JP2002323560A - On-vehicle ultrasonic wave detecting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect an obstacle even when the obstacle exists in a dead angle. SOLUTION: A system includes an ultrasonic wave sensor 1 for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave mounted on a side surface of a vehicle, a gate 7 for setting a detecting period after a predetermined delay time from a time point when the ultrasonic wave sensor 1 transmits the ultrasonic wave, an amplifying circuit 11 for inputting a reception signal obtained when the ultrasonic wave sensor 1 receives the ultrasonic wave as an input signal, a level detecting circuit 13 for determining whether the obstacle which makes the ultrasonic wave sensor 1 receive the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic wave sensor 1 in a detecting area in response to whether a signal of at least higher than a predetermined level is included in a signal amplified by the amplifying circuit 11, an integrating circuit 14, a flip flop 15, and a dead angle area reducing part 18 for at least moving a start time point of the detecting period to a side for shortening the delay time and declining an amplification factor of the amplifying circuit 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an on-vehicle ultrasonic detection system provided with an ultrasonic sensor for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, which is attached to a side of a vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system, an ultrasonic sensor is attached to a side surface of a vehicle, and a detection area is set near the front of the vehicle. A device that checks whether there is an obstacle, or a device that sets a wider detection area by mounting multiple ultrasonic sensors side by side on the side of the vehicle and checks whether an obstacle is present in this detection area There is.

[0003] In general, the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system is further modified when the key operation position of the vehicle is set to the ignition position or when the rear ultrasonic sensor mounted on the rear side of the vehicle is changed. When the position of the lever is reversed, power is supplied to the ultrasonic sensor, and an operation for confirming the presence or absence of an obstacle is started.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-166451 discloses a sensor for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave, a transmitting means for driving the sensor to transmit the ultrasonic wave, and a reflection signal received by the sensor driven by the transmitting means. A plurality of receiving means having different receiving sensitivities connected in parallel for detecting a received signal of a wave, and a calculating means for calculating a distance data to an obstacle by inputting a received signal detected by at least one of the plurality of receiving means There is disclosed a vehicle obstacle detection device including: a notification unit that processes a calculation result of a calculation unit into a predetermined format and notifies the processing result.

[0005]

However, in the above-described conventional ultrasonic detection system for a vehicle, the detection area is set near the front of the ultrasonic sensor mounted on the side of the vehicle. A blind spot is formed between the side of the vehicle and the boundary (detection start boundary) of the detection area set near the front of the ultrasonic sensor. For this reason, if an obstacle is present in the blind spot before the driver starts the vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor remains in the blind spot even if power is supplied to the ultrasonic sensor when the driver starts the vehicle. Obstacle cannot be detected.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system capable of detecting an obstacle even if the obstacle exists in a blind spot. I do.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic sensor for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic sensor being attached to a side surface of a vehicle. An in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between a boundary of an area and a side surface of a vehicle to which the ultrasonic sensor is attached, wherein a predetermined delay time from the time when the ultrasonic sensor transmits ultrasonic waves A detection period setting unit for setting a detection period later, an amplification unit for inputting a reception signal obtained by the ultrasonic sensor receiving an ultrasonic wave as an input signal, and at least a predetermined level or more within the detection period. The ultrasonic sensor transmits the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor to the detection area according to whether the signal of the above is included in the signal amplified by the amplifying unit. Determining means for determining whether an harmful object is present, and blind spot area reducing means for moving at least the start point of the detection period to the side where the delay time is shortened and lowering the amplification factor of the amplifying means. It is characterized by the following.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of ultrasonic sensors for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves respectively attached to both ends of one side of the vehicle. An in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between a boundary of a detection area and one side of a vehicle to which an ultrasonic sensor is attached, wherein a detection area of each of the ultrasonic sensors extends along one side of the vehicle. It is characterized by comprising blind spot area reducing means for expanding in the horizontal direction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic detecting system for a vehicle according to the second aspect, an amplification is performed in which a reception signal obtained by each of the ultrasonic sensors receiving an ultrasonic wave is input as an input signal. Means, and at least a signal of a predetermined level or more is included in the signal amplified by the amplification means, and the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor in the detection area is transmitted to the ultrasonic sensor. Determining means for determining whether there is an obstacle to be received, wherein the blind spot area reducing means increases the amplification factor of the amplifying means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a side of a vehicle for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves,
An in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between a boundary line of a detection area of the ultrasonic sensor and a side surface of a vehicle to which the ultrasonic sensor is attached, wherein a key position of the vehicle becomes an ignition position. And a blind spot area reducing means for rotating the ultrasonic sensor so that the detection area enters the blind spot area.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a rear side surface of a vehicle for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, wherein a boundary between a detection area of the ultrasonic sensor and the ultrasonic sensor is mounted. A vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between the vehicle and a rear side surface of the vehicle, wherein when power is supplied to a backlight of the vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor detects the ultrasonic sensor within the blind spot area. And a blind spot area reducing means for rotating so as to enter.

[0012]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 2 and 3.
FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the arrangement of the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system of FIG. 1 in charge of the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively. FIG. FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram of the on-vehicle ultrasonic detection system in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to these drawings.

In the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system shown in FIG. 2 which is in charge of the front of the vehicle, a pair of ultrasonic sensors 1 (1
FL) and 1 (1FR) are respectively attached to the left and right corners of the front bumper FB. FIG. 2 shows an example of two sensors (sensor ASSY). In the case of one sensor, an ultrasonic sensor 1FL farther from the driver's seat is mounted. In FIG. 2, 3 is a computer, SW1 is a switch, 100 is a vehicle speed signal sub-harness, 101 is a power supply harness, 102 is a pre-wire harness, 103 is an option connector (6P), 104
Is a power / signal harness (-line), 105 is an optional connector (4P), and 106.107 is a sensor harness.

In the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system shown in FIG. 3, which is in charge of the rear of the vehicle, a pair of ultrasonic sensors 1 (1
RL) and 1 (1RR) are respectively attached to the left and right corners of the rear bumper RB. FIG. 3 also shows an example of two sensors (sensor ASSY). In the case of one sensor, an ultrasonic sensor 1RL farther from the driver's seat is attached. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 2 denotes a buzzer (buzzer).
ASSY), 3 is a computer, SW2 is a changeover switch, 2
01 is a power supply harness (+ line), 204 is a power supply harness (− line), and 206.207 is a sensor harness. Note that the buzzer 2 may be configured to be shared by the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection systems, may be separately provided, or may have a buzzer on one side and an LED on the other side.
May be provided as a notification unit.

In each of these on-vehicle ultrasonic detection systems, like the rear system shown in the example of FIG.
The detection areas AL and AR of the ultrasonic sensors 1RL and 1RR are set such that the detection start boundary line is located away from the bumper on the side surface of the vehicle due to reverberation. Therefore, between the boundary of the detection area AL of the ultrasonic sensor 1RL and the side of the vehicle on which the ultrasonic sensor 1RL is mounted, the boundary of the detection area AR of the ultrasonic sensor 1RR and the ultrasonic sensor 1RR are mounted. Blind spots are formed between the vehicle and the side of the vehicle and between the detection areas AL and AR.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, if obstacles S (SL, SC, SR in FIG. 4) are present in the blind spot, the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system will
Any of L, SC, and SR cannot be detected.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the blind spot area reducing unit 18 shown in FIG. 1 is provided so that obstacles SL and SR at the blind spot can be detected.
The detection of the obstacle SC will be described in an embodiment described later.

In FIG. 1, a pair 1 is an ultrasonic sensor provided on a front or rear side bumper for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, 2 is a buzzer, 3 is a computer, and 3 is a computer. The following circuits are provided therein.

The integration circuit 4 starts integration at the same time as the power is turned on. When the potential of the next stage reaches a certain level, the monostable multi 5 is driven, and the integrated charge is switched by the signal of the monostable multi 5. 6 discharges. In this case, the switching 6 receives the signal of the monostable multi 6
The electric charge stored in the integrating circuit 4 is discharged instantaneously.

The monostable multi 5 receives a signal from the integrating circuit 4 and outputs a signal for a certain period of time to drive the switching 6, gate 7, and monostable multi 8. Gate 7 is a monostable multi 5
After a predetermined time (predetermined delay time), a signal for setting a detection period (refer to T in FIG. 5) is output, and the signal is sent to the integration circuit 14, which is a time for determining a so-called detection distance. The gate. The monostable multi 8 receives the signal of the monostable multi 5 and outputs a signal for a certain period of time. The signal determines the application time of the drive applied to the ultrasonic sensor 1. Further, the circuit of the flip-flop 15 is reset by the same signal.

The transmitting circuit 9 receives the signal of the monostable multi 8 and receives the ultrasonic sensor 1 for a time determined by the monostable multi 8.
Make high frequency signal to drive. Driver 1
Numeral 0 generates a signal of a necessary level like the transmission signal shown in FIG. 5 for driving the ultrasonic sensor 1 by the high-frequency signal generated by the transmission circuit 9. This signal causes the ultrasonic sensor 1 to transmit an ultrasonic wave. If an obstacle is present in the detection area (AL, AR in FIG. 4), the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor 1 is transmitted. The ultrasonic wave is received by the ultrasonic sensor 1 itself.

The amplification circuit 11 amplifies the weak reflected signal from the ultrasonic sensor 1 to a certain level as shown in the output of the amplification circuit shown in FIG. 5, and the detection circuit 12 converts the amplified signal into the ultrasonic sensor 1 Then, only the envelope of the reflected wave such as the output of the detection circuit shown in FIG. 5 is extracted. The level detection circuit 13 is a circuit that determines whether or not the output component of the detection circuit 12 has reached the level. The integration circuit 14 is a circuit that determines whether or not the temporal width of the input signal that has reached a predetermined level has a predetermined time width. That is, if the time is shorter than the predetermined time, it is determined that the noise is electric noise or the like and is not a reflected signal from the obstacle S. Here, a gate signal is applied from the gate 7, and it is also determined whether or not the input wave is within a predetermined detection period T.

When the integration circuit 14 has an input wave which has a predetermined time width and is determined to be within the detection period T, the flip-flop 15 is driven by the signal of the input wave and the signal is present. It is memorized. The memory is reset by the monostable multi, and is no longer stored when the reflected wave (input wave) disappears. The switching 17 is a circuit for notifying that the obstacle S exists in the detection area (AL, AR) by sounding the buzzer 2 as a notification means while the memory signal of the flip-flop 15 exists. .

The computer 3 is provided with the circuit as described above. When a transmission signal is applied to the ultrasonic sensor 1, the ultrasonic sensor 1 transmits an ultrasonic wave in the air, and if the detection area (AL, AR) If an obstacle S is present in (1), the ultrasonic wave is reflected by the obstacle S, and the reflected ultrasonic wave is received by the ultrasonic sensor 1 to obtain an electric signal. This electric signal enters the amplification circuit 11 as a reception input, and is amplified there.
In this case, a signal waveform component a of the reverberant wave and a signal waveform component (not shown) of the reflected wave from the obstacle S exist in the output of the amplifier circuit 11. Then, high frequency components are removed from the signal through the detection circuit 12, and only the envelope is extracted. When the level of the output component of the detection circuit 12 reaches a predetermined level A, the level detection circuit 13
And outputs this to the integration circuit 14.

If the position of the obstacle S is within the detection area (AR, AL) of the ultrasonic wave 1 and has a constant reflected wave width and is equal to or higher than a predetermined level B, the flip-flop 1
5 is driven and output to the integration circuit 16. If the reflected wave continues a plurality of times for each transmission, the level of the output component of the integration circuit 16 becomes equal to or higher than a certain level C, and
Is turned on and the buzzer 2 sounds, whereby the presence of the obstacle S is notified to the driver.

However, as shown in FIG. 4, the signal waveform components of the reflected waves from the obstacles SL and SR in the blind spot appear temporally before the detection period T as shown in FIG. Since the presence of the obstacles SL and SR cannot be detected during the detection period T, the blind spot area reducing unit 18 including the changeover switch SW2 (see FIG. 3) having the contacts SW21 and SW22 is provided. When the driver operates the changeover switch SW2 that forms the blind spot area reducing unit 18, the contacts SW21 and SW22 are switched to, for example, ON, and the contact SW21 moves at least the start point of the detection period T to the side where the delay time is shortened. The detection period is switched to T1 by moving (advancing the rising point of the gate time), and the gain of the amplifier circuit 11 is reduced by the contact SW22. Here, when only the contact SW21 is provided, as shown in FIG. 6, the signal waveform component a of the reverberation wave and the signal waveform component b of the reflected wave from the obstacle at the blind spot partially overlap, so that the resolution is poor. However, by reducing the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 by the contact SW22, the reverberation time is shortened and the resolution at a short distance is increased (see FIG. 5). That is, with the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 lowered, as shown in FIG. 4, the detection areas AL, A of the ultrasonic sensors 1RL, 1RR are changed.
The detection start boundary of R is moved toward the ultrasonic sensors 1RL and 1RR so that the obstacles SL and SR at the blind spot are detected, respectively, and the area AL expanded by the movement of the detection start boundary.
The obstacles SL and SR at the blind spot are taken into the AR 1 and the AR 1 respectively.

Although FIG. 4 shows an in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system in charge of the rear of the vehicle, the same applies to an in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system in charge of the front of the vehicle. In this case, SW1 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to SW2. The SW1 and SW2 may be provided separately as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or may be configured to share one SW.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, at least the start point of the detection period T is moved to the side where the delay time is shortened, and the blind spot area reducing unit 18 for lowering the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 is provided. Even if an obstacle exists, the obstacle can be detected.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to the second embodiment replaces the blind spot area reducing section 18 with:
Except for including the blind spot area reducing unit 18a, the configuration is the same as the on-vehicle ultrasonic detection system of the first embodiment.

The blind spot area reducing section 18a is composed of a relay RL having contacts SW21 and SW22, similarly to the changeover switch SW2 of the first embodiment, and a timer control section T18. The timer control unit T18 starts timing at a predetermined operation time, and contacts SW21 and SW22.
, And at least the start point of the detection period T is moved to the side where the delay time becomes shorter, the detection period is switched to T1, and the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 is reduced. At the time when the time elapses, the contact SW2
1, the SW22 is switched to return to the original detection period T, and the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 is increased to return to the original amplification factor.

Here, as for the predetermined operation time, the position of the key of the vehicle becomes the position of the ignition, or the position of the key of the vehicle is the position of the ignition and the shift lever is at the position of R (back). There is a point in time.

In the former case, when the position of the key of the vehicle becomes the position of the ignition, time measurement starts, and the detection period T becomes T.
1 and the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 decreases. Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the timing, T1 returns to the normal detection period T, and the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 increases to return to the normal amplification factor. In this case,
The vehicle's ignition power supply is also the drive power supply for the system.

In the latter case, when the key position of the vehicle is at the ignition position and the shift lever is at the R position, time measurement starts, the detection period T switches to T1, and the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 decreases. Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the timing, T1 returns to the normal detection period T, and the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 increases to return to the normal amplification factor. In this case, the backup power supply of the vehicle is also the drive power supply of the present system.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, at a predetermined operation time, at least the start time of the detection period T is moved to the side where the delay time is shortened, and the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 is reduced, so that the start of time measurement At a point in time when a predetermined time has elapsed from the point in time, the start point of the detection period is returned to the original state to return to the original detection period T, and the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 is increased to return to the original amplification factor. Since it has the portion 18a, an operation for confirming whether an obstacle exists in the blind spot is performed by:
This can be performed without the driver's awareness, and the detection can be performed substantially automatically.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram of the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system of FIG. A third embodiment will be described. However, the two-dot chain lines such as “amplifier circuit output” and “SW3” in FIG. 9 indicate threshold levels.

As shown in FIG. 8, a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detecting system according to the third embodiment is different from the ultrasonic detecting system shown in FIG.
Except for including the blind spot area reducing unit 19, the configuration is the same as the in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system of the first embodiment.

The blind spot area reducing section 19 includes the ultrasonic sensors 1
Is expanded in the horizontal direction (the left-right direction in the example of FIG. 4) along the bumper of the vehicle. In the third embodiment, when provided in the driver's seat and operated by the driver,
The contact is switched to, for example, ON, and is configured by an operation switch SW3 for increasing the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit 11 as shown by the waveform of SW3 shown in FIG.

For example, when the amplification factor for the signal obtained by the reception of the ultrasonic sensors 1RL and 1RR increases, as shown in FIG. 4, the detection areas AL and AR become the detection areas AL2 and AR.
2 and the obstacles SC existing in the middle blind spot are taken into these detection areas AL2 and AR2, so that the obstacles SC can be detected.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the amplification circuit 1
Blind area reduction unit 1 that increases the amplification factor of 1 and expands the detection area of each ultrasonic sensor 1 in the horizontal direction along the bumper of the vehicle.
9, even if there is an obstacle in the blind spot between the detection areas of the ultrasonic sensors 1, the obstacle can be detected.

FIG. 10 is a structural view of a blind spot area reducing unit provided in the ultrasonic detecting system for vehicle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the blind spot area reducing unit of FIG.
2 and FIG. 13 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the blind spot area reduction unit in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle mounted ultrasonic detecting system according to the first embodiment has a blind spot area reducing unit 20 in place of the blind spot area reducing unit 18 as shown in FIG. It is configured similarly to the detection system.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the blind spot area reducing section 20 includes a gear box 22 that supports one ultrasonic sensor 1RL provided on the rear bumper RB with a rotating shaft 21.
And a DC motor 2 for rotating the ultrasonic sensor 1 in the horizontal direction by swinging the rotation shaft 21 of the gear box 22 left and right.
3 and a key 24 for driving the DC motor 23. When the key 24 comes to the ignition position, both ultrasonic sensors 1 provided on the rear bumper RB are provided.
The DC motor 23 is driven so as to rotate the ultrasonic sensor 1RL by a fixed angle in a direction to narrow the blind spot between the detection areas. After that, when a certain time has elapsed, the DC polarity is switched and then the rotation is performed. The DC motor 23 is driven so that the detection area of the ultrasonic sensor 1RL returns to the original position. In other words, the blind spot area reducing unit 20 uses the key 2 of the vehicle.
When the position 4 becomes the ignition position, one of the ultrasonic sensors 1 provided at both corners of the rear bumper RB
The RL is rotated so that this detection area enters a blind spot between the detection areas of both ultrasonic sensors 1. In addition,
Power is supplied to the computer 3 when the key 24 is in the ignition position.

In the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system having such a configuration, when the key 24 is turned to the engine start position via the ignition position to start the car,
As shown in FIG. 13, one ultrasonic sensor 1RL provided at both corners of the rear bumper RB has a detection area AL whose detection area AL is equal to the detection areas AL and A of the two ultrasonic sensors 1RL and 1RR.
Rotate so as to enter the blind spot between R. As a result, the obstacle SC in the blind spot between the two detection areas enters the detection area AL ′ after the rotation of the ultrasonic sensor 1RL.
Obstacle SC can be detected.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when the position of the key 24 of the vehicle reaches the ignition position, one of the ultrasonic sensors 1RL provided at both corners of the rear bumper RB is connected to the detection area AL. Both ultrasonic sensors 1RL, 1
Since the rotation is performed so as to enter the blind spot between the detection areas AL and AR of the RR, even if the obstacle SC exists in the blind spot between the detection areas AL and AR of the ultrasonic sensors 1RL and 1RR, the obstacle is present. SC can be detected. In addition, the operation for confirming whether or not an obstacle exists in the blind spot can be performed without making the driver conscious,
The detection can be performed substantially automatically.

In the fourth embodiment, the blind spot area reducing section 20 is provided for one of the ultrasonic sensors 1RL, 1RR at both corners of the rear bumper RB. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration provided for the other ultrasonic sensor 1RR or a configuration provided for both the ultrasonic sensors 1RL and 1RR may be used. In any of these configurations, the same effects as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

Further, the blind spot area reducing section 20 is not limited to the rear bumper RB, but is provided for one of the ultrasonic sensors 1FL and 1FR at both corners of the front bumper FB (see FIG. 2). A configuration provided for the other ultrasonic sensor, or a configuration provided for both of the ultrasonic sensors. In any of these configurations, the same effects as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

In the fourth embodiment, the blind spot area reducing section 20 is configured to operate when the position of the key 24 of the vehicle reaches the ignition position.
In the case of the configuration provided in B, the configuration may be such that the operation is performed when the position of the key 24 of the vehicle is at the ignition position and the shift lever is at the R (back) position. According to this configuration, when the vehicle is backed, one of the two ultrasonic sensors 1RL and 1RR at both corners of the rear bumper RB has one of the ultrasonic sensors 1RL and the detection area of the two ultrasonic sensors 1RL and 1RR.
It rotates so as to enter the blind spot between the detection areas AL and AR of the RL and 1RR, and the obstacle located in the blind spot between the two detection areas is located in the detection area after the rotation of one ultrasonic sensor 1. Since the SC enters, the obstacle SC can be detected. In addition, in the case of this configuration, power is supplied to the computer 3 when the key 24 of the vehicle is in the ignition ON position and the shift lever is in the R mode position (the backup lamp is lit at this time). It may be. That is, the system power is supplied to the computer 3 only when the driver tries to make the vehicle back.

Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the key 24 of the vehicle is used for the blind spot area reducing section 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is turned on, both ultrasonic sensors in both corners of the front or rear bumper
At least one ultrasonic sensor is rotated so that this detection area enters a blind spot between the detection areas of both ultrasonic sensors, and when the changeover switch is turned off, the rotated ultrasonic sensor is detected by this detection. A configuration in which the area is rotated so as to return to the original position may be employed. That is, in FIG. 10, a configuration in which the dedicated changeover switch is provided instead of the key 24 of the vehicle may be employed. With this configuration, the same effect as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

[0050]

As is apparent from the above description, the invention according to claim 1 includes an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a side surface of a vehicle for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and a detection area of the ultrasonic sensor. An in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between a boundary line and a side surface of a vehicle to which the ultrasonic sensor is attached, wherein the ultrasonic sensor detects after a predetermined delay time from a point in time when the ultrasonic sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave. Detection period setting means for setting a period, amplification means for inputting a received signal obtained by the ultrasonic sensor receiving an ultrasonic wave as an input signal, and a signal of at least a predetermined level or more within the detection period An obstacle that causes the ultrasonic sensor to receive the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor in the detection area according to whether or not is included in the signal amplified by the amplification unit. A determination unit that determines whether the detection period is present, and at least a start point of the detection period is moved to a side where the delay time is shortened, and a blind spot area reduction unit that lowers an amplification factor of the amplification unit is provided. When the start point of the detection period moves to the side where the time becomes shorter, the detection area of the ultrasonic sensor extends into the blind spot area,
At this time, since the resolution in the region extending within the blind spot increases due to the decrease in the amplification factor of the amplifying means, even if there is an obstacle in the blind spot, the obstacle can be detected.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of ultrasonic sensors attached to both ends of one side of the vehicle for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. An in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between a boundary of a detection area and one side of a vehicle to which an ultrasonic sensor is attached, wherein a detection area of each of the ultrasonic sensors extends along one side of the vehicle. Since the blind spot area reducing means that expands in the horizontal direction is provided, when the detection area of each ultrasonic sensor expands in the horizontal direction along one side of the vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor of both ultrasonic sensors attached to both ends of one side of the vehicle respectively. Because the blind spot between the detection areas narrows,
Even if an obstacle exists in the blind spot between the detection areas of both ultrasonic sensors, the obstacle can be detected.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to the second aspect, wherein each of the ultrasonic sensors receives, as an input signal, a received signal obtained by receiving an ultrasonic wave. Means, and at least a signal of a predetermined level or more is included in the signal amplified by the amplification means, and the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor in the detection area is transmitted to the ultrasonic sensor. Determining means for determining whether there is an obstacle to be received; and the blind spot area reducing means increases the amplification factor of the amplifying means. The obstacle can be detected even if is present.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a side of a vehicle for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves.
An in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between a boundary line of a detection area of the ultrasonic sensor and a side surface of a vehicle to which the ultrasonic sensor is attached, wherein a key position of the vehicle becomes an ignition position. Since there is provided a blind spot area reducing means for rotating the ultrasonic sensor so that the detection area enters the blind spot area, even if an obstacle exists in the blind spot, the obstacle can be detected.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic sensor mounted on a rear side surface of a vehicle for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, wherein a boundary between a detection area of the ultrasonic sensor and the ultrasonic sensor is mounted. A vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between the vehicle and a rear side surface of the vehicle, wherein when power is supplied to a backlight of the vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor detects the ultrasonic sensor within the blind spot area. Since there is provided a blind spot area reducing means for rotating so as to enter, even if there is an obstacle in the blind spot, the obstacle can be detected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a blind spot of the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the on-vehicle ultrasonic detection system in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an operation explanatory diagram of the on-vehicle ultrasonic detection system in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of the vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a blind spot area reduction unit provided in a vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a blind spot area reduction unit in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the blind spot area reduction unit in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the blind spot area reduction unit in FIG. 10;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ultrasonic sensor 2 Buzzer 3 Computer 7 Gate 11 Amplification circuit 15 Flip-flop 18, 18a, 19, 20 Blind area reduction part

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) B60R 21/00 B60R 21/00 626D G01S 7/521 G01S 7/52 A

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic sensor for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, which is attached to a side of a vehicle, between a boundary line of a detection area of the ultrasonic sensor and a side of the vehicle to which the ultrasonic sensor is attached. A vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot in the ultrasonic sensor, wherein the ultrasonic sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave, a detection period setting unit that sets a detection period after a predetermined delay time, and the ultrasonic sensor has an ultrasonic wave. Amplifying means for inputting a received signal obtained by receiving the signal as an input signal, and determining whether a signal having a level equal to or higher than a predetermined level is included in the signal amplified by the amplifying means within the detection period. Determining means for determining whether there is an obstacle in the detection area for causing the ultrasonic sensor to receive ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor, The causes the start of the detection period is moved to the side where the delay time is shortened, the ultrasound detecting system for vehicle characterized in that it comprises a blind spot region reduction means for reducing an amplification factor of said amplifying means. 2. A pair of ultrasonic sensors for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, which are attached to both ends of one side of the vehicle, respectively. An on-vehicle ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between one side of a vehicle to which an ultrasonic sensor is mounted, and a blind spot for expanding a detection area of each of the ultrasonic sensors in a horizontal direction along one side of the vehicle. An in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system comprising an area reducing unit. 3. An amplifying means for inputting, as an input signal, a received signal obtained by each of the ultrasonic sensors receiving an ultrasonic wave, wherein at least a signal of a predetermined level or higher is converted into a signal amplified by the amplifying means Determining means for determining whether an obstacle that causes the ultrasonic sensor to receive the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic sensor is present in the detection area according to whether the ultrasonic wave is included in the detection area. 3. The on-vehicle ultrasonic detection system according to claim 2, wherein the blind spot area reducing unit increases an amplification factor of the amplifying unit. 4. An ultrasonic sensor for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves attached to a side surface of a vehicle, between a boundary of a detection area of the ultrasonic sensor and a side surface of the vehicle to which the ultrasonic sensor is attached. An on-vehicle ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot, wherein when a key position of the vehicle reaches an ignition position, the blind spot area is reduced by rotating the ultrasonic sensor so that the detection area enters the blind spot area. A vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system characterized by comprising means. 5. An ultrasonic sensor for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves attached to a rear side surface of a vehicle, wherein a boundary of a detection area of the ultrasonic sensor and a rear side surface of the vehicle to which the ultrasonic sensor is attached. A vehicle-mounted ultrasonic detection system having a blind spot between the ultrasonic sensor, when power is supplied to a backlight of the vehicle, the ultrasonic sensor is rotated so that the detection area enters the blind spot area. An in-vehicle ultrasonic detection system, comprising: