JP2025011320A - Display control device, operation control method, and program for display control device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a display control device, etc. which allow a driver to visually grasp a difference with an appropriate reference value.SOLUTION: A display control device acquires a position of a mobile object (S1), generates a first display image showing a proper inter-vehicle distance at a proper speed corresponding to the position of the mobile object in a figure (S5), acquires a travel speed of the mobile object (S2), generates a second display image showing a proper inter-vehicle distance at the travel speed of the mobile object in a figure (S7), and controls the display of the first display image and the second display image in display means so that the first display image and the second display image can be compared with each other in order to display them superposed on a scenery in front of the mobile object (S8).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

This application relates to the technical fields of display control devices, operation control methods, and programs for display control devices.

A device has been developed that notifies the driver of an excessive speed while driving a vehicle, which is an example of a moving object. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a speed monitoring device that calculates the gradient of a road and the vehicle speed, sets a safety judgment value for monitoring and issuing a warning regarding the gradient and the vehicle speed, and accepts changes to the set judgment value.

JP 2009-43145 A

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 warns the driver by displaying a message on the screen, outputting a voice, or issuing a signal sound, but it is difficult for the driver to visually grasp how much the actual value differs from the appropriate reference value.

Therefore, this application was made in consideration of the above problems, and one example of the objective of the application is to provide a display control device or the like that allows the driver to visually grasp the difference from the appropriate reference value.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is characterized by comprising: a position acquisition means for acquiring the position of a moving body; a first display image generation means for generating a first display image that graphically indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at an appropriate speed corresponding to the position of the moving body; a speed acquisition means for acquiring the traveling speed of the moving body; a second display image generation means for generating a second display image that graphically indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the traveling speed of the moving body; and a display control means for controlling the display of the first display image and the second display image on the display means so that the first display image and the second display image can be compared and displayed superimposed on the scenery ahead of the moving body.

The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that it has a position acquisition step in which a position acquisition means acquires the position of a moving body, a first display image generation step in which a first display image generation means generates a first display image that graphically indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the appropriate speed corresponding to the position of the moving body, a speed acquisition step in which a speed acquisition means acquires the traveling speed of the moving body, a second display image generation step in which a second display image generation means generates a second display image that graphically indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the traveling speed of the moving body, and a display control step in which a display control means controls the display of the first display image and the second display image on the display means so that the first display image and the second display image can be compared in order to display them superimposed on the scenery ahead of the moving body.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a display control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a display system according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a display control device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on a front window visually recognized by a driver. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an arrangement image of a first display image and a second display image. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the display control device according to the embodiment. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing an example of a change in a first display image. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams showing an example of a change in a first display image. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the movement of a second display image. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the movement of a second display image. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the movement of a second display image. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing an example of an image of the movement of a second display image. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the movement of a second display image. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the movement of a second display image. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the movement of a second display image. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a distance gauge is displayed in the first display image; FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a distance gauge is displayed in the first display image; FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a distance gauge is displayed in the first display image; FIG. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the first display image.

The embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a display control device according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display control device 10 is configured to include a position acquisition means 10a for acquiring the position of the moving body, a first display image generation means 10b for generating a first display image that graphically indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at an appropriate speed corresponding to the position of the moving body, a speed acquisition means 10c for acquiring the traveling speed of the moving body, a second display image generation means 10d for generating a second display image that graphically indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the traveling speed of the moving body, and a display control means 10e for controlling the display of the first display image and the second display image on the display means so that the first display image and the second display image can be compared in order to display them superimposed on the scenery ahead of the moving body.

In this configuration, the position acquisition means 10a acquires the position of the mobile object from a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor or the like.

Here, examples of moving objects include vehicles, motorcycles, aircraft, ships, etc.

The first display image generating means 10b generates a first display image that graphically shows the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the appropriate speed corresponding to the position of the moving body acquired by the position acquiring means 10a.

Here, the appropriate speed corresponding to the position of the mobile body may be an appropriate speed for a predetermined place or a predetermined section within a predetermined distance from the current position, etc. For example, an appropriate speed of 20 km/h when the predetermined place is a toll booth, or an appropriate speed of 50 km/h when the speed limit is changed due to weather or congestion, etc.

Furthermore, points at which the legally appropriate speed changes include when changing from an expressway to a general road (for example, from an appropriate speed of 80 km/h to an appropriate speed of 60 km/h), or when the road being navigated changes from a road with a speed limit of 60 km/h to a road with a speed limit of 30 km/h. The reverse can also occur.

One example of an appropriate inter-vehicle distance at an appropriate speed is appropriate speed x time between vehicles. It is said that the time between the vehicle ahead passing a specified point and the next vehicle passing is two to three seconds. The time between vehicles may be changed depending on the road conditions. For example, if it is wet with rain, the time between vehicles is made longer. If it is icy, it is made even longer. The time between vehicles may also be changed depending on the braking capacity of the vehicle's brakes or the type of tires.

An example of a graphic showing the appropriate following distance is any graphic that can express the appropriate following distance at the appropriate speed. Examples of the first display image showing the appropriate following distance graphically include a circle with the diameter being the appropriate following distance at the appropriate speed, an ellipse with the length of the major axis being the appropriate following distance at the appropriate speed, and a rod or plate shape with the longitudinal length being the appropriate following distance at the appropriate speed.

Furthermore, it may be in the shape of a circular or elliptical ring, which is an example of a band-like circular shape including a circular or elliptical shape, or a rod or plate shape may be hooked at the end.

Furthermore, the first display image may be a figure that has been converted in advance into a three-dimensional shape that corresponds to the scenery in front of the moving body, so that it is displayed superimposed on the scenery in front of the moving body.

The speed acquisition means 10c acquires the traveling speed of the mobile body based on the measured values of an acceleration sensor, a wheel angular velocity sensor, a GPS sensor, etc. For example, the traveling speed of the mobile body is calculated and acquired from the angular velocity from the wheel angular velocity sensor and the radius of the wheel. Note that the traveling speed of the mobile body may also be calculated from the change in GPS position and time.

The second display image generating means 10d generates a second display image that graphically shows the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the traveling speed of the moving body acquired by the speed acquiring means 10c.

An example of a graphic showing the appropriate following distance is a graphic that can express the appropriate following distance at a driving speed. Examples of the second display image showing the appropriate following distance graphically include a graphic having a length corresponding to the appropriate following distance, and multiple graphics spaced apart at a distance corresponding to the appropriate following distance (spacing according to the appropriate following distance).

Examples include multiple rectangular figures (called distance diagrams) arranged at intervals according to the appropriate following distance. Furthermore, to supplement this distance diagram, an auxiliary figure may be arranged as an example of a figure that can be distinguished from the distance diagram. Furthermore, the distance diagram and the auxiliary figure may be different colors to make them easier to distinguish from each other. They may also be different shapes.

Furthermore, the second display image may be a figure that has been converted in advance into a three-dimensional shape that corresponds to the scenery ahead of the moving body, so that it is displayed superimposed on the scenery ahead of the moving body.

The figure in the first display image and the figure in the second display image may be interchanged.

The display control means 10e controls the display of the first display image generated by the first display image generating means 10b and the second display image generated by the second display image generating means 10d on the display means so that the first display image and the second display image are comparable and superimposed on the scenery in front of the moving body.

Examples of the display means include a display unit of a car navigation device made of a liquid crystal display element or an EL (Electro Luminescence) element, a display unit in the dashboard of a moving object such as a car, a motorcycle, an airplane, a ship, a head-up display, etc. As a method of the head-up display, it may be possible to project an image onto the windshield of the moving object or onto the lenses of glasses worn by the user.

As an example of displaying the first and second display images in a comparable manner, the first and second display images are displayed side by side at the same scale. Furthermore, the first display image is divided and displayed so that it sandwiches the second display image.

The display of the second display image may be controlled so that the second display image moves on the display means in accordance with the difference between the appropriate speed and the driving speed, i.e., in accordance with the difference between the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the appropriate speed and the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the driving speed, so that the difference between the appropriate speed and the driving speed becomes clear, or the difference between the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the appropriate speed and the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the driving speed becomes clear. Conversely, the display of the first display image may be controlled so that the first display image moves on the display means.

For example, if the difference between the appropriate speed and the traveling speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the distance diagram and auxiliary diagram may move in the depth direction from the viewpoint of the driver of the moving object. Furthermore, the size of the distance diagram and auxiliary diagram may change depending on the depth.

As described above, the operation of the display control device 10 according to the embodiment allows the driver to visually grasp the difference between the appropriate inter-vehicle distance, which is an appropriate reference value, and the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the driving speed.

[1. Overview of the configuration and functions of the display system]
Next, specific examples corresponding to the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. Note that the examples described below are examples in which the present application is applied to a display control device mounted on a vehicle, which is an example of a moving body.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the general configuration of a display system according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the general configuration of a display control device according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the front window visually recognized by the driver. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an arrangement image of a first display image and a second display image.

(1.1 Overview of the display system configuration and functions)
As shown in FIG. 2, a display system 1 constituting a head-up display includes a light source device 5 that emits light to project an image, a combiner 7 that combines the image projected from the light source device 5 with the scenery in front of a vehicle 20, which is an example of a moving body, and a display control device 10 that controls the display system 1.

The light source device 5 (an example of a display means) is installed on the ceiling 21 inside the vehicle 20 via support members 5a and 5b, and emits light constituting an image showing information that assists driving toward the combiner 7. Specifically, the light source device 5 generates an original image (real image) of the display image within the light source device 5 based on the control of the display control device 10, and emits light constituting the image to the combiner 7, allowing the driver to view the virtual image Iv through the combiner 7.

The combiner 7 (an example of a display means) projects the display image emitted from the light source device 5 and reflects the display image to the eye point Pe of the driver of the vehicle 20, thereby displaying the display image as a virtual image Iv. The combiner 7 has a support shaft 8 installed on the ceiling 21 and rotates around the support shaft 8 as a support shaft. The support shaft 8 is installed, for example, on the ceiling 21 near the upper end of the front windshield 22, in other words, near the position where a sun visor (not shown) for the driver is installed. The support shaft 8 may be installed in place of the sun visor described above.

The display control device 10 is installed in the light source device 5 and controls the projection of the light source device 5. The display control device 10 is capable of communicating with the navigation device 25 and receives various information used in the navigation process from the navigation device 25.

The vehicle 20 includes a bonnet 23, a dashboard 24, etc. The navigation device 25 has a function of providing route guidance from a departure point to a destination, etc. The navigation device 25 has map information and road information. The navigation device 25 may connect to an external network to obtain road information such as traffic congestion information and regulation information.

(1.2 Configuration and Functional Overview of Display Control Device)
Next, the outline and functions of the display control device will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, a display control device 10 as an example of a display control device 10 according to an embodiment has a storage unit 11, a system control unit 12, and an input/output interface unit 13. The system control unit 12 and the input/output interface unit 13 are connected via a system bus 14.

The storage unit 11 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 11 stores the first display image and the second display image to be projected onto the combiner 7, and stores various programs for controlling the display control device 10. The various programs include an operating system and a program for controlling the first display image and the second display image to be projected onto the combiner 7. The various programs may be acquired via a network such as a wireless communication network, or may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) and read via a drive device.

The system control unit 12 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12a and an RO
The system control unit 12 has a read only memory (ROM) 12b and a random access memory (RAM) 12c. The system control unit 12 has a CPU 12a which reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 12b, the RAM 12c, and the storage unit 11.

The input/output interface unit 13 is an interface between the system control unit 12 and each part, such as the light source device 5 and the navigation device 25.

The input/output interface unit 13 is connected to the light source device 5, the navigation device 25, and various sensors 26 that measure driving-related information related to driving, such as the vehicle speed of the moving body, the vehicle's driving position, and the vehicle's gear state.

Sensor 26 may be an acceleration sensor, a wheel angular velocity sensor, a GPS sensor, etc. The acceleration sensor is, for example, made of a piezoelectric element, detects the acceleration of the vehicle, and outputs acceleration data. The angular velocity sensor measures a vehicle speed pulse consisting of a pulse signal generated in association with the rotation of the vehicle's wheels.

The GPS sensor receives radio waves carrying downlink data including positioning data from multiple GPS satellites. The positioning data is used to detect the absolute position of the vehicle from latitude and longitude information, etc.

The display control device 10 may also obtain information from the sensor 26 via the navigation device 25.

(1.3 Configuration of Display Image)
Next, the configuration of the display image will be described with reference to FIGS.

In Figure 4, the position of the combiner 7 is shown by a dashed line. Also, as a premise, Figure 4 shows the situation at a point approaching the toll gate 30a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the display control device 10 superimposes the virtual image Iv on the scenery 30 viewed through the front window 22, and allows the driver to view the virtual image Iv through the combiner 7. Specifically, in FIG. 4, the display control device 10 displays the first display image 15 and the second display image 16 as the virtual image Iv in the area overlapping with the combiner 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first display image 15 is an example of a graphic showing the appropriate following distance at an appropriate speed corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20. The first display image 15 is an appropriate distance ring having a diameter corresponding to the appropriate following distance. The diameter d1 of the appropriate distance ring indicates the appropriate following distance D1 (inter-vehicle time 2 seconds).

The first display image 15 visually represents the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20. For example, when the distance from the current position to the toll gate 30a is within a predetermined distance, the inter-vehicle distance D1 for the appropriate speed at the toll gate 30a (e.g., 20 km/h) is visually represented as the first display image 15. When the distance to a section where the speed limit has changed due to weather or congestion is within a predetermined distance, the inter-vehicle distance D1 for the appropriate speed (e.g., 50 km/h) is visually represented as the first display image 15.

The first display image 15 is converted into a three-dimensional display so that it can be superimposed on the scenery ahead of the vehicle. That is, the first display image 15 is formed so that the portion of the appropriate distance ring closer to the driver's eye point Pe is wider and the portion of the appropriate distance ring further away is narrower.

The first display image 15 is divided into left and right parts from the driver's viewpoint, and the second display image 16 is displayed between the divided first display image 15. By sandwiching the second display image 16 between the first display image 15 and the second display image 16 from the left and right, it becomes easier to compare the inter-vehicle distance indicated by the first display image 15 with the inter-vehicle distance indicated by the second display image 16. The first display image 15 is displayed so that it is the distance between the end points of the divided first display image 15, i.e., the length in the depth direction, distance d1.

The shape of the first display image 15 is a circular or band-like shape that includes an ellipse.

The second display image 16 is an example of a graphic that indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the second display image 16 is formed from a rectangular inter-vehicle frame 16a (an example of an inter-vehicle graphic) and an auxiliary frame 16b (an example of an auxiliary graphic). The inter-vehicle frame 16a is colored, for example, green. The auxiliary frame 16b is colored, for example, white, or is displayed as a frame only.

The two inter-vehicle frames 16a indicate the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 at the current driving speed of the vehicle 20. The distance d2 between the two inter-vehicle frames 16a visually represents the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 at the driving speed. To create a three-dimensional effect, the inter-vehicle frames 16a closer to the driver's eye point Pe are displayed larger than the inter-vehicle frames 16a farther from the eye point Pe, depending on the depth distance.

The auxiliary frames 16b are displayed in front of the driver's field of vision, between the two vehicle distance frames 16a, for example in the form of two frames inserted. The size of the auxiliary frames 16b changes depending on the depth from the eye point Pe. The auxiliary frames 16b are inserted between the two vehicle distance frames 16a at visually equal intervals, and have the function of assisting the sense of distance and three-dimensionality.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first display image 15 and the second display image 16 are arranged on the virtual image so as to be located above the driver's eye point Pe. The vehicle distance frame 16a and the auxiliary frame 16b of the second display image 16 are arranged in sequence.

When the appropriate speed is 20 km/h, the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 is approximately 11 m (inter-vehicle time 2 seconds), and the appropriate distance ring (first display image 15) has a length d1 in the depth direction of the first display image 15 corresponding to the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1. When the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 is 30 km/h, the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 is approximately 16 m (inter-vehicle time 2 seconds), and the distance d2 between the two inter-vehicle frames 16a corresponds to the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2. The height H of the first display image 15 and the second display image 16 corresponds to the gate height for tolls of 3.8-4.1 m and the height of the road lights on the expressway of about 12 m.

Note that Figures 4 and 5 show a case where the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 (d2) at the traveling speed of vehicle 20 is longer than the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 (d1) corresponding to the position of vehicle 20.

2. Operation of the display control device
The operation of the display control device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a display control device according to an embodiment. Figures 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a change in the first display image. Figures 8A to 8C are schematic diagrams showing an example of the movement of the second display image. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image of the movement of the second display image. Figures 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams showing an example of the movement of the second display image.

As shown in FIG. 6, the display control device 10 acquires location information (step S1). Specifically, the system control unit 12 acquires information on the current location of the vehicle 20 from the GPS of the sensor 26 via the input/output interface unit 13.

Next, the display control device 10 acquires the traveling speed (step S2). Specifically, the system control unit 12 acquires the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 from the acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, etc. of the sensor 26 via the input/output interface unit 13.

Next, the display control device 10 obtains the appropriate speed corresponding to the position (step S3). Specifically, the system control unit 12 obtains information about roads in the direction of travel from the current position from the navigation device 25 based on information about the current position of the vehicle 20. For example, the system control unit 12 obtains information such as the speed limit on the road at the current position, the appropriate speed at toll booths within a predetermined distance from the current position, and the speed limit on roads within a predetermined distance from the current position.

The system control unit 12 may determine whether or not there is a point where the vehicle 20 needs to decelerate or accelerate within a predetermined distance in the traveling direction of the vehicle 20 from the current position. For example, the system control unit 12 determines whether or not there is a point where the vehicle 20 needs to decelerate or accelerate within 150 m. The system control unit 12 detects a change in the appropriate speed within a predetermined distance from the current position.

The system control unit 12 may also determine whether there is a point within a predetermined distance from the current position in the traveling direction of the vehicle 20 where the appropriate speed changes.

If the determination result indicates that deceleration or acceleration is necessary, or that there is a point where the appropriate speed changes, the system control unit 12 may perform the process of the next step S4. On the other hand, if deceleration or acceleration is not necessary, or there is no point where the appropriate speed changes, the system control unit 12 may return to the process of step S1.

Next, the display control device 10 calculates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the appropriate speed corresponding to the position (step S4). Specifically, the system control unit 12 calculates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 corresponding to the appropriate speed acquired in step S3. More specifically, the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 is calculated by multiplying the acquired appropriate speed by the inter-vehicle time.

Next, the display control device 10 generates a first display image (step S5). Specifically, the system control unit 12 generates a first display image 15 having a ring diameter d1 corresponding to the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 calculated in step S4. If the appropriate speed corresponding to the position is slow, as shown in FIG. 7A, the diameter of the appropriate distance ring of the first display image 15 is reduced, and the display of the first display image 15 is also reduced. Note that, as shown in FIG. 7B, the display angle of the appropriate distance ring may be changed to indicate that the appropriate inter-vehicle distance has changed.

Next, the display control device 10 calculates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the driving speed (step S6). Specifically, the system control unit 12 calculates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 at the driving speed by multiplying the driving speed and inter-vehicle time acquired in step S2.

Next, the display control device 10 generates a second display image (step S7). Specifically, the system control unit 12 generates a second display image 16 that is composed of a vehicle distance frame 16a that is separated by a distance d2 and an auxiliary frame 16b that is inserted between the vehicle distance frames 16a, as shown in FIG. 4.

Then, if there is a difference between the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the appropriate speed corresponding to the position calculated in step S4 and the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the driving speed calculated in step S6 (if the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), or if there is a difference between the appropriate speed and the driving speed (if the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), the system control unit 12 generates a second display image 16 in which the inter-vehicle frame 16a and auxiliary frame 16b move, as shown in Figures 8A to 8C.

As shown in Figures 8A to 8C, when the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 (d2) at the traveling speed of vehicle 20 is longer than the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 (d1) corresponding to the position of vehicle 20, inter-vehicle frame 16a and auxiliary frame 16b move in a direction approaching the driver's eye point Pe. As shown in Figure 9, inter-vehicle frame 16a and auxiliary frame 16b become larger in size as they approach the driver's eye point Pe.

In addition, the vehicle distance frame 16a and auxiliary frame 16b fit within the frame of the combiner 7, and the vehicle distance frame 16a and auxiliary frame 16b exiting the combiner 7 appear to disappear, creating a second display image 16.

On the other hand, if the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 (d2) at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 is shorter than the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 (d1) corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20, i.e., if the traveling speed is slower than the appropriate speed, the inter-vehicle frame 16a and auxiliary frame 16b are displayed as if the distance is narrowed, as shown in FIG. 10A.

As shown in Figures 10A to 10C, if the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 (d2) at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 is shorter than the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 (d1) corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20, the inter-vehicle frame 16a and the auxiliary frame 16b may move in a direction away from the driver's eye point Pe.

Furthermore, the inter-vehicle frame 16a and the auxiliary frame 16b may be configured to move only when the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 (d2) at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 is longer than the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 (d1) corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20. In other words, the inter-vehicle frame 16a and the auxiliary frame 16b can be moved to notify the driver that the speed is exceeded.

In addition, when there is a difference between the appropriate speed corresponding to the position and the driving speed, i.e., when there is a difference between the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the appropriate speed corresponding to the position and the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the driving speed, the inter-vehicle frame 16a or the auxiliary frame 16b may be made to blink. In addition, the inter-vehicle frame 16a or the auxiliary frame 16b may be made to blink only when the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 (d2) at the driving speed of the vehicle 20 is longer than the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 (d1) corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20, i.e., only when the driving speed is faster than the appropriate speed. This allows the driver to pay attention when deceleration is required.

The inter-vehicle frame 16a and the auxiliary frame 16b may also move in a direction approaching the driver's eye point Pe. It is sufficient if the movement indicates that there is a difference between the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 (d2) at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 and the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 (d1) corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20.

As shown in Figures 10A to 10C, the number of inter-vehicle frames 16a and auxiliary frames 16b displayed increases, shortening the apparent spacing.

Next, the display control device 10 displays the first display image and the second display image (step S8). Specifically, the system control unit 12 transmits data of the first display image 15 and the second display image 16 generated by the light source device 5 in order to project a virtual image onto the combiner 7. Then, the light source device 5 projects the generated first display image 15 and the second display image 16 onto the combiner 7.

In addition, in the processing of step S8, the system control unit 12 may perform processing to move the display of the second display image 16.

The display control device 10 repeats the operations from step S1 to step S8.

As described above, according to the operation of the embodiment, the position of the vehicle 20 is acquired, and a first display image 15 is generated that graphically indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 at the appropriate speed corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20. The traveling speed of the vehicle 20 is acquired, and a second display image 16 that graphically indicates the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 is generated. In order to display the first display image 15 and the second display image 16 superimposed on the scenery 30 in front of the vehicle 20, the display of the first display image 15 and the second display image 16 on the display means is controlled so that the first display image 15 indicating the appropriate reference value and the second display image 16 indicating the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 are displayed superimposed on the scenery 30 in front of the vehicle 20 in a comparable manner, so that the driver can visually grasp the difference between the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1, which is the appropriate reference value, and the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20.

The vehicle 20 can be guided to an appropriate speed before arriving at a distant facility in the direction of travel where deceleration is required (e.g., toll gate 30a, etc.). For example, by guiding the vehicle's speed before passing through a lane at a toll gate that does not have a speed sign, a driver who is unable to grasp the appropriate speed can be encouraged to drive at the appropriate speed.

In addition, when the display of the second display image 16 is controlled so that the second display image 16 moves on the display means in accordance with the difference between the appropriate speed and the driving speed, the movement of the second display image 16 makes it easier to understand that there is a difference from the appropriate reference value.

In addition, if the shape of the figure in the first display image 15 is a three-dimensional shape that corresponds to the scenery 30 in front of the vehicle 20, and the shape of the figure in the second display image 16 is a three-dimensional shape that corresponds to the scenery 30 in front of the vehicle 20, the three-dimensional display creates a sense of unity with the scenery 30, making it easier for the driver to recognize distances, etc.

In addition, if the shape of the figure of the first display image 15 is a circle with a diameter corresponding to the appropriate following distance at the appropriate speed, the depth and width make it easier for the driver to grasp the appropriate following distance D1 at the appropriate speed.

In addition, when the second display image 16 is a figure represented by at least two figures (distance frame 16a) arranged in the depth direction of the scenery 30 in front of the vehicle 20 at an interval corresponding to the appropriate inter-vehicle distance at the driving speed, the at least two figures arranged in the depth direction of the scenery 30 in front of the vehicle 20 make it easier for the driver to grasp the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 at the driving speed in the direction of travel of the vehicle 20.

In addition, if a figure (auxiliary frame 16b) that can be distinguished from the vehicle distance frame 16a is placed between at least two placed figures (vehicle distance frame 16a), the appropriate vehicle distance at the driving speed becomes easier to understand. In addition, if the at least two placed figures move in the depth direction, the movement becomes easier to understand.

[3. Modifications of the first display image]
Next, a modification of the first display image will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figures 11A to 11C are schematic diagrams showing an example in which a distance gauge is displayed in the first display image. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the first display image.

As shown in Figures 11A to 11C, the first display image 15 may display a distance gauge 15a that indicates the distance to the point where the appropriate speed changes.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the current location is close to but approaching the toll gate 30a (e.g., 300 m), the distance gauge 15a starts to display from the distant direction of the first display image 15.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the vehicle approaches the toll booth 30a (for example, 150 m away), the distance gauge 15a is displayed so that it approaches the driver's eye point Pe, approximately halfway down the first display image 15.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the toll booth 30a is approaching (for example, 20 m away), the distance gauge 15a is displayed over almost the entire first display image 15.

In addition, only when the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D2 (d2) at the traveling speed of the vehicle 20 is longer than the appropriate inter-vehicle distance D1 (d1) corresponding to the position of the vehicle 20, i.e., only when the traveling speed is faster than the appropriate speed, a distance gauge 15a indicating the distance to the point where the appropriate speed changes may be displayed on the first display image 15.

When the first display image 15 displays a distance gauge 15a indicating the distance to the point where the appropriate speed changes, the distance to the point where the appropriate speed changes can also be grasped at the same time. In other words, the traveling speed of the vehicle 20, the appropriate speed, and the distance to the point where the appropriate speed changes are displayed in a single visual image, making it easier for the driver to recognize.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first display image 15A may be formed into a hook shape at the end point.

1: Display system 5: Light source device (an example of a display means)
7: Combiner (an example of a display means)
10: Display control device 10a: Position acquisition means 10b: First display image generation means 10c: Speed acquisition means 10d: Second display image generation means 10e: Display control means 15, 15A: First display image 15a: Distance gauge (gauge)
16: Second display image 16a: Inter-vehicle frame 16b: Auxiliary frame 20: Vehicle (moving body)
30: Landscape D1, D2, d1, d2: Appropriate distance

Claims (1)

A speed acquisition means for acquiring a traveling speed of a moving object;
a display image generating means for generating a display image showing an appropriate inter-vehicle distance at a traveling speed of the moving body in a graphical form;
a display control means for controlling the display of the display image on the display means;
A display control device comprising:

Images