JP2002074596A - Lane change supporting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To support the change of a lane with high convenience for a driver. SOLUTION: A manual switch 18 is installed. When a winker operation is not detected, the light-putting out states of the display of right and left segment strings 33 and 33 are switched by the operation of the manual switch 18. When the display of the segment strings 33 and 33 is in the put out state, only the segment string 33 in the direction of the winker operation is displayed if the winker operation is detected, and the mode of display (luminance and color) is changed in accordance with a danger degree. When the display of the segment strings 33 and 33 is in the lighting state, the mode of the display of the segment strings 33 and 33 is not changed in accordance with the danger degree when the winker operation is not detected. When the winker operation is detected, only the segment string 33 in the direction of the winker operation is changed in accordance with the danger degree.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a rear side detecting means for detecting a driving environment including obstacles on the left and right rear of a vehicle,
The present invention belongs to a technical field related to a lane change support system including left and right display units for respectively displaying left and right rear running environments of a vehicle based on the detection result of the rear side detection unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an obstacle (especially another vehicle) existing on the left and right sides of a vehicle is detected by a rear side detection sensor and the driver is notified of the obstacle information so that the driver can change lanes. Getting to help is well known.

[0003] As such a lane change support system,
For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-120498, a left display unit that displays information about an obstacle present on the left rear of the vehicle based on the detection result of the left rear detection sensor, A right display unit for displaying information on an obstacle present on the right rear side of the vehicle based on the detection result of the direction detection sensor, and when detecting a blinker operation of the driver, the distance to the obstacle and the obstacle to the vehicle It has been proposed to change the display intensity (brightness, contrast, etc.) of the display unit in the direction of the turn signal operation of the two display units in accordance with the degree of risk determined based on the relative speed.

[0004]

However, in the case of the above proposed example, the displays on both display sections are always lit, giving the driver a feeling of inconvenience and reducing the display intensity when the risk is high. Even if it is large, the change from the lighting state is not so large, it is difficult for the driver to accurately communicate the danger level with the feeling of annoyance, and in order to provide more effective lane change support, improvements must be made. There is room.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to improve the configuration of the above-described lane change support system, thereby improving the convenience for the driver. An object of the present invention is to provide a highly efficient and effective lane change support.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a manual switch operated by a driver and, when a blinker operation is not detected, the manual switch is operated by operating the manual switch. And display control means for switching between a light-on state and a light-off state of the display of the right display part. When the display of both display parts is in the light-off state, the display control means is provided when the blinker operation is detected. Performing a display of only the display unit in the blinker operation direction of the two display units, and changing the display mode according to the degree of risk, and when the display of the both display units is in a lighting state, When the winker operation is not detected, the display modes of the two display units are not changed according to the degree of danger while the winker When the work is detected, and configured to change in accordance with the risk display mode of only the display portion of the turn signal operating direction of the both display unit.

More specifically, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a rear side detecting means for detecting a traveling environment including obstacles on the left and right rear of the vehicle, and the vehicle based on a detection result of the rear side detecting means. A lane change assist system comprising: a left display section that displays driving environment information on the left rear side of the vehicle; and a right display section that displays driving environment information on the right rear side of the vehicle based on the detection result of the rear side detection means. Target.

A blinker operation detecting means for detecting a blinker operation of a driver of the vehicle; a manual switch operated by the driver; and a manual switch when the blinker operation is not detected by the blinker operation detecting means. Display control means for switching the display on and off states of the displays on the both display sections by the operation of the display, the display control means, when the display on both display sections is in the off state by the manual switch, the blinker When the blinker operation is detected by the operation detecting means, the display of only the display section in the direction of the blinker operation of the two display sections is turned on, and the display mode is detected by the rear side detecting means. The distance to the obstacle and the relative speed of the obstacle to the vehicle Also, according to the degree of danger determined based on one of the above, when the display of both the display unit is in the lighting state by the manual switch, when the winker operation is not detected by the winker operation detection means, While the display mode of the both display sections is not changed according to the degree of danger, when a winker operation is detected by the winker operation detection means, only the display section of the both display sections in the direction of the winker operation is displayed. Is configured to be changed in accordance with the degree of risk.

With the above configuration, by providing the manual switch, the driver can freely switch the display on and off states of the displays on both display portions, so that the driver does not feel annoying the display. Then, even if the display of both display units is off, when the driver performs a winker operation, the display of only the display unit in the winker operation direction is turned on, and the display mode is changed according to the degree of danger. Because of the change, the driver's attention is reliably directed to the display, and the driver can be effectively informed of the degree of danger. On the other hand, when the display of both display portions is in the lighting state, the driver's intention is to do so, so the driver's attention is directed to that display, and also at this time, only the display portion of the blinker operation direction is displayed. Is changed according to the degree of risk, the degree of risk can be reliably reported to the driver. In addition, even when the display of both display units is in the lighting state, if the blinker operation is not performed, the display mode does not change according to the degree of danger, and only the information provision of the left and right rear obstacles and the like is performed. Thus, the driver can be effectively informed of the degree of danger without giving the driver a troublesome feeling, and the convenience of the driver can be improved. Therefore, lane change support can be effectively performed, and safety can be further improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means is provided when the winker operation is detected by the winker operation detecting means when the indications of both the display sections are turned on by the manual switch. In addition, it is assumed that the display unit is configured to restrict the display of the display unit in the direction opposite to the direction of the turn signal operation of the both display units.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the display control means changes the display of the display part of the two display parts in the direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction from the light-on state to the light-off state. It is assumed that it is configured to regulate by

According to these inventions, the display on the display unit in the direction of the turn signal operation can be further emphasized, and the driver can be more effectively informed of the degree of danger.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, when the obstacle information is not displayed on the display portion of the two display portions which is opposite to the direction of the turn signal operation, the display control means is provided with the display control means. While the display of the display unit in the direction is regulated by changing the lighting state from the lighting state to the lighting state, when the obstacle information is displayed on the display unit in the opposite direction, the lighting state of the display on the display unit in the opposite direction is changed. It is assumed to be configured to continue.

By doing so, when obstacle information is displayed on the display section in the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction, it is possible to prevent the display of the obstacle information from suddenly disappearing and giving a sense of incongruity to the driver. Can be.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention, the display control means, when obstacle information is displayed on a display part of the two display parts which is opposite to the direction of the turn signal operation, is displayed. It is assumed that the display is continued to be lit in a state where the intensity of the display on the display unit in the opposite direction is smaller than when the winker operation detecting means does not detect the winker operation.

Thus, the display on the display unit in the direction of the blinker operation can be further emphasized while displaying the obstacle information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means is provided when the display of both display portions is in a lighting state by the manual switch, and when the winker operation is detected by the winker operation detecting means. In addition, it is assumed that the display section of the both display sections is configured to continue the lighting state of the display on the display section in the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction.

By doing so, it is possible to prevent the display on the display unit in the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction from suddenly disappearing and giving the driver an uncomfortable feeling.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the display control means determines whether or not the winker operation is detected by the winker operation detecting means, based on the display intensity of the display section of the two display sections which is opposite to the winker operation direction. It is assumed that the lighting state of the display is continued in a state in which the display is made smaller than when it is not detected.

Thus, the display on the display section in the direction of the turn signal operation can be further emphasized, and the driver can be more effectively informed of the degree of danger.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the obstacle information is displayed on the display portion of the two display portions which is opposite to the direction of the turn signal operation, the display control means displays the obstacle information. It is assumed that the degree of reduction in display intensity at the section is made smaller than when no obstacle information is displayed on the display section.

Thus, it is possible to emphasize the display on the display unit in the winker operation direction while effectively providing the driver with obstacle information on the display unit in the direction opposite to the winker operation direction.

[0023]

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle C equipped with a lane change support system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Inside the left and right door mirrors 1, 1 of the vehicle C, left and right rear side detection sensors 11, as rear side detection means for detecting a traveling environment including obstacles (particularly other vehicles) behind and behind the vehicle C, 11 are provided respectively. Each rear side detection sensor 1
1 is a pair of auto-focus cameras 11 arranged vertically in the door mirror 1 as shown in FIG.
a and 11a image the rear side of the vehicle C (the one in the left door mirror 1 images the rear left side of the vehicle C, while the one in the right door mirror 1 images the rear right side of the vehicle C). Thus, the distance from the vehicle C to an obstacle existing behind the vehicle C can be measured. The mirror surface 1a of each door mirror 1 is constituted by a half mirror so as not to hinder the above-mentioned imaging. Note that each rear side detection sensor 11 is a pair of autofocus cameras 11.
a, 11a, as long as it can measure the distance from the vehicle C to an obstacle behind the vehicle C,
In addition to a pair of CCD cameras, a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar, a radar using radio waves or ultrasonic waves, or the like may be used.

The image data of each of the rear side detection sensors 11 is inputted to a control unit 10 (CPU) as a display control means for performing display control as described later. The distance between the vehicle C and an obstacle present behind the vehicle C and the relative speed of the obstacle to the vehicle C are calculated, and the display 1 disposed in front of the driver is calculated according to the calculation result.
Reference numeral 3 indicates information on the obstacle (running environment information on the left and right rear of the vehicle C).

As shown in FIG. 3, the display 13 has a rear view portion 32 which images the rear view of the vehicle C as the vehicle, and a left rear and a right rear on the lower left and right sides of the rear view 32, respectively. Has a display screen 13a for displaying left and right segment rows 33, 33 arranged so as to extend in a substantially vertical direction one by one in correspondence with the traveling environment. For example, eight substantially trapezoidal segments 33a, 3
, And a segment frame 33b provided around these segments 33a, 33a,... And turned on and off separately from the respective segments 33a. The left segment column 33 includes a left display unit that displays driving environment information (obstacle information) on the left rear of the vehicle C based on the detection result of the left rear lateral detection sensor 11, and a right segment column 33. Constitute right-side display sections for displaying driving environment information (obstacle information) on the right rear side of the vehicle C based on the detection result of the right rear side detection sensor 11. The two segment rows 33, 33 are arranged in an inclined manner so as to approach each other from the lower side farther from the rear view portion 32 of the own vehicle toward the upper side which is closer to the lower side.
The width of the left and right of the segment 33a in FIG. 4 is wider on the lower side far from the rear view portion 32 of the own vehicle, and is narrower toward the upper side near the rear view portion 32 of the own vehicle.
That is, on the display screen 13a, when the vehicle C is viewed from behind, the image of the rear obstacle is displayed in perspective.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle C has a turn signal switch 14 as a turn signal operation detecting means for detecting a left turn signal and a right turn signal indicating a driver's intention to change lanes. And a steering angle sensor 15 for detecting a steering angle of the steering wheel 4. The control unit 10 determines whether a winker operation is detected by the winker switch 14 and an operation state of a manual switch 18 described later. Display on the display 13. Note that even when the winker operation is not detected by the winker switch 14, the winker operation is detected when the steering angle sensor 15 detects the steering operation by a predetermined angle or more to the side where the obstacle exists. Will be considered.

Further, the control unit 10 receives an O signal from a manual switch 18 operated by a driver.
N signal or OFF signal is input,
When the blinker switch 14 does not detect a blinker operation in the left and right directions, the control unit 10 operates the manual switch 18 to switch on and off the display of the two segment rows 33, 33. It has become. That is, when the manual switch 18 is set to the ON state by the driver, the information providing mode is set and the two segment rows 3 are set.
The display of the segments 3 and 33 is turned on (when there is no obstacle, the segment 3 of both the segment rows 33 and 33 is displayed).
3a is turned off, but the segment frame 33b is turned on. When there is an obstacle, the segment frames 33b of the two segment rows 33, 33 and the side where the obstacle exists (in the case where the obstacle exists on both the left and right sides). In both the segment rows 33, the number of segments 33a corresponding to the distance from the vehicle C to the obstacle is turned on. On the other hand, when the manual switch 18 is set to the OFF state, the non-information In the provision mode, the segment rows 33, 33 (the segment 33a and the segment frame 3) are set.
3b) is turned off.

The control unit 10 uses the manual switch 18 to control the two segment rows 33, 33.
When the display 33 is turned off (when the manual switch 18 is set to the OFF state (in the non-information providing mode)), the blinker operation to the left or right is detected by the blinker switch 14. In this case, only the display of the segment row 33 in the blinker operation direction out of the two segment rows 33, 33 is turned on, and the display mode (display intensity (brightness and color) of the segment 33a is changed by the blinker operation). The distance is changed in accordance with the degree of danger determined based on the distance to the obstacle existing in the direction and the relative speed of the obstacle to the vehicle C (only one of the distance and the relative speed may be used). When the display of both segment rows 33, 33 is in the lighting state (the manual switch 18 is set to the ON state). In is when are (when the information providing mode)), when a turn signal operation to the left and right direction is not detected, the both segments column 3
The display modes of 3, 33 are not changed according to the risk (as described above, only the segment frame 33b is turned on when no obstacle exists, and when the obstacle exists, the segment frame 33b is displayed. The number of segments 33a corresponding to the distance from the vehicle C to the obstacle is turned on. On the other hand, when a left or right turn signal operation is detected, the two segment rows 33, 3 are detected.
3, the display mode of only the segment row 33 in the blinker operation direction is changed in accordance with the risk.

In the information providing mode, when a left or right blinker operation is detected in the information providing mode, the control unit 10 sets a segment row of the two segment rows 33, 33 in a direction opposite to the blinker operation direction. The display of 33 is regulated (in the first embodiment, the lighting state is completely turned off).

Next, a specific display control processing operation in the control unit 10 will be described with reference to flowcharts of FIGS. This processing operation is started at the same time as the ignition switch is turned on, and is started for a predetermined time (several tens m
s to several hundred ms).

First, in the first step SA1, image data from each rear side detection sensor 11 is fetched to detect an object, and in the next step SA2, the object imaged by the right rear side detection sensor 11 is detected. Whether or not there is a right display object that needs to be displayed in the right segment row 33 as an obstacle, that is, the vehicle travels on the right rear side of the vehicle C instead of a reflector, a guardrail, a street light, or the like along the road. It is determined whether or not there is another vehicle.

If the determination in step SA2 is NO and there is no right display object, step SA4
On the other hand, if the determination is YES and the right display object exists, the process proceeds to step SA3, where the distance from the vehicle C to the right display object and the relative speed of the right display object with respect to the vehicle C are determined. After the calculation, the process proceeds to Step SA4. Note that the distance is determined by the right rear side detection sensor 11.
Is calculated by a three-point survey method or the like based on the shift of the focus between the two autofocus cameras 11a and 11a, and the relative speed is calculated by the time change of the distance. Is generally well-known, and for example, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-106599 can be used.

Subsequently, in step SA4, similarly to step SA2, it is determined whether or not the left display object exists, and the determination in step SA4 is NO and the left display object does not exist. Sometimes step SA
On the other hand, when the determination is YES and there is a left display object, the process proceeds to step SA5, and similarly to step SA3, the distance from the vehicle C to the left display object and the left display object are determined. Is calculated with respect to the vehicle C, and the process proceeds to Step SA6.

Next, at step SA6, the information provision flag F is set to 1 when the manual switch 18 is set to the ON state, and is set to 0 when the manual switch 18 is set to the OFF state. ) Is 1 or not, that is, whether or not the information providing mode is set. The determination in step SA6 is YES for F = 1.
If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step SA13, while if the determination is NO at F = 0, the process proceeds to step SA7 to determine whether the manual switch 18 has been set to the ON state.

When the determination in step SA7 is YES and the manual switch 18 is set to the ON state, the process proceeds to step SA12, where the information provision flag F is set to 1, and thereafter, the determination in step SA6 is YE
The process proceeds to Step SA13, which is the same as when S. On the other hand, if the determination in step SA7 is NO and the manual switch 18 is in the OFF state, step SA8
Proceed to.

In step SA8, it is determined whether or not there is a blinker operation in the right direction.
Is YES and there is a blinker operation in the right direction, the process proceeds to step SA9, and the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the right side (the direction of the blinker operation).
Is turned on, and the segments 33a in the segment frame 33b are turned on by the number corresponding to the distance from the vehicle C to the right display object (the segments 33a and 33a of the segment row 33 on the left (in the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction)). The segment frame 33b remains off), and the display intensity of the lit segment 33a is determined based on the distance from the vehicle C to the right display object and the relative speed of the right display object to the vehicle C. The process returns according to the determined degree of danger. On the other hand, step SA8
Is NO and there is no blinker operation in the right direction, the process proceeds to step SA10, and it is determined whether or not there is a blinker operation in the left direction.

If the determination in step SA10 is YES and there is a blinker operation in the left direction, the process proceeds to step SA11, and similarly to step SA9, the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the left side (the direction of the blinker operation). And the segment frame 33b
Of the segments 33a of the segment row 33 on the right side (in the direction opposite to the direction of the blinker operation) are turned on by the number corresponding to the distance from the vehicle C to the left display object.
3a and the segment frame 33b remain unlit), and furthermore, the display intensity of the lit segment 33a is determined based on the distance from the vehicle C to the left display object and the relative speed of the left display object with respect to the vehicle C. The process returns according to the determined degree of danger. On the other hand, if the determination in step SA10 is NO and there is no turn signal operation to the left, the process returns as it is. That is, in the non-information providing mode, when the blinker operation is not detected, the display of both the segment rows 33, 33 is turned off.

Steps SA9 and SA11
Is specifically performed as shown in FIG.

That is, in step SA51, it is determined whether or not the distance from the vehicle C to the display object is greater than 80 m. If this determination is YES and the distance to the display object is greater than 80 m ( If the display object does not exist (including the case where there is no display object), the process returns as it is (the segment 33a is not lit because there is no display object). On the other hand, if the determination is NO and the distance to the display object is 80 m or less, step Proceeding to SA52, it is determined whether or not the distance from the vehicle C to the display object is smaller than 10 m. The distance of 10 m is set as a distance at which the other vehicle is quite close to the vehicle C and enters the blind spot of the driver.

When the determination in step SA52 is YES and the distance to the display object is smaller than 10 m, the flow advances to step SA53 to set the display brightness of the segment 33a to "3", and in the next step SA54 so,
The display color is set to “red”. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8, the brightness setting numbers are set such that the display brightness of the segment 33a increases in the order of "1", "2", and "3".

Then, in the next step SA55, eight segments 33 with the set luminance "3" and color "red" are set.
a) Lights all and returns. That is, when the distance from the vehicle C to the display target is smaller than 10 m, there is a high risk, and the segment 33a is set to the brightest “3”.
It is performed at the brightness of "red" and the color that draws the most attention.

On the other hand, if the determination in step SA52 is NO
If the distance to the display target is 10 m or more, the process proceeds to step SA56, where the vehicle C as the display target is displayed.
It is determined whether or not the relative speed is larger than 20 m / s.

If the determination in step SA56 is YES and the relative speed is greater than 20 m / s, the flow advances to step SA57 to set the luminance to "2". In the next step SA58, the display color is changed to "2". Set to "Yellow". Then, in the next step SA59, the number of segments 33a corresponding to the distance to the display target is turned on with the set luminance "2" and color "yellow", and the routine returns. That is, the eight segments 33a of each segment row 33 are:
As shown in FIG. 9, each time the other vehicle approaches the vehicle C from 80 m to 10 m, the segment 33a is lit one by one from the bottom and the number of lit lights increases as shown in FIG. ing. Therefore, when the distance from the vehicle C to the display target is smaller than 10 m, all the eight segments 33a are turned on as described above.

On the other hand, if the determination in step SA56 is NO
If the relative speed is equal to or less than 20 m / s, the process proceeds to step SA60, where the luminance is set to "1", and in the next step SA61, the display color is set to "blue".
Then, in the next step SA62, the number of segments 33a corresponding to the distance to the display target is turned on with the set luminance "1" and color "blue", and the routine returns.

The processing operations in steps SA8 to SA11 are performed in the non-information providing mode. However, when the determination in step SA6 or SA7 is YES and the operation is in the information providing mode, the processing as shown in FIG. The operation is performed.

That is, in step SA13, the segment frames 33b of both the segment rows 33, 33 are turned on, and the segments 33a in the segment frames 33b are turned on.
Are turned on by the number corresponding to the distances from the vehicle C to the left and right display objects, respectively.

The lighting process of the segment 33a in step SA13 is specifically performed as shown in FIG. That is, in step SA71, it is determined whether or not the distance from the vehicle C to the display object is greater than 80 m, and this determination is YES, and the distance to the display object is 80 m.
If it is larger (including when there is no display object), the process returns as it is (the segment 33a is not lit because there is no display object), while the determination is NO and the distance to the display object is 80 m or less. In step SA72, the process proceeds to step SA72, where the display brightness of the segment 33a is set to "1". In the next step SA73,
The display color is set to “blue”.

Subsequently, in step SA74, it is determined whether or not the right display object exists. If the determination is YES and the right display object exists, step SA74 is performed.
Proceeding to 75, segment 3 of the right segment row 33
3a is lit by the set luminance “1” and the color “blue” by the number corresponding to the distance to the right display object (the display mode is not changed according to the degree of danger), and step SA
On the other hand, when the determination is NO and there is no right display object, the flow directly proceeds to step SA76.

In step SA76, it is determined whether or not the left display object exists. If the determination is YES and the left display object exists, step SA7 is performed.
7 and the segment 33 in the left segment row 33
a is illuminated with the set brightness “1” and color “blue” by the number corresponding to the distance to the left display object (the display mode is not changed according to the degree of danger), and the process returns. When the determination is NO and the left display object does not exist, the process returns as it is.

Step SA after step SA13
At 14, it is determined whether or not the manual switch 18 has been set to the OFF state. If the determination is YES and the manual switch 18 has been set to the OFF state, the process proceeds to Step SA15, where the both segment rows 33,
The display 33 is turned off, the information provision flag F is set to 0, and the routine returns. On the other hand, if the determination in step SA14 is NO, the manual switch 18
Is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step SA16,
It is determined whether or not there is a blinker operation in the right direction.

If the determination in step SA16 is YES and there is a blinker operation in the right direction, the flow advances to step SA17 to remove the segments 33a and 33b of the segment row 33 on the left side (the direction opposite to the direction of the blinker operation). The light is turned off, and in the next step SA18, the segment 33a in the segment frame 33b is changed according to the distance from the vehicle C to the right display object while the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the right (the direction of the blinker operation) is turned on. The display is lit for the number of segments and the display intensity of the lit segment 33a is set in accordance with the risk level, and the process returns. On the other hand, the determination in step SA16 is N
If O and there is no blinker operation to the right,
Proceeding to step SA19, it is determined whether or not there is a turn signal operation to the left this time.

If the determination in step SA19 is YES and there is a blinker operation in the left direction, the flow advances to step SA20 to remove the segments 33a and 33b of the segment row 33 on the right side (in the direction opposite to the direction of the blinker operation). The light is turned off, and in the next step SA21, the segment 33a in the segment frame 33b is changed according to the distance from the vehicle C to the left display object while the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the left side (the direction of the blinker operation) is turned on. The display is lit for the number of segments and the display intensity of the lit segment 33a is set in accordance with the risk level, and the process returns. On the other hand, the determination in step SA19 is N
If it is O and there is no blinker operation to the left,
Return as it is.

The above steps SA18 and S
For details of the lighting process of the segment 33a in A21,
This is the same as steps SA51 to SA62 in FIG.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, in the non-information providing mode, when the blinker operation is not detected, both the left and right segment rows 33, 33 are turned off, and the blinker operation is detected. Then, only the display of the segment row 33 in the blinker operation direction out of the two segment rows 33 is turned on, and the display mode (display intensity (brightness and color)) changes according to the degree of risk.

On the other hand, in the information provision mode, when the blinker operation is not detected, the two segment columns 33,
33 are both turned on, and if there is an obstacle (other vehicle) (if the distance from the vehicle C to the obstacle is 80 m or less), the obstacle information is displayed by the number of lighting of the segment 33a. However, both segment rows 33, 33
Does not change according to the degree of danger. Even if the distance from the vehicle C to the obstacle becomes smaller than 10 m, the relative speed of the obstacle to the vehicle C becomes 20 m / s.
Even if it becomes larger, the luminance of the segment 33a is “1” and the color remains “blue”. When the blinker operation is detected, the display of the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the direction of the blinker operation is changed from the lighting state to the light-off state, and the display mode of the segment row 33 in the blinker operation direction is changed according to the degree of risk. Change.

As a result, the driver can freely switch the display on and off states of the display of both segment rows 33, 33 by the manual switch 18, so that the driver does not feel annoying the display. Even if the driver sets the non-information providing mode by the manual switch 18, when the blinker operation is performed, only the display of the segment row 33 in the blinker operation direction is turned on, and the display mode is dangerous. Since it changes depending on the degree, the driver's attention is reliably directed to the display, and the driver can be effectively informed of the degree of danger. On the other hand, when the information provision mode is set, both segment rows 33, 33 are driven by the driver's will.
Is turned on, the driver's attention is paid to the display. At this time, if the display mode of only the segment row 33 in the blinker operation direction is changed according to the degree of danger, the driver can be displayed. And the display of the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction is turned off, so that the display of the segment row 33 in the turn signal operation direction can be further emphasized, and the driver can be notified. Can be more effectively notified. Further, if the blinker operation is not performed in the information provision mode, the display mode does not change according to the degree of danger, and only the information provision regarding the other vehicles existing on the left and right rear is performed. It is possible to effectively inform the driver of the degree of danger while avoiding such a situation, thereby improving the convenience of the driver. Therefore, lane change support can be effectively performed, and safety can be further improved.

In the first embodiment, when a blinker operation is detected in the information providing mode, the display of the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction is regulated by changing the display state from the light-on state to the light-off state. However, the method of restricting display in the segment row 33 in the opposite direction is not limited to this, and the segment row 3 in the opposite direction is not limited to this.
The method may be such that the display intensity in 3 is smaller than when the blinker operation is not detected, or another method.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 10 shows Embodiment 2 of the present invention. When a winker operation is detected in the information provision mode, the display of the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the winker operation direction is unconditionally performed. Unlike the first embodiment in which the lighting state is changed from the lighting state to the lighting state, when the obstacle information is not displayed in the segment row 33 in the opposite direction (when only the segment frame 33b is lit and the segment 33 is not lit). ) Includes the segment row 3 in the opposite direction.
The display of No. 3 is regulated by changing the display state from the light-on state to the light-off state, but when obstacle information is displayed in the segment row 33 in the opposite direction (when at least one segment 33 is on). , The segment row 33 in the opposite direction
In this case, the lighting state is continued in a state where the intensity of the display at is smaller than when the blinker operation is not detected.

The hardware configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the display control processing operation of the control unit 10 is different from that of the first embodiment. The processing operation of SA21 (the processing operation in the information providing mode) is described in step S
B13 to SB25.
Since the processing operations of SA1 to SA12 are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted (the same applies to the following third and fourth embodiments).

More specifically, when the determination in step SA6 or SA7 is YES and the information providing mode is set, the same processing operations as steps SA13 to SA16 in the first embodiment are performed in steps SB13 to SB16. And the determination in step SB16 is Y
If it is ES and there is a blinker operation in the right direction, the process proceeds to Step SB17, and the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the right side (the direction of the blinker operation) is lit as in Step SA18 in the first embodiment. The segment 33a in the segment frame 33b is
The lighting is performed by the number corresponding to the distance from the vehicle C to the right display target, and the display intensity of the lit segment 33a is made to correspond to the degree of danger. Then, the next step S
In B18, it is determined whether or not a display object exists within 80 m behind the left side of the vehicle C.
Is NO, that is, when only the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the left side (in the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction) is turned on and the segment 33a is not turned on at all (obstruction information is displayed). When not)
In step SB19, the process goes to step SB19, where the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b of the left segment row 33 are turned off, and the process returns. On the other hand, the determination in step SB18 is Y
If it is ES, that is, if at least one segment 33a of the left segment row 33 is turned on (when obstacle information is displayed), step S
Proceeding to B20, the display brightness of the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b of the left segment row 33 is made smaller than when no blinker operation is detected, and the process returns. Note that the display brightness of the segment 33a is not set to be smaller than “1” in the first embodiment, but is set to “0.
5 is provided, and the display brightness of the segment 33a is set to this "0.5" in step SB20.

On the other hand, if the determination in step SB16 is NO
If there is no blinker operation in the right direction, the process proceeds to step SB21, and it is determined whether or not there is a blinker operation in the left direction. When there is a winker operation, the process proceeds to step SB22, and the segment 33a in the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the left side (in the direction of the winker operation) remains lit as in step SA21 in the first embodiment.
Are turned on by the number corresponding to the distance from the vehicle C to the left display object, and the display intensity of the lit segment 33a is made to correspond to the above-mentioned risk degree. Then, in the next step SB23, it is determined whether or not there is a display object within 80 m behind and to the right of the vehicle C, and when the determination in step SB23 is NO, that is, When only the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 (in the opposite direction) is turned on and the segment 33a is not turned on at all (when the obstacle information is not displayed), the process proceeds to step SB24, where the right segment row is turned on. 33 segment 33a and segment frame 33
b, and returns. On the other hand, if the determination in step SB23 is YES, that is, if the right segment row 3
When at least one segment 33a of No. 3 is lit (when obstacle information is displayed), the process proceeds to step SB25, and the display brightness of the segment 33a of the right segment row 33 and the segment frame 33b is displayed. Is set smaller than when no blinker operation is detected (the display brightness of the segment 33a is set to “0.5”), and the process returns.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the blinker operation is detected in the information provision mode,
When the obstacle information is not displayed on the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction, the segments 33a and the segment frames 33b of the segment row 33 in the opposite direction are turned off as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the obstacle information is displayed in the segment row 33 in the opposite direction, the lighting state of the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 in the opposite direction is continued in a state where the brightness is reduced. As a result,
When obstacle information is displayed in the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction, it is possible to prevent the display of the obstacle information from suddenly disappearing and giving a sense of incongruity to the driver. Segment row 33 of
Is reduced, the display of the segment row 33 in the blinker operation direction can be further emphasized, and the driver can be more effectively informed of the degree of danger.

In the second embodiment, when the obstacle information is displayed in the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction, the display brightness of the segment row 33 in the opposite direction is reduced. Although the lighting state is continued, the brightness does not necessarily have to be reduced, and may be the same as when the blinker operation is not detected.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 11 shows Embodiment 3 of the present invention. When a winker operation is detected in the information providing mode, obstacle information is displayed on a segment row 33 in a direction opposite to the winker operation direction. Even when the display is not performed, the display of the segment row 33 in the opposite direction is not turned off, and the display state of the display is continued with the luminance of the display reduced.

That is, when the determination in step SA6 or SA7 is YES and the mode is the information provision mode, the same processing operations as those in steps SA13 to SA16 in the first embodiment are performed in steps SC13 to SC16. SB16 is YE
If S and there is a blinker operation to the right,
Proceeding to step SC17, similar to step SB17 in the second embodiment, the right side (turn signal operation direction)
The segments 33a in the segment frame 33b are turned on by the number corresponding to the distance from the vehicle C to the right display object while the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 is lit, and the display intensity of the lit segment 33a is reduced. Make it appropriate for the degree of danger. Then, the next step SC1
8, the brightness of the display of the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the left side (the direction opposite to the direction of the winker operation) is set to be higher than when no winker operation is detected, similarly to step SB20 in the second embodiment. Decrease the brightness (set the display brightness of the segment 33a to "0.5") and return.

On the other hand, if the determination in step SC16 is NO
If there is no blinker operation in the right direction, the process proceeds to step SC19, and it is determined whether or not there is a blinker operation in the left direction. If the determination in step SC19 is YES, the flow proceeds to step SC19. If there is a winker operation, the process proceeds to step SC20, and similarly to step SB22 in the second embodiment, while the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the left side (in the direction of the winker operation) is turned on, the segment 33a in the segment frame 33b
Are turned on by the number corresponding to the distance from the vehicle C to the left display object, and the display intensity of the lit segment 33a is made to correspond to the above-mentioned risk degree. Then, in the next Step SC21, Step S in the second embodiment is performed.
Similarly to B25, the display brightness of the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the right side (the direction opposite to the direction of the winker operation) is made smaller than when no winker operation is detected (the display of the segment 33a is not displayed). The brightness is set to “0.5” and the process returns.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, when a winker operation is detected in the information providing mode, the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the winker operation direction is detected.
The lighting state of the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b is continued in a state where the display brightness is reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the display of the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction from suddenly disappearing and giving a feeling of strangeness to the driver, and to reduce the brightness of the display of the segment row 33 in the opposite direction. The display of the segment row 33 in the blinker operation direction can be further emphasized.

In the third embodiment, the display state of the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the direction of the turn signal operation is reduced and the lighting state is continued. However, the luminance is not necessarily reduced. However, it may be the same as when no blinker operation is detected.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 12 shows Embodiment 4 of the present invention. When a winker operation is detected in the information provision mode, the display brightness in the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the winker operation direction is reduced. The third embodiment is identical to the third embodiment in that the lighting state is continued.
The third embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the information is changed between when the obstacle information is displayed and when it is not displayed.

That is, when the determination in step SA6 or SA7 is YES and the information providing mode is set, the same processing operation as in steps SB13 to SB18 in the second embodiment is performed in steps SD13 to SD18. No in SD18
In other words, when only the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the left side (the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction) is lit and the segment 33a is not lit at all, the process proceeds to step SD19, where the left segment row 33 is set. The display brightness of the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b is set to be smaller than when no blinker operation is detected (the display brightness of the segment 33a is set to "0.5"), while the determination in step SD18 is YES. , That is, the left segment row 33
When at least one segment 33a is turned on, the process proceeds to step SD20, where the brightness of the display of the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b of the left segment row 33 is smaller than when the blinker operation is not detected and Only the segment frame 33b of the left segment row 33 is lit and the segment 33a is not lit at all (the display brightness of the segment 33a is larger than "0.5" and larger than "1"). Is also set to "0.75" which is also small) and the routine returns.

Then, in steps SD21 to SD23,
The same processing operation is performed as in steps SB21 to SB23 in the second embodiment, and when the determination in step SD23 is NO, that is, the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the right side (the direction opposite to the blinker operation direction)
When only the segment 33a is lit and the segment 33a is not lit at all, the process proceeds to Step SD24, where the segment 33a and the segment frame 33 of the right segment row 33 are set.
The brightness of the display of b is made smaller than when the blinker operation is not detected (the brightness of the display of the segment 33a is set to “0.5”), while the determination in step SD23 is YES, that is, Segment row 3 on the right
When at least one segment 33a of No. 3 is turned on, the process proceeds to step SD25, and the display brightness of the segment 33a and the segment frame 33b of the right segment row 33 is made smaller than when no blinker operation is detected. In addition, only the segment frame 33b of the segment row 33 on the right side is turned on and the segment 33a is made larger than when it is not turned on at all (the segment 33a
Is set to “0.75”, and the process returns.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, when the obstacle information is displayed in the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction, the degree of decrease in the display intensity in the segment row 33 in the opposite direction is determined by It becomes smaller than when no obstacle information is displayed in the segment row 33 in the opposite direction. As a result, the display of the segment row 33 in the winker operation direction can be emphasized while effectively providing the driver with the obstacle information of the segment row 33 in the direction opposite to the winker operation direction.

[0073]

As described above, according to the lane change assist system of the present invention, the manual switch operated by the driver and the operation of the manual switch when the blinker operation is not detected, the left display section and Display control means for switching on and off states of the display of the right display unit, the display control means, when the display of both display units is in the off state, when the winker operation is detected, The display of only the display section of the blinker operation direction of the both display sections is performed, and the display mode is changed according to the degree of danger. When the display of the both display sections is in a lighting state, When the blinker operation is not detected, the display modes of the two display units are not changed according to the degree of danger, while the blinker operation is not changed. When an operation is detected, the display mode of only the display unit in the blinker operation direction of the two display units is changed according to the degree of danger, so that the driver is not bothered. In addition, the driver can be effectively informed of the danger level,
It is possible to improve the convenience of the driver and effectively perform the lane change support.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a lane change support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a rear side detection sensor provided on a door mirror.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing left and right segment rows on a display screen of a display.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a display control processing operation in the control unit.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart in an information providing mode, which is continued from a part of the flowchart in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart specifically showing a lighting process of a segment in a segment row in a winker operation direction when a winker operation is detected.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart specifically showing a segment lighting process when a blinker operation is not detected in the information provision mode.

FIG. 8 is a characteristic diagram relating to display luminance used in the display control processing operation.

FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram relating to the number of lighting segments used in the display control processing operation.

FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, showing the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, showing the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5, showing the fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 C vehicle 10 control unit (display control means) 11 rear side detection sensor (rear side detection means) 14 turn signal switch (turn signal operation detection means) 18 manual switch 33 segment row (left display section) (right display section)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hidekazu Sasaki 3-1 Shinchi, Fuchu-cho, Aki-gun, Hiroshima Mazda F-term (reference) 5H180 AA01 CC04 CC14 CC27 FF27 FF33 FF35 LL02 LL04 LL08

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A rear side detecting means for detecting a driving environment including obstacles on the left and right rear of a vehicle, and driving environment information on a left rear side of the vehicle is displayed based on a detection result of the rear side detecting means. A lane change assist system comprising: a left display unit; and a right display unit that displays driving environment information on the right rear side of the vehicle based on a detection result of the rear side detection unit. A blinker operation detecting means for detecting an operation; a manual switch operated by the driver; and a turn-on of the display of both display sections by operating the manual switch when the blinker operation is not detected by the blinker operation detecting means. And display control means for switching between the light-off state and the display control means. When the indicator is off, when the winker operation is detected by the winker operation detecting means, only the display of the display unit in the direction of the winker operation of the two display units is turned on, and The mode is changed according to the degree of danger determined based on at least one of the distance to the obstacle detected by the rear side detection unit and the relative speed of the obstacle to the vehicle. When the display on the display unit is in the lighting state, and when the winker operation is not detected by the winker operation detecting means, the display modes of the two display units are not changed according to the degree of danger while the winker is not changed. When the blinker operation is detected by the operation detecting means, the blinker operation A lane change support system characterized in that a display mode of only the direction display unit is changed according to the risk level. 2. The lane change assisting system according to claim 1, wherein the display control means detects when a blinker operation is detected by the blinker operation detection means when the indications on both display sections are turned on by a manual switch. A lane change assisting system configured to restrict display of a display section of the both display sections in a direction opposite to the direction of the turn signal operation. 3. The lane change support system according to claim 2, wherein the display control means restricts the display of the display section of the two display sections in the direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction from the on state to the off state. A lane change support system characterized in that it is configured to perform 4. The lane change assist system according to claim 2, wherein the display control means is configured to display the obstacle information in the opposite direction when the obstacle information is not displayed on one of the two display units in a direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction. While the display on the display unit is regulated by changing from the lit state to the unlit state, when the obstacle information is displayed on the display unit in the opposite direction, the display state of the display on the display unit in the opposite direction is continued. A lane change support system characterized in that it is configured to perform 5. The lane change assisting system according to claim 4, wherein the display control means is configured to display the obstacle information on one of the two display sections in a direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction. The lane change is characterized in that the display is continued to be turned on in a state where the intensity of the display on the direction display unit is made smaller than when the winker operation is not detected by the winker operation detecting means. Support system. 6. The lane change assisting system according to claim 1, wherein the display control means detects when a blinker operation is detected by the blinker operation detection means when the indications on both display sections are turned on by the manual switch. A lane change assisting system configured to continue to turn on a display on a display portion of the both display portions in a direction opposite to the direction of the turn signal operation. 7. The lane change assisting system according to claim 6, wherein the display control means detects a winker operation by the winker operation detecting means based on a display intensity of a display part of the two display parts which is opposite to a winker operation direction. A lane change support system characterized in that the display is continued to be lit in a state where the display is smaller than when the display is not performed. 8. The lane change assisting system according to claim 7, wherein the display control means is configured to display the obstacle information when the obstacle information is displayed on one of the two display sections in a direction opposite to the turn signal operation direction. The lane change support system characterized in that the degree of decrease in the display intensity in (1) is made smaller than when the obstacle information is not displayed on the display unit.