JP5786833B2 - Parking assistance device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a parking assistance device that presents a forward approach to a parking space.

  There are two approaches for parking a vehicle in the parking space: a case where the vehicle is moved backward and parked backward, and a case where the vehicle is moved forward and parked forward.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a parking assist device that calculates a reverse approach when parking backwards and automatically drives a steered wheel (front wheel) according to the calculation result. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a parking assist device that calculates a forward approach for forward-facing parking and displays the calculation result on a display device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-1177 JP 2011-93495 A

  Here, in the situation of parking in a parking space located diagonally forward in the traveling direction of the host vehicle (see FIG. 3 (b1)), when parking backwards, the vehicle advances from the current position and passes in front of the parking space. After that, the approach is to move backward and enter the parking space. Therefore, when passing in front of the parking space, the parking space can be detected by an in-vehicle camera, a sonar, or the like, and based on the detection result, an approach for retreating and entering the parking space can be set. In other words, in the case of backward-facing parking, the parking space can be detected when passing in front of the parking space before entering the parking space, so that the detection can be performed with high accuracy, and thus the reverse approach can be set with high accuracy. .

  On the other hand, when the vehicle is parked forward in the above situation (see FIG. 3 (b1)), it may be an approach to move forward from the current position and enter the parking space while operating the steering angle toward the parking space. (See FIG. 3 (b1) to (b4)). Therefore, in this case, since it does not pass in front of the parking space prior to entering the parking space, it is difficult to detect the parking space with high accuracy, and it is difficult to set the forward approach with high accuracy. Met.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a parking assist device that can set a forward approach when parked forward with high accuracy.

  One disclosed invention employs the following technical means to achieve the above object. In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis described in the claim shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later as one aspect, Comprising: The technical scope of the disclosed invention is limited Not what you want.

The invention for achieving the above object is characterized by the following points. That is, an parking assist apparatus for presenting forward approach is a vehicle route for entering advances into the parking space, in a situation where parking car space obliquely forward of the vehicle is positioned, the traveling direction of the vehicle X-direction, when the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, and target acquisition means for acquiring a target existing in the X-direction front side of the parking car space, the X direction position and the Y direction position, goals based on the position of the acquired targets was the object obtaining means, and parking space estimation means for estimating the X-direction position and Y-direction position of the parking car space, the position of the parking car space estimated by the parking car space estimator based, and approach setting means for setting a pre-advance approach, with a target acquisition means acquires the position in the X direction of the front side edge portion of the target (Ve), parking space estimated The means regards the target as another vehicle having a specific width dimension, and the parking space as a specific width dimension, and determines the position of the acquired edge portion, the specific width dimension of the other vehicle, and the parking space. based on the width, it characterized that you estimate the position of the parking space.

  According to this, the X direction position and the Y direction position of the target existing in the X direction front side of the parking space are acquired, and the X direction position and the Y direction position of the parking space are estimated based on the acquired target position. Therefore, the position of the parking space can be estimated without directly detecting the parking space, and the forward approach is set based on the estimated position, so the forward approach can be set with high accuracy.

The figure which shows the parking assistance apparatus concerning one Embodiment of this invention. The figure explaining the estimation method of the edge part Ve. The figure explaining the direct approach and the turnback approach. The figure explaining the setting method of a direct approach. The figure explaining the setting method of a cutback approach. The figure which shows the condition which resets an approach based on the estimated deviation | shift of a parking space position. The figure which shows the condition which resets an approach, when a parking space does not exist in an estimated position. The flowchart which shows the procedure which sets an approach. The flowchart which shows the procedure which resets an approach.

  Hereinafter, each embodiment of a parking assistance device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a vehicle V on which an electronic control device (ECU 10) that functions as a parking assistance device is mounted, and a situation in which the vehicle V is parked in parallel in the parking space PS. The vehicle V has a structure in which the steered wheels 11 (front wheels) are driven by the electric motor 12, and the ECU 10 controls the drive of the electric motor 12 so that the steering angle is in accordance with the steering operation amount of the driver during normal driving. To control the steering angle.

  Furthermore, ECU10 functions as a parking assistance apparatus by implementing the automatic steering demonstrated below. That is, when the driver turns on the operation switch 16 to activate the parking assist system, the electric motor 12 is driven to automatically bring the steered wheels 11 to the optimum steering angle even when the driver is not operating the steering. Operate (automatic steering). Therefore, if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal and runs without operating the steering, the vehicle can be parked in the parking space PS with the minimum number of times of turning.

  A plurality of sonars 13, 14, 15 (obstacle detection sensors) are attached to the vehicle V. These sonars 13 to 15 detect the distance to the obstacle by transmitting the exploration wave and receiving the reflected wave of the exploration wave reflected by the obstacle. The dotted lines in FIG. 1 indicate the obstacle detectable range for each of the sonars 13-15. The sonar indicated by reference numerals 13 and 14 corresponds to a “side sensor” that detects an obstacle located on the side of the vehicle V.

  The ECU 10 estimates the position of the parking space PS (strictly, the relative position of the parking space PS with respect to the host vehicle V) based on the detection results of the sonars 13 to 15. Then, based on the estimated position, an optimal parking approach for calculating the vehicle V into the parking space PS is calculated. This parking approach includes a backward approach when the vehicle is moved backward and parked backward, and a forward approach where the vehicle is moved forward and parked forward. And the operation switch 16 is comprised so that back-facing parking and forward-facing parking can be selected. That is, the driver selects whether to automatically steer backward or forward, and the ECU 10 calculates either a reverse approach or a forward approach according to the selection.

  Hereinafter, the parking space position estimation method and the forward approach setting method when the forward approach is selected in the situation of FIG. 1 in which the parking space PS is located obliquely ahead of the host vehicle V will be described.

<Parking space position estimation method>
FIG. 1A shows the layout of the parking space PS and the host vehicle V when the parking assist system is activated by the operation of the operation switch 16, and FIG. 1B shows the layout from the position of FIG. The state after going straight. The traveling direction of the host vehicle V at this time is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction.

  The ECU 10 (target acquisition means) exists on the front side in the X direction of the parking space PS based on the detection results of the sonars 13 to 15 during the period in which the host vehicle V moves forward from the position (a) to the position (b). The X direction position and the Y direction position of the target to be acquired are acquired. In the example of FIG. 1, the other vehicle V1 parked next to the front side of the parking space PS is the target. Then, the position of the edge portion Ve on the front side in the X direction of the other vehicle V1 is estimated based on the detection results of the sonars 13-15.

  There is a high probability that the target detected by the sonars 13 to 15 is a general vehicle (another vehicle V1). In this case, the X-direction length W1 of the target is the vehicle width (for example, about 1.8 m) of the general vehicle. (See FIG. 1B). Then, the position advanced by 1.8 m in the X direction from the edge portion Ve is the front corner portion PS1 of the parking space PS.

  And since there is a high probability that the width dimension W2 of the parking space PS is a specific value (for example, 3.2 m), the position advanced 1.8 m + 3.2 m in the X direction from the edge portion Ve is the rear corner of the parking space. That means PS2. Therefore, if the position of the edge portion Ve of the target (other vehicle V1) is acquired, the positions of the corners PS1 and PS2 of the parking space PS can be accurately estimated based on the position.

  2 (a1), (a2), and (a3) are diagrams for explaining an estimation method of the edge portion Ve, and a dotted line 13a in (a1) indicates that the position of the vehicle V in the X direction is the position of FIG. 1 (a). A detection distance of the sonar 13 at a certain time is shown, and a dotted line 13b indicates a detectable range of the sonar 13 at that time. When the vehicle V advances toward the parking space PS (see the arrow in the figure) and the position of the sonar 13 in the X direction changes, the detection distance by the sonar 13 becomes shorter as the sonar 13 approaches the edge portion Ve. It will become.

  Symbol Vf in (a2) indicates the position of the edge portion Vf on the far side in the X direction of the other vehicle V1. In (a2), the detectable range and the detection distance of the sonar 13 when the sonar 13 is positioned forward (back side) from the near side edge portion Ve and backward (front side) from the back side edge portion Vf are shown. Show. As shown in (a2), even if the vehicle V is moved forward during this period, the detection distance does not change.

  A dotted line 13e in (a3) indicates the detection distance of the sonar 13 when the position of the vehicle V in the X direction is further advanced than in FIG. 1B, and a dotted line 13f indicates a detectable range of the sonar 13 at that time. Indicates. Then, when the vehicle V moves forward toward the parking space PS (see the arrow in the figure) and the position of the sonar 13 in the X direction changes, the sonar 13 is moved away from the back edge portion Vf by the sonar 13. The detection distance becomes longer.

  Therefore, as shown in (a1), when the detection distance becomes shorter as the vehicle V moves forward, it can be detected that the vehicle is approaching the front edge portion Ve. Specifically, the inflection point Ve (x) position of the sonar 13 output shown in (b1) is the X-direction position of the near-side edge portion Ve. The detection distance calculated based on the output of the sonar 13 at the inflection point Ve (x) is the Y-direction position of the near-side edge portion Ve.

  As shown in (a2) and (b2), if the detection distance does not change even when the vehicle V is moved forward, the sonar 13 is positioned between the front edge portion Ve and the back edge portion Vf. It can be detected.

  As shown in (a3), when the detection distance becomes longer as the vehicle V moves forward, it can be detected that the vehicle V is away from the back edge portion Vf. Specifically, the inflection point Vf (x) position of the sonar 13 output shown in (b3) is the X-direction position of the back edge portion Vf. The detection distance calculated based on the sonar 13 output at the inflection point Vf (x) is the Y-direction position of the back edge portion Vf.

  As described above, the ECU 10 can grasp the relative positional relationship between the vehicle V and the edge portions Ve and Vf based on the transition of the detection distance that occurs as the vehicle V moves forward, and determines the X-direction position and the Y-direction position of the edge portions Ve and Vf. You can get it. As described above, the positions of the corners PS1 and PS2 of the parking space PS can be estimated. Note that when the position of the inflection point Ve (x) shown in (b2) is detected, the position of the front edge portion Ve can be acquired, and the positions of the corners PS1 and PS2 of the parking space PS can be estimated.

  Incidentally, after acquiring the position of the front edge portion Ve, the vehicle width of the other vehicle V1 (for example, about 1.8 m) is detected when the vehicle V further moves forward and acquires the position of the back edge portion Vf. Will be. Therefore, if the inflection point Vf (x) position shown in (b2) moves forward to a detectable position, the positions of the corners PS1 and PS2 can be estimated with higher accuracy.

  By the way, in the case where the vehicle is parked forward in a situation where the parking space PS is located obliquely in front of the vehicle V as shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle is parked by one of the direct approach and the turnback approach described below. As shown in FIGS. 3A1, 3A2 and 3A3, the direct approach is an approach in which a forward advance parking is performed directly in the parking space PS by operating the steering angle toward the parking space PS and moving forward. . When the parking space PS is positioned obliquely forward of the vehicle V as shown in FIG. 3 (b1), the turn-back approach first advances from the current position shown in (b1) and passes in front of the parking space PS ( (Refer to (b2)). After that, the steering angle is operated toward the position where direct approach is possible (see (b3)). Thereafter, the vehicle advances into the parking space PS by operating the steering angle to enter the parking space PS (see (b4)).

  The ECU 10 calculates the Y-direction distance L1 (see FIGS. 3 (a1) and (b1)) between the host vehicle V and the other vehicle V1 when the parking space PS position can be estimated along with the position acquisition of the front edge portion Ve. To do. If the calculated distance L1 (first distance) is equal to or greater than the threshold th1 (predetermined value), the optimum steering angle is calculated so that automatic steering is performed by a direct approach. On the other hand, if the distance L1 is less than the threshold value th1, the optimum steering angle is calculated so that automatic steering is performed by the turning-back approach.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for setting the threshold th1. An alternate long and short dash line K <b> 1 in the drawing indicates a trajectory of the vehicle V in the left-right direction center portion of the non-steering wheel 11 r (rear wheel) (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle center”). Dotted lines K2 and K3 indicate the outer locus and the inner locus of the vehicle V in the case of the direct approach.

  The radius R1 of the vehicle center locus K1 is minimized when the steering angle is maximized. Therefore, when the center of the radius R1 is located on the parking space side (lower side in FIG. 4) with respect to the predetermined position P1 in the Y direction, direct approach cannot be performed. Therefore, the above-described threshold th1 is set to the value of the Y-direction distance L1 when the center of the radius R1 coincides with the predetermined position P1.

  Further, if the center of the radius R1 is located on the parking space side (left side in FIG. 4) in the X direction with respect to the predetermined position P1, a direct approach is not possible even if L1 ≧ th1. Therefore, the fact that the center of the radius R1 is located on the right side in the X direction with respect to the predetermined position P1 is also one of the conditions that enable direct approach. Further, the ECU 10 directly sets an approach (vehicle center locus K1) so that the outer locus K2 of the vehicle V does not interfere with an obstacle (another vehicle V2) that is adjacent to the rear side of the parking space PS.

  FIG. 5 shows a reverse approach as shown in FIG. 3 (b3) under the condition that an obstacle (a wall W in the example of FIG. 5) exists on the opposite side of the parking space PS with respect to the own vehicle V in the Y direction. It is explanatory drawing in the case of doing. An alternate long and short dash line K4 in the drawing indicates the vehicle center locus at the time of reverse, and the radius R2 of the vehicle center locus K4 is minimum when the steering angle is maximized. If the trajectory K4 at the time of reverse approach of the turn-back approach is in a state where it touches or intersects the trajectory K1 when the direct approach is possible, it switches to the forward direction shown in FIG. It means that the vehicle can be parked forward in the parking space PS as in the approach.

  Further, the ECU 10 directly sets an approach (vehicle center locus K1) so that the outer locus K5 of the vehicle V does not interfere with an obstacle (another vehicle V2) that is adjacent to the back side of the parking space PS.

  Therefore, in setting the approach of FIG. 3 (b2), the position of the parking space PS is as much as possible in the Y direction so that the trajectory K4 can touch or intersect the trajectory K1, and the outer trajectory K5 is the other. The ECU 10 sets a turn-back approach so that the vehicle 10 is guided to a position that does not interfere with the vehicle V2 (a dotted line position in FIG. 5).

  In setting the approach shown in FIG. 3 (b3), the ECU 10 sets the turning approach so that the locus K4 is in contact with the locus K1. Note that when both the trajectories K4 and K1 cannot contact, the ECU 10 sets the turning approach so that the trajectory K4 intersects the trajectory K1.

  In setting the approach of FIG. 3 (b4), the ECU 10 sets the approach so that the outer locus K2 of the vehicle V does not interfere with an obstacle (another vehicle V2) that is adjacent to the back side of the parking space PS.

  Further, when the center of the radius R2 is located on the parking space side (lower side in FIG. 5) with respect to the predetermined position P2 in the Y direction, the host vehicle V cannot interfere with the other vehicle V2 and move backward. Therefore, if the Y-direction distance L2 (second distance) between the host vehicle V and the wall W is not less than the threshold value th2, the number of times of turning performed by the turning approach is two or more. In this case, the approach is set so that (b3) and (b4) in FIG. 3 are repeated twice or more. Note that the above-described threshold th2 is set to the value of the Y-direction distance L2 when the center of the radius R2 coincides with the predetermined position P2.

  FIG. 6A shows the layout of the parking space PS and the host vehicle V when the edge portion Ve of the other vehicle V1 is detected and the parking space position is estimated, and FIG. The state which advanced by the direct approach from the position of a) is shown. Even after the parking space position is estimated in (a), the ECU 10 continuously executes obstacle search using the sonars 13 to 15. As a result, the position of the other vehicle V2 is detected during the direct approach, and when the detected position interferes with the estimated parking space position, the estimated position of the parking space PS is corrected.

  FIG. 6B is an example in which it is detected that the other vehicle V2 that is estimated to be present at the dotted line position is present at the solid line position, and the positional deviation as indicated by the arrow A is found. In this case, the position in the X direction of the back corner portion PS2 of the parking space PS is corrected to the near side as indicated by the arrow B by the amount of the positional deviation. Based on the corrected parking space PS position, the ECU 10 resets the vehicle center locus K1 related to the direct approach, and the ECU 10 calculates the optimum steering angle based on the reset locus K1.

  FIG. 6 shows a situation where an estimated deviation of the parking space position has occurred, while FIG. 7 shows a situation where the parking space PS does not exist at the estimated position. That is, when it is estimated that the parking space PS is present at the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in the drawing due to the detection of the edge portion Ve of the other vehicle V1, the obstacle vehicle is continuously searched. FIG. 7 shows a situation where the presence of V3 is detected.

  In this case, when the presence of the other vehicle V3 is detected while the vehicle is moving forward in the direct approach track K1, the track is changed to the track K6 that moves forward in the X direction. Then, the detection of the edge portion Ve and the estimation of the parking space PS position based on the detection are performed again. In the example of FIG. 7, the edge portion Ve of the other vehicle V4 is detected, and based on the detection result, it is estimated that the parking space PS exists at the solid line position in the drawing.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for setting an approach used for calculating an optimum steering angle related to automatic steering, and the processing of FIG. 8 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle by a microcomputer included in the ECU 10.

  First, in step S10 in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the operation switch 16 is turned on and the parking support system is activated. If activated (S10: YES), in the next step S11 (target acquisition means), detection of the edge portion Ve of the target (other vehicle V1) is executed as shown in FIG. Until this edge detection is completed, the host vehicle V continues to move forward in the X direction. When the edge detection is completed (S12: YES), in the subsequent step S13 (parking space estimation means), the X direction positions of the corners PS1, PS2 of the parking space PS and the positions of the edge portions Ve based on the X direction position and the Y direction position The Y direction position is estimated.

  In the subsequent step S14 (direct approach determination means), the separation distance L1 (Y-direction distance L1 shown in FIG. 3) between the host vehicle V and the target V1 calculated from the Y-direction position of the edge portion Ve is the aforementioned threshold value. It is determined whether it is less than th1. If it is determined that L1 ≧ th1 (S14: NO), it is considered that a direct approach is possible, and in the subsequent step S15, a direct approach (trajectories Ka, Kb shown in FIG. 3) is set based on the parking space positions PS1, PS2. To do. The locus Ka is set according to K1 in FIG. Then, until the vehicle V becomes parallel to the Y direction, automatic steering is performed according to the locus Ka. After the vehicle V becomes parallel, the locus of direct approach is to switch to the locus Kb that goes straight with the steering angle set to 0 degree.

  If it is determined that L1 <th1 (S14: YES), the direct approach is regarded as impossible, and the trajectory related to the return approach is calculated depending on whether or not the obstacle W exists on the return side. That is, if it is determined that the obstacle W does not exist based on the detection results of the sonars 13 to 15 (S16: NO), the process proceeds to the subsequent step S17, and the vehicle center locus related to the turn-back approach based on the parking space positions PS1 and PS2. Kc, Kd, and Ke (see FIG. 3) are calculated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an obstacle W (S16: YES), a turn-back approach is set so as not to interfere with the obstacle W and the other vehicle V2 when reversing. Specifically, in step S18, it is determined whether or not the separation distance L2 between the host vehicle V and the obstacle W (Y-direction distance L2 shown in FIG. 5) is less than the above-described threshold th2. If it is determined that L2 ≧ th1 (S18: NO), it is considered that the return approach is possible by one return, and in the subsequent step S19, the return approach is performed based on the parking space positions PS1, PS2 and the separation distances L1, L2. The vehicle center trajectories Kc, Kd, and Ke (see FIGS. 5 and 3) are calculated.

  If it is determined that L2 <th1 (S18: YES), it is regarded as impossible by one turn-back, and in the subsequent step S20, the backward movement shown in FIG. 3 (b3) and the forward movement shown in (b4) are executed a plurality of times. Set the approach as a reversal approach.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure for resetting the approach set in FIG. 8, and the processing in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle by the microcomputer of the ECU 10.

  First, if it is determined in step S30 of FIG. 9 that the direct approach is being executed (S30: YES), in the subsequent step S31 (exploration means), the parking space PS estimated in step S13 of FIG. Whether it exists or not is determined based on the result of the obstacle search. If it is determined that it does not exist (S31: NO), the process proceeds to step S32 (resetting means), and the direct approach set in step S15 in FIG. 8 is changed to a trajectory K6 that advances in the X direction (see FIG. 7). ). Then, the approach is reset according to the processing of FIG.

  If it is determined that there is a parking space PS at the estimated position (S31: YES), and the deviation between the actually detected parking space PS position (actual PS position) and the estimated position is less than a predetermined value (S33: NO), the process of FIG. 9 ends. In addition, what is necessary is just to acquire the parking space PS position by an obstacle search by detecting the edge part of the obstruction (other vehicle V5 in the example of FIG. 7) located in the back | inner side of the parking space PS.

  If the deviation between the actual PS position and the estimated position is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (S33: YES), an obstacle located on the back side of the parking space PS even when the steering angle is maximized in the subsequent step S34 It is determined whether or not the host vehicle V interferes with the (other vehicle V5).

  If it is determined that there is no interference (S34: NO), the process proceeds to step S35 (resetting means), and based on the actual PS position, the direct approach is reset so that the own vehicle V does not interfere with the other vehicle V5. If it is determined that interference occurs (S34: YES), in the subsequent step S36 (determination means), it is determined according to the method of FIG. 4 whether direct approach is possible. If it is determined that the direct approach is possible (S36: YES), the direct approach is reset in step S35.

  If it is determined that direct approach is not possible (S36: NO), in the subsequent step S37, it is determined whether or not an obstacle W exists on the opposite side of the parking space PS with respect to the host vehicle V in the Y direction. . If it is determined that the obstacle W does not exist (S37: NO), the process proceeds to step S38 (resetting means), the direct approach is changed to the turnback approach, and the actual vehicle V is prevented from interfering with the other vehicle V5. Set the turning approach based on position.

  If it is determined that there is an obstacle W (S37: YES), the process proceeds to step S39 (resetting means) to change from the direct approach to the turn-back approach so that the own vehicle V does not interfere with the other vehicle V5 and the obstacle W. Then, the turning-back approach is set based on the actual PS position and the separation distances L1 and L2.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the position of the front edge portion Ve of the target existing on the front side in the X direction of the parking space PS is acquired, and the parking space position (PS position) is based on the acquired target position. Is estimated. Therefore, the PS position can be estimated without directly detecting the parking space PS, and the forward approach (direct approach or turnback approach) is set based on the estimated position, so that the forward approach can be set with high accuracy.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

<Operation effect 1>
The host vehicle V is equipped with side sensors 13 and 14 for detecting obstacles located on the side of the host vehicle, and the target acquisition means S11 determines the detection results of the side sensors 13 and 14. Based on the target, the position of the edge portion Ve on the near side in the X direction is acquired. And parking space estimation means S13 estimates a parking space position based on the position of acquired edge part Ve.

  Here, the probability that the target is a general vehicle is high, and in this case, the length in the X direction of the target is the vehicle width (for example, about 1.8 m) of the general vehicle. Then, a position that is advanced 1.8 m in the X direction from the edge portion Ve on the near side in the X direction in the target object is the near side corner PS1 of the parking space. And since the probability that the width dimension of the parking space PS is a specific value (for example, 3.2 m) is high, the position advanced 1.8 m + 3.2 m in the X direction from the edge portion Ve is the back side of the parking space PS. This is the corner PS2. Therefore, if the position of the edge portion Ve is acquired, the position of the parking space PS can be accurately estimated based on the position.

  In view of this point, in the present embodiment, since the position of the parking space PS is estimated based on the acquired position of the edge portion Ve, even if the parking space PS does not pass in front of the parking space PS, The position can be estimated with high accuracy.

<Operation effect 2>
The approach setting means has direct approach determination means S14 for determining whether or not a direct approach is possible based on the estimated parking space position. That is, the ECU 10 has functions as approach setting means and direct approach determination means. According to this, an appropriate approach can be set as the forward approach among the direct approach and the turnback approach.

<Operation effect 3>
During execution of forward parking according to the forward approach set by the approach setting means, the exploration means for exploring the parking space PS and resetting means S33, S35, S38 for resetting the forward approach based on the exploration result by the exploration means. , S39. According to this, the presence or absence of erroneous estimation such as the parking space position estimated before the start of forward parking deviates from the actual position (S33: YES), or the parking space does not exist (S31: NO) Can be confirmed by exploring during forward parking. And, since the forward approach is reset based on the exploration results, it is possible to recover when there is an erroneous estimation.

<Operation effect 4>
Based on the exploration result of the exploration means implemented during the execution of forward parking according to the direct approach, the vehicle includes determination means S36 for determining whether or not the forward parking can be continued, and resetting means S33, S35, S38 and S39 reset the forward approach so that the direct approach is changed to the turn-back approach when it is determined by the determination means S36 that the continuation is impossible.

  Here, in the case of the turn-back approach, there is an opportunity to pass in front of the parking space PS prior to entering the parking space PS, so that the parking space PS can be detected at the time of passing. On the other hand, since there is no such opportunity in the case of the direct approach, there is a concern that the position estimation accuracy of the parking space PS is worse than that in the case of the turnback approach. This feature is aimed at eliminating this concern, and according to this, when forward parking by the direct approach cannot be continued (S31: NO, S36: NO), it is reset to change to the reverse approach. . Therefore, recovery is possible when forward parking by the direct approach cannot be continued due to erroneous estimation.

<Operation effect 5>
When the parking space PS is located obliquely forward in the traveling direction of the host vehicle and the Y-direction separation distance between the parking space PS and the host vehicle V is referred to as the first distance L1, the approach setting means has the first distance L1 The direct approach is set as the forward approach on condition that it is equal to or greater than the predetermined value th1 (S14: NO).

  Here, if the first distance L1 is not sufficiently secured, if there is an obstacle such as another vehicle on both sides of the parking space PS, the forward approach cannot be parked in the parking space PS by the direct approach. According to the feature point in view of this point, since the direct approach is selected on condition that the first distance L1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value th1 (S14: NO), the optimum approach can be set with high accuracy. .

<Operation effect 6>
In a situation where the parking space PS is located obliquely forward in the traveling direction of the host vehicle V and there is an obstacle W diagonally forward on the opposite side of the parking space PS when viewed from the host vehicle V, the parking space PS and the host vehicle The Y-direction separation distance from V is referred to as a first distance L1, and the Y-direction separation distance between the obstacle W and the host vehicle V is referred to as a second distance L2. Then, the approach setting means sets the turning approach based on the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 when the turning approach is set as the forward approach.

  Here, if the first distance L1 is not sufficiently ensured, the direct approach cannot be parked as described above, so the turn-back approach is selected. However, if there is an obstacle diagonally ahead on the opposite side of the parking space, the vehicle will interfere with the obstacle in the process of reversing to the position where the direct approach is possible (reverse process) in the turning approach process. There is concern. In particular, when the second distance is not sufficiently secured, in setting the approach of passing in front of the parking space (passing process) and the approach of the retreating process in the turning approach process, in view of avoiding the interference Need to be set. According to the feature point in view of this point, since the turning approach is set based on the first distance and the second distance, the optimum approach for avoiding the interference can be set with high accuracy.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the position of the edge portion Ve of the target V1 is detected, and the parking space position is estimated based on the detected position. On the other hand, in this embodiment, ECU10 (target acquisition means) acquires the Y direction distance L1 of the target V1 and the own vehicle V based on the detection result of sonars 13-15.

  Further, the X direction position of the target is acquired based on the instruction of the driver of the host vehicle. For example, in the X direction, when the distance between the edge portion Ve of the target V1 or the front corner portion PS1 of the parking space (predetermined position) and a specific part of the host vehicle V becomes a predetermined distance, or When the predetermined position coincides with the specific portion, the driver is prompted to turn on the operation switch 16. And a parking space position is estimated based on the ON operation timing.

  By the way, as described above, the probability that the target V1 is a general vehicle is high, and in this case, the length in the X direction of the target V1 is the vehicle width (for example, about 1.8 m) of the general vehicle. Moreover, the probability that the width dimension of the parking space PS is a specific value (for example, 3.2 m) is high. Therefore, if the X direction position of the target V1 can be acquired, the X direction position of the parking space PS can be accurately estimated based on the position. Moreover, since the Y direction position of the parking space PS is highly likely to be the same as the Y direction position of the target V1, if the Y direction position of the target V1 can be acquired, the Y direction position of the parking space can be determined based on that position. It can be estimated accurately.

  In view of these points, in the present embodiment, the X-direction position of the target V1 is acquired by the driver's instruction, and the Y-direction distance L1 between the target V1 and the host vehicle V based on the detection results of the sonars 13-15. (Y direction position) is acquired. And the position of parking space PS is estimated based on the X direction position and Y direction position of the acquired target V1. Therefore, even if it is a case where it does not pass in front of parking space PS per forward parking, a parking space position can be estimated accurately.

  In addition, as a specific example of the above-mentioned “instruction of the own vehicle driver”, an instruction by temporarily stopping the vehicle at the specific position of the target V1 in the X direction, or the driver operates the switch 16 at the specific position. For example.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the description of the above embodiment, and may be modified as follows. Moreover, you may make it combine the characteristic structure of each embodiment arbitrarily, respectively.

  The obstacle detection sensor does not have to use a sound wave like the sonars 13 to 15, and may use, for example, a light wave or a radio wave. For example, as the distance measuring sensor 13, a sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, a laser radar, or a millimeter wave radar can be used.

  -You may comprise so that ECU10 may acquire the position of the target V1 based on the picked-up image by image | photographing the circumference | surroundings of the vehicle V with the camera mounted in the vehicle V. FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, a forward approach that is a vehicle path for advancing and entering the parking space PS by automatically steering with an optimum steering angle based on the approach set by the processing of FIG. 8 is presented. . On the other hand, the forward approach may be presented to the driver of the vehicle V by displaying the set approach on the display, or the forward approach to the driver of the vehicle V is provided by voice guidance according to the set approach. May be presented.

  13, 14 ... Sonar (side sensor), PS ... Parking space, S11 ... Target acquisition means, S13 ... Parking space estimation means, S14 ... Direct approach determination means, S17, S19, S20 ... Approach setting means, S31 ... Exploration Means, S33, S35, S38, S39 ... resetting means, V ... own vehicle, V1 ... target, Ve ... edge portion.

Claims (8)

A parking assistance device that presents a forward approach that is a vehicle path for advancing and entering a parking space (PS),
In the situation where the parking space is located diagonally forward of the traveling direction of the host vehicle (V), the traveling direction of the host vehicle is the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction is the Y direction.
Target acquisition means (S11) for acquiring the X-direction position and the Y-direction position of the target (V1) existing on the front side in the X direction of the parking space;
Parking space estimation means (S13) for estimating the X-direction position and the Y-direction position of the parking space based on the position of the target acquired by the target acquisition means;
Approach setting means (S17, S19, S20) for setting the forward approach based on the position of the parking space estimated by the parking space estimation means;
Equipped with a,
The target acquisition means acquires a position of an edge portion (Ve) on the near side in the X direction of the target,
The parking space estimation means considers that the target is another vehicle having a specific width dimension, and that the parking space has a specific width dimension, and acquires the position of the acquired edge portion, the specific vehicle width, and based on the particular width of the parking space, the parking assist apparatus characterized that you estimate the position of the parking space. The own vehicle is equipped with side sensors (13, 14) for detecting obstacles located on the side of the own vehicle,
The target acquisition means, based on the detection result of the lateral sensor, according to claim 1, characterized in Rukoto Tokusu taken the position of the X-direction front side of the edge portion (Ve) of said target Parking assistance device. The own vehicle is equipped with side sensors (13, 14) for detecting obstacles located on the side of the own vehicle,
The target acquisition means acquires the Y-direction position of the target based on the detection result of the side sensor, acquires the X-direction position of the target based on an instruction of the host vehicle driver,
The parking assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the parking space estimation unit estimates the position of the parking space based on the acquired X-direction position and Y-direction position of the target. When the parking space is located obliquely forward in the traveling direction of the host vehicle, an approach that advances forward by maneuvering the steering angle toward the parking space, and calls forward parking directly to the parking space is called a direct approach,
When the parking space is located obliquely forward in the traveling direction of the host vehicle, the vehicle advances from the current host vehicle position and passes in front of the parking space, and then steer angle operation toward a position where the direct approach is possible. In this case, the approach of moving backward and then moving forward to park in the parking space is referred to as a reverse approach.
The said approach setting means has a direct approach determination means (S14) which determines whether the said direct approach is possible based on the position of the estimated said parking space, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The parking assistance apparatus as described in any one. During execution of forward parking in accordance with the set the forward approach by the approach setting means, search means for probing the parking space and (S31),
Resetting means (S33, S35, S38, S39) for resetting the forward approach based on a search result by the search means;
The parking assistance device according to claim 4, further comprising: A determination means (S36) for determining whether or not the forward parking can be continued based on a search result of the search means performed during execution of the forward parking according to the direct approach;
6. The parking assistance according to claim 5, wherein the resetting means resets the forward approach so as to change from the direct approach to the turnback approach when it is determined by the determination means that continuation is impossible. apparatus. When the parking space is located obliquely forward in the traveling direction of the host vehicle, the Y-direction separation distance between the parking space and the host vehicle is referred to as a first distance (L1).
The approach setting means sets the direct approach as the forward approach on the condition that the first distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (th1). The parking assistance device described. In a situation where the parking space is located diagonally forward in the traveling direction of the host vehicle and an obstacle (W) exists diagonally forward on the opposite side of the parking space when viewed from the host vehicle, the parking space and the host vehicle And the Y direction separation distance between the obstacle and the host vehicle is referred to as the second distance (L2).
The said approach setting means sets the said turning approach based on the said 1st distance and the said 2nd distance, when the said turning approach is set as the said advance approach, The any one of Claims 4-7 characterized by the above-mentioned. Parking assistance apparatus as described in.

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