JP2006290007A - Warning light device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a warning light device capable of effectively informing a following vehicle of a sudden speed reducing state of own vehicle in accordance with the travelling environment of the own vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: This warning light device for vehicle informs the following vehicle of the sudden speed reducing state of the own vehicle by normally lighting a warning light 5 in normally reducing speed of the vehicle and lighting the warning light 5 in a warning manner in suddenly reducing the speed of the vehicle. This warning light device 1 contains the warning light 5, a travelling environmental information providing part 6 to provide information concerning the travelling environment of the vehicle and a travelling environment judging part 44 to judge whether the travelling environment of the vehicle satisfies a specified judgmental standard in accordance with the acquired information. Warning lighting of the type different from a warning lighting under the normal travelling environment is used when the travelling environment of the vehicle satisfies the judgmental standard in suddenly reducing speed of the vehicle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicular warning light device, and more particularly to a vehicular warning light device that can effectively notify a succeeding vehicle of a sudden deceleration state of a vehicle according to the traveling environment of the vehicle.

  In recent years, a vehicular warning light device has been developed that can effectively suppress a rear-end collision accident caused by a succeeding vehicle by alerting the driver of the succeeding vehicle when the vehicle is suddenly decelerated (for example, when suddenly braking).

  For such a conventional warning light device for a vehicle, a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known. In a conventional vehicle warning light device, an auxiliary brake lamp, a sudden brake detection sensor that detects that a sudden brake has been applied to a traveling vehicle, and when the sudden brake is detected by the sudden brake detection sensor, Lighting control means for lighting the auxiliary brake lamp in a predetermined manner.

JP 2003-205782 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular warning light device capable of effectively notifying a succeeding vehicle of a sudden deceleration state of a vehicle according to a traveling environment of the vehicle.

  In order to achieve the above object, a vehicle warning light device according to the present invention normally turns on a warning light when the vehicle is normally decelerated, and lights a warning light when the vehicle is suddenly decelerated. A warning light device for a vehicle for notifying a succeeding vehicle, a warning light, a driving environment information acquisition unit for acquiring information related to the driving environment of the vehicle, and a driving environment of the vehicle based on the acquired information. A driving environment determination unit that determines whether or not the determination criterion is satisfied, and when the vehicle traveling environment satisfies the determination criterion at the time of sudden deceleration of the vehicle, the warning lighting in the normal traveling environment is Different types of alarm lights are used.

  In this vehicular warning light device, when the vehicle traveling environment satisfies a predetermined judgment criterion at the time of sudden deceleration of the vehicle, a type of warning lighting different from the warning lighting under the normal traveling environment is used. As a result, it is possible to effectively notify the following vehicle of the sudden deceleration state of the vehicle according to the traveling environment of the vehicle, so that there is an advantage that the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is effectively reduced.

  Further, the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention is adopted as the determination criterion as to whether or not the driving environment in which the driver of the following vehicle is likely to look aside and when the driving environment of the vehicle satisfies the determination criterion. In this case, a warning lighting that is more likely to alert the driver of the following vehicle than a warning lighting in a normal driving environment is used.

  In this vehicle warning light device, in a driving environment in which a driver of a following vehicle is likely to look aside, a warning lighting that is easier to call the driver of the following vehicle than a warning lighting in a normal driving environment is used. Therefore, there is an advantage that the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Further, in the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention, when it is assumed that the following vehicle has an indoor monitor, the vehicle is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is likely to visually recognize the indoor monitor. Therefore, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur.

  In this vehicle warning light device, when it is assumed that the following vehicle has an indoor monitor, the vehicle (own vehicle) is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is likely to see the indoor monitor. Is determined as a traveling environment in which the above-mentioned side-by-side driving tends to occur. In such a driving environment, when the driver of the following vehicle visually recognizes the indoor monitor, there is a possibility that the warning lighting of the preceding vehicle may be overlooked. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Further, in the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention, it is determined that the side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling region of the vehicle is an urban area.

  In this vehicle warning light device, when the traveling area of the vehicle (own vehicle) is an urban area, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur. In other words, in urban areas, the frequency of viewing the display screen of the indoor monitor and the surrounding area increases in order to find the intersection or destination store where the driver of the following vehicle should make a turn. . Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Further, in the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is near an intersection or near a branch point.

  In this vehicular warning light device, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle (own vehicle) is near an intersection or near a branch point. In other words, near the intersection or branch point, the driver of the following vehicle increases the frequency of checking the right / left turn direction and lane change instruction by looking at the display screen of the car navigation system and visually checking the surrounding road signs. , Easy to drive aside. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Further, the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention is judged to be likely to cause a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle when the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of an interchange on a highway, an automobile exclusive road or other roads. .

  In this vehicular warning light device, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of an interchange on a highway, an automobile exclusive road or other roads. That is, in the vicinity of the interchange, the frequency of the driver of the following vehicle visually recognizing the display screen of the car navigation system and the surrounding signs is likely to cause a side-by-side driving. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Further, the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention is likely to cause a side-by-side driving by the driver of the subsequent vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in an area where the driver of the subsequent vehicle is highly likely to visually recognize the speedometer. To be judged.

  In this vehicle warning light device, when the vehicle (own vehicle) is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is highly likely to visually recognize the speedometer, it is determined that the driver of the following vehicle is likely to perform a side-by-side operation. Is done. That is, in such a driving environment, there is a possibility that the warning light of the vehicle ahead may be overlooked when the driver of the following vehicle visually recognizes the speedometer. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Further, in the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention, it is determined that the side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is near the police station.

  In this vehicle warning light device, when the traveling position of the vehicle (the host vehicle) is in the vicinity of the police station, it is determined that the side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur. That is, in the vicinity of the police station, the frequency of the driver of the following vehicle confirming whether or not the speed is exceeded and whether or not the seat belt is worn increases. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Further, in the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of the automatic speed control device.

  In this vehicular warning light device, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of the automatic speed control device. In other words, in the vicinity of the automatic speed control device, the frequency with which the driver of the following vehicle checks whether or not there is an excess of speed increases, so that a side-by-side driving is likely to occur. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Moreover, the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention is likely to cause a side-by-side driving by the driver of the subsequent vehicle when the vehicle is traveling in an area where the driver of the subsequent vehicle is highly likely to visually recognize the scenery outside the vehicle. It is judged.

  In this vehicular warning light device, when the vehicle is traveling in an area in which the driver of the following vehicle is highly likely to see the scenery outside the vehicle, it is determined that the driver of the following vehicle is likely to perform a side-by-side operation. That is, in such a driving environment, there is a possibility that the driver of the succeeding vehicle may overlook the warning lighting of the preceding vehicle when viewing the surrounding scenery. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Further, in the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention, it is determined that the side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is near the toll gate.

  In this vehicular warning light device, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is near the toll gate. That is, in the vicinity of the toll gate, the driver of the following vehicle searches for an empty gate, visually recognizes the movement of surrounding vehicles, checks the toll display, and the like, so a side-view driving is likely to occur. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  Moreover, the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention includes a car navigation system in which the traveling environment information acquisition unit is mounted on a vehicle.

  In this vehicle warning light device, the traveling environment information acquisition unit includes a car navigation system (GPS) mounted on the vehicle. Thereby, there exists an advantage which can acquire easily the information regarding the driving environment (traveling position) of a vehicle based on the map data recorded beforehand.

  In the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention, the traveling environment information acquisition unit includes an imaging device that captures an image of the surroundings of the vehicle, and an image processing device that processes an image or an image captured by the imaging device. .

  In this vehicle warning light device, the traveling environment information acquisition unit includes an imaging device mounted on the vehicle and an image processing device that processes an image captured by the imaging device. Accordingly, there is an advantage that information on the traveling environment of the vehicle can be acquired while imaging the surrounding situation when the vehicle is traveling.

  In the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention, the traveling environment information acquisition unit includes a device that determines a reception state of a radio wave having a specific frequency.

  In this vehicle warning light device, the traveling environment information acquisition unit is configured to include a device that determines a reception state of a radio wave having a specific frequency. Thereby, there exists an advantage which can acquire the information regarding the driving environment of a vehicle based on the electromagnetic wave of the specific frequency which has generate | occur | produced around the vehicle.

  In addition, the vehicle warning light device according to the present invention includes a device in which the traveling environment information acquisition unit receives and processes data from road infrastructure.

  In this vehicle warning light device, the traveling environment information acquisition unit includes a device that receives and processes data from the road infrastructure. Thereby, there exists an advantage which can acquire the information regarding the driving environment of a vehicle using road infrastructure.

  In the vehicular warning light device according to the present invention, when the vehicle traveling environment satisfies a predetermined judgment criterion at the time of sudden deceleration of the vehicle, a warning lighting of a different type from the warning lighting under the normal traveling environment is used. Therefore, there is an advantage that the sudden deceleration state of the vehicle can be effectively notified to the following vehicle according to the traveling environment of the vehicle, and the rear-end collision accident due to the following vehicle is effectively reduced.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. The constituent elements of this embodiment include those that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art or those that are substantially the same. In addition, a plurality of modifications described in this embodiment can be arbitrarily combined within a range obvious to those skilled in the art.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vehicular warning light device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an application example of the vehicular warning light device shown in FIG. 3 and 4 are a flowchart (FIG. 3) and an explanatory diagram (FIG. 4) showing the operation of the vehicle warning light device shown in FIG.

[Vehicle warning light device]
In this vehicle warning light device 1, when the vehicle is suddenly decelerated, the warning light (braking light) 5 is turned on from a normal lighting operation (hereinafter referred to as normal lighting) to an alarm lighting operation (hereinafter referred to as alarm lighting). And the function of notifying the subsequent vehicle of the sudden deceleration state of the vehicle. The vehicle warning light device 1 includes a brake signal detection unit 2, a vehicle speed detection unit 3, a control unit 4, and a warning light 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

  The brake signal detection unit 2 has a function of detecting that the brake pedal of the vehicle has been depressed and sending the detection result (brake signal) to the control unit 4. The brake signal detection unit 2 is constituted by, for example, a pressure sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The vehicle speed detection unit 3 has a function of detecting the traveling speed (or acceleration) of the vehicle and sending the detection result (speed signal or acceleration signal) to the control unit 4. The vehicle speed detection unit 3 includes, for example, a pulse sensor, an encoder, and other speed sensors (or acceleration sensors).

  The control unit 4 has a function of performing predetermined calculation processing and driving control of the warning lamp 5 based on the acquired brake signal and speed signal. The control unit 4 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and an electrical central unit (ECU), and includes a rapid deceleration determination unit 41, a drive signal generation unit 42, and a warning light drive unit 43. In addition, each part 41-43 of the control unit 4 is comprised by the program, electronic circuit, etc. which implement | achieve the effect | action.

The sudden deceleration determination unit 41 receives the brake signal from the brake signal detection unit 2 and the speed signal from the vehicle speed detection unit 3, and based on these signals (vehicle signal), determines whether the vehicle is in a sudden deceleration state. It has a function to determine whether or not. Specifically, the rapid deceleration determination unit 41 calculates a vehicle deceleration rate at a predetermined sampling time after the brake pedal is depressed (after receiving a brake signal), and this deceleration rate is a predetermined threshold (for example, , 6 [m / s ² ]) or more, it is determined that the vehicle is rapidly decelerating.

  The drive signal generator 42 has a function of generating a signal (drive signal) for driving the warning lamp 5. Specifically, the drive signal generator 42 generates a drive signal for normal lighting when the vehicle is in a normal deceleration state, and outputs a drive signal for warning lighting when the vehicle is in a sudden deceleration state. appear.

  The warning lamp drive unit 43 drives the warning lamp 5 based on the drive signal from the drive signal generation unit 42, and causes the warning lamp 5 to be normally lit or alarmed (first alarm lit or second alarm lit).

  The warning light 5 is, for example, a rear combination lamp mounted on the left and right of the rear part of the vehicle. Such a rear combination lamp includes a stop lamp, a tail lamp, a turn signal lamp, a back lamp, and other lamps. Moreover, the light source of the warning light 5 is comprised by LED (light-emitting diode), for example.

  In this vehicular warning lamp device 1, the lighting pattern (normal lighting and warning lighting) of the warning lamp 5 is selected as follows (see FIG. 3). First, when the brake pedal of the vehicle is depressed, the brake signal detector 2 detects the depression of the brake pedal and sends a brake signal to the control unit 4 (ST1). Further, the vehicle speed detector 3 detects the vehicle speed and sends a speed signal to the control unit 4. Then, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the vehicle is suddenly decelerated based on these brake signals and speed signals (ST2).

  When it is determined that the vehicle is not suddenly decelerated (during normal deceleration), the control unit 4 generates a drive signal for normal lighting and normally lights the warning lamp 5 (ST3). In this embodiment, for example, the drive signal for normal lighting is composed of a step wave signal, and the warning lamp 5 is continuously lit in a constant lighting state while the brake pedal is depressed (see FIG. 4A). ).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is in a sudden deceleration state (at the time of sudden deceleration), the control unit 4 generates a drive signal for lighting an alarm and lights the warning light 5 (the first alarm lights or the second alarm lights). Alarm is lit) (ST4 to ST6). In this embodiment, for example, the driving signal for lighting the alarm is a rectangular wave signal having a predetermined blinking frequency, and the warning lamp 5 blinks at a constant blinking period while the brake pedal is depressed ( (Refer FIG.4 (b) and (c)). As a result, the driver of the following vehicle is alerted, the vehicle (own vehicle) is suddenly decelerated and the subsequent vehicle is informed, and a rear-end collision is prevented.

  In the vehicle warning light device 1, warning lighting (first warning lighting and second warning lighting) is performed by a blinking operation of the warning lamp 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the warning light may be turned on by increasing the luminance or lighting area of the warning light 5 compared to that during normal lighting. Even with this configuration, the driver of the following vehicle is alerted and a rear-end collision is prevented.

[Selective use of multiple types of warning lights according to the driving environment of the vehicle]
The vehicle warning light device 1 includes a travel environment information acquisition unit 6 and a travel environment determination unit 44 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The driving environment information acquisition unit 6 has a function of acquiring information related to the driving environment of the vehicle, such as a car navigation system (GPS) mounted on the vehicle, a CCD (charge-capturing) outside or inside the vehicle. coupled device) Consists of a camera and a communication device that can receive radio waves of a specific frequency. The information related to the traveling environment of the vehicle includes, for example, position information related to the traveling position of the vehicle and image information related to the surroundings of the vehicle. The traveling environment determination unit 44 is included in the control unit 4 and has a function of determining whether or not the traveling environment of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined criterion based on the acquired information regarding the traveling environment of the vehicle.

  Further, the drive signal generator 42 of the control unit 4 has a plurality of types (two types) of drive signals as drive signals of the warning lamp 5 at the time of sudden deceleration of the vehicle, and can selectively generate these drive signals. That is, when the vehicle is suddenly decelerated, the warning lamp 5 can be turned on by a plurality of types of lighting patterns (first warning lighting and second warning lighting), and the warning lighting can be arbitrarily selected according to a predetermined criterion. (See FIG. 3 and FIG. 4).

  Specifically, first, when the vehicle is in a sudden deceleration state, it is determined whether or not the traveling environment of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined criterion (ST2 and ST4). And when the driving environment of a vehicle does not satisfy | fill a predetermined criteria, warning lighting (1st warning lighting) is performed under normal driving environment (ST5) (refer FIG.4 (b)). On the other hand, when the traveling environment of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined determination criterion, a predetermined warning lighting (second warning lighting) is performed (ST6) (see FIG. 4B). Thereby, it is possible to notify the subsequent vehicle of the sudden deceleration state of the vehicle according to the traveling environment of the vehicle.

  Further, in such a configuration, for example, whether or not the driving environment is likely to cause a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is adopted as a determination criterion. If the vehicle's driving environment meets this criterion, the warning light (second alarm lighted) is easier to alert the driver of the following vehicle than the lighted alarm (first alarm lighted) under normal driving conditions. ) Is used.

  Also, for example, when the first alarm is lit, the warning light 5 blinks at a blinking frequency f1 = 5 [Hz], and when the second alarm is lit, the warning light 5 blinks at a blinking frequency f2 = 7 [Hz]. To do. Then, the warning lighting (second warning lighting) having a high blinking frequency is used under a predetermined traveling environment, so that the driver of the following vehicle is more effectively alerted. As a result, the line of sight of the driver of the following vehicle looking aside is returned to the warning light 5 of the preceding vehicle (own vehicle). On the contrary, in a normal driving environment (it is difficult for the driver of the following vehicle to look aside), low-flashing alarm lighting (first alarm lighting) is used. Thereby, the sudden deceleration state of the own vehicle is notified without giving the driver of the following vehicle an excessive complexity or discomfort. Moreover, the rear-end collision accident by the following vehicle is effectively reduced by these.

[effect]
In this vehicle warning light device 1, when the vehicle traveling environment satisfies a predetermined judgment criterion at the time of sudden deceleration of the vehicle, a different type of alarm from the alarm lighting (first alarm lighting) under the normal traveling environment Lighting (second alarm lighting) is used. That is, at the time of sudden deceleration of the vehicle, a plurality of types of warning lights corresponding to the traveling environment of the vehicle are selectively used. As a result, it is possible to effectively notify the following vehicle of the sudden deceleration state of the vehicle according to the traveling environment of the vehicle, so that there is an advantage that the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is effectively reduced.

  Further, in this vehicle warning light device 1, in the driving environment where the driver of the following vehicle is likely to look aside, the driver of the following vehicle is more careful than the warning lighting (first warning lighting) in the normal driving environment. Since the warning lighting (second warning lighting) that is easy to call is used, there is an advantage that the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced. In the case of warning lighting, attention to the driver of the following vehicle is likely to be raised by increasing the blinking frequency, changing the duty ratio, increasing the luminance, increasing the lighting area, and the like.

[Modification 1]
In the vehicle warning light device 1, the following case is assumed as a traveling environment in which the driver of the following vehicle is likely to look aside (the determination criteria are satisfied in the following case).

  (1) When it is assumed that the following vehicle has an indoor monitor (the monitor of the car navigation system), the vehicle (own vehicle) is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is likely to see the indoor monitor. In this case, it is determined that the driving environment is likely to cause the above-mentioned side-by-side driving. In such a driving environment, when the driver of the following vehicle visually recognizes the indoor monitor, there is a possibility that the warning lighting of the preceding vehicle may be overlooked. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  (2) When the traveling area of the vehicle (own vehicle) is an urban area, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur. In other words, in urban areas, the frequency of viewing the display screen of the indoor monitor and the surrounding area increases in order to find the intersection or destination store where the driver of the following vehicle should make a turn. . Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced. Note that, as described above, the traveling environment determination unit 44 determines whether or not the traveling area of the vehicle is an urban area based on the information acquired by the traveling environment information acquisition unit 6. For example, the above determination is made based on traveling area data recorded in advance in a car navigation system or image data outside the vehicle imaged by a CCD camera.

  (3) When the traveling position of the vehicle (own vehicle) is near an intersection or near a branch point, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur. In other words, near the intersection or branch point, the driver of the following vehicle increases the frequency of checking the right / left turn direction and lane change instruction by looking at the display screen of the car navigation system and visually checking the surrounding road signs. , Easy to drive aside. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced. Note that the determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel position is near an intersection or near a branch point is the same as the determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel area is an urban area. Further, the vicinity of the intersection (near the branch point) means within a predetermined distance (for example, 100 [m]) from the intersection.

  (4) When the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of an interchange on an expressway, an automobile-only road, or other roads, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur. That is, in the vicinity of the interchange, the frequency of the driver of the following vehicle visually recognizing the display screen of the car navigation system and the surrounding signs is likely to cause a side-by-side driving. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced. Note that the determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel position is near the interchange is similar to the determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel area is an urban area. Further, the vicinity of the interchange means within a predetermined distance (for example, 100 [m]) from the interchange.

  (5) When the vehicle (own vehicle) is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is highly likely to visually recognize the speedometer, it is determined that the driver of the following vehicle is likely to see the driver. That is, in such a driving environment, there is a possibility that the warning light of the vehicle ahead may be overlooked when the driver of the following vehicle visually recognizes the speedometer. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced.

  (6) When the traveling position of the vehicle (own vehicle) is in the vicinity of the police station, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur. That is, in the vicinity of the police station, the frequency of the driver of the following vehicle confirming whether or not the speed is exceeded and whether or not the seat belt is worn increases. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced. The determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel position is near the police station is the same as the determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel area is an urban area. Further, the vicinity of the police station means within a predetermined distance (for example, 100 [m]) from the police station.

  (7) When the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of the automatic speed control device, it is determined that an aside driving by the driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur. In other words, in the vicinity of the automatic speed control device, the frequency with which the driver of the following vehicle checks whether or not there is an excess of speed increases, so that a side-by-side driving is likely to occur. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced. The determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel position is in the vicinity of the automatic speed control device is the same as the determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel area is an urban area. Further, the reception status of radio waves of a specific frequency emitted from the automatic speed control device may be adopted as information related to the traveling position of the vehicle. Further, the vicinity of the automatic speed control device means a range within a predetermined distance (for example, 100 [m]) from the installation position of the automatic speed control device.

  (8) When the vehicle is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is highly likely to see the scenery outside the vehicle, it is determined that the driver of the following vehicle is likely to perform a side-by-side driving. That is, in such a driving environment, there is a possibility that the driver of the succeeding vehicle may overlook the warning lighting of the preceding vehicle when viewing the surrounding scenery. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced. In addition, the scenery outside the vehicle in which side-view driving is likely to occur includes, for example, a west coastline at sunset time, a famous mountain that can be seen to the side of the vehicle, and the like.

  (9) When the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of the toll booth, it is determined that the driver of the following vehicle is likely to see the driver aside. That is, in the vicinity of the toll gate, the driver of the following vehicle searches for an empty gate, visually recognizes the movement of surrounding vehicles, checks the toll display, and the like, so a side-view driving is likely to occur. Therefore, by including such a traveling environment in a traveling environment in which a sideward driving is likely to occur, there is an advantage that the second alarm lighting is performed more effectively and the rear-end collision accident caused by the following vehicle is more effectively reduced. The determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel position is near the toll gate is the same as the determination as to whether or not the vehicle travel area is an urban area. In addition, a signal reception state in an automatic fee collection system (ETC: Electronic Toll Collection System) may be adopted as information on the traveling position of the vehicle. Further, the vicinity of the toll gate means a range within a predetermined distance (for example, 100 [m]) from the installation position of the toll gate.

[Modification 2]
Moreover, in this warning light device 1 for vehicles, the driving environment information acquisition part 6 is comprised as follows, for example.

  For example, the traveling environment information acquisition unit 6 includes a car navigation system (GPS) mounted on a vehicle. Thereby, there exists an advantage which can acquire easily the information regarding the driving environment (traveling position) of a vehicle based on the map data recorded beforehand. In such a configuration, for example, the number of buildings per unit area is calculated based on map data recorded in advance, and when the number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, it is determined that the traveling position of the vehicle is an urban area.

  Further, for example, the traveling environment information acquisition unit 6 includes an imaging device mounted on a vehicle and an image processing device that processes an image captured by the imaging device. Accordingly, there is an advantage that information on the traveling environment of the vehicle can be acquired while imaging the surrounding situation when the vehicle is traveling. In particular, such a configuration is advantageous in that information that is not recorded in map data or the like can be acquired as compared with the configuration including the car navigation system. In such a configuration, for example, when a state in which a predetermined number of colors or more are included in a captured video (or image) continues for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the area is an urban area. In addition, for example, a specific color tone and shape (for example, a road sign) is extracted from the captured video by image processing, and based on this, it is determined whether or not the traveling position of the vehicle is near an intersection or a highway. The

  For example, the traveling environment information acquisition unit 6 includes a device that determines a reception state of a radio wave having a specific frequency. Thereby, there exists an advantage which can acquire the information regarding the driving environment of a vehicle based on the electromagnetic wave of the specific frequency which has generate | occur | produced around the vehicle. In particular, such a configuration is advantageous in that information that is not recorded in map data or the like can be acquired as compared with the configuration including the car navigation system. In such a configuration, for example, when the frequency of receiving radio waves from an automatic door such as a store is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the traveling position of the vehicle is determined to be an urban area. Further, for example, when a radio wave for collecting a toll of the ETC gate is received, it is determined that the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of an expressway or a toll gate.

  Further, for example, the travel environment information acquisition unit 6 includes a device that receives and processes data from road infrastructure. Thereby, there exists an advantage which can acquire the information regarding the driving environment of a vehicle using road infrastructure. In particular, such a configuration is advantageous in that information that is not recorded in map data or the like can be acquired as compared with the configuration including the car navigation system. In such a configuration, for example, based on the fee collection data of the ETC gate, it is determined that the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of an expressway or a toll gate. Further, for example, based on traffic jam information by dedicated short range communication (DSRC), it is determined that the traveling position of the vehicle is an urban area.

[Modification 3]
Further, in the vehicle warning light device 1, when the second alarm is lit, the warning light 5 blinks at a blinking frequency (f2> f1) larger than that when the first alarm is lit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which the luminance and lighting area of the warning lamp 5 increase when the second alarm is lit compared to when the first alarm is lit. For example, the blinking frequency when the first alarm is lit and when the second alarm is lit is constant (f1 = f2), the luminance (or lighting area) of the warning lamp 5 is small and the second alarm is lit when the first alarm is lit. Sometimes, a configuration in which the luminance (or lighting area) of the warning lamp 5 is increased may be employed.

  Further, the first alarm lighting and the second alarm lighting may be configured by using the change of the blinking frequency and the change of the luminance or the lighting area in combination. For example, even if a configuration is adopted in which the blinking frequency and luminance (or lighting area) of the warning lamp 5 are small when the first alarm is lit, and the blinking frequency and luminance (or lighting area) of the warning lamp 5 are large when the second alarm is lit. good. Thereby, the driver's attention of the following vehicle is more effectively alerted.

  As described above, the vehicular warning light device according to the present invention is useful in that it can effectively notify the following vehicle of the sudden deceleration state of the vehicle according to the traveling environment of the vehicle.

It is a block diagram which shows the warning light apparatus for vehicles concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of application of the warning light apparatus for vehicles described in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the effect | action of the warning light apparatus for vehicles described in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the effect | action of the warning light apparatus for vehicles described in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle warning light apparatus 2 Brake signal detection part 3 Vehicle speed detection part 4 Control unit 5 Warning light 6 Driving environment information acquisition part 41 Rapid deceleration judgment part 42 Drive signal generation part 43 Warning light drive part 44 Driving environment judgment part

Claims (15)

A warning light device for a vehicle for notifying a subsequent vehicle of a sudden deceleration state of a vehicle by lighting a warning light normally at the time of normal deceleration of the vehicle and lighting a warning light at the time of sudden deceleration of the vehicle,
A warning light, a travel environment information acquisition unit that acquires information about the travel environment of the vehicle, and a travel environment determination unit that determines whether the travel environment of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined criterion based on the acquired information Including, and
A warning light device for a vehicle, wherein a warning lighting of a type different from a warning lighting under a normal driving environment is used when the driving environment of the vehicle satisfies the above-mentioned criterion when the vehicle is suddenly decelerated.   Whether or not the driving environment in which the driver of the following vehicle is likely to look aside is used as the criterion, and if the vehicle driving environment satisfies the criterion, it is more than an alarm lighting in a normal driving environment. The vehicular warning light device according to claim 1, wherein an alarm lamp that is easy to alert the driver of the following vehicle is used.   Assuming that the following vehicle has an indoor monitor, if the vehicle is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is likely to see the indoor monitor, the driver of the following vehicle tends to look aside. The vehicle warning light device according to claim 2, which is determined as follows.   The vehicular warning light device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the vehicle travels in an urban area, it is determined that a side-by-side driving by a driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur.   The vehicular warning light device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein it is determined that an aside look driving by a driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the vehicle travel position is near an intersection or near a branch point.   The vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein it is determined that the driver of the following vehicle is likely to cause a side-by-side driving when the vehicle is in the vicinity of an interchange on an expressway, a motorway or other road. Warning light device for vehicles.   The vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein when the vehicle is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is likely to visually recognize the speedometer, it is determined that the driver of the following vehicle is likely to look aside. Warning light device for vehicles as described in 4.   The vehicular warning light device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein it is determined that a driver's side-by-side driving is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is near a police station.   The vehicular warning light device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein it is determined that a side-by-side driving by a driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the traveling position of the vehicle is in the vicinity of the automatic speed control device.   The vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein when the vehicle is traveling in an area where the driver of the following vehicle is likely to see the scenery outside the vehicle, it is determined that the driver of the following vehicle is likely to look aside. Warning light device for vehicles as described in one.   The vehicular warning light device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein it is determined that a side-by-side driving by a driver of the following vehicle is likely to occur when the vehicle travel position is in the vicinity of the toll gate.   The vehicle warning light device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the traveling environment information acquisition unit includes a car navigation system mounted on a vehicle.   The said driving | running | working environment information acquisition part contains the imaging device which images the circumference | surroundings of a vehicle, and the image processing apparatus which processes the image | video or image imaged by the said imaging device. Warning light device for vehicles.   The vehicle warning light device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the traveling environment information acquisition unit includes a device that determines a reception state of a radio wave having a specific frequency.   The vehicle warning light device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the travel environment information acquisition unit includes a device that receives and processes data from road infrastructure.

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