JP2016101797A - Safety control device for vehicle start time - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a safety control device for vehicle start time capable of suppressing contact with other vehicles and pedestrians by arousing attention of the other vehicles traveling in a parking place and the pedestrians, when a vehicle starts from a parked state.SOLUTION: A safety control device is mounted on a vehicle and has a laser projection part for projecting a predetermined pattern on a road surface, and a body ECU for controlling the laser projection part. The body ECU determines a projection direction of the laser projection part to be one of a forward direction and a backward direction of the vehicle based on a shift signal outputted from a sensor for detecting a shift operation by an operator, in the case where a vehicle speed is 0 or equal to or less than a predetermined speed. The body ECU projects the predetermined pattern (arrow 50) on the road surface which is in the determined projection direction by controlling the laser projection part, and in the case where the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, it performs stop control on the projection of the arrow 50 which is the predetermined pattern of the laser projection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a safety control device when starting a vehicle.

  A safety device (Patent Document 1) that projects a light beam onto a road surface by a beam projection device mounted on a vehicle is known. In Patent Document 1, road surface projection information is formed on a road surface by a light beam projected from the own vehicle. In addition, the vehicle includes road surface projection information acquisition means for acquiring road surface projection information formed on the road surface by a light beam projected from another vehicle. Then, based on the relationship between the road surface projection information of the other vehicle and the route information of the host vehicle, the state of the host vehicle to be watched is determined.

  Patent Document 2 proposes a control device that controls a vehicle headlamp device that includes a light source and a projection unit that projects the projected image forward of the vehicle. In Patent Document 2, the control device causes the projection unit to generate a predetermined projection image based on a detection signal output from at least one of a vehicle traveling state detection device and a traveling road state detection device. Yes. With this configuration, in Patent Document 2, an appropriate light distribution according to the vehicle running state and the road condition on which the vehicle is running can be performed.

JP 2003-231450 A JP 2008-143505 A

By the way, when the vehicle parked in the parking lot is started forward or backward, the vehicle may come into contact with other vehicles traveling in the parking lot or pedestrians passing through the parking lot.
In Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, for example, when starting from a state where the vehicle is parked, attention is given to other vehicles and pedestrians that run in the vicinity of the place where the vehicle starts (parking lot). Absent.

  It is an object of the present invention to alert other vehicles and pedestrians traveling in a parking lot when starting from a state where the vehicle is parked, and to suppress contact with other vehicles and pedestrians. An object of the present invention is to provide a safety control device that can be used when starting a vehicle.

  In order to solve the above problems, a safety control device for starting a vehicle according to the present invention is mounted on a vehicle, and a laser projection unit that projects a predetermined pattern onto a road surface, and when the vehicle speed is 0 or less than a predetermined speed, A control unit configured to control a laser projection unit to project the predetermined pattern onto the road surface, and to control to stop the projection of the predetermined pattern of the laser projection unit when the vehicle speed exceeds the predetermined speed It is.

  A control unit configured to detect an environmental condition around the vehicle, wherein the control unit determines the environmental condition around the vehicle detected by the detection unit based on a predetermined determination threshold; When it is determined that the environmental state is poor, it is preferable to perform visibility improvement control for improving the visibility of the predetermined pattern.

Moreover, it is preferable that the detection unit is a rain sensor, and the determination threshold value is a first threshold value that defines the presence or absence of rain, snow, and fog that can stand around the vehicle.
The detection unit may be an illuminance detection unit that detects illuminance, and the determination threshold may be a second threshold related to illuminance.

  In addition, a detection unit that detects an angle related to a turning angle of the vehicle is provided, and the control unit has a projection direction of the predetermined pattern in a turning direction toward the vehicle according to the angle related to the turning angle. It is preferable to control the laser projection unit so as to match.

The predetermined pattern may include at least a figure.
The control unit includes a selection unit that selects whether to enable or disable control of the laser projection unit, and when the invalidation signal is input from the selection unit, the control unit It is preferable to control the laser projection unit when there is an activation signal input from the selection unit without performing control.

  In addition, when projecting the predetermined pattern onto the road surface, the control unit projects the predetermined pattern farther than the low speed when the vehicle speed equal to or lower than the predetermined speed is high. In this way, the laser projection unit may be controlled.

  Further, the control unit determines the projection direction of the laser projection unit as one of the forward direction and the reverse direction of the vehicle based on a shift signal output from a sensor that detects a shift operation by the driver, and It is preferable to control the laser projection unit to project the predetermined pattern onto the road surface in the determined projection direction.

  According to the present invention, when starting from a state where the vehicle is parked, the vehicle is alerted to other vehicles and pedestrians traveling in the parking lot, and contact with other vehicles and pedestrians is suppressed. The effect which can be done is produced.

(A) is an electric block diagram of the safety control device at the time of vehicle start which materialized the present invention, and (b) is an electric block diagram of a laser projection part. The schematic plan view of the vehicle carrying a safety control apparatus. The schematic plan view of a parking lot. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam when moving forward from a parking lot, and (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam in the case of starting backward from a parking lot. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam in the case where it advances and starts from a parking lot in 2nd Embodiment, (b) retreats from a parking lot and starts in 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam in a case. The electric block diagram of the safety control apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam in case steering operation is performed when moving forward from a parking lot and starting in 3rd Embodiment, (b) is 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a laser light projection state when a steering wheel operation is performed when the vehicle starts moving backward from the parking lot. The electric block diagram of the safety control apparatus in 4th Embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam at the time of moving forward from the parking lot at the time of a rain sensor detecting rain etc. and starting in 4th Embodiment, (b) is 4th Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a laser light projection state when the vehicle starts moving forward from the parking lot when the rain sensor does not detect rain or the like. The electric block diagram of the safety control apparatus in 5th Embodiment. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam at the time of advancing from a parking lot in the case of daytime in 5th Embodiment, (b) is the case of night in 5th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam at the time of moving forward from a parking lot and starting. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam at the time of advancing from a parking lot in the case of daytime in 5th Embodiment, (b) is the case of night in 5th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the projection state of the laser beam at the time of moving forward from a parking lot and starting.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a safety control device (hereinafter simply referred to as a safety control device) at the start of a vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

A vehicle C shown in FIG. 2 is equipped with a safety control device 10 shown in FIG.
The safety control device 10 includes a body ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20, a vehicle speed sensor 22, a shift sensor 24, an on / off switch 30, a navigation device 32, and a laser projection unit 40 connected to the body ECU 20. In addition, although the laser projection part 40 is provided with a pair so that it may mention later, in FIG. 2, only one laser projection part 40 is illustrated for convenience of explanation.

(Vehicle speed sensor 22)
The vehicle speed sensor 22 detects the vehicle speed of the vehicle C and outputs a detection signal to the body ECU 20.

(Shift sensor 24)
In the shift sensor 24, the shift lever 26 provided in the passenger compartment of the vehicle C is set to any shift position among various shift positions such as parking (P), reverse (R), neutral (N), and drive (D). It is a shift position sensor that detects whether or not there is. The P position is a parking range, the R position is a reverse range, the N position is a neutral range, and the D position is a forward range.

  The shift sensor 24 detects the shift position of the shift lever 26 and converts it into a shift signal, and outputs the shift signal to the body ECU 20. Instead of the shift lever 26, a shift button or the like may be employed.

(On / off switch 30)
The on / off switch 30 is provided on an instrument panel (not shown) in front of the driver's seat, and an on signal or an off signal is output to the body ECU 20 by a driver's operation. When the ON signal is input from the ON / OFF switch 30, the safety control by the safety control device 10 is possible, and when the OFF signal is input, the safety control by the safety control device 10 can be invalidated. The on / off switch 30 is an example of a selection unit. The on signal output from the on / off switch 30 corresponds to an enabling signal, and the off signal corresponds to an invalidating signal.

(Navigation device 32)
The navigation device 32 is provided on an instrument panel or the like (not shown). Although not shown, the navigation device 32 displays various information such as a storage medium storing map information and the like, a GPS antenna that receives vehicle current location information, information on the current location of the vehicle and a travel route to the destination, etc. A display and a control device are provided.

The display includes a touch panel or various operation buttons, and the control device can input various instructions by an operator such as a driver.
In response to various instructions from the operator, the control device, for example, detects the travel route and controls display of the result on the display.

  Further, the various buttons are provided with operation buttons for selecting whether to enable or disable the control of the safety control device 10. The operation button is operated by an operator's operation, and an on signal or an off signal is output to the body ECU 20. When the ON signal is input from the navigation device 32, the safety control by the safety control device 10 is possible, and when the OFF signal is input, the safety control by the safety control device 10 can be invalidated. The navigation device 32 is an example of a selection unit. The on signal output from the navigation device 32 corresponds to an enabling signal, and the off signal corresponds to an invalidating signal.

(Laser projection unit 40)
As shown in FIG. 2, the laser projection unit 40 is provided on each of the pair of left and right outside mirrors 12 attached to the fender or door of the vehicle C. In FIG. 2, the outside mirror 12 is attached to the door of the vehicle C.

  The laser projection unit 40 is arranged to project (irradiate) a light beam spot in the traveling direction of the vehicle C. Here, the traveling direction of the vehicle C includes the forward direction of the vehicle C and the backward direction of the vehicle. That is, when the vehicle C travels forward (forwards), laser light can be projected in the forward direction of the vehicle C (that is, forward direction), and when the vehicle C travels backward (retreats). Can project a laser beam in the backward direction of the vehicle C (that is, in the reverse direction). In this manner, in the present embodiment, the laser projection direction of the laser projection unit 40 can be projected in either the forward direction of the vehicle or the reverse direction.

  The laser projection unit 40 includes a beam generator 42, a beam shaping lens 44, a polarization shaper 46, and a scan actuator 48. The beam generator 42 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser device, and generates visible light having a predetermined wavelength at predetermined time intervals. The predetermined time interval is a time interval shorter than about 50 ms to 100 ms, which is the time resolution of the human eye. Further, the beam generator 42 can change the luminance of the light source of the light beam under the control of the body ECU 20.

  The beam shaping lens 44 shapes the light beam generated by the beam generator 42. The polarization shaper 46 polarizes the light beam by reflecting a part of the component perpendicular to the incident surface of the light beam output from the beam shaping lens 44. The scan actuator 48 projects the light beam polarized by the polarization shaper 46 in a desired direction. That is, the light beam from the scan actuator 48 is selectively projected in the forward direction or the backward direction of the vehicle C.

  In this embodiment, the body ECU 20 controls the scan actuator 48 and the beam generator 42 to form a predetermined pattern on the road surface with a laser beam that is visible light. When the light beam is projected onto the road surface at the predetermined time interval, it becomes a spot shape. A predetermined pattern is drawn, that is, projected by the spot-like light beam by the scan actuator 48. On the human viewing angle, the spot-like light beam is not recognized but is recognized as a predetermined pattern due to the afterimage effect.

  The predetermined pattern projected from the laser projection unit 40 of the present embodiment is an arrow 50 having a certain width. Accordingly, since the arrows 50 are projected in the same direction from the pair of laser projection units 40, a pair of arrows 50 parallel or substantially parallel to each other can be projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle.

  As the scan actuator 48, for example, a galvanometer scanner, a rotary motor scanner, a resonant scanner, an optical MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) scanner, a polygon mirror, or the like can be used.

  Specifically, when the vehicle C stops (that is, the vehicle speed is 0 km / h) and the shift sensor 24 detects the D position (forward range), or the shift sensor 24 sets the D position (forward range). When the vehicle is traveling forward while the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed, a predetermined pattern is formed on the road surface in the forward direction. In the present embodiment, the vehicle speed is 20 km / h, but the predetermined speed is not limited to this value. That is, the vehicle speed of 20 km / h is an example of a threshold value, and the predetermined speed may be, for example, 15 km / h, or 25 km / h.

The light generated by the beam generator 42 may be light of any wavelength as long as it is visible light.
(Body ECU20)
The body ECU 20 inputs signals from the vehicle speed sensor 22 and the shift sensor 24, and ON / OFF signals from the ON / OFF switch 30 and the navigation device 32, and controls the laser projection unit 40 based on these input various signals. To do. The body ECU 20 corresponds to a control unit.

(Operation of the embodiment)
The operation of the safety control device 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 (a), and 4 (b).

(1) When a predetermined pattern is projected on the road surface ahead of the vehicle For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the vehicle C is parked (stopped) in the parking area of the parking lot as shown in FIG. Is assumed to be a vehicle 100 and a pedestrian 120 approaching the road surface in front of the vehicle C.

Further, it is assumed that the on / off switch 30 and the navigation device 32 are operated and an on signal is input to the body ECU 20.
When the driver operates the shift lever 26 to the D position (forward range), the body ECU 20 receives a vehicle speed of 0 km / h from the vehicle speed sensor 22 and receives a shift signal from the shift sensor 24 whose shift position is the D position. Entered. The body ECU 20 determines that the vehicle C is traveling forward based on the vehicle speed and the shift signal, controls each laser projection unit 40, and as shown in FIG. A pair of arrows 50 having a predetermined pattern are projected from the laser projection unit 40.

  The body ECU 20 controls the laser projection unit 40 until the parked vehicle C travels forward and the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (20 km / h in the present embodiment) which is a threshold value. When the vehicle speed of the vehicle C exceeds a predetermined speed (20 km / h in this embodiment), the body ECU 20 stops the laser projection by stopping the control of the laser projection unit 40.

  As a result, since the predetermined pattern is projected from the vehicle C parked in the parking area onto the road surface in front of the vehicle C, the vehicle 100 and the pedestrian 120 approaching the road surface in front of the vehicle C are separated from the parking area. It can be easily noticed that the vehicle C comes out. Further, when the vehicle C exceeds a predetermined speed, the projection of the predetermined pattern is terminated, so that the predetermined pattern can be efficiently projected by the vehicle C that has left the parking lot area.

(2) When a predetermined pattern is projected onto the road surface behind the vehicle FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram when the parked vehicle C exits from the parking area of the parking lot, unlike the case of FIG. is there. For convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the on / off switch 30 and the navigation device 32 are operated and an on signal is input to the body ECU 20 respectively.

  When the driver operates the shift lever 26 to the R position (reverse range), the body ECU 20 receives a vehicle speed of 0 km / h from the vehicle speed sensor 22 and outputs a shift signal from the shift sensor 24 whose shift position is the R position. Entered.

  The body ECU 20 determines that the vehicle C moves backward based on the vehicle speed and the shift signal, and controls each laser projection unit 40 to move the vehicle C to the rear of the vehicle C as shown in FIG. A pair of arrows 50, which are patterns, are projected from the laser projection unit 40, respectively.

  Then, the body ECU 20 controls the laser projection unit 40 until the parked vehicle C moves backward and the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed (20 km / h in the present embodiment) which is a threshold value. When the vehicle speed of the vehicle C exceeds a predetermined speed (20 km / h in this embodiment), the body ECU 20 stops the laser projection by stopping the control of the laser projection unit 40.

  As a result, since the predetermined pattern is projected on the road surface behind the vehicle C parked in the parking area, the vehicle and the pedestrian approaching the road surface behind the vehicle C can move from the parking area to the vehicle C. You can easily notice that it is retreating. Further, when the vehicle C exceeds a predetermined speed, the projection of the predetermined pattern is terminated, so that the predetermined pattern can be efficiently projected by the vehicle C that has left the parking lot area.

  When the vehicle travels forward after stopping backward from the parking area, the shift lever 26 is operated to the D position (forward range). For this reason, the body ECU 20 controls the laser projection unit 40 as in (1) above.

  Further, when the driver travels forward after stopping retreating from the parking area, it is safe to turn off at least one of the on / off switch 30 or the navigation device 32 and an off signal is input to the body ECU 20. The safety control by the control device 10 is invalidated. That is, in this case, the control of the laser projection unit 40 by the body ECU 20 is not executed, and the projection of the laser light on the road surface in the forward direction is not performed.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The safety control device 10 of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and includes a laser projection unit 40 that projects a predetermined pattern onto a road surface and a body ECU 20 (control unit) that controls the laser projection unit 40. The body ECU 20 (control unit) controls the laser projection unit 40 to project a predetermined pattern onto the road surface when the vehicle speed is 0 or below a predetermined speed, and when the vehicle speed exceeds the predetermined speed, the laser projection unit 40 The projection of the predetermined pattern is controlled to stop.

  As a result, according to the present embodiment, when starting from a state where the vehicle is parked, the vehicle is alerted to other vehicles and pedestrians traveling in the parking lot, Can be suppressed.

  (2) In addition, the body ECU 20 determines the projection direction of the laser projection unit 40 as either the forward direction or the reverse direction of the vehicle based on a shift signal output from a sensor that detects a shift operation by the driver. And body ECU20 controls the laser projection part 40, and projects the said predetermined pattern on the road surface in the determined projection direction. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the projection direction can be adjusted to the direction according to the case where the vehicle travels in the forward direction or the reverse direction.

  (3) In addition, the safety control device 10 includes an on / off switch 30 that selects whether to enable or disable the control of the laser projection unit 40 of the body ECU 20 (control unit), and a navigation device 32 (selection unit).

  When the off signal (invalidation signal) is input from the on / off switch 30 or the navigation device 32 (selection unit), the body ECU 20 (control unit) does not control the laser projection unit 40. The body ECU 20 (control unit) controls the laser projection unit 40 when an on signal (activation signal) is input from the on / off switch 30 and the navigation device 32 (selection unit).

  As a result, according to the present embodiment, the body ECU 20 (control unit) invalidates the control of the laser projection unit 40 when it is not necessary by operating the on / off switch 30 and the navigation device 32 (selection unit). In addition, the control of the laser projection unit 40 can be validated when necessary.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the safety control apparatus 10 of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to Fig.5 (a) and FIG.5 (b). In the second embodiment, as the predetermined pattern projected by the laser projection unit 40, the projection of the graphic 50 of the arrow 50 and the graphic 60 other than the same arrow is performed, but the first embodiment projects the laser projection unit 40 onto the road surface. The predetermined pattern is different from the case where only the arrow 50 is used. Specifically, in this embodiment, an exclamation mark! Is a predetermined pattern obtained by enclosing a figure surrounded by a triangle and further adding a figure enclosing the triangle with a quadrangle to the arrow 50 of the first embodiment. The figure is not limited to the above.

  In the present embodiment, when the vehicle C leaves the parking area by traveling forward, the laser projection unit 40 applies a predetermined pattern composed of the arrow 50 and the graphic 60 to the road surface in front of the vehicle C as shown in FIG. Project. When the vehicle C moves backward from the parking area, the laser projection unit 40 projects a predetermined pattern including the arrow 50 and the graphic 60 onto the road surface behind the vehicle C as shown in FIG.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the safety control device 10 of this embodiment, the predetermined pattern includes a figure. For this reason, rather than simply using a straight line or a curved line as a predetermined pattern, by including a figure in the predetermined pattern, the degree of attention to pedestrians and other vehicle drivers approaching the parking area is increased. It can be alerted that there is a vehicle C leaving.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the safety control apparatus 10 of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIG.6, FIG.7 (a) and FIG.7 (b). The third embodiment is different from the configuration of the first embodiment in that a steering angle sensor 28 is electrically connected to the body ECU 20. Other configurations of the safety control device 10 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  The steering angle sensor 28 detects the steering angle of a steering wheel (not shown) by the driver and outputs a detection signal to the body ECU 20. The body ECU 20 can calculate the turning angle of the front wheels of the vehicle C by a known method based on the steering angle. The steering angle corresponds to an angle related to the turning angle of the vehicle. The steering angle sensor 28 corresponds to an angle detection unit.

(Operation of the third embodiment)
In the safety control device 10 configured as described above, when the driver operates the steering wheel when taking out the vehicle C from the parking area, the steering angle sensor 28 detects the steering angle from time to time, and the detection. A signal is output to the body ECU 20. The body ECU 20 calculates the turning angle of the front wheels of the vehicle C by a known method based on the input steering angle. And body ECU20 controls the scanning actuator 48 of the laser projection part 40 corresponding to the said steering angle, makes the projection direction of a predetermined pattern correspond to the turning direction to which the vehicle C heads, and makes the said predetermined pattern the direction of that direction Project to the road surface.

  The coincidence between the turning direction and the projection direction is based on the projection direction of the laser projection unit 40 when the vehicle turns right (or turns left) and the vehicle travels straight (including forward and backward). The projection direction is directed toward the right side (or left side) rather than the case. In this case, the rudder angle and the change amount in the projection direction may be the same, or the change amount in the projection direction may be a value obtained by multiplying the rudder angle by a predetermined coefficient.

  For example, when the steering wheel is operated in the counterclockwise direction when the vehicle C moves forward from the parking area, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), a predetermined pattern (that is, an arrow) according to the steering angle at that time 50) is projected onto the road surface.

  Further, when the steering wheel is operated in the counterclockwise direction when the vehicle C moves backward from the parking area, as shown in FIG. 7B, a predetermined pattern (that is, according to the steering angle at that time) An arrow 50) is projected onto the road surface.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The safety control device 10 of the present embodiment includes a steering angle sensor 28 (detection unit) that detects a steering angle (an angle related to the turning angle of the vehicle). Further, the body ECU 20 (control unit) projects the laser projection unit 40 so that the projection direction of the predetermined pattern coincides with the turning direction toward the vehicle C according to the steering angle (an angle related to the turning angle). Control.

  As a result, according to this embodiment, a predetermined pattern can be projected on the road surface in the turning direction of the vehicle when leaving the parking area. For this reason, a pedestrian approaching the parking area or a driver of another vehicle can recognize the turning direction of the vehicle exiting the parking area.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9 (a) and FIG. 9 (b).
In the present embodiment, the rain sensor 70 is electrically connected to the body ECU 20 of the safety control device 10 of the second embodiment.

  The vehicle C is provided with a wiper automatic control device (not shown) that automatically detects the amount of rain or the like hitting the windshield and operates a wiper (not shown). The rain sensor 70 is used in the wiper automatic control device. The wiper automatic control device is not related to the present invention, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The rain sensor 70 is attached to the inner surface of the windshield, and rain, snow, fog or the like standing around the vehicle C adheres to the outer surface of the windshield, and a detection signal corresponding to the adhesion amount is sent to the body ECU 20. Output. The rain sensor 70 corresponds to a detection unit that detects the degree of environmental conditions around the vehicle. That is, the rain sensor 70 detects the presence or absence of rain, snow, or fog that stands around the vehicle C, which is an environmental condition around the vehicle, and outputs a detection signal to the body ECU 20.

  Further, in this embodiment, the beam generator 42 of the laser projection unit 40 shown in FIG. 1B can change the luminance or hue of the light source of the light beam by controlling the visibility of the body ECU 20. Yes.

(Operation of the fourth embodiment)
Next, the operation of the safety control device 10 configured as described above will be described.
Similar to the safety control device 10 of the second embodiment, the safety control device 10 of this embodiment includes a vehicle speed sensor 22, a shift sensor 24, and the like. For this reason, when the vehicle C exits from the parking area by forward travel and when it exits backward, the body ECU 20 controls the laser projection unit 40 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

  The difference from the second embodiment is that the brightness or hue of the light source of the light beam projected from the laser projection unit 40 is different between when there is rain, snow, and fog and when there is no rain, snow, or fog.

  Specifically, when there is rain, snow, or fog, the body ECU 20 determines whether the detection signal from the rain sensor 70 is equal to or less than a first threshold value as a predetermined determination threshold value or exceeds the first threshold value. Determine. The first threshold value is a threshold value that defines the presence or absence of rain, snow, and fog that can stand around the vehicle. That is, the detection signal reflects an environmental condition around the vehicle, and the body ECU 20 determines whether the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad based on the detection threshold based on the detection signal. It is.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad.
That is, the predetermined pattern projected on the road surface is projected onto the road surface in the presence of rain, snow, or mist when compared with the state where there is no rain, snow, or fog when the light source brightness and hue are the same. Becomes worse and the visibility becomes worse. That is, since rain, snow, or fog is interposed between the laser projection unit 40 and the road surface, projection of the predetermined pattern onto the road surface is hindered, so that the visibility of the predetermined pattern projected on the road surface is deteriorated. It is said that the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad.

  When the detection signal exceeds the first threshold value, the body ECU 20 performs visibility improvement control on the assumption that the environmental condition around the vehicle has deteriorated. Specifically, the body ECU 20 controls the beam generator 42 of the laser projection unit 40. That is, the brightness (or hue) is increased and changed and controlled so as to improve the visibility of the projection state of the laser projection unit 40.

Note that the luminance may be increased and the hue may be changed.
As described above, the body ECU 20 performs the visibility improvement control to increase the luminance of the light source of the light beam generated by the beam generator 42 or change the hue. As a result, the visibility of the predetermined pattern projected on the road surface is improved.

FIG. 9A shows a state in which an arrow 50 and a figure 60 are projected from the laser projection unit 40 onto the road surface in front of the vehicle when there is rain or the like.
FIG. 9B shows a state where an arrow 50 and a graphic 60 are projected from the laser projection unit 40 onto the road surface in front of the vehicle when there is no rain or the like.

  When the vehicle C moves backward and leaves the parking area, if there is rain, snow, or fog, the body ECU 20 similarly increases the brightness or changes the hue to a more conspicuous one. A predetermined pattern is projected onto the road surface.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The safety control device 10 of this embodiment includes a rain sensor 70 (detection unit).
The body ECU 20 (control unit) determines the environmental condition around the vehicle detected by the rain sensor 70 with reference to a first threshold value (determination threshold value) set in advance. And when it determines with the environmental condition around a vehicle being bad, the visibility improvement control which changes so that the visual recognition of the projection state of the laser projection part 40 may be improved is performed. As a result, according to the present embodiment, the visibility improvement control is performed when there is rain, snow, or fog, which is assumed to be an environmental condition around the vehicle, so that the visibility of the predetermined pattern can be improved.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 11 (a), and FIG. 11 (b).
In the present embodiment, an illuminance sensor 80 is electrically connected to the body ECU 20 of the safety control device 10 of the fourth embodiment instead of the rain sensor 70.

  The vehicle C is equipped with a conlight system (headlamp automatic lighting device) (not shown), and the illuminance sensor 80 is used in this conlight system. Since the concrite system is not related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted. The illuminance sensor 80 is disposed on the upper surface of an instrument (not shown), for example. The illuminance sensor 80 corresponds to a detection unit that detects an environmental state around the vehicle and an illuminance detection unit. That is, the illuminance sensor 80 detects illuminance, which is an environmental condition around the vehicle, and outputs a detection signal to the body ECU 20.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the beam generator 42 of the laser projection unit 40 shown in FIG. 11B can change the luminance or hue of the light source of the light beam by controlling the visibility of the body ECU 20. Yes.

(Operation of the fifth embodiment)
Next, the operation of the safety control device 10 configured as described above will be described.
Similar to the safety control device 10 of the second embodiment, the safety control device 10 of this embodiment includes a vehicle speed sensor 22, a shift sensor 24, and the like. For this reason, when the vehicle C exits from the parking area by forward travel and when it exits backward, the body ECU 20 controls the laser projection unit 40 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

The difference from the second embodiment is that the brightness or hue of the light source of the light beam projected from the laser projection unit 40 is different between the night and the day.
Specifically, in the case of night, the body ECU 20 determines whether the detection signal from the illuminance sensor 80 is equal to or less than a second threshold value that is a preset determination threshold value or exceeds the second threshold value.

  The second threshold value is a reference value (threshold value) for determining an environmental condition around the vehicle, that is, determining whether it is day or night. That is, the detection signal reflects an environmental condition around the vehicle, and the body ECU 20 determines whether the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad based on the detection threshold based on the detection signal. It is.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad. The visibility of the predetermined pattern in which the light beam is projected onto the road surface changes according to the change in the environmental state of the vehicle. When the predetermined pattern projected on the road surface has the same brightness and hue of the generated light beam, the visibility of the predetermined pattern deteriorates because the periphery of the predetermined pattern is brighter in the bright day than in the dark night. It is said that the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad.

  When the illuminance of the detection signal exceeds the second threshold value, the body ECU 20 determines that the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad, and performs visibility improvement control on the beam generator 42 of the laser projection unit 40. Or the hue) is changed from the case where the illuminance of the detection signal is equal to or lower than the second threshold value. That is, in the daytime when the illuminance exceeds the second threshold value, the environment around the vehicle, that is, the vehicle periphery becomes brighter than at night. For this reason, the body ECU 20 performs control so as to increase the brightness of the beam generator 42. Alternatively, the body ECU 20 changes the hue to a hue that stands out even in the daytime. Note that the luminance may be increased and the hue may be changed.

  As described above, the body ECU 20 performs the visibility improvement control by increasing the luminance of the light source of the light beam generated by the beam generator 42 or changing the hue. As a result, the visibility of the predetermined pattern projected on the road surface is improved.

  FIG. 11A shows a state in which an arrow 50 and a figure 60 are projected from the laser projection unit 40 onto the road surface in front of the vehicle when the illuminance exceeds the second threshold and the surroundings of the vehicle are bright. . FIG. 11B shows a state in which an arrow 50 and a graphic 60 are projected from the laser projection unit 40 onto the road surface in front of the vehicle when the surroundings of the vehicle become dark due to night. In FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, since the vehicle periphery is brighter in FIG. 11A, a predetermined pattern with increased brightness is projected.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The safety control device 10 of the present embodiment includes an illuminance sensor 80 as a detection unit and an illuminance detection unit. The body ECU 20 (control unit) determines the environmental condition around the vehicle detected by the illuminance sensor 80 with reference to a preset second threshold (determination threshold). And when it determines with the environmental condition around a vehicle being bad, the visibility improvement control which changes so that the visual recognition of the projection state of the laser projection part 40 may be improved is performed.

As a result, according to the present embodiment, the visibility improvement control is performed in the daytime when the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad, so that the visibility of the predetermined pattern can be improved.
(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b).

  The safety control device 10 of the present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the safety control device 10 of the second embodiment, but the control by the body ECU 20 is partially different. That is, the body ECU 20 projects the laser beam so that when the vehicle speed equal to or lower than the predetermined speed is high, the predetermined pattern is projected further on the road surface in the determined projection direction than when the vehicle speed is low. The unit 40 can be controlled.

Here, when the vehicle speed equal to or lower than the predetermined speed is high, the predetermined pattern is projected farther than the low speed includes the following cases.
One is to make the length of the projection range in the projection direction (that is, the traveling direction of the vehicle) of the predetermined pattern projected at a high speed longer than that at the low speed (FIGS. 12A and 12B). reference). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the distance between the nearest part and the vehicle in the projection range of the predetermined pattern projected at low speed and high speed is the same.

  The other one projects a predetermined pattern farther in the projection direction regardless of the length of the projection range of the predetermined pattern when the speed is high than when the speed is low. In this case, the length of the projection range of the predetermined pattern in the projection direction may be the same between the high speed case and the low speed case, or may be different.

  The determination of low speed and high speed by the body ECU 20 may be performed by distinguishing a plurality of speed ranges. In an example in which the speed range is divided into two, for example, when the predetermined speed is 20 km / h, the vehicle speed V is 10 km / h <V ≦ 20 km / h, and the high speed is 0 km / h ≦ V <10 km / h. Is determined to be low speed. The specific numerical values are examples. Of course, the vehicle speed may be classified into three or more ranges. In this case, when the body ECU 20 determines that the vehicle speed has shifted to the higher speed range, the predetermined pattern is projected farther away. As described above, when a plurality of speed ranges are distinguished, the higher the speed, the more the predetermined pattern is projected at a plurality of stages.

Further, instead of performing in multiple steps, when the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the predetermined speed, the predetermined pattern may be projected linearly or geometrically far away as the vehicle speed increases.
As described above, the body ECU 20 controls the laser projection unit 40 to project the predetermined pattern farther than the low speed when the speed is high.

  As a result, when the vehicle speed of the vehicle becomes a high speed equal to or lower than the predetermined speed, the predetermined pattern can be projected farther on the road surface in the vehicle traveling direction, so that other vehicles existing far away in the traveling direction of the vehicle It is possible to give an alert to a driver or a passerby at an early stage.

According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the safety control device 10 of the present embodiment, when the body ECU 20 (control unit) projects a predetermined pattern onto the road surface in the determined projection direction, when the vehicle speed equal to or lower than the predetermined speed is high, The predetermined pattern is projected farther than the low speed case. As a result, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to give an early warning to a driver or a passerby of another vehicle existing far away in the traveling direction of the vehicle.

In addition, you may change embodiment as follows.
-Although the predetermined pattern in 1st Embodiment was set to the arrow 50, it is not limited to an arrow, Other patterns like a straight line, a curve, a combination of a straight line and a curve, etc. may be sufficient.

  -In 2nd Embodiment, although the figure of the arrow 50 and the figure 60 other than the arrow were match | combined as a predetermined pattern, a predetermined pattern is not limited to these. For example, as a figure, a symbol, a symbol such as a character, a symbol, a car symbol, etc., an animal, a building, a character such as a cartoon, etc. It is good also as a pattern. The predetermined pattern preferably includes at least a figure.

  -In 3rd Embodiment, although the steering angle sensor 28 was used, you may use the steering angle sensor which detects the steering angle of the front wheel of the vehicle C. FIG. In this case, the turning angle detected by the turning angle sensor corresponds to an angle related to the turning angle of the vehicle. In this case, the turning angle sensor corresponds to an angle detection unit.

-In each embodiment, although the on-off switch 30 and the navigation apparatus 32 were provided as a selection part, any one may be abbreviate | omitted.
The steering angle sensor 28 according to the third embodiment is provided in the modified form of the fourth embodiment and the fourth embodiment, and the projection direction according to the steering angle detected by the steering angle sensor 28 as in the third embodiment. May be made variable.

-You may combine 4th Embodiment and 5th Embodiment.
The predetermined pattern of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, but the predetermined pattern is not limited to this pattern and may be another pattern.

Further, the control of the body ECU 20 of the sixth embodiment may be further added to the control of the body ECU 20 of the other embodiments described above.
-In each embodiment, although the projection direction of the laser projection part 40 was determined based on the shift signal output from the sensor which detects shift operation, the projection of the laser projection part 40 was not based on the said shift signal. The direction may be set. For example, when the vehicle moves forward, the laser projection unit 40 may be projected in the forward direction of the vehicle, and may not be projected when moving backward. Alternatively, the laser projection unit 40 may be projected in the backward direction of the vehicle only when the vehicle moves backward, and may not be projected when the vehicle moves forward.

10 ... Safety control device, 12 ... Outside mirror,
20 ... Body ECU (control unit), 22 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 24 ... Shift sensor,
26 ... shift lever, 28 ... steering angle sensor (angle detector),
30 ... ON / OFF switch (selection unit),
32 ... Navigation device (selection unit),
40 ... Laser projection unit, 42 ... Beam generator, 44 ... Beam shaping lens,
46: Polarization shaper, 48: Scan actuator,
50 ... straight line (predetermined pattern), 60 ... figure (predetermined pattern),
70: Rain sensor (detection unit),
80: Illuminance sensor (detection unit, illuminance detection unit), C: vehicle.

Claims (9)

A laser projection unit mounted on a vehicle and projecting a predetermined pattern onto a road surface;
When the vehicle speed is 0 or less than a predetermined speed, the laser projection unit is controlled to project a predetermined pattern on the road surface. When the vehicle speed exceeds the predetermined speed, the laser projection unit A safety control device at the time of vehicle start-up comprising a control unit for stopping and controlling projection. It has a detector that detects the environmental conditions around the vehicle,
The control unit determines that the environmental condition around the vehicle detected by the detection unit is based on a preset determination threshold value, and determines that the environmental condition around the vehicle is bad, The safety control device for starting a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein visibility improvement control for improving pattern visibility is performed. The detection unit is a rain sensor,
The safety control device for starting a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the determination threshold value is a first threshold value that defines the presence or absence of rain, snow, or fog that can stand around the vehicle. The detection unit is an illuminance detection unit that detects illuminance,
The safety control device for starting a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the determination threshold value is a second threshold value related to illuminance. An angle detector for detecting an angle related to the turning angle of the vehicle,
The said control part controls the said laser projection part so that the projection direction of the said predetermined pattern may correspond to the turning direction which the said vehicle heads according to the angle relevant to the said steering angle. The safety control apparatus at the time of vehicle start of any one of them.   The safety control device for starting a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined pattern includes at least a figure. A selection unit for selecting whether to enable or disable the control of the control unit with respect to the laser projection unit;
When the invalidation signal is input from the selection unit, the control unit does not control the laser projection unit, and when the validation signal is input from the selection unit, the control unit controls the laser projection unit. The safety control device for starting a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6.   When projecting the predetermined pattern onto the road surface, the control unit projects the predetermined pattern farther than the low speed when the vehicle speed equal to or lower than the predetermined speed is high. The safety control device at the time of vehicle start-up according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the laser projection unit is controlled.   The control unit determines a projection direction of the laser projection unit to be either a forward direction or a reverse direction of a vehicle based on a shift signal output from a sensor that detects a shift operation by a driver, and the laser projection The safety control device at the time of vehicle start according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vehicle is controlled to project the predetermined pattern onto a road surface in the determined projection direction.