the driver's forward view. There is a front display that can be switched. This front display is in a front-shielding state when the vehicle is in automatic operation, and in a non-front-shielding state when the vehicle is switched from automatic driving to manual operation. This allows the driver to quickly grasp surrounding traffic information when the driving mode switches from automatic driving to manual driving.

JP2016-196228A

However, in the case of the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the driver may not be able to recognize in advance that automatic driving will be switched to manual driving, and the response may be delayed.

The present invention takes the above-mentioned facts into account, and aims to provide a vehicle display device, display method, and program that allow a driver to recognize in advance that automatic driving will be switched to manual driving .

The vehicle display device according to the invention according to claim 1 includes a determination unit that determines whether or not a switching of the driving mode occurs within a predetermined period, and a determination unit that determines whether or not switching of the driving mode occurs within the predetermined period. A display control unit that gradually reduces the information display area from the automatic operation mode before the operation mode switch occurs when it is determined that the operation mode is to be switched to manual operation. There is.

According to the invention set forth in claim 1 , when it is determined that switching of the driving mode from automatic driving to manual driving will occur in the near future, the display control unit reduces the display area of the information compared to during automatic driving. . By reducing the information display area in advance in this way, the driver can recognize the switching of the driving mode in advance.

The vehicle display device according to the invention described in claim 1 allows a driver to recognize in advance that automatic driving will be switched to manual driving.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle display device according to a reference example . FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a vehicle display device according to a reference example . FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a vehicle display device according to a reference example . It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation of the display device for vehicles concerning a reference example . It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation of the display device for vehicles concerning an embodiment . It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation of the display device for vehicles concerning a reference example . It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation of the display device for vehicles concerning a reference example .

( Reference example )
Reference examples of a vehicle display device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components and parts in each drawing. Further, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ratios.

(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle display device according to a reference example .

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle display device 10 includes a control device 14 mounted on a vehicle 12 capable of automatic driving, and a display device 16. The vehicle 12 is provided with a driving control unit 18 that controls automatic driving of the vehicle 12 and switches between automatic driving and manual driving. For example, a surrounding situation acquisition section, a vehicle running state acquisition section, a map information storage section, and an input section (all not shown) are connected to the driving control section 18. In order to automatically drive the vehicle 12, the driving control unit 18 controls the vehicle based on route information in a map information storage unit that stores information obtained from the navigation system and information obtained from various sensors (all not shown). 12 and its surroundings, and performs automatic driving control that controls the amount of acceleration, amount of braking, steering angle, etc. until the destination. That is, the driving control unit 18 automatically drives the vehicle 12 by controlling the own vehicle based on the surrounding situation of the own vehicle detected by the surrounding situation acquisition unit. Note that the automatic operation control by the operation control unit 18 is well known, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-123197, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

When stopping automatic driving due to surrounding road conditions, driver's operation, etc. during automatic driving, the driving control unit 18 switches to manual driving by the driver. In other words, the driving role is transferred from the vehicle 12 to the driver.

The control device 14 has a determination unit 20 and a display control unit 22 (see FIG. 3), of which the determination unit 20 determines the current driving mode of the vehicle 12 (automatic driving) based on the operation information of the driving control unit 18. or manual operation) and whether to perform a transition from automatic operation to manual operation or from manual operation to automatic operation. Further, the display control unit 22 performs display on the display device 16 based on the determination result of the determination unit 20. The specific configuration and operation of the control device 14 will be described later.

The display device 16 has a display section 23 (see FIG. 3), and directs information into the vehicle interior using the display method (display size) determined by the control device 14 as the determination section 20 (see FIG. 3). indicate. The specific configuration and operation of the display device 16 will be described later.

Further, the vehicle display device 10 communicates with an external server 24 and the like via a network N such as a mobile phone communication network. The specific configuration and operation of this communication will be described later.

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the vehicle display device 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle display device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 34, a storage 36, a GPS receiver 38, and a user interface. 40, a display device 16, and a communication interface 42. Each component is communicably connected to each other via a bus 44.

The CPU 30 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various parts. That is, the CPU 30 reads the program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36 and executes the program using the RAM 34 as a work area. The CPU 30 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic operations according to programs recorded in the ROM 32 or the storage 36. In this reference example , the ROM 32 or the storage 36 stores an information display program for switching the size of the display range of information displayed on the display device 16 when switching the driving mode (automatic driving or manual driving) of the vehicle 12. ing.

The ROM 32 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 34 temporarily stores programs or data as a work area. The storage 36 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

The GPS receiver 38 receives signals based on the GPS method from a plurality of satellites, and identifies the position of the vehicle 12 (vehicle display device 10) based on the difference in arrival time of the signals.

The user interface 40 is an interface used by the driver and other occupants of the vehicle 12 to use the vehicle display device 10. The user interface 40 includes, for example, at least one of a liquid crystal display equipped with a touch panel that allows touch operations by the driver, an audio input section that accepts voice input from the driver, and buttons that can be pressed by the driver. include.

The display device 16 displays information to a driver riding in the vehicle 12. The display device 16 is a head-up display (hereinafter referred to as "HUD") provided inside the instrument panel, and displays information on the windshield (both not shown) through an opening (not shown) in the instrument panel. Information is displayed on the windshield by projection.

The display contents projected onto the windshield by the HUD can be displayed superimposed on the scenery in real space in front of the vehicle. In other words, the display content projected onto the windshield is visible to the driver. Note that examples of information projected by the HUD include the vehicle's traveling speed, a navigation screen to a destination, weather information, and the like. By adjusting the angle and focus of reflectors and lenses (not shown) installed inside the HUD, information can be displayed on a portion of the windshield, or information can be displayed on almost the entire surface of the windshield. It is possible to display.

The display device 16 is also provided with a camera (not shown) that photographs the driver's face, and the CPU 30 can detect the driver's line of sight based on the image captured by this camera.

The communication interface 42 is an interface for communicating with the external server 24 (see FIG. 1), and uses standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), etc., for example.

(Functional configuration)
When executing the above information display program, the vehicle display device 10 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. The functional configuration realized by the vehicle display device 10 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the vehicle display device 10. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle display device 10 includes a determination section 20, a display control section 22, and a display section 23 as functional components. Each functional configuration is realized by the CPU 30 reading and executing an information display program stored in the ROM 32 or storage 36 (see FIG. 2).

The determination unit 20 receives information regarding the driving situation from the driving control unit 18 (see FIG. 1). From this information regarding the driving status, the current driving mode, whether manual driving or automatic driving, is determined. It is also determined whether switching of the driving mode, that is, switching from automatic driving to manual driving or switching from manual driving to automatic driving, will occur in the near future.

Further, the determination unit 20 is connected to a steering wheel, an accelerator, or a brake (both not shown) in the vehicle interior via an in-vehicle network (not shown), and determines whether the steering wheel, accelerator, or brake of the vehicle 12 has been operated. It is determined whether or not the operation mode switching is completed depending on whether or not the operation mode has been switched.

The display control unit 22 determines the size of information display on the display device 16 (see FIG. 1) according to the driving mode determined by the determination unit 20. That is, when the vehicle 12 is being driven manually, the display control unit 22 displays information in a small size on a part of the windshield corresponding to the driver's front side of the vehicle. At this time, the display control unit 22 displays information at a position corresponding to the detected direction of the driver's line of sight. On the other hand, the display control unit 22 causes information to be displayed in a large size over substantially the entire surface of the windshield when the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation. Regarding the display size of this information, in this reference example , it refers to the amount of information to be displayed, but it is not limited to this, and it may refer to changing the size of the information display itself or other sizes. You can also use it as

The display unit 23 displays information according to the information display size determined by the display control unit 22. The display unit 23 displays information on the windshield toward the driver inside the vehicle.

(Processing flow)
Next, the operation of the vehicle display device 10 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the vehicle display device 10. The CPU 30 reads an information display program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36, loads it in the RAM 34, and executes it, thereby switching the information display corresponding to the driving mode.

The CPU 30 analyzes the information regarding the driving situation received from the driving control unit 18, and determines whether the vehicle 12 is currently driving automatically (step S100).

When the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation (step S100: YES), the CPU 30 displays information in a large size over substantially the entire area of the windshield, and also determines that the vehicle 12 will be automatically operated in the near future based on the information received from the driving control unit 18. It is determined whether switching from driving to manual driving occurs (step S102). If switching from automatic operation to manual operation will not occur in the near future (step S102: NO), the CPU 30 repeats step S102. When switching from automatic operation to manual operation will occur in the near future (step S102: YES), the CPU 30 determines whether the switch to manual operation has been completed (step S104). If the switch to manual operation is not completed (step S104: NO), the CPU 30 repeats step S104. When the switch to manual operation is completed (step S104: YES), the CPU 30 reduces the display of information on the display device 16 (step S106). Thereafter, the CPU 30 moves the information displayed on the display device 16 in the direction of the driver's line of sight (step S108), and ends the process.

On the other hand, when the vehicle 12 is not in automatic operation, that is, in manual operation (step S100: NO), the CPU 30 displays the information in a small area on a part of the windshield, and the driving control unit 18 Based on the information received from the controller, it is determined whether switching from manual operation to automatic operation will occur in the near future (step S110). If switching from manual operation to automatic operation will not occur in the near future (step S110: NO), CPU 30 repeats step S110. When switching from manual operation to automatic operation will occur in the near future (step S110: YES), CPU 30 determines whether the switch to automatic operation has been completed (step S112). If the switching to automatic operation is not completed (step S112: NO), the CPU 30 repeats step S112. When the switching to automatic operation is completed (step S112: YES), the CPU 30 enlarges the display of information on the display device 16 (step S114), and then ends the process.

(Function/effect of reference example )
Next, the operation and effect of the reference example will be explained.

In this reference example , as shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle display device 10 includes a determination section 20, a display section 23, and a display control section 22. The determination unit 20 determines the operating state of the driving control unit 18 that switches between automatic operation and manual operation of the vehicle 12 capable of automatic operation. Therefore, it can be determined whether the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation or manual operation. The display unit 23 is provided in the cabin of the vehicle 12 and displays information on the windshield toward the cabin. The display control unit 22 enlarges the information displayed by the display unit 23 on the windshield when the determination unit 20 determines that the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation. Further, the display control unit 22 reduces the display on the windshield when the determination unit 20 determines that the vehicle 12 switches from automatic operation to manual operation. Therefore, during automatic driving, information is enlarged and displayed on the windshield, and the driver's view outside the vehicle is blocked over a wide range. In other words, even if the driver changes his or her position during automatic driving, his or her view to the front of the vehicle is blocked, so the driver is freed from monitoring the traffic conditions around the vehicle. This allows the driver to feel more free from driving in the vehicle during automatic driving.

( Embodiment )
Next, a vehicle display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 5. Note that the same components as those in the reference example described above are given the same numbers and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle display device 60 (see FIG. 1) according to this embodiment has the same basic configuration as the reference example , and is characterized in that the display of information on the display device 16 changes gradually.

(Functional configuration)
That is, the display control section 62 (see FIG. 3) in the vehicle display device 60 switches the size of information display on the display device 16 (see FIG. 1) according to the driving mode determined by the determination section 20. Specifically, when the vehicle 12 is being driven manually, the display control unit 62 displays information in a small size on a part of the windshield corresponding to the driver's front side of the vehicle. On the other hand, the display control unit 62 displays information over substantially the entire area of the windshield when the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation. In addition, in the case of switching from automatic driving to manual driving in the near future, the display control unit 62 gradually reduces the information displayed on almost the entire surface of the windshield, and then displays information corresponding to the detected direction of the driver's line of sight. Display information at a location.

(Processing flow)
Next, the operation of the vehicle display device 60 (see FIG. 1) will be explained. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the vehicle display device 60. The CPU 30 reads an information display program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36, loads it in the RAM 34, and executes it, thereby switching the information display corresponding to the driving mode.

The CPU 30 analyzes the information regarding the driving situation received from the driving control unit 18, and determines whether the vehicle 12 is currently driving automatically (step S100). When the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation (step S100: YES), the CPU 30 displays information in a large size over substantially the entire area of the windshield, and also determines that the vehicle 12 will be automatically operated in the near future based on the information received from the driving control unit 18. It is determined whether switching from driving to manual driving occurs (step S102). When switching from automatic operation to manual operation will occur in the near future in step S102 (step S102: YES), the CPU 30 gradually reduces the display of information on the display device 16 (step S130). Thereafter, the CPU 30 moves the information displayed on the display device 16 in the direction of the driver's line of sight (step S108), and ends the process.

(Actions and effects of the second embodiment)
Next, the operation and effects of the second embodiment will be explained.

Even with the above configuration, since the configuration is similar to the vehicle display device 10 of the reference example except that the display of information on the display device 16 is gradually switched, the same effects as the reference example can be obtained. In addition, when the vehicle display device 60 switches from automatic driving to manual driving in the near future , the display of information on the display device 16 will gradually switch (reduce), so that the transition from automatic driving to manual driving will occur. The driver can intuitively understand the switching.

Note that in the embodiment described above, the display of information on the display device 16 is gradually reduced when switching from automatic operation to manual operation, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when switching from manual operation to automatic operation. In some cases, the information displayed on the display device 16 may be gradually enlarged. This allows the driver to smoothly understand that the system has shifted to automatic driving.

( Reference example )
Next, a vehicle display device according to a reference example of the present invention will be described using FIG. 6. Note that the same components as those in the reference example and the like described above are given the same numbers and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle display device 70 (see FIG. 1) according to this reference example has the same basic configuration as the reference example , and is characterized in that display of information is controlled based on current location information.

(Functional configuration)
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the display control section 72 switches the size of information display on the display device 16 (see FIG. 1) according to the driving mode determined by the determination section 20. Specifically, when the vehicle 12 is being driven manually, the display control unit 72 causes the information to be displayed in a small size on a part of the windshield corresponding to the driver's front side of the vehicle. At this time, the display control unit 72 displays information at a position corresponding to the detected direction of the driver's line of sight. On the other hand, the display control unit 72 displays information over substantially the entire area of the windshield when the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation.

The display control unit 72 also acquires current location information from the GPS receiver 38 (see FIG. 2), and also registers the current location in advance in the storage 36 (see FIG. 2) or the external server 24 (see FIG. 1). If the area corresponds to a scenic spot or a point near it, the information that was displayed on almost the entire surface of the windshield is reduced and displayed in a smaller size.

(Processing flow)
Next, the operation of the vehicle display device 70 will be explained. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the vehicle display device 70. The CPU 30 reads an information display program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36, loads it in the RAM 34, and executes it, thereby switching the information display corresponding to the driving mode.

The CPU 30 analyzes the information regarding the driving situation received from the driving control unit 18 (see FIG. 1), and determines whether the vehicle 12 is currently in automatic driving (step S160).

If the vehicle 12 is not in automatic operation (step S160: NO), the CPU 30 ends the process. When the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation (step S160: YES), the CPU 30 acquires current location information using the GPS receiver 38 (see FIG. 2) (step S162).

Based on the acquired current location information, the CPU 30 determines whether the current location corresponds to a pre-registered scenic spot or near a scenic spot (step S164). If the current location does not correspond to a scenic spot or near a scenic spot (step S164: NO), the CPU 30 repeats the processing from step S160. If the current location corresponds to a scenic spot or near a scenic spot (step S164: YES), the CPU 30 gradually reduces the display of information on the display device 16 (step S166). After that, the CPU 30 moves the information displayed on the display device 16 in the direction of the driver's line of sight (step S168).

The CPU 30 again obtains current location information using the GPS receiver 38 (see FIG. 2) (step S170). Based on the acquired current location information, the CPU 30 determines whether the current location has passed through or left a pre-registered scenic spot or a scenic spot (step S172). If the current location is not far from the pre-registered scenic spot or the vicinity of the scenic spot (the current location corresponds to the scenic spot or near the scenic spot) (step S172: NO), the CPU 30 repeats the processing from step S170. If the current location is away from the pre-registered scenic spot or the vicinity of the scenic spot (step S172: YES), the CPU 30 enlarges the display of information on the display device 16 (step S174), and then ends the process.

(Function/effect of reference example )
Next, the operation and effect of the reference example will be explained.

The above configuration also has the same configuration as the vehicle display device 10 of the reference example except that the display of information is controlled based on the current location information, so the same effects as the reference example can be obtained. Further, the vehicle display device 70 controls the display of information based on current location information. Specifically, when the vehicle 12 travels at or near a scenic spot while information is displayed on substantially the entire surface of the windshield during automatic driving, the information displayed on the windshield is reduced. Therefore, the driver can view scenic spots and the like while driving even during automatic driving, so the vehicle display device 70 can provide the occupants with an enjoyable travel time.

( Reference example )
Next, a vehicle display device according to a reference example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the same components as those in the reference example and the like described above are given the same numbers and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The vehicle display device 80 (see FIG. 1) according to this reference example has the same basic configuration as the reference example , and is characterized in that the display of information can be controlled by the operation of the driver, passenger, etc. There is.

(Functional configuration)
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the display control section 82 switches the size of information display on the display device 16 (see FIG. 1) according to the driving mode determined by the determination section 20. Specifically, when the vehicle 12 is being driven manually, the display control unit 82 causes the information to be displayed in a small size on a part of the windshield corresponding to the driver's front side of the vehicle. At this time, the display control unit 82 displays the information at a position corresponding to the detected direction of the driver's line of sight. On the other hand, the display control unit 82 displays information on substantially the entire surface of the windshield when the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation.

In addition, when the display control unit 82 receives an instruction from the driver or passenger through the user interface 40 (see FIG. 2) to view the outside scenery during automatic driving, the display control unit 82 displays a screen that covers almost the entire surface of the windshield. The displayed information is shrunk and displayed in a smaller size.

(Processing flow)
Next, the operation of the vehicle display device 80 will be explained. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations performed by the vehicle display device 80. The CPU 30 reads an information display program from the ROM 32 or the storage 36, loads it in the RAM 34, and executes it, thereby switching the information display corresponding to the driving mode.

The CPU 30 analyzes the information regarding the driving situation received from the driving control unit 18 (see FIG. 1), and determines whether the vehicle 12 is currently driving automatically (step S200).

If the vehicle 12 is not in automatic operation (step S200: NO), the CPU 30 ends the process. When the vehicle 12 is in automatic operation (step S200: YES), the CPU 30 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the driver to view the outside scenery from a button (not shown) on the user interface 40. (Step S202). If an instruction to see the outside scenery has not been received from the driver (step S202: NO), the CPU 30 repeats the process of step S202. When receiving an instruction from the driver to view the outside scenery (step S202: YES), the CPU 30 reduces the display of information on the display device 16 (step S204). After that, the process ends.

(Function/effect of reference example )
Next, the operation and effect of the reference example will be explained.

The above configuration also has the same configuration as the vehicle display device 10 of the reference example except that the display of information can be controlled by the driver's operation, so the same effects as the reference example can be obtained. Furthermore, since the display of information on the vehicle display device 80 can be controlled by the driver's operation, the user interface can be By operating 40, the information displayed on the windshield can be reduced to make it easier to see outside. This allows the driver to view the surroundings of the vehicle, if desired, even during automatic driving.

Note that in the above-described embodiment, the CPU 30 terminates the process after reducing the display of information on the display device 16; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 30 may enlarge the display of information again after a certain period of time has elapsed. Alternatively, the information display may be enlarged by the driver operating the user interface 40 again.

Further, in the embodiments and reference examples , the vehicle display devices 10, 60, 70, and 80 are configured to display information using a HUD, but the present invention is not limited to this. The information may be displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal screen, or may be displayed on another display device. Further, although the vehicle display devices 10, 60, 70, and 80 display information on the windshield, the information is not limited to this, but may also be configured to display information on other glasses such as side window glass and rear window glass. good.

Furthermore, the vehicle display devices 10, 60, 70, and 80 determine the size of the information display by the display device 16 (see FIG. 1) according to the driving mode determined by the determination unit 20. However, the size of the information display on the display device 16 (see FIG. 1) may be determined (switched) by receiving a command from an external server 24, a center, etc.

In addition, the display control units 22, 62, 72, and 82 display information in a large size over substantially the entire area of the windshield when the vehicle 12 is driving automatically; If it is, it is not necessary to display information over substantially the entire area.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and it is possible to implement various modifications other than the above without departing from the spirit thereof. Of course.

10 Vehicle display device 12 Vehicle 18 Driving control section 20 Judgment section 22 Display control section 23 Display section 60 Vehicle display device 62 Display control section 70 Vehicle display device 72 Display control section 80 Vehicle display device 82 Display control section

Claims (7)

a determination unit that determines whether switching of the driving mode occurs within a predetermined period;
When the determination unit determines that the switching of the driving mode from automatic driving to manual driving occurs within the predetermined period, before the switching of the driving mode occurs, the information display area is changed from the time of automatic driving. a display control unit that gradually reduces the size;
A vehicle display device having: The vehicle display device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control section gradually changes the display area of the information when switching from manual driving to automatic driving. 3. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the information includes at least one of vehicle travel speed, destination navigation information, and weather information. 4. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays the information at a position corresponding to a direction of the driver's line of sight detected from an image taken by a camera that photographs the driver's face. The vehicle display device described. Equipped with a head-up display installed in the vehicle interior and displaying the above information on the windshield,
The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit reduces the information displayed on the windshield by the head-up display. Determine whether switching of the driving mode occurs within a predetermined period,
When it is determined that the switching of the driving mode from automatic driving to manual driving occurs within the predetermined period, the information display area is gradually reduced from the time of automatic driving before the switching of the driving mode occurs. ,
Display method. Determine whether switching of the driving mode occurs within a predetermined period,
When it is determined that the switching of the driving mode from automatic driving to manual driving occurs within the predetermined period, the information display area is gradually reduced from the time of automatic driving before the switching of the driving mode occurs. ,
A program that causes a computer to perform a process.