JPH06255397A - Display device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the recognition performance and attention arousing performance for display by offsetting the information display position in a prescribed direction from the position superposed with an objective article in a display region, as for a display device for a vehicle which has a display region over an instrument panel. CONSTITUTION:The display device 1 of a vehicle is constituted so that the display light of the information displayed on a display body 2 is irradiated on a reflector 4 through a lens 3 and reflected, and then projected at a prescribed position on a front glass over an instrument panel. In this case, a display controller 10 for changing the display state or the contents is installed on the display device 1. The display controller 10 is equipped with a part 13 for setting the display contents according to the situation on the periphery of the vehicle, part 14 for setting the position on the front glass of a displayed image, part 15 for setting the display size, and a part 16 for estimating the eye pint of a driver. Accordingly, the display position is offset in a prescribed direction from the position superposed with an objective article.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display device for a vehicle, and more particularly to a display device having a display area set above a front instrument panel of a vehicle compartment to enhance its visibility.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a display device of a vehicle such as an automobile, a display area is provided above an instrument panel in a front part of a passenger compartment for the purpose of improving visibility when a driver views a display while driving. It is considered to be set. For example, Actual Kaihei 2-3373
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2 (1993), a so-called head-up display device is disclosed in which a display area is set on a windshield of a vehicle and information to be displayed is displayed as a display image projected on the windshield. Has been done.
By adopting such a type of display device, the amount of movement of the line of sight when a driver who is looking forward through the windshield while viewing the vehicle visually recognizes the displayed information while driving the vehicle has been fitted into a predetermined location in the instrument panel. The size of the display device is significantly smaller than that of a display device of a type, the visibility is improved, and the display information can be confirmed while looking at the front field of view, so that the safety during the driving of the vehicle can be improved.

Further, in a display device of a type in which a display area is set above the instrument panel, the display position of information to be displayed is controlled so that the display information can be visually recognized more easily and reliably. For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-92326 discloses that, when the vehicle speed is fast, it is displayed above normal and when the vehicle speed is slow, it is displayed below according to the vehicle speed of the host vehicle. Has been done. That is, in general,
The direction of the driver's line of sight changes between a distant direction and a near direction during high-speed running and low-speed running, but by controlling as described above, the driver's line-of-sight can be changed in response to changes in vehicle speed. Good visibility can be secured.

[0004]

By the way, in the case of displaying predetermined information by the display device of the above type,
A specific object existing in front of the vehicle, that is, for example,
When a traveling vehicle (front vehicle) exists within a certain range in front of the own vehicle, if it is displayed so as to be superimposed on the position in the display area of the front vehicle, this object (front vehicle) will be displayed to the driver. It can call attention and is more effective in enhancing safety while driving a vehicle. However, when the above information is completely overlapped and displayed at the position of the vehicle in front in the display area, for example,
The display may be difficult to see due to the light of the tail lamp of the vehicle ahead. Further, the display color becomes difficult to identify depending on the combination of the color of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle and the display color,
After all, there was a problem that it was difficult to confirm the display information.

On the other hand, when the traveling vehicle (front vehicle) does not exist within a certain range in front of the host vehicle, the information to be displayed may be displayed at a position overlapping the front road in the display area. In this case, if there is a change in the traveling direction of the vehicle, such as a turning of the vehicle or a change in the course, if this can be represented by the display position of the information, it is effective to call the driver's attention.

In view of this, the present invention devises the display position so as to alert the driver to a specific object existing in front of the vehicle and prevent the display information from becoming difficult to see. The present invention has been made for the purpose of providing a display device for a vehicle that can inform a driver of a direction to be noted when there is a change in the traveling direction.

[0007]

Therefore, a display device for a vehicle according to a first invention of the present application is a display device for a vehicle having a display area above an instrument panel in a front portion of a passenger compartment, The display device, the display position of the information to be displayed in the display area, a display control unit that can be set according to the position of a specific object existing in front of the vehicle, is provided,
The display control means is characterized in that the display position of the information is set to a position offset in a predetermined direction from a position overlapping the object in the display area.

A second invention of the present application is the display device for a vehicle according to the first invention, wherein the display area is set on a windshield of the vehicle, and the information is projected on the windshield. It is characterized by being displayed as a displayed image.

Further, a third invention of the present application is, in the display device for a vehicle according to the first invention or the second invention, a front vehicle in which the object travels ahead of the own vehicle, and the display control means is provided. Is characterized in that the display position of the information is set to a position offset in a predetermined direction from a position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in the display area.

Further, a fourth invention of the present application is the vehicle display device according to the third invention, wherein the vehicle is an inter-vehicle distance measuring device for measuring an inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle. Means is provided, and the display control means controls the offset direction of the display position based on the measurement value of the inter-vehicle distance measuring means.

Furthermore, a fifth invention of the present application is the display device for a vehicle according to the fourth invention, wherein when the measured value of the inter-vehicle distance measuring means is below a predetermined reference, the display position is Is set to a position offset upward from a position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in the display area.

Further, a sixth invention of the present application is the display device for a vehicle according to the fourth invention, wherein the display control means is such that the measured value of the inter-vehicle distance measuring means is larger than a predetermined reference. In the above, the display position is set to a position offset downward from a position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in the display area.

Further, a seventh invention of the present application is the display device for a vehicle according to the third invention, wherein the vehicle is provided with a detecting means for detecting a change in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The display control means, based on the detection result of the detection means, the display position to a position offset from a position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in the display area in a direction in which the traveling direction of the vehicle changes. It is characterized by setting.

Further, an eighth invention of the present application is the display device for a vehicle according to the first invention or the second invention, wherein the object is a road extending in front of the own vehicle, and the display control means. Is characterized in that the display position of the information is set to a position offset in a predetermined direction from the center of the road width of the road in the display area.

Furthermore, a ninth invention of the present application is the display device for a vehicle according to the eighth invention, wherein the vehicle is provided with a detecting means for detecting a change in the traveling direction of the vehicle. The display control means, based on the detection result of the detection means, a position where the display position is offset from a position overlapping in the widthwise center of the road in the display area in a direction in which the traveling direction of the vehicle changes. It is characterized by setting to.

Further, a tenth invention of the present application is the display device for a vehicle according to the seventh invention or the ninth invention, wherein the detecting means detects a driving operation for changing the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is characterized in that it is composed of driving operation detecting means.

Further, an eleventh invention of the present application is the display device for a vehicle according to the seventh invention or the ninth invention, wherein the detecting means detects a change in road shape in front of the vehicle. It is characterized in that it is composed of a shape detecting means.

[0018]

According to the first invention of the present application, since the display area is set above the instrument panel, the amount of movement of the line of sight when the driver visually recognizes the display information can be small, and Improves driving safety. Moreover, since the display control means is provided to set the display position of the information to be displayed at a position offset in a predetermined direction from the position overlapping the object in the display area, On the other hand, it is possible to prevent the display from being difficult to see while maintaining the effect of calling attention to the object. Further, it becomes possible to notify the driver of the direction to be noted by the offset direction, and it is possible to further improve the safety.

According to the second invention of the present application, basically, the same effect as that of the first invention can be obtained. In particular, since the information to be displayed is displayed as a display image projected on the windshield, the driver can visually recognize the display information while looking at the front view, and further improve the safety when driving the vehicle. be able to.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, basically, the same effect as that of the first invention or the second invention can be obtained. In particular, when the object is a front vehicle, while maintaining the effect of alerting the driver to the front vehicle, it is possible to prevent the display from becoming difficult to see due to the body color of the front vehicle or the light of the tail lamp. can do. Further, it becomes possible to notify the driver of the direction to be noted by the offset direction, and it is possible to further improve the safety.

Further, according to the fourth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the third invention can be obtained. Moreover, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance measuring means is provided on the vehicle, and the offset direction of the display position is set based on the vehicle-to-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle. The driver can be informed of the direction to be noted.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned fourth invention can be obtained. In particular, when the measured value of the inter-vehicle distance measuring means is less than or equal to a predetermined reference, that is, when the inter-vehicle distance is shorter than a certain amount, the display position is moved upward from the position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in the display area. By setting the offset position, it is possible to notify the driver that the vehicle ahead is to be warned and that attention should be paid further ahead of the vehicle ahead.

Further, according to the sixth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned fourth invention can be obtained. In particular, when the measured value of the inter-vehicle distance measuring means is larger than a predetermined reference, that is, when the inter-vehicle distance is longer than a certain amount, the display position is moved downward from the position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in the display area. By setting it to the offset position,
In addition to notifying that the inter-vehicle distance is sufficiently maintained,
It is possible to call attention to a location closer than the vehicle ahead.

Further, according to the seventh invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the third invention can be obtained. Moreover, since the vehicle is provided with the detection means, and the display position is set to the position offset in the direction in which the traveling direction of the vehicle changes based on the detection result of the detection means, When the traveling direction of the own vehicle changes, it is possible to call attention to this changing direction.

Further, according to the eighth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the first invention or the second invention can be obtained. In particular, when the target object is a road ahead, it is possible to notify the driver of the direction to be careful of, and the safety can be further improved.

Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application,
Basically, the same effect as that of the eighth invention can be obtained. In particular, in the case where the traveling direction of the vehicle changes by providing the vehicle with the detection means and setting the display position at a position offset in the direction in which the traveling direction of the vehicle changes based on the detection result of the detection means. In addition, the driver can be alerted to this changing direction.

Further, according to the tenth invention of the present application, basically, the same effect as that of the seventh invention or the ninth invention can be obtained. In particular, since the detection means is composed of the driving operation detection means, when the traveling direction changes according to the driving operation, the display position is offset to the direction in which the traveling direction changes according to the driving operation of the vehicle. By setting to, when the traveling direction of the own vehicle changes, the driver can be alerted to the changing direction.

Further, according to the eleventh invention of the present application, basically, the same effect as that of the seventh invention or the ninth invention can be obtained. In particular, since the detection means is composed of the road shape detection means, when the traveling direction changes according to the road shape, the display position is set to a position offset in the direction in which the traveling direction changes according to the road shape. By doing so, when the traveling direction of the own vehicle changes, the driver can be alerted to this changing direction.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an automobile M according to this embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing the outline of the configuration of the display device of FIG. As shown in this figure, in the display device 1, the display area is set on the windshield 8 on the front side of the vehicle compartment, and the information to be displayed is displayed as a display image projected on the windshield 8. In addition, the display body 2 is configured as a so-called head-up display device, is installed in the instrument panel 7 at the front of the vehicle compartment, and can display predetermined information, and the lens 3 sequentially arranged behind the display body 2. And a reflector 4. The display light of the information displayed on the display body 2 enters the reflector 4 through the lens 3 and then is reflected by the reflector 4 and is disposed above the instrument panel 7 on the front side of the vehicle compartment. The image is projected onto a predetermined position of 8.

As a result, the driver seated on the driver's seat is imaged from the eyepoint PE at the outside front position (for example, position B) of the windshield 8 by the display light of the information displayed on the display body 2. A display image (position B ′), which is an erecting virtual image of information, can be visually recognized in an overlapping manner with the outside scene of the windshield 8. That is, by providing the display device 1 of this type, when a driver looking ahead through the windshield 8 visually recognizes information such as driving information while driving the vehicle, the display device that displays this information is an instrument. Compared to the conventional type that was fitted in a predetermined place in the panel, the amount of movement of the driver's line of sight can be significantly reduced, visibility is improved, and display information can be confirmed while looking at the front view. Therefore, the safety when driving the vehicle is enhanced.

The tilt angle of the reflector 4 can be adjusted appropriately, as will be described later.
For example, when the vertical angle is adjusted and changed, the position B ′ of the display image projected on the windshield 8 moves in the vertical direction (for example, the position C ′ and the position A ′). still,
If the angle of the reflector 4 in the left-right direction is changed,
The positions A ', B', C'of the respective display images can be moved in the left-right direction. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, when there is a front vehicle X having a very short inter-vehicle distance as a front vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle, the driver's line of sight is usually downward in order to visually recognize the front vehicle X. It goes down to
By adjusting the inclination angle of the reflector 4, a display image corresponding to the tilt angle can be projected on the windshield 8 (position A '). Also, in the same way,
When there is a front vehicle Y having a relatively short inter-vehicle distance, a display image corresponding to the front vehicle Y is present, and when a front vehicle Z having a sufficiently long inter-vehicle distance is present, a display image corresponding to the front vehicle Y is present respectively. It can be adjusted so that it is projected on (position B ′, position C ′).

As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 1 includes:
A display control device 10 for changing the content or display state to be displayed according to the situation around the vehicle is provided, and the display control device 10 displays on the windshield 8 according to the situation around the vehicle ( That is, the display content setting unit 13 that sets the contents to be displayed, the display position setting unit 14 that sets the position of the display image on the windshield 8 according to the situation around the vehicle, and the A display size setting unit 15 for setting the size of the display image according to the situation,
More preferably, an eyepoint estimation unit 16 that estimates the eyepoint PE of the driver is additionally provided.

The display control device 10 includes, for example, a control unit 11 mainly composed of a microcomputer.
And a drive mechanism 12 controlled by a control signal from the control unit 14, and each of the setting units 13, 14, 1
A control signal is output to the display body 2 to change the display content in accordance with the setting or estimation content of 5, 16 and the position of the display image is changed by appropriately adjusting the tilt angle of the reflector 4. Moreover, the size of the display image can be changed by appropriately adjusting the position of the lens 3. The size of the display image may be changed by changing the size of the display on the display body 2.

Each of the setting sections 13, 14, 15, 16 is connected to a data input section 17 to which various data necessary for setting or estimating is input. Although not shown in the figure, it is electrically connected to various devices and sensors in the vehicle that generate various data signals required for the settings in the setting units 13, 14, 15, and 16. . Then, as will be described in detail later, the setting in each of the setting sections 13, 14, 15, 16 is performed based on the data taken in through the data input section 17.

As described above, by attaching the setting sections 13, 14, 15 to the display control device 10, the contents of information to be displayed according to the setting contents of the setting sections 13, 14, 15 And / or the display position and / or the display size can be changed, and the situation around the vehicle (eg, front vehicle, rear vehicle, obstacle or road shape)
The display content, display position, and display size can be optimally set according to the. That is, depending on the situation around your vehicle,
It becomes possible to display the most necessary information for safe driving of the own vehicle at the most suitable position and the most suitable size in order to further improve the visibility of the driver or call the driver's attention.

The information display on the display body 2 (that is, on the windshield 8) is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, an upper part Df partitioned by a horizontal line Dc in the center.
The display portion is divided into a lower portion Dr and a lower portion Dr. In the upper portion Df, the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle are provided as the vehicle speed of the own vehicle as information about the own vehicle or information about a forward vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle. The inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle and the rear vehicle is displayed in the lower portion Dr as information about the rear vehicle following the rear of the vehicle. . An arrow display portion Da is provided around these display portions, and the arrow indicates the direction in which the obstacle to be noted is located.

Further, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view schematically showing an example of the positional relationship between the automobile M and other vehicles and obstacles existing in the vicinity thereof. A laser radar device 21, which is well known in the related art, is attached to the vehicle M at a plurality of positions before and after the vehicle body as a detecting means for detecting a vehicle or an obstacle around the vehicle. Based on the received data of the reflected wave of the laser light emitted from the radar device 21, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of a detection target such as a vehicle or an obstacle within the transmission range and the distance thereof.

.., 21, the front vehicle J1 and the rear vehicle K1 traveling in the same traveling lane as the vehicle M, the rear vehicle K2 traveling in the adjacent traveling lane, and the vehicle rearward in the same traveling lane. A single vehicle Kb traveling on the road, or pedestrians H1 and H2 walking on the road edge ahead of the vehicle are detected. Instead of the laser radar device 21, for example, a so-called CCD camera or the like is used to capture the front, rear, left, and right scenes, and the images are analyzed to detect vehicles and obstacles around the vehicle. You can

Although not specifically shown, in the automobile M, as will be described later, the objects detected by the laser radar devices 21, ..., 21 are dangerous for safe traveling of the automobile. If so, a spotlight is provided to illuminate it. Further, the automobile M is equipped with a so-called navigation device (not shown) for automobiles, which is well known in the related art, and confirms the current position of the own vehicle and displays it on a dedicated display device together with map information. It can be displayed on the screen. With this navigation device, the shape of the road on which the vehicle is traveling can be known.

Hereinafter, the display device 1 of the vehicle M according to the present embodiment.
The operation of will be described. First, the main routine of the operation of the display device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the system starts to work,
In step # 1, the so-called eye point PE (position of the line of sight) of the driver is estimated by the eye point estimation unit 16 (see FIG. 3). The standard position of this eyepoint can be estimated by the driver's physique, body shape, posture, and standard gaze direction. In the present embodiment, for example, the front and rear slide position and reclining angle of the driver's seat, the tilt inclination angle and the telescopic position of the steering shaft, and the set angle of the room mirror are respectively detected, and the eyepoint of this eyepoint is detected based on the detected data. I try to make an estimate. The eye point thus estimated becomes the reference position when the display is changed thereafter.

After that, the display contents are set (step # 2),
Display position setting (Step # 3) and display size setting
(Step # 4) is sequentially executed, and display is performed according to these settings (Step # 5). In this display, it is determined whether or not an obstacle described later is recognized in front of the vehicle (step # 6). If an obstacle is recognized (step # 6: YES), this obstacle is detected. As a danger to the safe operation of the vehicle, a spotlight is illuminated (step # 7) to alert the driver.

As described above, by illuminating and displaying the object to be detected, which is dangerous for the safe operation of the vehicle, the visibility condition is not good, for example, at night, in the evening, during rain, or against backlight. Even in this case, the driver can confirm the dangerous object to be detected (obstacle or vehicle trunk) without overlooking, and the safety of vehicle operation is further enhanced.

Next, details of the contents of each step in the main routine (see FIG. 8) will be described. First,
The setting of the display content (FIG. 8: Step # 2) will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the display content setting routine starts, first, step # 11.
Then, the basic data required for controlling the display state is read.

In this embodiment, the following data, for example, are required as this basic data, and these are detected and then read as data. a: Position of the vehicle in front and the distance between itself and the vehicle, relative speed b: Position of surrounding obstacles and distance with the vehicle, relative speed c: Road surface condition (road friction coefficient) and tire wear state d: Road form ( (Straight / curve or slope / flat road etc.) e: Vehicle speed f: Road width g: Own lane h: Vehicle turning or course changing operation (turn signal or steering steering angle etc.)

Further, based on the data of a to e, the braking distance of the own vehicle and the braking distance of the rear vehicle when there is a vehicle behind are calculated, and these braking distances are used as basic data. Added. In this case, the calculation of the braking distance of the rear vehicle is based on the assumption that the vehicle (rear vehicle) is in a standard maintenance state, that is, the tire surface condition is not particularly badly worn. Done. The road surface friction coefficient can be detected by, for example, a μ sensor of a so-called anti-skid brake device equipped in the braking system of the vehicle.
In addition, the road shape can be detected by, for example, a vehicle-mounted navigation device.

Next, in step # 12, it is determined whether the detected object around the vehicle is a vehicle traveling in the same lane as the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the same lane vehicle) or an obstacle. An object determination subroutine for determining is executed. In this subroutine, all the detected objects that are not the same lane vehicle are judged as "obstacles". Further, even in the same lane, a vehicle whose relative speed with respect to the own vehicle is equal to or lower than a predetermined value is determined as an "obstacle". Therefore, the following are included in the items judged to be "obstacles" in this subroutine. -Fixed or stopped on the road and does not move, for example, a utility pole at the end of the road or a vehicle or person who has stopped on the shoulder of the road.・ Vehicles whose speed is very low compared to the vehicle's own speed, for example, pedestrians or bicycles on the roadside ・ Vehicles running in other lanes (lanes) , There is a possibility that you may enter the same lane as your vehicle due to a change of course.

An example of the above-mentioned detected object determining subroutine is shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, first, in step # 31, it is determined whether or not the detected object is in the same lane (same lane) as the own vehicle. If this is YES, in step # 32, the own vehicle and the object are It is determined whether the relative speed of is larger than a predetermined value. If this determination result is YES, it is determined that the detected object is at least almost stopped and that it is simply an obstacle.
(Step # 33). If the decision result in the step # 32 is NO, the detected object is moving at a speed relatively close to that of the own vehicle, and hence it is judged that the vehicle is the same lane vehicle (front vehicle or rear vehicle). (Step # 34). In addition, in the present embodiment, a white line detection means is provided in order to detect the traveling lane of the own vehicle and the detected traveling lane. The white line detecting means is the same as a conventionally known one, and is configured by, for example, burying a magnetic substance in the white line of a road and detecting the presence of the white line by detecting the magnetic substance. You can

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step # 31 is NO, that is, if the detected object is not in the same traveling lane as the own vehicle, in step # 35, the detected object is an oncoming vehicle. Whether or not it is determined, and if this is YES, the detected object (oncoming vehicle) does not directly affect the operation of the own vehicle and is ignored (step # 36). If the determination result in step # 35 is NO, the detected object is at least an almost stopped mere obstacle, or one traveling in the same lane as the traveling lane different from the own vehicle. The obstacle is determined to be an obstacle (step # 37).

As a result of judging the object to be detected as described above, when the object to be detected is a vehicle in the same lane, in step # 13, the inter-vehicle distance (front inter-vehicle distance) of the front vehicle is It is determined whether or not the braking distance is ensured or longer. If YES, it is determined in step # 14 that the inter-vehicle distance (rear inter-vehicle distance) is equal to or greater than the braking distance of the rear vehicle for the rear vehicle. Is determined. If the result of this determination is YES, the inter-vehicle distance is kept safe both in the front and the rear, so only the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is displayed in the display area on the windshield 8.
(Step # 15).

If the front inter-vehicle distance is safe but the rear inter-vehicle distance is not sufficient (step # 14: NO),
Both the vehicle speed of the host vehicle and the rear inter-vehicle distance are displayed (step # 16). An example of the display in this case is the display example E of FIG.
1 and display example E4. That is, the vehicle speed of the host vehicle (display example E1) is above the front vehicle J2, and the inter-vehicle distance from the rear vehicle is displayed in the lower right display area of the windshield 8.
(Display example E4) is displayed.

On the other hand, when the front inter-vehicle distance is not sufficiently secured (step # 13: NO), step # 17
Then, it is determined whether or not the rear inter-vehicle distance is equal to or longer than the braking distance of the rear vehicle, and if the rear inter-vehicle distance is secured (step # 17: YES), only the front inter-vehicle distance is displayed in the display area. (Step # 18). Also, step # 1
When the determination result in 7 is NO, that is, when the front-rear distance is not sufficient, the front-rear distance is displayed together (step # 19).

In this way, the degree of danger of the object to be detected (front vehicle, rear vehicle) is determined based on the inter-vehicle distance and the braking distance,
By changing the display contents according to this judgment result,
When the distance between vehicles is short and the degree of danger is high, information on the detected object (braking distance) is displayed to call the driver's attention.
On the other hand, when the inter-vehicle distance is sufficiently safe, information about the own vehicle (vehicle speed of the own vehicle) can be displayed to improve convenience during driving.

If it is determined in step # 12 that the detected object is an obstacle as a result of executing the detected object determination routine, the obstacle is positioned in front of the vehicle in step # 20. If it is YES, the direction in which the obstacle is located is indicated by an arrow in the display area, and the "Caution" character is displayed over the detected object (step # 21). ), Call the driver's attention.
On the other hand, if the determination result in step # 20 is NO,
In other words, when the detected object is behind the vehicle, only the direction in which the detected object is located is displayed as an arrow in the display area.
(Step # 22). FIG. 6 shows an example of the display of the "attention" character and the display of the arrow in step # 21 and step # 22.

In this way, by displaying the position of the obstacle which affects the safe running of the own vehicle in the display area on the windshield 8 by the arrow, the driver can be informed of the direction to be noted, and particularly By displaying the "attention" character over the obstacle, it is possible to more effectively call the driver's attention.

Next, the display position is set (FIG. 8: Step #
3) will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 13. When the display position setting routine starts, first, in step # 41, basic data required for display state control is read (see FIG. 9: step # 11), and then in step # 42. ,
It is determined whether or not the driver has performed an input operation of manual setting. If YES, in step # 43, it is determined whether or not the front inter-vehicle distance is equal to or longer than the braking distance of the host vehicle. Be done. Then, if the determination result is YES, it is displayed at the position manually set by the driver (step # 44).

On the other hand, the judgment result of the step # 43 is N.
In the case of O or in the case where the determination result in step # 42 is NO, it is determined in step # 45 whether or not the front inter-vehicle distance is kept equal to or more than the braking distance of the own vehicle, and this determination result is YES. In this case, in step # 46, it is determined whether or not the turn signal of the own vehicle is in the OFF state. If the result of this determination is YES, that is, if the vehicle is traveling straight ahead, it is displayed at a position equivalent to the braking distance of the host vehicle and the center of the road width (step # 47). An example of the display in this case is shown as a display example E1 in FIG. In this display example E1, the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is displayed at the display position.

As described above, when the inter-vehicle distance is sufficiently safe, the driver is notified of the braking distance of the vehicle by displaying the position on the windshield 8 which is equivalent to (corresponding to) the braking distance of the own vehicle. Can be suggested.

If the decision result in the step # 46 is NO, that is, the turn signal is turned on and the vehicle is turning or changing lanes, the direction of the turn signal is set to the right in the step # 48. If it is the right direction, it is determined whether or not it is the right direction (step # 48: YES).
Is displayed on the right side of the center of the road width, which is equivalent to the braking distance of the own vehicle (step # 49). Further, when the turn signal is directed to the left (step # 48: N
In (O), the display is equivalent to the braking distance of the vehicle and is displayed at the left side of the center of the road width (step # 50).

In this way, by setting the information display position to a position offset in the direction in which the traveling direction changes in accordance with the driving operation of the own vehicle, when the traveling direction of the own vehicle changes, the driver is informed. It is possible to call attention to this changing direction.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step # 45 is NO, that is, if the front inter-vehicle distance is not sufficient, then in step # 51 (see FIG. 12) the front inter-vehicle distance and the braking distance of the host vehicle are It is determined whether or not they are substantially equal to each other, that is, whether or not the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle are close to each other to some extent, which is not particularly dangerous. If the determination result is YES, the turn signal is OFF in step # 52. It is determined whether or not there is. If the result of this determination is YES, it is determined in step # 53 whether or not the road configuration in front of the vehicle is a straight road. This is to make sure that the driver's turn signal is left. It should be noted that this road form is determined by using a vehicle-mounted navigation device based on the recognized current position of the own vehicle and the road shape on the map.

The result of the determination in step # 53 is YES.
In the case of, the display is performed at the center of the front vehicle in the vehicle width direction and at a position equivalent to the lower side of the vehicle body of the front vehicle.
(Step # 54). An example of the display in this case is shown as a display example E2 in FIG. In this display example E2, the front and rear inter-vehicle distances are displayed at positions equivalent to the vehicle body lower side of the front vehicle J2.

As described above, when the braking distance is not sufficient, the braking distance is displayed near the position on the windshield 8 where the vehicle body of the front vehicle J2 overlaps, so that the driver can be more effectively alerted. Can be evoked. Further, by setting the information display position on the windshield 8 at a position offset from the position overlapping the vehicle body of the front vehicle J2 (lower side of the vehicle body), the effect of alerting the driver to the front vehicle J2 is maintained. In addition, it is possible to prevent the display from being hard to see due to the influence of the body color of the front vehicle J2 and the light of the tail lamp.

If the determination result in step # 53 is NO, that is, the turn signal is in the OFF state because the driver has forgotten to output the turn signal, and the road is actually curved. In step # 55, it is determined whether or not the road is curved to the right.
In the case of ES, the display is made at a position equivalent to the right side of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle (step # 57). Further, step # 5
When the determination result in 5 is NO, that is, when the road curves to the left, the display is performed at a position equivalent to the left side of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle (step # 58).

Thus, by setting the information display position to a position offset in the direction in which the traveling direction changes according to the road shape, when the traveling direction of the own vehicle changes according to the road shape, It is possible to call attention to this changing direction.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step # 52 is NO, that is, if the turn signal is turned on and the vehicle is turning or changing lanes, the step direction of the turn signal is right in the step # 56. If it is the right direction, it is determined whether or not it is the direction (step # 56: YES).
Is displayed at a position equivalent to the right side of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle (step # 57). Further, when the turn signal is directed to the left (step # 56: NO), the display is made at a position equivalent to the left side of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle (step # 58).

If the determination result in step # 51 is NO, that is, if the front inter-vehicle distance is considerably shorter than the braking distance of the host vehicle, step # 61 (see FIG. 13).
Then, it is determined whether or not the blinker is in the OFF state. If the determination result is YES, it is determined in step # 62 whether or not the road pattern in front of the own vehicle is a straight road.
The reason and method for making this determination are described in step # 53 above.
It is similar to the case of.

The determination result in step # 62 is YES.
In the case of, the display is made at a position equivalent to the rear window of the vehicle ahead (step # 63). An example of the display in this case is shown as a display example E3 in FIG. This display example E
3, the front inter-vehicle distance is displayed at a position equivalent to the rear window of the front vehicle J3.

As described above, when the inter-vehicle distance is shorter than the braking distance, the information display position is set to a position (in the rear window) offset upward from the position on the windshield 8 where the front vehicle J3 is overlapped with the vehicle body. By setting, it is possible to notify the driver that attention should be paid to the front vehicle J3 and that attention should be paid to the front of the front vehicle J3. Further, by setting the offset direction of the display position based on the vehicle-to-vehicle distance, it is possible to notify the driver of the direction to be noted according to the vehicle-to-vehicle distance.

If the result of the determination in step # 62 is NO, that is, the turn signal is in the OFF state because the driver has forgotten to put out the turn signal, and the road is actually curved. In step # 64, it is determined whether the road is curved to the right, which is Y
In the case of ES, the display is performed at a position equivalent to the upper right side of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle (step # 66). Further, step # 6
When the determination result in 4 is NO, that is, when the road curves to the left, the display is performed at a position equivalent to the upper left side of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle (step # 67).

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step # 61 is NO, that is, the turn signal is turned on and the vehicle is turning or changing lanes, the direction of the turn signal is set to the right in the step # 65. If it is the right direction, it is determined whether or not it is the right direction (step # 65: YES).
Is displayed at a position equivalent to the upper right side of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle (step # 66). Further, when the turn signal is directed to the left (step # 65: NO), the display is made at a position equivalent to the upper left side of the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle (step # 67).

In the specific examples shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, whether or not the own vehicle is going to turn or change lanes and its direction are determined by ON / OFF of the blinker and its direction. However, instead of this, the determination may be made, for example, by the steering angle. Further, all of the above determinations may be performed based on the recognized current position of the own vehicle and the road shape on the map by using a vehicle-mounted navigation device.

Next, the display size is set (FIG. 8: Step #
4) will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the display size setting routine starts, first, in step # 71, basic data required for controlling the display state is read (see FIG. 9: step # 11), and then in step # 72. , It is determined whether or not a manual setting input operation has been performed by the driver. If YES, step # 73
Then, it is determined whether or not the front inter-vehicle distance is equal to or longer than the braking distance of the own vehicle. Then, if the determination result is YES, the size is manually set by the driver (step # 74).

On the other hand, the judgment result of the step # 73 is N.
In the case of O or in the case where the determination result in step # 72 is NO, it is determined in step # 75 whether or not the front inter-vehicle distance is kept equal to or more than the braking distance of the host vehicle, and this determination result is YES. In this case, the display size is set corresponding to the apparent road width (step # 76). If the determination result in step # 75 is NO, the display size is set according to the vehicle width of the vehicle ahead (step # 77).

As described above, by setting the display size according to the size of a specific object (front vehicle or road) in front of the vehicle, the object is displayed at the position on the windshield 8 or in the vicinity thereof. When performing, it is possible to display in a size that is most visible to the driver. That is, it becomes possible to display the image at the most suitable position and the most suitable size in order to further enhance the visibility of the driver or call the driver's attention.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the information to be displayed is displayed as the display image projected on the windshield 8, so that the line of sight when the driver visually recognizes the display information is displayed. The amount of movement is small, and the driver can check the displayed information while looking at the front field of view, which improves safety when driving the vehicle. Moreover,
In such a display device 1, a display control device 10 that can set the display position of information according to the position of a specific object existing in front of the vehicle is provided, and the display position of the information is displayed by the display control device 10. Since the position on the windshield 8 is set to be offset in a predetermined direction from the position where it overlaps with the object, the display is hard to see while maintaining the effect of calling the driver attention to the object. Can be prevented. Further, it becomes possible to inform the driver of the direction to be noted by the offset direction, and it is possible to further improve the safety.

That is, when the object is a front vehicle, the display position is set to a position offset from the vehicle body of the front vehicle on the windshield 8 so that the driver is alerted to the front vehicle. While maintaining the effect of prompting, it is possible to prevent the display from becoming difficult to see due to the influence of the body color of the vehicle ahead or the light of the tail lamp, and also to inform the driver of the direction to be careful with this offset direction. can do. On the other hand, when the object is a road ahead, by setting the display position at a position offset in the direction in which the traveling direction of the vehicle changes, when the traveling direction of the own vehicle changes, this change is given to the driver. You can call attention to the direction to do.

In the above embodiment, the display area is set on the windshield 8 and the display information is displayed on the windshield 8.
Although the present invention relates to the display device 1 configured to be displayed as a display image projected above, the present invention is not limited to this, and a display having a display area above the instrument panel is provided. If it is a device, for example,
The present invention can be effectively applied to a device in which a dedicated monitor device is installed above the instrument panel. In this case, for example, a so-called CCD camera or the like is used to take an image of the scene in front of the vehicle and capture it on the monitor screen.
Information may be displayed on this image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a display device for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a positional relationship between the automobile and a vehicle in front.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing an outline of an overall configuration of the display device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information display by the display device.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a situation of the automobile and its surroundings.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information display on the windshield by the display device.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information display on the windshield by the display device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a main routine of operation of the display device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a display content setting routine of the display device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a detected object determination subroutine of the display device.

FIG. 11 is a part of a flowchart for explaining a display position setting routine of the display device.

FIG. 12 is a part of a flowchart for explaining a display position setting routine of the display device.

FIG. 13 is a part of a flowchart for explaining a display position setting routine of the display device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a display size setting routine of the display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Display device 7 ... Instrument panel 8 ... Windshield 10 ... Display control device 11 ... Control part 14 ... Display position setting part 21 ... Laser radar device J1, J2, J3, X, Y, Z ... Forward vehicle M ... Own car

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A display device for a vehicle having a display area above an instrument panel in a front part of a vehicle compartment, wherein the display device displays a display position of information to be displayed in the display area. Display control means that can be set according to the position of a specific object existing in the front is provided, and the display control means changes the display position of the information in a predetermined direction from a position overlapping the object in the display area. A display device for a vehicle, which is set at an offset position. 2. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the display area is set on a windshield of the vehicle, and the information is displayed as a display image projected on the windshield. A vehicle display device characterized by the above. 3. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the object is a front vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle, and the display control means displays a display position of the information. A display device for a vehicle, wherein the display area is set at a position offset in a predetermined direction from a position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle. 4. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle is provided with an inter-vehicle distance measuring means for measuring an inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle, and the display control is performed. The means controls the offset direction of the display position based on the measurement value of the inter-vehicle distance measuring means. 5. The vehicle display device according to claim 4, wherein the display control means displays the display position when the measured value of the inter-vehicle distance measuring means is equal to or less than a predetermined reference. A display device for a vehicle, which is set at a position offset upward from a position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in the region. 6. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit displays the display position when the measured value of the inter-vehicle distance measuring unit is larger than a predetermined reference. A display device for a vehicle, which is set at a position offset downward from a position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in the region. 7. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle is provided with a detection means for detecting a change in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the display control means comprises:
Based on the detection result of the detection means, the display position,
A display device for a vehicle, wherein the display area is set to a position offset from a position overlapping the vehicle body of the preceding vehicle in a direction in which a traveling direction of the vehicle changes. 8. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the object is a road extending in front of the vehicle, and the display control means displays the display position of the information as the display position. A display device for a vehicle, which is set at a position offset from a center of a road width of the road in a predetermined direction in a region. 9. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle is provided with a detecting means for detecting a change in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and the display control means comprises:
Based on the detection result of the detection means, the display position,
A display device for a vehicle, which is set at a position offset from a position where the center of the road in the width direction overlaps in the display area in a direction in which the traveling direction of the vehicle changes. 10. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 7 or 9, wherein the detecting means is a driving operation detecting means for detecting a driving operation for changing a traveling direction of the vehicle. Characteristic vehicle display device. 11. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 7 or 9, wherein the detecting means is a road shape detecting means for detecting a change in the road shape in front of the vehicle. Display device for the vehicle.