JP2007126028A - Parking support system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a parking support system capable of enhancing the convenience when a user drives his/her own vehicle backwardly and parks it. <P>SOLUTION: When the parking support system 1 is successful in detecting a rear end line of a head-in parked vehicle or a front end line of a rear parked vehicle, a space marker required for the parking to express a space required for the self vehicle to park is expressed in a superposing manner on a synthesized bird's-eye view image with the rear end line of the head-in parked vehicle or the front end line of the rear parked vehicle successful in detection as the reference, in other words, a parked vehicle in a standstill state as the reference. The user can determine that his/her own vehicle can be parked between the head-in parked vehicle and the rear parked vehicle if the space marker required for the parking is expressed in a sufficiently affordable manner without being superposed on both a front obstacle and the rear parked vehicle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a parking assistance system that assists driving when a user parks his / her own vehicle backward.

As a parking assistance system that supports driving when the user moves the vehicle backward and parks, select one of the assumed exercise patterns prepared in advance and park the operation end position of the selected assumed exercise pattern By stopping the host vehicle at the operation start position of the assumed movement pattern when the user overlaps the position (the position at which the user wants to finally park the host vehicle), the user parks the host vehicle at the parking position according to the assumed movement pattern. The thing which can be made to provide is provided (for example, refer patent document 1).
JP 2000-229547 A

  However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1 described above, it is necessary for the user to first stop the host vehicle at the operation start position of the assumed motion pattern, and the user moves the host vehicle from the operation start position of the assumed motion pattern. If the vehicle is deviated in the left-right direction and stopped, there is a problem in that the user cannot park the host vehicle properly at the parking position and cannot perform parking support appropriately.

  Therefore, the applicant filed Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-325203 for the purpose of solving this problem. This Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-325203 synthesizes a plurality of parking possible positions when it is assumed that when the host vehicle is moving forward, the host vehicle stops and turns backward while turning and parks. The configuration is such that the bird's-eye view image is superimposed and displayed, and the user turns the host vehicle after stopping so that any of the plurality of parking possible positions overlaps the target parking position where the host vehicle is to be finally parked. By reversing the vehicle, the host vehicle can be parked appropriately at the parking target position.

  However, in this case, it is necessary to determine whether or not parking is possible by capturing the timing at which the parking position and the parking target position overlap when the user is moving the vehicle forward next to the parking target position. There was a problem that it was inconvenient.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and the object thereof is to improve the usability when the user parks his / her own vehicle backward and can assist driving appropriately. To provide a system.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the bird's-eye image creation means creates a bird's-eye image by performing bird's-eye conversion on the photographed image taken by the photographing means, and the synthesized bird's-eye image creation means is created by the bird's-eye image creation means. A past bird's-eye image or a past synthesized bird's-eye image created by the user and a current bird's-eye image created by the bird's-eye image creating means based on the movement / rotation state of the own vehicle detected by the movement / rotation state detecting means. To create a composite bird's-eye view image. Then, the image analysis means analyzes the synthesized bird's-eye image created by the synthesized bird's-eye image creation means and analyzes the rear end line and the parking target position of a front obstacle (for example, a forward parked vehicle) positioned in front of the parking target position. At least one of the front end lines of a rear obstacle (for example, a rear parked vehicle) located behind is detected.

  Here, the control means, when the image analysis means succeeds in detecting at least one of the rear end line of the front obstacle and the front end line of the rear obstacle, the rear end line and the rear side of the front obstacle that has been successfully detected. A marker representing a space required for the host vehicle to park on the basis of at least one of the front end lines of the obstacle is superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image created by the synthesized bird's-eye image creating means and displayed on the display means.

  As a result, a marker representing the space necessary for the host vehicle to park is displayed based on at least one of the rear end line of the front obstacle and the front end line of the rear obstacle, that is, the host vehicle is parked. By displaying a marker indicating the space required for the vehicle on the basis of the obstacle in the stationary state, it is always determined whether or not the user can park the vehicle on the basis of the obstacle in the stationary state. This makes it possible to improve the usability when the user parks his / her own vehicle backward, and can appropriately support driving.

  In other words, if the marker indicating the space necessary for parking the host vehicle is displayed with sufficient margin without overlapping both the front obstacle and the rear obstacle, the user is regarded as the front obstacle. It can be determined that the vehicle can be parked between the rear obstacle and the marker indicating the space necessary for the host vehicle to park is at least one of the front obstacle and the rear obstacle. If displayed overlapping, it can be determined that it is impossible to park the vehicle between the front obstacle and the rear obstacle.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, if the image analysis means succeeds in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle, but does not succeed in detecting the front end line of the rear obstacle, the control means automatically detects the front marker. Markers having a width longer than the vehicle width of the vehicle are displayed on the display means, and markers each having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle are displayed on the display means step by step along the vehicle width direction. Let As a result, when the host vehicle is parked on the basis of the rear end line of the front obstacle, it is appropriate for the user how much the parking position (the position where the user wants to park the host vehicle finally) deviates in the vehicle width direction. Can let you know.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, when the image analysis unit succeeds in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle and the own vehicle side lateral end line, the control unit corresponds to the vehicle width of the own vehicle as a front side marker. A marker having a width to be displayed is displayed on the display means in alignment with the vehicle side lateral end line of the front obstacle. Thereby, when aligning the own vehicle with the own vehicle side lateral end line of the front obstacle, the user can be appropriately notified of the target.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, when the image analysis means succeeds in detecting the front end line of the rear obstacle but does not succeed in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle, the control means automatically detects the rear side marker. Markers having a width longer than the vehicle width of the vehicle are displayed on the display means, and markers each having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle are displayed on the display means step by step along the vehicle width direction. Let Thus, when the host vehicle is parked on the basis of the front end line of the rear obstacle, the user can appropriately determine how much the parking position shifts in the vehicle width direction in the same manner as described in claim 2 above. I can inform you.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, when the image analysis means succeeds in detecting the front end line of the rear obstacle and the own vehicle side lateral end line, the control means corresponds to the vehicle width of the own vehicle as the rear marker. A marker having a width is displayed on the display means in alignment with the lateral edge line of the rear obstacle. As a result, when the vehicle is parked in alignment with the lateral edge line of the vehicle behind the obstacle, the user can be appropriately notified of the target in the same manner as described in the third aspect.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the control means causes the display means to display a marker representing the length that can be parked without performing the turning-back operation as a marker representing the space necessary for the host vehicle to park. . Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately notify the user whether or not the host vehicle can be parked without performing the turning-back operation.

  That is, the user does not perform the turning operation if the marker representing the space necessary for the vehicle to park is displayed with sufficient margin without overlapping the front obstacle and the rear obstacle. It can be determined that the host vehicle can be parked. On the other hand, a marker indicating a space necessary for the host vehicle to park is displayed overlapping at least one of the front obstacle and the rear obstacle. If so, it can be determined that it is impossible to park the host vehicle without performing the turn-back operation.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the control means displays a marker indicating the length that can be parked if at least one turn-back operation is performed as a marker that represents a space necessary for the host vehicle to park. To display. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately notify the user whether or not the own vehicle can be parked if at least one turn-back operation is performed.

  In other words, the user performs at least one turn-back operation if the marker representing the space required for the vehicle to park is displayed with sufficient margin without overlapping the front obstacle and the rear obstacle. If implemented, it can be determined that the host vehicle can be parked, while a marker representing a space necessary for the host vehicle to park overlaps at least one of the front obstacle and the rear obstacle. If it is displayed, it can be determined that it is impossible to park the host vehicle even if at least one switching operation is performed.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the control means includes at least one turn-back marker and a marker that represents a length that can be parked without performing a turn-back operation as a marker that represents a space necessary for the host vehicle to park. If the operation is carried out, a marker indicating the length that can be parked is simultaneously displayed on the display means. As a result, it is possible to appropriately notify the user whether it is not necessary to perform the switching operation or whether at least one switching operation must be performed.

  According to the invention described in claim 9, the bird's-eye image creation means creates a bird's-eye image by performing bird's-eye conversion on the photographed image taken by the photographing means, and the synthesized bird's-eye image creation means is created by the bird's-eye image creation means. A past bird's-eye image or a past synthesized bird's-eye image created by the user and a current bird's-eye image created by the bird's-eye image creating means based on the movement / rotation state of the own vehicle detected by the movement / rotation state detecting means. To create a composite bird's-eye view image. Then, the image analysis means performs image analysis on the composite bird's-eye image created by the synthetic bird's-eye image creation means, and the rear obstacle located at the rear end line of the front obstacle and the vehicle side side end line and the parking target position. The front end line and the vehicle side lateral end line are detected, and the length between the rear end line of the front obstacle and the front end line of the rear obstacle is detected.

  Here, the control means has succeeded in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle and the lateral end line of the own vehicle, the front end line of the rear obstacle, and the lateral end line of the own vehicle, and the control means. If the length between the rear end line and the front end line of the rear obstacle is longer than the length that can be parked without performing the turning operation, a marker that indicates that the vehicle can be parked without performing the turning operation is synthesized. The display means superimposes it on the synthesized bird's-eye image created by the bird's-eye image creation means.

  As a result, it is possible to appropriately notify the user that parking is possible without performing a turn-back operation, and it is possible to improve the usability when the user parks the host vehicle by reversing the host vehicle and appropriately supports driving. be able to. In other words, if a marker indicating that parking is possible without performing the return operation is displayed, the user can determine that the user can park without performing the return operation.

  According to the invention described in claim 10, the control means detects the rear end line of the front obstacle and the own vehicle side lateral end line, the rear obstacle front end line and the own vehicle side lateral end line. If the length between the rear end line of the front obstacle and the front end line of the rear obstacle is longer than the length that can be parked if it is longer than the length that can be parked, at least once. If it is implemented, a marker indicating that parking is possible is superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image created by the synthesized bird's-eye image creating means and displayed on the display means. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately notify the user that parking is possible if at least one switching operation is performed. That is, if a marker indicating that parking is possible if at least one switching operation is performed is displayed, the user determines that parking is possible if at least one switching operation is performed. be able to.

  According to the invention described in claim 11, the control means detects the rear end line of the front obstacle and the own vehicle side lateral end line, the front end line of the rear obstacle and the own vehicle side lateral end line. If the length between the rear end line of the front obstacle and the front end line of the rear obstacle is shorter than the length that can be parked, a marker indicating that parking is impossible is performed by the synthetic bird's-eye image creation means. The image is displayed on the display unit in a superimposed manner on the created synthetic bird's-eye view image. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately notify the user that parking is impossible. That is, the user can determine that parking is impossible if a marker indicating that parking is impossible is displayed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the parking assistance system as a functional block diagram. The parking assistance system 1 includes a parking assistance ECU 2 (bird's-eye image creation means, movement / rotation state detection means, synthetic bird's-eye image creation means, image analysis means, control means) referred to in the present invention, an engine ECU 3 and a brake ECU 4 connected to an in-vehicle LAN 5. Has been configured.

  The parking assistance ECU 2 controls the overall operation of the parking assistance system 1. The operation switch 6 is disposed in the driver's seat and is operated by the user to activate the parking support operation. When operated by the user, the operation switch 6 outputs an operation detection signal to the parking support ECU 2. When the operation detection signal is input from the switch 6, it is detected that the user has started the parking assist operation.

  The in-vehicle camera 7 (photographing means in the present invention) is disposed at the rear of the host vehicle and captures the rear of the host vehicle. The captured image of the rear of the host vehicle is output to the parking assist ECU 2. When a captured image is input from 7, the input captured image is subjected to viewpoint conversion based on a predetermined viewpoint conversion algorithm to create a bird's-eye image, a past bird's-eye image or a past synthesized bird's-eye image and a current bird's-eye image To create a composite bird's-eye view image. The display device 8 (display means in the present invention) is disposed in a position that is easy for the user to see in the vehicle interior. When a display instruction signal is input from the parking assistance ECU 2, a composite bird's-eye image created by the parking assistance ECU 2 is displayed. indicate.

  The vehicle speed sensor 9 detects the vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed detection signal representing the detected vehicle speed to the engine ECU 3. When a vehicle speed detection signal is input from the vehicle speed sensor 8, the engine ECU 3 outputs the input vehicle speed detection signal to the parking assistance ECU 2 via the in-vehicle LAN 5.

  The yaw rate sensor 10 detects the yaw rate and outputs a yaw rate detection signal representing the detected yaw rate to the brake ECU 4. The steering sensor 11 detects the turning angle of the steering, and outputs a steering detection signal representing the detected turning angle of the steering to the brake ECU 4. When the yaw rate detection signal is input from the yaw rate sensor 10, the brake ECU 4 outputs the input yaw rate detection signal to the parking assist ECU 2 via the in-vehicle LAN 5, and when the steering detection signal is input from the steering sensor 11, The input steering detection signal is output to the parking assist ECU 2 via the in-vehicle LAN 5. In the above-described configuration, the function of accepting a user operation by the operation switch 6 and the function of displaying the synthesized bird's-eye image by the display device 8 may be substituted by the function of the navigation system.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG.2 and FIG.3 has shown the process which parking assistance ECU2 performs as a flowchart. Further, in this case, a case will be described in which the user reverses his / her own vehicle and parks in parallel between parked vehicles (obstacles in the present invention) that are already parked in parallel.

  The parking assistance ECU 2 monitors whether or not the user has performed an operation to activate the parking assistance operation (step S1), and when the user performs an operation to activate the parking assistance operation ("YES" in step S1). Then, a captured image obtained by capturing the rear of the vehicle from the in-vehicle camera 7 is input (captured) (step S2), and the input captured image is converted into a viewpoint based on a predetermined viewpoint conversion algorithm to create a bird's-eye image ( Step S3), as shown in FIG. 4, the past bird's-eye image and the current bird's-eye image are synthesized to create a synthesized bird's-eye image (step S4). Then, the parking assist ECU 2 performs image analysis on the created synthesized bird's-eye image (step S5), and proceeds to a marker display process for displaying the marker superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image based on the image analysis result (step S6). .

  When the parking assist ECU 2 shifts to the marker display process, the rear end line of the front parked vehicle (the front obstacle in the present invention) parked in front of the parking target position where the host vehicle is to be parked, the front parked vehicle The vehicle side side end line, the front end line of the rear parked vehicle (rear obstacle in the present invention) parked behind the parking target position where the host vehicle is to be parked, and the side of the rear parked vehicle side It is determined whether or not the end line has been successfully detected (step S21). Here, the parking assist ECU 2 detects the front end line, the rear end line, and the own vehicle side lateral end line of the parked vehicle as follows. That is, in the bird's-eye view image, since the three-dimensional object is distorted (collapsed), the parking assist ECU 2 returns the line by the amount shifted by the height of the vehicle-mounted camera 7 and the shooting angle when the three-dimensional object is converted to the bird's-eye view. Thus, the front end line, the rear end line, and the own vehicle side lateral end line of the parked vehicle are detected.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the parking assist ECU 2 detects the side end line of the parked vehicle on the basis of the position where the tire grounding line and the body bulge degree are combined, and the parked vehicle As for the front end line, the front end side body line and the own vehicle side side end body line in the bird's-eye view image are extended and the extension line extended from the point where they intersected to the shooting angle intersects with the own vehicle side side end line. The rear end line of the parked vehicle is extended to the shooting angle from the point where the two intersect each other by extending the rear end body line and the own vehicle side lateral end body line in the bird's-eye view image. Detection is based on the position where the extension line and the vehicle-side lateral end line intersect. In FIG. 5, the degree of distortion of the parked vehicle is increased and displayed. However, in the subsequent FIGS. 6 to 12, the level of distortion of the parked vehicle is reduced and displayed.

  The parking assist ECU 2 detects at least one of the rear end line of the front parked vehicle, the own vehicle side lateral end line of the front parked vehicle, the front end line of the rear parked vehicle, and the own vehicle side lateral end line of the rear parked vehicle. If it is not successful ("NO" in step S21), a parking-required space marker representing a space necessary for the host vehicle to park according to the detected location is displayed superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image. It is displayed on the device 8 (step S22).

In particular,
(1) When all of the rear end line of the front parked vehicle, the side end line of the front parked vehicle, the front end line of the rear parked vehicle, and the side end line of the rear parked vehicle are not successfully detected ( 2) When succeeding in detecting only the rear end line of the front parked vehicle (3) When succeeding in detecting only the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the own vehicle side side end line (4) Only the front end line of the rear parked vehicle (5) When succeeding in detecting only the front end line of the rear parked vehicle and the own vehicle side lateral end line (6) The rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the own vehicle side lateral end line and the rear parked vehicle (7) When only the rear end line of the front parked vehicle, the front end line of the rear parked vehicle, and the lateral end line of the host vehicle side are successfully detected (8) The same parked vehicle Rear end line and front end lie (9) The case where only the rear end line, the front end line, and the own vehicle side side end line of the same parked vehicle are successfully detected will be described sequentially.

(1) When all of the rear end line of the front parked vehicle, the side end line of the front parked vehicle, the front end line of the rear parked vehicle, and the side end line of the rear parked vehicle are not successfully detected. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the parking assist ECU 2 superimposes a parking required space marker representing a space necessary for the host vehicle to park on a predetermined position (left rear position when viewed from the host vehicle) of the synthesized bird's-eye view image. Display on the display device 8. Here, the parking assist ECU 2 performs a return operation as a parking-necessary space marker (with a single parking operation) and a marker indicating the length that can be parked (see “L2” in FIG. 6) and one return. If the operation is performed (a two-time parking operation including the operation of moving the host vehicle once), a marker indicating the length that can be parked (see “L1 (<L2)” in FIG. 6) is displayed at the same time. Further, the parking assist ECU 2 displays a parking required space marker in three steps along the vehicle width direction because the space required for the host vehicle to park varies along the vehicle width direction.

(2) When the detection of only the rear end line of the front parked vehicle is successful In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the parking assist ECU 2 needs to park based on the rear end line of the front parked vehicle that has succeeded in the detection. Display the marker. Here, the parking assist ECU 2 displays a marker having a width longer than the vehicle width of the host vehicle as a front side marker and displays markers having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle as a rear side marker in the vehicle width direction. Are displayed in three stages.

(3) When the detection of only the rear end line of the forward parked vehicle and the own vehicle side lateral end line is successful In this case, the parking assist ECU 2, as shown in FIG. The parking required space marker is displayed with reference to the line and the vehicle side lateral end line. Here, the parking assist ECU 2 displays a marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle as a front marker in alignment with the host vehicle side lateral end line of the front parked vehicle and corresponds to the front marker as a rear marker. A marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle is displayed at the position to be operated.

(4) When succeeding in detecting only the front end line of the rear parked vehicle In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the parking assist ECU 2 sets the parking required space marker on the basis of the front end line of the rear parked vehicle that has succeeded in the detection. Display. Here, the parking assist ECU 2 displays a marker having a width longer than the vehicle width of the host vehicle as a rear side marker and displays markers having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle as the front side marker in the vehicle width direction. Are displayed in three stages.

(5) When the detection of only the front end line of the rear parked vehicle and the own vehicle side side end line is successful In this case, as shown in FIG. The parking-required space marker is displayed with reference to the vehicle side lateral end line. Here, the parking assist ECU 2 displays a marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle as a rear side marker aligned with the lateral end line of the host vehicle side of the rear parked vehicle and displays the marker as a front side marker on the rear side marker. A marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle is displayed at the corresponding position.

(6) When succeeding in detecting only the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the side end line of the host vehicle side and the front end line of the rear parked vehicle In this case, the parking assist ECU 2 performs the above-mentioned “(3) Similarly to the case where only the rear end line and the own vehicle side lateral end line are successfully detected, as shown in FIG. A parking required space marker is displayed as a reference.

(7) When the detection of only the rear end line of the front parked vehicle, the front end line of the rear parked vehicle, and the own vehicle side lateral end line In this case, the parking assist ECU 2 Similarly to the case where only the rear end line and the own vehicle side lateral end line are successfully detected, as shown in FIG. A parking required space marker is displayed as a reference.

(8) When succeeding in detecting only the rear end line and the front end line of the same parked vehicle In this case, the parking assist ECU 2 uses the rear end line and the front end line of the parked vehicle that have been successfully detected as a reference to the rear of the parked vehicle. The parking required space marker is displayed on both the front side and the front side. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the parking assist ECU 2 performs the front side marker on the rear side of the parked vehicle as shown in FIG. 7 in the same manner as “(2) Successful detection of only the rear end line of the front parked vehicle”. As shown, a marker having a width longer than the vehicle width of the host vehicle is displayed, and markers having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle are displayed in three stages along the vehicle width direction. In addition, the parking assist ECU 2 is automatically used as a rear marker in front of the parked vehicle as shown in FIG. 9 in the same manner as “(4) Successful detection of only the front end line of the parked vehicle behind”. A marker having a width longer than the vehicle width of the vehicle is displayed, and markers each having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle are displayed in three stages along the vehicle width direction as front side markers.

(9) In the case where only the rear end line, the front end line and the own vehicle side lateral end line of the same parked vehicle are successfully detected In this case, the parking assist ECU 2 detects the rear end line, front end line and A parking required space marker is displayed both on the rear side and the front side of the parked vehicle with the own vehicle side horizontal end line as a reference. Here, in the rear of the parked vehicle, the parking assist ECU 2 performs FIG. 8 in the same manner as in “(3) Successful detection of only the rear end line and the own vehicle side lateral end line of the front parked vehicle”. As shown, a marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle is displayed as a front marker in alignment with the host vehicle side lateral end line of the front parked vehicle, and at a position corresponding to the front marker as a rear marker. A marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the vehicle is displayed. Further, the parking assist ECU 2 as shown in FIG. 10 in the same manner as “(5) When the detection of only the front end line and the vehicle side lateral end line of the rear parked vehicle is successful” is performed in front of the parked vehicle. In addition, a marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle as a rear side marker is displayed in alignment with the side end line on the host vehicle side of the rear parked vehicle, and at the position corresponding to the rear marker as a front side marker. A marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width is displayed.

  When the parking support ECU 2 succeeds in detecting a plurality of rear end lines and a plurality of front end lines corresponding to each of the plurality of parked vehicles, the parking support ECU 2 detects a plurality of rear end lines and a plurality of front ends. By performing the above (1) to (9) for each of the lines, a plurality of parking required space markers are displayed.

  By the series of processes described above, the user can display the parking required space marker (front side marker and rear side marker) with sufficient margin without overlapping both the front parked vehicle and the rear parked vehicle. It can be determined that the host vehicle can be parked between the front parked vehicle and the rear parked vehicle, while the parking required space marker overlaps at least one of the front parked vehicle and the rear parked vehicle. If it is displayed, it can be determined that it is impossible to park the host vehicle between the front parked vehicle and the rear parked vehicle.

  On the other hand, the parking assist ECU 2 detects all of the rear end line of the forward parked vehicle, the own vehicle side lateral end line of the forward parked vehicle, the front end line of the rear parked vehicle, and the own vehicle side lateral end line of the rear parked vehicle. If it is successful ("YES" in step S21), the length between the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the front end line of the rear parked vehicle is longer than the length that can be parked without performing the turn-back operation. Is determined to be longer (step S23).

  Here, the parking assist ECU 2 is configured such that the length between the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the front end line of the rear parked vehicle (see “La”) is longer than the length that can be parked without performing the turning operation. If so ("YES" in step S23), as shown in FIG. 10 (a), a parking available marker (refer to "O" in FIG. 10) indicating that parking is possible without performing a turn-back operation. It is displayed on the display device 8 (step S24).

  On the other hand, the parking assist ECU 2 has a case where the length between the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the front end line of the rear parked vehicle is shorter than or equal to the length that can be parked without performing the turning operation. If so ("NO" in step S23), the length between the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the front end line of the rear parked vehicle is longer than the length that can be parked if one turn-back operation is performed. It is determined whether or not (step S25).

  And parking assistance ECU2 is longer than the length which can park, if the length (refer "Lb") between the rear end line of a front parked vehicle and the front end line of a rear parked vehicle implements one turn-back operation. If it is a case (“YES” in step S25), as shown in FIG. 10B, a parking marker (“Δ” in FIG. 10) indicating that parking is possible if a single return operation is performed. Reference) is displayed on the display device 8 (step S26). On the other hand, the parking assist ECU 2 is a case where the length between the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the front end line of the rear parked vehicle is shorter than or equal to the length that can be parked if the turnover operation is performed once. If present (“NO” in step S25), as shown in FIG. 11, a non-parking marker (see “X” in FIG. 10) indicating that parking is impossible is displayed on the display device 8 (step S27). ).

  Through the series of processes described above, the user can park without performing the turn-back operation if the parking available marker indicating that parking is possible without performing the turn-back operation is displayed. If a parking marker indicating that parking is possible if one turnover operation is performed is displayed, it is possible to park if one turnover operation is performed. On the other hand, if a parking impossibility marker is displayed, it can be determined that parking is impossible.

  Next, when the parking assist ECU 2 completes the marker display process described so far, the parking assist ECU 2 determines whether or not the host vehicle has advanced a predetermined distance or more (step S7), and whether or not the shift position has been moved to the reverse position. Is determined (step S8). Then, when the own vehicle moves forward by a predetermined distance or more (“YES” in step S7), the parking assist ECU 2 inputs a photographed image obtained by photographing the rear of the own vehicle from the in-vehicle camera 7 (step S9). A bird's-eye image is created by converting the viewpoint of the captured image based on a predetermined viewpoint conversion algorithm (step S10), and a past bird's-eye image created so far and the current bird's-eye image are synthesized to create a synthesized bird's-eye image. (Step S11) Thereafter, the process returns to Step S5 described above, and Steps S5 and after are repeated.

  In addition, when the shift position is moved to the reverse position (“YES” in step S8), the parking assist ECU 2 determines whether or not the host vehicle cannot be parked based on the marker display process prior to this. A determination is made (step S12), and if the host vehicle cannot be parked ("YES" in step S12), a warning operation is performed (step S13), and the series of processing ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the front end line of the rear parked vehicle are successfully detected in the parking support system 1, the rear end of the front parked vehicle that has been successfully detected. Since the parking required space marker that represents the space required for the host vehicle to park is displayed superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image based on the line and the front end line of the rear parked vehicle, the parking required space marker is stationary. By displaying the parked vehicle as a reference, it is always possible to determine whether or not the user can park with the parked vehicle in a stationary state as a reference. Usability can be improved and driving can be supported appropriately.

  Further, when all the detection of the rear end line of the front parked vehicle and the host vehicle side lateral end line and the rear parked vehicle front end line and the host vehicle side lateral end line is successful, the front parked vehicle rear end line and the rear parked vehicle If the length between the front end line and the length is longer than the length that can be parked, a parking marker indicating that parking is possible is displayed superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image, On the other hand, if the length is shorter than or equal to the length that can be parked, it is configured to display a non-parking marker indicating that parking is impossible, superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image, It is possible to appropriately notify the user that parking is possible or impossible, and it is possible to improve the usability when the user retracts the vehicle and parks the vehicle, and can appropriately support driving. .

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified or expanded as follows.
Not only when the user retracts his / her vehicle and parks in parallel between parked vehicles that have already been parked in parallel, but also when the user retracts his / her vehicle and parks between buildings (for example, houses). Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a case where the user moves the host vehicle backward to park the vehicle between a parked vehicle and a building that has already been parked.
The front marker and the rear marker are not limited to a configuration in which markers each having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle are displayed in three stages along the vehicle width direction, but continuously change along the vehicle width direction. It may be configured to display a shape marker, or may be configured to display at a level other than 3 levels (2 levels or 4 levels or more).

Configuration that displays simultaneously a marker that represents a length that can be parked without performing a turn-back operation as a parking-necessary space marker and a marker that represents a length that can be parked if one turn-back operation is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only one of them may be displayed (displayed in one step) or may be displayed in three or more steps. In addition, the parking required space may be a value set according to vehicle characteristics, may be a value set freely by the user, or may be a value set by learning from a user's parking operation history. There may be.
A parking marker indicating that parking is possible without performing a return operation as a parking marker and a parking marker indicating that parking is possible if one return operation is performed are displayed (displayed in two stages) The configuration is not limited to the configuration, and only one of them may be displayed (displayed in one step). Moreover, the structure which displays a marker which can be parked and a marker which cannot be parked with another symbol, a figure, a character, and a color may be sufficient, and what the user set may be sufficient.

Successful detection of the own vehicle side lateral end line of the front parked vehicle and the own vehicle side lateral end line of the rear parked vehicle, the own vehicle side lateral end line of the forward parked vehicle and the own vehicle side lateral end line of the rear parked vehicle If the marker is not aligned (not a straight line), the marker is not limited to the configuration in which the marker is displayed in alignment with the side edge of the parked vehicle closer to the host vehicle. It may be configured to display in alignment with the own vehicle side horizontal end line, or between the own vehicle side horizontal end line of the closer parked vehicle and the own vehicle side horizontal end line of the far parked vehicle. The configuration may be such that the display is aligned with the line.
A vehicle-mounted camera that shoots the side of the host vehicle may be mounted, and a configuration may be used in which a line of a parked vehicle is detected by image analysis of a bird's-eye image obtained by bird's-eye conversion of a captured image of the side of the host vehicle. If comprised in that way, the probability by which the detection of the line of a parked vehicle can be succeeded can be raised by suppressing the error by distortion of the three-dimensional object in a bird's-eye view image, and the precision of parking availability determination can be raised.
When detecting the rear end line, front end line of the parked vehicle, and the side end line of the host vehicle, the distance from the host vehicle to the parked vehicle is measured using stereo image processing (monocular movement), and the measurement result is adopted. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which detection is performed using a detection result obtained by sonar or radar.

Functional block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention Flow chart (Part 1) Flow chart (Part 2) The figure which shows the aspect which displays a synthetic bird's-eye view image The figure which shows the aspect which detects the front-end line of a parked vehicle, a rear-end line, and the own vehicle side side end line. The figure which shows the aspect which superimposes and displays a parking required space marker on a synthetic bird's-eye view image. 6 equivalent diagram 6 equivalent diagram 6 equivalent diagram 6 equivalent diagram The figure which shows the aspect which superimposes and displays a parking possible marker on a synthetic bird's-eye view image. The figure which shows the aspect which superimposes and displays a non-parking marker on a synthetic bird's-eye view image.

Explanation of symbols

  In the drawings, 1 is a parking assistance system, 2 is a parking assistance ECU (bird's-eye image creation means, movement / rotation state detection means, synthetic bird's-eye image creation means, image analysis means, control means), 7 is an in-vehicle camera (imaging means), Reference numeral 8 denotes a display device (display means).

Claims (11)

A parking assistance system that assists driving when the user parks his / her vehicle backward,
Photographing means for photographing the rear of the vehicle;
Bird's-eye image creation means for creating a bird's-eye image by performing bird's-eye conversion on a photographed image photographed by the photographing means;
A movement / rotation state detecting means for detecting the movement / rotation state of the own vehicle;
The moving / rotating state detecting unit detects a past bird's-eye image created by the bird's-eye image creating unit or a past synthesized bird's-eye image created by itself and a current bird's-eye image created by the bird's-eye image creating unit. A synthesized bird's-eye image creation means for creating a synthesized bird's-eye image by combining based on the movement / rotation state of the own vehicle;
Image analysis of the synthesized bird's-eye image created by the synthesized bird's-eye image creation means, among the rear end line of the front obstacle located in front of the parking target position and the front end line of the rear obstacle located behind the parking target position Image analysis means for detecting at least one of the following:
When the image analysis means succeeds in detecting at least one of the rear end line of the front obstacle and the front end line of the rear obstacle, the rear end line of the front obstacle successfully detected by the image analysis means and A marker representing a space necessary for the host vehicle to park on the basis of at least one of the front end lines of the rear obstacle is superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image created by the synthesized bird's-eye image creating means and displayed on the display means. A parking support system comprising a control means. In the parking assistance system according to claim 1,
When the image analysis means succeeds in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle but does not succeed in detecting the front end line of the rear obstacle, the control means uses the vehicle width of the host vehicle as a front marker. A marker having a longer width is displayed on the display means, and a plurality of markers each having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle are displayed on the display means stepwise along the vehicle width direction. A parking assistance system characterized by that. In the parking assistance system according to claim 1 or 2,
The image analysis means detects the vehicle side lateral end line of the front obstacle by performing image analysis on the composite bird's-eye image created by the synthetic bird's-eye image creation means,
The control means, when the image analysis means succeeds in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle and the lateral end line of the own vehicle, a marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the own vehicle as a front side marker. A parking assist system, wherein the display means displays the front obstacle in line with a lateral end line of the host vehicle. In the parking assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the image analysis means succeeds in detecting the front end line of the rear obstacle but does not succeed in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle, the control means uses the vehicle width of the host vehicle as a rear side marker. A marker having a longer width is displayed on the display means, and a plurality of markers each having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the host vehicle are displayed on the display means step by step along the vehicle width direction. A parking assistance system characterized by that. In the parking assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The image analysis means detects the vehicle side lateral end line of the rear obstacle by performing image analysis on the composite bird's-eye image created by the synthetic bird's-eye image creation means,
The control means, when the image analysis means succeeds in detecting the front end line of the rear obstacle and the lateral end line of the own vehicle, a marker having a width corresponding to the vehicle width of the own vehicle as the rear marker A parking support system, wherein the display means displays the obstacle along a lateral end line of an obstacle. In the parking assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The said control means displays on the said display means the marker showing the length which can be parked as a marker showing the space required for the own vehicle to park, without performing a turning-back operation | movement. In the parking assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The control means causes the display means to display on the display means a marker that indicates a length that can be parked if a turning operation is performed at least once as a marker that represents a space necessary for the host vehicle to park. Support system. In the parking assistance system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The control means includes a marker that represents a length that can be parked without performing a turning operation as a marker that represents a space necessary for the host vehicle to park, and a length that can be parked if at least one turning operation is performed. A parking assist system, wherein the display means simultaneously displays a marker representing A parking assistance system that assists driving when the user parks his / her vehicle backward,
Photographing means for photographing the rear of the vehicle;
Bird's-eye image creation means for creating a bird's-eye image by performing bird's-eye conversion on a photographed image photographed by the photographing means;
A movement / rotation state detecting means for detecting the movement / rotation state of the own vehicle;
The moving / rotating state detecting unit detects a past bird's-eye image created by the bird's-eye image creating unit or a past synthesized bird's-eye image created by itself and a current bird's-eye image created by the bird's-eye image creating unit. A synthesized bird's-eye image creation means for creating a synthesized bird's-eye image by combining based on the movement / rotation state of the own vehicle;
The composite bird's-eye image created by the synthetic bird's-eye image creation means is image-analyzed, and the rear end line of the front obstacle located at the front of the parking target position and the vehicle's lateral end line and the rear located behind the parking target position. Image analysis means for detecting the front end line of the obstacle and the vehicle side lateral end line and detecting the length between the rear end line of the front obstacle and the front end line of the rear obstacle;
The image analyzing means succeeds in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle and the side line on the own vehicle side, the front end line of the rear obstacle and the side end line on the own vehicle side, and the rear end line and the rear obstacle of the front obstacle. If the length between the front end line of the object is longer than the length that can be parked without performing the turn-back operation, a marker indicating that the vehicle can be parked without performing the turn-back operation is created as the composite bird's-eye image. A parking support system comprising: control means for displaying on a display means superimposed on a synthesized bird's-eye image created by the means. In the parking assistance system according to claim 9,
The control means has succeeded in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle and the own vehicle side lateral end line, the rear obstacle front end line and the own vehicle side lateral end line, and the rear of the front obstacle. If the length between the end line and the front end line of the rear obstacle is longer than the length that can be parked by performing at least one turnover operation, the vehicle can be parked by performing at least one turnover operation. A parking support system, wherein a marker representing a certain effect is superimposed on the synthesized bird's-eye image created by the synthesized bird's-eye image creating means and displayed on the display means. In the parking assistance system according to claim 9 or 10,
The control means has succeeded in detecting the rear end line of the front obstacle and the own vehicle side lateral end line, the rear obstacle front end line and the own vehicle side lateral end line, and the rear of the front obstacle. When the length between the end line and the front end line of the rear obstacle is shorter than the length that can be parked, the synthesized bird's-eye image created by the synthesized bird's-eye image creating means is a marker indicating that parking is impossible. A parking assistance system, wherein the display means displays the image on the display unit in a superimposed manner.

Images