JP3677965B2 - Rear collision warning device for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device, and more particularly, to a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device that can notify an alarm when the distance from the host vehicle to a target ahead is short.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a vehicle rear-end collision warning device, an “inter-vehicle distance warning device” described in JP-A-7-300053 is known.
[0003]
This one detects the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, detects the distance from the host vehicle to the target ahead, and is determined according to the distance from the host vehicle to the target ahead and the vehicle speed of the host vehicle. The warning distance is compared. As a result of the comparison, when the distance from the host vehicle to the target ahead is shorter, a warning is given to the driver.
[0004]
Further, when a switch operation of equipment installed in the host vehicle is detected, the alarm distance is increased by adding a distance corresponding to the operation of the switch to the alarm distance determined according to the vehicle speed of the host vehicle. It is changed to become. As a result, even when the type of equipment installed in the host vehicle and complicated switch operations are performed, the warning distance is set longer than the normal driving state, and the driver is notified of a quick warning for the vehicle ahead. This has the advantage that it is possible to maintain the safety of traveling without disturbing comfortable driving.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the alarm distance is changed to a longer and safe side after actually detecting the switch operation, the alarm distance change process is caused by the operation of reaching the switch immediately before starting the switch operation. Seems to be slow.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular rear-end collision warning device that can contribute to maintenance of traveling safety without disturbing comfortable driving.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 includes a distance from the host vehicle to a forward target and an alarm distance determined according to a relative speed between the vehicle speed of the host vehicle and the forward target. In comparison, when the distance from the host vehicle to the target ahead is shorter, in the vehicle rear-end collision warning device that issues a warning, the equipment installed in the host vehicle will be operated. The gist of the invention is to include an operation predicting means for predicting the alarm distance and an alarm distance changing means for changing the alarm distance to be longer when it is predicted that the device will be operated.
[0008]
In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 2 includes a distance from the host vehicle to a forward target and an alarm distance determined according to a relative speed between the vehicle speed of the host vehicle and the forward target. In comparison, in a vehicular rear-end collision warning device that issues a warning when the distance from the host vehicle to a target ahead is shorter, a voice detection unit that detects voice generated in the vehicle interior, And a warning distance changing means for changing the warning distance so that the warning distance is lengthened.
[0009]
In order to solve the above problems, the gist of the invention according to claim 3 is that the alarm distance changing means changes the alarm distance to be longer by adding a distance corresponding to the operation load of the device. .
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the operation predicting means detects an obstacle that detects whether or not an obstacle is approaching an area in the vicinity of the operation unit of the device equipped in the host vehicle. The gist is to have an object detection means.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the operation predicting means detects an extraction / removal detecting means for detecting that a telephone provided in a vehicle is removed from a charger for the telephone. It is summarized as having.
[0012]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 6 includes a distance from the host vehicle to a forward target and an alarm distance determined according to a relative speed between the vehicle speed of the host vehicle and the forward target. In comparison, in a vehicular rear-end collision warning device that issues a warning when the distance from the host vehicle to a forward target is shorter, whether or not the road environment in which the vehicle is traveling affects the line-of-sight distance The gist of the present invention is to include road environment detection means for detecting the warning distance and warning distance changing means for changing the warning distance to be longer in the case of a road environment where the road environment reduces the line-of-sight distance.
[0013]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the gist of the invention described in claim 7 is that the road environment detecting means detects at least a road environment that affects the line-of-sight distance such as rain, night, fog, and snow.
[0014]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, when it is predicted that the device installed in the host vehicle will be operated, the device operation is changed by increasing the warning distance. The warning distance can be lengthened prior to the start of the vehicle, and as a result, a quick warning for the vehicle ahead can be notified to the driver, so that driving safety can be maintained without disturbing comfortable driving. Can contribute.
[0015]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the occurrence of voice is detected in the passenger compartment, the driver's consciousness is dispersed during conversation by changing the alarm distance to be longer. However, it is possible to lengthen the warning distance, and as a result, it is possible to notify the driver of a quick warning for the vehicle ahead, etc., and contribute to maintaining driving safety without disturbing comfortable driving. Can do.
[0016]
According to the present invention as set forth in claim 3, even when the operation load increases by changing the alarm distance to be longer by adding a distance corresponding to the operation load of the device, The warning distance can be lengthened prior to the start of the vehicle, and as a result, a quick warning for the vehicle ahead can be notified to the driver, so that driving safety can be maintained without disturbing comfortable driving. Can contribute.
[0017]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the device is operated by detecting the presence or absence of an obstacle approaching the area near the operation unit of the device equipped on the host vehicle. I can predict what will happen.
[0018]
Further, according to the present invention as claimed in claim 5, when the telephone provided in the vehicle is removed from the charger for the telephone, it is predicted that a telephone transmission / reception operation will be performed thereafter. Therefore, in this case, by changing the alarm distance to be longer, it is possible to increase the alarm distance prior to the start of the telephone operation. The driver can be notified and can contribute to the maintenance of driving safety without disturbing comfortable driving.
[0019]
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to detect whether or not the road environment in which the vehicle is traveling affects the line-of-sight distance. By changing the warning distance to be longer, in a road environment where the line-of-sight distance is reduced, the driver can be alerted to a faster warning for vehicles ahead, etc., and driving without disturbing comfortable driving It can contribute to the maintenance of safety.
[0020]
Further, according to the present invention as set forth in claim 7, even in a road environment that reduces the line-of-sight distance by detecting a road environment that affects the line-of-sight distance such as rainy weather, nighttime, fog, snow, etc. A quick warning for a vehicle or the like can be notified to the driver, and it is possible to contribute to the maintenance of driving safety without disturbing comfortable driving.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]
In FIG. 1, the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device includes a radar device 1, a vehicle speed sensor 3, an information processing device 5, and an alarm unit 7. The radar apparatus 1 measures the distance from the host vehicle to a target existing ahead by sending a pulse wave of laser light and processing the reflected light from the target ahead after receiving the light. In the present embodiment, laser light is used for the radar device 1, but a method using radio waves such as microwaves and millimeter waves, from an image taken by a CCD camera or the like to a target ahead from the own vehicle. It is also possible to apply a method for obtaining the distance from image processing. The vehicle speed sensor 3 detects the vehicle speed of the host vehicle.
[0023]
The information processing device 5 is an alarm in which the inter-vehicle distance from the target ahead is determined by the vehicle speed sensor 3 based on the measured distance signal from the radar device 1 and the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 3. Judge whether it is shorter than the distance. The warning unit 7 notifies the driver when the distance between the vehicle and the target in front is shorter than the warning distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3. For example, an alarm, chime, indicator Etc. The information processing device 5 includes a control unit 9 that controls an audio device installed in a vehicle, a control unit 11 that controls an in-vehicle navigation device, a control unit 13 that controls an in-vehicle car phone, and an in-vehicle air conditioner. It is connected to the control unit 15 to be controlled.
[0024]
Next, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the sensors A35 and B37 used in the vehicular rear-end collision warning device in the passenger compartment.
As shown in the figure, a pair of sensors A35 and B37 are arranged at the center of the instrument panel in the passenger compartment. The sensors A35 and B37 are composed of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like, and can detect an object entering the areas A and B, respectively.
[0025]
For example, during normal driving, the driver's hand is on the steering wheel or the shift lever. In this case, the driver's hand does not enter the areas A and B, so that the object is not detected by the sensors A35 and B37. Not detected. Here, when the driver extends the left hand and tries to operate the control unit 9 of the audio device, the control unit 15 of the air conditioner, or the like, the object enters the areas A and B, so the sensors A35 and B37. The object is detected.
[0026]
The attachment positions of the sensors A35 and B37 may be, for example, on both sides of the control unit 15 of the air conditioner, separately from the central portion of the instrument panel as shown in FIG.
Further, by using the sensors A35 and B37, the position of the switch or volume to be operated can be detected, and the type of the switch or the like can be estimated from this position.
[0027]
Next, a basic control operation of the information processing apparatus 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
The information processing apparatus 5 includes a CPU 17, an I / O port 19, a signal processing LSI 21, a ROM 23, a RAM 25, and a timer 33. The CPU 17 has an inter-vehicle distance from a target ahead of the measurement distance signal from the radar device 1 and the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 3 shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3. Whether or not is controlled. The I / O port 19 performs an interface with the control unit 9 of the audio device, the control unit 11 of the navigation device, and the like.
[0028]
The signal processing LSI 21 inputs the output of a ranging command signal or a laser reception signal to the radar apparatus 1 to generate measured distance data. The ROM 23 stores a program for controlling the operation of the CPU 17 as an alarm system at a predetermined address. The RAM 25 temporarily stores distance data and the like at a predetermined address. The timer 33 is started by an interrupt process of the CPU 17 or the like.
Further, although the information processing device 5 generates the distance data using the dedicated signal processing LSI 21, a custom LSI integrated with the CPU 17 can be used for alarm determination. It is also possible to generate up to distance data in the radar apparatus 1.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the basic operation of the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device will be described using the main flow shown in FIG. In addition, although the following description demonstrates as a preceding vehicle on the same lane as the own vehicle, the front target which the radar apparatus 1 captures may be a vehicle on the lane which runs in the same direction as the own vehicle.
[0030]
The driver turns on the ignition key to start the engine, starts running of the vehicle, and activates the system of the vehicle rear-end collision warning device.
In step S10, the CPU 17 of the information processing device 5 captures the distance data L from the radar device 1 and the vehicle speed Vf indicated by the vehicle speed signal from the vehicle speed sensor 3 at a predetermined sampling period. Next, in step S20, the captured distance data L is time-differentiated to calculate the relative speed Vr between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle.
[0031]
Next, in step S25, the previously calculated relative speed Vrn-1 is compared with the currently calculated relative speed, and Vr 'representing a change in the relative speed Vr is calculated.
Vr ′ = Vrn−Vrn−1
At this time, whether the relative speed has changed positively (for example, 20 km / h → 40 km / h) or negatively changed (for example, 40 km / h → 20 km / h) is also calculated. Whether the change Vr 'in the relative speed, which is the calculation result, has changed positively, that is, the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle has increased, or has changed negatively, that is, the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Calculates whether or not is smaller.
[0032]
Next, in step S30, it is calculated whether or not the change Vr 'of the relative speed is positive and equal to or greater than a predetermined value V1.
Here, the operation when the relative speed change Vr ′ is positive and not the predetermined value V1 in step S30, that is, when the distance from the preceding vehicle is close will be described.
[0033]
In step S40, when it is determined that the preceding vehicle is stopped, the CPU 17 determines whether or not the warning distance change flag is set to ON.
If this flag is not ON, the CPU 17 assumes that no switch operation has been performed, and calculates a standard alarm generation distance La1 for the stopped vehicle in step S50.
[0034]
The calculation formula of the standard alarm generation distance La1 is based on the formula (1) shown in FIG.
The braking reaction time Td in the equation (1) is an interval from the recognition of the situation in which the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle ahead is shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3 until the braking starts to work. This is the travel time, usually about 1 second. The own vehicle deceleration α is a deceleration at the time of braking of the own vehicle, and is usually about 0.6 G [5.9 m / s / s].
[0035]
The standard alarm generation distance La1 is a situation in which an alarm is heard during traveling at the vehicle speed Vf, the front is watched, and the distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle ahead is shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3. Is the sum of the distance traveled during the idle travel time of the vehicle from when the vehicle is recognized until braking is started and the travel distance until the vehicle stops at a constant deceleration due to braking.
[0036]
Further, the standard alarm generation distance La1 is calculated as an inter-vehicle distance that can be stopped because the inter-vehicle distance from the front stop vehicle is not shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3.
Next, in step S60, the CPU 17 compares the measured inter-vehicle distance L with the current preceding vehicle and the calculated La1,
L ≦ La1
In this case, in step S70, it is determined that the distance between the vehicle and the stopped object is shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3, and an alarm signal is output to the alarm unit 7.
In response to the warning signal, the warning unit 7 informs the driver that the distance between the vehicle and the stop is shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3, and returns to step S10. .
[0037]
On the other hand, this comparison
L> La1
In this case, the CPU 17 determines that the inter-vehicle distance is not shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3, and returns to step S10.
[0038]
On the other hand, in step 40, if the warning distance change flag set in the work area on the RAM 25 is ON, it is predicted that the operation of the equipment equipped on the host vehicle will be performed. Therefore, in step S80, the alarm generation distance La2 at the time of switch operation is calculated by the equation (2) shown in FIG. 5 different from the standard time.
[0039]
The danger recognition delay time Ts in the equation (2) is a predetermined value that is determined according to the vehicle speed at which the distance to the front is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3 when an alarm is heard from a forward gazing state that may occur due to a switch operation. This is the time required to confirm that the distance is shorter than the distance, and is usually about 0.4 seconds.
[0040]
That is, the vehicle runs idle within the delay time required to recognize that the distance to the front is shorter than the predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3 in the standard formula for calculating the alarm generation distance. The distance is added.
[0041]
Thereafter, in step S60, as in the standard time, the CPU 17 compares the measured inter-vehicle distance L with the current preceding vehicle and the calculated La2,
L ≦ La2
At this time, it is determined that the distance to the stop is shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3.
In step S70, after this determination, the CPU 17 outputs an alarm signal to the alarm means 7 to notify the driver that the distance to the stop is shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3. Is returned to step S10.
[0042]
On the other hand, if the change in relative speed Vr ′ is greater than or equal to a predetermined value in step S30, that is, if the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle is long, in step S90, the CPU 17 issues an alarm set in the work area on the RAM 25. It is determined whether or not the distance change flag is ON. In step S100, if this flag is not ON, the standard alarm generation distance Lb1 for the preceding vehicle that is moving is calculated.
[0043]
The expression used for this calculation is the expression (3) shown in FIG.
Equation (3) is determined according to the vehicle speed at which the host vehicle decelerates at the same deceleration α and the distance between the preceding vehicle and the preceding vehicle is detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3 when the preceding vehicle brakes at the deceleration α. The distance not shorter than the predetermined distance is shown.
[0044]
Here, in step S110, the CPU 17 compares the calculated alarm generation distance Lb1 with the current inter-vehicle distance L,
L ≦ Lb1
In this case, in step S70, it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle is shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3, and an alarm signal is output.
[0045]
In step S90, when the alarm distance change flag is ON, the CPU 17 determines that a forward gaze state due to the switch operation will occur, and in step S120, using a calculation formula separately from the standard time. The alarm generation distance Lb2 is calculated.
Here, in this case, since the distance from the preceding vehicle changes away, the above equation (4) is multiplied by a coefficient so as to increase. That is, the distance is smaller than the standard alarm distance and larger than the expression (4) used in step S60 (Lb2 ').
[0046]
In step S110, the CPU 17 compares the alarm distance Lb2 'with the current inter-vehicle distance L,
L ≦ Lb2 ′
If so, it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle is shorter than a predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3, and in step S70, an alarm signal is output.
[0047]
On the other hand, if the inter-vehicle distance is not shorter than the predetermined distance determined according to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 3 based on the comparison between the alarm distance Lb2 ′ in step S110 and the current inter-vehicle distance, the CPU 17 returns to step S10. Thereafter, the same operation is repeated.
[0048]
Here, the operation of the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device will be described using the sensor processing routine shown in FIG. This program is monitored by the information processing apparatus 5 together with the program shown in FIG.
[0049]
In step S210, the sensor A35 detects the presence or absence of an obstacle in the area A. Specifically, when an obstacle is present in the region A, the ultrasonic wave or infrared ray emitted from the ultrasonic sensor or infrared sensor that constitutes the sensor A35 is reflected by the object entering the region A. When detected by the sensor A35, it is detected that there is an obstacle. When an obstacle is detected, for example, a reflected wave due to the obstacle is detected by the sensor A35 after a detection time difference Ta after emitting an ultrasonic wave.
[0050]
Next, in step S220, it is determined whether an obstacle is detected in the area A by the sensor A35. If an obstacle is detected in the area A, the process proceeds to step S230. On the other hand, if no obstacle is detected in the area A, the process proceeds to step S280.
In step S230, as in step S210, the sensor B37 detects the presence or absence of an obstacle in the area B. When an obstacle is detected, for example, a reflected wave due to the obstacle is detected by the sensor B37 after a detection time difference Tb after the ultrasonic wave is emitted.
[0051]
Next, in step S240, it is determined whether or not an obstacle is detected in the region B by the sensor B37. If an obstacle is detected in the area B, the process proceeds to step S245. On the other hand, if no obstacle is detected in the area B, the process proceeds to step S280.
Next, in step S245, it is determined whether the detected obstacle is approaching. That is, the current value is smaller than the previous value of the obstacle detection time difference Ta detected by the sensor A35, and the current value is predetermined from the previous value of the obstacle detection time difference Tb detected by the sensor B37. When the value is smaller than the value, the obstacle is approaching, so that it can be determined as the hand of the driver, for example. On the other hand, when the obstacle is not approaching, it can be determined that juice or the like has been placed, for example. If the obstacle is approaching, the process proceeds to step S250. On the other hand, if the obstacle is not approaching, the process proceeds to step S270.
[0052]
Next, in step S250, an obstacle is detected in the common area in areas A and B, and since this obstacle is approaching, the type of switch to be operated in this area is predicted. That is, after converting the detection time differences Ta and Tb by the sensors A35 and B37 into the detection distances La and Lb, an operation prediction table showing the correspondence between the combination of the detection distances La and Lb and the operation type such as a switch or a volume is created. refer. More specifically, the volume prediction, channel selection SW, air conditioner mode SW, air conditioner temperature SW, etc. will be operated by associating the detection distances La and Lb with the operation prediction table shown in FIG. Predict.
[0053]
Next, in step S260, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the predicted operation type is associated with the danger recognition delay time table to determine the correction degree of the alarm distance, and the danger recognition delay time Ts and the alarm distance change are obtained. The flag is set in the work table on the RAM 25, and the process returns to step S210.
On the other hand, in step S270, if no obstacle is detected by sensor A35 or sensor B37 in step S220 or step S240, the setting of the alarm distance change flag is canceled for the work table on RAM 25.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 7B, by changing the above-described danger recognition delay time Ts according to the degree of load of the switch operation, the alarm generation distance may be set longer when the switch is operated with a large operation load. It becomes possible. For example, when operating the volume control of the audio device, 0.4 seconds is set as the danger recognition delay time Ts. Further, when an operation such as a temperature control SW of the air conditioner is executed, an operation such as an air conditioner mode SW of the air conditioner is executed, or an operation such as a channel selection SW of the audio apparatus is executed, the danger recognition delay time Ts Is set to 0.6 seconds, 0.7 seconds, and 0.9 seconds.
[0055]
Thus, the current value is smaller than the previous value of the obstacle detection time difference Ta detected by the sensor A35, and the current value is more than the previous value of the obstacle detection time difference Tb detected by the sensor B37. Is smaller, it is predicted that an audio device or an air conditioner installed in the vehicle will be operated. In this case, by changing the information processing device 5 so as to increase the warning distance of the radar device 1, the warning distance can be increased prior to the start of the device operation. A quick warning can be notified to the driver, and it is possible to contribute to maintaining driving safety without disturbing comfortable driving.
[0056]
In addition, even when the operation load increases by adding a distance corresponding to the operation load of the device that is expected to be operated to increase the alarm distance of the radar apparatus 1, prior to the start of the device operation. As a result, it is possible to notify the driver of a quick warning for the vehicle ahead, etc., and contribute to the maintenance of driving safety without disturbing comfortable driving. it can.
Furthermore, it is possible to predict that the device will be operated by detecting the presence or absence of an obstacle approaching the area near the operation unit of the device mounted on the host vehicle.
[0057]
(Second Embodiment)
The vehicular rear-end collision alarm device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is adapted to the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device shown in FIG.
A feature of the vehicular rear-end collision warning device is that it detects that the automobile telephone 13 provided in the vehicle is disconnected from the charger for the telephone, and thereafter, telephone operations such as outgoing and incoming calls are performed. Predicting deafness.
[0058]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the telephone 41 is removed from the charger 43, the removal SW 45 is turned off and the detection signal A is in a high state. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the telephone 41 is removed from the charger 43, the contacts 47a and 47b of the charger are opened, so that the detection signal B from the current detection circuit 49 is detected. Becomes a high state. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the telephone 41 is removed from the charger 43, the contact 51a of the charger is opened, so that the detection signal C from the impedance measuring circuit 53 is High. It becomes a state.
[0059]
On the other hand, when the telephone device 41 is attached to the charger 43, the detection signals A, B, and C output from the removal SW 45, the current detection circuit 49, and the impedance measurement circuit 53 are in a low state.
[0060]
Next, the operation of the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This program is monitored by the information processing apparatus 5 together with the program shown in FIG.
First, in step S <b> 310, the CPU 17 inputs a detection signal in order to check the attachment / detachment state of the telephone device 41 with respect to the charger 43.
[0061]
In step S320, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is in a high state and the telephone set 41 is in a disconnected state. If the telephone 41 is in the removed state, the process proceeds to step S330. On the other hand, when the telephone device 41 is not in the removed state but in the attached state, the process proceeds to step S340.
[0062]
Next, in step S330, if the telephone device 41 is in the disconnected state from the charger 43, it can be predicted that a telephone operation will be performed thereafter, so that the risk recognition delay corresponding to the telephone operation is delayed. For example, 0.9 seconds is set as the time Ts in the work table on the RAM 25, and an alarm distance change flag is set.
On the other hand, in step S340, if the telephone set 41 is in the mounted state in step S320, the setting of the alarm distance change flag is canceled for the work table on the RAM 25.
[0063]
As described above, when it is detected that the telephone device 41 provided in the vehicle is removed from the charger 43 for the telephone device 41, it is predicted that a telephone transmission / reception operation will be performed thereafter. Therefore, in this case, by changing the radar device 1 so as to increase the warning distance, it is possible to increase the warning distance prior to the start of the telephone operation. This warning can be notified to the driver, and can contribute to the maintenance of driving safety without disturbing comfortable driving.
[0064]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the feature of the vehicle rear-end collision warning device is that a microphone 61 that collects sound generated in the passenger compartment and a sound signal output from the microphone 61 are amplified, for example, a human being of 300 Hz to 3 kHz. When the audio signal is detected by extracting the audio signal, the audio signal detecting unit 63 outputs a High state detection signal.
[0065]
Next, the operation of the vehicular rear-end collision warning device will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This program is monitored by the information processing apparatus 5 together with the program shown in FIG.
[0066]
First, in step S410, the CPU 17 inputs a detection signal output from the audio signal detection unit 63 in order to check the conversation state in the passenger compartment.
Next, in step S420, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is in a high state and the vehicle interior is in a conversation state. If the vehicle interior is in a conversation state, the process proceeds to step S430. On the other hand, if the passenger compartment is not in a conversation state, the process proceeds to step S440.
[0067]
Next, in step S430, when the vehicle interior is in a conversation state, it can be predicted that the conversation state will continue thereafter. Therefore, for example, as the danger recognition delay time Ts corresponding to the conversation state, for example, 0.9 seconds is set in the work table on the RAM 25, and an alarm distance change flag is set.
On the other hand, in step S440, if the vehicle interior is not in a conversation state in step S420, the setting of the alarm distance change flag is canceled for the work table on the RAM 25.
[0068]
As described above, when the sound generated in the passenger compartment is detected by the microphone 61, by changing the alarm distance of the radar device 1 to be longer, the driver's consciousness is dispersed during conversation and is diffused. Even in this case, the warning distance of the radar apparatus 1 can be increased, and as a result, a quick warning for the vehicle ahead can be notified to the driver, and the driving safety can be achieved without disturbing comfortable driving. It can contribute to the maintenance of.
[0069]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in the figure, the vehicle rear-end collision warning device is characterized by a raindrop sensor 71 for detecting rain, a fog sensor 73 for detecting fog, a sunshine sensor 75 for detecting sunlight intensity, and a snow sensor for detecting snow. 77.
[0070]
Next, the operation of the vehicular rear-end collision warning device will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. This program is monitored by the information processing apparatus 5 together with the program shown in FIG. Further, in this program, the processing flow is determined based on the weather condition detected by the raindrop sensor 71, but the present invention can be similarly applied to the fog sensor 73, the sunshine sensor 75, and the snow sensor 77.
[0071]
First, in step S510, the CPU 17 inputs a detection signal output from the raindrop sensor 71 in order to examine the weather condition outside the vehicle.
Next, in step S520, it is determined whether or not the detection signal is in a high state and the outside of the vehicle is in a rainy state. If it is raining outside the vehicle, the process proceeds to step S530. On the other hand, if the outside of the vehicle is not rainy, the process proceeds to step S540.
[0072]
Next, in step S530, if it is raining outside the vehicle, it can be predicted that the raining condition will continue. Therefore, as the danger recognition delay time Ts corresponding to the raining condition, for example, 0.4 seconds is set in the work table on the RAM 25, and an alarm distance change flag is set.
[0073]
On the other hand, in step S540, if the outside of the vehicle is not rainy in step S520, the setting of the alarm distance change flag is canceled for the work table on the RAM 25.
In this way, it is detected whether the road environment in which the vehicle is traveling affects the line-of-sight distance, and in the case of a road environment that reduces the line-of-sight distance, the alarm distance of the radar device 1 is increased. In such a road environment that reduces the line-of-sight distance, it is possible to notify the driver of a quick warning for the vehicle ahead, etc., and maintain driving safety without disturbing comfortable driving Can contribute.
[0074]
Further, a road that reduces the line-of-sight distance by detecting the raindrop sensor 71, the sunshine sensor 75, the fog sensor 73, and the snow sensor 77 at least the road environment that affects the line-of-sight distance such as rainy weather, night, fog, and snow. Even in the environment, it is possible to notify the driver of an early warning for the vehicle ahead and the like, and it is possible to contribute to the maintenance of driving safety without disturbing comfortable driving.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of sensors A and B used in a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device in a vehicle compartment.
3 is a diagram for explaining a basic control operation of the information processing apparatus 5. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a main flow for explaining a basic operation of the vehicular rear-end collision warning device.
FIG. 5 is a calculation formula for calculating an alarm generation distance.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a sensor processing operation of the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device.
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an operation prediction table, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a danger recognition delay time table.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams (a), (b), and (c) showing a configuration for detecting that the telephone has been removed from the charger.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a sensor processing operation of the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a conversation detection processing operation of the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a vehicular rear-end collision alarm device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the sensor processing operation of the vehicular rear-end collision alarm device.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Radar equipment
5 Information processing equipment
35 Sensor A
37 Sensor B
45 Removal SW
49 Current detection circuit
53 Impedance measurement circuit
61 Microphone
63 Audio signal detector
71 Raindrop sensor
73 Fog sensor 73
75 sunshine sensor
77 Snow sensor

Claims (2)

The distance from the host vehicle to the target ahead is compared with the warning distance determined according to the relative speed between the host vehicle speed and the target ahead. In the vehicular rear-end collision warning device that alerts you when the direction is shorter,
Operation predicting means for predicting that the equipment equipped in the host vehicle will be operated;
If the device is predicted that it will be the operation possess a warning distance changing means for changing to long the alarm distance,
The vehicular rear-end collision warning device characterized in that the operation predicting means includes obstacle detecting means for detecting whether or not an obstacle is approaching an area near the operation unit of the equipment installed in the host vehicle. . The operation prediction unit predicts which operation unit among a plurality of operation units will be operated, and the warning distance change unit is a type of operation unit whose operation is predicted by the operation prediction unit The vehicular rear-end collision warning device according to claim 1, wherein the degree of change of the warning distance is changed according to the condition.

Images