JP2017041074A - Driving assist apparatus, driving assist method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep an appropriate vehicle distance while a vehicle is running.SOLUTION: A driving assist apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a measurement unit measuring a vehicle distance between a first vehicle and a second vehicle running in front of the first vehicle from a picked-up image obtained by imaging the second vehicle; a position information acquisition unit acquiring position information on the first vehicle; and a notification unit notifying a driver of driving assist information when the current vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle measured by the measurement unit is out of a predetermined distance range prescribed on the basis of the position information as of now obtained by the position information acquisition unit and a current running velocity of the first vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a driving support device, a driving support method, and a program.

  In order to reduce the burden on the driver, the distance between the preceding vehicle traveling in front of the own vehicle and the own vehicle is measured, and the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance while taking into account the traveling speed of the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Devices are known that issue an alarm in the event of a failure.

JP 2009-2111265 A JP-A-10-217879 JP 2008-234414 A

  In the above-described conventional technology, an alarm is issued only when the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle is short. However, for example, because the road is unfamiliar with the driver, the traveling speed is slower than that of the preceding vehicle, and the distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle may be too far, resulting in traffic congestion. In such a case, smooth traffic cannot be secured.

  Accordingly, a driving support device, a driving support method, and a program that can maintain an appropriate inter-vehicle distance during traveling are provided.

  The driving support device of the embodiment includes a measurement unit that measures an inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle from a captured image obtained by imaging a second vehicle traveling in front of the first vehicle. A position information acquisition unit that acquires position information of the first vehicle, and a current inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle obtained by the measurement unit are obtained by the position information acquisition unit. A notification unit that notifies driving support information when the current position information is outside a predetermined distance range determined based on the current position information and the current traveling speed of the first vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the driving support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration around the in-vehicle cockpit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of each configuration of the driving support system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data collection processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an inter-vehicle distance determination process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of warning processing according to the first embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the driving support system according to the first embodiment. A driving support system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a control device 3 mounted on a vehicle (first vehicle) 2 and a driving support server 4.

  The base station 7 shown in FIG. 1 is a base station for transmitting and receiving information wirelessly. The control device 3 and the driving support server 4 of the first embodiment can transmit and receive information using wireless communication via the base station 7. In the first embodiment, the control device 3 is an example that needs to be connected to a portable terminal in order to perform wireless communication. However, the control device 3 itself includes an interface for performing wireless communication. Also good.

  In FIG. 1, the control device 3 is mounted on a vehicle 2 and performs control for assisting driving of a passenger on the vehicle 2. The control device 3 according to the first embodiment acquires information regarding the vehicle 2.

  For example, the control device 3 measures an inter-vehicle distance from a preceding vehicle (front vehicle) (second vehicle) 5 that precedes the traveling lane at a predetermined measurement cycle (for example, every several seconds). The control device 3 of the vehicle 2 acquires current position information based on a GPS signal acquired from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite 6.

  In addition, the control device 3 acquires the current traveling speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle 2 from the traveling system. The control device 3 transmits various information such as the acquired position information and travel speed to the driving support server 4 via the base station 7, for example.

  The driving support server 4 provides various information for the traveling vehicle. For example, the driving support server 4 receives the current inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle 2 and the preceding vehicle 5, the current position information of the vehicle 2, and the current traveling speed of the vehicle 2 from the control device 3. Based on these pieces of information, the driving support server 4 determines the current inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle 2 and the preceding vehicle 5 based on the current position information of the vehicle 2 and the current traveling speed of the vehicle 2. It is determined whether the distance is within the range, and the determination result is transmitted to the vehicle 2.

  The vehicle 2 acquires a determination result from the driving support server 4 by the above-described mobile terminal. When the current inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle 2 and the preceding vehicle 5 is outside the predetermined distance range based on the determination result acquired from the driving support server 4 (for example, when the vehicle 2 is narrower or wider than the predetermined distance range) ), A passenger (for example, a driver) of the vehicle 2 is notified by voice or the like from a portable terminal or a vehicle speaker. As a result, driving by the driver can be supported, and the vehicle 2 can maintain an appropriate inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle 5.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration around the in-vehicle cockpit (around the front of the driver's seat). As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 2 includes a control device 3, cameras 11-1 to 11-2 (hereinafter referred to as “camera 11” as appropriate), a GPS antenna 12, and a mobile terminal 13. The control device 3 and the mobile terminal 13 described above are integrally configured as a driving support device, for example.

  The cameras 11-1 to 11-2 capture the preceding vehicle 5 with a camera moving image. In the example of FIG. 2, an example in which the cameras 11-1 to 11-2 are provided symmetrically with respect to the vehicle 2 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The distance from the vehicle 2 to the preceding vehicle 5 (inter-vehicle distance) can be measured from the parallax information of the preceding vehicle 5 captured by the two cameras 11-1 to 11-2. The camera 11 may be a stereo camera or a monocular camera that can measure the distance from the preceding vehicle 5.

  The GPS antenna 12 receives a GPS communication signal from the GPS satellite 6 in order to acquire position information of the vehicle 2.

  The mobile terminal 13 performs data communication with the driving support server 4 via the base station 7. The mobile terminal 13 notifies the passenger (for example, driver) of the vehicle 2 by voice or the like based on the information acquired from the driving support server 4. Although the portable terminal 13 is a smart phone, a tablet terminal, etc., it is not limited to this.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram of each configuration of the driving support system according to the first embodiment.

(Configuration example of the control device 3)
As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 3 includes a camera image input unit 21, an image processing unit 22, an inter-vehicle distance analysis unit (measurement unit) 23, a GPS module 24, and a GPS communication unit (position information acquisition unit). 25, a vehicle speed detection unit 26, a control unit 27, a portable terminal communication unit 28, and a storage unit 29.

  The control device 3 shown in FIG. 3 executes, for example, a program stored in the storage unit 29, so that, of the above-described configurations, the camera image input unit 21, the image processing unit 22, the inter-vehicle distance analysis unit 23, The GPS module 24, the GPS communication unit 25, the vehicle speed detection unit 26, the control unit 27, and the mobile terminal communication unit 28 are realized. Hereinafter, an example in which the above-described configuration is executed by a program will be described, but it may be realized by a hardware configuration such as a computer.

  The camera image input unit 21 performs input processing on a camera moving image obtained by capturing the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 from the camera 11. When the preceding vehicle 5 exists before the vehicle 2, the camera image input unit 21 acquires a camera moving image in which the preceding vehicle 5 is captured.

  The image processing unit 22 performs image processing on the camera moving image acquired from the camera image input unit 21. The inter-vehicle distance analysis unit 23 analyzes the captured image acquired from the image processing unit 22 and acquires inter-vehicle distance data from the preceding vehicle 5.

  The GPS module 24 receives GPS communication signals via the GPS antenna 12 and captures a certain number (for example, four) or more of the GPS satellites 6. The GPS communication unit 25 acquires GPS data (latitude, longitude, altitude, current time, captured satellite number information, etc.) as current position information based on the GPS communication signal received by the GPS module 24.

  The vehicle speed detection unit 26 acquires the traveling speed at the current time from a speedometer (traveling system) provided in the vehicle 2 in advance. The traveling speed can also be acquired based on GPS data.

  The control unit 27 stores the inter-vehicle distance data with the preceding vehicle 5 acquired from the inter-vehicle distance analysis unit 23, the GPS data acquired from the GPS communication unit 25, and the traveling speed at the current time acquired from the vehicle speed detection unit 26 in the storage unit 29. Buffer a certain number. The control unit 27 notifies the driving support server 4 of the data buffered in the storage unit 29 via the mobile terminal communication unit 28 in a preset notification cycle unit (for example, every several minutes).

  The control unit 27 does not have to notify the driving support server 4 of all buffered data. For example, the control unit 27 notifies the driving support server 4 of some data selected based on a preset parameter. May be.

  The mobile terminal communication unit 28 performs data communication with the mobile terminal 13. Note that the mobile terminal communication unit 28 may be equipped with a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) as a communication function, may be connected to the wireless LAN via the mobile terminal 13, and has a wireless Internet connection function that the mobile terminal 13 has You may connect with.

  For example, the portable terminal communication unit 28 transmits inter-vehicle distance data with the preceding vehicle 5, GPS data, traveling speed, ID information for identifying the vehicle 2 that performs communication, and the like to the portable terminal 13. The ID information is preset for each vehicle and stored in the storage unit 29 or the like, but is not limited to this.

  The mobile terminal communication unit 28 connects to the mobile terminal 13 using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless LAN TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol) socket communication, USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication, or the like.

  The storage unit 29 stores various types of information necessary for the first embodiment. For example, the storage unit 29 stores various programs for the control device 3 to execute each process, various setting information, and the like.

(Configuration example of mobile terminal 13)
Also, the mobile terminal 13 shown in FIG. 3 performs data communication with the driving support server 4 and executes an application for displaying a warning to a passenger of the vehicle 2 (for example, a driver driving the vehicle 2). For example, the mobile terminal 13 includes a control device communication unit 31, a mobile terminal control unit 32, an HTTP communication unit 33, a voice (sound source) notification unit 34, a display unit 35, and a storage unit 36. The voice notification unit 34 or the display unit 35 is an example of a notification unit.

  The mobile terminal 13 illustrated in FIG. 3 executes, for example, a program stored in the storage unit 36, so that the control device communication unit 31, the mobile terminal control unit 32, the HTTP communication unit 33, among the configurations described above, A voice (sound source) notification unit 34 and a display unit 35 are realized. Hereinafter, an example in which the above-described configuration is executed by a program will be described, but it may be realized by a hardware configuration such as a computer.

  When the control device communication unit 31 acquires data via the mobile terminal communication unit 28 of the control device 3, the control device communication unit 31 notifies the mobile terminal control unit 32 of an event indicating that the data has been acquired.

  The mobile terminal control unit 32 controls the entire mobile terminal 13. For example, based on the data acquired from the control device communication unit 31, the mobile terminal control unit 32 acquires inter-vehicle distance data with respect to the preceding vehicle 5, GPS data, travel speed, ID information that identifies the vehicle 2, and the like. In addition, the mobile terminal control unit 32 transmits the acquired information to the driving support server 4 via the HTTP communication unit 33.

  In addition, the mobile terminal control unit 32 determines the determination result regarding the inter-vehicle distance data acquired from the driving support server 4 (for example, whether or not the current inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle 2 and the preceding vehicle 5 is within a predetermined distance range). Based on this, the voice notification unit 34 or the display unit 35 is controlled to issue a warning (notification of driving support information) to a passenger (for example, a driver) of the vehicle 2.

  As the notification of the driving support information of the present embodiment, it may be possible to output a voice message or display a message screen, but other methods may be used. As the voice message indicating the driving support information, when the current inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle 5 and the vehicle 2 becomes longer than a predetermined distance range, for example, A message that the interval is wide and a message that prompts an increase in the vehicle speed are applicable. Further, when the current inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle 5 and the vehicle 2 is shorter than a predetermined distance range, for example, a message that the inter-vehicle interval is narrow so as to be slightly away from the preceding vehicle 5, This corresponds to a message that prompts a reduction in vehicle speed. In the present embodiment, the driving support information is not limited to a voice message or a display message, but may be other information.

  The HTTP communication unit 33 performs data communication with the driving support server 4 via the base station 7. The HTTP communication unit 33 converts, for example, data acquired from the mobile terminal control unit 32 into HTTP request data, and transmits the HTTP request data to the driving support server 4.

  Based on the control content of the mobile terminal control unit 32, the voice notification unit 34 is distinguished by a voice guide notification or warning sound (buzzer) notification (pitch or buzzer interval) to the passenger (for example, driver) of the vehicle 2. ), Notification by music (notification corresponding to incoming music).

  As the above-mentioned driving support information notification, it is possible to output a voice message or display a message screen, but other methods may be used. The voice message indicating the driving support information includes a wide inter-vehicle distance so that the current inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle 5 and the vehicle 2 is not separated from the preceding vehicle 5 when the current inter-vehicle distance is larger than a predetermined distance range. A message to that effect, a message that prompts an increase in vehicle speed, and the like are applicable.

  In addition, when the current inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle 5 and the vehicle 2 is shorter than the predetermined distance range, a message indicating that the inter-vehicle distance is narrow and a reduction in the vehicle speed so as to be slightly away from the preceding vehicle 5 Corresponding message or the like. The driving support information is not limited to voice messages or display messages, but may be other information.

  The display unit 35 displays a warning message for the driver of the vehicle 2 based on the control content of the portable terminal control unit 32 or blinks a color-coded lamp for warning.

  Note that the warning by the voice notification unit 34 and the display unit 35 is not limited to the above-described example, and a warning is given by using the function of the mobile terminal 13 (for example, display, buzzer, music, voice, vibrator, etc.). Also good.

  The storage unit 36 stores various types of information necessary for the first embodiment. For example, the storage unit 36 stores various programs for the mobile terminal 13 to execute each process, various setting information, and the like.

(Configuration example of the driving support server 4)
As shown in FIG. 3, the driving support server 4 includes a storage unit 41, a digital map 42, a speed-vehicle distance database 43, an HTTP server unit 44, an inter-vehicle distance control unit 45, and a position conversion unit 46. And have.

  The driving support server 4 illustrated in FIG. 3 executes, for example, a program stored in the storage unit 41, so that, among the above-described configurations, the HTTP server unit 44, the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45, the position conversion unit 46, Is realized. Hereinafter, although an example in which the above-described configuration is executed by a program will be described, it may be realized by a hardware configuration such as a computer as described above.

  The storage unit 41 stores various types of information necessary for the first embodiment. For example, the storage unit 41 stores various programs for the driving support server 4 to execute each process, various setting information, and the like. Further, the storage unit 41 stores a digital map 42 and a speed-vehicle distance database 43.

  The digital map 42 stores information on roads on which the vehicle can travel and stores position data on the road corresponding to GPS data for specifying the position on the road.

  The speed-vehicle distance database 43 stores average vehicle distances associated with roads (locations and positions) stored in the digital map 42 and vehicle traveling speeds. The information stored in the speed-vehicle distance database 43 is not limited to this. For example, the speed-vehicle distance database 43 corresponds to road conditions such as time, season, day of the week, weather, whether it is morning or daytime or night, travel speed, and average vehicle distance, in addition to roads (locations, positions). You may add and remember.

  The average inter-vehicle distance is, for example, the average between vehicles corresponding to the traveling speed of the vehicle at the location or position by measuring the traveling speed of each vehicle traveling on the same road (location, position) and the inter-vehicle distance of each vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The HTTP server unit 44 performs data communication using the HTTP request data with the HTTP communication unit 33 of the mobile terminal 13. In addition, the HTTP server unit 44 edits the determination result related to the inter-vehicle distance data described above into response data, and transmits the response data to the mobile terminal 13.

  The inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 acquires inter-vehicle distance data with respect to the preceding vehicle 5, GPS data, traveling speed, ID information for identifying the vehicle 2, and the like from the portable terminal 13 via the HTTP server unit 44.

  The position conversion unit 46 refers to the digital map 42, identifies the position on the road corresponding to the GPS data (current position information) acquired from the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45, and converts it into position data on the road. Even when the GPS data includes an error, the position conversion unit 46 can determine the position on the road in consideration of the previously acquired GPS data and convert the position data to the current position data on the road. .

  The inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 acquires the current position data on the road converted from the GPS data by the position conversion unit 46. The inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 refers to the speed-inter-vehicle distance database 43 and acquires the average inter-vehicle distance corresponding to the position on the road and the current traveling speed.

  The inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 sets a predetermined distance range in consideration of the average inter-vehicle distance acquired from the speed-inter-vehicle distance database 43 and a threshold value, a margin, and the like according to the current travel speed. For example, when the average inter-vehicle distance is 50 m, 50 m to 60 m obtained by adding a margin to the average inter-vehicle distance is set as the predetermined distance range.

  The predetermined distance range is a range of the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle 5 and the vehicle 2 that is determined based on the average inter-vehicle distance, the margin, and the like. In order to ensure smooth traffic, the road condition and the current traveling speed Based on the above, it is a range that represents an appropriate inter-vehicle distance. By traveling so that the vehicle 2 is included in the prescribed distance range, the preceding vehicle 5 and the vehicle 2 are too close to each other, or the distance between the preceding vehicle 5 and the vehicle 2 is too far, causing traffic jams. Can be suppressed.

  The inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 determines whether or not the current inter-vehicle distance is included in a predetermined distance range. That is, the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 determines whether or not the current inter-vehicle distance is an appropriate distance. In addition, when the current inter-vehicle distance is narrower or wider than the predetermined distance range, the distance is out of the predetermined distance range.

  In the case of position data on a road that is not registered in the speed-vehicle distance database 43, the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 associates the relational expression between the traveling speed and the inter-vehicle distance, and the average speed and the inter-vehicle distance. The predetermined distance range described above may be obtained using a data table or the like.

  In addition, the learning function is provided in the speed-vehicle distance database 43, and the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control unit 45 stores the vehicle-to-vehicle distance, position data on the road, measurement time, etc. The information in the distance database 43 may be updated. In this case, the driving support server 4 may include an update unit that updates the inter-vehicle distance information (speed-inter-vehicle distance database 43) using, for example, the current position information, the current traveling speed, and the inter-vehicle distance.

(Data collection processing of the first embodiment)
Next, the data collection process regarding the vehicle 2 described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data collection processing according to the first embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the control device 3 of the vehicle 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 27 acquires the inter-vehicle distance data with the preceding vehicle 5 from the inter-vehicle distance analysis unit 23 at a predetermined measurement cycle (S10). Next, the control unit 27 acquires GPS data from the GPS communication unit 25 (S11).

  Next, the control unit 27 acquires the traveling speed of the vehicle 2 from the vehicle speed detection unit 26 (S12). Next, the control unit 27 transmits the above-mentioned inter-vehicle distance data, GPS data, travel speed, and the like to the mobile terminal 13 via the mobile terminal communication unit 28 (S13), and ends the process.

(Inter-vehicle distance determination process of the first embodiment)
Next, the determination process regarding the inter-vehicle distance of the vehicle 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an inter-vehicle distance determination process according to the first embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the driving support server 4.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 acquires GPS data, travel speed, and inter-vehicle distance data from the mobile terminal 13 (S20). Next, the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 refers to the speed-inter-vehicle distance database 43 based on the position data on the road converted from the GPS data, and averages corresponding to the road (position information) and the current traveling speed. The inter-vehicle distance is acquired (S21).

  Next, the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 compares the predetermined distance range set based on the average inter-vehicle distance with the current inter-vehicle distance, and determines whether the current inter-vehicle distance is within the predetermined distance range (S22). . When determining that the current inter-vehicle distance is within the predetermined distance range (Yes in S22), the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 notifies the portable terminal 13 of the determination result within the predetermined distance range (S23).

  If the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 determines that the current inter-vehicle distance is not within the predetermined distance range (No in S22), it determines whether the current inter-vehicle distance is wider than within the predetermined distance range (S24). .

  If the inter-vehicle distance control unit 45 determines that the current inter-vehicle distance is wider than the predetermined distance range (Yes in S24), the mobile terminal 13 notifies the portable terminal 13 of the determination result “wider” than the predetermined distance range. (S25). If it is determined that the current inter-vehicle distance is narrower than the predetermined distance range (No in S24), the mobile terminal 13 is notified of the determination result “narrower” than the predetermined distance range (S26), and the process Exit.

(Warning process of the first embodiment)
Next, warning processing based on the determination result of the inter-vehicle distance will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of warning processing according to the first embodiment. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the mobile terminal 13.

  When the mobile terminal control unit 32 acquires GPS data, travel speed, and inter-vehicle distance data from the control device 3 (S30), the mobile terminal control unit 32 transmits the acquired data to the driving support server 4. Note that the GPS data, travel speed, and vehicle distance data acquired from the control device 3 are data transmitted in the process of S13 of FIG.

  Next, when the portable terminal control unit 32 obtains a determination result regarding the current inter-vehicle distance from the driving support server 4 (S31), it determines from the determination result whether the current inter-vehicle distance is normal (within a predetermined distance range) (S32). ). The acquired determination result is the data notified in the processing of S23 to S26 in FIG.

  When the mobile terminal control unit 32 determines that the current inter-vehicle distance is not normal (outside the predetermined distance range) (No in S32), the mobile terminal control unit 32 determines whether the inter-vehicle distance is wide (S33). If it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance is large (Yes in S33), the portable terminal control unit 32 controls the voice notification unit 34 or the display unit 35 so as to issue a warning that the inter-vehicle distance is “wide” (S34). When it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance is not large (No in S33), the portable terminal control unit 32 controls the voice notification unit 34 or the display unit 35 so as to issue a warning that the inter-vehicle distance is “narrow” (S35).

  If it is determined that the current inter-vehicle distance is normal (Yes in S32), the mobile terminal control unit 32 determines whether a warning is currently being displayed (S36). When it is determined that the warning display is currently being displayed (Yes in S36), the portable terminal control unit 32 controls the voice notification unit 34 or the display unit 35 to stop the warning content (S37).

  If portable terminal control unit 32 determines that the warning is not currently being displayed (No in S36), the process is terminated.

  The driving support system 1 according to the first embodiment described above determines whether the current inter-vehicle distance is included in a predetermined distance range set based on the road on which the vehicle is traveling and the current traveling speed. The driver is warned accordingly. As a result, it is possible to maintain an appropriate inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle during traveling, and it is possible to ensure a safe driving by smoothing the flow of traffic.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the mobile terminal 13 is used to warn the passenger (for example, driver) of the vehicle 2 by wireless Internet access, voice (sound source), display, or the like. It is good also as a structure which does not use the portable terminal 13. FIG. That is, in the second embodiment, the control device 3 may be configured to have an Internet connection function and a warning function for a passenger (for example, a driver) of the vehicle 2.

  For example, in the second embodiment, the control device 3 may have a part or all of the configuration of the mobile terminal 13. The control device 3 includes, for example, an HTTP communication unit 33, a voice (sound source) notification unit 34, and a display unit 35, and realizes functions in each configuration so that the mobile terminal 13 is not used. Is possible.

  In the second embodiment, a vibration part such as a vibrator is provided in the seat, handle, etc. of the vehicle 2, and one or both of the seat and the handle are vibrated by the vibrator, so that the passenger (for example, driver) ) May be warned.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment described above, the configuration in which the mobile terminal 13 is not used has been described. However, for example, a car navigation system or the like may be provided with an Internet connection function or a driver warning function.

  In this case, the car navigation system mounted on the vehicle 2 includes the HTTP communication unit 33, the voice (sound source) notification unit 34, and the display unit 35 described above. A configuration that does not use the terminal 13 is possible.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the above-described first to third embodiments, the inter-vehicle distance determination is performed in the driving support server 4. For example, the control device 3 or the mobile terminal 13 is provided with the above-described speed-inter-vehicle distance database 43 so that the control device 3 or the portable terminal 13 may be configured to have an inter-vehicle distance determination function. In this case, the updated information of the speed-vehicle distance database 43 can be obtained by downloading the updated information from the driving support server 4.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In 5th Embodiment, it is set as the structure which mounts the distance determination function in the control apparatus 3. FIG. The control device 3 searches for a route to the destination in advance using, for example, a car navigation system. The control device 3 acquires the relationship between the travel speed on the route and the inter-vehicle distance obtained by the route search from the speed-vehicle distance database 43 of the driving support server 4. When the current position information is acquired from the GPS data, the control device 3 can determine the inter-vehicle distance at each position on the traveling route.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the control device 3 is preliminarily equipped with a dictionary database that stores relationships such as travel speed, inter-vehicle distance, and time on roads (road IDs) such as general roads, highways, and capital cities. The dictionary database may be stored in the storage unit 29.

  In this case, the control device 3 acquires the road ID from the current position information, refers to the dictionary database based on the acquired road ID, and acquires the relationship between the traveling speed, the inter-vehicle distance, and the time corresponding to the road ID. Based on the acquired information, the control device 3 can make an inter-vehicle distance determination corresponding to, for example, the current travel speed, the inter-vehicle distance, the current time, and the like.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Driving assistance system, 2 ... Vehicle, 3 ... Control apparatus, 4 ... Driving assistance server, 5 ... Leading vehicle, 6 ... GPS satellite, 7 ... Base station, 11 ... Camera, 12 ... GPS antenna, 13 ... Portable terminal, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Camera image input part, 22 ... Image processing part, 23 ... Inter-vehicle distance analysis part, 24 ... GPS module, 25 ... GPS communication part, 26 ... Vehicle speed detection part, 27 ... Control part, 28 ... Portable terminal communication part, 29 , 36, 41 ... storage unit, 31 ... control device communication unit, 32 ... portable terminal control unit, 33 ... HTTP communication unit, 34 ... voice (sound source) notification unit, 35 ... display unit, 42 ... digital map, 43 ... speed -Vehicle distance database, 44 ... HTTP server unit, 45 ... Inter-vehicle distance control unit, 46 ... Position conversion unit.

Claims (12)

A measurement unit that measures an inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle from a captured image obtained by imaging a second vehicle traveling in front of the first vehicle;
A position information acquisition unit for acquiring position information of the first vehicle;
The current inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle obtained by the measurement unit is the current position information obtained by the position information acquisition unit, and the current travel of the first vehicle. A notification unit for notifying driving support information when it is outside a predetermined distance range determined based on the speed;
A driving support device having The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on an average inter-vehicle distance obtained by statistically calculating a past inter-vehicle distance with respect to the current position information and the current traveling speed.
The driving support device according to claim 1. The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on the position indicated by the current position information on the route obtained by route search to the destination in advance and the current traveling speed.
The driving support device according to claim 1. The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on the relationship between preset travel speed and inter-vehicle distance,
The driving support device according to claim 1. A measurement step of measuring an inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle from a captured image obtained by imaging a second vehicle traveling in front of the first vehicle;
A position information acquisition step of acquiring position information of the first vehicle;
The current inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle obtained in the measurement step is the current position information obtained in the position information acquisition step, and the current travel of the first vehicle. A notification step of notifying the driving support information when it is outside a predetermined distance range determined based on the speed;
A driving support method. The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on an average inter-vehicle distance obtained by statistically calculating a past inter-vehicle distance with respect to the current position information and the current traveling speed.
The driving support method according to claim 5. The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on the position indicated by the current position information on the route obtained by route search to the destination in advance and the current traveling speed.
The driving support method according to claim 5. The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on the relationship between preset travel speed and inter-vehicle distance,
The driving support method according to claim 5. Computer
A measuring unit that measures an inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle from a captured image obtained by imaging a second vehicle traveling in front of the first vehicle;
A position information acquisition unit for acquiring position information of the first vehicle;
The current inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle obtained by the measurement unit is the current position information obtained by the position information acquisition unit, and the current travel of the first vehicle. A program for causing a driver to function as a notification unit for notifying driving support information when the vehicle is outside a predetermined distance range determined based on speed. The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on an average inter-vehicle distance obtained by statistically calculating a past inter-vehicle distance with respect to the current position information and the current traveling speed.
The program according to claim 9. The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on the position indicated by the current position information on the route obtained by route search to the destination in advance and the current traveling speed.
The program according to claim 9. The predetermined distance range is
It is determined based on the relationship between preset travel speed and inter-vehicle distance,
The program according to claim 9.

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