JP2004038820A - Following vehicle display - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a follow-up preceding vehicle display device that enables a driver to easily recognize preceding vehicle change information when the preceding vehicle is changed.
An inter-vehicle distance sensor (1) for detecting a preceding vehicle traveling in front of a host vehicle in a vehicle equipped with a preceding vehicle follow-up control system for controlling the host vehicle to follow the preceding vehicle traveling in front of the host vehicle. The display device 7 having the host vehicle display unit 14 indicating the position of the host vehicle, the preceding vehicle display unit 13 indicating the position of the preceding vehicle, and that the preceding vehicle detected by the inter-vehicle distance sensor 1 has been changed. The preceding vehicle change determination steps S202 and 204 to be determined, and when the preceding vehicle change determination means determines that the preceding vehicle has been changed, the preceding vehicle display section 13 of the display device 7 displays a display indicating the preceding vehicle change (flashing display). ) For switching to the preceding vehicle display control step S211.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of a display device for following a preceding vehicle of a vehicle equipped with a preceding vehicle follow-up control system that controls the preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the own vehicle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-38991 discloses an inter-vehicle distance detecting device that detects the inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle and displays the inter-vehicle distance in a segment based on a result of discrimination of the detected inter-vehicle distance. Is described.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the conventional inter-vehicle distance detection device is used for a vehicle equipped with a preceding vehicle follow-up control system, the target inter-vehicle distance is relatively small in a situation where the own vehicle speed is relatively low, so that the The change in the inter-vehicle distance when the vehicle is changed is smaller than that at the time of high speed, and there is a problem that it is difficult to immediately recognize the change of the preceding vehicle.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a following vehicle display apparatus that allows a driver to easily recognize preceding vehicle change information when the preceding vehicle is changed. I do.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, in a vehicle equipped with a preceding vehicle follow-up control system that performs control to follow the preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the own vehicle, the preceding vehicle detected by preceding vehicle detecting means The preceding vehicle change determining means for determining that the vehicle has been changed, and when the preceding vehicle change determining means determines that the preceding vehicle has been changed, the preceding vehicle position display section of the display means is switched to a display indicating the preceding vehicle change. Preceding vehicle position display control means.
[0006]
Here, the "preceding vehicle change determination means" determines whether the change of the preceding vehicle is due to interruption (shortening of the following distance) or departure (increase of the following distance) due to a change in the following distance before and after the preceding vehicle change. Make a decision.
[0007]
The "preceding vehicle position display control means" may be a display indicating the preceding vehicle change by, for example, continuing to blink the preceding vehicle position display section for a predetermined time from the time when the preceding vehicle is changed.
[0008]
As a specific example of “preceding vehicle change display by blinking”, when the preceding vehicle change is caused by interruption, the preceding vehicle position display section continues blinking until the actual inter-vehicle distance becomes a predetermined value equal to or less than the target inter-vehicle distance, and The blinking interval is increased as the distance approaches the target inter-vehicle distance. When the change of the preceding vehicle is caused by the departure, the blinking of the preceding vehicle position display section is continued until the actual inter-vehicle distance becomes a predetermined value equal to or more than the target inter-vehicle distance, and the blinking interval becomes shorter as the inter-vehicle distance approaches the target inter-vehicle distance. I do.
[0009]
In addition, when the inter-vehicle distance with a new preceding vehicle increases due to the change of the preceding vehicle, the "preceding vehicle position display control means" is configured to separate the inter-vehicle distance between the first display position and the second display position. You may make it light the 1st display position which is a state.
[0010]
【The invention's effect】
Therefore, in the following vehicle display apparatus according to the present invention, when the preceding vehicle change determining unit determines that the preceding vehicle has been changed, the preceding vehicle position display unit of the display unit displays a display indicating the preceding vehicle change (for example, (Flashing), the driver can easily recognize the preceding vehicle change information when the preceding vehicle is changed.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment for realizing a display device for following a preceding vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0012]
(First embodiment)
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a preceding vehicle following control system to which the following vehicle preceding display device of the first embodiment is applied.
[0013]
In FIG. 1, 1 is an inter-vehicle distance sensor (preceding vehicle detecting means), 2 is a vehicle speed sensor, 3 is a follow-up control start switch, 4 is a set inter-vehicle switch, 5 is a set vehicle speed change switch, 6 is a controller, and 7 is a display device ( Display means), 8 is a braking force control device, and 9 is an engine output control device.
[0014]
The inter-vehicle distance sensor 1 is a sensor that measures the distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle, and uses a laser radar, a millimeter-wave radar, or the like. The vehicle speed sensor 2 detects the speed of the own vehicle.
[0015]
The following control start switch 3 selects whether or not to perform following control. The set headway switch 4 changes the headway set for follow-up control. The set vehicle speed change switch 5 changes the set vehicle speed.
[0016]
When there is no preceding vehicle, the controller 6 performs traveling while maintaining the set vehicle speed. When there is a preceding vehicle, the controller 6 sets the upper limit to the set vehicle speed and follows the preceding vehicle so as to maintain the set inter-vehicle distance. Following running control is performed. The controller 6 performs display control on the display device 7 that displays the state of the follow-up control at the same time as the follow-up travel control. The display device 7 will be described later.
[0017]
Further, in the following running control, a braking force control command is output from the controller 6 to the braking force control device 8 in order to achieve the respective running requests of constant speed, acceleration, and deceleration. An engine output control command is output to control device 9.
[0018]
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a meter panel in which the display device of the first embodiment is incorporated, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the display device of the first embodiment.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the display device 7 is disposed below the speedometer and the engine speed meter in the meter panel 10 in the vehicle interior. As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 7 includes a set vehicle speed display section 11, a set inter-vehicle display section 12, and a preceding vehicle display section 13 (preceding vehicle position display) indicating the presence / absence of the preceding vehicle and a change of the preceding vehicle. ) And a host vehicle display unit 14 (host vehicle position display unit) indicating the host vehicle.
[0020]
Next, the operation will be described.
[0021]
[Follow-up control calculation processing]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the tracking control calculation processing executed by the controller 8, and each step S will be described below.
[0022]
In step S100, it is determined whether or not the follow-up control start switch 3 is ON. If the switch is ON, the process proceeds to step S101 assuming that the follow-up control is performed. When the follow-up control start switch 3 is OFF, it is determined that the follow-up control is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S109.
[0023]
In step S101, the host vehicle speed Vm detected by the vehicle speed sensor 2 is read, and the process proceeds to step S102.
[0024]
In step S102, the set vehicle speed Vt is calculated. The initial set vehicle speed Vt is set to the own vehicle speed Vm when the follow-up control start switch 3 is turned ON, and when the set vehicle speed change switch 5 is operated, the set vehicle speed is changed.
[0025]
In step S103, it is determined whether or not the inter-vehicle distance sensor 1 has detected the preceding vehicle. If the preceding vehicle has been detected, the process proceeds to step S104 to perform control to follow the preceding vehicle. If the preceding vehicle has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S108, and the vehicle travels at a constant speed at the set vehicle speed Vm.
[0026]
In step S104, the inter-vehicle distance L detected by the inter-vehicle distance sensor 1 is read, and the process proceeds to step S105.
[0027]
In step S105, a target inter-vehicle distance Lt corresponding to the own vehicle speed Vm detected in step S101 is calculated such that the inter-vehicle time set by the set inter-vehicle switch 4 is reached. The inter-vehicle time set by the set inter-vehicle switch 4 can be selected from, for example, three stages of long, medium, and short.
[0028]
In step S106, an engine output or a braking force is calculated so that the following distance L calculated in step S104 matches the target following distance Lt calculated in step S105, and a command is issued to the engine output control device 9 or the braking force control device 8. Output a signal.
[0029]
In step S107, processing for displaying the state of the follow-up control on the display device 7 is performed as described later.
[0030]
In step S108, when the preceding vehicle is not detected in step S103, the engine output is calculated so as to perform the constant speed running at the set vehicle speed Vm, and a command signal is output to the engine output control device 9.
[0031]
In step S109, if the follow-up control start switch is OFF in step S100, the follow-up control is terminated, the engine output and the brake output are set to 0, and the display device 7 is set to the non-display state.
[0032]
[Display processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display process executed in step S107 of FIG. 4. Each step S will be described below (preceding vehicle position display control means).
[0033]
In step S200, the own vehicle display unit 14 shown in FIG. 3 is illuminated, and the set vehicle speed display unit 11 and the set inter-vehicle display unit 12 are illuminated.
[0034]
In step S201, it is determined whether or not the inter-vehicle distance sensor 1 detects a preceding vehicle. If there is a preceding vehicle, the process proceeds to step S202 and thereafter to display (turn on or blink) the preceding vehicle display unit 13. . If there is no preceding vehicle, the display processing routine ends.
[0035]
In steps S202 to S211, processing of blinking of the preceding vehicle display unit 13 (judgment of change of the preceding vehicle) and processing of turning on the preceding vehicle display unit 13 when the preceding vehicle is captured excluding the change of the preceding vehicle are performed.
[0036]
In step S202, when the inter-vehicle distance L is shorter than the target inter-vehicle distance Lt by the set distance d or more, it is determined that an interruption by the new vehicle has occurred between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and the process proceeds to step S203. Vehicle change determination means). Here, the set distance d is a value set in advance and is an average length of vehicles traveling on public roads. If Lt−L ≦ d, the process proceeds to step S204.
[0037]
In step S203, it is determined whether or not the current inter-vehicle distance L is less than 80% of the target inter-vehicle distance Lt. If L / Lt <0.8, the process proceeds to step S207 assuming that there has been a rapid interruption of the inter-vehicle distance change. If L / Lt ≧ 0.8, the process proceeds to step S206 on the assumption that there is a gradual interruption of the change in the following distance.
[0038]
In step S204, when the inter-vehicle distance L is longer than the target inter-vehicle distance Lt by the set distance d or more, the preceding vehicle traveling immediately before the host vehicle leaves and performs follow-up control for the distant preceding two-vehicle vehicle. The process proceeds to step S205 (preceding vehicle change determination means). If L−Lt ≦ d, the process proceeds to step S210, and the preceding vehicle figure on the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is turned on.
[0039]
In step S205, it is determined whether the current inter-vehicle distance L is 20% or more longer than the target inter-vehicle distance Lt. If L / Lt> 1.2, the process proceeds to step S209 assuming that the inter-vehicle distance to the pre-preceding vehicle to be controlled has greatly increased after the preceding vehicle has left. If L / Lt ≦ 1.2, the process proceeds to step S208, assuming that the opening between the vehicles ahead of the preceding vehicle to be controlled after leaving the preceding vehicle is not so large.
[0040]
In step S206, the inter-vehicle distance L does not significantly change even if the vehicle is interrupted. Therefore, the blinking time t and the blinking interval D of the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 are determined as if the driver's psychological margin is relatively large. Is set to a standard value that the driver can recognize during normal driving. In the future, this standard blinking time will be referred to as tn, and the standard blinking interval will be referred to as Dn. Then, the process proceeds to step S211 to cause the preceding vehicle figure on the preceding vehicle display unit 13 to blink at the blinking time t and the blinking interval D determined in step S206.
[0041]
In step S207, since a severe interruption in which the inter-vehicle distance L greatly changes occurred, it is considered that there is not enough psychological margin for the driver. Therefore, the blinking interval D of the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is made shorter than the standard immediately after the interruption (fast blinking), and the standard blinking interval becomes Dn as the inter-vehicle distance L is controlled to Lt-d. To The blinking time t of the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is a time until the inter-vehicle distance becomes Lt-d by performing the following control for the interrupted vehicle. Then, the process proceeds to step S211 to cause the preceding vehicle figure on the preceding vehicle display unit 13 to blink at the blinking time t and the blinking interval D determined in step S207.
[0042]
In step S208, it is assumed that the following distance L to the preceding vehicle, which is the target of the follow-up control after the departure from the preceding vehicle, does not change much as compared with the set inter-vehicle distance Lt, and the driver's psychological margin is relatively large. Regarding the blinking time t and the blinking interval D of the preceding vehicle figure on the car display unit 13, the standard blinking time, which is a standard value that the driver can recognize during normal driving, is tn, and the standard blinking interval is Dn. Then, the process proceeds to step S211 to cause the preceding vehicle figure on the preceding vehicle display unit 13 to blink at the blinking time t and the blinking interval D determined in step S208.
[0043]
In step S209, after the preceding vehicle leaves, the inter-vehicle distance L to the preceding vehicle, which is the target of the follow-up control, is assumed to have changed significantly as compared with the set inter-vehicle distance Lt, so that the driver can understand the control situation. The blinking interval D of the preceding vehicle graphic on the vehicle display unit 13 is longer than the standard immediately after the vehicle leaves the vehicle (slow blinking), and the standard blinking interval becomes Dn as the inter-vehicle distance L is controlled to Lt + d. The blinking time t of the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is a time until the inter-vehicle distance becomes Lt + d by performing the following control for the interrupted vehicle. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211 to cause the preceding vehicle figure on the preceding vehicle display unit 13 to blink at the blinking time t and the blinking interval D determined in step S209.
[0044]
[Advance vehicle display function]
<When following up>
In a device that performs follow-up control while controlling the inter-vehicle distance with respect to a preceding vehicle, when a preceding vehicle to be followed is detected, the inter-vehicle distance L between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle is substantially maintained at the set inter-vehicle distance Lt. During the following running, the flow proceeds to step S200 → step S201 → step S202 → step S204 → step S210 in the flowchart of FIG. In step S210, the preceding vehicle display section 13 is turned on to display that the preceding vehicle exists as a follow-up control target.
[0045]
<When the preceding vehicle changes due to a gradual interruption of the change in inter-vehicle distance>
In the case where an interruption of another vehicle occurs between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle during the follow-up traveling control, and there is a gradual interruption of the inter-vehicle distance change, in the flowchart of FIG. The flow proceeds to step S201 → step S202 → step S203 → step S206 → step S211. Then, in step S211, by changing the preceding vehicle figure of the preceding vehicle display unit 13 from lighting to blinking at the standard blinking time t and blinking interval D, the preceding vehicle was changed due to a gentle interruption of the vehicle speed change. Show that.
[0046]
In this way, if the inter-vehicle distance L does not change significantly even when another vehicle intervenes between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle, it is determined that the driver has a relatively large psychological allowance, and that the driver is in normal driving. The standard flashing is recognizable.
[0047]
<When the preceding vehicle changes due to a sudden interruption of the change in inter-vehicle distance>
In the case where an interruption of another vehicle occurs between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle during the follow-up traveling control, and there is an abrupt interruption of the inter-vehicle distance change, in the flowchart of FIG. The flow proceeds from step S201 to step S202 to step S203 to step S207 to step S211. Then, in step S211, the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is blinked faster than the standard immediately after the interruption, and the following control is performed so that the inter-vehicle distance L shortened due to deceleration of the own vehicle or the like approaches the target inter-vehicle distance Lt. As a result, the blinking interval is changed to the standard blinking interval, thereby indicating that the preceding vehicle has been changed due to a sudden interruption.
[0048]
In this way, if the inter-vehicle distance L changes significantly due to another vehicle intervening between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle, it is considered that there is not enough psychological margin for the driver. By making the blinking faster, the driver can recognize the change of the preceding vehicle due to the blinking with a short visual recognition.
[0049]
The blinking time t of the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is a time until the inter-vehicle distance becomes Lt-d by performing the following control for the interrupted vehicle. This is because, if the blinking continues for a long time, it may be annoying, and if the driver does not blink until reaching the target inter-vehicle distance Lt, the driver has a sufficient notification effect. Therefore, the predetermined inter-vehicle distance shorter than the target inter-vehicle distance Lt ( Flashing is performed until Lt-d). In this case, even if the driver cannot afford to visually recognize the display immediately after the interruption, the driver continues to blink until the predetermined inter-vehicle distance (Lt-d) is considered to reduce the load on the driver. More opportunities to see.
[0050]
Further, the blinking interval increases as the distance between the vehicle and the interrupted vehicle is increased so as to approach the target inter-vehicle distance Lt, so that the driver can be informed that the control for increasing the inter-vehicle distance L to the target inter-vehicle distance Lt is being performed. .
[0051]
<When the preceding vehicle changes due to gradual departure of the inter-vehicle distance change>
During follow-up traveling control, when the preceding vehicle traveling immediately before the own vehicle has departed, and when there has been a gradual departure in the inter-vehicle distance change, in the flowchart of FIG. The flow proceeds to step S202 → step S204 → step S205 → step S208 → step S211. Then, in step S211, the preceding vehicle figure in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is changed from lighting to blinking at the standard blinking time t and blinking interval D, so that the preceding vehicle is changed due to a gradual departure of the vehicle speed change. Show that.
[0052]
As described above, if the inter-vehicle distance L does not significantly change even when the preceding vehicle that is running immediately before the own vehicle leaves, it is determined that the driver has a relatively large psychological allowance, and the driver is in normal driving. Recognizable and standard flashing.
[0053]
<When the preceding car changes due to sudden departure of the inter-vehicle distance change>
During follow-up cruise control, the preceding vehicle traveling immediately before the host vehicle departs, and there is a sudden departure of the inter-vehicle distance change such that the distantly distant vehicle becomes the new control target. In this case, the flow proceeds to step S200 → step S201 → step S202 → step S204 → step S205 → step S209 → step S211 in the flowchart of FIG. Then, in step S211, the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is blinked slower than the standard immediately after departure, and the following control is performed so that the inter-vehicle distance L increased due to acceleration of the own vehicle or the like approaches the target inter-vehicle distance Lt. As a result, the blinking interval is changed to the standard blinking interval, thereby indicating that the preceding vehicle has been changed due to sudden departure.
[0054]
As described above, when the inter-vehicle distance L increases due to the departure of the preceding vehicle running immediately before the own vehicle, the preceding vehicle becomes a new control target and the preceding vehicle following control system accelerates the own vehicle. The control to approach the new control target is performed, but the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is gradually changed from the slow blinking interval to the standard blinking interval, so that the driver can change the preceding vehicle by changing the preceding vehicle. It is possible to recognize that the vehicle is in the following control state (accelerated running).
[0055]
Further, the blinking time t of the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is a time until the following control is performed on the preceding vehicle that is a new control target and the inter-vehicle distance becomes Lt + d. This is because, if the blinking continues for a long time, it may be annoying, and the driver has a sufficient notification effect even if it does not blink until the target inter-vehicle distance Lt is reached. Blinks until Lt + d). In this case, even if the driver cannot afford to visually recognize the display immediately after the driver leaves the vehicle, the driver can continue to blink until the predetermined inter-vehicle distance (Lt + d) is considered to reduce the load on the driver. Increase the opportunities you can do.
[0056]
Next, effects will be described.
In the display device for following the preceding vehicle according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
[0057]
(1) An inter-vehicle distance sensor 1 that detects a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle in a vehicle equipped with a preceding vehicle follow-up control system that controls the own vehicle to follow the preceding vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle; A display device 7 having a host vehicle display section 14 indicating the position of the host vehicle, a preceding vehicle display section 13 indicating the position of the preceding vehicle, and determining that the preceding vehicle detected by the inter-vehicle distance sensor 1 has been changed. Preceding vehicle change determination steps S202 and 204, and when the preceding vehicle change determination means determines that the preceding vehicle has been changed, the preceding vehicle display section 13 of the display device 7 displays a display indicating the preceding vehicle change (flashing display). , The driver can easily recognize the preceding vehicle change information by glance at the display device 7 when the preceding vehicle is changed.
[0058]
(2) In the preceding vehicle display control step S211, the blinking of the preceding vehicle display section 13 is continued for a predetermined time from the time when the preceding vehicle is changed. Can see that the preceding vehicle has been changed even when the user looks at the display device 7. In addition, when compared with the segment display of the prior art, the driver can easily recognize the change of the preceding vehicle regardless of the vehicle speed, and the blinking display does not increase the display space. .
[0059]
That is, in the case of the related art (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-38991) in which the inter-vehicle distance is displayed in segments, if the number of segments is increased in order to improve the visibility of the change in the inter-vehicle distance at low speed, the inter-vehicle distance at high speed should be considered. In this case, the number of segments is greatly increased, and a space for display is required.
[0060]
(3) In the preceding vehicle change determination step S202, it is determined that the change of the preceding vehicle is due to an interruption due to a decrease in the inter-vehicle distance before and after the preceding vehicle change, and in the preceding vehicle display control step S207, the change of the preceding vehicle is due to the interruption. When it is determined, the blinking of the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is continued until the actual inter-vehicle distance L becomes equal to or less than the target inter-vehicle distance Lt (Lt-d). Not only can the driver be surely recognized, but also the annoyance caused by continued blinking even when the actual inter-vehicle distance L approaches the target inter-vehicle distance Lt can be reduced.
[0061]
(4) In the preceding vehicle change determination step S204, it is determined that the change of the preceding vehicle is due to the departure due to an increase in the inter-vehicle distance before and after the preceding vehicle change, and in the preceding vehicle display control step S209, the change of the preceding vehicle is due to the departure. When it is determined, the blinking of the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is continued until the actual inter-vehicle distance L becomes equal to or more than the target inter-vehicle distance Lt (Lt + d), so that the driver is notified that the preceding vehicle has been changed due to departure. Not only can the recognition be made surely, but also the trouble caused by the continuous blinking even when the actual inter-vehicle distance L approaches the target inter-vehicle distance Lt can be reduced.
[0062]
(5) In the preceding vehicle change determination step S202, it is determined that the change of the preceding vehicle is due to an interruption due to a decrease in the inter-vehicle distance before and after the preceding vehicle change, and in the preceding vehicle display control step S207, the change of the preceding vehicle is due to the interruption. When it is determined, the blinking interval of the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is increased as the inter-vehicle distance L between the new preceding vehicle after the change and the own vehicle approaches the target inter-vehicle distance Lt. Immediately after that, the blinking interval becomes shorter, and the driver can confirm the blinking display with a short visual recognition, and can confirm that the inter-vehicle distance L with the new preceding vehicle is short due to the short blinking interval, and thereafter Since the blinking interval gradually increases, the driver can be informed of the preceding vehicle following control state in which the following distance L approaches the target following distance Lt.
[0063]
(6) In the preceding vehicle change determination step S204, it is determined that the change of the preceding vehicle is due to the departure due to the increase in the inter-vehicle distance before and after the preceding vehicle change, and in the preceding vehicle display control step S209, the change of the preceding vehicle is due to the departure. When it is determined, the blinking interval of the preceding vehicle display unit 13 is reduced as the inter-vehicle distance L between the new preceding vehicle after the change and the own vehicle approaches the target inter-vehicle distance Lt. Immediately after that, the blinking interval becomes longer, and the driver can confirm that the inter-vehicle distance L to the new preceding vehicle is sufficiently wide, and then the inter-vehicle distance L becomes the target inter-vehicle distance because the blinking interval gradually becomes shorter. It is possible to inform the driver that the vehicle is in the preceding vehicle following control state to approach Lt.
[0064]
(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment is an example in which whether the change of the preceding vehicle is caused by the interruption or the departure is displayed more clearly by the classification display of the preceding vehicle.
[0065]
Describing the configuration, FIG. 6 is a view showing a display device 7 of the second embodiment incorporated in the meter panel 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the display device 7 includes a set vehicle speed display unit 20, a set inter-vehicle display unit 21, a preceding vehicle display unit 22 (preceding vehicle position display unit) indicating whether or not there is a preceding vehicle and a change of the preceding vehicle. And a host vehicle display unit 23 (host vehicle position display unit) indicating the host vehicle. The preceding vehicle display unit 22 is composed of a preceding vehicle A display unit 22a (second display position) and a preceding vehicle B display unit 22b (first display position), and the inter-vehicle distance L and the target inter-vehicle distance Lt. Either is displayed according to the magnitude relationship with.
[0066]
Incidentally, the functions other than the preceding vehicle display unit 22 are the same as those of the first embodiment. Further, the system configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the follow-up control calculation processing (FIG. 4) are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore illustration and description are omitted.
[0067]
Next, the operation will be described.
[0068]
[Display processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the display process executed in step S107 of FIG. 4. Hereinafter, each step S will be described (preceding vehicle position display control means).
[0069]
The processing in each step S of steps S300 to S309 is the same as the processing in each step S of steps S200 to S209 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0070]
In step S310, assuming that the preceding vehicle has not been changed and the preceding vehicle following control is being performed stably, the preceding vehicle A display unit 22a is turned on and does not blink (FIG. 7).
[0071]
In step S311, assuming that there is an interruption between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, the preceding vehicle A display unit 22a, which is the preceding vehicle graphic on the side close to the host vehicle display unit 23, is blinked for the blinking time t determined by the flow of the flowchart. Blink at the blinking interval D.
[0072]
In step S312, it is determined that the preceding vehicle running immediately before the host vehicle has left and the follow-up control is performed for the preceding vehicle. The unit 22b blinks at a blinking time t and a blinking interval D determined by the flow of the flowchart. FIG. 8 shows a state when the preceding vehicle B display unit 22b is turned on.
[0073]
[Advance vehicle display function]
<When following up>
In a device that performs follow-up control while controlling the inter-vehicle distance with respect to a preceding vehicle, when a preceding vehicle to be followed is detected, the inter-vehicle distance L between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle is substantially maintained at the set inter-vehicle distance Lt. During the following running, the flow proceeds to step S300 → step S301 → step S302 → step S304 → step S310 in the flowchart of FIG. Then, in step S310, the display of the preceding vehicle A as the follow-up control target is displayed by turning on the preceding vehicle A display unit 22a near the own vehicle display unit 23.
[0074]
<When the preceding vehicle changes due to interruption>
If an interruption of another vehicle occurs between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle during the follow-up traveling control, step S300 → step S301 → step S302 → step S303 → step S306 (or step S306) in the flowchart of FIG. S307) → The flow proceeds to step S311. Then, in step S311, by blinking the preceding vehicle A display portion 22a near the own vehicle display portion 23, it is displayed that the preceding vehicle as the tracking control target has been changed by interruption.
[0075]
That is, when the preceding vehicle is changed due to the interruption, the distance between the own vehicle and the new preceding vehicle becomes narrower. It is possible to clearly indicate that the distance between the vehicle and the vehicle has been reduced.
[0076]
<When the preceding car changes due to leaving>
If the preceding vehicle traveling immediately before the own vehicle has left during the follow-up traveling control, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, step S300 → step S301 → step S302 → step S304 → step S305 → step S308 (or step S308). S309) → The flow proceeds to step S312. Then, in step S312, by blinking the preceding vehicle B display portion 22b far from the own vehicle display portion 23, it is displayed that the preceding vehicle as the tracking control target has been changed by leaving.
[0077]
That is, when the preceding vehicle changes due to leaving, the distance between the own vehicle and the new preceding vehicle increases, but by blinking the preceding vehicle B display unit 22b far from the own vehicle display unit 23 in accordance with this, It is possible to clearly indicate that the headway with the vehicle to be controlled has opened.
[0078]
Next, effects will be described.
In the display device for following the preceding vehicle according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment.
[0079]
(7) The preceding vehicle display unit 22 includes a preceding vehicle B display unit 22b in which the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle are separated from each other, and a preceding vehicle A display unit 22a closer to the preceding vehicle B display unit 22b. In the preceding vehicle display control, the preceding vehicle B display section 22b is turned on when the inter-vehicle distance with the new preceding vehicle increases due to the preceding vehicle change, so that the new preceding vehicle after the change is interrupted. It is possible to provide a display that allows easy identification of whether the change is due to the separation or the separation.
[0080]
As described above, the display device for following the preceding vehicle according to the present invention has been described based on the first embodiment and the second embodiment. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the claims are not limited thereto. Changes and additions to the design are permitted without departing from the gist of the claimed invention.
[0081]
For example, in the first and second embodiments, an example in which the blinking is continued until the inter-vehicle distance becomes (Lt-d) in the case of interruption and until the inter-vehicle distance becomes (Lt + d) in the case of departure. Although shown, the blinking may be continued for a predetermined time (for example, a predetermined time or a variable time according to the own vehicle speed) from the preceding vehicle change.
[0082]
In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the preceding vehicle change is displayed by blinking the preceding vehicle graphic in the preceding vehicle display unit 13 (22) has been described, but the preceding vehicle is changed by changing the color and shape of the preceding vehicle graphic. A display indicating a change in the vehicle may be displayed, or a display indicating a change in the preceding vehicle may be made by blinking the graphic of the preceding vehicle and changing the color or shape.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a preceding vehicle following control system to which a following vehicle preceding display device of a first embodiment is applied.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a meter panel in which the display device of the first embodiment is incorporated.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display device of the first embodiment device.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a tracking control calculation process executed by a controller of the system to which the first embodiment is applied.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a display process executed by a controller of the system to which the first embodiment is applied.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a display device of the device of the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which only a display unit of a preceding vehicle A is turned on on the display device of the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which only the display unit of the preceding vehicle B is turned on on the display device of the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a display process executed by a controller of a system to which the device of the second embodiment is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Inter-vehicle distance sensor (preceding vehicle detection means)
2 Vehicle speed sensor
3 Follow-up control start switch
4 Setting inter-vehicle switch
5 Set vehicle speed change switch
6 Controller
7 Display device (display means)
8 Braking force control device
9 Engine output control device
10 Meter panel
11 Set vehicle speed display
12 Set headway display
13 preceding vehicle display (preceding vehicle position display)
14 Own vehicle display (own vehicle position display)
20 Set vehicle speed display
21 Setting display
22 preceding vehicle display (preceding vehicle position display)
22a Display of preceding vehicle A (second display position)
22b Display of preceding vehicle B (first display position)
23 Own vehicle display unit (own vehicle position display unit)

Claims (7)

In a vehicle equipped with a preceding vehicle tracking control system that performs control to make the own vehicle follow a preceding vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle,
Preceding vehicle detecting means for detecting a preceding vehicle traveling ahead of the own vehicle;
Display means having an own-vehicle position display unit indicating the position of the own vehicle, and a preceding vehicle position display unit indicating the position of the preceding vehicle;
Preceding vehicle change determining means for determining that the preceding vehicle detected by the preceding vehicle detecting means has been changed;
When the preceding vehicle change determining unit determines that the preceding vehicle has been changed, a preceding vehicle position display unit of the display unit switches a display indicating the preceding vehicle change to a preceding vehicle position display control unit;
A display device for following a preceding vehicle, comprising: The display device for a following vehicle according to claim 1,
The preceding preceding vehicle display device, wherein the preceding vehicle position display control means continues to blink the preceding vehicle position display section for a predetermined time from the time when the preceding vehicle is changed. The following vehicle ahead display device according to claim 2,
The preceding vehicle change determination means determines whether the change of the preceding vehicle is due to interruption or departure based on a change in the inter-vehicle distance before and after the preceding vehicle change,
The preceding vehicle position display control means continues to blink the preceding vehicle position display section until the actual inter-vehicle distance becomes a predetermined value equal to or less than the target inter-vehicle distance when the change of the preceding vehicle is caused by interruption. Car display device. The following vehicle ahead display device according to claim 2,
The preceding vehicle change determination means determines whether the change of the preceding vehicle is due to interruption or departure based on a change in the inter-vehicle distance before and after the preceding vehicle change,
The preceding vehicle position display control means, if the change of the preceding vehicle is due to departure, continues to blink the preceding vehicle position display section until the actual inter-vehicle distance becomes a predetermined value equal to or more than the target inter-vehicle distance. Car display device. The following vehicle ahead display device according to claim 2,
The preceding vehicle change determination means determines whether the change of the preceding vehicle is due to interruption or departure based on a change in the inter-vehicle distance before and after the preceding vehicle change,
The preceding vehicle position display control means, when the change of the preceding vehicle is caused by an interrupt, the blinking interval of the preceding vehicle position display section, as the inter-vehicle distance between the new preceding vehicle after the change and the own vehicle approaches the target inter-vehicle distance. A follow-up preceding vehicle display device characterized by being lengthened. The following vehicle ahead display device according to claim 2,
The preceding vehicle change determination means determines whether the change of the preceding vehicle is due to interruption or departure based on a change in the inter-vehicle distance before and after the preceding vehicle change,
The preceding vehicle position display control means, when the change of the preceding vehicle is due to departure, as the inter-vehicle distance between the changed new preceding vehicle and the own vehicle approaches the target inter-vehicle distance, the blinking interval of the preceding vehicle position display section. A follow-up preceding vehicle display device characterized by being shortened. The display device for a following vehicle according to claim 1,
The preceding vehicle position display unit includes a first display position in which the inter-vehicle distance between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle is separated, and a second display position closer to the first display position, A preceding vehicle display device, wherein the preceding vehicle position display control means turns on the first display position when the inter-vehicle distance to a new preceding vehicle increases due to a change in the preceding vehicle.

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