JPWO2017022051A1 - Display control device, display device, and display control method - Google Patents

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of increasing a driver's cognition for a display object. The display control device (1) includes a physical view distance that is a physically restricted view distance, a psychological view restriction distance that is a distance from a position where the driver feels a visual restriction, and a driver. Includes a viewing distance estimation unit (11) for estimating a viewing distance including at least one of psychologically acceptable focal lengths, which is a psychologically acceptable focal length, and a control unit (13). The control unit (13) controls the virtual image distance of the display object based on the estimated viewing distance.

Description

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

  Various techniques have been proposed for a head-up display (HUD) that displays an image on a windshield of a vehicle. For example, for a driver, a HUD that displays a virtual image that looks as if it actually exists in a real landscape in front of the vehicle has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a HUD that changes a distance (virtual image distance) between an apparent position of a virtual image and a driver according to the vehicle speed.

JP-A-6-115381

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is assumed that the vehicle speed corresponds to the focal length of the driver, but it is considered that the focal length of the driver changes depending on, for example, the front view, the scenery, and the surrounding environment. And the virtual image distance is not changed. For this reason, even if the virtual image distance of the display object, which is a virtual image, is changed according to the vehicle speed, there is a problem that the virtual image distance of the display object does not sufficiently match the focal distance of the driving driver. It was. Therefore, even if the driver tries to see the display object, it takes time to focus the eyes on the display object, and as a result, the driver cannot easily recognize the display object. .

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the driver's cognition for a display object.

  A display control apparatus according to the present invention is a display control apparatus that controls a virtual image display unit, and the virtual image display unit displays a display object that is a virtual image that is visible from a driver's seat of a vehicle through a vehicle windshield. Can be displayed at a virtual image position defined by a virtual image direction that is the direction of the virtual image with reference to the specific position of the virtual image and a virtual image distance that is a distance to the virtual image. The display control device acquires vehicle-related information including at least one of vehicle travel environment information of the vehicle and vehicle device setting information that is setting information of a vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and based on the acquired vehicle-related information Physical view distance, which is physically restricted view distance, psychological view restriction distance, which is the distance from the position where the driver feels visual restriction, and psychologically acceptable to the driver A viewing distance estimation unit that estimates a viewing distance including at least one of a psychologically acceptable focal length that is a large focal length and a control unit that controls display of a virtual image display unit. The control unit controls the virtual image distance of the display object based on the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit.

  According to the present invention, the virtual image distance of the display object is controlled based on the viewing distance. Therefore, the driver's cognition for the display object can be increased.

  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. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the display device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining display on a display device according to Embodiment 3. 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 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 4. It is a figure for demonstrating the display of the display apparatus which concerns on the modification 4. 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.

<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 apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 controls a virtual image display unit 21 having, for example, a HUD display function.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the display object 82 displayed by the virtual image display unit 21. The virtual image display unit 21 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) as 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, ri = (xi²+ Yi²+ Zi²)^1/2, Tan (θi) = xi / yi, tan (φi) = zi / (xi²+ Yi ²)^1/2The following relational expression holds. 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 is connected to the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20. The vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20 acquires vehicle-related information including at least one of vehicle traveling environment information of the own vehicle and vehicle device setting information that is setting information of the vehicle device mounted on the own vehicle.

  The display control device 1 in FIG. 1 includes a viewing distance estimation unit 11, a display object storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. For example, a memory described later is applied to the display object storage unit 12. The viewing distance estimation unit 11 and the control unit 13 are realized, for example, 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 viewing distance estimation unit 11 acquires vehicle related information from the vehicle related information acquisition unit 20. Then, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the viewing distance based on the acquired vehicle related information. Here, the visual distance is a physical visual distance that is a physically constrained visual distance, a psychological visual restriction distance that is a distance between a position where the driver psychologically feels visual restrictions, and the driver, And / or a psychologically acceptable focal length that is a psychologically acceptable focal length for the driver. The visual field distance may be the visibility (the maximum distance at which the outline of the object can be clearly identified when viewed in the horizontal direction), or the distance at which the driver with visual acuity of 1.0 can confirm the contents of the signboard display. Good. Details of the viewing distance estimation unit 11 will be described in the second and subsequent embodiments.

  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 21.

  As control of the display of the virtual image display unit 21, the control unit 13 performs control for causing the virtual image display unit 21 to display a display object or the like stored in the display object storage unit 12. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the control unit 13 may display that the virtual image display unit 21 displays a display object, and the control unit 13 may display the display object.

  As the display control of the virtual image display unit 21, the control unit 13 controls the virtual image distance of the display object based on the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit 11. In addition to the virtual image distance of the display object, the control unit 13 may control the virtual image direction based on the visual distance estimated by the visual distance estimation unit 11.

  Here, the control of the virtual image distance is realized by controlling the optical path length from the display constituting the virtual image display unit 21 to the display object. The control of the optical path length can be realized, for example, by controlling the position of the display in the optical axis direction or controlling a mirror in the middle of the optical path.

  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 21. The displayable area is an area on the windshield 81 where the display of the virtual image display unit 21 can display a display object.

<Summary of Embodiment 1>
The display control apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment as described above is based on a visual distance including at least one of a physical visual distance, a psychological visual restriction distance, and a psychological allowable focal distance. Control the virtual image distance. As a result, the virtual image distance of the display object can be adjusted to the viewing distance of the driver, so that the driver can easily focus the eyes on the display object. As a result, the driver's visibility with respect to the display object, and thus the recognition can be enhanced.

<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 in FIG. 3 includes the display control device 1 and the virtual image display unit 21 and is connected to the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20. The display control apparatus 1 in FIG. 3 includes an information acquisition unit 14 in addition to the same components (the viewing distance estimation unit 11, the display object storage unit 12, and the control unit 13 in FIG. 1) as in the first embodiment. .

  In the second embodiment, the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20 stores a storage device that stores map information including information related to three-dimensional landforms, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) that detects the current position (for example, latitude and longitude) of the host vehicle. ) A position detecting device such as a receiving device is applied.

  The viewing distance estimation unit 11 acquires the map information and the current position of the host vehicle from the vehicle related information acquisition unit 20 as vehicle related information. Then, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates a physical viewing distance or a psychological viewing restriction distance based on the acquired map information and the current position.

  Hereinafter, an example of estimating the physical view distance or the psychological view restriction distance will be described. For example, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 acquires information regarding the three-dimensional landform corresponding to the current position of the host vehicle from the acquired map information. When the traveling direction of the host vehicle can also be acquired, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 may acquire information on the three-dimensional landform in front of the host vehicle in consideration of the traveling direction.

  Here, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 includes information related to 3D terrain (for example, the height of 3D terrain and types of 3D terrain such as mountain roads, buildings, tunnels, cities, and no terrain) and distance. Corresponding tables are prepared in advance. The visual distance estimation unit 11 applies the distance corresponding to the acquired information on the three-dimensional terrain among the distances in the table to the physical visual distance or the psychological visual restriction distance, thereby making the physical visual distance or psychological information. Estimated target view distance.

  For example, when the type of 3D terrain (information about 3D terrain) is a tunnel, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 applies the distance acquired from the table to the physical viewing distance. The viewing distance estimation unit 11 applies the distance acquired from the table to the psychological visual field restriction distance when the type of 3D landform (information about the 3D landform) is a mountain road, a building, or a city.

  For example, the distance in the table is shortened when the height of the topography is high, shortened when the type of topography is a mountain road, a building, a tunnel, and a city, and the type of topography is without topography. Is previously set to be long.

  The information acquisition unit 14 acquires a display object indicating guidance information from the navigation device of the host vehicle, or acquires the traveling speed of the host vehicle from an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the host vehicle. In addition, although the information acquisition part 14 demonstrated as a separate body from a navigation apparatus, ECU, etc. here, it is not restricted to this, The information acquisition part 14 may also contain a navigation apparatus, ECU, etc.

  The control unit 13 is at least one of a display object stored in the display object storage unit 12, a display object indicating guidance information acquired by the information acquisition unit 14, and a display object indicating travel speed acquired by the information acquisition unit 14. Display one of them. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the virtual image distance of the display object based on the viewing distance (physical viewing distance or psychological viewing constraint distance) estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit 11. Hereinafter, the control unit 13 controls the virtual image distance so that the virtual image distance of the display object is shortened as the visual distance (physical visual field distance or psychological visual field constraint distance) estimated by the visual distance estimation unit 11 is shorter. Will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 2 according to the second embodiment.

  First, in step S1, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates a viewing distance (physical viewing distance or psychological viewing constraint distance).

  In step S2, the control unit 13 determines whether the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the threshold value is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S3.

  When the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3, the control unit 13 increases the virtual image distance of the display object (for example, 100 m). Then, it returns to step S1.

  When the process proceeds from step S2 to step S4, the control unit 13 shortens the virtual image distance of the display object (for example, 40 m). That is, the control part 13 makes the virtual image distance of step S4 shorter than the virtual image distance of step S3. Then, it returns to step S1.

  5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining display on the display device 2 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 5A and 6A show a display object 82a indicating the traveling speed of the host vehicle and a handle 86a of the host vehicle. Hereinafter, the configuration of the right handle (left-hand traffic) will be described as an example, but the configuration of the left handle (right-hand traffic) is the same.

  In FIG. 5A, there is no topography in front of the host vehicle. In addition, as a case where there is no topography in front of the host vehicle, a case where the host vehicle is traveling on a road (for example, an expressway) provided at a position higher than the surroundings is assumed. When there is no terrain ahead of the host vehicle, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates a relatively long viewing distance, and thus the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control unit 13 increases the virtual image distance of the display object 82a (here, 100 m).

  In FIG. 6A, the topography in front of the host vehicle is a city where a high building 87 exists. In such a case, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates a relatively short viewing distance, and thus the process proceeds from step S2 to step S4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 13 shortens the virtual image distance of the display object 82a (here, 40 m). In the above description, the values of the virtual image distance are 40 m and 100 m, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the control unit 13 may control the virtual image distance in three or more steps instead of controlling the virtual image distance in two steps, or may control the virtual image distance continuously to substantially match the viewing distance and the virtual image distance. You may make it make it.

<Summary of Embodiment 2>
The display device 2 according to the second embodiment as described above controls the virtual image distance so that the virtual image distance of the display object is shortened as the driver's viewing distance is shorter. As a result, the virtual image distance of the display object can be matched with the driver's viewing distance, so that the driver's recognition of the display object can be enhanced.

  In addition, the display device 2 according to the second embodiment estimates a physical view distance or a psychological view restriction distance based on map information including information on the three-dimensional landform and the current position of the host vehicle. Thereby, since an appropriate viewing distance can be used, an improvement in cognition can be expected.

<Modification 1>
In the second embodiment, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the physical viewing distance or the psychological viewing restriction distance based on the map information including information on the three-dimensional landform and the current position of the host vehicle. It is not limited to.

  For example, in the vehicle related information acquisition unit 20, a millimeter wave radar of the host vehicle that detects a distance between an entity around the host vehicle (front) (for example, a feature in front of the host vehicle or another vehicle) and the host vehicle, Alternatively, an image processing apparatus that processes an image of a camera may be applied. And the visual distance estimation part 11 may acquire the said distance as vehicle relevant information from the vehicle relevant information acquisition part 20, and may estimate a psychological visual field restrictions distance based on the acquired distance. In this estimation, for example, the distance acquired from the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20 may be applied as it is to the psychological view restriction distance, or the distance obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the acquired distance is psychological. It may be applied to the target view restriction distance. Even with such a configuration, an appropriate viewing distance can be used.

  Further, for example, the vehicle related information acquisition unit 20 receives view information about the view around the host vehicle (for example, weather information indicating the occurrence of rain or fog, or peripheral information indicating the occurrence of smoke, etc.) from a center server or the like. A wireless reception device or the like may be applied. And the visual distance estimation part 11 may acquire the said visual field information as vehicle relevant information from the vehicle relevant information acquisition part 20, and may estimate a physical visual field distance based on the acquired visual field information. At this time, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 refers to the same table as in the second embodiment, and applies the distance corresponding to the acquired viewing information among the distances in the table to the physical viewing distance. The physical viewing distance may be estimated. It should be noted that the distance in the table is set in advance to be shorter when the weather information indicates the occurrence of rain or fog, or when the surrounding information indicates the occurrence of smoke, and is longer in other cases. The Even with such a configuration, an appropriate viewing distance can be used.

  Further, in the same manner as described above, when the fog lamp of the host vehicle is set to ON, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 applies the distance corresponding to the occurrence of fog on the table to the physical viewing distance. The target viewing distance may be estimated.

  Further, for example, an illuminance detection device for the host vehicle that detects the illuminance in front of the host vehicle may be applied to the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20. And the visual distance estimation part 11 may acquire the illumination intensity ahead of the own vehicle from the vehicle relevant information acquisition part 20 as vehicle relevant information, and may estimate a physical visual field distance based on the acquired illumination intensity. At this time, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 refers to the same table as in the second embodiment, and applies the distance corresponding to the acquired illuminance among the distances in the table to the physical viewing distance. The physical viewing distance may be estimated. Note that the distance in the table is set in advance to be shorter when the illuminance is low (for example, at night) and longer when the illuminance is high (for example, during daytime). Even with such a configuration, an appropriate viewing distance can be used.

  Similarly, the visual distance estimation unit 11 applies the distance corresponding to the low illuminance in the table to the psychological visual field restriction distance when the small light of the host vehicle is set to ON. A psychological view restriction distance may be estimated.

<Modification 2>
The viewing distance estimation unit 11 may acquire a field of view range instead of the viewing distance. When the viewing range includes a range with a long viewing distance (a range that is easy to view) and a range with a short viewing distance (a range that is difficult to view), the viewing distance estimation unit 11 performs viewing of the range that is difficult to view. The distance may be used for controlling the virtual image distance. Alternatively, depending on the design, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 may use a viewing distance in a range that is easy to visually recognize for the control of the virtual image distance, or a viewing distance in a range that is difficult to visually recognize and a viewing distance in a range that is easily visible. The distance between them (for example, the average distance) may be used for controlling the virtual image distance.

<Embodiment 3>
The block diagram of the display device according to the third 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 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.

  In this Embodiment 3, ECU etc. which manage the apparatus setting information of the apparatus relevant to a visual field among vehicle apparatuses are applied to the vehicle relevant-information acquisition part 20. FIG.

  The viewing distance estimation unit 11 acquires device setting information from the vehicle related information acquisition unit 20 as vehicle related information. Then, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates a physical view distance, a psychological view restriction distance, or a psychological allowable focal distance based on the acquired device setting information. In the third embodiment, as an example, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 is configured to control the headlamp (illumination equipment) of the host vehicle that illuminates the front of the host vehicle to either high beam lighting or low beam lighting. Information is acquired as device setting information. Then, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the physical viewing distance based on the acquired setting information.

  Hereinafter, an example of the estimation of the physical viewing distance will be described. For example, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 is prepared in advance with a table in which high beam lighting setting information and low beam lighting setting information are associated with two types of distances. The viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the physical viewing distance by applying the distance corresponding to the acquired setting information among the distances in the table to the physical viewing distance.

  Note that the distance in the table is set in advance so as to be longer in the case of setting information for high beam lighting and shorter in the case of setting information for low beam lighting, for example. In this case, the physical viewing distance corresponding to the setting information for setting the headlamp to the high beam is longer than the physical viewing distance corresponding to the setting information for setting the headlamp to the low beam.

  Since the function of the information acquisition unit 14 is the same as the function of the information acquisition unit 14 of the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here.

  The control unit 13 is at least one of a display object stored in the display object storage unit 12, a display object indicating guidance information acquired by the information acquisition unit 14, and a display object indicating travel speed acquired by the information acquisition unit 14. Display one of them. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the virtual image distance of the display object based on the viewing distance (physical viewing distance) estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit 11. Hereinafter, the description will be made assuming that the control unit 13 controls the virtual image distance so that the virtual image distance of the display object is shortened as the visual distance (physical visual field distance) estimated by the visual distance estimation unit 11 is shorter.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the display device 2 according to the third embodiment. 7 is started when the headlamp is set to ON.

  First, in step S11, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 acquires setting information for controlling the headlamp of the host vehicle.

  In step S12, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 or the control unit 13 determines whether the acquired setting information indicates a high beam or a low beam. When it is determined that the high beam is indicated, the process proceeds to step S13, and when it is determined that the low beam is indicated, the process proceeds to step S14.

  When the process proceeds from step S12 to step S13, since the viewing distance (physical viewing distance) corresponding to the setting information of the high beam is long, the control unit 13 increases the virtual image distance of the display object (for example, 100 m). Then, it returns to step S11.

  When the process proceeds from step S12 to step S14, since the viewing distance (physical viewing distance) corresponding to the low beam setting information is short, the control unit 13 shortens the virtual image distance of the display object (for example, 40 m). That is, the control part 13 makes the virtual image distance of step S14 shorter than the virtual image distance of step S13. Then, it returns to step S11.

  8 and 9 are diagrams for explaining display on the display device 2 according to the third embodiment. 8A and 9A show a display object 82b indicating the traveling speed of the host vehicle and a handle 86a of the host vehicle.

  In FIG. 8A, control is performed so that the headlamp of the host vehicle is turned on with a high beam. In such a case, since the operation proceeds from step S12 to step S13, as shown in FIG. 8B, the control unit 13 increases the virtual image distance of the display object 82b (here, 100 m). In FIG. 9A, control is performed so that the headlamp of the host vehicle is lit with a low beam. In such a case, since the operation proceeds from step S12 to step S14, as shown in FIG. 9B, the control unit 13 shortens the virtual image distance of the display object 82b (here, 40 m). In the above description, the values of the virtual image distance are 40 m and 100 m, but are not limited thereto.

<Summary of Embodiment 3>
In the display device 2 according to the third embodiment as described above, the virtual image distance of the display object becomes long in the case of high beam lighting, and the virtual image distance of the display object becomes short in the case of low beam lighting. This is compatible with the tendency that the driver's viewing distance is usually longer in the case of high beam lighting, and the driver's viewing distance is usually shorter in the case of low beam lighting. Therefore, since the virtual image distance of the display object can be matched with the driver's viewing distance, the driver's cognition for the display object can be enhanced.

  In addition, the display device 2 according to the third embodiment acquires device setting information and estimates a physical view distance based on the acquired device setting information. Thereby, since an appropriate viewing distance can be used, an improvement in cognition can be expected.

  The control unit 13 displays the display object 82b on the upper end of the windshield 81 when the headlamp is lit with a high beam (FIG. 8A), and the headlamp is lit with a low beam. Alternatively, the display object 82b may be displayed at the lower end of the windshield 81 (FIG. 9A). That is, the control unit 13 may control the virtual image direction of the display object based on the device setting information (vehicle related information). According to such a configuration, the virtual image direction of the display object can be matched with the driver's line-of-sight direction, so that the driver's recognition of the display object can be enhanced.

<Modification 3>
In the third embodiment, it has been described that the lighting device is a headlamp of the host vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lighting device may be a small light or a fog lamp of the host vehicle. By performing the same as described above, the physical viewing distance can be estimated based on the setting information for controlling the fog lamp, and the physical viewing distance can be calculated based on the setting information for controlling the small light (twilight). It is possible to estimate, and the psychological visual field restriction distance can be estimated based on setting information for controlling the small light (during stop).

  In the third embodiment, the device setting information is a setting for controlling the lighting device. However, the device setting information is not limited to this, and may be a setting for controlling the wiper, for example. In the same manner as described above, the physical visual field distance can be estimated based on setting information for controlling the wiper.

  Further, for example, the device setting information may be settings for automatic driving of the host vehicle divided into a plurality of levels. Specifically, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 acquires, from the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20 to which the ECU of the host vehicle or the like is applied, setting information on automatic driving of the host vehicle divided into a plurality of levels as device setting information. May be. Hereinafter, automatic driving is classified into four levels of automatic driving levels 1 to 4, and the automatic driving level will be described as being changeable by a driver's operation or the like.

  First, an outline of the automatic driving levels 1 to 4 will be described.

  The automatic driving level 1 corresponds to a state in which the host vehicle automatically performs any one of acceleration, steering, and braking of the host vehicle. The automatic driving at the automatic driving level 1 includes, for example, automatic braking or LKAS (Lane Keeping Assist System) that automatically performs steering, and such automatic driving is realized by a safe driving assistance system.

  The automatic driving level 2 corresponds to a state in which the host vehicle automatically performs a plurality of operations that are not all of acceleration, steering, and braking of the host vehicle at the same time. The automatic driving at the automatic driving level 2 includes, for example, ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) that automatically performs both acceleration and braking, and such automatic driving is realized by a semi-automatic driving system.

  The automatic driving level 3 corresponds to a state in which the host vehicle automatically performs all of acceleration, steering, and braking of the host vehicle, and the driver responds only in an emergency. The automatic driving at the automatic driving level 3 includes, for example, a combination of the above-described LKAS and ACC, and such automatic driving is realized by a semi-automatic driving system.

  The automatic driving level 4 corresponds to a state in which the host vehicle automatically performs all of acceleration, steering and braking of the host vehicle and the driver is not involved at all. Such automatic driving at automatic driving level 4 is realized by a fully automatic driving system.

  The viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the psychologically acceptable focal length based on the acquired automatic driving setting information. For example, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 is prepared in advance with a table in which automatic driving levels 1 to 4 and four types of distances are associated with each other. The viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the psychological allowable focal distance by applying the distance corresponding to the acquired setting information (automatic driving level) among the distances in the table to the psychological allowable focal distance.

  The distance in the table is set in advance so as to decrease in the order of automatic driving levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, for example. In this case, the higher the automatic driving level of the host vehicle, the shorter the psychological allowable focal length.

  Similarly to the third embodiment, the control unit 13 controls the virtual image distance so that the virtual image distance of the display object is shortened as the visual distance (psychologically acceptable focal length) estimated by the visual distance estimation unit 11 is shorter. .

  10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are diagrams for explaining the display of the display device 2 according to the third modification. 10A and 10B show display examples of the display device 2 in the case of the automatic driving level 1, and FIGS. 11A and 11B show the case of the automatic driving level 2. FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show display examples of the display device 2 in the case of the automatic driving level 3. FIG.

  In each of FIGS. 10A, 11A, and 12A, a display object indicating guidance information of the navigation device is shown. However, in FIG. 10A, an arrow display object 82c indicating the traveling direction in which the host vehicle should travel is shown, and relatively simple guidance information is shown. In FIG. 11A, in addition to the display object 82c, a display object 82d indicating the distance to the point where the own vehicle should change the traveling direction is shown. In FIG. 12 (a), a display object 82e showing a traveling direction in which the host vehicle should travel is shown as a map, and relatively complicated guidance information is shown. Thus, the control part 13 may make the information shown with a display object complicated, so that an automatic driving | operation level becomes high.

  In the example of FIGS. 10A and 10B, since the setting information is the automatic driving level 1, as shown in FIG. 10B, the control unit 13 determines the virtual image distance of the display object 82c. (For example, 100 m). In the example of FIGS. 11A and 11B, since the setting information is the automatic driving level 2, as shown in FIG. 11B, the control unit 13 determines the virtual image distance of the display objects 82c and 82d. Is shortened (for example, 40 m).

  In the example of FIGS. 12A and 12B, since the setting information is the automatic driving level 3, as shown in FIG. 12B, the control unit 13 further increases the virtual image distance of the display object 82e. Shorten (for example, 20 m). Although not shown, when the setting information is the automatic driving level 4, the control unit 13 further shortens the virtual image distance of the display object 82e (for example, 10 m). In the above description, the values of the virtual image distance are 10 m, 20 m, 40 m, and 100 m, but are not limited thereto.

  In the display device 2 according to the modified example 3 as described above, the psychological allowable focal length is shortened as the level of automatic driving of the host vehicle becomes higher. This is consistent with the tendency for the driver to look inside the vehicle compartment as the driver is released from driving by automatic driving. Therefore, the driver's cognition for the display object can be increased.

  Note that in the third modification as well, as in the third embodiment, the control unit 13 may move the display object from the upper end to the lower end of the windshield 81 as the automatic driving level increases. That is, the control unit 13 may control the virtual image direction of the display object based on the automatic driving level.

<Modification 4>
The device setting information described in the third embodiment may be setting information indicating whether or not to automatically drive the host vehicle. Specifically, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 may acquire, as device setting information, setting information as to whether or not to perform automatic driving from the vehicle related information acquisition unit 20 to which the ECU of the host vehicle is applied. .

  In this configuration, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the psychologically acceptable focal length based on the acquired automatic driving setting information. For example, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 is prepared in advance with a table in which setting information for performing automatic driving, setting information for not performing automatic driving, and two types of distances are associated with each other. The visual distance estimation unit 11 applies the psychological allowable focal distance by applying the distance corresponding to the acquired setting information (whether or not automatic driving is performed) among the distances in the table to the psychological allowable focal distance. presume.

  Note that the distance in the table is set in advance so as to be longer in the case of setting information for which automatic driving is not performed and shorter in the case of setting information for which automatic driving is performed, for example. In this case, the psychological allowable focal length corresponding to the setting information for performing the automatic driving is shorter than the psychological allowable focal length corresponding to the setting information for not performing the automatic driving.

  Similarly to the third embodiment, the control unit 13 controls the virtual image distance so that the virtual image distance of the display object is shortened as the visual distance (psychologically acceptable focal length) acquired by the visual distance estimation unit 11 is shorter. .

  13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining the display of the display device 2 according to the fourth modification. 13A and 13B show a display example of the display device 2 when automatic operation is not performed. FIG. 13A shows the display object 82e shown in FIG. A display object 82f similar to that shown in FIG. FIGS. 14A and 14B show a display example of the display device 2 when the automatic operation is performed, and FIG. 14A shows a display object 82f.

  In the example of FIGS. 13A and 13B, since the automatic operation is not performed, the control unit 13 increases the virtual image distance of the display object 82f as shown in FIG. 13B ( For example, 100m). In the example of FIGS. 14A and 14B, since the automatic operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 14B, the control unit 13 shortens the virtual image distance of the display object 82f ( 40m). In the above description, the values of the virtual image distance are 40 m and 100 m, but are not limited thereto.

  In the display device 2 according to the modified example 4 as described above, the virtual image distance of the display object when the automatic driving is performed is shorter than the virtual image distance of the display object when the automatic driving is not performed. This is compatible with the tendency of the driver to look inside the vehicle compartment when released from driving by automatic driving. Therefore, the driver's cognition for the display object can be increased.

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 14A, the control unit 13 uses the windshield 81 for the display object 82f when the automatic operation is performed rather than the display object 82f when the automatic operation is not performed. You may move to the lower side. That is, the control unit 13 may control the virtual image direction of the display object based on setting information indicating whether or not to perform automatic driving.

<Modification 5>
In the third embodiment, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the physical viewing distance based on the device setting information, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, in the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20, a storage device that stores map information in which the position of the traffic light is defined, a position detection device that detects the current position of the host vehicle, an ECU that manages the traveling speed of the host vehicle, For example, a millimeter wave radar of the own vehicle that detects a distance between a traffic light around the own vehicle and the own vehicle is applied. In this configuration, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 acquires the current position of the host vehicle, map information, and the traveling speed of the host vehicle from the vehicle related information acquisition unit 20 as vehicle related information.

  Based on the acquired current position and map information, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 determines whether the distance between the current position and the position of the traffic light defined in the map information is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. And whether or not the host vehicle is stopped is determined based on the acquired traveling speed. The viewing distance estimation unit 11 determines that the host vehicle is waiting for a signal from the traffic signal when the distance between the current position and the traffic signal position is equal to or less than the threshold value and the host vehicle is stopped. When the viewing distance estimation unit 11 determines that the host vehicle is waiting for a signal from the traffic light, the distance between the traffic signal around the host vehicle and the host vehicle is determined as vehicle related information from the vehicle related information acquisition unit 20. The acquired psychological visual field constraint distance may be estimated based on the acquired distance. In this estimation, for example, the distance acquired from the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20 may be applied as it is to the psychological view restriction distance, or the distance obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the acquired distance is psychological. It may be applied to the target view restriction distance.

  As described above, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 may estimate the psychological view restriction distance based on the distance between the host vehicle and the traffic signal when the host vehicle is waiting for a signal from the traffic signal. Even with such a configuration, an appropriate viewing distance can be used.

<Modification 6>
In the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the like, the control unit 13 controls the virtual image distance so that the shorter the visual distance estimated by the visual distance estimation unit 11, the shorter the virtual image distance of the display object. It is not limited to.

  For example, when the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit 11 is shorter than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 13 sets the virtual image distance of the display object to the standard virtual image distance (predetermined first virtual image distance). ) May be shorter. Alternatively, the control unit 13 may make the virtual image distance of the display object longer than the standard virtual image distance when the visual distance estimated by the visual distance estimation unit 11 is longer than a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, when the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit 11 is shorter than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 13 sets the virtual image distance of the display object to be shorter than the standard virtual image distance and corresponds to the viewing distance. You may make it a near virtual image distance (2nd virtual image distance). Alternatively, when the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit 11 is longer than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 13 sets the virtual image distance of the display object to be longer than the standard virtual image distance and corresponds to the viewing distance. The far virtual image distance (third virtual image distance) may be used.

  Further, at least one of the standard virtual image distance, the near virtual image distance, and the far virtual image distance is set for each type of display object (for example, a display object indicating an arrow, a display object indicating a traveling speed, and a display object indicating guidance information). May be. According to such a configuration, the virtual image distance of the display object can be adapted to the type of the display object.

<Other variations>
In the second embodiment and the like, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 estimates the viewing distance using a table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the viewing distance estimation unit 11 may estimate the viewing distance using a predetermined calculation formula.

  Further, the viewing distance estimation unit 11 and the control unit 13 (hereinafter referred to as “viewing distance estimation unit 11 etc.”) in the display control apparatus 1 described above are realized by a processing circuit 91 illustrated in FIG. 15. That is, the processing circuit 91 acquires vehicle-related information including at least one of the vehicle travel environment information of the host vehicle and the vehicle device setting information that is the setting information of the vehicle device mounted on the host vehicle. Based on the related information, the physical view distance, which is a physically restricted view distance, the psychological view restriction distance, which is the distance from the position where the driver feels the visual restriction, and the driver A viewing distance estimation unit 11 that estimates a viewing distance including at least one of a psychologically acceptable focal length that is a physically acceptable focal length, and a display object based on the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit 11 And a control unit 13 that controls the virtual image distance as display control of the virtual image display unit 21. 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 viewing distance estimation 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 viewing distance estimation 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. 16, the processor 92 applied to the processing circuit 91 reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 93, thereby realizing the functions of the respective units. That is, when the display control device 1 is executed by the processing circuit 91, at least one of the vehicle travel environment information of the host vehicle and the vehicle device setting information that is the setting information of the vehicle device mounted on the host vehicle is displayed. Including vehicle-related information, and based on the acquired vehicle-related information, a physical view distance that is a physically restricted view distance, a psychology that is a distance from a position where the driver feels a visual restriction. A visual distance including at least one of a visual field constraint distance and a psychologically acceptable focal distance that is psychologically acceptable to the driver, and display based on the estimated visual distance A step of controlling the virtual image distance of the object, and a memory 93 for storing a program to be executed as a result. In other words, it can be said that this program causes the computer to execute procedures and methods such as the viewing distance estimation unit 11. Here, the memory 93 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read
Non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), magnetic disk, flexible disk, such as Only Memory (Flash), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) Optical discs, compact discs, mini discs, DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) and their drive devices are applicable.

  The configuration in which each function of the viewing distance estimation 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 viewing distance estimation unit 11 and 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. . For example, the display control apparatus may include the vehicle-related information acquisition unit 20 described above.

  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 Viewing distance estimation part, 13 Control part, 21 Virtual image display part, 81 Windshield, 82 Display object, 91 Processing circuit, 92 Processor, 93 Memory

A display control apparatus according to the present invention is a display control apparatus that controls a virtual image display unit, and the virtual image display unit displays a display object that is a virtual image that is visible from a driver's seat of a vehicle through a vehicle windshield. Can be displayed at a virtual image position defined by a virtual image direction that is the direction of the virtual image with reference to the specific position of the virtual image and a virtual image distance that is a distance to the virtual image. The display control device acquires vehicle-related information including at least one of vehicle travel environment information of the vehicle and vehicle device setting information that is setting information of a vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and based on the acquired vehicle-related information Te, physically constrained first distance is a visibility distance, or a driver's visual distance estimation unit that estimates a viewing distance comprises a second distance is a distance between the position to feel the constraints of psychologically visually And a control unit that controls display of the virtual image display unit. The control unit controls the virtual image distance of the display object based on the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit.

Claims (16)

A display control device for controlling a virtual image display unit,
The virtual image display unit
A virtual object that is a virtual image direction that is a direction of the virtual image with respect to a specific position of the vehicle, and a virtual image that is a distance to the virtual image, is a virtual object that is visible from the driver's seat of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle It can be displayed at the virtual image position defined by the distance,
Vehicle-related information including at least one of vehicle driving environment information of the vehicle and vehicle device setting information that is setting information of a vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and based on the acquired vehicle-related information, Physical view distance, which is a physically constrained view distance, psychological view restriction distance, which is a distance from a position where the driver feels a visual restriction psychologically, and a focus which is psychologically acceptable to the driver A viewing distance estimation unit that estimates a viewing distance including at least one of a psychologically acceptable focal length that is a distance;
A control unit for controlling the display of the virtual image display unit,
The controller is
A display control device that controls the virtual image distance of the display object based on the viewing distance estimated by the viewing distance estimation unit. The display control device according to claim 1,
The controller is
The display control apparatus which shortens the said virtual image distance of the said display object, so that the said visual distance is short. The display control device according to claim 1,
The controller is
A display control device that makes the virtual image distance of the display object shorter than a predetermined first virtual image distance when the viewing distance is shorter than a predetermined threshold. The display control device according to claim 3,
The display control device, wherein the first virtual image distance is set for each type of the display object. The display control device according to claim 1,
The viewing distance estimation unit
Map information including information on three-dimensional terrain and the current position of the vehicle are acquired as the vehicle-related information, and the physical view distance or the psychology is based on the acquired map information and the current position of the vehicle. Display control device that estimates the target visual field restriction distance. The display control device according to claim 1,
The viewing distance estimation unit
A display control device that acquires a distance between an entity around the vehicle and the vehicle as the vehicle-related information, and estimates the psychological view restriction distance based on the acquired distance. The display control device according to claim 1,
The viewing distance estimation unit
The display control apparatus which acquires the visual field information regarding the visual field around the said vehicle as said vehicle relevant information, and estimates the said physical visual field distance based on the acquired said visual field information. The display control device according to claim 1,
The viewing distance estimation unit
The display control apparatus which acquires the illumination intensity ahead of the said vehicle as said vehicle relevant information, and estimates the said physical visual field distance based on the acquired said illumination intensity. The display control device according to claim 1,
The viewing distance estimation unit
Display control for acquiring a distance between the vehicle and the traffic signal when the vehicle is waiting for a traffic signal as the vehicle-related information and estimating the psychological visual field restriction distance based on the acquired distance apparatus. The display control device according to claim 1,
The viewing distance estimation unit
Of the vehicle devices, device setting information of devices involved in the field of view is acquired as the vehicle-related information, and the physical field of view distance, the psychological field of view restriction distance, or the psychology based on the acquired device setting information Display control device for estimating the allowable focal length. The display control device according to claim 10,
The viewing distance estimation unit
The display control apparatus which acquires the setting information for controlling the lighting equipment of the said vehicle which illuminates the said vehicle front as said equipment setting information. The display control device according to claim 11,
The lighting device includes a headlamp,
The display control device, wherein the physical viewing distance corresponding to the setting information for setting the headlamp to a high beam is longer than the physical viewing distance corresponding to the setting information for setting the headlamp to a low beam. The display control device according to claim 10,
The viewing distance estimation unit
Setting information as to whether or not to perform automatic driving of the vehicle is acquired as the device setting information,
The display control device, wherein the psychological allowable focal length corresponding to the setting information for performing the automatic driving is shorter than the psychological allowable focal length corresponding to the setting information for not performing the automatic driving. The display control device according to claim 10,
The viewing distance estimation unit
Setting information of automatic driving of the vehicle divided into a plurality of levels is acquired as the device setting information;
The display control apparatus, wherein the psychological allowable focal length is shortened as the level of automatic driving of the vehicle increases. A display control device according to claim 1;
A display device comprising the virtual image display unit. A display control method for controlling a virtual image display unit,
The virtual image display unit
A virtual object that is a virtual image direction that is a direction of the virtual image with respect to a specific position of the vehicle, and a virtual image that is a distance to the virtual image, is a virtual object that is visible from the driver's seat of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle It can be displayed at the virtual image position defined by the distance,
The display control method includes:
Vehicle-related information including at least one of vehicle driving environment information of the vehicle and vehicle device setting information that is setting information of a vehicle device mounted on the vehicle, and based on the acquired vehicle-related information, Physical view distance, which is a physically constrained view distance, psychological view restriction distance, which is a distance from a position where the driver feels a visual restriction psychologically, and a focus which is psychologically acceptable to the driver Estimating a viewing distance including at least one of a psychologically acceptable focal distance that is a distance,
A display control method for controlling the virtual image distance of the display object based on the estimated viewing distance.

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