JP2021092836A - Vehicle approaching notification system - Google Patents

Abstract

To notify a user that an inter-vehicular distance between a front vehicle and the following vehicle is getting short in consideration of braking distance.SOLUTION: A vehicle approaching notification system 100 comprises: an inter-vehicular distance detection unit 10a; a notification determination unit 10e for determining the necessity of notification when the inter-vehicular distance is a predetermined notification reference distance or shorter; and a first notification control unit 10f for notifying a user that the inter-vehicular distance is getting short using a first notification unit 12 when it is determined that the notification is needed. The notification determination unit 10e sets up the notification reference distance based on at least one of the braking distances of a first vehicle V1 and a second vehicle V2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle approach notification system that notifies that the inter-vehicle distance between a vehicle in front and a vehicle following is shortened.

In recent years, so-called tilting driving in which the following vehicle travels in a state of approaching the vehicle in front has become a problem. For example, when a beginner in driving operation does not have a sense of the distance between vehicles, a beginner who drives a following vehicle may unintentionally drive in a tilted manner. In addition, the speed of the vehicle in front may be slow, and the following vehicle may approach the vehicle in front without the driver of the vehicle in front noticing.

Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a device for notifying that a following vehicle is approaching a vehicle in front. This device uses radar to measure the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle in front and the following vehicle, and notifies each vehicle when the inter-vehicle distance becomes short.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-77309

Here, the braking distance of the vehicle changes depending on various situations. Therefore, when the notification reference distance, which is a reference for notifying that the vehicle is approaching the vehicle in front, is constant, for example, even if the driver of the following vehicle activates the brake based on the notification, the inter-vehicle distance. May be too close.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle approach notification system capable of notifying that the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle is shortened while considering the braking distance.

The present invention is a vehicle approach notification system that notifies that the inter-vehicle distance between a vehicle in front and a following vehicle traveling behind the vehicle in front is short, and includes an inter-vehicle distance detection unit that detects the inter-vehicle distance. A notification determination unit that determines that notification is necessary when the inter-vehicle distance detected by the inter-vehicle distance detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined notification reference distance, a notification unit that performs notification, and a notification determination unit that determines that notification is necessary. If so, the notification control unit is provided to notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened by using the notification unit, and the notification determination unit notifies the vehicle based on at least one of the braking distances of the vehicle in front and the vehicle following. Set the reference distance.

In this vehicle approach notification system, the notification reference distance is set based on the braking distance of at least one of the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle, and the necessity of notification is determined based on whether or not the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the notification reference distance. Will be done. As a result, the vehicle approach notification system can suppress the notification even though it is an unnecessary situation, and the inter-vehicle distance is shortened when the situation is appropriate considering the braking distance. Can be notified. As described above, the vehicle approach notification system can notify that the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle is shortened while considering the braking distance.

The vehicle approach notification system further includes a front vehicle weight acquisition unit that acquires the weight of the vehicle in front, and the notification determination unit is heavy when the weight of the front vehicle acquired by the front vehicle weight acquisition unit is light. Since the braking distance of the vehicle in front is shorter than in the case, the notification reference distance may be set longer than in the case where the weight of the vehicle in front is heavy. When the weight of the vehicle in front is light, the braking distance of the vehicle in front is short, so that the distance between the vehicle in front and the vehicle in front tends to be short when the vehicle in front and the vehicle in front activate the brakes. Therefore, when the weight of the vehicle in front is light, the vehicle approach notification system can notify the vehicle in a state where the distance between the vehicle in front and the following vehicle is long by setting the notification reference distance to be long. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system can notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened in consideration of the braking distance of the vehicle in front, and can prevent the vehicles from coming too close to each other.

The vehicle approach notification system further includes a following vehicle weight acquisition unit that acquires the weight of the following vehicle, and the notification determination unit reduces the weight of the following vehicle when the weight of the following vehicle acquired by the following vehicle weight acquisition unit is heavy. Since the braking distance of the following vehicle is longer than in the case, the notification reference distance may be set longer than in the case where the weight of the following vehicle is light. When the weight of the following vehicle is heavy, the braking distance of the following vehicle becomes long, so that the distance between the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle tends to be short when the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle activate the brakes. Therefore, when the weight of the following vehicle is heavy, the vehicle approach notification system can notify the vehicle in a state where the distance between the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle is long by setting the notification reference distance to be long. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system can notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened in consideration of the braking distance of the following vehicle at an appropriate timing, and can prevent the vehicles from coming too close to each other.

The vehicle approach notification system further includes a weather determination unit that determines the weather around the vehicle in front and the following vehicle, and the notification determination unit determines that the weather is fine or cloudy when the weather determination unit determines that the weather is rainy. Since the braking distance of the following vehicle is longer than in the case where it is determined, the notification reference distance may be set longer than in the case where it is determined that the weather is fine or cloudy. In the case of rain, the braking distance of the following vehicle becomes longer due to the tire slipping than in the case of sunny or cloudy weather. Therefore, in the case of rain, the vehicle approach notification system can notify the vehicle in a state where the distance between the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle is long by setting the notification reference distance to be long. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system can notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened in consideration of the braking distance of the following vehicle based on the weather, and can prevent the vehicles from coming too close to each other.

The vehicle approach notification system further includes a gradient acquisition unit that acquires the slope of the road on which the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle travel, and the notification determination unit is up when the slope of the road acquired by the gradient acquisition unit is a downward slope. Since the braking distance of the following vehicle is longer than in the case of a slope, the notification reference distance may be set longer than in the case of being determined to be an uphill slope. When the road is downhill, the braking distance of the following vehicle is longer than when the road is uphill. Therefore, the vehicle approach notification system can notify the vehicle in a state where the distance between the vehicle in front and the following vehicle is long by setting the notification reference distance to be long in the case of a downward slope. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system can notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened in consideration of the braking distance of the following vehicle based on the slope of the road, and can prevent the vehicles from coming too close to each other. ..

In the vehicle approach notification system, the notification unit includes a display unit or sound output unit provided in the vehicle in front, a brake lamp provided at the rear end of the vehicle in front, and a display unit or sound provided in the following vehicle. It may include at least one of the output units. In this case, the vehicle approach notification system can notify the driver of the vehicle in front that the inter-vehicle distance is short when the display unit or the sound output unit provided in the vehicle in front is used as the notification unit. When the vehicle approach notification system uses a brake lamp provided at the rear end of the vehicle in front as the notification unit, the vehicle approach notification system can notify the driver of the following vehicle that the inter-vehicle distance is short. When the vehicle approach notification system uses a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the following vehicle as the notification unit, the vehicle approach notification system can notify the driver of the following vehicle that the inter-vehicle distance is short.

According to the present invention, it is possible to notify that the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle is shortened while considering the braking distance.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first vehicle approach notification device of the vehicle approach notification system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second vehicle approach notification device of the vehicle approach notification system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a schematic view showing the inter-vehicle distance when the first vehicle is the front vehicle and the second vehicle is the following vehicle. FIG. 3B is a schematic view showing the inter-vehicle distance when the second vehicle is the front vehicle and the first vehicle is the following vehicle. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of determination processing and notification processing performed in the vehicle approach notification system.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle approach notification system 100 includes a first vehicle approach notification device 1 mounted on the first vehicle V1 and a second vehicle approach notification device 2 mounted on the second vehicle V2. It has. In the present embodiment, the first vehicle approach notification device 1 mounted on the first vehicle V1 determines whether or not it is necessary to notify that the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is short. Then, the driver of the first vehicle V1 and the driver of the second vehicle V2 are notified that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened.

Here, the first vehicle V1 may be a front vehicle traveling in front of the second vehicle V2, and the second vehicle V2 may be a following vehicle traveling behind the first vehicle V1. On the contrary, the second vehicle V2 may be a front vehicle traveling in front of the first vehicle V1, and the first vehicle V1 may be a following vehicle traveling behind the second vehicle V2. The first vehicle approach notification device 1 mounted on the first vehicle V1 indicates that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened regardless of whether the first vehicle V1 is a front vehicle or a following vehicle. It is possible to determine the necessity of notification of.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first vehicle approach notification device 1 mounted on the first vehicle approach notification device 1 includes a first ECU [Electronic Control Unit] 10, a distance sensor 11, and a first notification unit (notification unit) 12. , And a notification signal transmission unit 13. The first ECU 10 is an electronic control unit having a CPU [Central Processing Unit], a ROM [Read Only Memory], a RAM [Random Access Memory], and the like. In the first ECU 10, for example, the program recorded in the ROM is loaded into the RAM, and the program loaded in the RAM is executed by the CPU to realize various functions.

The distance sensor 11 is a sensor for detecting the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 traveling in front of or behind the first vehicle V1. As the distance sensor 11, for example, a laser radar or a millimeter wave radar provided at the front end of the first vehicle V1 may be used in order to detect the distance between the vehicle and the second vehicle V2 traveling in front. Further, as the distance sensor 11, in order to detect the distance between the vehicle and the second vehicle V2 traveling behind, for example, a back camera or a laser radar provided at the rear end of the first vehicle V1 may be used. Good. As the distance sensor 11, various sensors can be used as long as the distance between the vehicle and the second vehicle V2 can be measured.

The first notification unit 12 is a device for notifying that the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is short. The first notification unit 12 may be, for example, a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the first vehicle V1 (the driver's cab of the first vehicle V1). The display unit and the sound output unit provided in the first vehicle V1 are used to notify the driver of the first vehicle V1. This display unit may be, for example, a notification lamp installed on a meter panel provided with a speedometer or the like, or a display for displaying an image. The sound output unit may be a speaker. The display unit and the sound output unit may be an HMI [Human Machine Interface] provided in the first vehicle V1.

Further, the first notification unit 12 may be a brake lamp provided at the rear end of the first vehicle V1. This brake lamp is used to notify the driver of the second vehicle V2 that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened when the first vehicle V1 is the vehicle in front and the second vehicle V2 is the following vehicle. Used.

When the notification determination unit 10e, which will be described later, determines that notification is necessary, the notification signal transmission unit 13 transmits a notification signal to the second vehicle approach notification device 2 mounted on the second vehicle V2. The notification signal transmission unit 13 can transmit a notification signal to the second vehicle approach notification device 2 of the second vehicle V2 by using various communication methods for communicating between vehicles. For example, the notification signal transmission unit 13 may transmit a notification signal to the second vehicle approach notification device 2 of the second vehicle V2 via a data center or the like, in addition to directly transmitting and receiving signals between vehicles. For example, the notification signal transmission unit 13 may transmit a notification signal to the second vehicle approach notification device 2 of the second vehicle V2 by using a distribution system for traffic jam information or the like in the car navigation device.

The first ECU 10 executes a notification process or the like to notify that the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is short. Functionally, the first ECU 10 includes an inter-vehicle distance detection unit 10a, a weight acquisition unit (front vehicle weight acquisition unit, following vehicle weight acquisition unit) 10b, a weather determination unit 10c, a gradient acquisition unit 10d, a notification determination unit 10e, and a first unit. 1 The notification control unit (notification control unit) 10f is provided.

First, the outline of the processing performed by each functional unit of the first ECU 10 will be described. After that, the details of the processing performed by each functional unit of the first ECU 10 when the first vehicle V1 becomes the vehicle in front and the details of the processing performed by each functional unit of the first ECU 10 when the first vehicle V1 becomes the following vehicle will be described. To do.

The inter-vehicle distance detection unit 10a detects the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 traveling in front of or behind the first vehicle V1 based on the detection result of the distance sensor 11.

The weight acquisition unit 10b acquires the weight of the first vehicle V1. For example, the weight of the first vehicle V1 changes depending on the amount and type of cargo. Therefore, the weight acquisition unit 10b may acquire the weight of the first vehicle V1 based on the load information indicating the amount and type of the load, for example. For example, this cargo information is input by the driver or shipper of the first vehicle V1, and the weight acquisition unit 10b may use the cargo information input by the driver or shipper or the like.

When the weight sensor for detecting the weight of the load is provided on the first vehicle V1, the weight acquisition unit 10b acquires the weight of the first vehicle V1 based on the weight of the load detected by the weight sensor. May be good. In this way, the weight acquisition unit 10b can acquire the weight of the first vehicle V1 by various methods.

Further, the weight acquisition unit 10b acquires the weight of the second vehicle V2. For example, the weight of the second vehicle V2 can be estimated from the size of the vehicle (type of large vehicle, small vehicle, etc.) and the like. Therefore, the weight acquisition unit 10b determines the size (type) of the second vehicle V2 by pattern matching or the like based on, for example, the captured image of the second vehicle V2, and the weight is based on the size of the second vehicle V2. May be estimated. As the captured image of the second vehicle V2, when the second vehicle V2 is traveling behind the first vehicle V1, the captured image captured by the back camera provided at the rear end of the first vehicle V1 is captured. It may be used. Further, as the captured image of the second vehicle V2, when the second vehicle V2 is traveling in front of the first vehicle V1, the captured image captured by the front camera provided at the front end of the first vehicle V1. May be used. The weight acquisition unit 10b may estimate the size of the second vehicle V2 by a well-known method based on the detection results of sensors other than the front camera or the back camera.

In this way, the weight acquisition unit 10b determines the size (type) of the second vehicle V2 by a well-known method based on the detection results of various sensors mounted on the first vehicle V1, and the second vehicle V2. The weight can be estimated based on the size of. In addition to determining the size of the second vehicle V2 and estimating the weight of the second vehicle V2, the weight acquisition unit 10b acquires, for example, weight information from the second vehicle V2 via wireless communication. , The weight of the second vehicle V2 may be obtained by various methods.

The weather determination unit 10c determines the weather around the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2. Here, the weather determination unit 10c determines whether it is rainy, sunny, or cloudy. For example, the weather determination unit 10c may determine whether it is rainy, sunny, or cloudy based on the operating condition of the wiper mounted on the first vehicle V1. For example, when the wiper is in the operating state, the weather determination unit 10c can determine that it is rainy. When the wiper is not in the operating state, the weather determination unit 10c can determine that it is sunny or cloudy. It should be noted that the rainy weather here includes not only the case where it is raining but also the case where it is snowing.

Further, the weather determination unit 10c may determine the weather around the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 based on the weather information acquired from, for example, an external weather information center or the like. The weather determination unit 10c can determine the weather by various methods.

The gradient acquisition unit 10d acquires the gradient of the road on which the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 travel. For example, the gradient acquisition unit 10d calculates the gradient of the road based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor mounted on the first vehicle V1, and uses the calculated gradient as the gradient of the road on which the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 travel. May be obtained as. Further, for example, when the map information includes the slope information of the road, the slope acquisition unit 10d is the road on which the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 travel based on the slope information of the road included in the map information. You may get the gradient of.

The notification determination unit 10e determines that notification is necessary when the inter-vehicle distance detected by the inter-vehicle distance detection unit 10a is equal to or less than a predetermined notification reference distance. Here, the notification determination unit 10e sets (changes) the notification reference distance based on the braking distances of the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the notification determination unit 10e acquires the weight of the first vehicle V1 and the weight of the second vehicle V2 acquired by the weight acquisition unit 10b, the weather determined by the weather determination unit 10c, and the gradient acquisition. The notification reference distance is set based on the slope of the road acquired in the part 10d. Regarding the details of the notification reference distance setting process performed by the notification determination unit 10e based on the weight of the first vehicle V1, the case where the first vehicle V1 is the front vehicle and the case where the first vehicle V1 is the following vehicle is divided into cases. It will be described later.

When the notification determination unit 10e determines that notification is necessary, the first notification control unit 10f uses the first notification unit 12 to notify that the inter-vehicle distance is short. The details of the notification process performed by the first notification control unit 10f will be described later by classifying the case where the first vehicle V1 is the front vehicle and the case where the first vehicle V1 is the following vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second vehicle approach notification device 2 mounted on the second vehicle V2 includes a second ECU 20, a notification signal reception 21, and a second notification unit (notification unit) 22. Like the first ECU 10, the second ECU 20 is an electronic control unit having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. In the second ECU 20, for example, various functions are realized by loading the program recorded in the ROM into the RAM and executing the program loaded in the RAM in the CPU.

The notification signal reception 21 receives the notification signal transmitted from the notification signal transmission unit 13 of the first vehicle approach notification device 1. As described above, the notification signal reception 21 receives the notification signal transmitted by the notification signal transmission unit 13 of the first vehicle approach notification device 1 by various methods.

The second notification unit 22 is a device for notifying that the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is short. The second notification unit 22 may be, for example, a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the second vehicle V2 (the driver's cab of the second vehicle V2). The display unit and the sound output unit provided in the second vehicle V2 are used to notify the driver of the second vehicle V2. This display unit may be, for example, a notification lamp installed on a meter panel provided with a speedometer or the like, or a display for displaying an image. The sound output unit may be a speaker. The display unit and the sound output unit may be an HMI provided in the second vehicle V2.

Further, the second notification unit 22 may be a brake lamp provided at the rear end of the second vehicle V2. This brake lamp informs the driver of the first vehicle V1 that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened when the second vehicle V2 is the vehicle in front and the first vehicle V1 is the following vehicle. Used.

The second ECU 20 includes a second notification control unit (notification control unit) 20a. When the notification signal is received by the notification signal reception 21, the second notification control unit 20a uses the second notification unit 22 to notify that the inter-vehicle distance is short. The details of the notification process performed by the second notification control unit 20a will be described later by classifying the case where the second vehicle V2 is the front vehicle and the case where the second vehicle V2 is the following vehicle.

(When the first vehicle V1 is a vehicle in front)
Next, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the first vehicle V1 is the vehicle in front and the second vehicle V2 is the following vehicle, the determination process and the notification process performed in the vehicle approach notification system 100 are performed. The details of the above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the vehicle approach notification system 100, when the speed of the first vehicle V1 is slower than that of the second vehicle V2 and the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened, or when the speed of the second vehicle V2 is faster than that of the first vehicle V1 and the inter-vehicle distance L is Notifies when becomes shorter.

When the speeds of the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 are equal to or higher than a predetermined speed (for example, 30 km / h or more), the vehicle approach notification system 100 performs notification processing and notification processing. Do. That is, when the speeds of the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 are equal to or higher than the predetermined speeds, the vehicle approach notification system 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the inter-vehicle distance detection unit 10a of the first vehicle approach notification device 1 mounted on the first vehicle V1 is a distance sensor 11 (first vehicle V1). Based on the detection result of a back camera or a laser radar provided at the rear end portion), the inter-vehicle distance L with the second vehicle V2 traveling behind the first vehicle V1 is detected (S101).

The notification determination unit 10e of the first vehicle approach notification device 1 sets the notification reference distance based on the weight of the first vehicle V1 and the like (S102). Specifically, when the weight of the first vehicle V1 (front vehicle) acquired by the weight acquisition unit 10b is light, the notification determination unit 10e of the first vehicle V1 has a heavier weight than that of the first vehicle V1. Since the braking distance is short, the notification reference distance is set longer than when the weight of the first vehicle V1 is heavy. That is, the notification determination unit 10e sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 that depends on the weight of the first vehicle V1.

Similarly, when the weight of the second vehicle V2 (following vehicle) acquired (estimated) by the weight acquisition unit 10b is heavy, the notification determination unit 10e determines that the weight of the second vehicle V2 is lighter than that of the second vehicle V2. Since the braking distance of the second vehicle V2 is long, the notification reference distance is set longer than when the weight of the second vehicle V2 is light. That is, the notification determination unit 10e sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of the second vehicle V2, which depends on the weight of the second vehicle V2.

Further, in the notification determination unit 10e, when the weather determination unit 10c determines that it is rainy, the braking distance of the second vehicle V2 (following vehicle) is longer than when it is determined that the weather is fine or cloudy. Therefore, the notification reference distance is set longer than when it is determined that the weather is fine or cloudy. That is, the notification determination unit 10e sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of the second vehicle V2, which depends on the weather.

Further, in the notification determination unit 10e, when the slope of the road acquired by the slope acquisition unit 10d is a downward slope, the braking distance of the second vehicle V2 (following vehicle) is longer than when the slope is an up slope. The notification reference distance is set longer than when it is determined that the slope is uphill. That is, the notification determination unit 10e sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of the second vehicle V2, which depends on the slope of the road. As described above, the notification determination unit 10e uses the weight of the first vehicle V1, the weight of the second vehicle V2, the weather, and the slope of the road, and uses the notification reference based on the braking distances of the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2. Set the distance.

Next, the notification determination unit 10e determines whether or not the detected inter-vehicle distance L is equal to or less than the set notification reference distance (S103). When the inter-vehicle distance L is equal to or less than the notification reference distance (S103: YES), it is determined that notification is necessary (S104). Then, the first notification control unit 10f uses the first notification unit 12 to notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened (S105).

Here, the notification determination unit 10e can perform notification using a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the first vehicle V1 as the first notification unit 12. As a result, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the driver of the first vehicle V1 that the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened. Further, the first notification control unit 10f can perform notification by turning on the brake lamp (see FIG. 3A) at the rear end of the first vehicle V1 provided as the first notification unit 12. As a result, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the driver of the second vehicle V2 traveling behind the first vehicle V1 that the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened. The first vehicle V1 does not decelerate even when the vehicle approach notification system 100 activates the brake lamp of the first vehicle V1 to notify that the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened. The vehicle approach notification system 100 lights only the brake lamp of the brake system when performing notification.

When it is determined in S104 that notification is necessary, the notification signal transmission unit 13 transmits a notification signal to the second vehicle approach notification device 2 mounted on the second vehicle V2. When the notification signal reception 21 of the second vehicle approach notification device 2 receives the notification signal transmitted from the first vehicle approach notification device 1, the second notification control unit 20a uses the second notification unit 22 to shorten the inter-vehicle distance. Notify that it has become (S105). Here, the second notification control unit 20a can perform notification using a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the second vehicle V2 as the second notification unit 22. As a result, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the driver of the second vehicle V2 that the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened.

On the other hand, when the inter-vehicle distance L is not equal to or less than the notification reference distance (S103: NO), the vehicle approach notification system 100 starts processing again from S101.

(When the second vehicle V2 is a vehicle in front)
Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the second vehicle V2 is the vehicle in front and the first vehicle V1 is the following vehicle, the determination process and the notification process performed in the vehicle approach notification system 100 are performed. The details of the above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the vehicle approach notification system 100, when the speed of the second vehicle V2 is slower than that of the first vehicle V1 and the inter-vehicle distance L is short, or when the speed of the first vehicle V1 is faster than that of the second vehicle V2, the inter-vehicle distance L Notifies when becomes shorter.

When the speeds of the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 are equal to or higher than a predetermined speed (for example, 30 km / h or more), the vehicle approach notification system 100 performs notification processing and notification processing. Do. That is, when the speeds of the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 are equal to or higher than the predetermined speeds, the vehicle approach notification system 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4, the inter-vehicle distance detection unit 10a of the first vehicle approach notification device 1 mounted on the first vehicle V1 is a distance sensor 11 (first vehicle V1). The distance L between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 traveling in front of the first vehicle V1 is detected based on the detection result of the laser radar or the millimeter wave radar provided at the front end portion of the vehicle (S101).

The notification determination unit 10e of the first vehicle approach notification device 1 sets the notification reference distance based on the weight of the first vehicle V1 and the like (S102). Specifically, when the weight of the first vehicle V1 (following vehicle) acquired by the weight acquisition unit 10b is heavy, the notification determination unit 10e of the first vehicle V1 is compared with the case where the weight of the first vehicle V1 is light. Since the braking distance is long, the notification reference distance is set longer than when the weight of the first vehicle V1 is light. That is, the notification determination unit 10e sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 that depends on the weight of the first vehicle V1.

Similarly, when the weight of the second vehicle V2 (front vehicle) acquired (estimated) by the weight acquisition unit 10b is light, the notification determination unit 10e determines that the weight of the second vehicle V2 is heavier than that of the second vehicle V2. Since the braking distance of the second vehicle V2 is shortened, the notification reference distance is set longer than when the weight of the second vehicle V2 is heavy. That is, the notification determination unit 10e sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of the second vehicle V2, which depends on the weight of the second vehicle V2.

Further, in the notification determination unit 10e, when the weather determination unit 10c determines that it is rainy, the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 (following vehicle) is longer than when it is determined that the weather is fine or cloudy. Therefore, the notification reference distance is set longer than when it is determined that the weather is fine or cloudy. That is, the notification determination unit 10e sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 that depends on the weather.

Further, in the notification determination unit 10e, when the slope of the road acquired by the slope acquisition unit 10d is a downward slope, the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 (following vehicle) is longer than when the slope is an up slope. The notification reference distance is set longer than when it is determined that the slope is uphill. That is, the notification determination unit 10e sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 that depends on the slope of the road. In this way, the notification determination unit 10e uses the weight of the first vehicle V1, the weight of the second vehicle V2, the weather, and the slope of the road to notify the notification based on the braking distances of the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2. Set the reference distance.

Next, the notification determination unit 10e determines whether or not the detected inter-vehicle distance L is equal to or less than the set notification reference distance (S103). When the inter-vehicle distance L is equal to or less than the notification reference distance (S103: YES), it is determined that notification is necessary (S104). Then, the first notification control unit 10f uses the first notification unit 12 to notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened (S105).

Here, the notification determination unit 10e can perform notification using a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the first vehicle V1 as the first notification unit 12. As a result, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the driver of the first vehicle V1 that the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened.

When it is determined in S104 that notification is necessary, the notification signal transmission unit 13 transmits a notification signal to the second vehicle approach notification device 2 mounted on the second vehicle V2. When the notification signal reception 21 of the second vehicle approach notification device 2 receives the notification signal transmitted from the first vehicle approach notification device 1, the second notification control unit 20a uses the second notification unit 22 to shorten the inter-vehicle distance. Notify that it has become (S105).

Here, the second notification control unit 20a can perform notification using a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the second vehicle V2 as the second notification unit 22. As a result, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the driver of the second vehicle V2 that the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened. Further, the second notification control unit 20a can perform notification by turning on the brake lamp (see FIG. 3B) at the rear end of the second vehicle V2 provided as the second notification unit 22. As a result, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the driver of the first vehicle V1 traveling behind the second vehicle V2 that the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened. The second vehicle V2 does not decelerate even when the vehicle approach notification system 100 activates the brake lamp of the second vehicle V2 to notify that the inter-vehicle distance L is shortened. The vehicle approach notification system 100 lights only the brake lamp of the brake system when performing notification.

On the other hand, when the inter-vehicle distance L is not equal to or less than the notification reference distance (S103: NO), the vehicle approach notification system 100 starts processing again from S101.

As described above, in the vehicle approach notification system 100, the notification reference distance is set based on the braking distances of the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2, and notification is performed based on whether or not the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than the notification reference distance. Is determined. As a result, the vehicle approach notification system 100 shortens the inter-vehicle distance when the situation is appropriate in consideration of the braking distance, for example, it is possible to suppress the notification even though it is an unnecessary situation. Can be notified. As described above, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify that the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is shortened while considering the braking distance.

For example, when the first vehicle V1 is traveling in front of the second vehicle V2, the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 becomes shorter when the weight of the first vehicle V1 (front vehicle) is light, so that the first vehicle When the V1 and the second vehicle V2 activate the brake, the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 tends to be shortened. Therefore, in the vehicle approach notification system 100, when the weight of the first vehicle V1 which is the vehicle in front is light, the notification reference distance is set to be long, so that the distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is long. It can be notified by the state. Similarly, for example, when the second vehicle V2 is traveling in front of the first vehicle V1, the braking distance of the second vehicle V2 becomes shorter when the weight of the second vehicle V2 (front vehicle) is light. When the second vehicle V2 and the first vehicle V1 activate the brake, the inter-vehicle distance between the second vehicle V2 and the first vehicle V1 tends to be shortened. Therefore, in the vehicle approach notification system 100, when the weight of the second vehicle V2, which is the vehicle in front, is light, the notification reference distance is set to be long, so that the distance between the second vehicle V2 and the first vehicle V1 is long. It can be notified by the state. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened in consideration of the braking distance of the vehicle in front, and can prevent the vehicles from coming too close to each other.

For example, when the first vehicle V1 is traveling in front of the second vehicle V2, when the weight of the second vehicle V2 (following vehicle) is heavy, the braking distance of the second vehicle V2 becomes long, so that the first vehicle When the V1 and the second vehicle V2 activate the brake, the inter-vehicle distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 tends to be shortened. Therefore, when the weight of the second vehicle V2 is heavy, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the vehicle in a state where the distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is long by setting the notification reference distance to be long. .. Similarly, when the second vehicle V2 is traveling in front of the first vehicle V1, the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 becomes longer when the weight of the first vehicle V1 (following vehicle) is heavy, so that the second vehicle V1 is second. When the vehicle V2 and the first vehicle V1 activate the brake, the inter-vehicle distance between the second vehicle V2 and the first vehicle V1 tends to be shortened. Therefore, when the weight of the first vehicle V1 is heavy, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the vehicle in a state where the distance between the second vehicle V2 and the first vehicle V1 is long by setting the notification reference distance to be long. .. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened in consideration of the braking distance of the following vehicle at an appropriate timing, and can prevent the vehicles from coming too close to each other.

For example, in the case of rainy weather, the braking distance of the following vehicle becomes longer due to the tire slipping than in the case of sunny or cloudy weather. Therefore, in the case of rainy weather, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can perform notification in a state where the distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is long by setting the notification reference distance to be long. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened in consideration of the braking distance of the following vehicle based on the weather, and can prevent the vehicles from coming too close to each other.

For example, when the road is downhill, the braking distance of the following vehicle is longer than when the road is uphill. Therefore, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify the vehicle in a state where the distance between the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 is long by setting the notification reference distance to be long in the case of a downward slope. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system 100 can notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened in consideration of the braking distance of the following vehicle based on the slope of the road, and suppresses the vehicles from coming too close to each other. it can.

Further, the first vehicle approach notification device 1 of the first vehicle V1 is provided with the first notification unit 12, and the second vehicle approach notification device 2 of the second vehicle V2 is provided with the second notification unit 22. When the first notification unit 12 is a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the first vehicle V1, the vehicle approach notification system 100 uses the first notification unit 12 to inform the driver of the first vehicle V1 the inter-vehicle distance. Can be notified that is getting shorter. For example, when the first vehicle V1 is traveling in front of the second vehicle V2, the vehicle approach notification system 100 turns on the brake lamp of the first vehicle V1 provided as the first notification unit 12. 2 It is possible to notify the driver of the vehicle V2 that the inter-vehicle distance is short.

Further, a notification signal is transmitted from the first vehicle approach notification device 1 mounted on the first vehicle V1 to the second vehicle approach notification device 2 mounted on the second vehicle V2. As a result, the second vehicle approach notification device 2 can perform notification using the second notification unit 22 based on the notification signal transmitted from the first vehicle approach notification device 1. Specifically, when the second notification unit 22 is a display unit or a sound output unit provided in the second vehicle V2, the vehicle approach notification system 100 uses the second notification unit 22 to perform the second vehicle V2. It is possible to notify the driver that the distance between vehicles is getting shorter. For example, when the second vehicle V2 is traveling in front of the first vehicle V1, the vehicle approach notification system 100 turns on the brake lamp of the second vehicle V2 provided as the second notification unit 22 to obtain the second vehicle. It is possible to notify the driver of one vehicle V1 that the inter-vehicle distance is short.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the vehicle approach notification system 100 may not include the first notification unit 12 mounted on the first vehicle V1. That is, the vehicle approach notification system 100 may notify the driver of the first vehicle V1 or the driver of the second vehicle V2 by using the second notification unit 22 mounted on the second vehicle V2. Similarly, the vehicle approach notification system 100 does not have to include the second notification unit 22 mounted on the second vehicle V2. That is, the vehicle approach notification system 100 may notify the driver of the first vehicle V1 or the driver of the second vehicle V2 by using the first notification unit 12 mounted on the first vehicle V1.

Further, in the above embodiment, the notification determination unit 10e depends on the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 depending on the weight of the first vehicle V1, the braking distance of the second vehicle V2 depending on the weight of the second vehicle V2, and the weather. The notification reference distance was set based on the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 or the second vehicle V2 and the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 or the second vehicle V2 depending on the slope of the road. Not limited to this, the notification determination unit 10e determines the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 or the second vehicle V2 depending on at least one of the weight of the first vehicle V1, the weight of the second vehicle V2, the weather, and the gradient. The notification reference distance may be set based on the above. Further, the notification reference distance is set based on the braking distance of the first vehicle V1 or the second vehicle V2, which depends on the weight of the first vehicle V1, the weight of the second vehicle V2, the weather, and the requirements (states) other than the gradient. You may.

Further, a part of each functional unit of the first ECU 10 of the first vehicle approach notification device 1 mounted on the first vehicle V1 is provided in a management center capable of communicating with the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2 and the like. You may. For example, the inter-vehicle distance detection unit 10a of the first ECU 10 may be provided in the management center. In this case, for example, the inter-vehicle distance detection unit provided in the management center acquires position information from the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2, respectively, and based on the acquired position information, the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2. The inter-vehicle distance to and from may be detected. Further, for example, the notification determination unit 10e of the first ECU 10 may be provided in the management center. In this case, the notification determination unit provided in the management center sets the notification reference distance based on the weight of the first vehicle V1 and the like as in the notification determination unit 10e, and determines the necessity of notification. When notification is required, the management center transmits a notification signal to the first vehicle approach notification device 1 of the first vehicle V1 and / or the second vehicle approach notification device 2 of the second vehicle V2. Based on this notification signal, notification may be performed by the first notification unit 12 mounted on the first vehicle V1 and / or the second notification unit 22 mounted on the second vehicle V2. In this way, the vehicle approach notification system may detect the inter-vehicle distance at the inter-vehicle distance detection unit provided in the management center outside the vehicle. Further, the vehicle approach notification system may determine the necessity of notification by setting the notification reference distance in the notification determination unit provided in the management center outside the vehicle.

The weight acquisition unit 10b is not limited to acquiring the weights of both the first vehicle V1 and the second vehicle V2. The weight acquisition unit 10b may acquire only the weight of either the first vehicle V1 or the second vehicle V2. In this case, the notification determination unit 10e may set the notification reference distance based on the weight acquired by the weight acquisition unit 10b.

At least a part of the above-described embodiments and various modifications may be arbitrarily combined.

10a ... Inter-vehicle distance detection unit, 10b ... Weight acquisition unit (front vehicle weight acquisition unit, following vehicle weight acquisition unit), 10c ... Weather determination unit, 10d ... Gradient acquisition unit, 10e ... Notification determination unit, 10f ... First notification control Unit (notification control unit), 12 ... 1st notification unit (notification unit), 20a ... 2nd notification control unit (notification control unit), 22 ... 2nd notification unit (notification unit), 100 ... vehicle approach notification system, L ... Inter-vehicle distance, V1 ... 1st vehicle (front vehicle, following vehicle), V2 ... 2nd vehicle (front vehicle, following vehicle).

Claims (6)

It is a vehicle approach notification system that notifies that the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle in front and the following vehicle traveling behind the vehicle in front is short.
The inter-vehicle distance detection unit that detects the inter-vehicle distance and the inter-vehicle distance detection unit
A notification determination unit that determines that notification is necessary when the inter-vehicle distance detected by the inter-vehicle distance detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined notification reference distance.
The notification unit that performs notification and
When the notification determination unit determines that notification is necessary, the notification control unit uses the notification unit to notify that the inter-vehicle distance is shortened.
With
The notification determination unit is a vehicle approach notification system that sets the notification reference distance based on the braking distance of at least one of the front vehicle and the following vehicle. A front vehicle weight acquisition unit for acquiring the weight of the front vehicle is further provided.
When the weight of the front vehicle acquired by the front vehicle weight acquisition unit is light, the notification determination unit shortens the braking distance of the front vehicle as compared with the case where the weight of the front vehicle is heavy. The vehicle approach notification system according to claim 1, wherein the notification reference distance is set longer than when the weight of the vehicle is heavy. Further provided with a following vehicle weight acquisition unit for acquiring the weight of the following vehicle,
When the weight of the following vehicle acquired by the following vehicle weight acquisition unit is heavy, the notification determination unit has a longer braking distance of the following vehicle than when the weight of the following vehicle is light. The vehicle approach notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification reference distance is set longer than when the weight of the vehicle is light. Further provided with a weather determination unit for determining the weather around the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle.
When the weather determination unit determines that it is rainy, the notification determination unit has a longer braking distance of the following vehicle than when it is determined to be sunny or cloudy, so that the notification determination unit is in fine weather or cloudy weather. The vehicle approach notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification reference distance is set longer than when it is determined to be present. Further provided with a gradient acquisition unit for acquiring the gradient of the road on which the front vehicle and the following vehicle travel.
When the slope of the road acquired by the gradient acquisition unit is a downward slope, the notification determination unit determines that the road has an uphill slope because the braking distance of the following vehicle is longer than when the road slope is an uphill slope. The vehicle approach notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification reference distance is set longer than in the case of the above. The notification unit includes a display unit or sound output unit provided in the front vehicle, a brake lamp provided at the rear end of the front vehicle, and a display unit or sound output unit provided in the following vehicle. The vehicle approach notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one of the above.

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