JP2022066248A - Driver supporting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a driver supporting device that can present information to be reflected in driving to a driver.

SOLUTION: The driver supporting device is equipped to a vehicle for use. Storage means stores the intersection attribute including the positional information of an intersection and information on a traffic light set at the intersection. The processing means of the driver supporting device causes output means to output, with reference to the storage means, information on the traffic light in the intersection located within a predetermined search region based on the current position of the vehicle, where a special traffic light different from a regular traffic light is set.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to, for example, a driver support device and the like.

The following Patent Document 1 discloses a navigation device that searches for a route to a set destination and provides guidance. This navigation device includes a storage means for storing map information including search data, a signal determination unit for determining the type of an intersection traffic signal lamp based on the intersection data included in the search data, and a determined traffic signal lamp. Includes a display control unit that displays the traffic signal lamp mark corresponding to the type on the screen of the display unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-326306

Even if the driver sees the screen on which the traffic signal lamp mark corresponding to the type of the traffic signal lamp is displayed, it is difficult for the driver to notice how to reflect the information in the driving. An object of the present invention is to provide a driver support device capable of providing a driver with information to be reflected in driving.

(1) A driver support device mounted on a vehicle and used by referring to a storage means for storing intersection attributes including information on the position of an intersection and information on a traffic light installed at the intersection. A processing means having a function of outputting information about a traffic light at an intersection where a special traffic light, which is a traffic light different from a normal traffic light, is installed within a predetermined search range based on the current position of the traffic light. It is good to have a driver support device.

The driver of the vehicle can know the information of the special traffic light installed at the intersection within the predetermined search range from the information output to the output means. Before reaching an intersection with a special traffic light, the driver can be more alert and reaffirm the traffic rules when passing through the intersection. The driver can eliminate anxiety when driving on the road for the first time on unfamiliar land. It can also help the driver to prevent traffic violations and accidents. In this way, the driver support device can provide guidance so as to obey the traffic rules.

A normal traffic light and a special traffic light, which is a different traffic light from the normal traffic light, may be arbitrarily defined. For example, a normal traffic light may be a type of traffic light that is easy for beginners or drivers with knowledge of average traffic rules to see and not be confused about whether to enter an intersection. Alternatively, as a general driver's feeling, a traffic light of a type recognized as a common traffic light may be used as a normal traffic light. Alternatively, the traffic light may be classified into a normal traffic light and a special traffic light based on the number of installed traffic lights. A traffic light that is more special than a normal traffic light may be classified as a special traffic light.

For example, it may be classified into either a normal traffic light or a special traffic light based on the static information or the dynamic information of the traffic light. As static information, for example, the outer shape and appearance of the traffic light, the number of lamps, and the like may be adopted. As the dynamic information, for example, the order of transitions of the lighting states of the lamps may be adopted. The special traffic light may include, for example, a traffic light having a special outer shape and a traffic light having a special state transition.

Further, a traffic light having a large number of installed units may be classified as a normal traffic light. For example, the number of installed traffic lights may be obtained for each type of traffic light, and the type of traffic light having more than the reference level may be used as a normal traffic light. As the reference level, for example, the average value of the number of installed units may be used. Alternatively, it may be classified into a normal traffic light and a special traffic light based on the cumulative relative frequency of the number of installed traffic lights when the types of traffic lights are arranged in ascending order of the number of installed traffic lights. For example, it is advisable to classify the types of traffic lights until the cumulative relative frequency reaches a predetermined ratio into special traffic lights. If there is a big change in the number of types of traffic lights installed, it is advisable to review the types that are judged to be normal traffic lights. It is advisable to classify the types of traffic lights that are not included in ordinary traffic lights into special traffic lights.

For example, as a special traffic light different from a normal traffic light, an arrow type traffic light may be used. Of the arrow-type traffic lights, in addition to the blue, yellow, and red traffic lights, there are many traffic lights in Japan that have only arrow lights for turning right, so such traffic lights are classified as ordinary traffic lights. It is good to exclude it from the guidance target. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the amount of information output from the output means from becoming too large. A traffic light including an arrow lamp other than an arrow lamp for turning right, or a traffic light including an arrow lamp in two or more directions may be classified as a special traffic light.

If the installed lamp is a normal one but the state transition is special, the traffic light may be classified as a special traffic light. Examples of the traffic light having a special state transition include a pedestrian-vehicle separation type traffic light, a staggered traffic light, and the like. In addition, there is also a traffic light that does not have a state in which the blue lamp is lit and displays whether or not it is possible to enter the intersection only by lighting the arrow lamp. Such traffic lights may also be included in traffic lights with special state transitions. Also, depending on the intersection, you may always be able to turn left. Such intersections may also be included in intersections where traffic lights with special state transitions are installed.

It is advisable to associate the position information of the intersection with the information about the traffic light installed at the intersection and store it in the storage means as an intersection attribute. As the storage means, for example, a non-volatile memory built in the device or a removable removable recording medium may be used. Further, it is preferable to use an external database server as a storage means so that the driver support device receives the database information via the communication device. As the intersection for which the intersection attribute is stored in the storage means, for example, all the intersections in Japan where the traffic light is installed may be used. Further, it may be limited to intersections of arterial roads (general national roads, major local roads, and general prefectural roads).

The current position information of the vehicle equipped with the driver support device may be acquired from, for example, a built-in GPS receiver. Alternatively, the driver support device may acquire the current position information from the GPS receiver mounted on the vehicle via the wireless interface or the wired interface.

The predetermined search range does not necessarily include the current position, but may be, for example, a certain range including the current position, a route estimated to travel by the vehicle, or the like. For example, the search range may be the inside of a circle having a predetermined radius centered on the current position of the vehicle. The predetermined radius may be, for example, 500 m to several km.

As the output means, for example, a speaker that outputs sound, a display device that displays an image, or the like may be used. When displaying an image, it is preferable to display an image showing the appearance of a special traffic light.

The processing means may have a function of searching for a recommended route to the destination and causing the output means to output information indicating the recommended route. If there is an intersection with a special traffic light on the route of the searched recommended route, the processing means informs the driver that there is an intersection with a special traffic light on the recommended route together with the recommended route. Should be output to the output means.

(2) The information about the traffic light to be output to the output means may be a driver support device including warning information to inform the driver that the special traffic light needs attention.

By noticing the alert information, the driver can enter the intersection or stop in front of the intersection without being confused when he / she reaches the intersection where a special traffic light is installed. For example, a driver can increase his or her attention and reconfirm traffic rules in his or her mind before an intersection. In this way, even when driving in a place unfamiliar to the driver, it is possible to assist the driver in driving so as not to cause a violation or an accident.

When it is specified that a traffic light should be paused at an intersection where a traffic light is not installed, the processing means may output a message notifying the driver that the traffic light should be paused from the output means. Information indicating whether or not the intersection is specified to be suspended may be included in the intersection attribute.

When outputting the alert information by voice, it is advisable to output a voice that calls the driver's attention, for example, "There is an arrow-type traffic light within XX km of the surrounding area. Please be careful." When the state transition of the traffic light is special, it is advisable to have the output means output concretely how the state transition of the traffic light is as alert information.

For example, even though the red lamp is lit and the arrow lamp for straight ahead is lit and the pedestrian signal for straight ahead is lit in blue, the driver sees the arrow lamp for straight ahead and turns left. There are cases where people mistakenly judge that it is possible and turn left. In order to prevent such a misjudgment by the driver, it is advisable to notify the driver that only the arrow lamp for going straight is lit and there is a state in which the driver cannot turn left.

In addition, since the meaning of a red blinking or yellow blinking traffic light is easily misunderstood, such a traffic light may be classified as a special traffic light. For example, blinking yellow allows you to pay attention to other traffic and does not necessarily have to drive slowly. If you drive unconditionally at an intersection that flashes yellow, you may be at increased risk of being hit by a vehicle behind you. In addition, blinking red can be stopped at the stop line and proceed after confirming the safety of the surrounding area. Violations such as driving slowly without pausing at a red flashing intersection are likely to occur. In front of the intersection where the red blinking or yellow blinking traffic light is installed, it is advisable to notify the driver of the meaning of the red blinking and the yellow blinking. For a traffic light that blinks only at night, it is advisable to include information indicating the time zone in which it blinks in the intersection attribute. As the processing means, a traffic light that blinks only at night may be classified as a special traffic light only during the blinking time.

When the processing means has a function to search for a recommended route to the destination, once the recommended route to the destination is determined, it is determined whether or not there is an intersection with a special traffic light on the recommended route, and a special If there is an intersection where a traffic light is installed, it is advisable to inform the driver of information that should be noted when traveling at the intersection.

For example, it is preferable to display the map on the display device of the output means so that the recommended route can be recognized, and display the icon at the position on the map corresponding to the intersection where the special traffic light is installed. The icon should be such that the driver can see what kind of traffic light is installed. When the number of intersections to be displayed is large, it is advisable to display some of the plurality of intersections where special traffic lights are installed in order from the current location. For example, it is advisable to output the message "There is a cautionary arrow-type traffic light on the route. Please be careful." By voice. In addition, when traveling along the recommended route and approaching an intersection with a special traffic light, it is advisable to output the message "There is an arrow-type traffic light that needs attention soon. Please be careful." ..

(3) The processing means refers to the intersection attribute stored in the storage means, and outputs information about the traffic light to the intersections located within the search range where a normal traffic light is installed. It is preferable to use a driver support device that does not allow the means to output.

By not letting the output means output information about the traffic light at the intersection where the normal traffic light is installed, the amount of information output to the output means is reduced. This makes it easier for the driver to notice an intersection where a special traffic light is installed.

(4) The information regarding the traffic light of the intersection attribute stored in the storage means includes identification information for identifying whether the traffic light installed at the intersection is the normal traffic light or the special traffic light, and the processing means includes the processing means. It is preferable to use a driver support device that causes the output means to output information about a traffic light at an intersection where the special traffic light is installed based on the identification information.

The processing means can easily determine whether or not to output the information about the traffic light at the intersection to the output means by referring to the identification information that identifies whether the traffic light is a normal traffic light or a special traffic light.

As the identification information, information that directly distinguishes between a normal traffic light and a special traffic light may be used. For example, the intersection attribute may include an item that identifies whether it is a normal traffic light or a special traffic light.

As the identification information, information that indirectly identifies whether it is a normal traffic light or a special signal may be adopted. For example, it is advisable to distinguish between a normal traffic light and a special traffic light based on the information of the intersection contained in the map data of a general car navigation system.

(5) The identification information may be a driver support device including information on the presence / absence and number of arrow lamps and the direction of the arrow indicated by the arrow lamps.

The processing means can determine whether or not to output the information regarding the traffic light at the intersection to the output means based on the information regarding the presence / absence and number of arrow lamps and the direction of the arrow indicated by the arrow lamp. For example, it may be determined that a traffic light without an arrow lamp is not a special traffic light. It is advisable to determine that a traffic light having one arrow lamp and the direction of the arrow pointing to the right is not a special traffic light. A traffic light having two or more arrow lamps may be determined to be a special traffic light. A traffic light having one arrow lamp and the direction of the arrow other than the right direction may be determined to be a special traffic light.

The identification information that identifies whether or not it is a special traffic light may include information indicating whether or not a tram lamp is installed. Traffic lights equipped with tram lights should be classified as special traffic lights. For example, if you approach an intersection where tram lights are installed, you may want to notify the driver of a message that the yellow arrow lights are tram signals and you should be careful. Since pedestrian lights are generally installed at many intersections, the presence or absence of pedestrian lights does not have to be included in the identification information that identifies whether it is a special traffic light or not.

(6) Assuming that the storage means does not store information about an intersection where a normal traffic light is installed, but stores information about an intersection where the special traffic light is installed. good.

Since information about a large number of intersections where ordinary traffic lights are installed is not stored in the storage means, it is possible to suppress an increase in the capacity of the storage means.

(7) The processing means is a driver support device that sets a position on the route to be passed when traveling along the road as the search range based on the map data, the current position of the vehicle, and the traveling direction of the vehicle. good.

There is a high possibility that the route that will be taken when traveling along the road will be taken from now on. If the position on this route is set as the search range, the information at the intersection of the route that is unlikely to pass is out of the search range. As a result, it is possible to prevent the information of the traffic light output to the output means from becoming too large. The driver can acquire only the information that is considered to be highly necessary, and it becomes easier to notice the necessary information.

When the vehicle changes course due to a right turn, a left turn, a U-turn, etc., the processing means corrects the search range to search for an intersection where a special traffic light is installed, and the traffic light at the intersection where the special traffic light is installed. It is advisable to output the information to the output means.

"Traveling along the road" means traveling along the route currently in progress at a place other than the intersection, and when entering the intersection, traveling toward the exit route with the smallest change angle in the direction of travel. Means that.

(8) An intersection attribute in which a dedicated lane for heading to a specific exit route is provided on the approach road to the intersection includes information on the dedicated lane.
The processing means searches for a recommended route from the current location of the vehicle to the destination, and if there is an intersection provided with the dedicated lane on the recommended route, the processing means is before the point where the dedicated lane starts, and the said It is preferable to use a driver support device having a function of notifying the lane in which it is easy to enter the dedicated lane to be driven in order to proceed along the recommended route as the recommended lane.

The driver can know the recommended lane to enter the dedicated lane before reaching the intersection where the dedicated lane is provided. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the driver is confused because he / she enters the dedicated lane immediately before the intersection.

Depending on the dedicated lane, it may be possible to enter the intersection by lighting the arrow lamp even if the red lamp is lit. When it is necessary to enter such a dedicated lane in order to travel the recommended route to the destination, the processing means can enter the intersection by lighting the arrow lamp even if the red lamp is lit. It is advisable to have the output means output information for notifying the driver of the fact. For example, the driver may be informed to enter the intersection according to the arrow lamp. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the driver mistakenly performs a stop operation in front of the intersection even though the intersection can be entered.

At an intersection where a dedicated lane for a right-turning vehicle is provided and a U-turn is possible, the processing means may inform the driver that the vehicle in front of the own vehicle may make a U-turn. Unlike a right-turning vehicle, a vehicle that makes a U-turn may behave unexpectedly by the driver of the following vehicle. The driver can prevent the occurrence of an accident by performing a driving operation on the assumption that the vehicle in front of the own vehicle may make a U-turn.

If the own vehicle is stopped in the dedicated lane at the intersection at the beginning, a violation is likely to occur due to a lack of confirmation of the traveling direction allowed for the dedicated lane. When the own vehicle stops in the dedicated lane at the intersection at the beginning, the processing means may output a message to the output means to alert the driver to proceed in the direction of travel of the dedicated lane. Whether or not the own vehicle is at the head may be determined based on, for example, an image of a camera that captures the front of the vehicle. In order to acquire this image data, it is advisable to incorporate a camera in the driver support device. Further, the driver support device may acquire image data from the vehicle-mounted camera. Whether or not the lane in which the own vehicle is located is a dedicated lane may be determined by extracting a road sign from an image taken by a camera. Further, if the positioning accuracy by GPS is improved, it is possible to determine the lane in which the own vehicle is located from the positioning result by GPS.

(9) The processing means is on a route that is passed when traveling along the road, based on information that can identify the position where the notice guide sign is installed, map data, the current position of the vehicle, and the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is preferable to use a driver support device having a function of searching for the notice guide sign installed in the vehicle and notifying that the notice guide sign is installed in front of the point where the notice guide sign is installed. ..

If the driver notices the notice guide sign late, he / she may not have time to read the contents of the notice guide sign. When it is notified that the notice guide sign is installed, the driver can notice the existence of the notice guide sign in front of the point where the notice guide sign is installed. Therefore, the content of the notice guide sign can be read with a margin.

Information that can identify the position where the warning guide sign is installed may be stored in a storage means that stores the intersection attribute. The processing means may have the output means output the information displayed on the notice guide sign. For example, it is preferable to display the image of the notice guide sign on the display device of the output means. Even if the driver misses the timing to confirm the content of the notice guide sign, the driver can grasp the content of the notice guide sign from the information output to the output means.

When the recommended route to the destination is set, the processing means may notify that the notice guide sign is installed on the recommended route.

As a notice guide sign to be notified, for example, it is preferable to guide information about an intersection where a special traffic light is installed.

The inventions described in (1) to (9) described above can be arbitrarily combined. For example, the configuration of at least one of the other configurations (2) to (9) may be provided without the configuration of all or part of (1). However, in particular, it is preferable to include all or part of the configuration of (1) and at least one of the configurations (2) to (9). Further, any of the components described in (1) to (9) may be extracted and combined. The applicant of the present application intends to obtain a patent right for such a structure.
The above-mentioned specific method of the present invention is an example, and a part may be extended or a part may be limited.

The driver of the vehicle can know the information of the special traffic light installed at the intersection within the predetermined search range from the information output to the output means. Before reaching an intersection with a special traffic light, the driver can be more alert and reaffirm the traffic rules when passing through the intersection. The driver can eliminate anxiety when driving on the road for the first time on unfamiliar land. It can also help the driver to prevent traffic violations and accidents. In this way, the driver support device can provide guidance so as to obey the traffic rules.

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of the driver support device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the driver support device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing data items of intersection attributes. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an arrow-type traffic light that also serves as a tram signal, FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a staggered traffic light, and FIG. 3C is a pedestrian-vehicle separation type traffic light. It is a figure which shows an example of the appearance of. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device of the driver support device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a correspondence relationship between the icon displayed on the display device and the meaning of the icon. It is a figure which shows. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device of the driver support device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display device when the own vehicle approaches an intersection in which an arrow-type traffic light classified as a special traffic light is installed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a route to be taken when traveling along the road from the current position of the own vehicle. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of an approach road at an intersection provided with a dedicated lane. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another example of an approach road at an intersection provided with a dedicated lane. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a notice guide sign and a driver support device for explaining the function of the driver support device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a map of the area where the zone 30 is set.

[First Example]
The driver support device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 4C.
FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of the driver support device according to the first embodiment. The driver support device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and used. The driver support device 1 is supported by the dashboard of the vehicle via, for example, the cradle 2. The bottom surface of the cradle 2 is attached onto the dashboard of the vehicle, so that the driver support device 1 is fixed to the dashboard.

The display device 3 is provided on the front surface of the driver support device 1 (the surface facing the rear (driver side) of the vehicle). As the display device 3, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used. A touch panel 4 as an input device is provided on the surface of the display device 3. The vehicle user can give various commands to the driver support device 1 by operating the touch panel 4.

The card insertion slot 5 is provided on the side surface of the driver support device 1. A memory card 6 as a removable storage medium is attached to the driver support device 1 through the card insertion slot 5. As the memory card 6, for example, an SD memory card, a micro SD memory card, or the like can be used.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the driver support device 1 according to the first embodiment. The processing unit 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a random access memory (RAM) 12, and a read-only memory (ROM) 13. By executing the program stored in the ROM 13, the CPU 11 realizes various functions of the driver support device 1. The RAM 12 secures a storage area for temporary data when the CPU 11 executes a program.

The GPS receiver 15 calculates the current position (latitude and longitude) of the vehicle. The processing unit 10 reads the current position data of the vehicle calculated by the GPS receiver 15. The processing unit 10 performs data communication with an external device via the communication device 16. As the communication device 16, for example, a device conforming to a short-range wireless communication standard, a device using a mobile communication network, or the like can be used. The GPS receiver may not be mounted on the driver support device 1, and the current position information of the vehicle may be received from the GPS receiver mounted on the vehicle via the communication device 16.

The output means 17 includes a display device 3 and a speaker 7. The processing unit 10 causes the display device 3 to display information such as images and characters, and causes the speaker 7 to output voice or sound. When the user of the vehicle operates the touch panel 4, various commands are input to the processing unit 10.

The memory card 6 is inserted into the memory card reader 18. The processing unit 10 can read and rewrite the data stored in the memory card 6 and write the data to the memory card 6. The memory card 6 stores the intersection attributes including the position information of the intersection and the information about the traffic light installed at the intersection for each intersection.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing data items of intersection attributes. The intersection attribute includes intersection position information, traffic light identification information, state transition type information, number information of arrow lamps for each connecting road, direction information of arrows, and information indicating the presence or absence of lamps for trams.

The intersection position information represents the position of the intersection. The location of the intersection is represented, for example, by latitude and longitude. The traffic light identification information is information for identifying whether a traffic light is a normal traffic light or a special traffic light.

A normal traffic light and a special traffic light that is a different traffic light from the normal traffic light can be arbitrarily defined. For example, a normal traffic light may be a type of traffic light that is easy for beginners or drivers with knowledge of average traffic rules to see and not be confused about whether to enter an intersection. Alternatively, as a general driver's feeling, a traffic light of a type recognized as a common traffic light may be used as a normal traffic light. Alternatively, the traffic light may be classified into a normal traffic light and a special traffic light based on the number of installed traffic lights. A traffic light that is not included in a normal traffic light may be a special traffic light. For example, a traffic light that is more special than a normal traffic light may be classified as a special traffic light. In the item of traffic light identification information, a value of "normal" or "special" is set in advance based on any of the above-mentioned various definitions or a combination of these definitions.

The state transition type information is information indicating the type of transition of the lighting state of the traffic light. A traffic light in which a normal blue lamp, a yellow lamp, and a red lamp are installed changes the state in the order of blue lighting state, yellow lighting state, and red lighting state. In addition, for traffic lights that perform special state transitions, information related to state transitions is stored in the item of state transition type information. Examples of traffic lights that perform special state transitions include staggered traffic lights, pedestrian-vehicle separated traffic lights, and traffic lights that do not light blue and indicate progress only with arrow lamps.

The number information of the arrow lamps for each connecting road represents the number of arrow lamps provided in the traffic light to be referred to by the vehicle entering the intersection from the connecting road. The direction information of the arrow indicates the direction of the arrow indicated by the arrow lamp provided in the traffic light to be referred to by the vehicle entering the intersection from the connecting road. The information indicating the presence or absence of the tram lamp literally indicates whether or not the tram lamp is installed.

Next, an example of a special traffic light will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C.
FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an arrow-type traffic light that also serves as a traffic light for a tram. This traffic light includes a blue light, a yellow light, a red light, a right turn arrow light, a straight arrow light, a left turn arrow light, and a tram light. Some arrow-type traffic lights do not include tram lights, some contain only one arrow light, some include two arrow lights, and some contain four or more arrow lights. be.

FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a staggered traffic light. This traffic light includes a blue light, a yellow light, a red light, and a sign indicating that it is a staggered traffic light.

FIG. 3C is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a pedestrian-vehicle separated traffic light. This traffic light includes a blue light, a yellow light, a red light, and a sign indicating that it is a pedestrian-separated type.

Next, the processing of the processing unit 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.
The processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) refers to the contents of the memory card 6 and has a special traffic light that is located within a predetermined search range based on the current position of the own vehicle and is a traffic light different from the normal traffic light. It has a function of displaying information on the traffic light at the installed intersection on the display device 3. Information about traffic lights is not displayed at intersections where ordinary traffic lights are installed.

Whether or not it is a special traffic light can be determined based on the traffic light identification information (FIG. 2) of the intersection attribute. The predetermined search range may be, for example, the inside of a circle (search circle) having a predetermined radius centered on the current position of the own vehicle. The radius of the search circle may be, for example, within the range of 500 m to 3 km. Further, the radius of the search circle may be changed according to the traveling speed of the own vehicle. The faster the traveling speed, the longer the radius of the search circle should be.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 3 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). The position of the own vehicle is indicated by an inverted V-shaped icon 20. The direction pointed to by the icon 20 corresponds to the front of the own vehicle. The direction in front of the own vehicle may be obtained from, for example, an electronic compass built in the driver support device 1. The position of the intersection where the special traffic light is installed is indicated by the icon (image) 21 corresponding to the type of the traffic light. A circumference with a radius of 500 m, 1 km, and 2 km is displayed around the position of the own vehicle.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the correspondence between the icons 20 and 21 and the meanings of the icons 20 and 21. For example, an icon 20 indicating the own vehicle and an icon 21 indicating an arrow type traffic light, a blinking traffic light, a tram traffic light, a time difference type traffic light, and a pedestrian-vehicle separation type traffic light are defined.

Further, the processing unit 10 causes the speaker 7 to output a voice alert information to inform the driver that attention is required for a special traffic light within the search range. For example, it is advisable to output a voice that calls the driver's attention, such as "There is an arrow-type traffic light within XX km of the surrounding area. Please be careful." When the state transition of the traffic light is special, it is advisable to output the state transition of the traffic light from the speaker 7 as specific alert information.

Next, another example of a method of classifying a normal traffic light and a traffic light more special than a normal traffic light will be described.

For example, it may be classified into either a normal traffic light or a special traffic light based on the static information or the dynamic information of the traffic light. As static information, for example, the outer shape and appearance of the traffic light, the number of lamps, and the like may be adopted. As the dynamic information, for example, the order of transitions of the lighting states of the lamps may be adopted. The special traffic light may include, for example, a traffic light having a special outer shape and a traffic light having a special state transition.

Further, a traffic light having a large number of installed units may be classified as a normal traffic light. For example, the number of installed traffic lights may be obtained for each type of traffic light, and the type of traffic light having more than the reference level may be used as a normal traffic light. As the reference level, for example, the average value of the number of installed units may be used. Alternatively, it may be classified into a normal traffic light and a special traffic light based on the cumulative relative frequency of the number of installed traffic lights when the types of traffic lights are arranged in ascending order of the number of installed traffic lights. For example, it is advisable to classify the types of traffic lights until the cumulative relative frequency reaches a predetermined ratio into special traffic lights. If there is a big change in the number of types of traffic lights installed, it is advisable to review the types that are judged to be normal traffic lights. It is advisable to classify the types of traffic lights that are not included in ordinary traffic lights into special traffic lights.

For example, as a special traffic light different from a normal traffic light, an arrow type traffic light may be used. Of the arrow-type traffic lights, in addition to the blue, yellow, and red traffic lights, there are many traffic lights in Japan that have only arrow lights for turning right, so such traffic lights are classified as ordinary traffic lights. It is good to exclude it from the guidance target. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the amount of information output from the output means 17 (FIG. 1B) from becoming too large. A traffic light including an arrow lamp other than an arrow lamp for turning right, or a traffic light including an arrow lamp in two or more directions may be classified as a special traffic light.

If the installed lamp is a normal one but the state transition is special, the traffic light may be classified as a special traffic light. Examples of the traffic light having a special state transition include a pedestrian-vehicle separation type traffic light, a staggered traffic light, and the like. In addition, there is also a traffic light that does not have a state in which the blue lamp is lit and displays whether or not it is possible to enter the intersection only by lighting the arrow lamp. Such traffic lights may also be included in traffic lights with special state transitions. Also, depending on the intersection, you may always be able to turn left. Such intersections may also be included in intersections where traffic lights with special state transitions are installed.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
Next, the excellent effect of the first embodiment will be described.
From the information output to the output means 17 (FIG. 1B), the driver of the vehicle can know the information of the special traffic light installed at the intersection within the predetermined search range. When the alert information is output from the speaker 7, the driver can easily notice the existence of an intersection to be carefully driven. Before reaching an intersection with a special traffic light, the driver can be more alert and reaffirm the traffic rules when passing through the intersection. The driver can eliminate anxiety when driving on the road for the first time on unfamiliar land. It can also help the driver to prevent traffic violations and accidents.

For example, even though the red lamp is lit and the arrow lamp for straight ahead is lit and the pedestrian signal for straight ahead is lit in blue, the driver sees the arrow lamp for straight ahead and turns left. There are cases where people mistakenly judge that it is possible and turn left. By notifying the driver as warning information that only the arrow lamp for going straight is lit and there is a state in which he cannot turn left, it is possible to prevent such a misjudgment by the driver.

In the first embodiment, since the information about the traffic light is not displayed on the display device 3 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) at the intersection where the normal traffic light is installed, the amount of information displayed on the display device 3 is reduced. To. For this reason, the driver can easily notice the existence of an intersection where a special traffic light is installed.

By providing a traffic light identification information item for identifying whether the traffic light is normal or special in the intersection attribute (FIG. 2), the processing unit 10 determines whether the traffic light at the intersection within the search range should be displayed on the display device 3. Whether or not (whether or not it is a traffic light to be guided) can be easily determined. Further, by changing the set value of the item of the traffic light identification information, the information about the traffic light at each intersection can be easily included in the target to be displayed on the display device 3 or excluded from the target to be displayed.

[Modified example of the first embodiment]
Next, various modifications of the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the intersection attribute (FIG. 2) for each intersection is stored in the memory card 6 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), but it may be stored in various other storage means. For example, it may be stored in the ROM 13 of the processing unit 10. Further, an external database server may be used as the storage means. The driver support device 1 may receive information about the intersection from the database server through the communication device 16. For example, it is preferable to receive information about an intersection in a certain area centered on the current location of the own vehicle and temporarily store it in the RAM 12 (FIG. 1B).

As a target intersection for storing the intersection attribute in a storage means such as a memory card 6, for example, all intersections in Japan where a traffic light is installed may be used. Further, it may be limited to intersections of arterial roads (general national roads, major local roads, and general prefectural roads). By modifying the traffic light identification information item (FIG. 2) of the intersection attributes of the intersection stored in the storage means from "normal" to "special" or vice versa, the intersection can be easily transferred to the output means 17. It can be included in the output target of or excluded from the output target.

Whether the processing unit 10 is a normal traffic light or a special traffic light based on the information on the presence / absence and number of arrow lamps and the direction of the arrow indicated by the arrow lamp, without providing the traffic light identification information item in the intersection attribute (FIG. 2). May be indirectly determined. For example, it may be determined that a traffic light without an arrow lamp is not a special traffic light. It is advisable to determine that a traffic light having one arrow lamp and the direction of the arrow pointing to the right is not a special traffic light. A traffic light having two or more arrow lamps may be determined to be a special traffic light. A traffic light having one arrow lamp and the direction of the arrow other than the right direction may be determined to be a special traffic light. When the map data of the car navigation system includes the number of arrow lamps at the intersection, the processing unit 10 usually uses a traffic light installed at the intersection based on the map data of the car navigation system. It becomes possible to determine whether it is a traffic light or a special traffic light.

The identification information that identifies whether or not it is a special traffic light may include information indicating whether or not a tram lamp is installed. Traffic lights equipped with tram lights should be classified as special traffic lights. For example, when approaching an intersection where tram lights are installed, you may want to notify the driver of the message "Please note that the yellow arrow lights are tram lights." Since pedestrian lights are generally installed at many intersections, the presence or absence of pedestrian lights does not have to be included in the identification information that identifies whether it is a special traffic light or not.

Since the meaning of a red flashing or yellow flashing traffic light is easily misunderstood, such a traffic light should be classified as a special traffic light. For example, blinking yellow allows you to pay attention to other traffic and does not necessarily have to drive slowly. If you drive unconditionally at an intersection that flashes yellow, you may be at increased risk of being hit by a vehicle behind you. In addition, blinking red can be stopped at the stop line and proceed after confirming the safety of the surrounding area. Violations such as driving slowly without pausing at a red flashing intersection are likely to occur. In front of the intersection where the red blinking or yellow blinking traffic light is installed, it is advisable to notify the driver of the meaning of the red blinking and the yellow blinking. For a traffic light that blinks only at night, it is advisable to include information indicating the time zone in which it blinks in the intersection attribute. As the processing means, a traffic light that blinks only at night may be classified as a special traffic light only during the blinking time.

In the first embodiment, a certain circular range centered on the current position of the own vehicle is illustrated as a search range for the presence or absence of an intersection where a special traffic light is installed, but the search range does not necessarily include the current position of the own vehicle. No need. For example, the search range may be a semi-circular range located in front of the own vehicle. By doing so, the information in the rear range where the own vehicle is unlikely to pass is not displayed on the display device 3 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), and the driver can easily notice useful information.

In the first embodiment, the information about the intersection is stored in the storage means also for the intersection where the normal traffic light is installed, but for the intersection where the normal traffic light is installed, the information about the intersection is stored in the storage means. You don't have to remember it. By doing so, at a large number of intersections where ordinary traffic lights are installed, information about the intersections is not stored in the storage means, so that it is possible to suppress an increase in the capacity of the storage means.

In the first embodiment, an intersection in which a special traffic light is installed is targeted for guidance, but it is preferable to guide an intersection having a shape that requires attention when traveling among the intersections in which no traffic light is installed. For example, it is advisable to guide a roundabout.

[Second Example]
Next, the driver support device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the driver support device according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the driver support device 1 according to the second embodiment, in addition to the functions of the driver support device 1 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) according to the first embodiment, map data is stored in a storage means such as a memory card 6. , The processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) searches for a function of displaying a map of the area including the current location of the own vehicle on the display device 3 and a recommended route (recommended route) to the destination, and displays the recommended route on the display device 3. It has a function to display.

When the recommended route is determined, the processing unit 10 searches for an intersection in which a special traffic light is installed, using a position on the recommended route as a search range. When there is an intersection where a special traffic light is installed on the recommended route, the processing unit 10 outputs a message to inform the driver that there is an intersection where a special traffic light is installed on the recommended route 17 (FIG. FIG. Output from 1B).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 3. On the map displayed on the display device 3, the circled S symbol is displayed at the current position of the own vehicle, and the destination is represented by the circled G symbol. The recommended route is represented by a thick solid line. An icon 21 corresponding to the type of the special traffic light is displayed at the intersection where the special traffic light located on the recommended route is installed.

The processing unit 10 displays a map and an icon 21 on the display device 3, and outputs a voice from the speaker 7 that there is an intersection where a special traffic light is installed on the recommended route. For example, the message "There are arrow-type traffic lights, pedestrian-vehicle separation type traffic lights, and tram traffic lights that require attention on the route. Please be careful." Is output by voice. In addition, when traveling along the recommended route and approaching an intersection with a special traffic light, it is advisable to output the message "There is an arrow-type traffic light that needs attention soon. Please be careful." ..

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the display device 3 when the own vehicle approaches an intersection in which an arrow-type traffic light classified as a special traffic light is installed. The processing unit 10 has an appearance of a traffic light at the next intersection where a special traffic light is installed in a part of the area 8 of the display screen of the display device 3 (for example, an area of about 1/3 on the left side of the display screen). The lane information of the approach road at the intersection is displayed as a figure. Furthermore, the distance to the intersection where the traffic light is installed is displayed numerically. Each lane in the figure displayed on the display device 3 is provided with an arrow indicating the direction in which the vehicle is allowed to travel when entering the intersection from the lane. The area 8 for displaying the appearance of the traffic light and the lane information of the approach road at the intersection as a figure may be other areas in the display screen, for example, an upper left area, an upper right area, and a right side about 1/3 area.

The timing for displaying the appearance of the traffic light and the lane information of the approach road of the intersection as a figure may be when the distance to the intersection reaches a predetermined distance, for example, 1 km. It should be noted that this predetermined distance may be changed according to the legal speed of the route currently being traveled or the current vehicle speed. For example, the faster the legal speed or the current vehicle speed, the longer this predetermined distance may be.

Further, the processing unit 10 highlights and displays the lane in which the own vehicle should travel in order to proceed along the recommended route among the figures indicating the lanes of the approach road displayed on the display device 3. For example, the lane to be driven in the figure may be colored differently from the other lanes, or the lane to be driven may be displayed brighter than the other lanes.

Further, the processing unit 10 may display the appearance of the traffic light displayed in the area 8 so that the lighting state of the traffic light capable of traveling along the recommended route can be recognized. For example, when the route for turning right at an intersection is the recommended route, it is preferable to display the appearance of the traffic light in the state where the red lamp and the arrow lamp for right turn are lit in the area 8.

[Effect of the second embodiment]
The driver sees the icon 21 on the map displayed on the display device 3 to know where on the route the vehicle is going to travel where there is an intersection where a special traffic light requiring attention is installed. Can be done. When alert information is output by voice when approaching an intersection with a special traffic light, the driver can increase his / her attention before reaching the intersection or set traffic rules when passing through the intersection. You can reconfirm it in your head.

Intersections other than the route on which the own vehicle is scheduled to travel are not displayed on the display device 3 even if a special traffic light is installed. Information about intersections other than the planned route is less important to the driver. Since the less important information is not displayed on the display device 3, the driver can easily notice the more important information.

The driver sees the outline of the traffic light and the lane information of the approach road displayed in a part of the area 8 (FIG. 6) of the display screen of the display device 3, and gives more specific precautions when passing through the intersection. You can reconfirm it in your head in advance.

[First modification of the second embodiment]
Next, a first modification of the second embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the intersection where a special traffic light is installed on the recommended route to the destination is guided, but in this modified example, the driver even when the recommended route is not set. Give useful guidance to.

The processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) sets a position on the route to be passed when traveling along the road as a search range based on the map data, the current position of the own vehicle, and the traveling direction of the own vehicle. If there is an intersection where a special traffic light is installed on the route that is passed when traveling along the road, the processing unit 10 will display an icon corresponding to the traffic light installed at this intersection at the position of this intersection on the map. Is displayed.

When the vehicle changes course due to a right turn, a left turn, a U-turn, or the like, the processing unit 10 may modify the search range and display the information of the traffic light at the intersection where the special traffic light is installed again on the display device 3.

Next, "running along the road" will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
"Traveling along the road" means traveling along the route currently being traveled at a place other than an intersection. At an intersection, it means going straight. When entering an intersection that does not have a straight exit route, it means exiting toward the exit route with the smallest change angle in the direction of travel.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a route 26 to be passed when traveling along the road from the current position 25 of the own vehicle. At the intersection 27, there is no exit route that goes straight. The change angle θ1 in the traveling direction when heading for the exit path 28 is smaller than any of the changing angles θ2, θ3, and θ4 in the traveling direction when heading for another exit path. Therefore, traveling toward the exit road 28 corresponds to "driving along the road".

There is a high possibility that the route that will be taken when traveling along the road will be taken from now on. If the position on this route is set as the search range, the information at the intersection of the route that is unlikely to pass is out of the search range. As a result, it is possible to prevent the information of the traffic light displayed on the display device 3 from becoming too large. The driver can acquire only the information that is considered to be highly necessary, and it becomes easier to notice the necessary information.

[Second variant of the second embodiment]
Next, a second modification of the second embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, the driver is informed of the intersection where the special traffic light is installed and the information of the traffic light, but in this modified example, the processing unit 10 is obliged to stop temporarily because the traffic light is not installed. I will guide you to the intersection. For example, the processing unit 10 causes the speaker 7 to output by voice what should be paused before the intersection where the pause is obligatory. Information indicating whether or not the intersection should be paused may be included in the intersection attribute and stored in the storage means.

In this modification, the driver notices that he / she has approached an intersection where he / she is obliged to stop, and it becomes difficult to cause a stop violation.

[Other Modifications of the Second Example]
Next, another modification of the second embodiment will be described.
When the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) detects that the vehicle has stopped at the intersection in front of the intersection where the special traffic light is installed, the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) informs the driver that the vehicle will soon reach the intersection where the special traffic light is installed. It is good to notify by voice. The driver who notices this voice can see the display screen of the display device 3 while the vehicle is stopped and obtain specific information about the special traffic light.

Further, it is preferable to display the information on the special intersection in sentences together with the traffic light and the figure of the lane so that the passenger in the passenger seat can see the display device 3 and convey the information on the special intersection to the driver. For example, a display device that displays the message "The traffic light at the intersection ahead of XX m is equipped with arrow lamps for turning right, going straight, and turning left. The one lane on the far right is the lane dedicated to turning right." It is good to display it in 3. Even if the passenger does not have a driver's license, the necessary information can be conveyed to the driver by reading aloud the text displayed on the display device 3.

The operation of inputting a destination and the operation of selecting one destination from the destination candidates may be performed by voice.

[Third Example]
Next, the driver support device according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted.

The intersection attribute referred to by the driver support device according to the present embodiment includes information on the dedicated lane for an intersection provided with a dedicated lane (dedicated lane) for heading to a specific exit route. The processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) has a function of searching for a recommended route from the current location of the own vehicle to the destination, as in the second embodiment. If there is an intersection on the recommended route where a dedicated lane is provided, the processing unit 10 is in front of the point where the dedicated lane starts, and it is easy to enter the dedicated lane to travel along the recommended route. Has a function to notify as a recommended lane.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of an approach road at an intersection provided with a dedicated lane, and a diagram showing the appearance of a traffic light as seen from the approach road. The approach road 32 to the intersection 31 has increased from 3 lanes to 4 lanes in front of the intersection, and the dedicated lane starts from here. Of the four lanes, the rightmost lane is the right turn lane, and the leftmost lane is the straight and left turn lanes. The second and third lanes from the left are straight-ahead lanes. The traffic light installed at the intersection 31 includes an arrow lamp for turning right.

When the route for turning right at the intersection 31 is set as the recommended route, the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) drives a preferable lane (recommended lane) for entering the right turn dedicated lane just before the point 33 where the dedicated lane starts. Notify the person. For example, the processing unit 10 outputs a voice message from the speaker 7 (FIG. 1B), "There will soon be a right turn lane. Please drive in the right lane."

When the vehicle has passed the point 33 where the dedicated lane starts, the processing unit 10 notifies the driver of matters to be noted when passing through the intersection 31. For example, the processing unit 10 outputs a voice message "Please drive according to the right turn arrow signal" from the speaker 7.

When the route for turning left at the intersection 31 is set as the recommended route, the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) informs the driver of the preferred lane for entering the left turn lane just before the point 33 where the dedicated lane starts. do. For example, the processing unit 10 outputs a voice message from the speaker 7 (FIG. 1B), "There is a lane for turning left soon. Please drive in the left lane." When the vehicle passes the point 33 where the dedicated lane starts, for example, the processing unit 10 outputs a voice message "Please drive according to the left turn arrow signal" from the speaker 7.

Since it is possible to go straight at the intersection 31 regardless of which lane the vehicle is driving in front of the point 33 where the dedicated lane starts, the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) is particularly effective when the straight route is set as the recommended route. Do not output a message that calls attention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing another example of an approach road at an intersection provided with a dedicated lane. The approach road 36 to the intersection 35 has increased from 3 lanes to 4 lanes in front of the intersection, and the dedicated lane starts from here. Of the four lanes, the rightmost lane is the right turn lane, the leftmost lane is the left turn lane, and the central two lanes are the straight lanes. The traffic lights installed at the intersection 35 include arrow lights for turning right, going straight, and turning left.

When the route to go straight at the intersection 35 is set as the recommended route, the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) drives a preferable lane (recommended lane) to go straight to the intersection 35 just before the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts. Notify the person. For example, the processing unit 10 outputs a voice message from the speaker 7 (FIG. 1B), "Turn left or right, the vehicle is divided into straight-ahead lanes. Please drive in the center or right lane to go straight."

When the vehicle has passed the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts, the processing unit 10 notifies the driver of matters to be noted when passing through the intersection 35. For example, the processing unit 10 outputs the message "Please drive according to the green light or the arrow signal for going straight" from the speaker 7 by voice.

When the route for turning right at the intersection 35 is set as the recommended route, the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) informs the driver of the preferred lane for turning right at the intersection 35 just before the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts. .. For example, the processing unit 10 outputs a voice message from the speaker 7 (FIG. 1B), "There will soon be a right turn lane. Please drive in the right lane."

When the vehicle passes the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts, for example, the processing unit 10 causes the speaker 7 to output a voice message "Please drive according to the arrow signal for turning right."

When the route to turn left at the intersection 35 is set as the recommended route, the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) informs the driver of the preferred lane for turning left at the intersection 35 just before the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts. .. For example, the processing unit 10 outputs a voice message from the speaker 7 (FIG. 1B), "There will soon be a left turn lane. Please drive in the left lane."

When the vehicle passes the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts, for example, the processing unit 10 causes the speaker 7 to output a voice message "Please drive according to the green light or the arrow signal for turning left."

[Effect of the third embodiment]
Next, the excellent effect of the third embodiment will be described.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, when turning right at an intersection 31, the driver who is urged to drive in the right lane before the point 33 where the dedicated lane starts changes to the right lane, thereby changing the lane. It will be easier to enter the right turn lane after the number increases. In addition, by being alerted to drive according to the right turn arrow signal, the driving operation can be performed without any confusion just before the intersection 31.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, when going straight through the intersection 35, the driver who is prompted to drive in the center or right lane before the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts moves from the leftmost lane to the center lane. By changing lanes, it is possible to avoid entering the left turn lane. In addition, by being alerted to drive according to the green light or the arrow signal for going straight, the driving operation can be performed without any confusion just before the intersection 35.

Also, when turning right at intersection 35, the driver who is urged to stay in the rightmost lane just before the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts changes to the rightmost lane, so that the leftmost or the center It is possible to avoid the situation where the driver cannot afford to enter the right turn lane while driving in the lane. In addition, by being alerted to drive according to the right turn arrow signal, the driving operation can be performed without any confusion just before the intersection 35.

Also, when turning left at the intersection 35, the driver who is urged to drive in the leftmost lane before the point 37 where the dedicated lane starts changes the lane to the leftmost lane, so that the rightmost lane is changed. It is possible to avoid the situation where the driver cannot afford to enter the left turn lane while driving. In addition, by being alerted to drive according to the green light or the arrow signal for turning left, the driving operation can be performed without any confusion just before the intersection 35.

For example, before the point where the right turn lane starts, notice signs such as "150m ahead right turn lane", "100m ahead right turn lane", "50m ahead right turn lane", and the direction of travel of the dedicated lane above each lane of the road. Notice signs and the like indicated by arrows may be installed, but the driver may overlook these notice signs. In the third embodiment, even if the driver overlooks the warning sign indicating the dedicated lane, the driver can know the recommended lane for entering the dedicated lane in front of the starting point of the dedicated lane. When driving to the point where the dedicated lane starts, the driver can enter the dedicated lane without hesitation. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the driver is confused because he / she enters the dedicated lane immediately before the intersection.

Depending on the dedicated lane, it may be possible to enter the intersection by lighting the arrow lamp even if the red lamp is lit. When it is necessary to enter such a dedicated lane in order to travel on the recommended route to the destination, the processing unit 10 can enter the intersection by lighting the arrow lamp even if the red lamp is lit. It is preferable to output the information for notifying the driver of the fact from the speaker 7. For example, as in the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the driver may be informed to enter the intersection according to the arrow lamp. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the driver mistakenly performs a stop operation in front of the intersection even though the intersection can be entered.

If you set a point to notify the recommended lane so that there is enough distance to complete the lane change from the point to notify the driver of the recommended lane to enter the dedicated lane to the point where the dedicated lane starts. good. For example, it is preferable to set the point 250 m to 1 km before the point where the dedicated lane starts.

If the road in front of the point where the private lane starts is two lanes, it is easy for the driver to determine which lane to drive when turning right, going straight, or turning left at the next intersection. When the road in front of the point where the dedicated lane starts is three or more lanes, the driver is easily confused as to which lane to drive. When the road in front of the point where the dedicated lane starts is three or more lanes, a more remarkable effect of the third embodiment can be obtained.

[Modified example of the third embodiment]
Next, a modified example of the third embodiment will be described.
In the example shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 10 outputs the voice "Please drive according to the right turn arrow signal" from the speaker 7, but in addition to the voice output, the display device 3 is a traffic light capable of turning right. It is good to display the lighting status. For example, it is advisable to display the appearance of the traffic light with the red lamp and the arrow lamp for turning right lit.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, in addition to the audio output, the processing unit 10 shows the appearance of the traffic light with the blue lamp lit on the display device 3, and the red lamp, the arrow lamp for going straight, and the arrow for turning left. It is advisable to display the appearance of the traffic light when the lamp is lit.

At an intersection where a dedicated lane for a right-turning vehicle is provided and a U-turn is possible, the processing unit 10 may notify the driver that the vehicle in front of the own vehicle may make a U-turn. Unlike a right-turning vehicle, a vehicle that makes a U-turn may behave unexpectedly by the driver of the following vehicle. The driver can reduce the occurrence of accidents by performing a driving operation on the assumption that the vehicle in front of the own vehicle may make a U-turn.

At an intersection where U-turns are prohibited, a message notifying the driver that U-turns are prohibited may be output by voice from the speaker 7.

If the own vehicle is stopped in the dedicated lane at the intersection at the beginning, a violation is likely to occur due to a lack of confirmation of the traveling direction allowed for the dedicated lane. When the own vehicle stops in the dedicated lane at the intersection at the head, the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) may output a message from the speaker 7 to alert the driver to proceed in the direction of travel of the dedicated lane. Whether or not the own vehicle is at the head may be determined based on, for example, an image of a camera that captures the front of the vehicle. In order to acquire this image data, it is advisable to incorporate a camera in the driver support device. Further, the driver support device may acquire image data from the vehicle-mounted camera. Whether or not the lane in which the own vehicle is located is a dedicated lane may be determined by extracting a road sign from an image taken by a camera. Further, if the positioning accuracy by GPS is improved, it is possible to determine the lane in which the own vehicle is located from the positioning result by GPS.

When the recommended route for turning left at an intersection is set, it is advisable to output a voice message from the speaker 7 to call the driver's attention to be careful of the involvement of a two-wheeled vehicle such as a bicycle. As a result, the driver can turn left while paying attention to the entanglement of the two-wheeled vehicle, and the occurrence of the entanglement accident can be suppressed.

[Fourth Example]
Next, the driver support device according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a notice guide sign 40 and a driver support device 1 for explaining the functions of the driver support device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Information that can identify the position where a plurality of notice guide signs 40 are installed in a storage means such as a memory card 6 and map data are stored.

When the notice guide sign 40 is installed on the route 41 that the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) passes through when traveling along the road, the notice guide sign 40 is located in front of the point where the notice guide sign 40 is installed. It has a function of notifying that the 40 is installed. For example, the processing unit 10 may output a voice message "There will be a notice guide sign soon" from the speaker 7 in front of the point where the notice guide sign 40 is installed. For example, when the notice guide sign 40 is installed at a point 400 m before the intersection, it is preferable to output a message notifying the notice guide sign 40 at the point 500 m before the intersection. For example, it is preferable to output a message informing that the notice guide sign 40 is installed at a point where the notice guide sign 40 begins to enter the driver's field of view.

Further, the processing unit 10 may display the information displayed on the notice guide sign 40 on the display device 3. For example, the image of the notice guide sign 40 may be displayed on the display device 3.

[Effect of Fourth Example]
Next, the excellent effect of the fourth embodiment will be described.
If the time when the driver notices the notice guide sign 40 is late, there may be no time to read the contents of the notice guide sign 40. When it is notified that the notice guide sign 40 is installed, the driver can notice the existence of the notice guide sign 40 in front of the point where the notice guide sign 40 is installed. Therefore, the content of the notice guide sign 40 can be read with a margin. Further, even if the driver misses the timing to confirm the content of the notice guide sign 40, the driver can grasp the content of the notice guide sign 40 from the information displayed on the display device 3.

For example, if a guide sign such as "Turn right here" is provided, you may not be able to turn right because you have already reached the point where you should turn right when you notice the guide sign. In the fourth embodiment, by notifying the driver of the existence of the guide sign installed at the point where the course should be changed, such as "Turn right here.", The guide sign has a margin. It becomes possible to notice and change course.

When the recommended route to the destination is set, the processing unit 10 may notify that the notice guide sign 40 is installed on the recommended route. As a result, the driver can know the point where the notice guide sign 40 is installed before traveling on the recommended route. As the notice guide sign 40 to be notified, for example, it may be a sign that guides information about an intersection where a special traffic light is installed.

[Fifth Example]
Next, the driver support device according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a map of an area in which the “zone 30” is set. Zone 30 is indicated by a broken line. In the fifth embodiment, information for specifying an area such as a zone 30, a silver zone, a school zone, etc., which the driver wants to pay particular attention to, is stored in a storage means such as a memory card 6.

The processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) provides a search mode for preferentially searching for a route that does not pass through the zone 30 when searching for a recommended route to the destination. When the search mode is set to a mode that does not pass through the zone 30, the processing unit 10 recommends a route that bypasses the zone 30 as a recommended route, as shown by a thick line in FIG. When the own vehicle approaches the zone 30, the driver is notified that the route that does not pass through the zone 30 is set as the recommended route. For example, the processing unit 10 outputs a message from the speaker 7 "It will be zone 30 soon. A route that does not pass through zone 30 will be displayed." By voice.

In addition, when the processing unit 10 detects that the own vehicle has entered an area such as a zone 30, a silver zone, or a school zone where the driver needs special attention, the driver knows that the own vehicle has entered the caution zone. It is advisable to notify the person.

When the destination is located in the zone 30, the processing unit 10 may search for a recommended route under the condition that the distance traveled in the zone 30 is the shortest.

[Effect of the fifth embodiment]
In the fifth embodiment, the occurrence of an accident in the zone 30 can be avoided or suppressed by detouring the zone 30 or traveling so as to shorten the mileage in the zone 30.

In the various embodiments described above, the driver assistance device has guided the driver to alert information, but the final decision is to tell the driver to look at the traffic sign and follow the traffic sign. Call attention.

[Other Examples]
When the processing unit 10 (FIG. 1B) outputs a voice alert message to the driver, the processing unit 10 may be in a state of waiting for input of a confirmation response message from the driver. The confirmation response message may be input by the driver without looking away from the front. For example, the processing unit 10 may recognize that the confirmation response message has been input by detecting the voices such as "OK" and "OK". In addition, no matter where the driver touches the touch panel 4 (FIGS. 1A and 1B), the processing unit 10 may recognize that the confirmation response message has been input.

If the driver does not input a confirmation message while waiting for input, it is advisable to periodically output a warning message by voice. When a message notifying the confirmation from the driver is input, the processing unit 10 may stop the periodic output of the alert message. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the driver does not notice the warning message and reaches the intersection requiring attention. In addition, when the driver receives an appropriate alert, the effect of preventing falling asleep can be obtained.

If the vehicle in front is tall when stopped at an intersection, the driver of the own vehicle may not be able to see the signal. In such a case, if the traffic light can be seen from the position where the driver support device is mounted, it is advisable to notify the driver of the state of the traffic light based on the image taken by the camera mounted on the driver support device. .. For example, it is preferable to extract the image of the traffic light from the image captured by the camera and display the image of the traffic light on the display device 3. Even in a situation where the traffic light cannot be directly visually recognized, the driver can see the display device 3 of the driver support device and know the state of the traffic light.

Although various aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to Examples and Modifications, the description of these Examples and Modifications has not been made for the purpose of limiting the technical scope of the present invention. It should be added that it is provided to contribute to the understanding of the present invention. The technical scope of the invention is not limited to the configurations expressly described in the specification, and the specification also includes other inventions obtained by combining various aspects of the invention described. Disclose. The applicant of the present application has specified the constitution of the invention for which a patent is sought in the present invention within the scope of the attached claims, but the present invention has not been specified within the scope of the claims. The invention including at least one component disclosed in the document is also intended to be included in the claims in the future.

The invention of the present application is not limited to the configuration described in the above-mentioned "mode for carrying out the invention". It is advisable to arbitrarily select and combine the components included in each of the above-described examples and modifications to construct a new invention. In addition, any component of each embodiment or modification and any component described in "Means for solving a problem" or any component described in "Means for solving a problem" are embodied. It is possible to make a new invention by arbitrarily combining the above-mentioned components. The applicant of the present application also intends to acquire the rights to these new inventions in the amendment or divisional application of the present application.

1 Driver support device 2 Cradle 3 Display device 4 Touch panel 5 Card insertion slot 6 Memory card 7 Speaker 8 Part of the display screen area 10 Processing unit 11 Central processing unit (CPU)
12 Random access memory (RAM)
13 Read-only memory (ROM)
15 GPS receiver 16 Communication device 17 Output means 18 Memory card reader 20 Icon indicating the position of the own vehicle 21 Icon indicating the position of the intersection where a special traffic light is installed 25 Position of the own vehicle 26 Route 27 traveling along the road Intersection with no exit road going straight 28 Exit road with the smallest change angle of travel 31 Intersection 32 Entrance road to the intersection 33 Point where the dedicated lane starts 35 Intersection 36 Entrance road to the intersection 37 Point where the dedicated lane starts 40 Notice guidance Sign 41 route

Claims (5)

It is a system that searches for a recommended route to the destination.
A system characterized by having a search mode for preferentially searching for a route that does not pass through the zone 30. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of notifying the driver that a route that does not pass through the zone 30 is set as a recommended route when the own vehicle approaches the zone 30. The system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a function of notifying the driver that the own vehicle has entered the zone 30. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the destination is located in the zone 30, it is provided with a function of searching for a recommended route under the condition that the distance traveled in the zone 30 is the shortest. system. A program for realizing the function of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 on a computer.

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