JP2009280196A - Visibility provider and warning device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a visibility provider capable of constantly providing visibility in a specified range preset around a vehicle to a driver of the vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: In the visibility provider, a plurality of visibility providing means are arranged at positions different from each other in a vehicle, and each of them provides the visibility including the specified range around the vehicle. The visibility provider selects at least one of visibility providing means consisting of door mirrors 33, 34, 40 and a visibility providing means having cameras 11-13 and display units 21-23 according to the external command, and sets it in a usable state. Thus, the visibility in the specified range can be provided to a driver by using a plurality of visibility providing means, and the driver can select and use the most convenient visibility providing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a field providing device and a warning device that provide a driver of a vehicle with a field of view around a vehicle within a predetermined specific range.

  Conventionally, when the traveling speed of a vehicle becomes high, a technique for storing the door mirror to an angle at which the driver can check the rear of the vehicle (within a specific range) using a door mirror and an angle at which the air resistance becomes small is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

JP-A-7-277077

  However, the general technique such as the technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem that the driver cannot secure a field of view within a specific range when any trouble occurs in the use of the door mirror.

  Therefore, in view of such problems, in the field providing device that provides the driver of the vehicle with a field of view within a preset specific range around the vehicle, it is always possible to provide the driver with a field of view within the specific range. It is an object of the present invention to make it possible.

  The visual field providing device according to claim 1, wherein the visual field providing device according to claim 1 is provided in different parts of the vehicle and each includes a specific range around the vehicle. To do. Then, the switching means selects at least one of the plurality of view providing means according to the external command and makes it usable.

  According to such a view providing device, a view within a specific range can be provided to the driver by a plurality of view providing means, so that the most convenient view providing means can be selected and used. . Further, even if any of the field providing means is not available, the field of view can be provided to the driver as long as another field providing means arranged in a different part is available.

  Each field providing means may be constituted by, for example, an imaging means for picking up an image around the vehicle and a display means for displaying an image taken by the imaging means, or may be constituted by a mirror in the vehicle.

  By the way, in the visibility providing device according to claim 1, as described in claim 2, a travel acquisition unit that acquires a detection result by a travel detection unit that detects a travel state or a travel environment of the vehicle, and a travel acquisition A field of view other than the field providing means that determines whether there is a risk of hindering the use of at least one field providing means according to the acquisition result by the means. It is preferable to provide switching control means for causing the switching means to select the providing means.

  According to such a view providing device, it is possible to automatically select and use the most convenient view providing means. At this time, it is possible to make it possible to use at least a view providing means other than the view providing means that may interfere with use.

  “Vehicle travel state” refers to any parameter relating to travel, such as a vehicle movement vector, a travel locus, and the like, and specifically corresponds to a travel speed, a travel position, and the like of the vehicle. “Vehicle driving environment” refers to conditions around the vehicle (weather, temperature, brightness (illuminance), road surface temperature, etc.) and conditions inside the vehicle (size / weight of luggage, seating position / weight of passenger) , Curtain open / closed state, etc.).

  Furthermore, “when the obstacle occurs” means that the visibility providing means itself does not function normally, the passenger is difficult to use the visibility providing means, or the information providing means is used to adversely affect the running and use of the vehicle. This applies to cases where

  More specifically, when the view providing unit does not function normally, for example, when the view providing unit is configured to include the imaging unit, dirt is attached to the imaging unit, and an image captured by the imaging unit is unclear. This is the case. Also, when the field of view providing means is composed of a mirror, the mirror cannot project within a specific range due to an occupant or luggage in the vehicle being an obstacle, or the mirror angle projects within the specific range. This is the case when the angle is set so that it cannot be performed (when a mirror is stored).

  Next, the case where it is difficult for the occupant to use the view providing means means that there is an obstacle between the occupant and the object (mirror, display means, etc.) to be viewed when using the view providing means, This is the case when the target object itself is contaminated. Further, the case where the information providing means is used adversely affects the travel and use of the vehicle corresponds to the case where the air resistance and noise of the vehicle increase due to the use of the information providing means.

  Subsequently, in the field-of-view providing apparatus according to claim 2, as described in claim 3, at least one of the plurality of field-of-view providing means includes a mirror whose rear side in the vehicle is within a specific range. At least another one of the plurality of view providing units may include an imaging unit that captures an image within a specific range and a display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging unit.

  According to such a view providing device, the view providing means to be used is switched according to the respective merits between the case where the view providing means is configured as a mirror and the case where the view providing means is configured as an imaging means and a display means. be able to.

  Note that the invention described in claim 3 can be made a dependent claim of the invention described in claim 1 unless the fourth and subsequent claims are taken into consideration.

  Next, in the visual field providing device according to claim 3, when the mirror is configured as a retractable door mirror, as described in claim 4, the travel acquisition means includes information on the travel speed of the vehicle. The detection result by the speed detecting means for detecting the speed information is obtained, and the switching control means interferes with the use of the door mirror when the speed information obtained by the travel obtaining means exceeds a preset speed threshold value. The door mirror may be stored so that the switching means is selected to use the imaging means and the display means.

  According to such a field providing device, when the traveling speed increases, the use of the door mirror is prohibited and the door mirror is stored, so that air resistance and noise during high speed traveling can be reduced. Further, if the display means is disposed at a position closer to the driver's front than the door mirror, the driver's line-of-sight movement during high-speed traveling can be minimized.

  In addition, in the field-of-view providing apparatus according to claim 4, the switching control means may operate the imaging means and the display means before storing the door mirror in the switching means as described in claim 5. Good.

  According to such a field providing device, since the imaging means and the display means can be made available before the door mirror becomes unusable, when the door mirror is made unusable In addition, the driver's line of sight can be immediately guided to the display means.

  Furthermore, in the visibility providing apparatus according to claim 3, as described in claim 6, the travel acquisition means acquires the detection result by the illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the vehicle, and the switching control means. When the illuminance acquired by the travel acquisition means is less than a preset illuminance threshold, the switching means is made to select the use of the imaging means and the display means as impeding use of the mirror. May be.

  According to such a field providing device, it is possible to provide a field of view using an image pickup unit and a display unit that does not have a possibility of being reflected by glass when the surroundings are dark.

  Furthermore, in the field-of-view providing apparatus according to claim 3, when the mirror is configured as a room mirror disposed in the vehicle interior, the travel acquisition means is provided on the rear seat as described in claim 7. The detection result by the seating detection means for detecting whether or not the passenger is seated is acquired, and the switching control means uses the room mirror when the travel acquisition means acquires that the passenger is seated in the rear seat. As an obstacle, the switching means may be selected to use the imaging means and the display means.

  According to such a field providing device, it is possible to provide the field of view by the imaging unit and the display unit as being a hindrance to the use of the room mirror when an occupant is seated in the rear seat.

  Further, in the visual field providing device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, when the switching control unit operates the display unit as described in claim 8, the brightness (luminance) of the display image is displayed. ) May be gradually changed brightly.

  According to such a view providing device, it is possible to prevent the driver from attracting too much attention to the display unit at the start of the operation of the display unit, as compared with the configuration in which the brightness of the display image is suddenly increased. it can. That is, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable during the operation of the display means.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a field of view providing device according to claim 9, wherein a driver detects intention of visually recognizing a mirror provided in a vehicle and provides a rear field of view, and a rear when the intention is detected by the intention detecting unit. Displacement means for displacing the mirror to a provision position where the field of view can be provided to the driver and displacing the mirror to a preset setting position when the intention detection means does not detect the intention is provided.

  That is, in the conventional view providing device, the position of the mirror is set so that the rear view is always provided when the driver sees the mirror while the vehicle is traveling (see Patent Document 1 above). However, the ratio of the time for the driver to visually recognize the mirror with respect to the traveling time of the vehicle is generally very small, and the conventional view providing device cannot effectively use the mirror. Therefore, in the present invention, the mirror can be used effectively during the time when the mirror is not used.

  Specifically, in the field of view providing device of the present invention, the mirror in the vehicle is displaced to a provided position that can provide the driver with a rear view that is the field of view behind the vehicle when the driver visually recognizes the mirror. When the driver does not visually recognize the mirror, the mirror is displaced to the set position. Therefore, according to such a view providing device, when the driver visually recognizes the mirror, the rear view is provided by the mirror, and when the driver does not visually recognize the mirror, the mirror is stored or the mirror is It can be used for purposes other than mirrors.

  By the way, in the visual field providing device according to claim 9, the mirror is disposed to protrude outside the vehicle on the left and right side surfaces of the vehicle, and the displacement means has a front projection area of the mirror at the set position, the provided position. The mirror may be displaced so as to be smaller than the front projection area of the mirror. The “front projected area” indicates the area of the mirror when the vehicle is viewed from the vehicle traveling direction side (front surface).

  According to such a field providing device, it is possible to reduce the air resistance when the vehicle travels when the driver does not visually recognize the mirror.

  Furthermore, the setting position that is the position of the mirror when the driver does not visually recognize the mirror may be set below the provision position that is the position of the mirror when the driver visually recognizes the mirror.

  According to such a view providing device, when the mirror is configured as a general vehicle door mirror, the area of the mirror covering the window can be reduced. Therefore, the blind spot by a mirror can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the visual field providing device according to claim 9, further comprising: a displacement means, wherein when the intention is detected by the intention detection means, at least a part of the mirror is accommodated in the accommodating portion capable of accommodating the entire mirror. When the intention is not detected by the intention detection means, the mirror is moved to a setting position set to a position where at least a part of the mirror is stored in the receiving portion. It may be displaced.

  According to such a field providing device, a part of the mirror is accommodated in the accommodating portion when the driver does not visually recognize the mirror, so that the blind spot by the mirror can be reduced. Whether the driver looks at the mirror or sees a landscape farther than the mirror may be determined by, for example, detecting a combination of the driver's line of sight and the operation by the driver.

  The visual field providing device according to claim 9 further includes a brake acquisition unit that acquires a detection result by the brake detection unit that detects that the vehicle is braking, and the displacement unit is determined by the intention detection unit. If it is not detected and the braking detection means detects that the vehicle is braking, the front projection area of the mirror at the set position is larger than the front projection area of the mirror at the provision position. It may be displaced.

  According to such a field providing device, the air resistance due to the traveling wind can be increased during braking when the driver does not visually recognize the mirror, so that the braking distance of the vehicle can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the visibility providing device according to claim 9, as described in claim 10, road surface state acquisition means for acquiring a detection result by the road surface state detection means for detecting whether or not the road surface is slippery. And the displacement means generates lift when the intention detection means does not detect the intention and the road surface condition detection means detects that the road surface is difficult to slip. The mirror is displaced to a position, and when the intention detection means does not detect the intention and the road surface state detection means detects that the road surface is slippery, downforce is generated by the traveling wind hitting the mirror. The mirror may be displaced to the downforce generation position.

  According to such a field providing device, when the road surface is slippery, such as in rainy weather, downforce can be generated in the vehicle to stabilize the behavior of the vehicle. In addition, when the road surface is difficult to slip, such as in fine weather, lift can be generated to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

  If the mirror is configured as a door mirror, lift or downforce can be generated at a position close to the center of gravity of the vehicle, so that the stability of the vehicle behavior can be improved. Also, if the mirror is configured as a fender mirror, downforce can be generated in front of the vehicle when the road surface is slippery, so that the vehicle performance (such as turning ability) can be improved.

  In the field of view providing device according to claim 9 or 10, the intention detecting means detects the intention of the driver to visually recognize the left and right mirrors, and the displacement means provides the left and right mirrors separately. You may make it displace between a position and a setting position. In this case, it is assumed that the mirrors are arranged to protrude outside the vehicle on the left and right side surfaces of the vehicle.

  According to such a field providing device, only the mirror that the driver can visually recognize among the left and right mirrors can be displaced to the provision position, and the mirror that the driver does not visually recognize can be displaced to the installation position.

  Next, the visibility providing apparatus according to claim 11 is a gradient acquisition unit that acquires a detection result by a gradient change detection unit that detects a change in gradient on a road on which the vehicle travels, and a gradient change by the gradient change detection unit. And a gradient changing means for changing the angle of the mirror provided in the vehicle to provide the rear view in a direction to cancel the change in the angle of the mirror accompanying the change in the gradient.

  That is, in the conventional field-of-view providing device, the angle of the mirror (mirror surface) is fixed while the vehicle is traveling (see Patent Document 1 above). For this reason, the conventional field-of-view providing device cannot provide the driver with an appropriate range of rear field of view when the slope changes or the vehicle turns. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the driver with a rear view within an appropriate range even when the gradient changes or the vehicle turns. Specifically, in the field-of-view providing device of the present invention, when a change in gradient is detected, the angle of the mirror provided in the vehicle that provides the rear view is set to cancel the angle change of the mirror accompanying the change in gradient. I am trying to change it.

  According to such a field providing device, the angle of the mirror is changed in a direction that cancels the change in the angle of the mirror accompanying the change in the gradient. Therefore, even if the gradient changes, the appropriate angle displayed on the mirror before the gradient changes. Can provide a great rear view.

  Further, in the field of view providing device according to claim 12, the turning of the vehicle is detected by the turning acquisition means for obtaining a detection result by the turning detection means for detecting the turning of the vehicle together with the turning direction, and the turning detection means. Turn detection means for changing the angle of a mirror provided in the vehicle and providing a rear view to a direction that cancels the change in the angle of the mirror accompanying the turn of the vehicle when detected.

  According to such a view providing device, the angle of the mirror is changed to a direction that cancels the change in the angle of the mirror accompanying the turning, so that it is possible to provide an appropriate rear view that is displayed on the mirror before the turning.

  Next, the visual field providing device according to a thirteenth aspect includes a period changing unit that periodically changes an angle of a mirror provided in the vehicle and providing the rear visual field.

  That is, in the conventional field-of-view providing device, the angle of the mirror is fixed while the vehicle is running, and there is a problem that the range of the blind spot is wide, but the present invention solves this problem. Specifically, according to such a view providing device, the angle of the mirror is periodically changed, so that the driver can provide a wide range of rear view. Therefore, the range that becomes a blind spot when the mirror is viewed can be narrowed.

  By the way, in the visibility providing device according to claim 13, at least one of the vehicle traveling at the intersection, the vehicle traveling slowly, or the vehicle moving backward. Vehicle state acquisition means for acquiring a detection result by the vehicle state detection means for detecting two states, and the period changing means sets the angle of the mirror when at least one of the states is detected by the state detection means. You may make it change periodically.

  According to such a view providing device, it is detected that it is preferable for the driver to check a wider range using a mirror, and the angle of the mirror is periodically changed only in this state. Can do. Therefore, in a situation where the driver does not need to check a wide range, the mirror angle is not changed unnecessarily.

  Next, in the visual field providing device according to claim 14, rain or snow is detected by the rain / snow acquiring unit for acquiring the detection result by the rain / snow detecting unit for acquiring the detection result of the rain or snow, and the rain / snow detecting unit. And a wiping means for moving the storage member while the wiper member is in contact with the window. Note that the storage member has a wiper member that protrudes outside the vehicle on the left and right side surfaces of the vehicle in a state in which a mirror that provides a rear view is stored therein and wipes a window in the vehicle.

  According to such a field providing device, the window can be wiped by the wiper member. Here, the timing when the wiping means wipes the window with the wiper member may be just before the driver looks at the mirror. Specifically, a timing that is just before the driver sees the mirror may be registered in advance, and an operation control unit that operates the wiping unit at this timing may be provided. Note that the timing of activating the wiping means may be during a stop such as waiting for a signal or when the vehicle starts.

  Next, the visual field providing device according to claim 15 includes a distance acquisition unit that acquires a measurement result by a distance measurement unit that measures a distance between the storage member and an obstacle that may collide with the storage member, and the measurement result. And a comparison means for comparing the reference distance with the reference distance, and when the measurement result is determined by the comparison means to be equal to or greater than the reference distance, the storage member is set in a locked state, and the measurement result is less than the reference distance by the comparison means. Lock control means for setting the unlocked state in which the storage member is unlocked when it is determined that there is a lock. The reference distance indicates a distance that is estimated to be a collision.

  By the way, in the conventional visual field providing device, the storage member is supported while maintaining the angle of the mirror that can provide the driver with the rear visual field by a biasing member such as a spring so as to withstand a certain amount of wind pressure. When a strong impact is applied, such as when an obstacle collides with the member, the storage member is configured to absorb the impact while moving toward the rear of the vehicle. In this configuration, if the force for supporting the storage member is increased too much, the impact with the obstacle increases, and if the force for supporting the storage member is too weak, the wind pressure cannot be endured. That is, there is a problem that it is difficult to set the magnitude of the force for supporting the storage member.

  However, in the visibility providing device of the present invention, when there is no possibility that the storage member collides with an obstacle, the storage member can be locked and strongly supported, while the storage unit may collide with the obstacle. When the height rises, the storage unit is unlocked and the shock is released. Therefore, the magnitude of the force when supporting the storage member can be easily set.

  When the measurement result of the distance between the storage member and the obstacle is less than the reference distance, the front projection area of the storage member at the set position is larger than the front projection area of the storage member at the provision position. A collision avoiding means for displacing the mirror so as to be small may be provided.

  According to such a view providing device, it is possible to positively avoid a collision between the storage member and the obstacle.

  Next, a warning device according to a sixteenth aspect includes a person detection unit that detects a person around the vehicle, and an angle of a mirror that protrudes outside the vehicle when the person is detected by the person detection unit. Warning means for giving a warning to a person by an operating sound at the time of changing.

  Conventionally, many warning devices for warning a person approaching a vehicle are known, but generally, warning devices using a buzzer sound, voice, or horn sound are generally used. In many cases, the warning using the sound of sound is troublesome in a quiet environment such as a residential area at night. Therefore, in the present invention, even in a quiet environment, warning can be performed without causing trouble.

  Specifically, in the present invention, a warning is given by an operating sound of an actuator that changes the angle of the mirror. According to such a warning device, since the warning is performed using an existing actuator, the range in which the sound can be heard is very narrow compared with the case where a specialized means for producing a sound such as a buzzer is used. . Nevertheless, since the operating sound of the actuator that changes the angle of the mirror has a sufficient volume to attract the attention of a person approaching the vehicle, it can be used effectively as a means for warning. In addition, since an existing configuration can be used, it can be realized with an inexpensive configuration.

  In the present invention, “changing the angle of the mirror” means that the angle of only the mirror may be changed, or the angle of the storage member that stores the mirror may be changed.

  The warning device according to claim 16, further comprising a counting means for counting a time after the person has been detected, and the warning means is activated when the counting by the counting means exceeds a reference time. You may make it do. Note that the reference time is set so as to warn only a person who tries to remove a passerby and harm the vehicle.

  According to such a warning device, it is possible not to warn a mere passerby. In addition, when unlocking or locking is performed with a wireless key in a known wireless locking system, this fact can be notified by the operation of the mirror (movement or actuator sound when changing the mirror angle).

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the visual field provision apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows installation of each camera. It is explanatory drawing (a) which shows the door mirror of an open (open) state, and explanatory drawing (b) which shows the door mirror of a closed (closed) state. It is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of each mirror and a display part. It is a flowchart which shows a side view switching process. It is a timing chart (a) which shows the operation timing of the display part and door mirror in 1st Embodiment, and a timing chart (b) which shows the operation timing of the display part and door mirror in the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a rear view switching process. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the visual field provision apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a mirror storage control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operating state of a door mirror. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operating state of a door mirror. It is explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation at the time of accommodating a door mirror in the inside of a door. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the visual field provision apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a visual field range variable control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mechanism and structure of a door mirror. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operating state of a door mirror. It is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the visible range by a door mirror. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the visual field provision apparatus of 4th Embodiment. It is the flowchart (a) which shows a tiltable control process, explanatory drawing (b) which shows arrangement | positioning of a distance measuring apparatus, and explanatory drawing (c) which shows the action | operation of a door mirror. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the visual field provision apparatus of 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a notification action control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the action | operation of a visual field provision apparatus.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a field-of-view providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the installation of the cameras 11 to 13 constituting the view providing device 1.

  The field-of-view providing apparatus 1 is an apparatus mounted on a vehicle, and switches at least one of the rear field of view while switching between a rear field of view projected on a mirror (view field providing unit) and a rear field of view projected on a display unit (field of view providing unit). It is a device that provides visibility to the driver.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the field-of-view providing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, various cameras 11 to 13 (imaging means, field-of-view providing means), and an illuminance sensor 14 (running detection means, illuminance detection means). Vehicle speed sensor 15 (travel detection means, speed detection means), occupant detection section 16 (travel detection means, seating detection means), various display switches (SW) 17, 18, and various display sections 21-23 (display). Means) and various door mirror driving units 23 and 24.

  As the various cameras 11 to 13, as shown in FIG. 2, the right camera 11 and the left camera 12 (FIG. 2) respectively disposed inside the storage member 30 that protrudes from the left and right side surfaces of the vehicle. And a central rear camera 13 disposed inside the storage member 50 protruding upward from the ceiling portion at the rear of the vehicle. These cameras 11 to 13 are respectively arranged toward the rear of the vehicle.

  Here, the imaging range by the right camera 11 is set so as to substantially coincide with the range of the rear view projected by the right door mirror 33 during normal use by the driver. Further, the imaging range by the left camera 12 is set so as to substantially match the range of the rear field of view that is projected by the left door mirror 34 during normal use by the driver.

  Further, the imaging range by the central rear camera 13 is set to substantially coincide with the range of the rear field of view projected during normal use by the driver by the room mirror 40 (see FIG. 4). Then, these cameras 11 to 13 transmit each captured image to the control unit 10.

  The illuminance sensor 14 and the vehicle speed sensor 15 are well-known sensors. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the illuminance sensor 14 detects the illuminance at a predetermined part (for example, on the dashboard) in the vehicle interior, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 10. The vehicle speed sensor 15 detects the vehicle speed of the host vehicle and transmits the detection result to the control unit 10.

  The occupant detection unit 16 detects that an occupant is in the rear seat of the host vehicle, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 10. Specifically, for example, the occupant detection unit 16 may be configured as a seating sensor that detects an occupant seated in the rear seat, or captures an image of the occupant seated in the rear seat with a camera having an imaging range inside the vehicle, The presence or absence of an occupant may be detected using an image processing technique.

  The side camera display switch 17 is a switch for setting whether or not the right display unit 21 and the left display unit 22 are allowed to display captured images by the right camera 11 and the left camera 12. It is configured to be turned on and off by operation. The setting state of the side camera display switch 17 (whether it is in an ON state or an OFF state) can be detected by the control unit 10.

  The right display unit 21 is used when displaying an image captured by the right camera 11, and the left display unit 22 is used when displaying an image captured by the left camera 12.

  The central camera display switch 18 is a switch for setting whether or not to allow the central display unit 23 to display a captured image by the central rear camera 13, and is turned ON / OFF by a passenger operating directly. It is configured as follows. The setting state of the central camera display switch 18 can also be detected by the control unit 10. In addition, each display part 21-23 should just be comprised as a known display.

  The right door mirror drive unit 24 and the left door mirror drive unit 25 open and close the right door mirror 33 and the left door mirror 34, respectively, in accordance with instructions from the control unit 10. The open / closed state of the door mirrors 33 and 34 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing the door mirror in the open (open) state, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram showing the door mirror in the closed (closed) state. Although only the right door mirror 33 will be described in FIG. 3, the same applies to the left door mirror 34.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the right door mirror 33 is configured to provide the driver with a field of view within a predetermined rear range in the open state. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the right door mirror 33 cannot provide a rear view in the closed state, but the amount of protrusion to the side of the vehicle (in the open state ( Since the front projection area is reduced, air resistance and wind noise (noise) during traveling can be kept small.

  Next, the control part 10 is comprised as a known microcomputer provided with CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., the process which displays the picked-up image by each camera 11-13 on each display part 21-23, and the vehicle speed sensor 15 Based on the detection result by the vehicle occupant detection unit 16 or the like, a process for selecting and operating at least one of the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23 or the door mirror driving units 24 and 25 (switching means) ).

  Here, the arrangement of the door mirrors 33, 34, and 40 and the display units 21 to 23 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A shows a case where the door mirrors 33 and 34 are fully opened, and FIG. 4B shows a case where the door mirrors 33 and 34 are fully closed.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the right display unit 21 and the left display unit 22 are arranged in the vicinity of the driver seat inside the door mirrors 33 and 34. Moreover, the center display part 23 is arrange | positioned in the area | region (the upper part of the room mirror 40 in the example shown in FIG. 4) which adjoins the room mirror 40 and does not inhibit the visual field at the time of a driver | operator confirming the front.

  In the field-of-view providing apparatus 1 configured as described above, a process of switching means used for the driver to confirm the rear is performed according to conditions. Specifically, when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are in an open state (a usable state), the display units 21 and 22 are turned off (a state in FIG. 3A), and the door mirrors 33 and 34 are in a closed state (unusable). State), the display units 21 and 22 are turned on (state shown in FIG. 3B).

  Such processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a side view switching process executed by the control unit 10.

  The side view switching process is a process repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle set in advance. As shown in FIG. 5, first, detection by various sensors (illuminance sensor 14, vehicle speed sensor 15, occupant detection unit 16) is performed. The result and various signals representing the setting state of the side camera display switch 17 are acquired (S100: travel acquisition means). Then, it is determined whether or not the side camera display switch 17 is in the ON state based on the acquired various signals (S110).

  If the side camera display switch 17 is in the OFF state (S110: NO), the side view switching process is immediately terminated. If the side camera display switch 17 is in the ON state (S110: YES), it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed V detected by the vehicle speed sensor 15 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value V1 (S120).

  If the vehicle speed V is equal to or higher than the threshold value V1 (S120: YES), the process proceeds to S140 described later. If the vehicle speed V is less than the threshold value V1 (S120: NO), it is determined whether or not the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (illuminance threshold) (S130).

  The “constant value” may be set to a brightness that makes it difficult for the driver to check the rear using the door mirrors 33 and 34 when the surroundings of the vehicle become dark. Specifically, the “constant value” is a camera when the illuminance is such that an article in the passenger compartment is reflected on the glass in front of the door mirrors 33 and 34, or when each camera has a function as a night vision camera (such as an infrared camera). However, it is only necessary to set the illuminance to such an extent that the function as a night vision camera can be exhibited.

  If the illuminance is less than a certain value (S130: NO), the process proceeds to S170 described later. If the illuminance is greater than or equal to a certain value (S130: YES), the process proceeds to S140.

  In the process of S140, it is determined whether or not the door mirrors 33 and 34 are completely closed (S140). If the door mirrors 33 and 34 are not completely closed (S140: NO), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are instructed to close the door mirrors 33 and 34 (S150), and the right camera 11 and the left camera. 12 is displayed on the right display unit 21 and the left display unit 22 respectively (S160). Then, the side view switching process ends.

  If the door mirror is completely closed (S140: YES), the images captured by the right camera 11 and the left camera 12 are immediately displayed on the right display unit 21 and the left display unit 22, respectively (S160). Then, the side view switching process ends.

  On the other hand, in the process of S170, it is determined whether or not the door mirrors 33 and 34 are completely open (S170). If the door mirrors 33 and 34 are not completely open (S170: NO), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are instructed to open the door mirrors 33 and 24 (S180), and the side view switching process is performed. finish.

  If the door mirrors 33 and 34 are completely open (S170: YES), the right display unit 21 and the left display unit 22 are turned off (S190), and the side view switching process is terminated.

  That is, each component which comprises the visual field providing apparatus 1 in said side visual field switching process operate | moves as shown to Fig.6 (a). FIG. 6A is a timing chart showing the operation timing of the display units 21 and 22 and the door mirrors 33 and 34 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 6A, the horizontal axis indicates time t.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when the operating condition is turned on (that is, when affirmative determination is made in S120 or S130), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are operated by the door mirror driving units 24 and 25 being operated. Although the transition from the completely open state to the completely closed state is made (S150), at this time, the display units 21 and 22 are in the ON state (fully lit state) almost simultaneously with the operation of the door mirrors 33 and 34 (the door mirror driving units 23 and 24). (S160).

  Then, when the operating condition is in the OFF state (that is, in the case of negative in S120 and S130), the door mirrors 33 and 34 shift from the fully closed state to the fully open state (S180). At this time, the display units 21 and 22 are kept ON until the door mirrors 33 and 34 are completely opened. Subsequently, when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are completely opened (S170: YES), the display units 21 and 22 are turned off (completely turned off) (S190).

  The display units 21 and 22 may be turned on before the door mirrors 33 and 34 start the operation of shifting from the fully open state to the fully closed state. Specifically, the process of S160 may be performed immediately before the process of S140.

  By the way, in the visual field providing device 1, as a process of switching the means used for the driver to check the rear, a process of switching between the visual field projected on the room mirror 40 and the visual field projected on the central display unit 23 (used together). Processing) is also performed. This process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a rear view switching process executed by the control unit 10.

  The rear view switching process is a process that is repeatedly performed at predetermined intervals that are set in advance. First, various signals representing the detection result by the occupant detection unit 16 and the setting state of the central camera display switch 18 are acquired ( S300: travel acquisition means). Then, it is determined whether or not the central camera display switch 18 is turned on (S310).

  If the central camera display switch 18 is in the OFF state (S310: NO), the rear view switching process is terminated. If the central camera display switch 18 is in the ON state (S310: YES), it is determined whether or not an occupant is seated in the rear seat based on the detection result acquired in S300 (S320).

  If an occupant is seated in the rear seat (S320: YES), the central display unit 23 is set to the ON state (S330), and the rear view switching process is terminated. If no occupant is seated in the rear seat (S340: NO), the central display unit 23 is set to the OFF state (S340), and the rear view switching process is terminated.

  In the field-of-view providing apparatus 1 described in detail above, a plurality of field-of-view providing means (door mirrors 33, 34, and 40, cameras 11 to 13 and display units 21 to 23) are arranged in different parts of the vehicle. , Each providing a field of view including within a specific range around the vehicle. The control unit 10 includes, in each view switching process, a field providing unit including the door mirrors 33, 34, and 40 according to an external command, and a field providing unit including the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23. At least one is selected and made available.

  According to such a field providing device 1, since a field within a specific range can be provided to the driver using a plurality of field providing means, the driver selects the most convenient field providing means. Can be used. Further, even if any of the field providing means is not available, the field of view can be provided to the driver as long as another field providing means arranged in a different part is available.

  Moreover, the control part 10 acquires the detection result by the illumination intensity sensor 14, the vehicle speed sensor 15, and the passenger | crew detection part 16 which detect the driving | running state or driving | running environment of the said vehicle by each visual field switching process. Then, according to this acquisition result, it is determined whether there is a possibility that the use of at least one view providing means may be hindered, and at least other than the view providing means determined that there is a possibility that use may be hindered. Lets the user select a view providing means.

  According to such a view providing device 1, it is possible to automatically select and use the most convenient view providing means. At this time, it is possible to make it possible to use at least a view providing means other than the view providing means that may interfere with use.

  Subsequently, in the field of view providing apparatus 1, at least one of the plurality of fields of view providing means is configured to include door mirrors 33, 34, and 40 that have the rear side in the vehicle within a specific range, and provide a plurality of fields of view. At least another one of the means is configured to include cameras 11 to 13 that capture an image within a specific range and display units 21 to 23 that display images captured by the cameras 11 to 13.

  According to such a view providing device 1, each of a case where the view providing means is configured as the door mirrors 33, 34, and 40 and a case where the view providing means is configured as the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23, respectively. The visual field providing means to be used can be switched according to the merit.

  Further, the vehicle includes storable door mirrors 33 and 34, and the control unit 10 acquires a detection result by the vehicle speed sensor 15 that detects speed information that is information on a traveling speed of the vehicle in each view switching process. When the acquired speed information is equal to or higher than a preset speed threshold value (V1), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are stored so as to hinder the use of the door mirrors 33 and 34, and the cameras 11 to 13 and Use of the display units 21 to 23 is selected.

  According to such a field providing device 1, since the use of the door mirrors 33 and 34 is prohibited when the traveling speed is increased and the door mirrors 33 and 34 are stored, air resistance and noise during high speed traveling are reduced. be able to. Moreover, since the display parts 21-23 are arrange | positioned in the position near a driver | operator's front rather than the door mirrors 33 and 34, a driver | operator's eyes | visual_axis movement at the time of high speed driving | running can be suppressed to the minimum.

  Further, the control unit 10 operates the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23 when storing the door mirrors 33, 34, and 40.

  According to such a field providing device 1, the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23 can be made available before the door mirrors 33 and 34 become unavailable. When 33 and 34 are made unusable, the driver's line of sight can be immediately guided to the display units 21 to 23.

  Furthermore, the control unit 10 acquires a detection result by the illuminance sensor 14 that detects the brightness around the vehicle, and the control unit 10 has the acquired illuminance is less than a preset illuminance threshold value (a constant value). In such a case, the use of the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23 is selected as an obstacle to the use of the door mirrors 33, 34, and 40.

  According to such a view providing device 1, it is possible to provide a view using the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23 without the possibility of reflection due to glass when the surroundings are dark.

  Further, the field-of-view providing apparatus 1 includes a room mirror 40, and the control unit 10 acquires a detection result by the occupant detection unit 16 that detects whether or not an occupant is seated in the rear seat, and the occupant is seated in the rear seat. If it is acquired, the use of the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23 is selected as an obstacle to the use of the room mirror 40.

  According to such a field providing device 1, when an occupant is seated in the rear seat, the use of the rearview mirror 40 is hindered (that is, the driver confirms the rearward view using the rearview mirror 40. It is possible to provide a field of view by the cameras 11 to 13 and the display units 21 to 23.

[Modification of First Embodiment]
The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can take various forms as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the display units 21 and 22 are switched between ON and OFF states, the display units 21 and 22 are immediately turned on or off, but the luminance of the images displayed on the display units 21 and 22 is gradually increased. It may be changed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are shifted from the fully open state to the fully closed state, the images displayed on the display units 21 and 22 are interlocked with this operation. The brightness may be changed gradually and gradually so that the maximum brightness is obtained when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are fully opened.

  In addition, when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are shifted from the fully closed state to the fully open state, the brightness of the images displayed on the display units 21 and 22 is continuously and gradually darkened in conjunction with this operation. , 34 may be completely extinguished when fully closed.

  According to such a view providing device 1, compared with the configuration in which the brightness of the display image is suddenly increased, the driver's attention is attracted to the display units 21 to 23 when the operations of the display units 21 to 23 are started. It can be prevented from passing. That is, it is possible to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable when the display units 21 to 23 are operated.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, another form of the visual field providing device 2 will be described. This embodiment (second embodiment) In the following embodiments, only the parts different from the field of view providing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail, and the same parts as the field of view providing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment are the same. The description will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the field-of-view providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. In the field-of-view providing device 2, in addition to the configuration of the field-of-view providing device 1 of the first embodiment, a line-of-sight detecting device 61, a right turn signal 62, a left turn signal 63, a gear position switch 64, as shown in FIG. A cruise control system 65, a brake switch 67 (braking detection means), and a rain sensor 68 (road surface condition detection means) are provided. The line-of-sight detection device 61, the right turn signal 62, and the left turn signal 63 correspond to the intention detection means in the present invention.

  The line-of-sight detection device 61 includes, for example, an infrared camera that captures the driver's face and an image processing device that performs image processing on an image captured by the camera, and the image processing device determines the driver's line-of-sight direction by image processing. It is configured to detect and send the detection result to the control unit 10. Further, the right turn signal 62 and the left turn signal 63 are configured in the same manner as a direction indicator disposed in a general vehicle, and the operation state (that is, whether the turn signal is ON or OFF) of each turn signal 62, 63. It is comprised so that the control part 10 can detect.

  The gear position switch 64 is periodically or shift lever position (specifically, for example, when the vehicle is an automatic vehicle, the shift lever position is “P (parking)”, “R (reverse)”, Each time “N (neutral)”, “D (drive)”, etc.) is changed, information on the position of the shift lever is sent to the control unit 10.

  The cruise control system 65 is a well-known system that allows the driver to drive the vehicle at a set speed without stepping on the accelerator. In this embodiment, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the system 65 is operating. It is configured to be detectable. The brake switch 67 is a switch that is turned on when the brake is actuated (when the brake is depressed), and is configured so that the controller 10 can detect the actuated state of the switch.

  The rain sensor 68 detects rain or snow by detecting, for example, water droplets or snow on the windshield, and sends the detection result to the control unit 10. In the present embodiment, the rain sensor 68 is used to detect whether or not the road surface is slippery.

  That is, the control unit 10 estimates that the road surface is also wet when water droplets or the like are present on the windshield. Then, it is determined that the road surface is more slippery than the dry state. In addition, the door mirror drive parts 24 and 25 below this embodiment are equipped with actuators that can open and close the door mirrors 33 and 34 steeply.

  In the following embodiments, the various cameras 11 to 13, the illuminance sensor 14, the occupant detection unit 16, the various display switches (SW) 17 and 18, and the various display units 21 to 23 are not provided. May be.

  Next, the operation | movement in the visual field provision apparatus 2 of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS. 9-12. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a mirror storage control process executed by the control unit 10, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing an operating state of the door mirrors 33 and 34.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing an operation when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are housed inside the door. It is assumed that the door mirrors 33 and 34 are completely closed at the start of the mirror storage control process.

  The storage control process starts when the vehicle power source such as an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, and the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to an open state or a closed state according to a predetermined condition. (S510 to S580: Displacement means).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, first, vehicle information is acquired (S410: intention acquisition means, braking acquisition means, road surface acquisition means). The vehicle information here includes information on detection results by the line-of-sight detection device 61 and information on operating states of the right blinker 62 and the left blinker 63, which are information for detecting an intention to visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34.

  The vehicle information also includes a detection result by the rain sensor 68 that is information for detecting whether or not the road surface is slippery. Further, the vehicle information includes information on the vehicle speed, the operating state of the cruise control system 65, and the operating state of the brake switch 67.

  Subsequently, based on the acquired vehicle information, whether or not the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a certain speed (S420), whether or not the cruise control system 65 (ACC) is in an OFF state (S430), and the right turn signal 62 is operating. (S440), whether the left turn signal 63 is in operation (S450), whether the driver's line of sight is directed to the right door mirror 33 (S460), and the driver's line of sight is the left door mirror. 34 (S470), whether raindrops or the like are detected (S480), and whether the brake switch 67 is in the ON state (S490). However, when a positive determination is made in any of the determinations, the following determination is omitted, and the door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to a preset setting position.

  Specifically, if the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than a certain speed (S420: YES), the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34 are raised and returned (S510). That is, a completely open state is set (see FIGS. 3 and 4). When this process ends, the process returns to S410.

  If the cruise control system 65 is in the OFF state (S420: NO and S430: YES), the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34 are raised and returned (S520), and the process returns to S410, similarly to the process of S510.

  If the right blinker 62 is in operation (S420 to S430: NO and S440: YES), only the right door mirror 33 is raised and returned (S530: see FIG. 10A), and the process returns to S410. If the left turn signal 63 is in operation (S420 to S440: NO and S450: YES), only the left door mirror 34 is raised and returned (S540), and the process returns to S410.

  If the driver's line of sight is directed to the right door mirror 33 (S420 to S450: NO and S460: YES), only the right door mirror 33 is raised and returned (S550), and the process of S410 is performed, as in the process of S530. Return. If the driver's line of sight is directed to the left door mirror 34 (S420 to S460: NO, and S470: YES), only the left door mirror 34 is raised and returned (S560) in the same manner as the process of S540, and the process of S410 is performed. Return.

  If raindrops or the like have been detected (S420 to S470: NO and S480: YES), both door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to the downforce generation angle (S570).

  Here, the door mirrors 33 and 34 in the present embodiment are configured to be able to rotate the door mirrors 33 and 34 on an axis parallel to the road surface and perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle. In the process of S570, the door mirrors 33 and 34 are rotated so that the traveling wind hits the upper surfaces of the door mirrors 33 and 34. If it does in this way, as shown to Fig.11 (a), a down force can be generated with the driving | running wind which strikes the door mirrors 33 and 34. FIG. When this process ends, the process returns to S410.

  If the brake switch 67 is in the ON state (S420 to S480: NO and S490: YES), the door mirror is displaced to the air brake generation angle (S580). At this time, as shown in FIG. 11B, the door mirrors 33 and 34 have a front projection area of the door mirrors 33 and 34 that is larger than the front projection area of the door mirrors 33 and 34 when fully open. It is displaced to become.

  The “front projected area” indicates the area of the door mirrors 33 and 34 when the vehicle is viewed from the vehicle traveling direction side (front surface). When this process ends, the process returns to S410.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in all of the processes of S420 to S490 ((S420 to S490: NO)), the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34 are set in the storage state (fully closed state) (S500). The door mirrors 33 and 34 are maintained in the stored state.

  Here, a housing portion 69 (see FIG. 12C) that houses at least a part of the door mirrors 33 and 34 (see FIG. 12A) is formed in the vehicle door (vehicle body portion). When the door mirrors 33 and 34 in the open state are brought into the retracted state, the mirrors are first folded into a closed state (see FIG. 12B), and then the door mirrors 33 and 34 are moved downward while moving the door mirrors 33 and 34 downward. A part is accommodated in the accommodating portion 69.

  At this time, the door mirrors 33 and 34 are moved downward as compared with the fully opened state. And the front projection area of the part which the door mirrors 33 and 34 exposed outside the accommodating part 69 is set so that it may become smaller than the front projection area when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are a full open state.

  In addition, when employ | adopting the structure which accommodates a mirror in the room mirror 40, the accommodating part 69 should just be formed in the ceiling part of a vehicle interior, for example.

  In the field-of-view providing device 2 according to the second embodiment described in detail above, the control unit 10 intends to visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 provided in the vehicle and providing the rear field of view in the mirror storage control process. Is detected by the line-of-sight detection device 61 for detecting the line of sight of the driver, the operation of the blinkers 62 and 63, and the like. When the intention to visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 is detected, the door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to a provision position where the rear view can be provided to the driver, and the intention to visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 is not detected. The door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to preset positions.

  Therefore, according to such a view providing device 2, when the driver visually recognizes the door mirrors 33, 34, the rear view is provided by the door mirrors 33, 34, and when the driver does not visually recognize the door mirrors 33, 34. The door mirrors 33 and 34 can be accommodated, or the door mirrors 33 and 34 can be used for purposes other than the door mirrors 33 and 34.

  In addition, when the driver does not visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the control unit 10 determines that the front projection area of the door mirrors 33 and 34 at the set position is the front surface of the door mirrors 33 and 34 at the provision position. The door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced so as to be smaller than the projected area. At this time, the setting position that is the position of the door mirrors 33 and 34 when the driver does not visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 is based on the provided position that is the position of the door mirrors 33 and 34 when the driver visually recognizes the door mirrors 33 and 34. Is also set downward.

  According to such a field providing device 2, it is possible to reduce the air resistance when the vehicle travels when the driver does not visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 when the vehicle travels at high speed.

  Moreover, according to such a field providing device 2, when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are comprised as the door mirrors 33 and 34 of a general vehicle, the area which the door mirrors 33 and 34 cover a window can be decreased. it can. Therefore, the blind spot by the door mirrors 33 and 34 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, when the driver's intention to visually recognize the door mirrors 33, 34 is detected, the control unit 10 places all of the door mirrors 33, 34 in the accommodating portion 69 that can accommodate at least a part of the door mirrors 33, 34 inside. When the door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to the provision positions set to the positions where they are not accommodated and the driver's intention to visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 is not detected, at least a part of the door mirrors 33 and 34 is placed in the accommodation portion 69. The door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to the set position set to the storage position.

  According to such a view providing device 2, when the driver does not visually recognize the door mirrors 33, 34, a part of the door mirrors 33, 34 is stored in the storage unit 69, so that the blind spots due to the door mirrors 33, 34 are reduced. Can do. Whether the driver looks at the door mirrors 33 and 34 or sees a landscape farther than the door mirrors 33 and 34 is determined, for example, by detecting the driver's line of sight and the operation by the driver in combination. Yes.

  Further, the control unit 10 acquires a detection result by the brake switch 67 that detects that the vehicle is being braked, the driver's intention to visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 is not detected, and the brake switch 67 When it is detected that the vehicle is braking, the door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced so that the front projection area of the door mirrors 33 and 34 at the set position is larger than the front projection area of the door mirrors 33 and 34 at the provision position. Let

  According to such a view providing device 2, the air resistance due to the traveling wind can be increased during braking when the driver does not visually recognize the door mirrors 33, 34, and therefore the braking distance of the vehicle can be reduced.

  Further, the control unit 10 acquires a detection result by the rain sensor 68 that detects whether the road surface is slippery or not by the presence or absence of rain or snow, and the intention of the driver to visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 is detected. If the rain sensor 68 detects that the road surface is slippery, the door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to the downforce generation position where the downforce is generated by the traveling wind hitting the door mirrors 33 and 34.

  According to such a field providing device 2, when the road surface is slippery, such as in rainy weather, it is possible to generate a down force on the vehicle and stabilize the behavior of the vehicle. Since the door mirrors 33 and 34 are configured as the door mirrors 33 and 34, lift or downforce can be generated at a position close to the center of gravity of the vehicle. Therefore, the stability of the vehicle behavior can be improved.

  Further, in the view providing device 2, the control unit 10 detects the intention of the driver to visually recognize the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34, and displaces the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34 separately between the provided position and the set position. Let

  According to such a view providing device 2, only the door mirrors 33, 34 that are visible to the driver among the left and right door mirrors 33, 34 are displaced to the provided positions, and the door mirrors 33, 34 that are not visually recognized by the driver are installed positions. Can be displaced.

[Modification of Second Embodiment]
In the mirror retracting control process, the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34 are raised and returned at extremely low speed (for example, when the vehicle speed is 10 km / h) or when traveling backward (when the gear position switch 64 outputs “R”). You may make it (refer FIG.10 (c)).

The door mirrors 33 and 34 may be configured as fender door mirrors 33 and 34. If comprised in this way, when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced to the down force generation position, the down force can be generated in front of the vehicle. If the driver's intention to visually recognize the door mirrors 33 and 34 is not detected and the rain sensor 68 detects that the road surface is difficult to slide, the door mirror The door mirrors 33 and 34 may be displaced to a lift generation position where lift is generated by the traveling wind hitting the 33 and 34 (see FIG. 11C). According to such a field providing device, when the road surface is difficult to slip, such as in fine weather, lift can be generated to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

  Further, when the driver activates the turn signals 62 and 63, the blinker 62, 63 can be detected when the gaze detection device 61 can detect that the driver has confirmed the mirror without immediately operating the turn signals 62, 63. 63 may be operated.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the visual field providing device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the field-of-view providing apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment.

  In addition to the configuration of the view providing device 1 of the first embodiment, the view providing device 3 includes the right turn signal 62, the left turn signal 63, the gear position switch 64, and the rain sensor 68 (rain and snow detection means). Yes. The field-of-view providing device 3 further includes an acceleration sensor 71, a tilt sensor 72, a steering sensor 73, a yaw rate sensor 74, a navigation device 75, a right mirror angle changing unit 76, and a left mirror angle changing unit 77. The vehicle speed sensor 15, the left turn signal 62, the right turn signal 63, the gear position switch 64, the navigation device 75, and the like correspond to vehicle state detection means in the present invention.

  The acceleration sensor 71 is configured as a well-known acceleration sensor, detects the acceleration applied to the vehicle together with its direction, and sends the detection result to the control unit 10. For example, the inclination sensor 72 detects the vehicle height before and after the vehicle, calculates the vehicle front-rear direction inclination based on these differences, and sends the calculation result to the control unit 10.

  The steering sensor 73 detects the angle at which the steering is rotated by the driver, and sends the detection result to the control unit 10. The yaw rate sensor 74 detects an angular velocity when the vehicle turns, and sends the detection result to the control unit 10.

  The navigation device 75 detects the current location of the vehicle, reads map information corresponding to the current location of the vehicle from an internal database, and displays a map image together with the current location of the vehicle on a display unit (not shown). The right mirror angle changing unit 76 and the left mirror angle changing unit 77 are configured as actuators that change the angle of the mirror unit 37 (see FIG. 15B) constituting the door mirrors 33 and 34.

  Next, the operation | movement in the visual field provision apparatus 3 of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIGS. 14-17. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a visual field range variable control process executed by the control unit 10, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the mechanism and configuration of the door mirrors 33 and 34. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing the operating state of the door mirrors 33 and 34, and FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing a change in the visible range by the door mirrors 33 and 34.

  The field-of-view variable control process is started when the vehicle power source such as an ignition switch is turned on, and changes the angle of the mirror unit 37 that constitutes the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34 according to a predetermined condition. To change the field of view.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, first, vehicle information is acquired (S610: gradient acquisition means, turning acquisition means, vehicle state acquisition means, rainfall and snow acquisition means). The vehicle information here includes information from the vehicle speed sensor 15, left turn signal 62, right turn signal 63, gear position switch 64, rain sensor 68, acceleration sensor 71, tilt sensor 72, steering sensor 73, and yaw rate sensor 74. It is.

  Subsequently, based on the detection result by the gear position switch 64, it is determined whether or not the gear position is “R” (S620). If the gear position is “R” (S620: YES), the visual field range is lowered (S630), and the process returns to S610.

  In the process of S630, “lowering the visual field range” means that the angles of the left and right mirror units 37 are directed downward (that is, the nearer rear view is mirrored via the right mirror angle changing unit 76 and the left mirror angle changing unit 77). Means change) (as shown in section 37). In addition, this is because when the vehicle backs, the driver needs to check obstacles such as curbs near the vehicle and a parking frame by using a mirror. This is because it is not necessary to confirm a distant position.

  On the other hand, if the gear position is not “R” (S620: NO), the vehicle speed acquired from the vehicle speed sensor 15 is compared with the reference vehicle speed of 10 km / h (S640). If the acquired vehicle speed is less than or equal to the reference vehicle speed (S640: YES), it is determined whether any of the left and right turn signals are operating (S650).

  If either the left or right turn signal is operating (S650: YES), the angle of the mirror on the side where the turn signal is operating is periodically changed. Specifically, the angle of the mirror unit 37 on the side where the blinker is operated is changed in the left-right direction at a constant cycle via the right mirror angle changing unit 76 or the left mirror angle changing unit 77 (S660: cycle changing means). ).

  If the blinker is not operating (S650: NO), it is determined based on the detection results by the vehicle speed sensor 15 and the rain sensor 68 whether the vehicle is stopped and the weather is rainy (S670). If the vehicle stops and the weather is rainy (S670: YES), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are operated as wipers (S680: wiping means), and the process returns to S610.

  Here, in the right door mirror driving unit 24 and the left door mirror driving unit 25 in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, two motors for independently driving the door mirrors 33 and 34 on two axes are provided. ing. Specifically, the door mirror driving units 24 and 25 drive the door mirrors 33 and 34 on a first axis parallel to the road surface and perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, the door mirrors 33 and 34 have a mirror part 37 that is a mirror surface and the mirror part 37 in a state in which the angle of the mirror part 37 can be changed by the mirror angle changing parts 76 and 77. A storage member 36 that is housed and held therein, and a wiper rubber 38 (wiper member) disposed at a lower portion of the storage member 36 are provided.

  In such a configuration, the control unit 10 uses the right door mirror driving unit 24 and the left door mirror driving unit 25 in the process of S680 so that the wiper rubber 38 is in contact with the window near the position where the door mirrors 33 and 34 are disposed. To reciprocate a certain number of times (see the lower diagram of FIG. 16). When this process is performed, the water droplets on the window are removed, and the visibility of the door mirrors 33 and 34 can be improved (see the upper diagram of FIG. 16). Further, if the door mirrors 33 and 34 are reciprocated at high speed, water droplets attached to the mirror portion 37 can be removed by centrifugal force.

  Next, returning to FIG. 14, if the vehicle is moving or the weather is not rainy in the process of S670 (S670: NO), the angles of the left and right mirror units 37 are changed in the left-right direction at regular intervals. (S690: period changing means), the process returns to S610. Next, if the acquired vehicle speed is equal to or lower than the reference vehicle speed in the process of S640 (S640: YES), the presence or absence of a gradient is determined (S700, S760: gradient change detecting means).

  If the gradient is uphill (S700: YES), the vehicle's front-rear direction inclination is calculated (S710), and the vehicle travels after this inclination is detected (travel of this gradient) continues for a certain distance or more. It is determined whether or not there is (S720). If the running of this gradient continues for a certain distance or more (S720: YES), the visual field range is returned to the normal range (S730), and the process returns to S610.

  Further, if the traveling of the gradient continues for less than a certain distance (S720: NO), as shown in FIG. 17A, the visual field range is raised from the normal range (S740: gradient changing means), The process returns to S610.

  If the slope is downhill (S700: NO and S760: YES), the vehicle's front-rear direction slope is calculated (S770), and it is determined whether traveling on this slope continues for a certain distance or more (S780). ). If the traveling of this gradient continues for a certain distance or more (S780: YES), the visual field range is returned to the normal range (S790), and the process returns to S610.

  Further, if the traveling of the gradient continues for less than a certain distance (S780: NO), as shown in FIG. 17B, the visual field range is lowered from the normal range (S800: gradient changing means), The process returns to S610.

  Here, in the processes of S730 and S790 described above, the visual field range is returned to the normal range when the traveling of the gradient continues for a certain distance or more. This is because the field of view needs to be raised or lowered only immediately after the gradient has changed, and the field of view is raised or lowered if the gradient continues over a long distance. If left unattended, it will be difficult for the driver to confirm the rear. In the present embodiment, the above configuration always provides an appropriate visual field range to the driver.

  Subsequently, when there is no gradient (S700, S760: NO), whether or not the vehicle is traveling on a curved road based on detection results by the vehicle speed sensor 15, the acceleration sensor 71, the steering sensor 73, the yaw rate sensor 74, and the like. Is determined (S810). If the vehicle is traveling on a curved road (S810: YES), the curvature of the curved road is calculated (S820). Corresponding to this calculation result, as shown in FIG. The field-of-view range is moved in a direction to cancel the angle change of the door mirrors 33 and 34 (right side when turning right, and left side when turning left) (S830: turning change means), and the process returns to S610. In the process of S830, the amount of horizontal movement of the field of view increases as the radius of curvature decreases.

  If the vehicle is not traveling on a curved road in the process of S810 (S810: NO), the visual field range is returned to the normal range (S840) so that the vertical visual field range corresponding to the vehicle speed is obtained. The visual field range is moved (S850). That is, as the vehicle speed increases, the driver needs to confirm further away, and as the vehicle speed decreases, the driver needs to confirm closer. For this reason, in the process of S840, the visual field range is set upward (substantially horizontal is the upper limit with respect to the vehicle) as the vehicle speed increases.

  When such a process is completed, the process returns to S610.

  In the field-of-view providing apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment described in detail above, when the change in the gradient on the road on which the vehicle travels is detected in the field-of-view range variable control process, the control unit 10 The angle of the mirror part 37 at 34 is changed in a direction to cancel the change in the angle of the mirror part 37 due to the change in the gradient.

  According to such a view providing device 3, since the angle of the mirror unit 37 is changed in a direction to cancel the angle change accompanying the change in the gradient, even if the gradient changes, it is displayed on the mirror unit 37 before the gradient changes. It is possible to provide an appropriate rear view.

  Further, the control unit 10 detects that the vehicle has turned along with the turning direction based on the detection results of the vehicle speed sensor 15, the acceleration sensor 71, the steering sensor 73, and the yaw rate sensor 74. Then, when the turning of the vehicle is detected, the control unit 10 changes the angle of the door mirrors 33 and 34 in a direction to cancel the change in the angle of the door mirrors 33 and 34 accompanying the turning of the vehicle.

  According to such a view providing device 3, the angle of the mirror unit 37 is changed to a direction that cancels the angle change accompanying the turning, so that it is possible to provide an appropriate rear view displayed on the mirror unit 37 before the turning. it can.

  Further, in the field-of-view providing device 3, the control unit 10 acquires the detection result by the vehicle speed sensor 15, thereby detecting that the vehicle is traveling slowly, and detecting the state where the vehicle is traveling slowly. The angle of the mirror part 37 is periodically changed.

  According to such a view providing device 3, the angle of the door mirrors 33 and 34 is periodically changed, so that a wide range of rear view can be provided by the driver. Therefore, the range which becomes a blind spot when the door mirrors 33 and 34 are seen can be narrowed. Further, in a situation where the driver does not need to check a wide range, the angles of the door mirrors 33 and 34 are not changed unnecessarily.

  Further, the control unit 10 acquires the detection result by the rain sensor 68 that acquires the detection result of rain or snow in the visual field range control process, and when the rain sensor 68 detects the rain or snow, the wiper rubber 38 is detected. The storage member 36 is moved in a state where the storage member is in contact with the window.

  According to such a field providing device 3, the window can be wiped by the wiper rubber 38. Here, the timing of wiping the window with the wiper rubber 38 may be just before the driver looks at the door mirrors 33 and 34. Specifically, a timing immediately before the driver sees the door mirrors 33 and 34 is registered in advance, and at this timing, the control unit 10 may move the storage member 36 to wipe the window. As specific timing, timing such as waiting for a signal or when the vehicle starts is considered.

[Modification of Third Embodiment]
In the field providing device 3, the angle of the mirror unit 37 is periodically changed while the vehicle is traveling slowly. For example, the detection result by the gear position switch 64 and the current location by the navigation device 75 are detected. By using the function to detect that the vehicle is traveling at an intersection or that the vehicle is moving backward, and when these states are detected, the angle of the mirror unit 37 is changed to the period It may be changed as desired.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the process of changing the visual field range is applied to the door mirrors 33 and 34, but may be applied to the room mirror 40.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the visual field providing device 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the field-of-view providing apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment.

  In addition to the configuration of the view providing device 1 of the first embodiment, the view providing device 4 includes a right mirror angle changing unit 76, a left mirror angle changing unit 77, and a distance measuring device 81 (distance measuring means). . The right mirror angle changing unit 76 and the left mirror angle changing unit 77 are the same as the configuration of the third embodiment.

  The distance measuring device 81 is arranged inside the storage member 36 in the door mirrors 33 and 34 in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and has a function of measuring a distance from an obstacle that may collide with the storage member 36. Specifically, the distance measuring device 81 includes a transmission unit that transmits ultrasonic waves and an ultrasonic sensor, and the transmitted ultrasonic sensor reflects a reflected wave reflected by an obstacle. By detecting the distance to the obstacle (see FIG. 19B), the detection result is sent to the control unit 10.

  Next, the operation | movement in the visual field provision apparatus 4 of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. FIG. 19A is a flowchart showing the tilt control process executed by the control unit 10, FIG. 19B is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of the distance measuring device 81, and FIG. 19C shows the operation of the door mirrors 33 and 34. It is explanatory drawing shown.

  The retractable control process is a process that is started when the vehicle power source such as an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, and is then repeatedly executed at regular intervals (for example, 100 ms). This is a process for preventing 34 from coming into contact with an obstacle. Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 19A, the distance to the obstacle is measured using the ultrasonic sensor of the distance measuring device 81 (S910: distance acquisition means).

  Then, the distance to the obstacle is compared with a reference distance (for example, 10 cm) that cannot avoid a collision (S920: comparison means). If the distance to the obstacle is equal to or greater than the reference distance (S920: NO), the process returns to S910.

  If the distance to the obstacle is less than the reference distance (S920: YES), the servo lock by the door mirror drive units 24, 25 is released (S930: lock control means). That is, in the present embodiment, when the distance to the obstacle is equal to or greater than the reference distance, the door mirror driving units 24 and 25 (motors) are driven so that the door mirrors 33 and 34 can withstand the wind pressure caused by the traveling wind. Although the door mirrors 33 and 34 are set in a state where they are held with a constant force (servo-locked state), in the process of S930, the drive of the door mirror drive units 24 and 25 (motor) is released.

  Subsequently, the door mirrors 33 and 34 on the obstacle detection side are stored using the door mirror drive units 24 and 25 (S940), and whether there is an obstacle less than the reference distance using the detection result of the ultrasonic sensor again. It is determined whether or not (S950: comparison means). If there is an obstacle (S950: NO), the process returns to S930.

  If there is no obstacle (S950: NO), the door mirrors 33 and 34 on the obstacle detection side are raised and returned (S960: lock control means), and the tilt control process is terminated.

  According to such a tiltable control process, for example, as shown in FIG. 19C, it is possible to prevent the door mirrors 33 and 34 from contacting each other when trying to pass a narrow road with an oncoming vehicle. it can.

  In the field-of-view providing apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment described in detail above, the control unit 10 measures the distance between the storage member 36 and an obstacle that may collide with the storage member 36 in the tilt control process. The measurement result by the distance measuring device 81 is acquired, and the distance measurement result is compared with the reference distance. Then, when it is determined that the distance measurement result is greater than or equal to the reference distance, the control unit 10 sets the storage member 36 in a locked state, and the distance measurement result is determined to be less than the reference distance. In this case, the locked state of the storage member 36 is set to the released state. The reference distance is set to a distance that is estimated to prevent collision.

  In such a view providing device 4, when there is no possibility that the storage member 36 collides with an obstacle, the storage member 36 can be locked and strongly supported, while the storage unit may collide with the obstacle. When the height increases, the release state in which the lock of the storage portion is released is set, so that the impact at the time of the collision can be reduced. Therefore, the magnitude of the force when supporting the storage member 36 can be easily set.

  Further, when the measurement result of the distance between the storage member 36 and the obstacle is less than the reference distance, the front projection area of the storage member 36 at the set position is smaller than the front projection area of the storage member 36 at the provision position. Thus, the door mirrors 33 and 34 are displaced.

  According to such a field providing device 4, the collision between the storage member 36 and the obstacle can be positively avoided.

  Here, the conventional storage member is supported by maintaining an angle of the mirror that can provide the driver with a rear view by a biasing member such as a spring, and a strong impact is exerted as when an obstacle collides with the storage member. When added, the storage member is provided with a mechanism that absorbs an impact while moving toward the rear of the vehicle. However, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, this mechanism becomes unnecessary. Therefore, the size of the storage member 36 can be reduced by an amount that does not require the mechanism, which is advantageous in terms of design, design, and cost.

[Modification of Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, the door mirrors 33 and 34 are stored in the process of S940 in order to actively avoid the collision between the storage member 36 and the obstacle, but the locked state is not detected in the process of S930. If canceled, the process of S940 may not be performed. This is because the shock at the time of collision is reduced because the locked state is released. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the said 4th Embodiment is acquired.

  In the distance measuring device 81 of the present embodiment, the distance to the obstacle is measured using ultrasonic waves, but techniques such as electromagnetic waves and image processing may be used.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, the visual field providing device 5 (warning device) of the fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the field-of-view providing apparatus 5 according to the fifth embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the view providing device 1 of the first embodiment, the view providing device 5 includes a person detecting device 91 (person detecting means), a wireless locking system 94, and the distance measuring device 81 described above.

  The person detection device 91 includes, for example, a pyroelectric sensor that detects infrared rays, detects a person around the vehicle using the pyroelectric sensor, and transmits a detection result of the person to the control unit 10. The wireless locking system 94 is a well-known system that unlocks and locks a vehicle in response to a command from a wireless key possessed by an occupant outside the vehicle.

  Next, the operation | movement in the visual field provision apparatus 5 of this embodiment is demonstrated using FIG. 21 and FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the notification operation control process executed by the control unit 10, and FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the view providing device 5. The notification operation control process is a process that is started when the vehicle power source such as an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, and that warns a person who may cause harm to the vehicle. .

  Specifically, first, vehicle information is acquired (S1010: person acquisition means). Here, the vehicle information corresponds to a detection result by the ultrasonic sensor of the distance measuring device 81, a detection result by the pyroelectric sensor of the person detecting device 91, or the like.

  Subsequently, the state of the ignition switch is determined (S1030). If the ignition switch is ON (S1030: YES), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are raised and returned (S1040), and it is determined whether or not the vehicle is stopped (S1050). In the process of S1040, if the door mirrors 33 and 34 have already been raised and returned, they are left as they are.

  If the vehicle is stopped (S1050: YES), it is determined whether there is an obstacle based on the detection result by the ultrasonic sensor (S1060). In this process, an affirmative determination is made if there is an obstacle within the detectable range of the ultrasonic sensor.

  If there is an obstacle (S1060: YES), it is determined whether the obstacle is a person based on the detection result by the pyroelectric sensor (S1070). Here, whether or not a person is a person is determined based on, for example, whether or not a pyroelectric sensor has detected a temperature region corresponding to a human body temperature.

  If the obstacle is a person (S1070: YES), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are swung by driving the door mirror driving units 24 and 25 on the side where the person is detected (S1080: warning means). At this time, the operating sound of the door mirrors 33 and 34 alerts the person in the vicinity of the vehicle and the vehicle occupant. That is, the person in the vicinity of the vehicle is warned that the vehicle may start, and the vehicle occupant is warned that there is a person in the vicinity of the vehicle. When the process of S1080 ends, the process returns to S1010.

  If it is determined in step S1070 that the obstacle is not a person (S1070: NO), if it is determined in step S1060 that there is no obstacle (S1060: NO), step S1010 is performed. Return to the process.

  Next, in the process of S1050, when it is determined that the vehicle is not stopped (S1050: NO), the distance to the obstacle and the reference distance that cannot avoid the collision are set as in S920. Are compared (S1090). If the distance to the obstacle is greater than or equal to the reference distance (S1090: NO), the process returns to S1010.

  If the distance to the obstacle is less than the reference distance (S1090: YES), the servo lock by the door mirror drive units 24 and 25 is released (S1100) as in the process of S930, and further, as in the process of S940. The door mirrors 33 and 34 on the obstacle detection side are stored using the door mirror drive units 24 and 25 (S1110), and the process returns to S1010.

  Next, when it is determined in the process of S1030 that the ignition switch is in the OFF state (S1030: NO), the left and right door mirrors 33 and 34 are placed in the retracted state (S1210). If it is already stored, the process proceeds to S1220.

  Subsequently, it is confirmed that a command from a wireless key possessed by a vehicle occupant is input via the wireless locking system 94 (S1220, S1230). If there is a command input from the wireless key (S1230: YES), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are raised and returned (S1240), and the left and right door mirror drive units 24 and 25 are driven to swing the door mirrors 33 and 34. (S1250).

  In other words, the door mirrors 33 and 34 are used to notify the occupant that the vehicle has been unlocked or locked. It should be noted that the door mirrors 33 and 34 may be operated in different patterns when unlocking and when locking. When such processing is completed, the processing returns to S1010.

  If there is no input from the wireless key in the process of S1230 (S1230: NO), whether there is an obstacle based on the detection result by the ultrasonic sensor as in the processes of S1060 and S1070 described above (S1300). ) And whether the obstacle is a person based on the detection result by the pyroelectric sensor (S1310).

  If the obstacle is not a person (S1300 or S1310: NO), the process returns to S1010. If the obstacle is a person (S1300 and S1310: YES), the time after the person is detected is counted, and the counted time is compared with a reference time (for example, about 30 seconds) ( S1320: Counting means).

  If the counted time is equal to or greater than the reference time (S1320: YES), the door mirrors 33 and 34 are raised and returned (S1330), and the door mirror driving units 24 and 25 on the side where the person is detected are driven to drive the door mirrors 33 and 34. Is swung (S1340: warning means). That is, by swinging the door mirrors 33 and 34, the detected person is urged to leave the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the person referred to here is a person who tries to steal equipment of a vehicle or a person who is playing in the vicinity of the vehicle, so as to exclude a simple passerby. The process is implemented. When such processing is completed, the processing returns to S1010.

  Further, if the time counted by the process in S1320 is less than the reference time (S1320: NO), the process returns to S1010.

  In the field-of-view providing apparatus 5 according to the fifth embodiment described in detail above, the control unit 10 acquires the detection result by the person detection apparatus 91 in the notification operation process, and the person detection apparatus 91 detects a person. In such a case, a warning is given to the person by an operating sound when the angles of the door mirrors 33 and 34 are changed.

  According to such a field providing device 5, since the warning is performed using the operation sound of the existing actuator or the like, the sound of the sound is compared with the case where a specialized means for producing a sound such as a buzzer is used. The audible range is very narrow. Nevertheless, the operating sound of the actuator that changes the angle of the door mirrors 33 and 34 has a sufficient volume to attract the attention of a person approaching the vehicle, and can be used effectively as a means for warning. it can. In addition, since an existing configuration can be used, it can be realized with an inexpensive configuration.

  In the present embodiment, when “changing the angles of the door mirrors 33, 34”, the angle of only the mirror portion 37 may be changed, or the angle of the storage member 36 for storing the mirror portion 37 may be changed. Also good.

  Moreover, the control part 10 counts the time after having passed since a person was detected in a notification action | operation process, and warns when the count exceeds reference time. The reference time is set to exclude only a passerby and warn only a person who may cause harm to the vehicle.

  According to such a field providing device 5, it is possible to avoid warning a person who leaves the vehicle within a reference time, such as a mere passerby. In addition, when unlocking or locking is performed with a wireless key in a known wireless locking system, notification to that effect is made by operating the door mirrors 33 and 34 (movement or actuator sound when changing the angle of the door mirrors 33 and 34). You can also

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1-5 ... Visibility provision apparatus, 10 ... Control part, 11 ... Right camera, 12 ... Left camera, 13 ... Center back camera, 14 ... Illuminance sensor, 15 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 16 ... Passenger detection part, 17 ... Side camera display Switch 18, central camera display switch 21, right display unit 22, left display unit 23, central display unit 24, right door mirror drive unit 25, left door mirror drive unit 30, storage member 33, right door mirror 34 ... Left door mirror, 36 ... Storage member, 37 ... Mirror part, 38 ... Wiper rubber, 40 ... Room mirror, 50 ... Storage member, 61 ... Gaze detection device, 62 ... Right turn signal, 63 ... Left turn signal, 64 ... Gear position Switch, 65 ... Cruise control system, 67 ... Brake switch, 68 ... Rain sensor, 69 ... Housing, 71 ... Acceleration sensor, 72 ... Inclination sensor 73, steering sensor, 74 ... yaw rate sensor, 75 ... navigation device, 76 ... right mirror angle changing unit, 77 ... left mirror angle changing unit, 81 ... distance measuring device, 91 ... person detecting device, 94 ... wireless locking system .

Claims (16)

A view providing device that provides a driver of a vehicle with a view within a predetermined range around the vehicle,
A plurality of visual field providing means that are arranged in different parts of the vehicle and each provide a visual field that includes the specific range;
Switching means for selecting and using at least one of the plurality of field-of-view providing means according to an external command;
A field-of-view providing apparatus comprising: A travel acquisition means for acquiring a detection result by a travel detection means for detecting a travel state or a travel environment of the vehicle;
According to the acquisition result by the travel acquisition means, it is determined whether or not there is a possibility that the use of the at least one view providing means may be hindered, and at least the visibility provided that there is a possibility that the use may be hindered. Switching control means for causing the switching means to select a field providing means other than the means;
The visual field providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one of the plurality of field providing means is configured to include a mirror that provides a field of view with the rear of the vehicle within the specific range,
At least another one of the plurality of field providing means includes an image pickup means for picking up an image within the specific range, and a display means for displaying an image picked up by the image pickup means. The field-of-view providing apparatus according to claim 2. The mirror is configured as a retractable door mirror,
The travel acquisition unit acquires a detection result by a speed detection unit that detects speed information that is information of a travel speed of the vehicle,
The switching control means stores the door mirror as an obstacle to the use of the door mirror when the speed information acquired by the travel acquisition means exceeds a preset speed threshold, and the imaging means The visual field providing device according to claim 3, wherein the switching unit is made to select use of the display unit. The field-of-view providing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the switching control unit operates the imaging unit and the display unit before the switching unit stores the door mirror. The travel acquisition means acquires the detection result by the illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance around the vehicle,
When the illuminance acquired by the travel acquisition means is less than a preset illuminance threshold, the switching control means is assumed to interfere with the use of the mirror, and the use of the imaging means and the display means The visual field providing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the switching means is selected. The mirror is configured as a room mirror disposed in a vehicle interior,
The travel acquisition means acquires the detection result by the seat detection means for detecting whether or not an occupant is seated in the rear seat,
When the travel acquisition means acquires that a passenger is seated in the rear seat, the switching control means is assumed to interfere with the use of the room mirror, and the use of the imaging means and the display means is used. The visual field providing device according to claim 3, wherein the switching means is selected. The field-of-view providing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the switching control means gradually changes the brightness of a display image when the display means is operated. A field of view providing device that provides a vehicle rear view to a driver of the vehicle,
An intention acquisition means for acquiring a detection result by an intention detection means for detecting an intention of the driver to visually recognize a mirror that is provided in a vehicle and provides the rear view;
When the intention is detected by the intention detector, the mirror is displaced to a provision position where the rear view can be provided to the driver, and is preset when the intention is not detected by the intention detector. Displacement means for displacing the mirror to a set position;
A field-of-view providing apparatus comprising: The visual field providing device according to claim 9, wherein
Road surface state acquisition means for acquiring a detection result by the road surface state detection means for detecting whether or not the road surface is slippery,
The mirror is arranged to protrude outside the vehicle on the left and right side surfaces of the vehicle,
The displacement means generates lift force by the traveling wind hitting the mirror when the intention detection means does not detect the intention and the road surface state detection means detects that the road surface is hard to slip. When the mirror is displaced to the lift generation position, the intention detection means does not detect the intention, and the road surface state detection means detects that the road surface is slippery, the traveling wind hitting the mirror A field-of-view providing device, wherein the mirror is displaced to a downforce generation position where downforce is generated by the step of. A field of view providing device that provides a vehicle rear view to a driver of the vehicle,
A gradient acquisition means for acquiring a detection result by the gradient change detection means for detecting a change in the gradient on the road on which the vehicle travels;
When the gradient change is detected by the gradient change detection means, the angle change of the mirror provided in the vehicle and providing the rear view is changed in a direction to cancel the angle change of the mirror accompanying the change in the gradient. Means,
It is characterized by having A field of view providing device that provides a vehicle rear view to a driver of the vehicle,
A turn acquisition means for acquiring a detection result by a turn detection means for detecting that the vehicle has turned together with the turning direction;
A turn change that changes the angle of the mirror provided in the vehicle and providing the rear field of view to a direction that cancels the change in the angle of the mirror accompanying the turn of the vehicle when the turn detection means detects the turn of the vehicle. Means,
A field-of-view providing apparatus comprising: A field of view providing device that provides a vehicle rear view to a driver of the vehicle,
Periodic change means for periodically changing the angle of a mirror provided in the vehicle and providing the rear view;
A field-of-view providing apparatus comprising: A field of view providing device that provides a vehicle rear view to a driver of the vehicle,
A rainfall / snow acquisition unit for acquiring a detection result by a rain / snow detection unit for acquiring a detection result of a rainfall or a snowfall;
When rain or snow is detected by the rain / snow detecting means, the mirror for providing the rear view is housed inside and protrudes outside the vehicle on the left and right side surfaces of the vehicle, and in the vehicle. A wiping means for moving a storage member having a wiper member for wiping a window in a state where the wiper member is in contact with the window;
A field-of-view providing apparatus comprising: A field of view providing device that provides a vehicle rear view to a driver of the vehicle,
The storage member that houses the pair of mirrors that protrudes outside the vehicle on the left and right side surfaces of the vehicle in a state in which the mirror that provides the rear field of view is housed inside and that collides with the storage member. Distance acquisition means for acquiring a measurement result by a distance measurement means for measuring the distance to an obstacle that may be
A comparison means for comparing a measurement result obtained by the distance acquisition means with a reference distance (a distance at which it is determined that a collision cannot be avoided);
When it is determined by the comparison means that the measurement result is greater than or equal to the reference distance, the storage member is set in a locked state, and the comparison means determines that the measurement result is less than the reference distance. A lock control means for setting the release state in which the lock state of the storage member is released,
A field-of-view providing apparatus comprising: A warning device that warns a person approaching a vehicle,
Person acquisition means for acquiring a detection result by a person detection means for detecting a person around the vehicle;
Warning means for warning the person with an operating sound when changing the angle of a mirror arranged to protrude outside the vehicle when a person is detected by the person detecting means;
A warning device comprising: