JP2008059345A - Drive assist device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drive assist device for executing attention calling for urging speed reduction of a vehicle at appropriate timing to a driver intending to observe a speed limit. <P>SOLUTION: A drive assist device 1 includes a distance acquiring means 11 to acquire the distance between a stopping point or a driving slow section and its own vehicle position, a vehicle speed detection means 12 to detect driving speed of the own vehicle, a threshold setting means 13 to set up the attention calling distance D as the threshold for judging necessity of executing the attention calling, and an attention calling means 14 to call the attention of the driver when the distance acquired by the distance acquiring means 11 is the attention calling distance D and the time required to get to the stopping point or the driving slow section, calculated based on the distance and the driving speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detection means 12, is the designated time T or less. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a driving support device, and more particularly, to a driving support device that prevents a vehicle from stopping at a stop point or entering a slow section at a high speed due to carelessness of the driver.

  Conventionally, the distance to the temporary stop point is calculated as the sum of the stop distance (the idle distance (value obtained by multiplying the idle time by the vehicle speed) and the braking distance (the value obtained by squaring the vehicle speed and dividing by the predetermined deceleration). And a vehicle driving support device that alerts the driver with an alarm when it is determined that the driver is not performing a driving operation to stop the vehicle (for example, , See Patent Document 1).

  In FIG. 1, the vertical axis indicates the distance to the temporary stop point, the horizontal axis indicates the vehicle speed, and the region that satisfies the conditions for the above-mentioned vehicle driving support device to perform alerting is indicated by hatching. The reason why the area is defined by a quadratic curve is that the braking distance is a value proportional to the square of the vehicle speed.

  Also, a vehicle travel control device is known that notifies a driver of information related to a temporary stop point when the distance to the temporary stop point and the vehicle speed are a predetermined combination (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .

  2, as in FIG. 1, the vertical axis indicates the distance to the temporary stop point, the horizontal axis indicates the vehicle speed, and the region where the above-described vehicle travel control device satisfies the conditions for notifying information about the temporary stop point is shaded. It shows with. Note that the slope of the straight line defining the area indicates the required time to reach the temporary stop point.

These devices allow the driver to recognize the presence of a temporary stop point in a timely manner by alerting or notifying information, so that the driver can reasonably stop the vehicle at the temporary stop point.
JP 2005-165423 A JP 2002-190100 A

  However, the vehicle driving support device described in Patent Document 1 has a characteristic that the braking distance is remarkably increased as the vehicle speed increases. I feel annoyed. In addition, there is no practical benefit to consider a speed region that is significantly higher than the speed limit when appropriate warning is given to the driver who is trying to comply with the speed limit.

  On the other hand, because of the characteristic that the braking distance is remarkably reduced as the vehicle speed decreases, the above-described vehicle driving support device does not perform alerting when the vehicle speed is low, unless the vehicle approaches a temporary stop point. Can not be prevented from passing through the pause point.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the above-mentioned problems. A region in which a warning should not be executed because the driver feels annoyed is indicated by a dotted line, and the vehicle passes through a temporary stop point. A region where alerting should be executed is indicated by a one-dot chain line so as not to end up.

  In addition, the vehicle travel control device described in Patent Document 2 improves the timing of alerting in the low speed range, but the high speed range is related to the temporary stop point just before the temporary stop point, just like the vehicle driving support device. Information is reported and the driver feels bothered. In addition, FIG. 2 shows the area | region which should not perform the alerting | reporting of information similarly to FIG. 1 with a dotted line.

  In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a driving support device that executes a warning for prompting a driver who wants to comply with a speed limit to decelerate a vehicle at an appropriate timing.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the driving support device according to the first aspect of the invention detects distance between the stop point or slowing section and the vehicle position, and the traveling speed of the vehicle. Vehicle speed detection means, threshold value setting means for setting a warning distance as a threshold value for determining whether or not warning execution is necessary, and the distance acquired by the distance acquisition means is equal to or less than the warning distance, and the distance And an alerting means for alerting the driver when the required time to reach the stop point or the slow-down section calculated based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting means is equal to or less than a predetermined time. It is characterized by that.

  Moreover, 2nd invention is the driving assistance device which concerns on 1st invention, Comprising: The said alerting distance is a constant set based on road information, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  The third invention is a driving support device according to the second invention, wherein the road information is a speed limit set for each road.

  The fourth invention is a driving support device according to the first invention, wherein the predetermined time is a constant.

  Further, a fifth invention is the driving support device according to the first invention, wherein the predetermined time decreases as the traveling speed increases when the traveling speed becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined speed. And

  The sixth invention is a driving support device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, comprising a deceleration intention determining means for determining whether or not the driver intends to decelerate, wherein the deceleration intention determining means When it is determined that the driver intends to decelerate, alerting is prohibited.

  The seventh invention is the driving support device according to the sixth invention, wherein the alerting means determines that the driver's intention to decelerate is not determined by the deceleration intention determining means. It is characterized by calling attention.

  The eighth invention is a driving support device according to the sixth or seventh invention, wherein the deceleration intention determination means determines whether or not the driver decelerates based on the content of the driving operation. Features.

  A ninth invention is a driving support device according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the distance acquired by the distance acquisition means is larger than the alerting distance, and the distance and the vehicle speed are It is characterized in that alerting is prohibited when the required time to reach the stop point or slowing down zone calculated based on the traveling speed detected by the detecting means is a predetermined time or less.

  The driving support device according to the tenth invention includes a distance acquisition means for acquiring a distance between the stop point or slowing section and the vehicle position, a vehicle speed detection means for detecting the traveling speed of the vehicle, and an alert. Threshold setting means for setting the attention calling distance and the attention calling time as threshold values for determining the necessity of execution, the distance acquired by the distance acquiring means is equal to or less than the attention calling distance, and the vehicle speed detecting means It is characterized by comprising alerting means for alerting the driver when the detected traveling speed is equal to or higher than the speed calculated based on the distance and the alerting time.

  With the above-described means, the present invention can provide a driving support device that executes a warning for prompting a driver who intends to comply with the speed limit to decelerate the vehicle at an appropriate timing.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the driving support device according to the present invention. The driving support device 1 includes a control unit 10 and includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) 2, a navigation device 3, a vehicle speed sensor 4, and the like. In response to outputs from the throttle sensor 5 and the radar sensor 6, a control signal is output to the in-vehicle speaker 7.

  The control unit 10 is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory), and the like. Programs corresponding to the means 12, the threshold setting means 13, the alerting means 14, and the deceleration intention determining means 15 are stored in the NVRAM, and the programs are expanded on the RAM to cause the CPU to execute corresponding processes.

  GPS2 is a device for acquiring vehicle position information (latitude, longitude, altitude), and measures and calculates vehicle position information based on a GPS signal output from a GPS satellite via a GPS antenna by a GPS receiver. To do. The positioning method may be any method such as single positioning or relative positioning (including interference positioning), but relative positioning with high accuracy is preferably used. Further, the vehicle position information may be corrected based on the output of various sensors such as the vehicle speed sensor 4, the steering angle sensor, or the gyro sensor, or various information received via the beacon receiver or the FM multiplex receiver. Good.

  The navigation device 3 is a device for guiding a vehicle by searching for a route to a destination based on vehicle position information acquired by the GPS 2 and map information stored in a hard disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) or the like. Yes, it is used to determine whether or not there is a stop point or slow section on the searched planned route.

  Further, the navigation device 3 may receive the VICS traffic jam information by the radio wave beacon, the optical beacon, or the FM multiplex broadcast and specify the stop position or the slow section.

  The “stop point” refers to a point where the own vehicle should be stopped, such as a stop line in front of an intersection, a railroad crossing, or a traffic light, a destination point, or the last point of a traffic jam.

  The “slowing section” refers to a section where the host vehicle is to be slowed down, and includes, for example, an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection system) zone, a school zone, a sharp curve, and the like.

  The vehicle speed sensor 4 is a sensor that measures the speed of the vehicle. For example, an MR (Magnetic Resistance) element reads a magnetic field change caused by a magnet attached to each wheel as a magnetic resistance, and this is a pulse signal proportional to the rotational speed. As a result, the rotational speed of the wheel and the traveling speed of the vehicle are detected.

  The throttle sensor 5 is a sensor for measuring the opening / closing degree of the throttle valve. For example, the throttle sensor 5 reads the output voltage of a variable resistor whose resistance value changes according to opening / closing of the throttle valve, and measures the opening / closing degree of the throttle valve.

  The radar sensor 6 is a sensor for detecting an object in the vicinity of the vehicle. For example, the radar sensor 6 is attached near the front grille, emits millimeter waves or laser light, and is present in front of the own vehicle (another vehicle, walking). Position information, speed information, distance information between the vehicle and the like, and the like are output to the control unit 10.

  The in-vehicle speaker 7 is a device for outputting sound, and outputs an alarm sound or a voice message in response to a control signal from the control unit 10, for example. The voice data related to the voice message is stored in the ROM of the control unit 10, and the in-vehicle speaker 7 receives the voice data together with the control signal from the control unit 10 and outputs the voice message.

  Next, various units included in the control unit 10 will be described.

  The distance acquisition unit 11 is a unit for acquiring the distance between the stop point or the slow section and the vehicle position. For example, the distance acquisition unit 11 is located on the route scheduled to pass based on the map information that the navigation device 3 has. When it is determined whether or not there is a slow section, and it is determined that there is a stop point or a slow section, the stop point or the slow section (in this case, the slow section based on the vehicle position information and map information acquired from the GPS 2) The distance between the vehicle position and the vehicle position is calculated, and the calculated distance is output to the alerting means 14 described later.

  The distance acquisition means 11 measures the distance to other vehicles or obstacles that are stopped forward by the radar sensor 6 or the on-vehicle camera, and determines the stop point (for example, the rear position of the stopped other vehicle) and the vehicle. The distance to the car position may be calculated. Information sent by road-to-vehicle communication equipment such as magnetic nails embedded in the road is received by the in-vehicle receiver, and the slow section (for example, the starting point of the school zone) The distance between the vehicle and the vehicle position may be acquired.

  The vehicle speed detection means 12 is a means for detecting the traveling speed of the own vehicle. For example, the vehicle speed detection means 12 receives the output of the vehicle speed sensor 4 to detect the traveling speed of the own vehicle and outputs it to the alerting means 14 described later.

  The threshold value setting means 13 is a means for setting a threshold value used for determining whether or not to execute alerting. For example, the threshold value setting means 13 corresponds to a road that travels from a threshold value setting table stored in the NVRAM of the control unit 10. The awakening time T and the alerting distance D are extracted and output to the alerting means 14 described later.

  The “attention time” is a margin time threshold used when determining whether or not attention is required by the attention attraction means 14 described later, and the “time to spare” is the vehicle running at the current speed. In this case, it means the time required to reach the stop point or the slow section, and is calculated by dividing the distance between the vehicle position and the stop point or the slow section by the current traveling speed.

  “Warning distance” is a threshold of a margin distance used when determining whether or not attention is required by the warning means 14 described later, and road information (type of road, number of lanes, radius of curvature, speed limit, This is a constant associated with the number of intersections, slope, road surface condition, etc.) or a function derived based on road information. The “margin distance” refers to the distance between the current position of the host vehicle and the stop point or the slow section, and is a value acquired by the distance acquisition unit 11.

  Here, a method for setting the attention calling time T will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a method of measuring the accelerator-off and brake-on timing of the vehicle V that is about to stop at the temporary stop line SL. FIG. FIG. 5B is a graph showing the relationship between the deceleration required to stop the vehicle at the stop line SL and FIG. 5B shows the deceleration time required to stop the vehicle at the accelerator off time and the temporary stop line SL. It is a graph which shows the relationship. The speed limit of the road on which the vehicle V travels is 40 [km / h].

  In FIG. 4, a measuring instrument T is installed at a position 100 meters from the temporary stop line SL, and the accelerator V and brake on timing of the vehicle V that approaches the temporary stop line SL while traveling on a road with a dry road surface. Measure.

  The measuring instrument T is a device that includes a camera and a radar, measures the traveling speed of the vehicle V using the radar, and photographs the brake lamp of the vehicle V using the camera. The measuring instrument T sets the time when the speed of the vehicle V decreases as the time when the accelerator is off, and the time when the brake lamp lights up as the time when the brake is turned on.

  FIG. 5A is a graph in which data actually measured by the above-described measurement method is plotted. As the brake-on timing is delayed, the deceleration required to stop the vehicle at the temporary stop line SL increases. Indicates to do. FIG. 5A shows that the brake-on timing is late and the margin time is small toward the left in the figure, and the brake-on timing is early and the margin time is large in the right direction in the figure. Indicates.

  Similarly, FIG. 5B is a graph in which data actually measured by the above-described measurement method is plotted, and the deceleration required to stop the vehicle at the stop line SL as the accelerator-off timing is delayed. Indicates an increase. FIG. 5B shows that the accelerator-off timing is late toward the left direction of the figure and the margin time is small, and the accelerator-off timing is early and the margin time is large toward the right direction of the figure. Indicates.

  5A and 5B are data groups corresponding to each other, and indicate that when the accelerator-off timing is delayed, the brake-on timing is also delayed.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum value T1 (for example, 4 seconds) in the range surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. However, the alerting time T may be determined by other setting methods such as an average value of the spare time, and the alerting time T is increased at a predetermined rate for roads with wet road surfaces. Etc. (for example, increase by 10%) may be adjusted according to the road condition.

  Moreover, the setting method of the alerting distance D is demonstrated, referring FIG. 6 and FIG. 6 uses the data used in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a histogram of vehicle speed when the vehicle traveling on a road having a speed limit of 40 [km / h] when the accelerator is off, being 30 [km / h] or more and less than 34 [km / h], 34 [km / h]. The vehicle speed data is classified into groups of 4 [km / h] increments as described above and less than 38 [km / h], and the frequency for each group is shown as a percentage.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle speed when the accelerator is off is the group with the highest frequency of 38 [km / h] or more and less than 42 [km / h], the average value is 40 [km / h], and the average value Was equal to the speed limit.

  FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the vehicle speed and the distance to the stop point. FIG. 7 (A) shows a condition that alerts are executed in a vehicle traveling on a road with a speed limit of 40 [km / h]. 7 (B) shows a region (shaded region) that satisfies a condition for alerting in a vehicle traveling on a road with a speed limit of 60 [km / h].

  Thick lines in FIGS. 7A and 7B indicate boundaries that determine whether or not to perform alerting, and the driving support device 1 has a hatched area in which the combination of the vehicle speed and the distance to the stop point is below the thick line. If it is, it will cause an alert.

  In the present embodiment, the result (see FIG. 6) that the vehicle traveling speed is close to the speed limit when the accelerator is off, and the purpose of alerting the driver who wants to comply with the speed limit at an appropriate timing. The distance that the vehicle traveling near the speed limit moves during the alerting time T set as described above (for example, 4 seconds, indicated by the line segment L1) is the alerting distance D. did.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the alerting distance D on a road having a speed limit of 40 km / h is D1 (about 44.4 meters), and as shown in FIG. km / h], the attention calling distance D is D2 (about 66.7 meters).

  As a result, the driving support device 1 is configured such that when the vehicle is traveling on a road having a speed limit of 40 [km / h] at a speed higher than the speed limit (for example, 50 [km / h]), When the distance between them becomes equal to or less than a constant D1 (about 44.4 meters), an alert is executed.

  In addition, when the vehicle is traveling on a road having a speed limit of 40 [km / h] at a speed less than the speed limit (for example, 30 [km / h]), the driving support device 1 is between the vehicle and the stop point. When the distance becomes a value (33.3 meters) calculated based on the attention calling time T (4 seconds), the warning is executed.

The line segment L2 is a line segment indicating the alerting time T _MIN (for example, 1 second), and indicates a boundary condition that divides whether or not the vehicle can stop at the stop point. The alerting time T _MIN is It is set based on a predetermined deceleration that does not make the driver feel uncomfortable.

  When the combination of the vehicle speed and the distance to the stop point is in the hatched region below the line segment L2, it means that it is difficult to stop the vehicle at the stop point even if the brake is operated. 1 may be configured to output an alarm separately from alerting, or may cause alerting to be executed as it is.

  The threshold setting means 13 extracts the alerting time T and the alerting distance D derived from the experimental data as described above and registered in advance in the threshold setting table in the NVRAM based on the road information of the road on which the vehicle is traveling. And output to the alerting means 14 described later.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the threshold setting table. The threshold setting table includes a “speed limit” column 40, an “area” column 41, an “attention calling time” column 42, and an “attention calling distance” column 43. Composed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the “restricted speed” or “area” is classified into a predetermined group, and the alerting time T and the alerting distance D are registered in advance corresponding to these classifications. It should be noted that data relating to “speed limit” or “area” is read from the hard disk of the navigation device 3.

  For example, the driving support device 1 extracts the speed limit (for example, 40 [km / h]) of the road on which the vehicle travels from the map information stored in the hard disk of the navigation device 3, and the control unit 10 The threshold value T1 is acquired as the attention calling time T with reference to the threshold setting table (see FIG. 8) stored in the NVRAM, and the threshold value D1 is acquired as the attention calling distance D.

  Further, when the speed limit of the road on which the vehicle is traveling is not included in the map information and the speed limit cannot be acquired, the driving support device 1 can obtain “area” data (information indicating different areas such as urban areas, residential areas, suburbs, etc. Here, for example, the suburbs are acquired) instead of the “speed limit” data, and the threshold value T1 is acquired as the alerting time T with reference to the threshold setting table stored in the NVRAM of the control unit 10. And the threshold value D2 is acquired as the attention calling distance D.

  In FIG. 8, the threshold value T1 is registered in any case for the alerting time T, but other different values may be registered.

  When neither the “restricted speed” nor the “area” can be extracted because the map information is not included, the driving support device 1 adopts the legal speed as the restricted speed and is stored in the NVRAM of the control unit 10. The attention calling time T and the attention calling distance D are acquired with reference to the threshold setting table.

  Please refer to FIG. 3 again. The alerting means 14 is a means for alerting the driver. For example, an alarm sound or a voice message is output from the in-vehicle speaker 7, a warning message is displayed on the display device of the navigation device 3, or steering is performed. The driver's attention is drawn by vibrating the wheel and the driver's seat.

  The alerting means 14 preferably alerts the driver by outputting a voice message. This is because it is necessary to reliably transmit information to the driver in a short time (for example, 1 second). When an alarm sound is blown, it is difficult to distinguish it from other alarm sounds, or a warning message. This is because it is necessary to remove the line of sight from the front even if it is displayed visually.

  Moreover, although the alerting means 14 outputs a voice message only once, you may make it output repeatedly over predetermined time.

  The alerting means 14 includes, for example, the distance between the stop point or slowing section output by the distance acquisition means 11 and the vehicle position, the traveling speed of the vehicle output by the vehicle speed detection means 12, and the threshold setting means 13 It is determined whether or not the alerting time T and the alerting distance D to be output are acquired and the alerting is executed.

  With reference to FIG. 9, processing for determining whether or not the alerting means 14 executes alerting will be described.

  In FIG. 9, the vertical axis indicates the distance to the stop point, the horizontal axis indicates the vehicle speed, and the region that satisfies the conditions for the driving support device 1 to perform alerting on a road with a speed limit of 40 [km / h] is hatched. It shows with.

  For example, a point X1 indicating a combination of a traveling speed of 30 [km / h] (8.3 [m / s]) and a distance to the stop point of 40 [m] is a distance 40 [meter] to the stop point. Although it is less than the attention calling distance (44.4 [meters]), the margin time is about 4.8 seconds (40 [m] ÷ 8.3 [m / s]), and the attention calling time T (4 seconds) is exceeded. 9 is not included in the shaded area in FIG. 9, the driving support device 1 does not execute alerting.

  A point X2 indicating a combination of a traveling speed of 50 [km / h] (13.9 [m / s]) and a distance to the stop point of 44.4 [m] is a distance 44.4 to the stop point. [Meter] is equal to the alerting distance (44.4 [meter]) and the extra time is about 3.2 seconds (44.4 [m] ÷ 13.9 [m / s]). (4 seconds) or less, and since it is included in the shaded area in FIG. 9, the driving support device 1 causes the attention to be executed.

  Please refer to FIG. 3 again. The deceleration intention determination means 15 is a means for determining whether or not the driver intends to decelerate. For example, the deceleration intention determination means 15 receives an output from the throttle sensor 5, detects the opening / closing degree of the throttle valve, and the opening / closing degree of the throttle valve is predetermined. If it is less than the value, it is determined that the driver intends to decelerate, and if the opening / closing degree of the throttle valve is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the driver does not intend to decelerate.

  Moreover, the deceleration intention determination means 15 outputs the determination result to the alerting means 14 at predetermined intervals (for example, 0.1 seconds).

  The deceleration intention determination means 15 detects that the driver has operated an operating device such as a brake pedal or a shift lever by detecting changes in brake pressure, acceleration, engine speed, etc., and increases the brake pressure. It may be determined that the driver has an intention to decelerate when detecting, detecting an increase in engine speed due to engine braking, or detecting deceleration with an acceleration sensor.

  The alerting means 14 receives the determination result that the driver does not intend to decelerate from the deceleration intention determination means 15, and based on the outputs from the distance acquisition means 11, the vehicle speed detection means 12, and the threshold setting means 13, The alert is executed when the condition for executing the alert regarding the distance from the stop point is satisfied.

  This is because it is estimated that the driver does not recognize the existence of the stop point and enters the stop point at the current speed.

  On the other hand, after receiving the determination result that the driver has the intention to decelerate from the deceleration intention determination unit 15, the alerting unit 14 performs an alert regarding the vehicle speed and the distance from the stop point unless the traveling speed increases. Even if the conditions to be met are satisfied, the alert is not executed. This is because it is presumed that the driver is aware of the existence of the stop point.

  The deceleration intention determination unit 15 outputs a determination result indicating that there is no intention to decelerate to the alerting unit 14 when the traveling speed increases after determining that the driver has an intention to decelerate. Receiving the determination result that there is no intention to decelerate, the alerting means 14 promptly executes alerting when the conditions for executing alerting regarding the vehicle speed and the distance from the stop point are already satisfied.

  In this case, although the driver has once performed a driving operation that causes the driver to determine that he / she has an intention to decelerate, the driving operation may not be related to the stop point, and the driver stops the vehicle at the stop point. This is because it cannot be determined that the vehicle has a willingness to decelerate, and the driver is not aware of the presence of the stop point and may enter the stop point without stopping the vehicle.

  However, the alerting means 14 is in a state where the driver's intention to decelerate is determined by the deceleration intention determining means 15, the distance between the vehicle and the stop point is equal to or less than the alerting distance D, and the margin time When the vehicle speed becomes equal to or less than the alerting time T, the traveling speed increases, and even if it is determined again by the deceleration intention determination means 15 that the driver does not intend to decelerate, the alerting is not executed. Good.

  This is because even if it is near the stop point, it may be accelerated to adjust the traveling speed, and if the alert is executed at the moment of acceleration in such a situation, the driver may feel annoying. .

  Note that the alerting means 14 has the distance between the vehicle and the stop point equal to or less than the alerting distance D and the margin time is equal to or less than the alerting time T regardless of the determination result by the deceleration intention determining means 15. You may make it perform alerting in a case. This is to make sure that the driver is alerted when the driver is unaware of the stop point or the existence of the slow-down section.

  Next, a flow of processing in which the driving support device 1 executes alerting will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in which the driving support device 1 executes alerting, and the control unit 10 of the driving support device 1 performs the processing shown in this flowchart at a predetermined interval (for example, every 0.1 second). Repeatedly.

  First, the control unit 10 determines whether or not there is a temporary stop point on the planned route searched by the navigation device 3 (step S1).

  The control unit 10 determines whether or not a temporary stop point exists within a predetermined distance range (for example, 500 meters) from the own vehicle position measured by the GPS 2 in the planned route, and the temporary stop point is on the planned route. If it is determined that it does not exist (NO in step S1), the search for the temporary stop point is continued.

  When it is determined that there is a temporary stop point on the planned route (YES in step S1), the control unit 10 causes the distance acquisition unit 11 to determine between the own vehicle position and the temporary stop point based on the output of the GPS 2 and the navigation device 3. (Step S2), and then the vehicle speed detecting means 12 detects the traveling speed of the host vehicle based on the output of the vehicle speed sensor 4 (step S3).

  Then, the control part 10 confirms that the distance between the own vehicle position and a temporary stop point is larger than 0 (zero), and the own vehicle has not passed the temporary stop point (step S4).

  When the distance between the own vehicle position and the temporary stop point is smaller than 0 (zero) and the own vehicle has already passed through the temporary stop point (NO in step S4), the control unit 10 calls attention. The process for execution is terminated.

  When the distance between the own vehicle position and the temporary stop point is greater than 0 (zero) and the own vehicle has not yet passed the temporary stop point (YES in step S4), the control unit 10 determines the intention to decelerate 15 Based on the output of the throttle sensor 5, the depression of the accelerator pedal by the driver is detected, and it is determined whether or not the driver has an intention to decelerate (step S5).

  When depression of the accelerator pedal is stopped and the accelerator is in an off state (when it is determined that the driver intends to decelerate) (NO in step S5), the control unit 10 ends the process for executing the alerting Let

  When depression of the accelerator pedal is not stopped and the accelerator is on (when it is determined that the driver does not intend to decelerate) (YES in step S5), the control unit 10 temporarily stops by the alerting means 14 The distance to the point is compared with the alert distance D (step S6), and if the distance to the temporary stop point is greater than the alert distance D (NO in step S6), the process for executing the alert is terminated. .

  When the distance to the temporary stop point is equal to or less than the attention calling distance D (YES in Step S6), the control unit 10 compares the margin time with the attention calling time T by the attention calling means 14 (Step S7). If the time is greater than the alerting time T (NO in step S7), the process for executing the alerting is terminated.

  When the surplus time is equal to or shorter than the alerting time T (YES in step S7), the control unit 10 causes the alerting means 14 to output an alarm sound and a voice message “pause” from the in-vehicle speaker 7 (step S8). The process is terminated.

  With the above configuration, the driving support device 1 alerts the driver only when the margin time is equal to or less than the alert time T and the margin distance is equal to or less than the alert distance D. Appropriate driving assistance can be provided to a driver who wants to comply with the speed limit without calling the driver's attention at a point away from the section and making the driver feel bothersome.

  In addition, the driving assistance device 1 reduces the alerting distance D as the speed limit of the road on which the vehicle travels decreases and makes the alerting execution condition narrower and more strict. Therefore, the driver assisting device 1 alerts only when the necessity is higher. Thus, it is possible to provide appropriate driving assistance to a driver who wants to comply with the speed limit.

  Further, since the driving assistance device 1 alerts the driver only when it is determined that the driver does not intend to stop based on the output of the throttle sensor 5, the driving support device 1 recognizes the stop point or the slowing section, but does not brake. Attention is given to the driver whose timing is relatively late, and the driver is not bothered.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the relationship between the stepping time and alerting will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a histogram of the stepping time, classifying the stepping time into groups of 0.5 second increments, such as 0 second or more and less than 0.5 seconds, 0.5 second or more and less than 1.0 second, The frequency for each group is shown as a percentage.

  The “step change time” is the time required for the driver to change foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal. Note that the vehicle that actually traveled on this road is not equipped with the driving support device 1 and the driver has not received any alert.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the changeover time was the group with the highest frequency of 1.0 second or more and less than 1.5 seconds, and the average value was 1.4 seconds.

  In addition, it is estimated that the case where the changeover time is short is a case where both the accelerator-off timing and the brake-on timing are late (see FIG. 5), and the driver suddenly depresses the brake pedal when he / she visually recognizes the temporary stop point. The

  On the other hand, even if the accelerator off and brake on timings are both slow, there are cases where the changeover time is long, and these cases are due to individual differences in the brake timing, and the driver has detected the presence of a temporary stop point. It is presumed that this is an early recognition case.

  From the above results, it is preferable that the driving assistance device 1 alerts the driver who has hurriedly depressed the brake pedal at an appropriate timing.

  In FIG. 12, the vertical axis indicates the distance to the stop point, the horizontal axis indicates the vehicle speed, and the region where the driving support device 1 satisfies the alerting condition on the road with a speed limit of 40 [km / h] is indicated by diagonal lines. FIG. 4 is a diagram in which data of vehicles actually traveling on the road (referred to as data composed of the vehicle speed when the accelerator is off and the distance to the stop point at that time) are superimposed. Note that the vehicle that actually traveled on this road is not equipped with the driving support device 1 and the driver has not received any alert.

  As shown in FIG. 12, most drivers turn off the accelerator at a point where the distance from the stop point is slightly larger than D1 regardless of the traveling speed, and stop pressing the accelerator pedal when the stop point is visually recognized. It is estimated that

  Further, FIG. 12 shows a hatched region R2 that satisfies the condition for the driving support device 1 to perform alerting, and a region R1 in which the margin time is equal to or shorter than the alerting time T but the distance from the temporary stop point is larger than the alerting distance D. In the region R1, about 12% of the total data was included, and in the hatched region R2, about 8% of the total data was included.

  As for the changeover time, the average value of the region R1 is 1.2 seconds, the average value of the region R2 is 0.8 seconds, and the region R2 shows a smaller value. This makes it possible to classify the case where the brake pedal is depressed in more detail.

  From the above result, the driving support device 1 determines that the condition for executing the alert is “in the accelerator on state, the margin time is equal to or less than the alert time T and the distance to the temporary stop point is equal to or less than the alert distance D. In the region R2 where the changeover time is relatively short and the need for alerting is high without performing the alert in the region R1 where the changeover time is relatively long and the need for alerting is low. You can be sure to call attention.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Can be added.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the attention calling distance D is set to a constant value (for example, D1). However, as indicated by the line segment L4 in FIG. 13, the line segment L1 indicating the attention calling time T and the attention calling distance D The alerting distance D may be increased as the traveling speed increases from the point X3 at which the line segment L3 intersects.

  This is to alert the vehicle traveling at a high speed with a margin distance corresponding to the traveling speed, and by making the inclination smaller than the line segment L1 (the alerting time as the traveling speed increases). It means that T is gradually decreased.) This is because it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by early warning.

  In addition, the driving support device 1 executes alerting when a predetermined condition is satisfied. However, instead of alerting or in addition to alerting, the driving support device 1 automatically generates a braking force by the brake. Even if the travel speed is reduced, the shift position is controlled to automatically generate engine brakes to reduce the travel speed, or the throttle valve opening is automatically controlled to depress the accelerator pedal. It may be prevented from increasing.

  In addition, the driving support device 1 may add a condition related to the traveling speed to the condition for executing the alerting. For example, when the traveling speed is 50% or more of the speed limit, You may be made not to perform alerting.

  This is to prevent the driver from being warned that if the distance from the stop point becomes the alerting distance D, the driver will be alerted, and for drivers who greatly exceed the speed limit. This is because strict driving control (warning, acceleration limitation, forced braking, etc.) should be handled.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the driving support device 1 calculates the margin time based on the distance to the stop point or the slow-down section acquired by the distance acquisition unit 11 and the traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12. Then, the calculated allowance time is compared with the attention calling time registered in the threshold setting table to determine whether or not attention is required.

  However, the driving support device 1 stops the vehicle without difficulty until the stop point or the slowing section based on the distance to the stop point or the slowing section acquired by the distance acquisition unit 11 and the alerting time registered in the threshold setting table. Alternatively, a marginal speed for deceleration may be calculated, and the calculated marginal speed may be compared with the traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed detection unit 12 to determine whether or not it is necessary to call attention.

  This is because, when the alerting time T is not changed according to the road information, the constant alerting time T is always used, so that it is possible to reduce the calculation load required for determining whether or not the alerting is necessary. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the driving assistance device 1 derives the attention calling distance D and the attention calling time T based on the data related to the behavior of many vehicles, and registers them in the threshold setting table. The data for each driver who drives the vehicle may be accumulated, and the accumulated data may be reflected in the derivation of the alerting distance D and the alerting time T.

  For example, the accelerator off or brake on data (including margin distance, margin time, margin speed, etc.) for each stop point is recorded for each driver, and the alert distance D and alert time are based on these data. Customize T. Thereby, the driving assistance apparatus 1 can implement | achieve the optimal timing of alerting for every driver | operator.

It is a figure which shows the area | region which satisfy | fills conditions for the vehicle driving assistance apparatus which is a prior art to perform alerting. It is a figure which shows the area | region which satisfy | fills the conditions which alert | report the information regarding a temporary stop point by the vehicle travel control apparatus which is a prior art. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of a driving assistance device. It is a figure for demonstrating the measuring method of the accelerator-off and brake-on timing of the vehicle which is going to stop at a temporary stop line. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the allowance time at the time of brake-on or an accelerator-off, and the deceleration required in order to stop a vehicle by a temporary stop line. It is a histogram of the vehicle speed when the accelerator is off. It is a graph (the 1) which shows the relationship between a vehicle speed and the distance to a stop point. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a threshold value setting table. It is a graph (the 2) which shows the relationship between a vehicle speed and the distance to a stop point. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process which a driving assistance device performs alerting. It is a histogram of stepping time. It is a graph (the 3) which shows the relationship between a vehicle speed and the distance to a stop point. It is a graph (the 4) which shows the relationship between a vehicle speed and the distance to a stop point.

Explanation of symbols

1 Driving support device 2 GPS
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Navigation apparatus 4 Vehicle speed sensor 5 Throttle sensor 6 Radar sensor 7 Car-mounted speaker 10 Control part 11 Distance acquisition means 12 Vehicle speed detection means 13 Threshold setting means 14 Attention means 15 Deceleration intention judgment means D Attention distance T Attention time 40 Speed limit Field 41 Area field 42 Reminder time field 43 Reminder distance field

Claims (10)

A distance acquisition means for acquiring a distance between the stop point or slow section and the vehicle position;
Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the own vehicle;
Threshold setting means for setting the attention calling distance as a threshold for determining whether or not to execute the alerting;
The distance acquired by the distance acquisition means is equal to or less than the alerting distance, and the required time to reach the stop point or the slow section calculated based on the distance and the traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means. Alerting means for alerting the driver when it is less than a predetermined time;
A driving support apparatus comprising: The alert distance is a constant set based on road information.
The driving support device according to claim 1, wherein The road information is a speed limit set for each road.
The driving support device according to claim 2, wherein The predetermined time is a constant.
The driving support device according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined time decreases as the traveling speed increases when the traveling speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed.
The driving support device according to claim 1, wherein The vehicle has a deceleration intention determination means for determining whether the driver has a deceleration intention,
Prohibiting alerting when the driver's intention to decelerate is determined by the deceleration intention determining means;
The driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The alerting means alerts the driver when it is determined by the deceleration intention determination means that the driver has no intention of deceleration,
The driving support apparatus according to claim 6. The deceleration intention determination means determines the presence or absence of the driver's intention to decelerate based on the content of the driving operation.
The driving support apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The distance acquired by the distance acquisition means is larger than the alerting distance, and the required time to reach the stop point or the slowing section calculated based on the distance and the traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means is predetermined. Prohibit alerts when the time is below,
The driving support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein A distance acquisition means for acquiring a distance between the stop point or slow section and the vehicle position;
Vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the traveling speed of the own vehicle;
Threshold setting means for setting the attention calling distance and the attention calling time as thresholds for determining whether or not to execute the warning call;
Driving when the distance acquired by the distance acquisition means is equal to or less than the attention calling distance and the traveling speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means is equal to or higher than the speed calculated based on the distance and the warning time. Alerting means to alert the person,
A driving support apparatus comprising:

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