JP2007320431A - Driving support device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a driving support device capable of surely continuing lighting of a direction indication device even if a driver does not recognize the lighting when the direction indication device is lit during waiting at stoplights and of automatically turning off the light after making a right or left turn. <P>SOLUTION: When a vehicle travels at a predetermined speed or faster after a left direction indicator 52A or a right direction indicator 52B is lit, a CPU 41 counts up the count value of a direction indicator counter 42A at every period of time, for example, at every 10 msec to 100 msec. On the other hand, when the vehicle does not travel at the predetermined speed or faster, the CPU 41 does not count up the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A. When the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A reaches the upper limit after the vehicle travels at the predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time, for example, roughly for ten seconds (S11 to S14: YES), the CPU 41 automatically turns off the respective direction indicators 52A, 52B (S15). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving support device that automatically turns off when a direction indicating means of the host vehicle is turned on.

Conventionally, various driving assistance devices that automatically turn off when the direction indicating means of the host vehicle is turned on have been proposed.
For example, after turning on the direction indicator by voice input, the current position of the host vehicle and the vehicle behavior are detected, the end of the lane change or the passage of an intersection is detected, and this direction indicator is automatically A driving support device with voice recognition that turns off (cancels) has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Further, when the direction indicator is turned on by the direction indicating means, the steering direction of the wheel is detected, and when the steering direction of the wheel is opposite to the direction input by the direction indicating means, or the direction indication There is a driving support device that automatically turns off the direction indicator when a predetermined time has elapsed from the input of the means (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-11-342808 (paragraphs (0012) to (0033), FIGS. 1 to 4) JP 2000-355246 A (paragraphs (0008) to (0033), FIGS. 1 to 4)

However, in the driving assistance device described in Patent Document 1 described above, there is a problem in that the driver must forcibly turn off the direction indicator when the vehicle goes straight after canceling a lane change or turning left or right. is there.
Further, in the driving support device described in Patent Document 2, the direction indicator is automatically turned off when a predetermined time has elapsed from the input of the direction indication means, so that the direction indicator waiting for a signal is turned on. Even if it exists, there exists a problem that a direction indicator will be lighted out automatically when predetermined time passes.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can turn off automatically after turning on the direction indicating means of the own vehicle, after changing lanes or turning left and right, and changing lanes. Even if you turn left or right and go straight ahead, you can notify the driver that you have forgotten to turn off the light and instruct it to turn off, or even if the driver does not recognize that the direction indicator is lit automatically An object is to provide a driving support device that can be turned off. In the case of lighting of the direction indicating means such as waiting for a signal, the lighting can be surely continued even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the direction indicating means, and after turning right and left, It is an object of the present invention to provide a driving support device that can notify a person that he / she has forgotten to turn off and instruct the user to turn off or can turn off automatically.

  In order to achieve the object, the driving support apparatus according to claim 1 includes a lighting determination means (13) for determining whether or not the direction indicating means (52A, 52B) of the own vehicle is lit, and the vehicle speed of the own vehicle. A vehicle speed detecting means (21) for detecting, and a traveling state determining means (13) for determining whether or not the direction indicating means is lit and determining whether or not the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time. And turning off the direction indicating means when it is determined that the direction indicating means is turned on and when it is determined that the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or higher for a predetermined time. And a control means (13, 3).

  A driving support apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the driving support apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the driving support apparatus includes a notifying unit that notifies that the direction indicating unit has been turned off. 13 and 3) are characterized in that when the direction indicating means is controlled to be extinguished, the driver is informed through the informing means that the direction indicating means is extinguished.

  Furthermore, the driving support apparatus according to claim 3 includes a lighting determination means (13) for determining whether or not the direction indicating means (52A, 52B) of the own vehicle is lit, and a vehicle speed detection for detecting the vehicle speed of the own vehicle. Means (21), traveling state determining means (13) for determining whether or not the direction indicating means is lit, and determining whether the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or higher for a predetermined time, and the direction It is determined that the notification means (16) for notifying that the instruction means is turned on, and that the direction instruction means is turned on, and that the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or higher for a predetermined time. In this case, the apparatus includes a notification control unit (13) for controlling the driver to notify that the direction indicating unit is lit through the notification unit.

In the driving support device according to claim 1 having the above-described configuration, when it is determined that the direction indicating means of the own vehicle is turned on and it is determined that the own vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time. The direction indicating means is turned off.
As a result, after turning on the direction indication means of the host vehicle, it is possible to turn off the lane or turn left and right and drive automatically for a predetermined time at a speed exceeding the predetermined speed, and also go straight ahead after canceling the lane change and turning left and right In this case, even if the driver does not recognize the turning on of the direction indicating means, it is possible to automatically turn off the direction indicating means when traveling at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time. For this reason, it becomes possible to reliably prevent forgetting to turn off the direction indicating means while the host vehicle is traveling. Further, in the case of lighting of the direction indicating means such as waiting for a signal, the lighting can be surely continued even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the direction indicating means, and after turning right and left, The instruction means can be automatically turned off.

  In the driving support device according to claim 2, when the direction indicating unit is controlled to be turned off, the driver is informed through the notification unit that the direction indicating unit is turned off. The driver can be surely recognized that the means is turned off.

Further, in the driving support device according to claim 3, when it is determined that the direction indicating means of the own vehicle is turned on and it is determined that the own vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time, The driver is informed through the notification means that the direction indicating means is lit.
As a result, after turning on the direction indication means of the host vehicle, after turning the lane or turning left or right, even if you forget to turn off the direction indication means, driving automatically forgetting to turn off the direction indication means when driving for a predetermined time at a speed exceeding the predetermined speed The user can be surely recognized that he has forgotten to turn off the lights. In addition, when driving straight ahead after changing lanes or turning left and right, the driver automatically forgets to turn off the direction indicator when driving for a predetermined time at a speed exceeding the specified speed even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the direction indicator. The user can be surely recognized that he has forgotten to turn off the lights. For this reason, it becomes possible to reliably prevent forgetting to turn off the direction indicating means while the host vehicle is traveling. In the case of lighting of the direction indicating means such as waiting for a signal, the lighting can be surely continued even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the direction indicating means, and after turning right and left, Even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the direction indicating means, the driver can automatically notify the driver that he / she has forgotten to turn off the direction instructing means when he / she travels at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time, and can reliably recognize the forgetting to turn off. .

  Hereinafter, the driving support device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on the first and second embodiments.

First, a schematic configuration of the driving support apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a driving support apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the driving support device 1 according to the first embodiment is based on a navigation device 2 and a direction indicator ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3 electrically connected to the navigation device 2. A predetermined peripheral device is connected to each control device.

  The navigation device 2 includes a current position detection processing unit 11 that detects a current position of the own vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “own vehicle position”), a data recording unit 12 in which various data are recorded, and input information. Based on the navigation control unit 13 for performing various arithmetic processes, the operation unit 14 for receiving operations from the operator, the liquid crystal display 15 for displaying information such as a map to the operator, and voice guidance for route guidance. The output speaker 16 and a communication device 17 that communicates with an information center such as a road traffic information center (VICS: registered trademark). The navigation control unit 13 also includes a vehicle speed sensor 21 that detects the traveling speed of the host vehicle, a left direction indicator 52A that informs other vehicles of steering in the left direction, and a right direction indicator 52B that informs steering in the right direction. Are connected to a direction indicating switch 51 capable of inputting a lighting instruction signal for instructing to turn on and a turn-off instruction signal for instructing to turn off. Therefore, the driver can select either the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B by operating the direction indication switch 51 to turn on or off.

  The navigation device 2 collects information on traffic control systems such as the police and the Japan Highway Public Corporation from the road traffic information center (VICS) via the communication device 17 and creates information related to traffic congestion, traffic regulation information, etc. The road traffic information can be received every predetermined time. The road traffic information is, for example, detailed information on road traffic information such as road traffic information related to road traffic congestion, traffic regulation information due to road construction, construction work, and the like. In the case of road traffic information, the detailed information includes a VICS link ID, which will be described later, the actual length of the traffic jam, the time at which traffic congestion is expected to be eliminated, and the traffic control information, which will be described later. The duration of construction, etc., traffic closure, one-sided alternate traffic, traffic regulation types such as lane regulation, traffic regulation time zones, etc.

  The communication device 17 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), an intranet, a mobile phone network, a telephone network, a public communication network, a dedicated communication network, a communication network such as the Internet, etc. It can be used by connecting to other communication systems. It can also be used by connecting to a communication system using CS broadcasting, BS broadcasting, terrestrial digital television broadcasting, FM multiplex broadcasting, or the like by a broadcasting satellite. Further, it can be used by connecting to a communication system such as a non-stop automatic toll payment system (ETC) or a narrow area communication system (DSRC) used in an intelligent road traffic system (ITS).

Below, each component which comprises the navigation apparatus 2 is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 1, the current location detection processing unit 11 includes a GPS 31, a geomagnetic sensor 32, a distance sensor 33, a steering sensor 34, a gyro sensor 35 as an orientation detection unit, an altimeter (not shown), and the like. It is possible to detect the position, direction, distance to a target (for example, an intersection), and the like.

  Specifically, the GPS 31 detects the current position and current time of the vehicle on the earth by receiving radio waves generated by an artificial satellite, and the geomagnetic sensor 32 measures the vehicle by measuring the geomagnetism. The azimuth is detected, and the distance sensor 33 detects a distance between predetermined positions on the road. Here, as the distance sensor 33, for example, the rotational speed of a wheel (not shown) of the vehicle is measured, a sensor that detects the distance based on the measured rotational speed, the acceleration is measured, and the measured acceleration is 2 A sensor that integrates the times and detects the distance can be used.

  The steering sensor 34 detects the rudder angle of the host vehicle. Here, as the steering sensor 34, for example, an optical rotation sensor attached to a rotating portion of a steering wheel (not shown), a rotation resistance sensor, an angle sensor attached to a wheel, or the like is used.

  And the gyro sensor 35 detects the turning angle of the own vehicle. Here, as the gyro sensor 35, for example, a gas rate gyro, a vibration gyro, or the like is used. Further, by integrating the turning angle detected by the gyro sensor 35, the vehicle direction can be detected.

  The data recording unit 12 reads an external storage device and a hard disk (not shown) as a storage medium, a map information DB 25 stored in the hard disk, a predetermined program, and the like, and writes predetermined data in the hard disk. And a recording head (not shown) as a driver. In the first embodiment, a hard disk is used as the external storage device and storage medium of the data recording unit 12, but in addition to the hard disk, a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk can be used as the external storage device. Also, a memory card, magnetic tape, magnetic drum, CD, MD, DVD, optical disk, MO, IC card, optical card, etc. can be used as an external storage device.

  In addition, the data recording unit 12 is created from the road traffic information on the current road traffic congestion, which is composed of the actual length of the traffic jam received from the road traffic information center (VICS), the time when the traffic jam is expected to be resolved, etc. Congestion information is stored. Further, the data recording unit 12 stores traffic regulation information created from road traffic information related to road regulation with traffic regulation, traffic regulation information due to construction work, etc. received from the road traffic information center (VICS).

The map information DB 25 stores navigation map information 26 used for travel guidance and route search of the navigation device 2. Here, the navigation map information 26 includes various information necessary for route guidance and map display. For example, new road information for identifying each new road, map display data for displaying a map, Intersection data relating to each intersection, node data relating to node points, link data relating to roads (links) as a kind of facility, search data for searching for routes, stores relating to POI (Point of Interest) such as shops that are a kind of facility It is composed of data, search data for searching points, and the like.
The contents of the map information DB 25 are updated by downloading update information distributed from the map information distribution center (not shown) via the communication device 17.

  Here, in particular, the map display data is divided into 4 (length 1/2), 16 (1/4), and 64 (1/8) based on a secondary mesh partitioned by 10 km × 10 km. Each unit is configured so that the data amount of each unit is approximately the same level. The smallest 64 division size unit is about 1.25 km square.

  Node data includes actual road branch points (including intersections, T-junctions, etc.), node point coordinates (positions) set for each road according to the radius of curvature, etc., nodes A node attribute indicating whether or not is a node corresponding to an intersection, a connection link number list which is a list of link IDs which are identification numbers of links connected to the node, and a list of node numbers of nodes adjacent to the node via the link Are recorded on the adjacent node number list, the height (altitude) of each node point, and the like.

  Link data includes the width of the road to which the link belongs, the gradient, the cant, the bank, the road surface condition, the number of lanes on the road, the number of lanes decreasing, and the width of the link data. The data indicating the radius, crossing, T-junction, corner entrance and exit, etc. with respect to the corner, data representing the downhill road, uphill road, etc. In addition to roads such as national roads, prefectural roads, narrow streets, etc., data representing toll roads such as national highways, urban highways, general toll roads, and toll bridges are recorded. Furthermore, regarding toll roads, data relating to entrance roads (rampways), toll gates (interchanges) and the like of toll roads are recorded.

  In addition, as search data, data used for searching and displaying a route to a set destination is recorded, and costs for passing through a node (hereinafter referred to as node cost) and roads are configured. Cost data used for calculating a search cost including a link cost (hereinafter referred to as a link cost), route display data for displaying a guidance route selected by the route search on a map of the liquid crystal display 15, and the like. It is configured.

  Further, as store data, data on POIs such as hotels, hospitals, gas stations, parking lots, and tourist facilities in each region are recorded together with IDs that identify the POIs. In the map information DB 25, sound output data for outputting predetermined information by the speaker 16 of the navigation device 2 is also recorded.

As shown in FIG. 1, the navigation control unit 13 constituting the navigation device 2 is a working device that controls the entire navigation device 2, the CPU 41 as the control device, and the CPU 41 performs various arithmetic processes. In addition to the RAM 42 that stores route data when a route is searched, a control program, and the vehicle is set to a predetermined speed with each of the direction indicators 52A and 52B described later being lit. When the vehicle travels for a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds) at the above speed (for example, 10 km / h or more), a processing program for turning off the direction indicators 52A and 52B and notifying the turn-off (for example, ROM 43 in which is stored), a flash memo that stores a program read from the ROM 43 And internal storage devices such as 44, a timer 45 for measuring time. Further, the RAM 42 has a direction indicator counter 42A for measuring the time when the host vehicle has traveled at a predetermined speed or higher (for example, 10 km / h or higher) in a state where the direction indicators 52A and 52B are lit. Is provided. When the engine is started, “0” is substituted and stored in the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A.
Here, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic core, or the like is used as the RAM 42, the ROM 43, the flash memory 44, or the like. As the arithmetic device and the control device, an MPU or the like can be used instead of the CPU 41.

  In the first embodiment, various programs are stored in the ROM 43 and various data are stored in the data recording unit 12. However, the programs, data, and the like are stored in the same external storage device, memory card, and the like. It is also possible to read out a program, data, etc. from the flash memory 44 and so on. Further, the program, data, etc. can be updated by exchanging a memory card or the like.

  Furthermore, the navigation control unit 13 is electrically connected to peripheral devices (actuators) of the operation unit 14, the liquid crystal display 15, the speaker 16, and the communication device 17.

  The operation unit 14 is operated when correcting the current location at the start of travel, inputting a departure point as a guidance start point and a destination as a guidance end point, or searching for information about facilities, and the like. And a plurality of operation switches. The navigation control unit 13 performs control to execute various corresponding operations based on switch signals output by pressing the switches. As the operation unit 14, a keyboard, a mouse, a barcode reader, a remote control device for remote operation, a joystick, a light pen, a stylus pen, or the like can be used. Furthermore, it can also be configured by a touch panel provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display 15.

  The liquid crystal display 15 also has operation guidance, operation menus, key guidance, guidance route from the current location to the destination, guidance information along the guidance route, traffic information, news, weather forecast, time, mail, TV program, etc. Is displayed. Instead of the liquid crystal display 15, it is also possible to use a CRT display, a plasma display, or the like, or a hologram device that projects a hologram onto the windshield of a vehicle.

  Further, the speaker 16 outputs voice guidance that guides traveling along the guidance route based on an instruction from the navigation control unit 13. Here, examples of the voice guidance to be guided include “200m ahead, right at the XX intersection” and “The direction indicator is turned off”. In addition to the synthesized voice, the voice output from the speaker 16 can output various sound effects and various guidance information recorded in advance on a tape, a memory, or the like.

  And the communication apparatus 17 is a communication means which communicates with a map information distribution center, and transmits / receives the updated map information etc. of the newest version between map information distribution centers. In addition to the map information distribution center, road traffic consisting of information such as traffic congestion information, traffic regulation information, parking lot information, traffic accident information, and service area congestion transmitted from the road traffic information center (VICS), etc. Information is received as a radio wave beacon, an optical beacon, or the like via a radio beacon device, an optical beacon device, or the like disposed along the road. The communication device 17 is a network device that enables communication in a communication system such as a communication network such as a LAN, WAN, intranet, mobile phone network, telephone network, public communication network, dedicated communication network, and the Internet. is there. Further, the communication device 17 includes an FM receiver that receives FM multiplexed information including information such as news and weather forecasts as FM multiplexed broadcasting via the FM broadcasting station in addition to information from the road traffic information center (VICS). Prepare. The beacon receiver and the FM receiver are unitized and arranged as a VICS receiver, but can be arranged separately.

  The direction indicator ECU 3 includes a data receiving unit 3A that receives control information transmitted from the navigation control unit 13, and controls the lighting of the direction indicators 52A and 52B based on the received control information. Part 3B is provided.

Next, a process for automatically turning off each of the direction indicators 52A and 52B executed by the navigation control unit 13 of the driving support apparatus 1 configured as described above and notifying the driver of the turn-off will be described with reference to FIG. .
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process of automatically turning off each of the direction indicators 52A and 52B executed by the navigation control unit 13 of the driving assistance apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment and notifying the driver of the turn-off. 2 is stored in the ROM 43 provided in the navigation control unit 13 of the navigation device 2, and is executed by the CPU 41 at regular intervals (for example, every 10 msec to 100 msec).

  As shown in FIG. 2, first, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 11, the CPU 41 receives a lighting instruction signal from the left direction indicator 52 </ b> A or the right direction indicator 52 </ b> B via the direction indication switch 51. Whether or not a lighting control signal for instructing to turn on the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is output to the direction indicator ECU 3, that is, the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is turned on. A determination process is performed to determine whether or not the And it determines with the lighting control signal which instruct | indicates lighting of the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B with respect to direction indicator ECU3 being output, ie, each direction indicator 52A, 52B is not lighting. If it has been (S11: NO), the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of S17 described later.

  On the other hand, a lighting control signal that instructs the direction indicator ECU 3 to turn on the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is output, that is, it is determined that the direction indicators 52A and 52B are turned on. If it has been performed (S11: YES), the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of S12. In S12, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more (for example, 10 km / h or more) via the vehicle speed sensor 21, that is, whether or not waiting for a signal or the like. Execute. And when the own vehicle is not drive | working more than predetermined speed (S12: NO), CPU41 complete | finishes the said process.

  On the other hand, when the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more (S12: YES), the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of S13. In S13, the CPU 41 counts up the direction indicator counter 42A. For example, the CPU 41 reads the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A, adds “1” to the count value, and stores it again in the direction indicator counter 42A.

Subsequently, in S14, the CPU 41 reads the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A again and reads the upper limit value stored in advance from the ROM 43, and whether or not the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A has reached the upper limit value or more. A determination process for determining
The upper limit value is determined when the host vehicle travels at a predetermined speed or higher (for example, 10 km / h or higher) for a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds). This is the count value that the count value reaches. Therefore, the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2 is executed every 100 msec, and in the process of S13, “1” is added to the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A, and the host vehicle exceeds the predetermined speed (for example, speed per hour). If the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A when traveling for about 10 seconds is set to the upper limit value, the upper limit value is “100” counts.

Then, when the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A is less than the upper limit value (S14: NO), the CPU 41 ends the process.
On the other hand, when the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A is equal to or greater than the upper limit value (S14: YES), the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of S15. In S15, the CPU 41 outputs a turn-off control signal that instructs the turn indicator ECU 3 to turn off each turn indicator 52A, 52B (cancel the turn-on). Thereby, direction indicator ECU3 is controlled so that each direction indicator 52A, 52B is light-extinguished via control circuit part 3B, when this light extinction control signal is received via data receiving part 3A.
When the turn-off instruction signal for instructing the turn-off of each direction indicator 52A, 52B is input via the direction instruction switch 51, the CPU 41 sends the direction indicator 52A, 52B to the direction indicator ECU 3. Outputs an extinguishing control signal for instructing extinguishing (releasing lighting).

Subsequently, in S16, the CPU 41 notifies the driver via the speaker 16 that the direction indicators 52A and 52B are turned off. For example, the CPU 41 gives a voice notification that “the direction indicator has been turned off” via the speaker 16.
Thereafter, in S17, the CPU 41 reads the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A, substitutes “0” for this count value, stores it again in the direction indicator counter 42A, and initializes the direction indicator counter 42A. Then, the process ends.

  Here, the left direction indicator 52A and the right direction indicator 52B constitute a direction indication means. Further, the CPU 41, the RAM 42, and the ROM 43 constitute a lighting determination unit and a traveling state determination unit. Further, the vehicle speed sensor 21 functions as vehicle speed detection means. Moreover, CPU41, RAM42, ROM43, and direction indicator ECU3 comprise a light extinction control means. The speaker 16 functions as a notification unit.

As described above in detail, the driving assistance apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment lights up the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B of the host vehicle, and then turns on at a predetermined speed or higher (for example, 10 km / hour or higher). When the vehicle travels, the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A is incremented at regular intervals (for example, every 10 msec to 100 msec), and the lane change or right / left turn is performed for a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds). When driving, the direction indicator counter 42A reaches the upper limit value (S11 to S14: YES), and can be automatically turned off (S15). Even if the driver does not recognize that the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is lit, the direction indicator counter 42A is set to the upper limit when traveling at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time. Reached (S11~S14: YES), it becomes possible to automatically travels off the left turn signal 52A or the right direction indicator 52B (S15). For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B from being forgotten to be turned off while the host vehicle is traveling, and to prevent an accident when entering the intersection straight ahead. In the case of lighting of the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B such as waiting for a signal, the lighting is performed even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B. It is possible to continue without fail, and after turning right or left, the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B can be automatically turned off (S11 to S15).
Further, when the CPU 41 controls to turn off the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B automatically when the direction indicator counter 42A reaches the upper limit (S11 to S14: YES) (S11 to S14). S15), in order to notify the driver that the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is turned off via the speaker 16, the driver is surely turned off the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B. Can be recognized.

Next, the driving assistance apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the driving support apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the driving support apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. is there.
The schematic configuration of the driving support apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the driving support apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Various control processes are also substantially the same as those of the driving support apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, when the driving support apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment travels for a predetermined time at a predetermined speed or more with the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B turned on, the direction indicators 52A and 52B are automatically operated. The driving support device 100 according to the second embodiment turns off each direction indicator 52A when the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is lit and travels for a predetermined time at a predetermined speed or more. 52B is different from the driving support apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that the driver is informed of forgetting to turn off without automatically turning off the lights 52B.

Here, a process for notifying the driver of forgetting to turn off the lights without automatically turning off the direction indicators 52A and 52B executed by the navigation control unit 13 of the driving assistance apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. To do.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of notifying the driver of forgetting to turn off the direction indicators 52A and 52B, which is executed by the navigation control unit 13 of the driving assistance apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. 3 is stored in the ROM 43 provided in the navigation control unit 13 of the navigation device 2 and is executed by the CPU 41 at regular intervals (for example, every 10 msec to 100 msec).

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, in S21, the CPU 41 receives a lighting instruction signal from the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B via the direction indication switch 51, and the left direction indicator ECU3 is left. Determination processing for determining whether or not a lighting control signal for instructing lighting of the direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is output, that is, whether or not the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is lit. Execute. And it determines with the lighting control signal which instruct | indicates lighting of the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B with respect to direction indicator ECU3 being output, ie, each direction indicator 52A, 52B is not lighting. If it has been (S21: NO), the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of S26 described later.

  On the other hand, a lighting control signal that instructs the direction indicator ECU 3 to turn on the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is output, that is, it is determined that the direction indicators 52A and 52B are turned on. When it does (S21: YES), CPU41 performs the process of said S12 thru | or S14 in S22 thru | or S24.

Then, when the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A is less than the upper limit value (S24: NO), the CPU 41 ends the process.
On the other hand, when the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A is equal to or greater than the upper limit value (S24: YES), the CPU 41 proceeds to the process of S25. In S25, the CPU 41 notifies the driver via the speaker 16 that the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B is lit. For example, the CPU 41 issues a voice notification “the direction indicator is lit” via the speaker 16.
Thereafter, in S26, the CPU 41 reads the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A, substitutes “0” for this count value, stores it again in the direction indicator counter 42A, and initializes the direction indicator counter 42A. Then, the process ends.

  Here, the left direction indicator 52A and the right direction indicator 52B constitute a direction indication means. Further, the CPU 41, the RAM 42, and the ROM 43 constitute a lighting determination unit, a traveling state determination unit, and a notification control unit. Further, the vehicle speed sensor 21 functions as vehicle speed detection means. The speaker 16 functions as a notification unit.

  As described above in detail, the driving support apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment travels at a predetermined speed or higher (for example, 10 km / h) after turning on the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B of the host vehicle. Then, the count value of the direction indicator counter 42A is incremented at regular intervals (for example, every 10 msec to 100 msec), and the lane change is performed with the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B turned on. Or turn right and left and drive for a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds), the direction indicator counter 42A reaches the upper limit (S21 to S24: YES), and automatically turns to the left direction indicator 52A or right direction. It is possible to notify the driver of forgetting to turn off the indicator 52B and to make sure that the forgetting to turn off is recognized. In addition, when a driver goes straight ahead after changing lanes or turning left or right, even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B, the vehicle automatically travels for a predetermined time at a predetermined speed or more. Forgetting to turn off the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B can be notified to the driver, and the forgetting to turn off can be surely recognized. For this reason, it is possible to reliably prevent the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B from being forgotten to be turned off while the host vehicle is traveling, and to prevent an accident when entering the intersection straight ahead. Further, in the case of turning on the direction indicating means such as waiting for a signal, the lighting can be surely continued even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B. In addition, after turning right or left, even if the driver does not recognize the lighting of the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction indicator 52B, the left direction indicator 52A or the right direction is automatically generated when traveling for a predetermined time at a predetermined speed or more. It is possible to notify the driver of forgetting to turn off the indicator 52B and to make sure that the forgetting to turn off is recognized.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example 1 and Example 2, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a driving support apparatus according to a first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of automatically turning off each direction indicator executed by the navigation control unit of the driving assistance apparatus according to the first embodiment and informing the driver of the turn-off. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of notifying the driver of forgetting to turn off each direction indicator, which is executed by the navigation control unit of the driving assistance apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100 Driving assistance apparatus 2 Navigation control part 3 Direction indicator ECU
13 Navigation control unit 21 Vehicle speed sensor 41 CPU
42 RAM
42A Direction indicator counter 43 ROM
51 Direction indicator switch 52A Left direction indicator 52B Right direction indicator

Claims (3)

Lighting determination means for determining whether or not the direction indicating means of the host vehicle is lit;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed of the host vehicle;
A traveling state determining unit that determines that the direction indicating unit is lit and determines whether the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time;
When it is determined that the direction indicating means is turned on, and when it is determined that the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time, an extinguishing control means for controlling the direction indicating means to be extinguished. When,
A driving support apparatus comprising: Informing means for informing that the direction indicating means is extinguished,
2. The light extinguishing control means, when controlling to turn off the direction indicating means, notifies the driver that the direction indicating means is extinguished via the notifying means. The driving assistance apparatus as described. Lighting determination means for determining whether or not the direction indicating means of the host vehicle is lit;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting the vehicle speed of the host vehicle;
A traveling state determining unit that determines that the direction indicating unit is lit and determines whether the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or more for a predetermined time;
Informing means for informing that the direction indicating means is lit,
When it is determined that the direction indicating means is lit and it is determined that the host vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed or higher for a predetermined time, the direction indicating means is provided to the driver via the notification means. Notification control means for controlling to notify that it is lit,
A driving support apparatus comprising:

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