JPH10236228A - On-board dead angle monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To support the safety checking by monitoring on a dead angle monitor the dead angle on the course direction of an automobile out of the forward view by a driver or the rear view by a rearview mirror. SOLUTION: The images of a plurality of dead angles outside an automobile are individually picked up by a plurality of video cameras 12d, 12c, 12a fitted on the automobile, one of the image of a plurality of dead angles is displayed on a dead angle monitor 13 provided in a compartment, a course detector 14 to detect the course of the automobile in the direction of the dead angle from the driving operation by a driver switches an image change-over device 15 provided between the video cameras 12d, 12c, 12a and the dead angle monitor 13, the image of the dead angle present in the course direction of the automobile among the images of a plurality of dead angles picked up by the video cameras 12d, 12c, 12a is selected, and supplied to the dead angle monitor 13. The image of any persons or presence/absence of any obstacles on the course are displayed on the dead angle monitor 13 in the cabin, and the automobile is driven after checking the safety in the dead angle in the course direction to reduce traffic disasters.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a blind spot monitor for displaying a blind spot in the direction of a vehicle on a blind spot monitor, out of blind spots which are out of a driver's front view or a rear view by a rearview mirror, to assist safety confirmation. The present invention relates to a monitor device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A blind spot monitor device mounted on a vehicle, in which a blind spot which is out of a rear view by a rearview mirror when the vehicle is retracted, is projected on a blind spot monitor in a vehicle cabin to assist safety confirmation,
Various proposals have already been made. As an example, Jpn.
No. 967 discloses a blind spot monitor in a vehicle interior when a rear blind spot image taken by a video camera mounted rearwardly of a vehicle is put into reverse (reverse). It is configured to be projected on FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of this type of conventional vehicle blind spot monitor.

In a vehicle blind spot monitor device 1 shown in FIG. 3, a video camera 2 for imaging a rear blind spot of an automobile is connected by a video cable to a blind spot monitor 3 such as a liquid crystal display fixed to a dashboard in a vehicle compartment. The power switches 5 and 6 arranged in the middle of the power supply line extending from the battery power supply 4 to the video camera 2 and the blind spot monitor 3 are controlled to open and close in response to a command from the driving operation detector 7. . The driving operation detector 7 is connected to the reverse gear sensor 8 of the transmission, detects the backward movement of the vehicle when the transmission is engaged in the reverse gear, and closes the power switches 5 and 6. For this reason, if the user puts the gear in the reverse direction in order to move the vehicle backward, an image of the blind spot behind the vehicle captured by the video camera 2 is displayed on the blind spot monitor 3 in the vehicle cabin in accordance with the gear operation. Therefore, the driver can visually recognize that there is no shadow or obstacle behind while watching the image on the blind spot monitor 3, and after sufficiently confirming safety, the driver can retreat the vehicle.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional vehicle blind spot monitor device 1 has only a function of confirming one point behind the vehicle to monitor the blind spot behind the vehicle when the vehicle is moving backward, and for example, turns left or right. However, it was impossible to visually recognize the left and right images, which would be a problem when retreating. Proposal of arranging a plurality of cameras in order to obtain such left and right oblique rear images has also been considered. However, it is preferable to display only necessary images on the blind spot monitor 3 from a plurality of images captured by a plurality of video cameras. There was no plan, and the driver himself had to select a required image by operating the switch, which was extremely impractical. Furthermore, in addition to the operation burden on the driver, the degree of scalability to cooperate with other video systems is shallow, and for example, a display required for a navigation system or an in-vehicle television receiver is connected to the blind spot monitor 3. It had not been shared yet.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and displays a blind spot on a vehicle traveling direction out of blind spots out of a driver's front view or a rear view by a rearview mirror on a blind spot monitor to assist in safety confirmation. The purpose is to do so.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image pickup means mounted in a vehicle interior or exterior of a vehicle to individually image a plurality of blind spots outside the vehicle, and provided in the vehicle interior. A blind spot monitor that supplies and displays one of a plurality of blind spot images captured by the imaging unit, and a course detection that detects a course direction from a driving operation by a driver and specifies a blind spot on the course direction. Device, provided between the imaging means and the blind spot monitor, of the plurality of blind spot images captured by the imaging means, of the blind spot existing in the direction of travel of the vehicle identified by the route detector And a video switch for selecting a video and supplying the selected video to the blind spot monitor.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the imaging means includes a video camera for imaging a blind spot right behind a car, and a pair of left and right video cameras for imaging left and right blind spots behind the car. is there.

Further, according to the present invention, the route detector detects a route of the vehicle by combining a shift operation and a direction instruction operation,
A blind spot existing in the direction of the course is specified.

Further, the present invention includes an external video switch provided between the video switch and the blind spot monitor and selectively switching and outputting between the blind spot video and an external video. The external image switch outputs the image of the blind spot only while the path detector detects the path of the automobile in the blind spot direction, and outputs an external image in other cases. is there.

[0010]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle blind spot monitor of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the vehicle blind spot monitor of the present invention.

The on-vehicle blind spot monitor device 11 shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of (here, three) video cameras 12d, 12c, 12a for imaging a plurality of blind spots outside the vehicle, and these video cameras 12d, 12c, 12a capture images. A blind spot monitor 13 for selectively supplying the projected image and projecting the projected image, and an image switch 15 switches a monitoring target in accordance with a blind spot in a course direction detected by a course detector 14 from a driving operation of a driver,
The course safety is confirmed on the blind spot monitor 13. The blind spot monitor 13 is attached to a place near the driver's seat of the dashboard in the vehicle compartment, and for example, a liquid crystal display of about 4.5 inches is used.

In order to image a plurality of blind spots, in the present embodiment, a pair of video cameras 12d and 12a arranged on the rear side of the vehicle body on the driver's seat side and the rear side of the vehicle body on the passenger's seat side to image the left and right blind spots behind the vehicle. And a video camera 12 arranged in the center of the rear of the vehicle body to image a blind spot just behind the car.
c is used, and is disposed at the optimum position so that the target blind spot is set to the angle of view. In addition, each video camera 12d, 1
2c and 12a use a wide-angle lens so as to focus on a wide area, and have an auto iris function so that an image of appropriate brightness can be obtained regardless of the surrounding brightness. Also,
Between the video cameras 12d, 12c, 12a and the blind spot monitor 13, a three-input one-output for selectively switching and outputting three types of blind spot images, that is, a blind spot image right behind the car and a left and right blind spot image behind the car. The image switching unit 15 is connected, and the switching mode of the image switching unit 15 is controlled by a switching control signal output from the course detector 14.

A path detector 14 detects a path direction from a driving operation by a driver, and outputs a switching control signal by specifying a blind spot on the path direction from an output of the path detector 14a. And a switching control signal generator 14b. The back-gear sensor 1 is included in the course detector 14a.
6 and the left and right turn signal switches 17a, 17d are connected. The back gear sensor 16 detects a change in current accompanying the lighting of the back lamp and outputs a back gear selection detection signal, for example, when the driver puts the gear in the reverse position in order to move the vehicle backward. The turn signal switches 17a and 17d detect a change in current when the driver operates a turn signal (direction indicator) to change the course of the vehicle to the left or right, or a change in current caused by blinking of the turn signal lamp, and the right and left signals are detected. Outputs left turn detection signal. For this reason, the course detecting unit 14a can determine whether the vehicle is going straight forward or backward, or turning left or right, or backward, by integrating the gear position output of the transmission and the direction instruction output of the direction indicator.

[0014] Here, it is assumed that the driver puts the gear into the reverse in an attempt to make the car move backward just behind. In this case, since the left and right turn signal switches 17a and 17d are not operated, the course detector 14 detects that the vehicle is rectilinear and retreats, and the image is switched so that the output of the video camera 12c that captures the blind spot right behind the vehicle is selected. A switching control signal is output to the device 15. The video switch 15 receiving this switching control signal selects the video output of the video camera 12c, so that the blind spot monitor 13 in the vehicle compartment displays a blind spot image right behind the car, and the driver who sees this image can view After confirming safety, the vehicle can be started backward.

On the other hand, when the driver tries to turn the vehicle backward and backward with his right hand, the right turn signal switch 17d is turned on.
Is operated and the gear is put in the back. In this case, the course detector 14 detects that the car turns right and retreats, and outputs a switching control signal to the video switch 15 so that the output of the video camera 12d that captures the rear blind spot on the right side of the car is selected. . The video switch 15 receiving this switching control signal selects the video output of the video camera 12d.
An image of the right rear blind spot of the vehicle is displayed on the blind spot monitor 13 in the passenger compartment, and the driver who sees this image can confirm the safety in the rear and start the vehicle backward. Similarly, when the driver tries to turn the car backward and backward with his left hand, the video switching unit 15 selects the video output of the video camera 12a by the switching control signal output from the course detector 14, so that the vehicle interior is The blind spot monitor 13 displays an image of the left rear blind spot of the vehicle, and the driver who sees this image can confirm the safety of the rear and start the vehicle backward.

As described above, the on-vehicle blind spot monitor device 11
According to the blind spots that are difficult to see by the driver because of the body of the vehicle when driving a car, the video captured for each blind spot is switched based on the route information accompanying the driving operation, The presence or absence of a human figure or an obstacle can be reflected on the blind spot monitor 13 in the vehicle compartment, and driving after confirming the safety of the blind spot in the traveling direction can reduce traffic disasters. As imaging means, a video camera 12c for imaging a blind spot right behind the automobile and a pair of left and right video cameras 12a, 1 for imaging left and right blind spots behind the automobile.
Since 2d is used, the blind spot lurking in the rear view of the car is divided into three parts, right behind and right and left, and the image of the video camera 12c right behind is displayed on the blind spot monitor 13 when the vehicle goes straight forward and backward. By displaying the images of the corresponding video cameras 12a and 12d on the blind spot monitor 13, it is possible to always provide the driver with an optimal blind spot image that takes safety into consideration regardless of how the driver retreats, thereby ensuring thorough safe driving.

Furthermore, since the image switch 15 is configured to detect the course of the vehicle by combining the speed change operation and the direction instructing operation and to specify the blind spot existing in the direction of the course, the image switch 15 is designed to detect Blind spots can be specified by selecting gears for forward or reverse of the transmission and turning right and left on the turn signal, accurately grasping the course determined by the driver's will, and displaying only images related to blind spots on the course. The image is displayed on the blind spot monitor 13 so that safe driving can be thoroughly performed.

In the above embodiment, the blind spot monitor 13
Is used only for confirming the safety of the rear of the vehicle. However, as in the vehicle-mounted blind spot monitor device 21 shown in FIG. The on-vehicle blind spot monitor device 21 shown in FIG.
And a two-input / one-output type external video switch 23 is connected between them. The video output of the navigation device 22 and the output of the video switch 15 are selectively output according to a switching control signal from the route detector 14. , The navigation information is displayed on the blind spot monitor 13 except during a driving operation that does not require confirmation of the rear blind spot.

The navigation information includes current position display information for displaying the current position on the map information read from a map information storage medium such as a CD-ROM, map information near the destination, or connecting the current position and the destination. The navigation information includes recommended guidance route information and the like.
3, the blind spot monitor 13 can be used not only as a safety confirmation display when reversing the car but also as a map information display for navigation, and can be used for multiple purposes. is there.

Instead of the navigation device 22, it is also possible to connect a video device such as an on-vehicle television receiver or a VCR, or to switch between such a video device and the navigation device 22.
Further, instead of displaying a specific image exclusively on the blind spot monitor 13, a plurality of images can be displayed on a multi-screen by inserting a child screen into a part of the main screen.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, three video cameras 12d, 12c, and 12a required for backward confirmation are used for vehicle safety confirmation.
The number of video cameras to be used is not limited as long as it is two or more, and a video camera for imaging a blind spot in front of the vehicle can be additionally provided.

[0022]

As described above, according to the on-vehicle blind spot monitor device of the present invention, the imaging means attached to the inside or outside of the vehicle individually images a plurality of blind spots outside the vehicle.
One of a plurality of blind spot images is displayed on a blind spot monitor provided in the vehicle interior, and a course detector for identifying the course of the vehicle in the blind spot direction from the driving operation by the driver is provided between the imaging means and the blind spot monitor. The image switch provided is switched to select a video of a blind spot existing in the traveling direction of the automobile from among a plurality of blind spots captured by the imaging unit and supply the selected blind spot to the blind spot monitor. For blind spots that are difficult for the driver to see because of the vehicle body when the vehicle is turned on, the image captured for each blind spot is switched based on the route information accompanying the driving operation, and the presence or absence of a person or obstacle on the route is checked. It can be displayed on the blind spot monitor in the room, and by driving after confirming the safety of the blind spot in the traveling direction, there are excellent effects such as reduction of traffic disasters.

Also, the imaging means includes a video camera for imaging a blind spot right behind the automobile and a pair of left and right video cameras for imaging left and right blind spots behind the automobile. When the vehicle goes straight back, the video of the video camera right behind is displayed on the blind spot monitor, and when the vehicle turns left or right, the video of the corresponding video camera on the left or right is displayed on the blind spot monitor. Regardless of this, an optimum blind spot image that always takes safety into consideration is presented to the driver, and excellent effects such as thorough driving safety can be achieved.

Further, the video switcher is configured to detect the course of the vehicle by combining the speed change operation and the direction instruction operation and to specify the blind spot existing in the direction of the course. Blind spots can be specified by selecting gears for forward or reverse of the transmission and turning right and left on the turn signal, accurately grasping the course determined by the driver's will, and displaying only images related to blind spots on the course. It is reflected on the blind spot monitor, and has the effect of ensuring thorough safe driving.

Further, an external video switch is provided between the video switch and the blind spot monitor and selectively switches and outputs the video of the blind spot and an external video. Outputting the image of the blind spot only while the course detector detects the course of the vehicle in the blind spot direction,
Other than that, since it is configured to output an external video, the blind spot monitor can be shared as a display for an external video source such as a navigation device or a television receiver, and furthermore, a blind spot video is required. At other times, the external video source is selected, so that the blind spot monitor can always be used effectively.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an on-vehicle blind spot monitor device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the on-vehicle blind spot monitor device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a conventional vehicle blind spot monitor device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11, 21 On-vehicle blind spot monitor device 12a, 12c, 12d Video camera 13 Blind spot monitor 14 Track detector 15 Image switch 16 Back gear sensor 17a, 17d Turn signal switch 22 Navigation device 23 External image switch

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup unit mounted inside or outside a vehicle interior of an automobile to individually image a plurality of blind spots outside the vehicle, and a plurality of blind spot images provided in the vehicle interior and imaged by the image pickup unit. A blind spot monitor that supplies and displays one, a course detector that detects a course direction from a driving operation by a driver and specifies a blind spot in the course direction, and is provided between the imaging unit and the blind spot monitor. A video switch that selects a video of a blind spot existing in the direction of travel of the vehicle identified by the route detector from among the plurality of blind spot images captured by the imaging unit, and supplies the video to the blind spot monitor. An on-vehicle blind spot monitor device comprising: 2. The on-vehicle vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means includes a video camera for imaging a blind spot right behind the automobile, and a pair of left and right video cameras for imaging left and right blind spots behind the automobile. Blind spot monitor. 3. The in-vehicle vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the course detector detects a course of the vehicle by combining a shift operation and a direction instruction operation, and specifies a blind spot existing in the direction of the course. Blind spot monitor. 4. An external video switch provided between the video switch and the blind spot monitor for selectively switching and outputting between the blind spot video and an external video, wherein the external video switch is The vehicle blind spot according to claim 1, wherein the blind spot image is output only while the course detector detects the course of the vehicle in the blind spot direction, and an external image is output otherwise. Monitor device.