JP2016151961A - Notification device and notification system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a notification device and a notification system capable of notifying other vehicles of an operation state of an on-vehicle optical communication device mounted on a vehicle.SOLUTION: A communication device 2 includes a light emission part provided in a vehicle C with an on-vehicle optical communication device 1 for performing optical communication with an optical beacon 3 mounted thereon to emit visible light to other vehicles C, and a drive part for causing the light emission part to emit light in accordance with the operation state of the on-vehicle optical communication device 1, and notifies the other vehicles C of the operation state of the on-vehicle optical communication device 1 by light emission of the light emission part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a notification device and a notification system that are provided in a vehicle on which an in-vehicle optical communication device that performs optical communication with an optical beacon is mounted, and that notifies other vehicles of the operating state of the in-vehicle optical communication device.

  There is a driving support system that supports driving of a vehicle at an intersection by transmitting to the vehicle driving support information such as a signal lamp switching timing, a recommended speed of the vehicle at an intersection, using an optical beacon installed on a road ( For example, Patent Document 1). The in-vehicle optical communication device mounted on the vehicle receives the driving support information transmitted from the optical beacon, and displays the recommended speed and the like on the display unit based on the received driving support information.

Japanese Patent No. 5432331

  However, in the conventional driving support system, the driver of the vehicle not equipped with the in-vehicle optical communication device is operated based on whether the in-vehicle optical communication device is installed in another vehicle and based on the driving support information. There was a problem that we could not know whether or not. For example, if a driver of a vehicle that does not have an in-vehicle optical communication device finds a vehicle that has an in-vehicle optical communication device and can follow the vehicle and travel, it is safer or smoother at an intersection. Although driving assistance can be performed, this cannot be achieved with a conventional driving assistance system.

  An object of this invention is to provide the notification apparatus and notification system which can notify the operation state of the vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus mounted in the vehicle to another vehicle.

  A notification device according to an aspect of the present invention is provided in a vehicle on which an in-vehicle optical communication device that performs optical communication with an optical beacon is mounted. The light-emitting unit that emits visible light to another vehicle; and the in-vehicle light A drive unit that causes the light emitting unit to emit light according to an operation state of the communication device, and notifies the other vehicle of the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device by light emission of the light emitting unit.

  A notification system according to an aspect of the present invention is provided in a vehicle on which an in-vehicle optical communication device that performs optical communication with an optical beacon is mounted, and communication between vehicles or a roadside communication device with another vehicle. A first in-vehicle wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication by road-to-vehicle communication via a vehicle, and a control that causes the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit to wirelessly transmit information related to an operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device to the other vehicle And a second in-vehicle wireless communication unit that is mounted in the other vehicle and receives information relating to an operating state of the in-vehicle optical communication device, and a light emission that is mounted in the other vehicle and emits visible light into the vehicle And the light emitting unit is caused to emit light according to information related to the operating state received by the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit.

  In addition, the present application can be realized not only as a notification device and a notification system including such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a notification method using such characteristic processing as a step, It can be realized as a program for execution. Further, it can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes part or all of the notification device or the notification system, or can be realized as another system including the notification device or the notification system.

  According to the above, it is possible to provide a notification device and a notification system capable of notifying other vehicles of the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device mounted on the vehicle.

It is a schematic diagram which shows one structural example of the driving assistance system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of 1 structure of the vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1, and a notification apparatus. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a notification processing procedure according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a notification processing procedure according to the second embodiment. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a light emitting unit according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a notification processing procedure according to the third embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the light emission aspect of the light emission part according to the operation state of a vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a driving support system according to a fourth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the notification system which concerns on Embodiment 4. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a notification processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a driving support system according to a fifth embodiment.

[Description of Embodiment of the Present Invention]
First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described. Moreover, you may combine arbitrarily at least one part of embodiment described below.

(1) A notification device according to an aspect of the present invention is provided in a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle optical communication device that performs optical communication with an optical beacon, and a light emitting unit that emits visible light to another vehicle; A drive unit that causes the light emitting unit to emit light according to an operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device, and notifies the other vehicle of the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device by light emission of the light emitting unit.

In this application, a drive part makes a light emission part light-emit according to the operation state of a vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus. The light emitting unit can emit visible light to other vehicles. Therefore, the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device mounted on one vehicle can be notified to other vehicles by visible light emitted from the light emitting unit provided on the one vehicle.
A driver of another vehicle can drive the vehicle safely or smoothly by checking the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle optical communication device and following the vehicle.

(2) The drive unit is preferably configured to cause the light emitting unit to emit light when the in-vehicle optical communication device is operating.

In the present application, the light emitting unit emits light when the in-vehicle optical communication device is operating, and turns off when the in-vehicle optical communication device is not operating. Therefore, it is possible to notify other vehicles whether or not the in-vehicle optical communication device is operating by visible light emitted from the light emitting unit.
The driver of the other vehicle can drive the vehicle safely or smoothly by checking the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle optical communication device in operation and following the vehicle.

(3) The drive unit is preferably configured to cause the light emitting unit to emit light when the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information from the optical beacon through optical communication.

In the present application, the light emitting unit emits light when the in-vehicle optical communication device succeeds in receiving information from the optical beacon. Therefore, it is possible to notify other vehicles that the in-vehicle optical communication device has succeeded in receiving information from the optical beacon using visible light emitted from the light emitting unit.
The driver of the other vehicle can drive the vehicle safely or smoothly by checking the vehicle that has successfully received the information from the optical beacon and following the vehicle.

(4) The drive unit is preferably configured to turn off the light emitting unit when the in-vehicle optical communication device fails to receive information from the optical beacon by optical communication.

In the present application, the light emitting unit is turned off when the in-vehicle optical communication device fails to receive information from the optical beacon. Therefore, it is possible to notify other vehicles that the in-vehicle optical communication device has failed to receive information from the optical beacon by turning off the light emitting unit.
The driver of another vehicle can easily discriminate between a vehicle that has failed to receive information from the optical beacon and a vehicle that has successfully received the information, and has successfully received the information. By checking the vehicle and following the vehicle, the vehicle can be driven safely or smoothly.

(5) When the vehicle-mounted optical communication device receives information related to a plurality of signal lamps respectively provided at one or a plurality of intersections, the drive unit responds to the amount of information related to the signal lamps that have been successfully received. A configuration in which the light emitting section emits light in different light emission modes is preferable.

In the present application, the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information related to a plurality of signal lamps respectively provided at a plurality of intersections. The light emitting unit emits light in different light emission modes according to the amount of information related to the signal lamp that has been successfully received. Therefore, it is possible to notify other vehicles of the amount of information related to the signal lamp that has been successfully received by the in-vehicle optical communication device, by the light emission mode of the light emitting unit.
The driver of the other vehicle can drive the vehicle more safely or smoothly by confirming the vehicle receiving a lot of information related to the signal lamp and following the vehicle.
Note that different light emission modes can be obtained, for example, by changing the light emission color, light emission intensity, light emission pattern, and number of light emitting elements that emit light.

(6) It is preferable that the light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and the driving unit increases or decreases the number of the light emitting elements that emit light according to the number of the signal lamps corresponding to information that has been successfully received.

In the present application, the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information related to a plurality of signal lamps respectively provided at a plurality of intersections. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and the light emitting unit increases or decreases the number of light emitting elements that emit light according to the number of signal lamps corresponding to information that has been successfully received. Accordingly, the number of signal lamps corresponding to information that the in-vehicle optical communication device has successfully received can be notified to other vehicles by the light emission mode of the light emitting unit. In addition, it is not necessary for the light emission mode and the number of signal lamps to correspond exactly one to one.
The driver of the other vehicle can drive the vehicle more safely or smoothly by checking the vehicle that has succeeded in receiving information related to more signal lamps and following the vehicle.

(7) A notification system according to an aspect of the present invention is provided in a vehicle on which an in-vehicle optical communication device that performs optical communication with an optical beacon is mounted, and communication between vehicles or other vehicles A first in-vehicle wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication by road-to-vehicle communication via a roadside communication device and information related to an operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device are wirelessly transmitted to the other vehicle by the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit. A control unit for transmission, a second in-vehicle wireless communication unit that is mounted in the other vehicle and receives information relating to an operating state of the in-vehicle optical communication device, and is mounted in the other vehicle and is visible in the vehicle. The light emitting unit emits light, and the light emitting unit is caused to emit light according to information related to the operating state received by the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit.

In this application, the 1st vehicle-mounted radio | wireless communication part mounted in the one vehicle transmits the information which concerns on the operation state of a vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus to another vehicle according to control of a control part. The second in-vehicle wireless communication unit of the other vehicle receives the information transmitted from the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit. Information relating to the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device may be transmitted / received by vehicle-to-vehicle communication, or may be transmitted / received by road-to-vehicle communication via a roadside communication device.
The drive unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light according to the information received by the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit. That is, the drive part provided in the said other vehicle makes a light emission part light-emit according to the operation state of the vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus mounted in the said one vehicle. The light emitting unit can emit visible light into the interior of another vehicle. Therefore, the operating state of the in-vehicle optical communication device mounted on one vehicle can be notified to the driver of the other vehicle by visible light emitted from the light emitting unit provided on the other vehicle.
A driver of another vehicle can drive the vehicle safely or smoothly by checking the vehicle equipped with the in-vehicle optical communication device and following the vehicle.

(8) The drive unit is preferably configured to cause the light emitting unit to emit light when the in-vehicle optical communication device is operating.

  In the present application, as in the aspect (2), the light emitting unit emits light when the in-vehicle optical communication device is operating, and turns off when the in-vehicle optical communication device is not operating. Therefore, it is possible to notify other vehicles whether or not the in-vehicle optical communication device is operating by visible light emitted from the light emitting unit.

(9) Preferably, the drive unit causes the light emitting unit to emit light when the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information from the optical beacon through optical communication.

  In the present application, as in the aspect (3), the light emitting unit emits light when the in-vehicle optical communication device has successfully received information from the optical beacon. Therefore, it is possible to notify other vehicles that the in-vehicle optical communication device has succeeded in receiving information from the optical beacon using visible light emitted from the light emitting unit.

(10) The drive unit is preferably configured to turn off the light emitting unit when the in-vehicle optical communication device fails to receive information from the optical beacon by optical communication.

  In the present application, similarly to the aspect (4), the light emitting unit is turned off when the in-vehicle optical communication device fails to receive information from the optical beacon. Therefore, it is possible to notify other vehicles that the in-vehicle optical communication device has failed to receive information from the optical beacon by turning off the light emitting unit.

(11) When the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information related to a plurality of signal lamps respectively provided at one or a plurality of intersections, the drive unit responds to a variety of information related to the signal lamps that have been successfully received. A configuration in which the light emitting section emits light in different light emission modes is preferable.

  In the present application, as in the aspect (5), the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information on a plurality of signal lamps respectively provided at a plurality of intersections. The light emitting unit emits light in different light emission modes according to the amount of information related to the signal lamp that has been successfully received. Therefore, it is possible to notify other vehicles of the amount of information related to the signal lamp that has been successfully received by the in-vehicle optical communication device, by the light emission mode of the light emitting unit.

(12) It is preferable that the light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and the driving unit increases or decreases the number of the light emitting elements that emit light according to the number of the signal lamps corresponding to the information that has been successfully received.

  In the present application, as in the aspect (6), the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information on a plurality of signal lamps respectively provided at a plurality of intersections. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and the light emitting unit increases or decreases the number of light emitting elements that emit light according to the number of signal lamps corresponding to information that has been successfully received. Accordingly, the number of signal lamps corresponding to information that the in-vehicle optical communication device has successfully received can be notified to other vehicles by the light emission mode of the light emitting unit.

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
A specific example of a driving support system including a notification device or a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to these illustrations, is shown by the claim, and intends that all the changes within the meaning and range equivalent to a claim are included.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a driving support system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The driving support system according to the first embodiment includes an in-vehicle optical communication device 1 and a notification device 2 mounted on a vehicle C, an optical beacon 3 provided on a road R, and driving support that transmits driving support information to the optical beacon 3. An information providing device 4 is provided.

  The driving support information providing device 4 transmits driving support information for supporting safe or smooth driving at the intersection to the optical beacon 3. The driving support information includes, for example, switching timing of the signal lamp 5 provided on the road R, distance information to the intersection, and the like. The driving support information is information on recommended speed indicating the speed of the vehicle C for smoothly passing through the intersection, and information for instructing acceleration, deceleration or stop of the vehicle C. In addition, the specific content and format of the driving assistance information at the intersection are not particularly limited.

The optical beacon 3 includes an optical beacon control device 31 and a projector / receiver 32. The optical beacon control device 31 is provided on the shoulder before the intersection, and receives the driving support information transmitted from the driving support information providing device 4 through a wireless or wired communication network. The optical beacon control device 31 outputs the received driving support information to the projector / receiver 32.
The light emitter / receiver 32 includes a light emitting diode that emits infrared light and a photodiode that receives infrared light. The light emitter / receiver 32 can project infrared light toward the vehicle C traveling on the road R in a posture that can project infrared light. is set up. The light projector / receiver 32 projects the driving support information output from the optical beacon control device 31 to the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 of the vehicle C by projecting infrared light toward the vehicle C traveling on the road R. The light emitter / receiver 32 receives and receives the response signal transmitted from the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 that has received the driving support information, probe information, and other various types of information related to driving support with a photodiode. Information is output to the optical beacon control device 31. The optical beacon control device 31 transmits the information output from the projector / receiver 32 to the driving support information providing device 4. In FIG. 1, a broken-line circle indicates a region where the optical beacon 3 can perform optical communication. As shown in FIG. 1, the optical beacon 3 and the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 can perform optical communication only in a limited area.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 and the notification device 2 according to the first embodiment. The in-vehicle optical communication device 1 includes an optical communication control unit 11 configured by a microprocessor having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 11a, and the like. An optical communication unit 12, an in-vehicle communication unit 13, and an output unit 14 are connected to the optical communication control unit 11, and the operation of each unit is controlled.

  The optical communication unit 12 is a communication device that performs optical communication with the projector / receiver 32, and the optical communication is controlled by the optical communication control unit 11. The optical communication unit 12 includes a light receiving unit 12a having a photodiode that receives infrared driving support information transmitted from the light projector / receiver 32, and a light emitting diode that transmits information on the vehicle C side with infrared light. And an optical transmitter 12b. The light receiving unit 12 a receives the driving support information transmitted from the projector / receiver 32 and outputs the received driving support information to the optical communication control unit 11. The optical transmitter 12 b transmits various information output from the optical communication controller 11 to the light projector / receiver 32. For example, the light transmission unit 12b transmits a response signal to reception of driving support information, probe information including the position and speed of the vehicle C, and other information related to driving support.

  The optical communication control unit 11 acquires the driving support information output from the light receiving unit 12a and stores it in the storage unit 11a. Further, the optical communication control unit 11 outputs driving support information to the in-vehicle communication unit 13. Furthermore, the optical communication control unit 11 is configured to output a state signal indicating the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 to the outside via the output unit 14. The operation state may be substantially the operation state of the optical communication unit 12 instead of the operation state of the entire in-vehicle optical communication device 1.

The in-vehicle communication unit 13 is a circuit that transmits and receives information according to a predetermined communication protocol such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or LIN (Local Interconnect Network). For example, a notification unit 6 and a position detection unit 7 are connected to the in-vehicle communication unit 13. CAN and LIN are examples, and the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 may be connected to the notification unit 6 and the position detection unit 7 using a dedicated line.
The notification unit 6 is, for example, an audio device including a display unit or a speaker that notifies the driving support information transmitted from the optical communication control unit 11 via the in-vehicle communication unit 13 by an image or sound, or an instrument panel instrument. And a display unit provided. The display unit is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a head-up display, or the like. For example, the notification unit 6 notifies the driver of the vehicle C of a recommended speed at which the vehicle can safely pass through the intersection and an instruction to stop, accelerate, or decelerate before the intersection.
The position detection unit 7 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, for example. The GPS receiver constitutes a GPS system together with GPS satellites, receives radio waves from artificial satellites, and specifies the position of the position detector 7 itself, that is, the position of the vehicle C on which the position detector 7 is mounted. . Then, the position detection unit 7 outputs the specified position information of the vehicle C to the optical communication control unit 11.

  The output unit 14 is an interface that outputs a signal. For example, the output unit 14 outputs a high-level state signal when the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is operating. When the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is not operating, the state signal is not output from the output unit 14, and the state signal becomes low level. In addition, the format of the signal which shows the operation state of the vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus 1 is not specifically limited.

The notification device 2 is provided in the input unit 21 to which the state signal transmitted from the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is input and the vehicle C on which the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is mounted, and emits visible light to the other vehicle C. The light emitting unit 23 and a drive unit 22 that causes the light emitting unit 23 to emit light according to the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 are provided.
The light emitting unit 23 is, for example, a light emitting diode, and is provided outside the rear portion of the vehicle C. The drive unit 22 includes, for example, a switching element and a comparator that turn on and off the power supply to the light emitting unit 23. The comparator is a circuit that compares a state signal input to the input unit 21 and a reference signal indicating a predetermined operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1, and an output terminal of the comparator is a gate that controls on / off of the switching element. It is connected to the. The reference signal is, for example, a high level signal indicating that the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is operating. When a high level state signal is input, the comparator turns on the switching element and energizes the light emitting unit 23, and when a low level state signal is input, the comparator turns off the switching element and energizes the light emitting unit 23. Shut off. The configuration of the drive unit 22 is an example, and a dedicated microcomputer, a body ECU, or the like may perform drive control of the light emitting unit 23.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a notification processing procedure according to the first embodiment. A status signal is input to the input unit 21 of the notification device 2, and the notification device 2 determines whether or not the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is operating based on the status signal input to the input unit 21. (Step S11). When the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is operating (step S11: YES), the driving unit 22 supplies power to the light emitting unit 23 to cause the light emitting unit 23 to emit light (step S12). By causing the light emitting unit 23 to emit light, it is possible to notify the other vehicle C to the driver that the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is operating. When the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is not operating (step S11: NO), the drive unit 22 stops the power supply to the light emitting unit 23 and turns off the light emitting unit 23 (step S13).

  According to the notification device 2 according to the first embodiment, the vehicle C on which the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 and the notification device 2 are mounted changes the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 of the host vehicle C by the light emission of the light emitting unit 23. The vehicle C can be notified. The driver of the vehicle C confirms light emission and extinction of the light emitting unit 23 mounted on the vehicle C, so that the vehicle C mounted with the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 and the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 are mounted. Or the vehicle C in which the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 is stopped can be identified. Therefore, the driver of the other vehicle C can drive the vehicle C safely or smoothly by checking the vehicle C including the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 and following the vehicle C.

(Embodiment 2)
The configurations of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 and the notification device 2 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and only the contents of the status signal are different. Therefore, the differences will be mainly described below. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The optical communication control unit 11 of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 monitors the success or failure of reception of the driving support information transmitted from the light projecting / receiving device 32 of the optical beacon 3, and the reception status indicating the latest reception status of the driving support information The signal is output to the notification device 2 via the output unit 14. Further, since the optical communication performed by the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 with the optical beacon 3 is a short time, the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 stores the latest reception status in the storage unit 11a, and the storage unit 11a The latest reception status stored may be output to the notification device 2. Although the reception status holding period is not particularly limited, the reception status may be held until the next optical communication is performed, or the reception status may be held only for a predetermined time. good. Alternatively, the reception status may be maintained until a predetermined number of intersections are passed. When a navigation device capable of transmitting intersection position information is connected to the in-vehicle communication unit 13, the optical communication control unit 11 can acquire the position information of the intersection from the navigation device by the in-vehicle communication unit 13. Then, the optical communication control unit 11 can determine whether or not the vehicle C has passed the intersection based on the acquired position information of the intersection and the position information of the vehicle C acquired from the position detection unit 7. When the driving support information includes the position information of the intersection, the optical communication control unit 11 is based on the position information of the intersection included in the driving support information and the position information of the vehicle C acquired from the position detection unit 7. Thus, it can be determined whether or not the vehicle C has passed the intersection.
Furthermore, when information related to a plurality of intersections is received, the driving support information may be held until passing through the plurality of intersections on the travel route.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a notification processing procedure according to the second embodiment. A reception status signal is input to the input unit 21 of the notification device 2. Based on the reception status signal input to the input unit 21, the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 has successfully received the driving support information. It is determined whether or not (step S211). When the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 has successfully received the driving support information (step S211: YES), the drive unit 22 supplies power to the light emitting unit 23 to cause the light emitting unit 23 to emit light (step S212). By causing the light emitting unit 23 to emit light, it is possible to notify the other vehicle C to the driver that the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 has successfully received the driving support information. When the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 fails to receive the driving support information (step S211: NO), the drive unit 22 stops the power supply to the light emitting unit 23 and turns off the light emitting unit 23 (step S213).

According to the communication device according to the second embodiment, the light emitting unit 23 emits light when the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 succeeds in receiving the driving support information from the optical beacon 3, and when receiving the driving support information fails, Turns off. Therefore, it is possible to notify the other vehicle C that the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 has successfully received information from the optical beacon 3 by visible light emitted from the light emitting unit 23.
The driver of the other vehicle C can drive the vehicle C safely or smoothly by checking the vehicle C that has successfully received information from the optical beacon 3 and following the vehicle C.

(Embodiment 3)
The configurations of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 and the notification device 2 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, and only the configuration of the light emitting unit 323 and the contents of the status signal are different. Therefore, the following mainly describes the differences. To do. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the light emitting unit 323 according to the third embodiment. The light emitting unit 323 according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of first to third light emitting elements 323a, 323b, and 323c. The driving unit 22 controls light emission and extinction of the first to third light emitting elements 323a, 323b, and 323c of the light emitting unit 323, respectively.

  The optical communication control unit 11 of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 monitors the success or failure of reception of the driving support information transmitted from the light projector / receiver 32 of the optical beacon 3. The driving support information includes information for supporting driving at a plurality of intersections. The in-vehicle optical communication device 1 determines the number of signal lamps 5 related to driving support that has been successfully received, and receives the latest reception. The situation and the number of the signal lamps 5 are stored. The optical communication control unit 11 outputs a reception status signal indicating the latest reception status of the driving support information and the number of the signal lamps 5 to the notification device 2 via the output unit 14. For example, the reception status signal indicates the reception status of each of the driving support information related to the first to third signal lamps 5 provided at the nearest three intersections among the plurality of signal lamps 5 on the traveling route of the vehicle C. Show.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a notification processing procedure according to the third embodiment. A reception status signal is input to the input unit 21 of the notification device 2. Based on the reception status signal input to the input unit 21, the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 has successfully received the driving support information. It is determined whether or not (step S311). When the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 fails to receive the driving support information (step S311: NO), the drive unit 22 stops the power supply to the light emitting unit 323 and turns off the light emitting unit 323 (step S312).

  When the vehicle-mounted optical communication device 1 is operating (step S311: YES), the drive unit 22 determines whether or not the driving support information related to the first signal lamp 5 has been received based on the reception status signal ( Step S313). When it determines with having received the driving assistance information which concerns on the 1st signal lamp device 5 (step S313: YES), the drive part 22 lights the 1st light emitting element 323a (step S314).

  When the process of step S314 is completed, or when it is determined that the driving support information related to the first signal lamp 5 has not been received (step S313: NO), the drive unit 22 is connected to the second signal lamp 5 in the same manner. Whether or not the driving support information is received is determined based on the reception status signal (step S315). When it determines with having received the driving assistance information which concerns on the 2nd signal lamp device 5 (step S315: YES), the drive part 22 lights the 2nd light emitting element 323b (step S316).

  When the process of step S316 is completed, or when it is determined that the driving support information related to the second signal lamp 5 is not received (step S315: NO), the drive unit 22 drives the driving support related to the third signal lamp 5 Whether or not the information has been received is determined based on the reception status signal (step S317). When it determines with having received the driving assistance information which concerns on the 3rd signal lamp device 5 (step S317: YES), the drive part 22 lights the 3rd light emitting element 323c (step S318). When it determines with not having received the driving assistance information which concerns on the 3rd signal lamp device 5 (step S317: NO), the drive part 22 complete | finishes a process, without lighting the 3rd light emitting element 323c.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light emission mode of the light emitting unit 323 corresponding to the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1. For example, when the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 receives driving support information related to the three most recent intersections among the plurality of signal lamps 5 on the travel route, as shown in FIG. 7A, the optical communication control unit 11 turns on all the first to third light emitting elements 323a, 323b, and 323c.
When the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 receives only the driving support information related to the most recent intersection, as shown in FIG. 7B, the optical communication control unit 11 turns on the first light emitting element 323a, and first The second light emitting elements 323b and 323c are turned off.

  According to the notification device 2 according to the third embodiment, the light emitting unit 323 causes the first to third light emitting elements 323a, 323b, and 323c to emit light according to the number of signal lamps 5 corresponding to the driving support information that has been successfully received. Increase or decrease the number of. Therefore, the number of the signal lamps 5 corresponding to the information that the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 has successfully received can be notified to the other vehicle C by the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 323. Accordingly, the driver of the other vehicle C confirms the vehicle C that has successfully received information related to more signal lamps 5 and follows the vehicle C, thereby driving the vehicle C more safely or smoothly. can do.

In the third embodiment, an example in which the number of signal lamps 5 corresponding to the driving assistance information that has been successfully received and the number of first to third light emitting elements 323a, 323b, and 323c that emit light is associated on a one-to-one basis. As described above, it is not necessary that the number of the first to third light emitting elements 323a, 323b, and 323c that emit light and the number of the signal lamps 5 correspond exactly one to one.
Moreover, in the above-mentioned Embodiment 3, the example which increases / decreases the number of the 1st thru | or 3rd light emitting elements 323a, 323b, 323c to light-emit according to the number of the intersections which concern on the driving assistance information which the vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus 1 received. As described above, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 323 may be changed according to the number of intersections related to the received driving support information, such as changing the light emission color, light emission intensity, and light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 323. good.

(Embodiment 4)
The driving support system according to the fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 is notified to the other vehicle C by inter-vehicle communication. Explain the point. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the driving support system according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the notification system according to the fourth embodiment. The driving support system according to the first embodiment includes an in-vehicle optical communication device 401 mounted on one vehicle C and a notification device 402 mounted on another vehicle C.

  The in-vehicle optical communication device 401 mounted on one vehicle C includes the same optical communication control unit 11, optical communication unit 12, and in-vehicle communication unit 13 as in the first embodiment. A first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 is further connected to the in-vehicle communication unit 13 of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401. The first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication in a frequency band of 5.9 GHz and 700 MHz according to a predetermined communication protocol. The optical communication control unit 11 transmits state information indicating the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 1 to the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 via the in-vehicle communication unit 13. Note that the operating state may be substantially the operating state of the optical communication unit 12 instead of the operating state of the entire in-vehicle optical communication device 1 as in the first embodiment. The first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 transmits the state information transmitted from the optical communication control unit 11 via the in-vehicle communication unit 13 to the other vehicle C.

  The communication device mounted on the other vehicle C includes a second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420, a light emission control unit 421, a drive unit 422, and a light emission unit 423. The second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 receives the state information transmitted from the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408, and the light emission control unit 421 outputs a state signal corresponding to the received state information to the driving unit 422. The state signal is, for example, a signal similar to the state signal described in the first embodiment. The configuration of the driving unit 422 and the light emitting unit 423 is the same as that of the driving unit 422 and the light emitting unit 423 described in the first embodiment. However, the light emitting unit 423 is provided in the vehicle. Although the structure of the light emission part 423 is not specifically limited, For example, it is LED provided in the instrument panel. A display display may be used as the light emitting unit 423.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a notification processing procedure according to the fourth embodiment. The optical communication control unit 11 of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 transmits the state information of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 to the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 of the other vehicle C through the first in-vehicle optical communication unit 408 (step S411). . The light emission control unit 421 of the notification device 402 of the other vehicle C receives the state information transmitted from the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 in the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 (step S412). And the optical communication control part 11 performs light emission control of the light emission part 423 by outputting the drive signal according to the received status information to the drive part 422 (step S413).
The content of the light emission control unit 421 is the same as that of the first embodiment, for example. That is, the light emission control unit 421 determines whether or not the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 is operating based on the state information, and when the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 is in operation, causes the light emitting unit 423 to emit light, When not operating, the light emitting unit 423 is turned off.

  In the notification system according to the fourth embodiment, the drive unit 422 causes the light emitting unit 423 to emit light according to the state information received by the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 by inter-vehicle communication. That is, the drive unit 422 provided in the other vehicle C causes the light emitting unit 423 to emit light according to the operating state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 mounted on the one vehicle C. Therefore, the operating state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 mounted on one vehicle C can be notified to the driver of the other vehicle C by visible light emitted from the light emitting unit 423 provided on the other vehicle C. The driver of the other vehicle C can drive the vehicle C safely or smoothly by checking the vehicle C provided with the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 and following the vehicle C.

  The in-vehicle optical communication device 401 according to the fourth embodiment does not include the notification device 2 according to the first embodiment. However, the notification device 2 may be configured to be mounted on the one vehicle C. When comprised in this way, the operation state of the vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus 401 mounted in the one vehicle C can be notified with respect to the other vehicle C provided with the vehicle-to-vehicle communication function by vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The other vehicle C having no communication function can be notified of the operation state by the light emitting unit 23 provided at the rear of the one vehicle C.

The in-vehicle optical communication device 401 may be configured to transmit the position information of the host vehicle C detected by the position detection unit 7 to the other vehicle C in association with the state information. The notification device 402 of the other vehicle C can recognize which position information is mounted on the vehicle C traveling in which position by receiving the position information associated with the state information. The notification device 402 can notify the user of the position of the other vehicle C together with the operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 mounted on the other vehicle C. What is necessary is just to alert | report the position of the other vehicle C by changing the light emission mode of the light emission part 423. FIG.
Further, when the other vehicle C is equipped with the position detection unit 7, it is closest to the host vehicle C based on the position information detected by the position detection unit 7 and the position information associated with the state information. In addition, the state information of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 mounted on the vehicle C traveling ahead may be selected, and the selected state information may be notified.

Furthermore, although the control content of Embodiment 1 was demonstrated as an example of the light emission control in the light emission control part 421, it is not limited to this.
(Modification 1)
For example, the light emission control unit 421 may be configured to perform light emission control similar to that of the second embodiment. The in-vehicle optical communication device 401 of one vehicle C transmits reception status information indicating the latest reception status of the driving support information to the other vehicle C by the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408. The notification device 402 of the other vehicle C receives the reception status information transmitted from the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 in the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420. The light emission control unit 421 of the notification device 402 determines whether or not the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 of one vehicle C has successfully received the driving support information based on the reception state information. Then, when it is determined that the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 has successfully received the driving support information, the light emission control unit 421 determines that the light emitting unit 423 emits light and reception of the driving support information has failed. In such a case, the light emitting unit 423 is turned off.
The notification system according to the first modification has the same operational effects as the notification device 402 according to the second embodiment.

(Modification 2)
Further, the light emission control unit 421 may be configured to perform light emission control similar to that of the third embodiment. The in-vehicle optical communication device 401 of one vehicle C transmits a reception status signal indicating the latest reception status of the driving support information and the number of signal lamps 5 corresponding to the received driving support information to the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408. Then, it transmits to the other vehicle C. The notification device 402 of the other vehicle C receives the reception status information transmitted from the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 in the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420. The light emission control unit 421 of the notification device 402 determines whether or not the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 of one vehicle C has successfully received the driving support information based on the reception state information. And the light emission control part 421 turns off the light emission part 423, when it determines with the one vehicle-mounted optical communication apparatus 401 having failed in reception of driving assistance information. When it is determined that the driving support information has been successfully received, the light emission control unit 421 causes the number of light emitting elements corresponding to the received driving support information to emit light.
The notification system according to the modified example 2 has the same effects as the notification device 402 according to the third embodiment.

(Embodiment 5)
The configurations of the in-vehicle optical communication device 401 and the notification device 402 according to the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the fourth embodiment. Since the point configured to notify C is different from the fourth embodiment, the following mainly describes the difference. Since other configurations and operational effects are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, the corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of the driving support system according to the fifth embodiment. A roadside communication device 509 is provided at an appropriate location on the roadside or intersection. The roadside communication device 509 includes a roadside control unit configured by a microprocessor (not shown), and a roadside wireless communication device and a roadside storage unit are connected to the roadside control unit. The configuration of the roadside wireless communication device is the same as that of the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408, and various information is transmitted between the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 and the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 according to a predetermined communication protocol. Send and receive. The roadside communication device 509 can relay the information transmitted from the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit 408 of one vehicle C and transmit it to the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 of another vehicle C.

  The vehicle-mounted optical communication device 401 of one vehicle C transmits state information or reception status information indicating an operation state or reception status of the vehicle-mounted optical communication device 401 by vehicle-to-vehicle communication or road-to-vehicle communication via the roadside communication device 509. Then, the data is transmitted to the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 mounted on the other vehicle C. The second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 of the other vehicle C receives the state information or the reception state information by the inter-vehicle communication or the road-to-vehicle communication, and the notification device 402 is based on the received state information or the reception state information. The light emission of the light emitting unit 23 is controlled. The light emission control method is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  In the fifth embodiment, the drive unit 22 can cause the light emitting unit 23 to emit light according to the state information or the reception status information received by the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 by road-to-vehicle communication. The notification system according to the fifth embodiment has the same effects as the notification system according to the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,401 In-vehicle optical communication device 2,402 Notification device 3 Optical beacon 4 Driving support information provision device 5 Signal lamp 6 Notification unit 7 Position detection unit 11 Optical communication control unit 11a Storage unit 12 Optical communication unit 12a Optical reception unit 12b Optical transmission Unit 13 In-vehicle communication unit 14 Output unit 21 Input unit 22 Drive unit 23, 323 Light emitting unit 31 Optical beacon control device 32 Projector / receiver 323a First light emitting element 323b Second light emitting element 323c Third light emitting element 408 First in-vehicle wireless communication unit 420 2nd vehicle-mounted wireless communication part 421 Light emission control part 422 Drive part 423 Light emission part 509 Roadside communication apparatus C Vehicle R Road

Claims (12)

Provided in a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle optical communication device that performs optical communication with an optical beacon, a light emitting unit that emits visible light to other vehicles,
A drive unit that causes the light emitting unit to emit light according to an operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device,
A notification device that notifies the other vehicle of an operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device by light emission of the light emitting unit. The drive unit is
The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit emits light when the in-vehicle optical communication device is operating. The drive unit is
The notification device according to claim 1, wherein, when the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information from the optical beacon by optical communication, the light emitting unit emits light. The drive unit is
The notification device according to claim 3, wherein when the in-vehicle optical communication device fails to receive information from the optical beacon by optical communication, the notification unit turns off the light emitting unit. The drive unit is
When the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information related to a plurality of signal lamps respectively provided at one or a plurality of intersections, the light emitting unit has different light emission modes according to the amount of information related to the signal lamps that have been successfully received. The notification device according to claim 1, which emits light. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements,
The drive unit is
The notification device according to claim 5, wherein the number of the light emitting elements that emit light is increased or decreased according to the number of the signal lamps corresponding to information that has been successfully received. It is provided in a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle optical communication device that performs optical communication with an optical beacon, and wireless communication is performed with other vehicles by vehicle-to-vehicle communication or road-to-vehicle communication through a roadside communication device. A first in-vehicle wireless communication unit to perform;
A control unit that wirelessly transmits information related to an operation state of the in-vehicle optical communication device to the other vehicle in the first in-vehicle wireless communication unit;
A second in-vehicle wireless communication unit that is mounted in the other vehicle and receives information related to the operating state of the in-vehicle optical communication device;
A light-emitting unit mounted on the other vehicle and emitting visible light into the vehicle;
A notification system comprising: a drive unit that causes the light emitting unit to emit light according to information related to an operation state received by the second in-vehicle wireless communication unit. The drive unit is
The notification system according to claim 7, wherein the light emitting unit emits light when the in-vehicle optical communication device is operating. The drive unit is
The notification system according to claim 7, wherein when the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information from the optical beacon through optical communication, the light emitting unit emits light. The drive unit is
The notification system according to claim 9, wherein when the in-vehicle optical communication device fails to receive information from the optical beacon through optical communication, the light emitting unit is turned off. The drive unit is
When the in-vehicle optical communication device receives information related to a plurality of signal lamps respectively provided at one or a plurality of intersections, the light emitting unit has different light emission modes according to the amount of information related to the signal lamps that have been successfully received. The notification system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, which emits light. The light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements,
The drive unit is
The notification system according to claim 11, wherein the number of the light emitting elements that emit light is increased or decreased according to the number of the signal lamps corresponding to information that has been successfully received.

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