JP2020079879A - Display controller - Google Patents

Abstract

A display control device is provided that allows a driver to visually recognize display information even when a display device exists over a steering wheel and a part of the display device is blocked. A display control device comprises at least one of: steering information indicating a set position of a steering wheel of a vehicle; an acquisition unit for acquiring at least line-of-sight information of a driver; An estimating unit that estimates a shielded area blocked by peripheral members of the display device including the steering wheel based on steering information and at least line-of-sight information; and display information that can be displayed on the display device according to the estimated shielded area. a control unit that performs display adjustment so as to display in a non-shielded area in the display area. [Selection drawing] Fig. 3

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display control device.

  Conventionally, a dashboard of a vehicle is provided with an instrument panel. Various display units such as a speed display unit, a rotation speed display unit, a shift display unit, a water temperature gauge, a voltmeter, a fuel gauge, a half-door warning light, and a seat belt warning light are arranged on the instrument panel. In the case of a typical automobile, the instrument panel (display device) is arranged in front of the driver's seat so that the driver can visually recognize it through the steering wheel. Even in the case of a vehicle equipped with a tilt steering mechanism capable of adjusting the position of the steering wheel according to the physique of the driver, the instrument panel is arranged so as to be visible through the steering wheel. Therefore, when the driver's physique, posture during driving, seat position in the driver's seat, degree of reclining, etc., part of the instrument panel is blocked by the steering wheel, making it difficult for the driver in the driving posture to see the display. There is. In the case of a vehicle equipped with a tilt steering mechanism, the blocked area of the display device may change depending on the position of the tilt-adjusted steering wheel. Further, in the case of a vehicle including a driver monitor system for monitoring the driver's inattentiveness and dozing as in Patent Document 1, when an imaging device for monitoring the driver is arranged on a column supporting a steering wheel. Therefore, a part of the display device may be blocked by the imaging device. In such a case, it becomes difficult for the driver to visually recognize the information necessary for driving, and it becomes necessary to change the driving posture. As a result, the driver may be bothered. Therefore, for example, in the case of the configuration of Patent Document 2, by mechanically connecting the tilt stearin mechanism and the instrument panel and vertically moving them integrally, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation of the blocked area of the display device due to the tilt operation. A configuration is disclosed.

JP, 2013-152700, A JP, 2003-154875, A

  However, even when the tilt stearin mechanism and the instrument panel are interlocked as in Patent Document 2, as long as the instrument panel (display device) exists over the steering wheel, a part of the display device is blocked by the steering wheel. The phenomenon will occur. Therefore, if it is possible to provide the display control device that allows the driver to visually recognize the display information even when the display device exists over the steering wheel and a part of the display device is blocked, it is possible to make the driver less annoyed. At the same time, it is significant that the visibility of the display device can be improved.

  A display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, steering information indicating a setting position of a steering wheel of a vehicle, an acquisition unit that acquires at least driver's line-of-sight information, and a display device arranged over the steering wheel. Of the display area including at least the steering wheel, a shield area that is shielded by a peripheral member of the display device, based on the steering information and at least the line-of-sight information, and an estimated shield area. And a control unit that performs display adjustment so that display information that can be displayed by the display device is displayed in a non-shielding area in the display area. According to this configuration, for example, display information that can be displayed on the display device is displayed in the non-shielded area in the display area according to the estimated shielded area. As a result, it is possible to easily make the driver fully recognize the display content of the display device without changing the posture and the like.

  The control unit of the display control device according to the embodiment of the present invention may perform the display adjustment so as to move the display information in the vertical direction of the display area according to the position of the shielding area. According to this configuration, for example, when the shielding region in the display device is changed up and down by the steering wheel or the like by tilting the steering wheel, or when the driver visually recognizes the display device due to a change in the physique or driving posture of the driver. Even when the line-of-sight direction changes in the vertical direction, the visibility can be improved by performing the display adjustment in the vertical direction.

  The control unit of the display control device according to the embodiment of the present invention may perform the display adjustment so as to move the display information in the vehicle width direction of the display region according to the position of the shielding region, for example. According to this configuration, for example, even if the line-of-sight direction when the driver visually recognizes the display device changes in the vehicle width direction due to a change in the driving posture of the driver, the display adjustment can be performed in the vehicle width direction. The visibility can be improved.

  The control unit of the display control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, when the size of the shielding area is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, preferentially displays the display information having a high priority among the plurality of display information in the non-display The display adjustment may be performed so as to display in the occluded region. According to this configuration, for example, even if the size of the shielded area becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value and the display of a plurality of pieces of display information in the non-shielded area becomes impossible, the one with high priority among the information necessary for driving Is displayed, the driver is less likely to feel uneasy, and it is possible to easily continue driving without changing the driving posture.

  The acquisition unit of the display control device according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured to acquire the line-of-sight information based on, for example, captured image data captured by an imaging unit arranged on a column supporting the steering wheel. Good. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to make the relationship between the change in the tilt angle of the steering wheel (steering information) and the optical center of the imaging unit constant. Therefore, it is possible to easily associate the vertical movement of the steering wheel with the line-of-sight information acquired from the captured image. As a result, it is possible to facilitate the estimation process of the shielding area and improve the estimation accuracy. Further, the change in the tilt angle of the steering wheel (steering information) and the vertical movement of the imaging unit can be linked. Therefore, when the line-of-sight information is acquired based on the captured image data captured by the imaging unit, the steering information indicating the setting position of the steering wheel can be acquired at the same time. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor for detecting the setting position of the steering wheel, which can contribute to simplification of the configuration and cost reduction.

  The acquisition unit of the display control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, in addition to the line-of-sight information, acquires the head position in the sitting posture of the driver, the control unit, the head position changes for a predetermined period or more. If not, the display adjustment may be executed. According to this configuration, for example, when the driver changes the driving posture and the posture continues for a predetermined period, it is possible to perform display adjustment according to the shielding area in the driving posture. Therefore, for example, when the posture changes momentarily, it is possible to prevent the display adjustment from being performed excessively, and it is possible to reduce the discomfort that the display is excessively adjusted.

  The control unit of the display control device according to the embodiment of the present invention, for example, when the shielding region is estimated, to perform the display adjustment during a period in which the line of sight of the driver is out of the display device. May be. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to prevent the display content from changing while the driver is visually recognizing the display device, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of discomfort during visual recognition.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing a state in which a part of a passenger compartment of a vehicle in which a display control device according to an embodiment can be mounted is seen through. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of an image capturing unit and an infrared irradiator for capturing a captured image used in the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram exemplifying a configuration of the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exemplary schematic diagram for explaining estimation of a shielded area (determination of a non-shielded area) in the display device based on steering information and line-of-sight information in the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a case where the position of the driver's eyes is calculated based on the captured image data in the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a display area (non-shielding area) of the display device that is visible over the steering wheel in the display control device according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is an example for explaining the display area (non-shielding area) of the display device when the steering wheel is at the standard setting position in the state where the seated posture of the driver is determined in the display control device according to the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram. FIG. 8 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a display mode of display information when display adjustment is performed on the display device at the set position of the steering wheel in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a display area (non-display area) of the display device when the tilting movement of the steering wheel is adjusted downward from the standard setting position in a state where the seating posture of the driver is determined in the display control device according to the embodiment. It is an exemplary schematic diagram explaining a shielding area. FIG. 10 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a display mode of display information when display adjustment is performed on the display device at the set position of the steering wheel in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a display area (non-shielding area) of the display device when the tilting operation of the steering wheel is adjusted to the highest setting position in a state where the seating posture of the driver is determined in the display control device according to the embodiment. ) Is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating FIG. FIG. 12 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a display mode of display information when display adjustment is performed on the display device at the set position of the steering wheel in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a display area (non-shielding) of the display device when the tilting motion of the steering wheel is adjusted to the lowest setting position in the state where the seating posture of the driver is determined in the display control device according to the embodiment. It is an exemplary schematic diagram explaining a (region). FIG. 14 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating a display mode of display information when display adjustment is performed on the display device at the set position of the steering wheel in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an exemplary view for explaining a display mode of display information when the display adjustment is performed on the display device when the seating posture of the driver is biased to the left side as an example in the display control device according to the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of display adjustment processing in the display control device according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed. The configurations of the embodiments shown below and the actions, results, and effects provided by the configurations are examples. The present invention can be realized by a configuration other than the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments, and at least one of various effects based on the basic configuration and derivative effects can be obtained. ..

  The vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 may be, for example, an automobile (internal combustion engine automobile) having an internal combustion engine (engine, not shown) as a drive source, or an electric motor (motor, not shown) as a drive source. It may be a vehicle (electric vehicle, fuel cell vehicle, etc.) or a vehicle (hybrid vehicle) using both of them as drive sources. Further, the vehicle 10 can be equipped with various transmissions, and can be equipped with various devices (systems, components, etc.) necessary for driving the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. In addition, the method, the number, the layout, etc. of the devices related to driving the wheels in the vehicle 10 can be set in various ways.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 constitutes a vehicle interior 10a in which a driver (not shown) is aboard. A steering wheel 12 and the like are provided in the vehicle interior 10a so as to face the seat 10b of the driver as an occupant. In the present embodiment, as an example, the steering wheel 12 projects from the dashboard 14 (instrument panel). Further, the vehicle 10 is provided with a display device 16 so that a driver sitting on the seat 10b can visually recognize it through the steering wheel 12. As will be described later, for example, an instrument panel can be displayed on the display device 16, and a speed display unit, a rotation speed display unit, a shift display unit, a water temperature gauge, a voltmeter, a fuel gauge, a half-door warning light, and a seat belt warning. Various display information such as lights can be displayed. The display device 16 of the present embodiment is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OELD (Organic Electroluminescent Display), or the like so that the display mode of each display information can be appropriately changed (display adjustment). ..

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the vehicle interior 10a, an image pickup unit 20 including an image pickup unit 20a and an infrared irradiator 20b (light source) is fixed to a handle column 18 that supports the steering wheel 12. The infrared irradiator 20b may be, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light that radiates infrared rays. The imaging unit 20a can be, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera or the like that is compatible with infrared imaging.

  The viewing angle and the installation posture of the imaging unit 20a are adjusted so that the face (head) of the driver 22 seated on the seat 10b fits within the imaging region. The infrared irradiator 20b is adjusted such that the optical axis of the light emitted by the infrared irradiator 20b is near the face of the driver 22 seated on the seat 10b.

  As a result of the above-described adjustment, the infrared irradiator 20b causes the infrared rays to be emitted to the range 24 where the face (head) of the driver 22 may be present when the driver 22 sits on the seat 10b of the vehicle 10. Irradiate 26. The infrared rays 26 are not recognized as light by the eyes of the driver 22. For this reason, even if the driver 22 is irradiated in the direction of the face, the driver 22 who is the irradiation target does not feel dazzling. Therefore, comfort while driving is ensured, and the imaging unit 20a facilitates imaging of the face of the driver 22.

  The imaging unit 20a continues to capture the face (head) of the driver 22 irradiated with the infrared rays emitted by the infrared ray irradiator 20b while the vehicle 10 is being driven, for example, and a moving image is displayed at a predetermined frame rate. Data (captured image data) can be sequentially output. The captured image data that has been captured can be used for line-of-sight detection used for adjusting the display mode of the display device 16 in the present embodiment. The captured image data may be used for face detection (face recognition) for giving the driver 22 an inattentive warning or a drowsiness warning, or for identifying the driver 22.

  In the case of FIG. 2, an example in which the imaging unit 20 is arranged on the steering column 18 is shown, but if the line-of-sight information of the driver 22 can be acquired, it may be located at another position, for example, on the ceiling portion of the vehicle interior 10a or on the dashboard 14. You may arrange. Further, if the face (head) can be imaged so that the line-of-sight information of the driver 22 can be acquired, the imaging unit 20a and the infrared irradiator 20b may be separately arranged. When the infrared irradiator 20b is used, the image capturing unit 20a is less likely to be affected by the ambient brightness and can accurately recognize the face (head) of the driver 22. In another embodiment, the infrared irradiator 20b may be omitted, and the imaging unit 20a may be configured as a visible light camera. In this case, it can contribute to cost reduction.

  FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic block diagram for explaining the configuration of the display control device 28 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the display control device 28 has at least the line-of-sight information of the driver 22 that can be acquired from the captured image data captured by the imaging unit 20a and the steering by the cooperation of the hardware and the software (display control program). The visible area of the display device 16 is estimated based on the steering information indicating the set position of the wheel 12. That is, the display control device 28 estimates the shielded region shielded by the peripheral members of the display device 16 including at least the steering wheel 12 among the display regions of the display device 16 arranged over the steering wheel 12. Then, the display control device 28 determines a visible region (non-shielding region) other than the shielding region in the display region, and displays a plurality of display information that can be displayed on the display device 16 in the non-shielding region. Display adjustment is performed to improve the visibility of display information.

  The display control device 28 is implemented on a computer including a storage unit such as a CPU 30 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 32 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 34 (Random Access Memory), and an SSD 36 (Solid State Drive, flash memory). You can The display control device 28 may be realized by a CPU included in any one of a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) that control the vehicle 10, or a CPU provided separately from the vehicle control ECU. Alternatively, the display control device 28 may be configured as independent dedicated hardware and installed in the vehicle 10.

  The CPU 30 reads a display control program installed and stored in a non-volatile storage device such as the ROM 32, and executes arithmetic processing according to the display control program. In addition to the display control program, the ROM 32 stores information for determining the display mode of the display information to be referred to when the display adjustment of the display device 16 is performed according to the size and shape of the non-shielding area. For example, when the layout of the speed display unit, the rotation speed display unit, the warning light, etc. displayed in the non-shielded area or the scaling ratio at the time of display, the size of the non-shielded area is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the display information to be displayed preferentially Information such as the priority order of is stored. The RAM 34 is used as a work area when the display control program is executed by the CPU 30, and is also used as a temporary storage area for various data used in calculations by the CPU 30. Further, the SSD 36 is a rewritable nonvolatile storage unit and can store data even when the power of the vehicle 10 is turned off. The CPU 30, the ROM 32, the RAM 34, etc. can be integrated in the same package. Further, the display control device 28 may be configured to use another logical operation processor such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a logic circuit instead of the CPU 30. Further, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) may be provided instead of the SSD 36, or the SSD 36 and the HDD may be provided separately from the display control device 28.

  The CPU 30 includes various modules for realizing the functions of the display control device 28. For example, the CPU 30 realizes the acquisition unit 38, the estimation unit 40, the display control unit 42, and the like. The acquisition unit 38 also includes detailed modules such as a steering information acquisition unit 38a, a line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b, and a head position acquisition unit 38c. The estimation unit 40 includes detailed modules such as a shielded region estimation unit 40a and a non-shielded region determination unit 40b. The display control unit 42 also includes detailed modules such as a layout changing unit 42a, a scaling changing unit 42b, a priority display determining unit 42c, and an adjustment executing unit 42d.

  The acquisition unit 38 acquires various kinds of information necessary for the display control device 28 to perform the estimation of the shielded area (determination of the non-shielded area) and the display adjustment of the display information.

  The steering information acquisition unit 38a acquires setting information indicating the setting position of the steering wheel 12. The steering wheel 12 is optimal or suitable for the driver 22 according to the physique of the driver 22 and the adjustment state of the seat 10b (for example, the front-back adjustment position of the seat surface, the vertical adjustment position, the tilt angle of the rear surface, etc.). In order to realize the posture, a tilt steering mechanism is provided which can be moved integrally with the handle column 18 to adjust the vertical angle (tilt angle). Since the steering wheel 12 exists between the display device 16 and the driver 22, when the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 changes, the field of view of the driver 22 that is blocked by the steering wheel 12, that is, the display device 16. The visible area changes. The steering information acquisition unit 38a acquires a setting value (tilt angle) of the steering wheel 12 by acquiring a detection value from a steering wheel sensor 44 (for example, an angle sensor) provided on the steering wheel column 18. The vehicle 10 may include a telescopic steering mechanism that can adjust the steering wheel 12 in the axial direction (depth direction of the steering wheel 12). In this case as well, since the steering wheel 12 moves between the display device 16 and the driver 22, the field of view of the driver 22, which is blocked by the steering wheel 12, that is, the visible region of the display device 16 changes. Therefore, the steering information acquisition unit 38a may acquire, as steering information, the axial setting position of the steering wheel 12 in addition to the tilt angle. In the following description, the adjustment of the display content of the display device 16 when the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 is adjusted in the vertical direction will be exemplified.

  In the case of this embodiment, the imaging unit 20 is fixed on the handle column 18. In this case, the relationship between the change in the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 (steering information) and the optical center of the imaging unit 20a becomes constant. Therefore, the vertical movement of the steering wheel 12 and the line-of-sight information acquired from the captured image captured by the imaging unit 20a can be associated with each other. As a result, the process of estimating the occluded region is facilitated and the estimation accuracy can be improved. Further, the change in the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 (steering information) and the vertical movement of the imaging unit 20a are linked. Therefore, when the tilt angle is the reference angle 0 (for example, the tilt angle θ=0), a fixed member in the vehicle interior 10a, for example, a room lamp fixed to the top surface is included in the captured image captured by the imaging unit 20a. The captured image that is captured is stored in the ROM 32 or the like as a reference image. Then, the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 can be estimated by comparing the captured image captured by the imaging unit 20a with the reference image when the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 changes. That is, when the line-of-sight information is acquired based on the captured image captured by the image capturing unit 20a, the steering information can also be acquired. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide the steering wheel sensor 44 and the like, which can contribute to simplification of the configuration and cost reduction.

  The line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b acquires line-of-sight information indicating the direction in which the driver 22 is currently looking. The line-of-sight information is information indicating a line (line-of-sight) that connects the center point of the eyeball of the driver 22 and the object to be viewed (gazing point). As shown in FIG. 4, consider a case where the image pickup unit 20 (image pickup unit 20a) picks up an image of the driver 22 seated on the seat 10b. When the image pickup unit 20 is fixed on the handle column 18, the optical center M of the image pickup section 20a is determined as shown in FIG. The line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b detects the driver 22 and the position of the eye (eyeball center position Q) from the captured image P by using a well-known face recognition technique or the like, and captures the captured image P of the driver 22. In, the distance L between the optical center M and the eyeball center position Q is calculated, for example, by measuring the number of pixels in the captured image P. In this case, the line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b can acquire the line-of-sight N1 when the imaging unit 20a is viewed from the eyeball center position Q as the line-of-sight information as illustrated in FIG. 4, and in FIG. The angle α formed by can be calculated. Further, since the distance of the uppermost end T1 of the imaging unit 20 to the optical center M of the imaging unit 20a is known, the line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b determines the line of sight N2 when looking at the uppermost end T1 from the eyeball center position Q. It can be acquired as line-of-sight information. Then, in FIG. 4, the angle β formed by the line of sight N2 and the parallel line M1 passing through the uppermost end T1 and parallel to the optical center M can be calculated. Further, since the distance of the lowermost end portion T2 of the wheel inner diameter (grip portion inner diameter) on the upper side of the steering wheel 12 with respect to the optical center M of the imaging unit 20a is known, the line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b determines the eyeball center position Q to the lowermost end. The line of sight N3 when looking at the section T2 can be acquired as the line of sight information. Then, in FIG. 4, the angle γ formed by the line of sight N3 and the parallel line M2 that passes through the lowermost end T2 and is parallel to the optical center M can be calculated. The estimation unit 40 can calculate the region (non-shielded region other than the shielded region) that the driver 22 can see through the steering wheel 12 by using the lines of sight N2 and N3 and the angles β and γ. Details of the estimation unit 40 will be described later.

  In the captured image data acquired by the line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b, a virtual image (hereinafter referred to as “Purkinje image”) that is captured when the infrared light emitted by the infrared irradiation device 20b is reflected on the corneal surface of the driver 22's eye. Can be included. In the case of the present embodiment, the line-of-sight (line-of-sight information) of the driver 22 is performed by known line-of-sight detection processing using the position of the Purkinje image on the captured image based on the captured image data and the center position of the pupil of the driver 22. Can be obtained more accurately. Note that other techniques may be used as long as the line-of-sight information of the driver 22 can be acquired. For example, the line-of-sight based on the position of the eyeball center and the center position of the pupil estimated based on the shape of the face of the driver 22. Information may be acquired.

  The head position acquisition unit 38c acquires the head position of the driver 22 in the sitting posture. The head position acquisition unit 38c detects the head (face) of the driver 22 in the captured image P based on the captured image data captured by the imaging unit 20a by using a well-known face recognition technique or the like, and detects the head with respect to the optical center M. Detect the position of. The driver 22 may change his/her posture while driving. For example, the posture may be tilted or the sitting position may be changed in order to eliminate fatigue caused by being in the same driving posture for a long time. In such a case, the head position (face position) changes, for example, in the vehicle width direction, and the eye position (eyeball center position Q) also changes in the vehicle width direction, which is blocked by the steering wheel 12. The 16 occlusion areas change. Therefore, by considering the change in the head position (face position), it is possible to more appropriately estimate the occluded region, that is, determine the non-occluded region. In addition, the orientation of the face (head) may be temporarily changed to confirm the surroundings. In such a case, the head (face) is likely to return to the original position after the confirmation operation is completed. When the orientation of the head (face) is temporarily changed, it is determined that the shielding area by the steering wheel 12 or the like is changed, and the display mode of the display device 16 is excessively changed, which causes annoyance to the driver 22. It may happen. Therefore, when the position of the head position (face position) is fixed (does not move for a predetermined period), the display adjustment of the display device 16 is executed, thereby enabling more appropriate display adjustment.

  FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic diagram showing a non-shielding region 46 (a region is represented by hatching for the sake of convenience) which is a visible region of the display device 16 seen through the steering wheel 12. As shown in FIG. 6, when the steering wheel 12 and the imaging unit 20 move in the vertical direction by the operation of the steering tilt mechanism, the non-shielding area 46 changes. If the speed display unit, the rotation speed display unit, the warning light, and the like are displayed at a fixed position on the display device 16, they may be blocked by the moving steering wheel 12 or the imaging unit 20 and may not be visible. Therefore, first, the estimation unit 40 estimates the shielded region in the displayable region of the display device 16 that is shielded by the peripheral members of the display device 16 including the steering wheel 12 based on the steering information and at least the line-of-sight information.

  The shielding area estimation unit 40a estimates the shielding area of the display device 16 that is shielded by at least one of the steering wheel 12 and the imaging unit 20. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the shielding area estimation unit 40a uses the line of sight N2 based on the line of sight N1 when the image pickup unit 20a is viewed from the eyeball center position Q and the angle α formed by the line of sight N1 and the optical center M. , N3 and the angles β and γ are acquired. As described above, the line of sight N2 is the line of sight when the uppermost end T1 of the imaging unit 20 is viewed from the eyeball center position Q. The angle β is an angle formed by the line of sight N2 and the parallel line M1 passing through the uppermost end T1. The line of sight N3 is a line of sight when the lowermost end T2 of the wheel inner diameter (grip portion inner diameter) above the steering wheel 12 is seen from the eyeball center position Q. The angle γ is an angle formed by the line of sight N3 and the parallel line M2 passing through the lowermost end T2. The shielded area estimation unit 40a determines the set position (tilt) of the steering wheel 12 when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 based on the position β and the angle β at which the line of sight N2 intersects the screen of the display device 16. The shielding area (area where the driver 22 cannot see) in the state) is estimated on, for example, the XZ coordinate axis. In this case, the shield area below the display device 16 is determined by the uppermost end T1 of the imaging unit 20 arranged on the handle column 18 that supports the steering wheel 12. Similarly, the shielding area estimation unit 40a sets the steering wheel 12 when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 based on the position and the angle γ of the point (gazing point) where the line of sight N3 intersects with the screen of the display device 16. A shielded region (region where the driver 22 cannot see) of the position (tilt state) is estimated on, for example, the XZ coordinate axis. In this case, the shield area on the upper side of the display device 16 is determined by the lowermost end portion T2 of the wheel inner diameter (grip portion inner diameter) on the upper side of the steering wheel 12.

  When the shielded region estimation unit 40a estimates the shielded region based on the steering information indicating the set position (tilt state) of the steering wheel 12 and the line-of-sight information, the non-shielded region determination unit 40b causes the display device 16 to display the original display. The non-shielded area 46 excluding the shielded area from the area is determined. Note that, for example, when the display area of the display device 16 is vertically divided into two by the steering wheel 12 and each has a non-shielding area 46 of a certain size, the larger non-shielding area 46 is the area for adjustment display. Alternatively, it may be determined in advance that either the lower region or the upper region of the steering wheel 12 is preferentially used as the adjustment region.

  The display control unit 42 performs display adjustment so as to display, for example, a plurality of pieces of display information that can be displayed on the display device 16 in the non-shielded area 46 in the display area, according to the estimated shielded area. For example, when the position of the shielded region (non-shielded region 46) is changed in the vertical direction by changing the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12, the display information is displayed in the vertical direction of the display region (non-shielded region 46) according to the position of the shielded region. Perform display adjustment to move to. Further, in another embodiment, when the position of the shielded region (non-shielded region 46) changes in the vehicle width direction due to the seated posture of the driver 22 and the position of the head (face) changing in the vehicle width direction, The control unit 42 may perform the display adjustment so as to move the display information in the vehicle width direction of the display area according to the position of the shielding area.

  The layout changing unit 42a may change the layout of each display information so that substantially all the display information that can be displayed on the display device 16 is displayed in the non-shielding area 46 determined by the non-shielding area determining unit 40b. it can. As for the layout of display information, the layout of each display information can be determined according to the size and shape of the non-shielding area 46 determined by the non-shielding area determination unit 40b. Further, in another embodiment, in consideration of the visibility after the layout change, a predetermined layout of the display information may be stored in the ROM 32 or the like and read out when the layout is changed.

  The scaling change unit 42b reduces the display size of at least one display information when each display information cannot be stored in the non-shielding area 46 only by the layout change performed by the layout changing unit 42a. On the contrary, when the layout change results in an unoccupied area of the non-shielding area 46 in which the display information is not displayed and the display balance becomes unnatural, the scaling changing unit 42b determines the display size of the display information. May be enlarged to adjust the display balance. When the display size of the display information is reduced, it is desirable that the display information to be confirmed when performing the driving operation of the vehicle 10 be sequentially reduced from the display information having a lower priority. When the display size of the display information is reduced, the display size may be reduced in the same manner as the original display size, or the display size may be reduced in a different display manner. For example, if the speed display unit of the original display size is displaying the vehicle speed in an analog format in which the pointer oscillates in a circular area, the display is changed to a digital format using numbers when the size is reduced. You may reduce the size. The same applies to the rotation speed display section. Further, in the indicator group in which a plurality of warning lights are collectively arranged, the warning lights may be arranged separately to effectively utilize the non-shielding area 46. On the other hand, when enlarging the display size of the display information, the display information having a high degree of importance as the display information when performing the driving operation may be preferentially enlarged.

  The priority display determining unit 42c preferentially displays the display information having a higher priority among the plurality of display information in the non-shielding area 46 when the size of the shielding area estimated by the shielding area estimating unit 40a is equal to or larger than the predetermined value. To perform display adjustment. The information with high priority is, for example, speed information or the like when the vehicle 10 is in a state where the vehicle 10 can travel normally (when there is no abnormality in the vehicle 10). In this case, the speed display section is changed to a digital format display using numbers and is preferentially provided as one of the information that the driver 22 should recognize during traveling. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle 10, for example, an alarm light when the running of the vehicle such as an increase in the cooling water above the allowable value, a voltage drop of the battery, or a brake abnormality is not desirable, or a half door or seat belt is not attached The notification light for notifying the driver 22 of the above becomes the display information with high priority. In this way, the priority display determination unit 42c determines the priority display item according to the state of the vehicle 10 of the imaging unit 20 and the priority order of the display information. Therefore, the priority display determination unit 42c preferentially provides the information to be provided to the driver 22 even when the space (non-shielding area 46) where the display information can be displayed is small and only limited display is possible. Perform display adjustment. As described above, by adjusting the display so as to provide the driver 22 with the minimum amount of information, it is possible to easily reduce the anxiety of the driver 22 even when there is a large shielding area.

  When the adjustment permission condition for the display screen of the display device 16 is satisfied, the adjustment execution unit 42d displays the content determined by any one of the layout change unit 42a, the enlargement/reduction change unit 42b, and the priority display determination unit 42c, or a combination thereof. To adjust the display. For example, the adjustment execution unit 42d determines that the adjustment permission condition is satisfied when the head position acquired by the head position acquisition unit 38c does not change for a predetermined period or more, and executes the display adjustment. As a result, for example, when the driver 22 instantaneously changes the head position or posture due to surrounding confirmation, audio operation, conversation with a passenger, or the like, that is, when the posture is changed, the shielded area temporarily changes. In this case, the display adjustment is prevented from being executed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the troublesomeness caused by excessive screen switching. In addition, the adjustment execution unit 42d may set the adjustment permission condition of the display screen to execute the display adjustment while the line of sight of the driver 22 is out of the display device 16 when the shielding area is estimated. Accordingly, when the driver 22 is looking at the display device 16, it is possible to avoid the display control which causes an uncomfortable feeling that the display content is switched.

  7 to 14 are schematic diagrams exemplarily illustrating the shielded area (non-shielded area 46) of the display device 16 that changes according to the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 and the display information displayed in the non-shielded area 46. Is. In addition, in the description of FIGS. 7 to 14, it is assumed that the setting state of the seat 10b (front and rear position adjustment, reclining adjustment, etc.) and the physique and sitting posture of the driver 22 are the same, and only the tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 is set. A case where the shielding area of the display device 16 changes depending on the above will be described.

  7 and 8 show that all the display information displayed on the display device 16 can be visually recognized through the steering wheel 12 when the driver 22 having a standard physique sits on the seat 10b (see FIG. 2). It is a figure which shows the case where the tilt angle (reference|standard angle 0 ((theta)=0)) of the steering wheel 12 is set to the standard setting position. As described above, the steering wheel 12 moves up and down integrally with the handle column 18 to set the tilt angle, and the imaging unit 20 is fixed on the handle column 18. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 4, when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 over the steering wheel 12 (over the uppermost end T1 of the imaging unit 20), the shielding area estimation unit 40a determines the maximum of the imaging unit 20. The shield area on the lower side of the display device 16 determined by the upper end T1 can be estimated based on the line of sight N2 and the angle β. Similarly, when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 through the steering wheel 12, the shielding area estimation unit 40a determines the display device 16 that is determined by the lowermost end T2 of the wheel inner diameter (grip portion inner diameter) above the steering wheel 12. The shielding area on the upper side of can be estimated based on the line of sight N3 and the angle γ. As a result, a visible region 48 (a range including the non-shielding region 46 in the display device 16) of the display region 16a of the display device 16 that can be visually recognized by the driver 22 is determined. In other words, when the “tilt angle of the steering wheel 12 is the reference angle 0 (θ=0)”, as shown in FIG. 7, display information to be displayed on the display device 16 in the non-shielding area 46, for example, speed. If the display unit 50, the rotation speed display unit 52, the indicator group 54, various warning lights 56, and the like are arranged, the driver 22 can visually recognize them. In the case of the present embodiment, the layout shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the ROM 32 or the like as a basic layout, and the display control unit 42 can perform various layout changes, enlargement/reduction changes, and the like on the basic layout.

  9 and 10 show that the steering wheel 12 is moved from the standard setting position (reference angle 0 (θ=0)) in FIG. 7 when the driver 22 having a standard physique sits on the seat 10b (see FIG. 2). It is a figure which shows the case where it is lowered downward and tilt angle θ=θ1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the area where the steering wheel 12 is lowered from the state of FIG. 7 and is shielded by the upper wheel (grip portion) of the steering wheel 12 (shielding area of the upper display area 16a of the display device 16). Is wider than the state shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the handle column 18 moves downward, the imaging unit 20 supported by the handle column 18 also moves down and moves downward from the display device 16. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the imaging unit 20 does not affect the shielding of the display device 16. In this case as well, the shielded region estimation unit 40a causes the shielded region estimation unit 40a to determine the shielded region below the display device 16 when the driver 22 sees the display device 16 through the steering wheel 12 (in this case, the shielded region below does not exist). ) Can be estimated based on the line of sight N2 and the angle β. Similarly, when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 through the steering wheel 12, the shielding area estimation unit 40a determines the display device 16 that is determined by the lowermost end T2 of the wheel inner diameter (grip portion inner diameter) above the steering wheel 12. The shielding area on the upper side of can be estimated based on the line of sight N3 and the angle γ. As a result, the visible range 48 of the display device 16 (the range including the non-shielding region 46 of the display device 16) that the driver 22 can visually recognize is determined. In this case, the display control unit 42 changes the layout of each display information by, for example, the layout changing unit 42a so that the shielded region on the upper side of the display device 16 increases, and all of them are accommodated in the narrowed non-shielded region 46. Adjust the display as follows. Specifically, the layout changing unit 42a adjusts the layout so as to move the speed display unit 50, the rotation speed display unit 52, the indicator group 54, and the warning light 56 to a region below the display region 16a of the display device 16. To execute. In the case of FIG. 10, the layout of the warning lights 56 is changed so that the warning lights 56 are arranged in a straight line in the vertical direction, and it is easy to recognize that the layout has been changed.

  As described above, the display control unit 42 executes the display adjustment, so that even if the steering wheel 12 is tilted downward and the shielded region above the display device 16 is expanded, all the display is performed in the non-shielded region 46. The information can be displayed without any discomfort. As a result, the driver 22 can easily view the display information without changing the posture.

  11 and 12 show that the steering wheel 12 is moved from the standard setting position (reference angle 0 (θ=0)) in FIG. 7 when the driver 22 having a standard physique sits on the seat 10b (see FIG. 2). It is a figure which shows the case where it raises upwards and makes the tilt angle (theta)=(theta)2 which is the highest setting position. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the area where the steering wheel 12 is raised from the state of FIG. 7 and is shielded by the wheel (grip portion) on the upper side of the steering wheel 12 (shielding area of the upper display area 16a of the display device 16). Becomes narrower than the state shown in FIG. That is, the steering wheel 12 has almost no influence on the shielding of the display device 16. On the other hand, when the handle column 18 moves upward, the imaging unit 20 supported by the handle column 18 also rises, and the display device 16 is blocked more widely. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the imaging unit 20 and the handle column 18 block the display area 16a below the display device 16 wider than in the state of FIG. In this case as well, the shielding area estimation unit 40a can estimate the shielding area below the display device 16 that is determined when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 through the steering wheel 12 based on the line of sight N2 and the angle β. it can. Similarly, when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 through the steering wheel 12, the shielding area estimation unit 40a determines the display device 16 that is determined by the lowermost end T2 of the wheel inner diameter (grip portion inner diameter) above the steering wheel 12. The shielding area on the upper side of can be estimated based on the line of sight N3 and the angle γ. As a result, the visible range 48 of the display device 16 (the range including the non-shielding region 46 of the display device 16) that the driver 22 can visually recognize is determined. In this case, the display control unit 42 changes the layout of each display information by, for example, the layout changing unit 42a so that the shielded area on the lower side of the display device 16 is increased, and the entire non-shielded area 46 is reduced. Adjust the display so that it fits. Specifically, the layout changing unit 42a performs layout adjustment so as to move the speed display unit 50, the rotation speed display unit 52, and the indicator group 54 to an area above the display area 16a of the display device 16. Further, the non-shielding area determination unit 40b reduces the size of the indicator group 54 in the vertical direction and reduces the size in the horizontal direction so that the indicator group 54 can be accommodated in the central non-shielding area 46 which is narrowed by the upward movement of the imaging unit 20. Enlarge the size of. In this case, for example, the layout of the indicators in the indicator group 54 may be the same as the standard time in FIG. 8 or may be changed according to the vertical and horizontal sizes.

  As described above, the display control unit 42 performs the display adjustment, so that even if the steering wheel 12 is tilted upward and the shielded region below the display device 16 is expanded, all the display is performed in the non-shielded region 46. The information can be displayed without any discomfort. As a result, the driver 22 can easily view the display information without changing the posture.

  13 and 14 show the steering wheel 12 from the standard setting position (reference angle 0 (θ=0)) in FIG. 7 when the driver 22 having a standard physical size is seated on the seat 10b (see FIG. 2). It is a figure which shows the case where it is further lowered downward and tilt angle θ=θ3 which is the lowest setting position. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the steering wheel 12 is lowered further than the state of FIG. 10 and completely overlaps the display device 16. As a result, the display area 16a of the display device 16 which is blocked by the steering wheel 12 is further increased, and the display area 16a is divided into two by the steering wheel 12, so that the speed display section has a standard display mode requiring a large display area. It becomes difficult to display 50, the rotation speed display unit 52, the indicator group 54, and the like. Note that the image pickup unit 20 supported by the handle column 18 is further lowered due to the further movement of the handle column 18, and the image pickup unit 20 does not affect the shielding of the display device 16 as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the shielding area estimation unit 40a can estimate the shielding area below the display device 16 which is determined when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 through the steering wheel 12 based on the line of sight N2 and the angle β. it can. Similarly, when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 through the steering wheel 12, the shielding area estimation unit 40a determines the display device 16 that is determined by the lowermost end T2 of the wheel inner diameter (grip portion inner diameter) above the steering wheel 12. The shielding area on the upper side of can be estimated based on the line of sight N3 and the angle γ. As a result, the visible range 48 of the display device 16 (the range including the non-shielding region 46 of the display device 16) that the driver 22 can visually recognize is determined. In this case, the display control unit 42 determines whether the size of the shielded area is less than the width that can be dealt with by changing the layout or reduction of the display information or is more than the size that cannot be dealt with, and the shielded area of the shielded region is determined. When it is determined that the width is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the priority display determination unit 42c performs display adjustment so that only the display information with high priority is displayed in the non-shielding area 46. Specifically, when there is no abnormality in the vehicle 10, for example, a digital vehicle speed using numbers is displayed in the priority display area 58 shown in FIG. Further, when the vehicle 10 has an abnormality, a warning light for notifying the abnormality to the driver 22 is displayed in the priority display area 58. The number of pieces of display information to be preferentially displayed in the priority display area 58 may be one or more. Since the size of the priority display area 58 is determined according to the size of the non-shielding area 46, the number of pieces of display information to be preferentially displayed may be increased according to the size of the priority display area 58 that can be secured. The priority display area 58 may be set to the non-shielding area 46 existing above the steering wheel 12, or the priority display area 58 may be set to the non-shielding areas 46 above and below the steering wheel 12, respectively. The display information may be displayed.

  As described above, the display control unit 42 executes the display adjustment, whereby the steering wheel 12 is tilt-adjusted to the lowest setting position and the shielded region is expanded, and the shielded region is unshielded only in a limited region below the display device 16. Even if the area 46 does not exist, it is possible to reliably display the display information with high priority, which should be recognized by the driver 22. As a result, the driver 22 can easily visually recognize the minimum necessary display information without changing the posture. As shown in FIG. 14, when a large display area 16a exists above the steering wheel 12 as a result of the steering wheel 12 moving largely downward, reduction adjustment is performed according to the size of this area. Alternatively, for example, the speed display unit 50 or the rotation speed display unit 52 may be displayed. Further, the indicator group 54 whose layout has been changed may be displayed. In this way, by displaying according to the size of each of the display areas 16a divided by the steering wheel 12, the display area 16a having a limited size is utilized and the driver 22 can be efficiently used. And information can be provided effectively.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining another embodiment. When the driver's 22 shifts his/her posture on the seat 10b in the vehicle width direction, and the line of sight shifts in the vehicle width direction, the display control unit is displayed. It is a figure which shows the example of the display adjustment which 42 performs. For example, when the driver 22 is driving with the posture tilted to the left with respect to the display device 16 (steering wheel 12), the driver 22 looks at the steering wheel 12 and the display device 16 obliquely. .. As a result, the shielded region of the display region 16a of the display device 16 that is shielded by the steering wheel 12 moves to the right as compared to the case where the driver 22 looks at the steering wheel 12 and the display device 16 from the front. That is, the non-shielding area 46 moves to the left side of the display area 16a. In this case, the head position acquisition unit 38c acquires the head position, and the line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b acquires the line-of-sight information corresponding to the acquired head position. Then, the estimation unit 40 estimates the shielded area by the steering wheel 12 and the imaging unit 20 based on the line-of-sight information including the angle change in the vehicle width direction and the steering information. The display control unit 42 carries out display adjustment by changing layout or scaling so that each display information can be stored in the non-shielding area 46 determined based on the estimated shielded area. In the case of FIG. 15, the layout changing unit 42a moves the speed display unit 50, the rotation speed display unit 52, and the indicator group 54 to the lower left side of the display region 16a, and groups the warning light 56 to the lower right side of the display region 16a. In this example, the display information is stored in the non-shielding area 46 by changing the layout as described above. When the driver 22 tilts the posture to the right with respect to the display device 16 (steering wheel 12), the layout changing unit 42a performs the display adjustment in the layout opposite to that when the posture tilts to the left. ..

  As described above, the display control unit 42 executes the display adjustment, so that even if the head position of the driver 22 moves in the vehicle width direction, all the display information can be displayed in the non-shielding area 46 without a feeling of strangeness. .. As a result, the driver 22 can easily view the display information without changing the posture.

  When the steering wheel 12 has a telescopic steering mechanism and the steering wheel 12 is axially moved and adjusted, the position of the steering wheel 12 when the driver 22 looks at the display device 16 changes. As a result, the display area 16a (shielding area) shielded by the steering wheel 12 changes. In this case, the estimation unit 40 can appropriately estimate the shielded area by using the steering information that reflects the change in the axial direction. Then, the display control unit 42 can perform display adjustment so that each piece of display information is contained in the non-shielding area 46 determined based on the estimated shielding area. As a result, the driver 22 can easily view the display information without changing the posture.

  An example of the flow of display adjustment processing of the display device 16 by the display control device 28 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the display control device 28 confirms whether or not the driver 22 is seated on the seat 10b (S100). For example, when the seat 10b is provided with a weight sensor, the display control device 28 can confirm whether or not the driver 22 is seated based on the detection result of the weight sensor. In addition, as another example, when it is detected that the brake pedal is depressed, when a transmission (for example, a shift lever) is operated, when an ignition switch is turned on, and the like, the driver 22 moves to the seat 10b. If the user is not seated, the presence or absence of the seat may be confirmed by monitoring the item that is not operated. Further, the presence/absence of a seat may be confirmed by analyzing a captured image captured by the image capturing unit 20a. When the seating of the driver 22 cannot be confirmed (No in S100), this flow is once ended.

  When the seating of the driver 22 can be confirmed (Yes in S100), the display control device 28 confirms whether or not the set position of the steering wheel 12 is confirmed (S102). The display control device 28 determines that the driver 22 operates the steering wheel 12 at the current set position when a predetermined period of time elapses (for example, 20 seconds) after it is confirmed that the driver 22 is seated, It is determined that the set position of the steering wheel 12 is confirmed (Yes in S102). Further, the display control device 28 may determine that the set position of the steering wheel 12 is fixed when the vehicle 10 starts traveling. When it is determined that the set position of the steering wheel 12 is not fixed (No in S102), for example, when a predetermined period has not elapsed after the driver 22 is seated or when the traveling is not started, this flow is executed. Ends once.

  When the set position of the steering wheel 12 is confirmed, the steering information acquisition unit 38a acquires steering information (tilt angle, axial position, etc.) based on the detection result of the steering wheel sensor 44 (S104). Subsequently, the acquisition unit 38 acquires the captured image data captured by the imaging unit 20a (S106), and the head position acquisition unit 38c acquires the head position (face position) of the driver 22 seated on the seat 10b ( S108). The display control device 28 moves the head (face) and the posture frequently when the driver 22 does not have a fixed head position for a predetermined period (for example, 5 seconds) (No in S110). If so, the estimation unit 40 determines that the estimation accuracy of the shielding area of the display area 16a of the display device 16 is reduced, and ends the flow once. The fact that the head position of the driver 22 is fixed does not mean that the head (face) is completely stationary, and the driver 22 does not substantially change its posture or the head (face) is not changed. It suffices to be able to make a judgment to the extent that it can be regarded as not making a large movement, such as not facing the side to the side, and studying the amount of change in posture and the amount of head (face) deflection in advance through experiments, etc. The threshold value can be stored in the ROM 32 or the like.

  When it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed with the head position fixed (Yes in S110), the line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b starts acquisition of line-of-sight information based on the captured image data captured by the image capturing unit 20a (S112). When the display control device 28 determines that the driver 22 is not looking at the display area 16a of the display device 16 based on the line-of-sight information acquired by the line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b (No in S114), for example, the vehicle for driving When looking ahead of 10, it is determined that the display adjustment of the display device 16 is not necessary, and this flow is once ended.

  On the other hand, when the display control device 28 determines that the driver 22 is looking at the display region 16a of the display device 16 based on the line-of-sight information (Yes in S114), the shielded region estimation unit 40a causes the steering wheel acquired in S104. Based on the information and the line-of-sight information acquired in S112, the shielded region shielded by the steering wheel 12 or the imaging unit 20 on the display region 16a of the display device 16 is estimated. Then, the non-shielding area determination unit 40b determines the non-shielding area 46 (S116). Then, the display control unit 42 determines the display adjustment content (layout change, enlargement/reduction change, priority display, etc.) based on the size and shape of the shielded area (non-shielded area 46) as described with reference to FIGS. Yes (S118).

  Then, the display control device 28, after the driver 22 once looks at the display region 16a of the display device 16, determines whether or not the line of sight is off the display region 16a based on the line-of-sight information. If it is out (Yes in S120), display adjustment of the display information to be displayed in the non-shielding area 46 of the display area 16a is executed according to the display adjustment content determined in S118 during that time (S122). In S120, while the line of sight of the driver 22 does not deviate from the display area 16a (No in S120), execution of display adjustment is suspended. In this way, the display adjustment is performed so that all the display information can be visually recognized without being noticed by the driver 22. As shown in FIG. 14, when the width of the shielded area is equal to or larger than the predetermined value and the non-shielded area 46 is narrow, only the display information with high priority is displayed.

  When the setting state of the seat 10b (front-back position adjustment, reclining adjustment, etc.) or the sitting posture of the driver 22 changes or the physique of the driver 22 changes due to transfer, the line-of-sight information acquisition unit 38b It is possible to acquire line-of-sight information that changes in response to changes. Therefore, the display control device 28 estimates the shielded area (determines the non-shielded area 46) even when the setting state of the seat 10b, the seating state of the driver 22 and the like change in addition to the setting change of the steering wheel 12. Appropriately performed and display adjustments can be performed. The estimating unit 40 acquires the seat information indicating the setting state of the seat 10b and the occupant information indicating the physique of the driver 22 and the like, and reflects the occupant information in the calculation to estimate the shielded area (of the unshielded area 46). (Decision) accuracy can be further improved.

  As described above, according to the display control device 28, the setting position of the steering wheel 12 is changed, the setting state of the seat 10b is changed, the driver 22 is replaced, and the physique of the driver 22 is changed. However, the visibility of the display information displayed on the display device 16 over the steering wheel 12 can be improved. Further, it is possible to easily make the driver sufficiently recognize the display content of the display device without changing the posture and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the display device 16 is arranged in front of the steering wheel 12 has been described. In another embodiment, even when the display device 16 is arranged at a position deviated from the front of the steering wheel 12, the display area 16a depends on the setting positions of the steering wheel 12 and the seat 10b, the physique and posture of the driver 22, and the like. In addition, the present embodiment is applicable as long as the steering wheel 12 and its peripheral members cause a shielding area, and similar effects can be obtained.

  A display adjustment program for display adjustment processing executed by the display control device 28 (CPU 30) of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, which is a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM. It may be configured to be recorded and provided in a computer-readable recording medium such as an R or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

  Further, the display adjustment program may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the display adjustment program executed in the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described, these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

  10... Vehicle, 10b... Seat, 12... Steering wheel, 16... Display device, 16a... Display area, 18... Steering column, 20... Imaging unit, 20a... Imaging unit, 22... Driver, 28... Display control device, 30 ... CPU, 32... ROM, 38... Acquisition unit, 38a... Steering information acquisition unit, 38b... Line-of-sight information acquisition unit, 38c... Head position acquisition unit, 40... Estimation unit, 40a... Shielded region estimation unit, 40b... Non-shielded region Determining unit, 42... Display control unit, 42a... Layout changing unit, 42b... Enlargement/reduction changing unit, 42c... Priority display determining unit, 42d... Adjustment executing unit, 44... Steering wheel sensor, 46... Non-shielding region, 48... Visible Range, 58... Priority display area.

Claims (7)

Steering information indicating the setting position of the steering wheel of the vehicle, and an acquisition unit for acquiring at least driver's line-of-sight information,
Estimating a shielding area, which is shielded by a peripheral member of the display device including at least the steering wheel among display areas of the display device arranged over the steering wheel, based on the steering information and at least the line-of-sight information Department,
A control unit that performs display adjustment so that display information that can be displayed on the display device is displayed in a non-shielded area in the display area according to the estimated shielded area,
And a display control device.   The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs display adjustment so as to move the display information in a vertical direction of the display area according to a position of the shielding area.   The display control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs display adjustment so as to move the display information in the vehicle width direction of the display area according to the position of the shielding area.   When the width of the shielding area is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, the control unit performs display adjustment so that display information having a higher priority among the plurality of display information is preferentially displayed in the non-shielding area, The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The display according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the line-of-sight information based on imaged image data captured by an imaging unit arranged on a column supporting the steering wheel. Control device. In addition to the line-of-sight information, the acquisition unit acquires the head position in the sitting posture of the driver,
The display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit executes the display adjustment when the head position does not change for a predetermined period or longer.   The control unit executes the display adjustment during a period in which the driver's line of sight is out of the display device when the shielding area is estimated. Display controller.

Images