JP2022126761A - Apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus that gives family members a sense of security for elderly drivers to drive by suppressing occurrence of risks caused by driving vehicles by elderly drivers so as to reduce the possibility of elderly drivers becoming perpetrator or victims of accidents.

SOLUTION: An apparatus 1 attachable to a vehicle driven by an elderly driver acquires vehicle information on the vehicle driven by the elderly driver from a front view camera 11, an OBD connector 13 and an acceleration sensor 14, determines by control means 10 from the vehicle information whether or not the elderly driver can be a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle and provides a notification of a warning from notification means 19 and 22 on the basis of the determination.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to devices, programs, and the like, for example.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various in-vehicle devices have been sold to improve driver's convenience. Examples of such devices include drive recorders, car navigation systems, radar detectors, and the like. Such devices can be attached to a vehicle and have the functions of recording video, providing destination guidance, and providing radar position.

2016-57822 publication

By the way, accidents that occur when the driver is an elderly person have been a problem. In such accidents, the elderly driver may become the victim, but there are many cases where the elderly driver becomes the perpetrator, especially when the elderly driver becomes the perpetrator. , family members of elderly drivers will continue to have strong anxiety because it is likely that a large burden will be imposed on the surviving family members.

On the other hand, there is an idea that the elderly should just return their driver's license, but considering the environment in which the elderly live and their relationship with their families, it would be better not to drive for all elderly people. cannot be discussed as a whole. For example, an elderly couple living alone in the countryside, or elderly people who have their own jobs such as farm work, may not be able to live without a car.

However, it cannot be denied that elderly drivers are more likely to cause accidents than ordinary drivers. (2) decreased concentration; (3) distracted by other things; and (4) hard to see. Accidents - their trends and characteristics -", Itarda Information, [online], Traffic Accident Analysis Center, June 2007, No.68, p.2-12, [searched January 24, 2017] , Internet <URL: http://www.itarda.or.jp/itardainfomation/info68.pdf>>).

Despite the fact that accidents involving elderly drivers have been a problem for many years, little thought has been given to solving this problem. In particular, measures to prevent accidents involving all drivers, including ordinary drivers, may be sufficient to deter elderly drivers from becoming victims. No specific measures have been considered.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is, for example, to suppress the occurrence of dangers caused by an elderly driver driving a vehicle, reduce the possibility of the elderly driver becoming a perpetrator or victim of an accident, To provide a device or the like that allows a driver to drive with peace of mind.

The purpose of the invention of the present application is not limited to this, and we intend to acquire rights for the configuration aiming to obtain the effect produced by the configuration disclosed in the specification and drawings by divisional application, amendment, etc. . For example, in the present specification, a problem is disclosed in which the part described as "can be done" is replaced with "is a problem", and the configuration for solving this problem is also a divisional application/amendment I have the intention to acquire the right by, etc. Applicant intends to claim some of the features described herein in an amended or divisional application.

(1) For example, a device that can be attached to a vehicle driven by an elderly driver, acquires vehicle information about the vehicle driven by the elderly driver, and uses the vehicle information to allow the elderly driver to drive the vehicle. It is preferable to determine whether or not the vehicle is in a situation in which the vehicle may become the perpetrator of the accident by driving, and to issue a warning to the notification means based on the determination.

In this way, in a situation where an elderly driver who drives a vehicle may become an assailant, a warning is given to the elderly driver, thereby reducing the possibility that the elderly driver will become an assailant. The driver's family can feel more secure and let the elderly driver drive. In addition, it is conceivable that driving a car becomes a reason for going out, preventing elderly drivers from staying at home, leading to health promotion.

Equipment that can be attached to a vehicle should be one that can be attached to a vehicle such as an automobile. good.

An “elderly driver” is, for example, an elderly person who is not old enough to enter a facility, and who has not yet required nursing care, who can go to the toilet by himself and eat at home. Imagine an old man. Also, for example, an old man in his 40's or 50's who lives with his son and works in the field during the daytime is preferable.

Such an elderly person can, for example, drive a light truck to go to the fields, but when he goes out, he accompanies his son and his wife, so the area around his house is the only area where he can drive alone. It is assumed that he is an old man who does not go by bus in the countryside and lives in a place where he needs a car for movement within the scope of his activities alone, so he has no choice but to become an elderly driver. Alternatively, elderly people who do not live with their families and who rely on cars for their daily lives are forced to become elderly drivers because they need cars to go to hospitals and buy daily necessities.

The “vehicle information about the vehicle” may be, for example, information acquired by the vehicle itself, or information acquired by this device attached to the vehicle. For example, it may be information acquired by a sensor or the like provided in the vehicle itself, or may be information acquired by a sensor or the like provided in the main unit.

For example, external image information viewed from inside the vehicle, image information inside the vehicle, detection information detected by a detection device provided in the vehicle or equipment attached to the vehicle, GPS information acquired by GPS, etc. may be used. . Image information may be acquired from, for example, a photographing device such as a camera. Also, the detection device may be, for example, a sensor such as a speed sensor or an acceleration sensor.

"Determining from vehicle information whether or not an elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" is determined, for example, by matching acquired vehicle information with predetermined condition information. do it. Predetermined condition information may, for example, be incorporated into a program for operating the device according to the present invention, or stored in storage means provided in the device. The predetermined condition information may be, for example, vehicle information that is considered to be acquired by a vehicle in a past case that has been the perpetrator of an accident. For example, an accident may be recorded by a vehicle simulator and predetermined condition information may be determined based on the recorded vehicle information. Then, by comparing the condition information with the vehicle information, it is preferable to determine whether or not the elderly driver can become a victim of an accident while driving the vehicle.

In addition, "determining from vehicle information whether or not an elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" is performed by, for example, the device control means according to the present invention being incorporated into a program. The predetermined condition information stored in the storage means or the predetermined condition information stored in the storage means may be compared with the acquired vehicle information to determine whether or not the vehicle information matches the condition information.

In addition, it is preferable to determine the conformity between single information such as image information, GPS information, speed information, and predetermined condition information for ``a situation in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident while driving a vehicle''. , it is even better to determine the match between a plurality of pieces of information and predetermined condition information. By determining compatibility with a plurality of pieces of information, compared to determining compatibility with single information, it is possible to adequately determine "situations in which an elderly driver may be the perpetrator of an accident." The predetermined condition information may be a plurality of condition information such as image information, GPS information, and speed information.

When determining whether a plurality of pieces of information and predetermined condition information match, for example, as in the configuration of (8) described later, determination is made based on whether or not the traffic light information and the speed information match the predetermined condition information. good. In this case, the "predetermined condition" information may be, for example, information indicating that the traffic light is yellow or red, and that the speed information is above a certain speed. Further, the "wobble" in (9) described later may be determined by whether or not a plurality of pieces of information such as acceleration information, speed information, GPS information, and image information conform to predetermined condition information.

Then, for example, part of the "predetermined condition" information stored in the storage means may be fixed conditions as initial settings, but the other part may be set as individual settings in (2) described later. , can be set individually. Of the predetermined conditions, those that can be easily set may be individually set.

"Notifying a warning based on the determination" may be processed to issue a warning when, for example, it is determined that a situation in which an elderly driver may be the perpetrator of an accident meets predetermined conditions. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the situation in which the vehicle is placed conforms to a predetermined condition, and if it is judged that it conforms, it is processed so that a warning is issued, and if it is judged that it does not conform, a warning is not issued. should be processed to

On the other hand, however, even if it is determined that the elderly driver meets the conditions under which the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of the accident, it is preferable to perform processing so that the warning is not issued when other conditions are taken into account. In driving a vehicle, the situation in which the vehicle is placed may meet a plurality of conditions at the same time, and depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to drive safely without annunciation of the warning.

Also, for example, when it is determined that a plurality of conditions are met, a warning may be issued. should be judged as a situation in which a person could become the perpetrator of an accident, and a warning should be issued.

Also, for example, even if it is determined that the conditions are met, if it is determined that the other conditions are not met, the warning may not be issued. For example, as in (11), which will be described later, even if it is determined that the elderly driver may be the perpetrator of the accident because the vehicle has shifted to the right by more than a predetermined value, the condition is that no oncoming vehicle will come. It is better to process so as not to report the warning.

"Providing a warning" may be, for example, a weaker warning than that for a general driver, and may be a warning to arouse attention or give advice, and should not be a strong beep sound. Elderly drivers become more impatient as they get older, so it is good to provide warnings that do not startle or irritate them. For example, the warning notification function may switch between a warning for general drivers and a warning for elderly drivers, which is weaker than the warning for general drivers.

The device according to the present invention preferably has a control mode for elderly drivers and a control mode for general drivers other than the elderly drivers, and is more preferably switchable between the two modes.

In the general driver mode, for example, a device that can be attached to a vehicle driven by a general driver other than an elderly driver, acquires vehicle information about the vehicle driven by the general driver, and uses the vehicle information It is preferable to determine whether or not a general driver is likely to become a victim of an accident while driving the vehicle, and cause the notification means to issue a warning based on the determination. For example, the warning notification function may switch between the warning for general drivers and the warning for elderly drivers as described above, but the mode for general drivers and the mode for elderly drivers It is more preferable to switch according to the switching of the mode by switching the .

(2) For example, the elderly driver's family has a function to set the situation in which the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident while driving the vehicle.

In this way, each elderly driver's family can individually make settings that are considered optimal for the elderly driver, and if the settings are appropriate, the situation is considered optimal for the elderly driver. Since the warning is issued, compared with the case where the situation where the elderly driver could be the perpetrator of the accident is initially set, the anxiety of the elderly driver is reduced, and the family can feel more secure about the elderly driver. I can drive you.

The "function for setting the situation by the elderly driver's family" may be, for example, a function for the family to set part of the predetermined conditions for determining compatibility with the acquired information. For example, it is preferable to set a condition related to "position information" in (3) described later, or set a condition related to "traffic signal information" and a condition related to "speed information" in (8). The set conditions may be stored in the storage means of the device as setting data, for example.

For example, the condition regarding "location information" in (3) may be set as a condition that the vehicle reaches a specific position or a specific range. It is preferable to set the condition that the color of the lamp is recognized as a predetermined color, and the condition related to the "speed information" may be set as the condition that the speed of the vehicle exceeds a certain threshold.

In addition, the device may include, for example, a display device, and the "function to be set" may be, for example, a function of displaying items to be set on the display device and setting the items by appropriately selecting the items. For example, a plurality of items including items for setting conditions related to climate information such as (12) are displayed on the display device, and when (12) is selected, items such as temperature, weather, humidity, etc. are displayed, When the temperature is selected, it is preferable to display the temperature at which the warning is issued in increments of 1 degree. The selection is preferably performed by a setting unit such as an input button or a touch panel provided on the display device. Alternatively, the "function to be set" may be set by the external setting device of (5).

In addition, for example, items such as places, times, events, etc. that can be considered as "situations in which an elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" and options for each item are prepared in advance, and elderly driving is prepared. The person's family should choose the option. In addition, it is preferable that such setting be repeatedly performed in consideration of the condition of the elderly driver and the driving situation that change daily.

For example, the "function set by the elderly driver's family" should preferably have a configuration that makes it more difficult for the elderly driver to set than the elderly driver's family, and more preferably, the elderly driver's family should be set only by For example, it is preferable to provide a function for inputting information identifying the elderly driver's family.

In addition, the device should have a function that allows only the family member to set, for example, ``situations in which an elderly driver may become a victim of an accident while driving a vehicle.'' Good to have. For example, if the device has a function that requires a password, and before setting, the password is requested, and only family members who know the password can set it by entering the password. It would be nice to have a feature that older drivers who don't have one can't set.

(3) For example, the situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle is determined by the elderly driver's family regarding location information that is expected to pose a particular danger to the elderly driver. It is preferable to have a setting function.

In this way, a comprehensive warning is issued at a position where the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator, so the family can have the elderly driver drive with more peace of mind. In addition, since the driving range of an elderly driver is limited, the positions where danger is predicted are limited. Therefore, family members can comprehensively set specific positions according to individual elderly drivers.

The “dangers peculiar to elderly drivers” may be, for example, dangers common to general elderly drivers, and may be dangers focused on the driving habits of general elderly drivers or their driving habits. For example, the danger may be caused by the driving habits of general elderly drivers, such as repeatedly moving to and from the center line.

Ordinarily, elderly drivers cannot drive straight, they move all the way to the right, go to the center line and return, go to the center line and go back, and there is a guardrail on the left side, so it's scary. , Even if you cross the Chuo Line, you tend to drive like you're basically going inside because you're conscious that if there's no oncoming car, the car won't hit you. Also, sometimes when a large truck comes by, I'm surprised and sometimes turn left and hit the left. Therefore, a specific place where such driving is likely to occur should be defined as "position where danger is expected".

"Elderly driver-specific hazards", on the other hand, may be the hazards that a particular elderly driver has, and may be set by the elderly driver's family. For example, a convenience store or a home center that the specific elderly driver regularly visits, and where many people and cars come and go, are assumed to be locations where danger is expected, and are considered to be "dangers peculiar to elderly drivers". It is recommended that the family set the location information as "predicted location information".

In addition, for example, it is good for family members to set locations where there have been previous accidents as ``positions where danger is expected''. This should be set as an example of "location information that predicts a particular danger to a person."

(4) For example, the situation in which the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle is related to the location information and the event information that predicts the danger peculiar to the elderly driver. It is preferable to have a function set by the elderly driver's family.

In this way, it is possible to comprehensively set situations in which the elderly driver's family members can become perpetrators specific to the elderly driver based on the limited location information and the event information corresponding to the location. . As a result, a comprehensive warning is issued in terms of locations and events in which the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator, so the family can have the elderly driver drive with greater peace of mind. In addition, since elderly drivers have a limited driving range, events that are predicted to be dangerous in that driving range are also limited. In particular, it is preferable to have a function for family members to set position information.

The 'event information related to the location information and predicting danger peculiar to the elderly driver' may be, for example, information related to the time, content, and weather of the event related to the location. Specifically, for example, when an elementary school student's school route is within the driving range of an elderly driver, the information may be related to the location information of the school route, and may be information related to an event that the elementary school student will be commuting to school during a predetermined time slot.

There are countless places in Japan where tragic vehicle accidents, such as school roads, can occur. However, even if it is purposely set for the elderly driver, it does not become a heavy burden, and the family can set it for the elderly driver, and the family can have the elderly driver drive with more peace of mind.

(5) For example, an external setting device for setting the situation to the device in (4), comprising a display unit, map information, the location information on the map, and a front view associated with the location information. The event information and the warning information related to the content of the warning are displayed on the display unit, and the elderly driver's family is notified of the situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle. It is preferable to have a setting function.

In this way, information such as map information, location information, event information, warning information, etc. is displayed on the display means of the externally set device, and the situation in which the elderly driver is considered to be a perpetrator is displayed by the externally set device. Can be set. Since information such as map information can be easily set if it is displayed in a large size, if it can be displayed on a display device of an external setting device that is separate from the device that can be attached to the vehicle as in the present invention, each setting will be easier. .

The external setting device may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, or the like. Alternatively, the connection to the external setting device may be, for example, wired or wireless, or may be made via a storage medium such as an SD card.

The "setting function" of the external setting device is such that, for example, the predetermined conditions stored in the storage means of this device are set by the external setting device on behalf of this device, without using the setting section of this device. It should be a function to For example, the device may be wired or wirelessly connected to an external setting device and have a function of setting conditions for judging the situation by the external setting device.

The external setting device makes it possible to select the condition while looking at the display section of the external device, and creates setting data as a condition for judging suitability of the situation. After that, it is preferable to store the setting data as the condition in the storage means of the device. If the device can be connected to such an external setting device, for example, the device according to the present invention should be provided with only a connection section for the external setting device, and should not be provided with a setting section such as a button. . By doing so, the structure of the device can be simplified.

The "map information" may be, for example, an electronic map and displayed on a part of the display screen of the display unit. Also, the "location information on the map" may be displayed on the map as, for example, a pin arranged at a predetermined position on the displayed map.

The "warning information" is, for example, a warning displayed on the display screen of the device in (13) described later or generated by the warning sound output means, and which reporting means reports the warning by what method. It is preferable that the information indicates whether the Specifically, the "warning information" is, for example, information indicating that a warning is to be given with a single-color background and large characters on the display screen, beep sound, or recorded voice of the family member. It should be information that indicates that

(6) For example, further comprising a position information registration unit for registering the position information, when the elderly driver's family drives the vehicle driven by the elderly driver on behalf of the elderly driver, It is preferable to have a function of registering the position information by operating the position information registration unit.

In this way, the elderly driver's family can register only dangerous positions while driving on behalf of the elderly driver, assuming that the elderly driver will drive, and after driving, the registered position Other information can be registered.

The other information may be information such as that the position is a position with poor visibility, that there is a traffic signal at the position, or that the position is a school route for elementary school students. This facilitates registration of position information based on actual driving. Therefore, the task of setting the situation is facilitated, dangerous positions can be reliably registered, and the possibility of an elderly driver being involved in an accident can be reduced.

In addition, the external setting device (5) may be configured so that the elderly driver's family can set it together with the elderly driver. After registering the location information, the elderly driver can work with the elderly driver to set up a situation in which the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle, and the family and the elderly driver can set up the situation. You can also expect to improve communication with

The 'position information registration unit' may be, for example, pressing means such as a button or a touch panel provided on the device. By doing so, the pressing means can be easily pressed even during driving, so that the position information can be appropriately registered on the spot.

Furthermore, the 'location information registration section' may be provided in external registration means such as a remote controller connected wirelessly or by wire. In this way, the remote control can be placed within reach of the driver, and the driver does not need to reach for the device, and can register position information without changing his/her posture while driving.

(7) For example, it is preferable that the warning notification is started after the elderly driver becomes a possible victim of the accident, and the notification is terminated after the elderly driver becomes unlikely to be the accident victim.

In this way, the elderly driver can recognize the accuracy of his/her own driving by ending the notification after the situation becomes such that he cannot become the perpetrator, and the notification can be continued even in the situation where he cannot become the perpetrator. Compared to the case of putting it away, you will be able to keep in mind the appropriate driving.

The "situation in which it is impossible to be the perpetrator of an accident" may be, for example, a situation in which there is no possibility of becoming a perpetrator. The “situation in which there is no possibility of becoming a perpetrator” may be, for example, the case where the moving speed of the vehicle becomes 0 km/h (the case where the vehicle stops). Alternatively, the "situation in which it is impossible to be the perpetrator of an accident" may be, for example, a situation in which there is usually no possibility of becoming a perpetrator.

If the notification is terminated in a situation where there is no possibility of becoming a perpetrator, the notification is normally terminated in a situation where it is considered unnecessary, and the notification is terminated only in a situation where there is no possibility of becoming a perpetrator. elderly drivers are better able to perceive their driving accuracy as compared to .

For example, the "circumstances in which the victim of an accident can be the perpetrator" may be a fixed condition. In general, for example, the situations in which an elderly driver can be the perpetrator of an accident are wider than the situations in which ordinary drivers other than elderly drivers can be the perpetrator of an accident. Possible situations include situations in which normal drivers other than elderly drivers can become victims of accidents. Therefore, it is preferable to initially set the "circumstances in which an elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident" in a wider range than the situation in which an ordinary driver may become the perpetrator of an accident.

Also, the "situation in which the person cannot be the perpetrator of the accident" may be, for example, a fixed condition. In general, for example, the situation in which an elderly driver cannot be the perpetrator of an accident is narrower than the situation in which ordinary drivers other than elderly drivers cannot be the perpetrator of an accident. A situation in which a normal driver other than an elderly driver cannot be the perpetrator of an accident. Therefore, for example, the "situation in which the victim of an accident cannot be the victim" should be initially set to a narrower range than the situation in which a general driver may be the victim of an accident.

Also, for example, at least one of "situations in which an elderly driver can be the perpetrator of an accident" and "situation in which the elderly driver cannot be the perpetrator of an accident" is set as an initial setting, or (2)
It is preferable that the elderly driver's family members set it as follows.

In particular, for example, it is recommended that the elderly driver's family set both "situations in which the elderly driver can be the perpetrator of an accident" and "situations in which the elderly driver cannot be the perpetrator of an accident". . In this way, the elderly driver can be encouraged to drive appropriately in accordance with his or her own characteristics by setting the elderly driver.

Also, for example, instead of setting "situations in which the elderly driver cannot be the perpetrator of the accident", the family may set only "situations in which the elderly driver may be the perpetrator of the accident". In this way, the conditions for ending the notification are left to the initial settings, and only the conditions for starting the notification are set by the family members, thereby facilitating the setting and ensuring that the warning is given in situations specific to the elderly driver. can do.

(8) For example, traffic light information about the color of the light of the traffic light in front of the vehicle and speed information about the speed of the vehicle are acquired, and the elderly driver drives the vehicle based on the traffic light information and the speed information. It is determined whether or not the situation is such that it is possible to become a perpetrator of an accident by doing so.

In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility of frequent accidents involving elderly drivers by determining that the elderly driver is the perpetrator based on the relationship between the traffic light information and the speed information. It should be noted that elderly drivers are more likely to make mistakes in driving and become victims of accidents because their concentration level declines due to aging and they are more likely to be distracted by other things while driving. Therefore, there are many cases in which traffic signals are overlooked or noticed late due to these factors.

For example, when the color of the traffic light in front of the vehicle is red or yellow and the speed of the vehicle does not decrease, the notification means may issue a warning. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an accident where the elderly driver is largely at fault, such as entering an intersection where the vehicle should stop and being hit by another vehicle.

Further, for example, if the moving speed of the vehicle does not change even when the color of the light of the traffic light changes from red to blue, it is preferable to issue a warning prompting the vehicle to start. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the driver from making a mistake in driving by trying to start the vehicle in a hurry when he/she notices that the color of the light of the traffic light has changed to blue.

In particular, elderly drivers tend to become impatient as they get older, and may become irritated when their horn is sounded. Then, even if an accident does not occur on the spot, there is a possibility that an accident may occur on another location due to driving in a frustrated and unstable mental state. Therefore, if the green light is used to announce the start, the honking of the horn from other vehicles can be eliminated, and the elderly driver can be prevented from being irritated.

Acquisition of the "traffic signal information" may be obtained by, for example, a photographing means such as a camera that photographs the front of the vehicle. The traffic light information can be acquired by recognizing the traffic light and grasping the color of the traffic light, using the fact that when the image captured by the photographing means is image-processed, the LED of the traffic light blinks innumerably.

The "speed information" can be obtained based on the speed that can be obtained from GPS or OBD or the acceleration from an acceleration sensor, and is preferably information on the speed or acceleration of the vehicle.

Also, at this time, it is preferable to further include the configuration of (7). For example, based on the traffic light information and the speed information, a warning is issued when the elderly driver is in a situation where the elderly driver may be the perpetrator of the accident. should be started, and the notification should be terminated when the situation becomes such that the victim cannot be the perpetrator of the accident.

In this way, by ending the notification in a situation where the elderly driver cannot be the perpetrator of the accident based on the traffic light information and the speed information, for example, the traffic light information is a red light and the speed information is a predetermined speed information. By starting the notification when the moving speed is higher than or equal to the traffic light and ending the notification when the moving speed of the speed information is less than the predetermined moving speed in relation to the distance to the traffic light, the elderly driver can Appropriate response to the signal can be recognized.

If the notification continues for a while even after the moving speed has fallen below a predetermined value, the elderly driver is likely to feel that he or she has decelerated the vehicle incorrectly, and the notification may actually fuel anxiety. Therefore, the effect of properly ending the notification of the warning is great.

(9) For example, from the vehicle information, it is determined whether the vehicle driven by the elderly driver is swaying, and based on the determination, whether the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of the accident by driving the vehicle. It is preferable to have a function to determine whether or not

In general, elderly drivers tend to sway left and right when driving. Therefore, in this way, a warning is issued based on the sway when the elderly driver is the perpetrator. It is possible to reduce the possibility of accidents that frequently occur in elderly drivers due to swaying driving, which is a characteristic of elderly drivers.

"Wobbling" refers to, for example, a state in which the vehicle moves unstably to the left or right, or a state in which the direction of travel changes significantly to the right or to the left, as in (10) described later. It is preferable to determine from the vehicle information. The vehicle information used for determination of "swaying" may be obtained by, for example, changes in left and right acceleration using an acceleration sensor. Also, it is preferable to acquire the location information based on a change in position information acquired by GPS. Also, it is preferable to acquire from an image captured by an image capturing means such as a camera.

For example, "swaying" may be a situation caused by driving habits peculiar to elderly drivers, such as repeatedly moving toward and back from the center line, or a situation caused by a narrow field of vision peculiar to elderly drivers. do it. In addition, it is preferable not to distinguish between swaying and bending. For example, when vehicle information meets a predetermined condition for swaying, it may be uniformly determined as swaying.

In addition, the "determination of swaying" may be determined not only by sideways swaying but also by determining swaying due to changes in vehicle speed and acceleration, such as sudden start and sudden braking. should be reported.

(10) For example, a situation in which it is determined from the vehicle information that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined amount or more, and based on the determination, the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle. It is preferable to determine whether or not

By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a serious accident such as a head-on collision occurring when the vehicle moves to the right side and an oncoming vehicle comes.

For example, elderly drivers often move to the center line and back. This is a driving habit peculiar to elderly drivers who are aware that there is no danger even if they cross the center line on the right side as long as there is no oncoming vehicle. However, if the vehicle leans to the right side, it will cause a serious accident such as a head-on collision when an oncoming vehicle comes.

Therefore, by announcing a warning when there is a large rightward change in the sway information, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of serious accidents peculiar to elderly drivers. Also, for example, when the state has changed significantly to the left, it is preferable to issue a warning. By doing so, it is possible to inform the elderly driver that there is a possibility that there is a pedestrian or a bicycle in the direction of travel.

Determination of "the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more" may be determined based on, for example, the fact that the vehicle has crossed over the center line or the distance from the center line has decreased.

(11) Further, the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle is determined, and based on the determination that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined amount or more, it is determined whether the elderly driver is likely to be a victim of an accident by driving the vehicle. Even if it is determined that there is no oncoming vehicle, no warning is issued.

Due to the characteristics of driving by elderly drivers, even if the driver strays to the right, the possibility of causing a serious accident is small if there is no oncoming vehicle. Therefore, if the notification is given each time the vehicle frequently veers to the right, the elderly driver will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, by not issuing a warning when there is no oncoming vehicle, it is possible to prevent repeated announcements, thereby reducing discomfort to the driver.

The oncoming vehicle information can be obtained based on whether or not an image captured by an imaging unit such as a camera includes an image of the vehicle viewed from the front.

(12) For example, in addition to the vehicle information, climate information is acquired, and based on the climate information together with the vehicle information, there is a possibility that the elderly driver will be the perpetrator of the accident by driving the vehicle. It is better to determine whether or not

In this way, warnings can be provided based on weather information associated with the location of the vehicle, reducing the climatic hazards of elderly driving. In general, elderly drivers are more likely to suffer from physical ailments due to the weather, and therefore are more likely to experience dangers peculiar to elderly drivers due to the weather while driving, compared to ordinary drivers.

Vehicle Information and Climate Therefore, when issuing a warning to a general driver based on the weather, it is preferable to issue a warning at an early stage that is stricter than conditions that are assumed to be dangerous for general drivers. At the time of the filing of the present application, a configuration using climate information together with vehicle information is described, but there is an intention to acquire rights for a configuration using climate information instead of vehicle information by division or the like.

"Climate information" may be, for example, information about the physical state of the atmosphere or in the atmosphere, such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind speed. In addition to directly obtaining information from the rainfall information, it is preferable to indirectly obtain rainfall information through the OBD connector by obtaining that the wiper has been activated.

The vehicle information may be position information of the vehicle, for example. In this way, it is possible to comprehensively set situations in which the elderly driver's family members can become perpetrators specific to the elderly driver based on the limited location information and the climate information corresponding to the location. As a result, comprehensive warnings are issued according to the location and climate where the elderly driver is likely to be a perpetrator, so the family can have the elderly driver drive with more peace of mind. In addition, since the driving range of an elderly driver is limited, position information is limited due to the driving range.

For example, when the temperature is high enough to predict the risk of heatstroke or the like, it is possible to issue a warning based on the climate information and the location information. It is preferable to issue a warning prompting replenishment. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an accident in which an elderly driver erroneously performs driving due to heat stroke and becomes a victim.

In addition, "announcing a warning based on climate information" means that, for example, when the temperature rises in the summer, or in the summer when the temperature inside the car rises sharply, some kind of warning, such as a notification to urge hydration, is used. good. Many elderly people are more tolerant of climate change, so warnings issued based on climate information can make elderly drivers aware of climate change and reduce the dangers peculiar to elderly drivers. .

The warning is not something that strongly restricts behavior, but rather like advice, such as drinking water or opening a window. It should be something that encourages them. Furthermore, the warning to be notified should be a notice such as ``If you drive for too long, you will lose your concentration,'' or ``It will be difficult to see ahead'' during rain.

(13) For example, the notification means may include a display screen capable of displaying a background of a single color over the entire surface, and the display screen may notify the warning by changing the color of the background.

In this way, a change in color, which is visual information most easily recognized by an elderly driver, is issued as a warning as a change in a single color in the background of the entire display screen where the change is particularly easily recognized. As a result, the elderly driver can be made to recognize the warning without fail, so the probability of an accident caused by the elderly driver's driving is reduced, and the family can have the elderly driver drive with peace of mind.

As for the "color change", it is preferable that the display screen normally displays an image such as a camera image, but the color changes to red. This makes it easier for the elderly driver to understand that the state is different from the normal state, compared with the change to a color other than red, and can reduce the probability of an accident occurring due to the elderly driver's driving. . Also, the “color change” may be a change such that the background of the same color flickers or a change such that the background of different colors are sequentially replaced.

For example, even for elderly drivers who are driving with various vision-related diseases such as cataracts, changes in the display background color are the easiest to intuitively recognize compared to text warnings. By remembering that the danger is notified by the color, the possibility of becoming a perpetrator of an accident is reduced.

(14) For example, the notification means includes a warning sound output means for notifying a warning by sound, and the display screen displays the warning by text in addition to the display background, and according to the characteristics of the elderly driver, It is preferable that the warning is notified by the notification means by a combination of the color of the display background and at least one of the characters and the sound.

In this way, in addition to the color of the display background, the elderly driver can easily recognize the warning by notifying the warning by combining at least one of characters and sound. In particular, elderly drivers may have physical problems, and in such cases, it is possible to have the elderly driver recognize the warning even if it is difficult to recognize the warning with one method.

For example, the display screen may have no elements other than the background and characters. For example, it may have a function of notifying the warning only with the color of the characters and the background without displaying the icon or the map. Also, for example, it is preferable that the red color can be set to a color that is easily recognized by elderly drivers.

For example, an elderly driver with vision problems may have difficulty recognizing characters, but if the warning is accompanied by the color of the display background and sound, the warning can be properly recognized. In addition, elderly drivers who have hearing problems can properly recognize the warning if the warning is given in combination with the color of the display background and the text. Even if it is difficult to recognize characters while driving, the characters can be recognized when the vehicle is stopped.

(15) For example, it is preferable to have a function of setting at least one of the color of the display background, the characters, and the sound according to the characteristics of the elderly driver by the elderly driver's family.

In this way, the family members who know the elderly driver best can set the display according to the characteristics of the elderly driver, and can issue the most recognizable warning. As a result, elderly drivers can drive vehicles with the affection of their families, and their awareness of accident prevention is heightened.

As for the setting method, for example, a plurality of combinations of display background color and character color may be prepared in the initial setting, and only the content of the warning text may be changed. By doing so, it is possible to individually set the content to be alerted in accordance with the characteristics of the elderly driver with a combination of easy-to-see colors.

The combination of colors may be complementary colors, and more preferably selected according to the individuality of the elderly driver. Also, for example, it is preferable to record the voice of a family member such as "Grandpa, be careful" and notify the user according to the situation. If it is the voice of a family member, the elderly driver can obediently accept the alert.

By the way, for example, it is preferable to cause the display means to display reward information that can motivate the elderly driver to drive based on the distance or frequency of driving the vehicle. In particular, as in (16) below, for example, the frequency of driving may be measured by counting the number of days the vehicle has been driven.

(16) For example, the number of days that the vehicle has been continuously driven may be counted, and when a predetermined number of days has been counted, reward information may be displayed on the display means to motivate the elderly driver to drive.

Reward information is displayed according to the number of days that the elderly driver continues to drive the vehicle, thereby motivating the elderly driver to drive the vehicle and motivating him to drive even every day. As a result, it is possible to provide an environment in which the elderly driver's family can safely drive the elderly driver without worrying about the elderly driver becoming withdrawn from driving.

"Counting the number of days" is not simply the distance, number of times, or frequency of driving. In addition, "when a predetermined number of days are counted" may be counted as being driven every day during a predetermined period of time, such as one month. Specifically, for example, if the vehicle can be safely operated for 10 days, it is preferable to display an image of an egg hatching and an animal appearing on the display device of the device.

In addition, for example, if you can drive safely in the next 10 days, you may want more animals to hatch from eggs. In doing so, coupled with a desire to collect animals, the elderly can be motivated to drive every day. The number of driving days may be counted, for example, based on the number of times the engine of the vehicle is started. Alternatively, the count may be based on the fact that the vehicle has moved a predetermined distance.

The "reward information" may be, for example, a photo image of the elderly driver's family in addition to the video of the animal. Since elderly drivers have a deep affection for their families, doing so can increase their motivation to drive with reward information. For example, the reward information may be displayed at any time according to the number of days of continuous driving, and it is more preferable to change the reward information according to the number of continuous days. When changing the reward information, it is preferable to change it so that the value of the reward increases, for example. The number of days for which the driver continues to drive when the reward information is displayed should be two days or more, but it is preferable to set it to several days, particularly five days. Further, the number of days may be 5 days or more, but if it is too long, the continuation of the operation may be stopped halfway, so it is more preferable to set it to about 2 to 5 days.

Further, for example, the reward information may be displayed without deducting points for the frequency with which the vehicle is driven. In this way, the demerit points do not discourage the elderly driver from driving, and the reward information does not hinder the motivation to drive. For example, if information from the accelerometer is acquired during driving such as sudden start or sudden braking, or even if the driving distance does not reach the predetermined distance that is scheduled for normal driving, the elderly driver may be involved in an accident. You can count the number of days you drive without waking up. In particular, when the frequency of driving the vehicle is counted as the number of days as in (16) above, the following (17) should be performed.

(17) For example, the count may only be added.

If the number of days is subtracted, it may reduce the motivation of the elderly driver to continue driving every day. All you have to do is think about driving, and you can keep driving on a daily basis. As a result, it is possible to provide an environment in which the elderly driver's family can feel at ease while the elderly driver drives.

Further, the number or frequency of driving the vehicle is calculated, and if the calculated value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, reward information that can motivate the elderly driver to drive is displayed on the display means. should not be subtracted.

In this way, the driver's motivation to drive can be enhanced by notifying only good information and omitting bad information.

(18) It may be configured as a program for causing a computer to execute the functions of the device described in any one of (1) to (17).

The configuration described above is an example, and may be partially expanded or partially limited. In addition, configurations may be combined within a range that does not contradict the configuration. For example, the above inventions (1) to (17) can be combined arbitrarily. Further, for example, the configuration may be provided with at least one of the other configurations (2) to (17) without including all or part of the configuration of (1). However, in particular, it is preferable to include all or part of the configuration (1) and at least any one configuration and combination of (2) to (17). Also, arbitrary components may be extracted from at least one of (1) to (17) and combined. The applicant of the present application intends to obtain patent rights for such configurations as well.

According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of danger caused by an elderly driver driving a vehicle, reduce the possibility of the elderly driver becoming a perpetrator or victim of an accident, and It is possible to provide equipment that allows people to drive with peace of mind. The effect of the invention of the present application is not limited to this, and the effect produced by the parts of the configuration disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc. is also disclosed, and the configuration that produces the effect is also acquired by divisional application, amendment, etc. have the intention to For example, in this specification, the description of "can be done" is a description that clearly shows the effect, and there are parts showing the effect even if there is no description of "can be done".

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a safety system equipped with equipment that is a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the attachment state to the vehicle of the main unit of an apparatus. 2 is a front view of the appearance of the display device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which the display screen of a display apparatus changes. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a driving state when the vehicle equipped with the device moves to the right side of the lane; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a driving state when a vehicle equipped with a device staggers; It is a figure which shows the display screen of the external setting apparatus connected to an apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display screen of a display apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying reward information on the display screen of the display device;

1 to 9 are diagrams showing the configuration of a safety system including a drive recorder, which is a device, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the safety system including the device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main unit (hereinafter also referred to as "main body") 1 provided with control means 10, and the main unit 1 is connected to the control means 10. front view camera 11, GPS unit 12, OBD connector 13, acceleration sensor 14, additional camera 15, temperature and humidity sensor 16, remote controller 17, display device 18, touch panel 19, input button 20, built-in microphone 21, speaker 22, near It has a distance wireless communication device 23, a memory card slot 24 and a storage means 25 (not shown).

Control means 10 , acceleration sensor 14 , temperature/humidity sensor 16 , built-in microphone 21 , speaker 22 , short-range wireless communication device 23 , memory card slot 24 , and storage means 25 are provided in main unit 1 . Front view camera 11 , GPS unit 12 , OBD connector 13 , extension camera 15 , remote control 17 , and display device 18 are provided inside the vehicle separately from main unit 1 .

The control means 10 of the main unit 1 is provided with a microcomputer, and the processing in this embodiment is realized by a computer provided with the microcomputer executing a program stored in the microcomputer.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main unit 1 is fixed by sticking the bottom surface thereof to, for example, the center console located in front of the driver's seat or the undercover of the instrument panel using double-sided tape.

The main unit 1 has an AV output terminal for outputting a video signal and an audio signal to a display device 18 provided separately from the main unit 1, and a microphone terminal for inputting an audio signal from an external microphone. and an SD card slot (corresponding to the memory card slot 24 in FIG. 1).

Each corresponding connector is connected to each of these terminals, and is connected to each corresponding device via a cord (cable) connected to each connector. That is, the control means 10 is connected to the display device 18 through an AV output connector connected to an AV output terminal. The main unit 1 is also provided with an opening and has a built-in microphone 21 connected to the control means 10 in the opening. Further, the main unit 1 is provided therein with a speaker 22 connected to the control means 10 .

The display device 18, as shown in FIG. 3, is a conventionally well-known liquid crystal monitor, and is detachably mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle via a fixture, for example. The display device 18 receives and displays an NTSC signal such as a car navigation system or a car television. The touch panel 19 is provided on the display of the display device 18 and can be operated by touching the touch portion. A plurality of input buttons 20 are provided on both sides of the display of the display device 18 .

In the display device 18, the display displayed on the display unit is generally hierarchical. In the hierarchical display, first, by touching a menu button displayed as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) input screen on the upper layer. , a new menu screen of a lower hierarchy than that is displayed, and the menu buttons are touched one after another until a screen for executing a desired predetermined processing mode is reached.

For example, if you want to set the destination by entering the address, touch the menu button from the initial screen to set the location information, such as the initial screen → location information setting screen → address input screen. An operation of displaying the screen and then touching the menu button to display the address input screen is performed.

The main unit 1 also includes an OBD connection terminal connected to an OBD connector 13 provided on the vehicle, a GPS unit connection terminal connected to the GPS unit 12, an extension camera connection terminal connected to the extension camera 15, and a front view camera. 11 and a front-view camera connection terminal connected to the control means 10, respectively.

The front-view camera 11 is a camera for capturing an image in front of the vehicle to acquire a running image, and outputs an NTSC signal as a video signal of the captured image. The front view camera 11 is fixed to the windshield of the vehicle interior with double-faced tape so that the lens faces the traveling direction of the vehicle as the direction for photographing the front of the vehicle. The fixing position shall be within 20% of the height of the entire windshield from the top of the windshield in the passenger compartment. Power for the front view camera 11 is supplied from the control means 10 .

The GPS unit 12 is installed in front of the dashboard, receives GPS signals, obtains the current position from the received GPS signals, and converts the position information (longitude, latitude) of the obtained current position into NMEA format data. is sent to the control means 10 by .

Further, the control means 10 is connected to a vehicle speed signal line, a winker signal line, a brake signal line, a vehicle ground line, a vehicle ACC system power source, etc. via an OBD connector 13 connected to an OBD connection terminal. there is As a result, the control means 10 acquires vehicle speed information, blinker information, brake information, engine rotation output information, and the like from the vehicle via the OBD connector 13 .

The acceleration sensor 14 detects the behavior of the vehicle from the three-dimensional acceleration of the X, Y, and Z axes. Detects acceleration in a direction. As a result, predetermined behaviors of the vehicle, such as sudden acceleration/deceleration, sudden steering, running over a step, or falling into a dent, are detected. Acceleration sensor 1
4 is provided inside the main unit 1 and is connected to the control means 10 .

The additional camera 15 is a camera that can be attached at an arbitrary position to capture images around the vehicle, and outputs an NTSC signal as a video signal of the captured image. For example, it is fixed to the windshield of the vehicle interior with double-sided tape, facing the interior direction (the rearward direction of the vehicle from the windshield) as the photographing direction. This makes it possible to photograph the behavior of the driver. Power for the additional camera 15 is supplied from the control means 10 .

The temperature/humidity sensor 16 is a conventionally well-known thermo/hygrometer, and measures the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle. A temperature and humidity sensor 16 is provided inside the main unit 1 and connected to the control means 10 .

The remote control 17 has a position information registration button that functions as a position information registration unit, and is fixed to a position where the driver can easily operate, such as the center console or the under cover of the instrument panel, by sticking the back side thereof using double-sided tape. As will be described later, the position information registration button of the remote controller 17 is pressed at a place to be stored while driving, so that the position information of that place is registered.

The short-range wireless communication device 23 performs so-called Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and connects an external device that functions as an external setting device such as a smartphone, tablet, or notebook PC to the control means 10 by short-range wireless communication. do.

[Notification of warning regarding traffic lights]

A case will be described in which it is determined whether or not the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of the accident by driving the vehicle based on the traffic light information and the speed information, and the notification means is notified of a warning based on the determination. .

In the safety system, the front view camera 11 photographs the front of the vehicle, the control means 10 recognizes the LED traffic light from the photographed image information, and acquires information on the color of the light of the traffic light as traffic light information. Further, the control means 10 of the main unit 1 acquires vehicle speed information from the OBD connector 13 and acquires longitudinal acceleration information from the acceleration sensor 14 . Here, the vehicle speed information and the acceleration information are included in the speed information regarding the speed of the vehicle.

Based on the traffic light information and the speed information, the control means 10 determines whether or not the elderly driver can become an assailant while driving the vehicle. Specifically, the traffic light information satisfies the condition that the color of the traffic light is red or yellow, and the speed information indicates that the vehicle is at or above a predetermined speed, for example, 10 km/h, and the vehicle is decelerating. If the condition that the elderly driver is not aware of the red light is met, it is determined that the elderly driver may be a perpetrator by entering an intersection at a red light, etc.

Then, when it is determined that the elderly driver is likely to be a perpetrator, the display unit displays the image of the driving screen in which the front of the vehicle is photographed as shown in FIG. , the screen switches to a notification screen that notifies a warning. On the notification screen, characters 41 reading "Watch out for traffic lights" are displayed in white, and the background 42 is a red background color only (displayed in gray in FIG. 4B) and a black background color only (in FIG. 4B). (C)) flashes alternately. In addition, the speaker 22 issues a message "Beware of Signals" as a warning with a voice giving a soft impression.

In this way, the main body determines the blinking of the LED signal caused by the power source as a key, and recognizes the red signal, the speed of the vehicle, such as the movement speed, and the change in speed, such as acceleration and deceleration. If the acceleration does not decrease all the time, it can be notified in advance that it is better to stop immediately because it is a red light.

Further, the control means 10 recognizes the distance from the image information to the traffic light on which the traffic light information is based, and terminates the notification of the warning according to the distance and the speed information. Specifically, the condition is that the vehicle decelerates below the speed assumed to be able to stop at the stop position corresponding to the traffic signal, and if the actual vehicle speed meets the conditions, it cannot be the perpetrator of the accident. It is determined that the situation is met, and the notification is terminated.

[Announcement of warning regarding swaying, etc.]

Based on the vehicle information, it is determined whether the vehicle driven by the elderly driver has strayed more than a predetermined amount to the right in the lane. is determined, and based on the determination, the notification means is caused to notify the warning.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a vehicle C driven by an elderly driver moves to the right side of the lane, the acceleration sensor 14 of the vehicle detects lateral acceleration, and the control means 10 detects the detected acceleration information. to get In addition, the control means 10 acquires image information in front of the vehicle from the front view camera 11 and recognizes the distance between the vehicle C and the center line L of the road. Accordingly, the control means 10 determines from the acceleration information and the image information that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined amount or more, and issues a warning based on the determination.

Specifically, the acceleration information indicates that the vehicle C has deviated to the right by a certain value or more, and that the distance between the vehicle C and the center line L has become equal to or less than a certain value. If the behavior matches the conditions, the control means 10 determines that the elderly driver can be the assailant.

Certain values for the vehicle C deviating to the right and the distance between the vehicle C and the center line L are predetermined in the determination program of the control device. In this embodiment, the constant value of the distance between the right end of the vehicle C and the center line L is set to 10 cm, but the constant value may be set to 0 or a negative number. However, in order to more safely determine that the elderly driver has approached the center line, the constant value should be set in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm. When the control means 10 determines that the elderly driver may become a victim of an accident by driving the vehicle, the display of the display device 18 starts blinking to issue a warning.

Elderly drivers tend to drive from the center of the lane to the right and back, then to the right and back, and when an oncoming vehicle comes, they feel danger and turn left. By notifying such swaying characteristic of an elderly driver at a rightward stage, it is possible to determine a situation in which a general elderly driver may be a perpetrator.

Next, from the vehicle information, determine the sway of the vehicle driven by the elderly driver, and based on the determination, determine whether the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of the accident by driving the vehicle, A case will be described in which the notification means is caused to notify a warning based on the determination.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the vehicle C driven by the elderly driver wobbles, the acceleration sensor 14 of the vehicle C detects lateral acceleration, and the control means 10 acquires the detected acceleration information. In addition, the control means 10 acquires image information in front of the vehicle from the front view camera 11 and recognizes the distance between the vehicle C and the center line L of the road. Thereby, the control means 10 recognizes that the vehicle C has deviated to the right by a predetermined amount or more and that the vehicle has deviated to the left by a predetermined position or more from the acceleration information and the image information.

The control means 10 determines that the vehicle C is swaying when the vehicle C deviates to the right by a predetermined amount or more and the vehicle deviates to the left by a predetermined position or more repeatedly. to issue a warning.

Specifically, based on the image information acquired from the front view camera 11, the vehicle C is positioned on the center line L, on the roadway outside line M, and on the virtual road between the center line L and the roadway outside line M shown in FIG. The positional relationship with the intermediate line N is recognized. Then, from the acceleration information and the image information, it is determined that the vehicle C has moved to the right by a certain value or more, and the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the imaginary median line N has become a certain value or more in the right direction. It is recognized that the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the imaginary median line N has reached the left direction by a certain value or more. Then, the vehicle C is moved to the left and right, and the control means sets the fact that the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the imaginary intermediate line N repeatedly becomes equal to or greater than a certain value in the left and right direction repeatedly within a predetermined time. 10 determines that the elderly driver can be the assailant.

A constant value for when the vehicle C deviates to the right is predetermined in the determination program that operates the control means 10 . In this embodiment, the constant value when the vehicle C deviates to the right is set to 50 cm as the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the imaginary middle line N. Also, the constant value when the vehicle C deviates to the left is set to 50 cm as the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the imaginary middle line N. The predetermined time for judging stagger is set to 30 seconds. These values can be changed as appropriate. When the control means 10 determines that the elderly driver may become a victim of an accident by driving the vehicle, the display of the display device 18 starts blinking to issue a warning.

Elderly drivers tend to drive from the center of the lane to the right and back, then to the right and back. By notifying the elderly driver of such staggering, it is possible to determine a situation in which a general elderly driver may be a perpetrator.

Judgment of such an excessive rightward shift or swaying is based on a predetermined condition, that is, a predetermined value, which is incorporated in the determination program for operating the control means 10, and the control means 10 can automatically operate the control means 10 without setting. Then, based on the judgment, a situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator is judged, and a warning is issued.

[Notification of warning based on location information]

Location information and event information related to the location are registered as situations in which the elderly driver may be the perpetrator of an accident. After that, when the vehicle driven by the elderly driver reaches the registered position, a warning is issued.

Registration of position information is performed from a viewer 71 as shown in FIG. 7 by an external setting device. Various types of information registered by the external setting device are stored as setting data in a memory card inserted into the external setting device. A memory card storing setting data is inserted into the memory card slot 24 of the main unit 1 . Then, the control means 10 transfers the setting data from the memory card to the storage means 25 of the main unit 1 . Thereby, the storage means 25 of the main unit 1 stores the setting data.

When the vehicle reaches the position corresponding to the position information of the setting data, the control means 10 displays related event information on the display means, and also issues an audible notification from the speaker 22, which is a warning sound output means.

The PC of the external setting device displays a viewer 71 as shown in FIG. 7 on its display. The viewer 71 displays map information 72 , event information 73 , and image information 74 captured by the front-view camera 11 at a specific position of the map information 72 . The map information 72, the event information 73, and the image information 74 are associated with each other. For example, a position 72a where the event information 72a is registered is displayed on the map. Image information 73 is displayed at the position pointed by the cursor on the map.

To register the position information, for example, move the cursor on the map and click on the position where you want to register the event information. At that position, event information is registered according to the menu. By clicking the cursor at any position on the map, event information at that position can be registered. As the event information, the time of the event, the target period of notification, the direction of occurrence of the event, the content to be displayed on the display section, the background color of the display section, and the like can be registered. Each item is configured to be set by options.

In this way, for example, by registering conditions such as the target vehicle, commuting to school by elementary school students, etc., from Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning, elderly drivers can drive in accordance with the registered conditions. In this case, a warning can be issued, and the possibility of causing an accident to an elementary school student on the way to school and becoming a perpetrator can be reduced.

[Announcement of climate warnings]

In addition to vehicle information, we will explain the case where weather information is acquired, and whether or not an elderly driver is driving a vehicle and is likely to be the perpetrator of an accident is determined based on the vehicle information and weather information. do.

The control means 10 acquires temperature information and humidity information in the vehicle from the temperature/humidity sensor 16 as weather information. Further, the control means 10 acquires travel distance information from the OBD connector 13 as vehicle information. As a result, the control means 10 determines whether or not the elderly driver can be the perpetrator of the accident by driving the vehicle, based on the vehicle information and the weather information. Then, when it is determined that the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of the accident while driving the vehicle, the control means 10 issues a warning to other devices.

Specifically, under the conditions that the temperature inside the vehicle exceeds a certain value and that the traveled distance reaches a certain distance or more, if the temperature information and the traveled distance information meet the conditions, the control is performed. The means 10 determines a situation in which the elderly driver can be the perpetrator of the accident. A certain temperature and travel distance are initially set, but are set by the elderly driver's family using a setting device according to the characteristics of the elderly driver.

In this case, the control means 10 causes the display of the display device 18 to display characters 81 saying "You should drink water because the temperature is high", as shown in FIG. 8(A). Also, a similar warning is announced by voice from the speaker 22 .

Further, the control means 10 acquires weather information about rainfall from the OBD connector 13 that the wiper has been operated. Further, the control means 10 acquires travel distance information from the OBD connector 13 as vehicle information. As a result, the control means 10 determines whether or not the elderly driver can be the perpetrator of the accident by driving the vehicle, based on the vehicle information and the weather information. Then, when it is determined that the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of the accident while driving the vehicle, the control means 10 issues a warning to other devices.

Specifically, under the condition that the wipers are operated and that the driving distance is equal to or greater than a certain distance in that state, if the conditions are met, the control means 10 controls the elderly driver to cause an accident due to rain. determine that the situation can be the perpetrator of A certain temperature and travel distance are initially set, but are set by the elderly driver's family using a setting device according to the characteristics of the elderly driver.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the control means 10 displays characters 82 saying "It's raining, so it's slippery" on the display of the display device 18 . Also, a similar warning is announced by voice from the speaker 22 .

[Display changes adapted to elderly drivers]
An example will be described in which the display announces a warning by changing the color of a single-color background.

The control means 10 issues a warning using warning information determined from a plurality of pieces of warning information stored in the storage means 25 according to the situation in which the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of the accident. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4(B) and 4(C), the warning information is displayed in white with the words "Watch out for traffic lights" with only red and black backgrounds. A set of warning information is a pattern that blinks alternately. Therefore, the control means 10 determines a set or a plurality of sets of warning information according to the situation in which the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of the accident, and issues a warning.

The warning information is preferably set by the elderly driver's family, and can be input by the elderly driver's family using the setting button and the touch panel 19 so that the display is suitable for the target elderly driver. For example, the elderly driver's family sets the content and color of characters to be displayed and the color of the display background according to the character and taste of the elderly driver.

For example, when the elderly driver's family selects "warning display setting" on the touch panel 19, the items such as "text content", "text color", "background color", and "blinking" can be set. You will be directed to the display so that you can In the item of "character content", characters such as "Beware of traffic signals" can be entered using the keyboard displayed on the touch panel 19. FIG. In the items of "character color" and "background color", colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, white and black can be selected. In the "blinking" item, the presence or absence of blinking, the interval of blinking, etc. can be selected. Each item is registered in a selection formula, and one warning pattern is set.

[Encourage elderly drivers to continue to drive safely]

A case will be described in which the number of days the vehicle is driven is counted, and reward information that motivates the elderly driver to drive is displayed on the display means when a predetermined number of days is counted.

The control means 10 recognizes that the engine of the vehicle has started and counts the number of days the vehicle has been driven. Specifically, it acquires the rotation speed output of the engine via the OBD connector 13 and recognizes that the engine has started. Then, the date and time when the engine was started are stored in the storage means 25. - 特許庁Also, a predetermined number of days is counted from the date and time stored in the storage means 25 .

The control means 10 displays the reward information on the display means when the predetermined number of days has been counted. Specifically, the storage means 25 stores a plurality of pieces of reward information, and the control means 10 selects reward information according to the number of days counted from the plurality of pieces of reward information, and causes the display means to display the reward information.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the reward information, on the first day when the elderly driver starts the engine, one day is counted and an image of an egg is displayed (FIG. 9(A)). Then, when the number of days is counted continuously for five days, an image of a cracked egg is displayed (FIG. 9B). Next, when the number of days is counted continuously for 10 days, an image is displayed in which the egg is cracked and the chick's face is exposed (FIG. 9(C)). Then, when the number of days is counted continuously for 15 days, an image in which the egg hatches and a chick appears is displayed (FIG. 9(D)). When the number of days is counted continuously for 20 days, a picture of the elderly driver's family is displayed together with a message (FIG. 9(E)). In this way, the reward information may be image information in which an animal hatches from an egg and grows according to the number of days counted.

In this way, the elderly driver will be more motivated to continue driving, looking forward to the change in the image. Worrying too much about the elderly driver's family becoming the perpetrators of the accident can prevent the elderly driver from staying indoors.

[Modification]

In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of the accident by driving the vehicle based on the traffic light information and the speed information, and based on the determination result, a warning is issued. In addition, it is preferable to consider the position information in determining the situation.

For example, when the lane is curved and the signal cannot be recognized until just before, the control means 10 registers a position where the signal can be recognized, and acquires traffic light information after the vehicle reaches that position. do it. Specifically, when the vehicle reaches the registered position, the control means 10 changes the color of the traffic light from the moment it recognizes the target traffic light in the image information captured by the front view camera 11 to red. If the color of the light is red, but the acceleration sensor 14 or the vehicle speed does not change at all, a warning should be issued.

As another example of notifying a warning regarding traffic light information, start information may be notified when the color of the light of the traffic light changes from red to blue. By doing so, when an elderly driver is waiting for a traffic light and looking sideways absent-mindedly, the following vehicle will sound the horn and the driver will not run out in surprise. Also, if you give me a green light, I know that I should proceed, so I don't have to be surprised or irritated, so I can continue driving with a stable heart without a high heart rate.

Elderly drivers generally tend to become more impatient as they get older, so preventing a high heart rate is highly effective in maintaining safe driving. For the notification when the color changes to blue, it is better to use a blue background color with the image of "You can go" on the image of the notification screen. Note that "start information" is a function that informs the vehicle that the vehicle ahead is moving when the vehicle is stopped, and is also called stop-and-go. Therefore, it is preferable to have a function of detecting that the preceding vehicle has started and notifying the driver.

As for the timing of the notification, it is preferable to notify the warning earlier than the normal case of notifying the general driver of the warning. The timing of notification should be set by the elderly driver's family. It is good to challenge the setting many times.

The additional camera 15 acquires image information inside the vehicle centering on the elderly driver. The control means 10 acquires image information showing the elderly driver from the additional camera 15 and recognizes the driving state of the elderly driver. Based on this, the control means 10 should comprehensively judge from the images of the front-view camera 11 and the additional camera 15 and issue a warning. For example, from the image information of the front view camera 11, the elderly driver recognizes that the vehicle has approached the center line, and at this time, from the image information of the additional camera 15, it can be determined whether the driver was looking ahead or looking away. Recognize driving situations. Based on this image information, if the robot is looking forward and it is getting too close, it will issue a warning with a voice saying, "You are leaning to the right." It is possible to issue a warning according to the situation, such as issuing a warning with a sound such as

In the present embodiment regarding the notification of a warning regarding a traffic light, an example is given in which a warning is issued when it is determined that an elderly driver may be a perpetrator. For example, the elderly driver's family may make individual settings. In this way, the elderly driver's family can set the timing according to the elderly driver's personality and tastes, which can only be known by the family.

In addition, the position or timing at which the warning is issued is, for example, when the control means 10 recognizes that the color of the traffic light is red from 200 to 500 meters before the traffic light, the warning is started to be issued, and the acceleration sensor 14 If it is determined that the vehicle has decelerated, it can be determined that the elderly driver has recognized the traffic light, so the warning should be stopped.

Here, if the warning is continuously issued until the vehicle speed actually reaches 0 km/h, it may offend the elderly driver who has already stepped on the brake to stop. This makes elderly drivers feel insecure and increases the risk of becoming a perpetrator of an accident. In the individual setting by the elderly driver's family, for example, it is preferable to set the vehicle speed for the conditions for ending the warning so as to tune and set the numerical value of 200 to 500 meters before.

Further, for example, in the present embodiment, several situations were illustrated as situations in which an elderly driver could be the perpetrator of an accident. It is assumed that there is a mistake in stepping on For example, if the vehicle is parked at a specific registered location such as a convenience store, and the engine is started, the message "Departure safely" will be displayed, and the elderly driver will start stepping on the accelerator and the vehicle will be accelerated. Then, the control means 10 determines that the vehicle has started to move slowly, and since it will not crash into the convenience store later, it is preferable to end the display of "departure safely".

In the present embodiment, in the notification of the warning regarding sway or the like, when determining sway, a constant value is determined when the vehicle C deviates to the right, a constant value is determined when the vehicle C deviates to the left, and sway is determined. The predetermined time to perform can be changed as appropriate. For example, a certain value that serves as a reference for determining whether the vehicle C has deviated to the left or right may be obtained from the distance between the center line L and the roadway outside line M. For example, when the distance between the center line L and the roadway outer line M is 250 cm, it is preferable to set 50 cm, which is one-fifth of the distance, as a constant value when the vehicle C deviates to the right. Also, when the distance from the center line L becomes equal to or less than a certain value, it is determined that the vehicle has deviated to the right. Therefore, it may be determined that there is fluctuation.

Elderly drivers may not be able to drive normally in a straight line because they may end up driving by stopping at the center line on the right side and then returning to the center line. This is thought to be due to the awareness that ``it's scary because there is a guardrail on the left side, but even if you cross the center line, it won't cause a direct accident unless the other side comes''. With this kind of awareness at work, ordinary elderly drivers basically enter the inside of the road, and when a large truck comes by, they turn the steering wheel to the left in surprise and hit the left guardrail, causing an accident. may be the perpetrator of Assuming such a situation, when the vehicle moves to the right and changes significantly, a notification such as "Are you crossing the center line?" should be called up. A possible cause of such staggering is that the elderly driver's vision is narrow.

In addition, although the example in which the warning is given when the vehicle C has moved to the right has been described with reference to FIG. 5, the warning may be given in the following cases as well.

First, when the vehicle C continues to move to the right for a certain period of time or longer (situation 1), a warning is issued. Here, the state in which the vehicle C has shifted to the right is a state in which the distance between the right end of the vehicle C and the center line L is less than or equal to a certain value. For example, the constant value may be 50 cm, and the constant time may be 30 seconds.

Next, when an oncoming vehicle comes from the opposite lane and the vehicle C moves to the left to avoid it (situation 2), a warning is given. In this case, it is determined based on the image information of the front view camera 11 that an oncoming vehicle has arrived. Further, it is preferable that the vehicle C deviates to the left when the distance between the right end of the vehicle C and the center line L becomes, for example, 150 cm or more.

Next, when the oncoming vehicle disappears and the vehicle C moves to the right again (step 3), a warning is issued. It is determined from the image information of the front view camera 11 that the oncoming vehicle has disappeared. Further, the vehicle C may deviate to the right again when the distance between the right end of the vehicle C and the center line L becomes, for example, 50 cm or less.

Furthermore, when situations 1 to 3 are repeated several times (situation 4), a warning is given. In addition, it is preferable to issue warnings in individual situations of situation 1, situation 2, situation 3, and situation 4. For example, no warning is given in situation 1, a warning is given in situation 2, no warning is given in situations 1 and 2, a warning is given only in situation 3, and a warning is given in situations 2 and 3 should be set so that warnings are issued in situations 1 and 4 instead of informing. Whether the vehicle C has deviated to the right or left may be determined by other methods regardless of the relationship with the center line L.

In the present embodiment, an example of determining a sway and issuing a warning has been described. Driving similar to swaying may occur when driving along the road. In that case, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a stagger, but it is better not to dare to determine whether it is a stagger or a curve, and to uniformly determine stagger even when curves are repeated.

Alternatively, for example, the vicinity of an intersection may be regarded as a prohibited area, and warnings may not be issued uniformly. By doing so, by excluding the vicinity of the intersection from the sway determination, the number of unauthorized warnings is reduced, and the elderly driver can concentrate on driving. If the elderly driver's family makes such a setting, the kindness of the family will protect the elderly driver. Similarly, in sharp curves, it is better not to issue warnings.

In the present embodiment, swaying is determined based on the lateral acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 14. However, it is preferable to determine a sudden start or abrupt braking from changes in the longitudinal acceleration information, and issue a warning. . By doing so, it is possible to determine whether the accelerator is depressed too much or the brake is depressed erroneously, and issue a warning.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the control means 10 recognizes vehicle sway based on the image information of the front of the vehicle from the front view camera 11 and the left and right acceleration information from the acceleration sensor 14 is shown. However, the control means 10 may recognize the swaying of the vehicle only from image information of the front of the vehicle from the front view camera 11, for example. That is, the control means 10 may recognize the vehicle swaying from a single piece of information.

Further, the control means 10 can recognize the wobble from GPS information, information on the steering angle of the steering wheel, etc., for example. Further, by comprehensively judging the wobble of the vehicle from a plurality of these pieces of information, the wobble can be recognized accurately. be able to.

In the present embodiment, an example of notifying a warning regarding location information has been shown, but the setting of location information includes places where other people have had accidents before, places where accidents often occur, and locations known only to locals. It is good to enter the places where accidents are likely to occur, register in advance the places where all local residents are careful, and notify them. Such location information may be shared information via Internet communication, but may be set completely individually and individually. It is better to keep the information of this main unit alone and register only the information of a specific elderly driver.

Therefore, it is better not to create a special site on the Internet so that information on the area can be entered, but to let family members such as sons of elderly drivers make individual settings. . Also, when a car dealer buys a car from an elderly driver, it is recommended to register the location that people in the area usually pay attention to, in the same position as a family member.

It is preferable to limit the number of pieces of position information that can be registered to about ten. Elderly drivers, for example, often drive for 15 or 20 minutes at a time, and are not expected to drive for even an hour. Although it is not a daily routine, it is necessary to drive to places such as hospitals, home centers, and barbershops. Therefore, elderly drivers often have a limited range of motion, which limits the location information that can be registered in the safety device.

Therefore, in the safety device according to the present invention, the number (places) that can be set is limited, and a warning is issued repeatedly, repeatedly, when the place and time match. For general drivers, a large amount of registration work is required to set the location and time. No more setup work.

If individual settings can be made using an external setting device such as a PC or a smart phone, setting from the main unit 1 or the display device 18 of the device becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the main unit 1 and the display device 18 are not provided with buttons for setting. For example, if the display device 18 is not provided with setting buttons, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in design, such as widening the screen.

Alerting is not limited to high urgency alerts, but can be advance notices such as "just a little bit more" or "be careful as it's a little bit more" by registering a point near your home. . A warning may be issued based only on location information without registering event information.

It is preferable that the registration of the location information be performed jointly by the elderly driver and the elderly driver's family. For example, even if the elderly driver himself/herself says that he/she is fine, if the elderly driver and his/her family are driving dangerously at a specific point while jointly confirming the actual driving information, the elderly driver and his/her family share a common understanding. can have Elderly drivers will provide their families with all information about their destinations, driving skills, etc., which can strengthen their relationship of trust.

In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which position information is registered by an external setting device. However, the position information should preferably be registered by the position information registration means while driving, without depending on the external setting device. Specifically, the position information may be registered by pressing a button of the remote control 17 corresponding to the position information registration means. For example, position information can be registered by pressing a button on the remote controller 17 while driving, and after driving is finished, this information can be taken out to an external setting device, and event information, etc., can be set in the registered position information. In this way, a highly accurate registration pattern can be created by registering locations where an elderly driver may be the perpetrator of an accident while driving and adding information to the registered locations.

The elderly driver's family registers the position information with the remote controller 17 while driving on behalf of the elderly driver, adds information to or corrects the registered position information together with the elderly driver, After that, the elderly driver should actually drive the car. Furthermore, while observing the actual driving situation of the elderly driver, it is preferable that the elderly driver's family members work together to reset the information.

By repeatedly performing the setting work, the communication between the elderly driver and his family becomes closer. In line with this, it would be even better if a warning notification method could be registered together with the registered position. When the position information is registered while driving, it is preferable that the elderly driver drives the vehicle and his family members register the position information from the remote control 17.例文帳に追加

In the present embodiment, an example of determining whether or not an elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle has been described from the mileage information and the temperature information. Therefore, it is preferable that the control means 10 has a function of judging that the elderly driver can be a perpetrator if the condition is met, with the condition that the temperature condition continues for a certain period of time or more. .

In this way, in the summer when the temperature inside the car rises sharply, it is possible to give some sort of warning by issuing a notice that it is necessary to replenish water or that driving for too long will make one drowsy. Elderly drivers are often mentally patient and, for example, may endure heatstroke even at home. Therefore, it is useful to disseminate information about the climate.

When issuing a warning based on the weather information, the temperature and humidity sensor 16 or the GPS unit 12 determines from the date and time whether it is early in the morning or during the day when heatstroke is likely to occur.

When a warning is issued based on weather information, it is preferable that a change in temperature is detected and a warning issued after a predetermined time has elapsed after the engine is started. For example, a warning may be issued only when returning from field work in the summer, when the temperature is higher than when leaving the field by a certain level or more. Also, for example, it is preferable to issue a warning when there is a large temperature difference when going out in the morning and returning home in the afternoon.

Note that even in situations where a warning is issued based on weather information, if an urgent event occurs based on other information such as vehicle information and it is necessary to issue a warning, the control device Information-based warnings should be avoided.

In setting the position information, for example, it is preferable to set the distance from the home of the elderly driver to a field or hospital that he or she regularly commute to. Then, when a fixed distance is exceeded, it is considered to be an extraordinary situation such as getting lost. In extraordinary situations, we often do not care about the temperature, etc., and there is great significance in issuing a warning when the temperature is high.

In this embodiment, the warning information displayed on the display is set by the elderly driver's family. As a premise of such settings, it is preferable that there are one or more default warning patterns determined as initial settings for colors and character contents. In addition, a warning pattern may be added by setting by the family.

For example, depending on the character or taste of an elderly driver, a strong tone of "Be careful" may be more suitable than "Be careful". For the warning information displayed on the display, it is preferable that predetermined parts can be arranged at arbitrary positions on the display, for example, like software for creating New Year's cards. It would be nice to be able to write New Year's and New Year's in the upper right, and Happy New Year in the left, and set it up in the same way as how to arrange photos. Since many people experience such settings once a year, the screen can be configured relatively easily. After that, it is better to have an elderly driver actually drive the vehicle and change the setting while trying it out. Emphasize the background color, change the blinking or lighting, etc., and try to find something that is easy for the person to notice.

Also, the notification of the warning by characters is highly effective when the vehicle is stopped. For example, when you park the car at a convenience store and turn on the engine, if the message "Please be careful when operating the accelerator" appears, you can prevent the driver from accidentally stepping on the accelerator. In addition, by repeatedly announcing the warning, there is a possibility that it will become a habit to be careful every time.

A plurality of registered patterns are stored in the storage means as the initial setting for warning notification by the display device 18 . In this way, it is preferable to register a registration pattern that is easy for an elderly driver to recognize by initial setting. Furthermore, it is preferable that the elderly driver's family member can rewrite the initial registration pattern and use it as a user. It is preferable to change only the characters based on the registered pattern, or to change only the combination of the color of the characters and the color of the background. As a combination of colors, for example, there is a complementary color relationship.

In addition to the warning by the display device 18, it is preferable to notify the warning by voice. For example, the control means 10 acquires voice information via the built-in microphone 21 and stores it in the storage means 25 . The family registers the voice information as warning information corresponding to the situation. As a result, when the vehicle driven by the elderly driver is placed in a corresponding situation, a warning is given by the voice information. Since it is difficult for elderly drivers to read characters while driving, it is effective to issue a warning by voice.

The voice notification may be made in familiar voices of, for example, sons, daughters, and grandchildren. In the present embodiment, the voice is stored in the storage means by the built-in microphone 21, but voice data may be acquired by an external setting device and stored in the storage means of the main unit 1 via the SD card. good. In addition to the voice, a startling sound such as a beep sound may be used, but giving a warning with a gentle voice or sound is more likely to motivate the elderly driver to drive safely.

We made it possible to set the voice according to the elderly driver, but it is also possible to record the sound that it should be like. Alternatively, the voice of the great-grandchild saying "It's dangerous" may be acquired by a smartphone application and stored in the storage means of the main unit 1. The voice information is suitable for the elderly driver who is the target, and the elderly driver is most careful. You may make it give a sense of security.

That is, it should be something that resonates with each elderly driver. It is good to change the settings and discover which voice is better, such as a completely unknown voice, a simple sound, a familiar voice, or the voice of a dear grandchild or great-grandchild. There may be times when you are embarrassed to use your own voice, or when writing is better.

The warning by voice may be issued once or may be repeated multiple times. If the repeated notification makes the elderly driver irritated and uncomfortable, the notification should be given only once. As the initial setting, it is preferable to set the notification to be performed only once, and to set the notification to be repeated multiple times in the individual setting. It is preferable to have a function of setting the number of repetitions and the notification period (for example, number of seconds). It would be good if there were registration patterns for grandpa, grandma, gentle type grandpa, gentle person, short-tempered person. However, such a registered pattern is better if it is assumed that only a specific elderly driver (for example, a grandpa) drives, and is individually set for that grandpa.

The content of the text should be a sentence or message written by the elderly driver's grandson, such as ``Take care, grandpa,'' or ``Welcome home'' after driving home. Good to have. Even if it is something that cannot be read while driving, the fact that grandchildren set it up will motivate elderly drivers to consider safety. It is possible to make a notification that resonates with the elderly driver by making individual settings instead of using a notification method that is universally accepted.

For example, it is good to individually set the thickness of characters, whether the image of characters should be broken down, softer, or harder. Even if the color is the same red, there are elderly drivers who are easier to see with a slightly brighter red, and there are elderly drivers who are easier to see with a really dark red like wine red. While confirming such things with an external setting device such as a personal computer, you can customize it while having a conversation such as "Is this easy to see? How do you like it?"

For example, for people who have difficulty seeing a certain color due to a physical or eye disease, it is possible to change the gradation, whereas in the past there were only viewers and display units that could only use fixed colors. It is better to provide it as a PC viewer that can be used.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which reward information is given such that one egg grows until safe driving continues for 20 days. Allow the animals to hatch. By doing so, elderly drivers will be given the joy of collecting and increasing the number of animals, and will be more motivated to continue driving safely.

In such a case, it is also possible to set a distance target for the number of days, or deduct points when there is a sudden start or stop based on acceleration information from the acceleration sensor 14 . However, in this case, reward information is displayed for the elderly driver as a reward for being able to drive every day. If you do so, you will be encouraged to go out by making driving less unpleasant by aggressive goal setting and deduction of points, etc., and the onset of illness due to withdrawal etc. will be suppressed.

Also, in the present embodiment, an example in which the reward image changes every five days has been described, but it is preferable to display a reward image that changes every day. Further, the storage means may store a plurality of character images in the storage means, and may be a series of character images that grow according to each stage of the number of acquired points. Specifically, if a character image of multiple stages is created, for example, with an image of a larva becoming an adult after molting multiple times, the user can liken the coupon to be acquired to a pet and You can continue driving with the image of raising a pet.

Also, if you continue for 10 days, you will receive an egg, and if you do it for another 10 days, it will hatch and your point card will be filled on the screen. This will stimulate the collecting habit and motivate the elderly driver to continue safe driving.

The reward information provides an image on the screen that is believed to please the elderly driver. Reward information may be of interest to elderly drivers. Dinosaurs, mountains, harbors, world heritage sites, etc. are preferable. In particular, it is preferable that it is something that arouses the collecting habit of elderly drivers. In order to obtain such reward information, elderly drivers will drive the vehicle every day and will remain so.

Also, it is preferable that the reward image can be set by the family. For example, a plurality of photographs storing the growth of the grandchild of the elderly driver may be prepared, and as the number of days counted increases, the photograph of the grandchild who has grown may be displayed. By setting the reward image by the family, it is possible to display an image that matches the preferences of the elderly driver. It can be further increased compared to the case.

When setting the reward image, the external setting device may request a password known only to the elderly driver's family. As a small surprise for the elderly driver, the reward image should be kept secret from the elderly driver and should not be viewed by the elderly driver even if operated. In this way, the elderly driver cannot know what kind of reward image will be registered, and can be more motivated to continue driving safely in order to view the reward image.

When elderly drivers drive the vehicle every day, the battery will not run out due to the engine running every day. By doing so, it is possible to prevent elderly drivers from staying indoors and to reduce vehicle breakdowns with only the cost of gasoline, thus saving unnecessary money.

In the safety system, the elderly driver's family establishes a situation in which the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle, and the elderly driver's family Set the warning information for announcing warnings.

With respect to situations in which an elderly driver may become a victim of an accident by driving a vehicle, conditions that serve as criteria for judging situations may be incorporated in the program of the control means 10 and stored in the storage means 25 as initial settings. or may be set by the elderly driver's family.

The safety system is at least registered as a default setting with respect to initial settings. Without default settings, some settings must be made individually, which can be inconvenient for those who want to use it quickly. If the elderly driver can cope with danger under the initial setting conditions, the initial setting can be used as it is.

In the initial setting, the warning is issued earlier than for general people in their 30's and 40's. For example, if the condition for issuing a warning is the distance, the condition is a distance that is 1.5 or 2 times longer than usual. Individual settings will be made according to the personality and tastes of elderly drivers, and it will be determined whether it is better to be careful by repeatedly announcing "It's dangerous, it's dangerous" from 500 meters or 600 meters away, or whether it can be understood by announcing once. should be done.

For example, there are elderly drivers aged 65 to 80, one of the targets of the safety system. First, once an elderly driver drives a vehicle, the content of the driving is recorded along with notification of initial settings. The family will check the recorded driving details, and if, for example, they have not noticed the notification at all, try increasing the number of notifications or making the sound louder, such as notifying about two more times. or change the color, and make individual settings for the content to be notified.

According to the device described above, it can be attached to a vehicle driven by an elderly driver as illustrated in FIG. Information such as climate information is acquired, and based on the information, it is determined whether or not the situation is such that the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of an accident while driving the vehicle. The display device 18 and the function of notifying means such as the speaker 22 are provided. Therefore, in a situation where an elderly driver who drives a vehicle may become an assailant, a warning is given to the elderly driver, thereby reducing the possibility of the elderly driver becoming an assailant and helping the elderly driver's family. can have elderly drivers drive with greater peace of mind.

The equipment that can be attached to the vehicle may be used as the main unit 1 by attaching it to the vehicle driven by the elderly driver or his/her family. should be installed on the dashboard or the upper part of the windshield of an automobile.

The “vehicle information about the vehicle” may be, for example, information acquired by the vehicle itself, or information acquired by this device attached to the vehicle. For example, as vehicle information, external image information viewed from inside the vehicle, image information inside the vehicle, detection information detected by a detection device provided in the vehicle or equipment attached to the vehicle, and acquired by the GPS unit 12. GPS information or the like may be used. The image information may be obtained from an imaging device such as the front view camera 11, for example. Also, the detection device may be, for example, a sensor such as the acceleration sensor 14 .

"Determining from vehicle information whether or not an elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" can be determined, for example, by matching the acquired vehicle information with a predetermined condition. good. The predetermined condition may be incorporated into a program for operating the control means 10 of the device according to the present invention, or stored in the storage means 25 provided in the main unit 1, for example.

Therefore, "determining from vehicle information whether or not there is a situation in which an elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" can be performed by, for example, the control means 10 of the device according to the present invention in a program. It is preferable to compare the acquired vehicle information with the built-in predetermined condition or the predetermined condition stored in the storage means 25 and determine whether or not the information matches the condition.

In addition, "a situation in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" includes image information captured by the front view camera 11 or the additional camera 15, GPS information obtained from the GPS unit 12, OBD It is preferable to determine whether a single piece of information such as speed information acquired from the connector 13 matches a predetermined condition, but it is more preferable to determine whether a plurality of pieces of information match a predetermined condition. By determining compatibility with a plurality of pieces of information, compared to determining compatibility with single information, it is possible to adequately determine "situations in which an elderly driver may be the perpetrator of an accident."

"Notifying a warning based on the determination" means that, for example, when it is determined that a situation in which an elderly driver may be the perpetrator of an accident meets predetermined conditions, a warning is given by blinking the display screen of the display device 18. It should be processed so as to be notified. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the situation in which the vehicle is placed conforms to a predetermined condition, and if it is judged that it conforms, it is processed so that a warning is issued, and if it is judged that it does not conform, a warning is not issued. should be processed to

"Provide a warning" may be, for example, a weaker warning than that for a general driver, and may be a warning that arouses attention or gives advice. , a strong beep, etc. should not be used. Elderly drivers become more impatient as they get older, so it is good to provide warnings that do not startle or irritate them.

Furthermore, the device according to the present invention may have the control mode for elderly drivers and the control mode for general drivers other than elderly drivers. It is even better if both modes can be switched by 20 .

In the general driver mode, for example, a device that can be attached to a vehicle driven by a general driver other than an elderly driver, acquires vehicle information about the vehicle driven by the general driver, and uses the vehicle information It is preferable to determine whether or not a general driver is likely to become a victim of an accident while driving the vehicle, and cause the notification means to issue a warning based on the determination.

In addition, as shown in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the elderly driver's family has a function to set a situation in which the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident while driving the vehicle.

In this way, if the family members of each elderly driver individually make settings that they consider to be optimal for the elderly driver, the warning will be issued in a situation that is considered optimal for the elderly driver. Compared to the case where the situation where the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of the accident is initially set, the anxiety of the elderly driver is reduced, and the elderly driver's family can drive with more peace of mind.

The "function for the family of the elderly driver to set the situation" may be, for example, a function for the family to set part of the predetermined conditions for determining compatibility with the acquired information. For example, it is possible to set the conditions related to the position of the vehicle from the external setting device or the touch panel 19 or the input button 20 of the display device 18, or to set the conditions related to the color and speed of traffic lights. The conditions set by the external setting device may be stored as setting data in the storage means of the device via a memory card. In particular, it is preferable to set the position where the vehicle is placed or a predetermined range for the condition regarding "positional information", and for the condition regarding speed, it is preferable to set a threshold value.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the device may be provided with a display device 18, and the “function to be set” may display, for example, items to be set on the display device 18 of the device. The function may be set by appropriately selecting an item. For example, an item for setting the situation regarding traffic light information and an item for setting the situation regarding climate information are displayed on the display device 18, and when an item regarding climate information is selected, items such as temperature, weather, humidity, etc. are displayed, When the temperature is selected, it is preferable to display the temperature at which the warning is given by the input button 20 in increments of 1 degree. The selection may be made by the setting unit.

In addition, the device should have a function that allows only the family member to set, for example, ``situations in which an elderly driver may become a victim of an accident while driving a vehicle.'' Good to have. For example, the device may have a function of requesting a password, and the password is required before setting, and only family members who know the password can set the password by entering the password on the touch panel 19. It is preferable to have a function that prevents setting by elderly drivers who do not know the password.

In addition, for example, a situation in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident while driving the vehicle is determined by an external setting device for location information where the elderly driver's specific danger is predicted. and the touch panel 19 of the display device 18 or the input button 20.

In this way, a comprehensive warning is issued at a position where the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator, so the family can have the elderly driver drive with more peace of mind. In addition, since the driving range of an elderly driver is limited, the positions where danger is predicted are limited. Therefore, family members can comprehensively set specific positions according to individual elderly drivers.

The “dangers peculiar to elderly drivers” may be, for example, dangers common to general elderly drivers, and may be dangers focused on the driving habits of general elderly drivers or their driving habits. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, image information obtained by the front view camera 11 and the acceleration sensor 14 detect the driving habits of general elderly drivers, such as repeatedly approaching and returning to the center line. The determination may be made based on acceleration information in the horizontal direction.

General elderly drivers cannot drive straight normally, they move all the way to the right, go to the center line and return, go to the center line and go back, and there is a guardrail on the left side, so it's scary, Even if you cross the Chuo line, you tend to drive like you're going inwards because you're conscious that if the other side doesn't come, the car won't hit you. Also, sometimes when a large truck comes by, I'm surprised and sometimes turn left and hit the left. Therefore, a specific place where such driving is likely to occur should be defined as "position where danger is expected".

"Elderly driver-specific hazards", on the other hand, may be the hazards that a particular elderly driver has, and may be set by the elderly driver's family. For example, a convenience store or a home center that the specific elderly driver regularly visits, and where many people and cars come and go, are assumed to be locations where danger is expected, and are considered to be "dangers peculiar to elderly drivers". It is preferable for the family to set together with the elderly driver by using an external setting device as "positional information where is predicted."

In addition, for example, it is good for family members to set locations where there have been previous accidents as ``positions where danger is expected''. It should be set as event information related to "location information where danger peculiar to a person is predicted."

Further, for example, the situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle is related to the position information and the event information in which the danger peculiar to the elderly driver is predicted. It is preferable to have a function set by the elderly driver's family.

In this way, it is possible to comprehensively set a situation in which the elderly driver's family members can become perpetrators specific to the elderly driver based on the limited location information and the event information corresponding to the location. As a result, a comprehensive warning is issued in terms of locations and events in which the elderly driver is likely to be the perpetrator, so the family can have the elderly driver drive with greater peace of mind. In addition, since the driving range of elderly drivers is limited, events that are predicted to be dangerous in that driving range are also limited. It is preferable to have a function to

The "event information related to position information and predicting danger peculiar to elderly drivers" may be, for example, information related to the time, content, and weather of the event related to the position. Specifically, for example, when an elementary school student's school route is within the driving range of an elderly driver, information related to the location information of the school route is used as information related to the event that the elementary school student will be commuting to school during a predetermined time slot. It is preferable for the family to store it in the storage means 25 .

Also, for example, an external setting device for setting a situation in a device, like a personal computer or a smartphone, has a display unit such as a display, and includes map information, location information on the map, and events related to the location information. Information and warning information about the contents of the warning are displayed on the display device 18, and the family of the elderly driver sets a situation in which the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle. do it.

In this way, information such as map information, location information, event information, warning information, etc. is displayed on the display unit of the external setting device, and the situation in which the elderly driver is thought to be a perpetrator can be displayed on the external setting device. Can be set by user interface. Information such as map information can be easily set if it is displayed in a large size. Therefore, as shown in FIG. , each setting becomes easier.

The external setting device may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, or the like. Alternatively, the connection to the external setting device may be made, for example, through a wire or wireless such as the short-range wireless communication device 23, or through a storage medium such as an SD card.

The "setting function" of the external setting device is such that, for example, the conditions for judging the situation stored in the storage means of this device are set by the external setting device on behalf of this device, without depending on the setting section of this device. It is recommended that the function be set by For example, this device does not have a setting unit such as the input button 20, but is connected to an external setting device by wire or wirelessly via the short-range wireless communication device 23, and the conditions for judging the situation are set by the external setting device. It is a function to be set.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the "map information" may be an electronic map and displayed on a part of the screen of the display unit. Also, the "location information on the map" may be displayed on the map as, for example, a pin arranged at a predetermined position on the displayed map.

"Warning information" is, for example, a warning displayed on the display screen of the display device 18 or generated by a warning sound output means, and information indicating which reporting means reports the warning by what method. should be Specifically, for example, information indicating that the warning is to be notified by a single color background and large letters on the display screen, beep sound, or the voice of the family member recorded by the built-in microphone 21. Information indicating

In addition, for example, the remote controller 17 of the device includes a position information registration unit for registering position information, and when the elderly driver's family drives the vehicle on behalf of the elderly driver, the position information is registered. It is preferable to have a function of registering position information by pressing the information registration unit. In this way, the elderly driver's family can register only dangerous positions while driving on behalf of the elderly driver, assuming that the elderly driver will drive, and after driving, the registered position Other information can be registered.

The other information may be information such as that the position is a position with poor visibility, that there is a traffic signal at the position, or that the position is a school route for elementary school students. This facilitates registration of position information based on actual driving. Therefore, the task of setting the situation is facilitated, dangerous positions can be reliably registered, and the possibility of an elderly driver being involved in an accident can be reduced.

The external setting device may be configured so that the elderly driver's family can set together with the elderly driver while viewing the viewer shown in FIG. Information is registered while driving, and after registration of location information, the elderly driver can set up a situation in which the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle together with the elderly driver. It can also be expected to improve communication with elderly drivers.

The “position information registration unit” may be, for example, a button provided on the device or a pressing means such as the touch panel 19 . By doing so, the pressing means can be easily pressed even during driving, so that the position information can be appropriately registered on the spot.

Further, the 'location information registration section' may be, for example, buttons of external registration means such as the remote control 17 connected wirelessly or by wire. In this way, the remote controller 17 can be placed within reach of the driver, and the driver does not need to reach for the equipment, and can register the position information without changing his posture during driving.

Also, for example, as shown in FIG. It is preferable to start the warning notification after the elderly driver becomes a possible victim of the accident, and end the notification after the elderly driver becomes unlikely to be the accident victim.

In particular, for example, "a situation in which an elderly driver may be the victim of an accident" and "a situation in which the elderly driver cannot be the victim of an accident" are externally set by the elderly driver's family as shown in FIG. It is preferable to set by the device or the like. In this way, the elderly driver can be encouraged to drive appropriately in accordance with his or her own characteristics by setting the elderly driver.

Further, for example, the control means 10 acquires traffic light information about the color of the light of the traffic light in front of the vehicle and speed information about the speed of the vehicle, and based on the traffic light information and the speed information, the elderly driver drives the vehicle. It is advisable to determine whether or not the situation is such that the person can become the perpetrator of the accident by doing so.

In this way, the control means 10 determines that the elderly driver is the perpetrator from the relationship between the traffic signal information and the speed information, thereby reducing the possibility of frequent accidents involving the elderly driver. can be done. It should be noted that elderly drivers are more likely to make mistakes in driving and become victims of accidents because their concentration level declines due to aging and they are more likely to be distracted by other things while driving. Therefore, there are many cases in which traffic signals are overlooked or noticed late due to these factors.

For example, when the color of the traffic light in front of the vehicle acquired by the front view camera 11 is red or yellow and the acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 14 does not decrease the speed of the vehicle, the display device 18 or the speaker 22 or the like may be used to notify the warning. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an accident where the elderly driver is largely at fault, such as entering an intersection where the vehicle should stop and being hit by another vehicle.

Acquisition of the "traffic light information" may be performed by, for example, a photographing means such as the front view camera 11 that photographs the front of the vehicle. The traffic light information can be acquired by recognizing the traffic light and grasping the color of the traffic light, using the fact that when the image captured by the photographing means is image-processed, the LED of the traffic light blinks innumerably. The "speed information" can be obtained based on the speed that can be obtained from the GPS unit 12 or the OBD connector 13 and the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 14, and is preferably information on the speed or acceleration of the vehicle. Also, at this time, for example, based on traffic light information and speed information, when the elderly driver is in a situation where he/she can become the culprit of the accident, a warning is started to be issued to prevent the elderly driver from becoming the culprit of the accident. It is preferable to end the notification when the situation is met.

In addition, for example, from vehicle information such as acceleration information and image information, it is determined whether the vehicle driven by the elderly driver is swaying. It is preferable to determine whether or not

"Wobbling" refers to, for example, a state in which a vehicle moves unsteadily to the left or right, or a state in which the direction of travel changes significantly to the right or to the left. The control means 10 preferably determines from the vehicle information, and the vehicle information used for determination of "wobble" includes, for example, changes in left and right acceleration by the acceleration sensor 14, changes in position information acquired by the GPS unit 12, and changes in the position information acquired by the front view camera 11. It is preferable to obtain a change in an image photographed by such photographing means.

Further, the "determination of swaying" is based on the acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 14, for example, in addition to the swaying to the left and right, for example, the swaying due to changes in the speed and acceleration of the vehicle in the front and back direction, such as sudden start and sudden braking. should be determined, and a warning about sudden start or sudden braking should be issued.

Alternatively, for example, it may be determined from the vehicle information that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined amount or more, and from this determination, it may be determined whether or not the elderly driver may become a victim of an accident by driving the vehicle. . In this way, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to reduce the possibility of causing a serious accident such as a head-on collision when the vehicle moves to the right side and an oncoming vehicle comes. For example, elderly drivers often move to the center line and back. This is a driving habit peculiar to elderly drivers, where there is a guardrail on the left side, so they are cautious on the left side, but there is no danger even if they cross the center line on the right side unless there is an oncoming vehicle. However, if the vehicle leans to the right side, it will cause a serious accident such as a head-on collision when an oncoming vehicle comes. Therefore, when the acceleration sensor 14 detects a large rightward change in the stagger information and issues a warning, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of serious accidents peculiar to elderly drivers. Also, for example, a warning may be given when the acceleration sensor 14 detects that the change to the left is large. By doing so, it is possible to inform the elderly driver that there is a possibility that there is a pedestrian or a bicycle in the direction of travel.

Determination of "the vehicle has moved to the right by a predetermined value or more" is based on image information acquired by the front view camera 11, for example, when the vehicle crosses the center line or when the distance from the center line is reduced. should be judged on the basis of

Further, for example, the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle is determined from the image information of the front view camera 11, and based on the determination that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined amount or more, the elderly driver is driving the vehicle, thereby making the person responsible for the accident. If it is determined that there is no oncoming vehicle even if it is determined whether or not the situation is likely to occur, it is preferable to perform processing so as not to issue a warning.

Due to the characteristics of driving by elderly drivers, even if the driver strays to the right, the possibility of causing a serious accident is small if there is no oncoming vehicle. Therefore, if the notification is given each time the vehicle frequently veers to the right, the elderly driver will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when there is no oncoming vehicle, the control means 10 does not issue a warning, thereby preventing repeated notifications and reducing discomfort to the driver.

Further, for example, in addition to vehicle information, climate information detected by the temperature/humidity sensor 16 is acquired, and whether or not an elderly driver is driving a vehicle can be a perpetrator of an accident. , based on climate information.

Vehicle Information and Climate Therefore, when issuing a warning to a general driver based on the weather, it is preferable to issue a warning at an early stage that is stricter than conditions that are assumed to be dangerous for general drivers. "Climate information" may be, for example, information about the physical state of the atmosphere or in the atmosphere, such as temperature, humidity, rain or shine, and wind speed. In addition to directly obtaining information from various sensors, it is preferable to indirectly obtain rainfall information by obtaining rainfall information through the OBD connector 13 that the wipers have been operated.

The vehicle information may be position information of the vehicle, for example. In this way, based on limited location information and weather information corresponding to the location, the elderly driver's family can be a perpetrator peculiar to the elderly driver. can do. As a result, comprehensive warnings are issued according to the location and climate where the elderly driver is likely to be a perpetrator, so the family can have the elderly driver drive with more peace of mind. In addition, since the driving range of an elderly driver is limited, position information is limited due to the driving range.

Informing a warning based on the climate information detected by the temperature/humidity sensor 16 or the like and the position information acquired by the GPS unit 12 or the like is, for example, when the temperature rises to the extent that a risk of heatstroke or the like is predicted. If it is high, it is preferable that the display means or the speaker 22 issue a warning prompting hydration after moving a predetermined distance from the position information of the start position. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an accident in which an elderly driver erroneously performs driving due to heat stroke and becomes a victim.

The warning notification by the display device 18 or the speaker 22 is not intended to strongly restrict the action, but is, for example, like advice, such as "The temperature is high, you should drink water" as shown in FIG. It is better to use words that call attention, such as opening the window, etc., to encourage behavior. Furthermore, the warning to be notified includes the word "If you drive for too long, you will lose your concentration." It is good to let you know by words such as.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the notification means may include a display screen capable of displaying a background of a single color over the entire surface, and the display screen may notify the warning by changing the color of the background.

In this way, a change in color, which is visual information most easily recognized by an elderly driver, is issued as a warning as a change in a single color in the background of the entire display screen where the change is particularly easily recognized. As a result, the elderly driver can be made to recognize the warning without fail, so the probability of an accident caused by the elderly driver's driving is reduced, and the family can have the elderly driver drive with peace of mind.

As for the "color change", it is preferable that the display screen normally displays real-time image information captured by the front-view camera 11, but the color changes to red. This makes it easier for the elderly driver to understand that the state is different from the normal state, compared with the change to a color other than red, and can reduce the probability of an accident occurring due to the elderly driver's driving. Also, the “color change” may be a change such that the background of the same color flickers or a change such that the background of different colors are sequentially replaced.

For example, even for elderly drivers who are driving with various vision-related diseases such as cataracts, changes in the display background color are the easiest to intuitively recognize compared to text warnings. By remembering that the danger is notified by the color, the possibility of becoming a perpetrator of an accident is reduced.

In addition, for example, the notification means includes a warning sound output means such as a speaker 22 that notifies the warning by sound, and the display screen of the display device 18 can display the warning by characters in addition to the display background, so that the elderly driver In accordance with the characteristics of (1), it is preferable that the warning is notified by the notification means by a combination of the color of the front display background and at least one of the characters and the sound.

In this way, in addition to the color of the display background, the elderly driver can easily recognize the warning by notifying the warning by combining at least one of characters and sound. In particular, elderly drivers may have physical problems, and in such cases, it is possible to have the elderly driver recognize the warning even if it is difficult to recognize the warning with one method.

The display screen of the display device 18 may, for example, have no elements other than the background and characters. For example, it may have a function of notifying the warning only with the colors of the characters and the background without displaying icons or maps. Also, for example, it is preferable that the red color can be set to a color that is easily recognized by elderly drivers.

Further, for example, at least one of the color of the display background displayed on the display screen of the display device 18, the characters, and the sound emitted from the speaker 22 is set by the elderly driver's family in accordance with the characteristics of the elderly driver. It is preferable to have a function.

In this way, the family members who know the elderly driver best can set the warning information in accordance with the characteristics of the elderly driver, and can issue the most recognizable warning. As a result, elderly drivers can drive vehicles with the affection of their families, and their awareness of accident prevention is heightened.

As for the setting method, for example, a plurality of combinations of display background color and character color are prepared in the initial setting, and only the content of the text warning text is changed by the touch panel 19 of the display device 18. good. By doing so, it is possible to individually set the content to be alerted in accordance with the characteristics of the elderly driver with a combination of easy-to-see colors.

In addition, the device according to the present invention may prevent elderly drivers from staying at home because driving is the reason for going out, which may lead to health promotion. In-vehicle equipment designed to prevent the elderly driver from becoming a perpetrator of an accident counts the frequency of driving the vehicle based on whether or not the engine is started from the OBD connector 13, for example. It is preferable to display reward information on the display device 18 to motivate the driver to drive. For example, the number of days the vehicle has been driven may be counted, and when a predetermined number of days has been counted, reward information may be displayed on the display means to motivate the elderly driver to drive.

Reward information is displayed according to the number of days the elderly driver starts the engine and drives the vehicle, thereby motivating the elderly driver to drive and motivating them to drive even every day. . As a result, it is possible to provide an environment in which the elderly driver's family can safely drive the elderly driver without worrying about the elderly driver becoming withdrawn from driving.

The "reward information" may be, for example, a photo image of the elderly driver's family as shown in FIG. 9(E), in addition to the video of the animal. Since elderly drivers have a deep affection for their families, doing so can increase their motivation to drive with reward information.

Also, for example, the control means 10 may display the reward information without deducting points for the frequency with which the vehicle is driven. In this way, the demerit points do not discourage the elderly driver from driving, and the reward information does not hinder the motivation to drive. For example, even if a sudden start, abrupt braking, etc. is acquired from the information from the acceleration sensor 14 while driving, or if the driving distance does not reach the predetermined distance for which normal driving is scheduled, the elderly driver It is sufficient to count the number of days the vehicle is driven without causing an accident. For example, the count may only add. If the number of days is subtracted, it may reduce the motivation of the elderly driver to continue driving every day. All you have to do is think about driving, and you can keep driving on a daily basis. As a result, it is possible to provide an environment in which the elderly driver's family can feel at ease while the elderly driver drives.

Various aspects of the present invention have been described above using embodiments and modifications, but these embodiments and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but to aid in understanding the present invention. Please note that it is provided for your convenience. The scope of the invention is not limited to the configurations expressly described herein, but rather includes within its scope any combination of the various aspects of the invention disclosed herein. While the claimed features of the invention are identified in the appended claims, any configuration not presently specified in the claims is also disclosed herein. We intend to claim such configurations in the future.

The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be arbitrarily selected and combined. In addition, arbitrary constituent elements of each embodiment and modifications, arbitrary constituent elements described in Means for Solving the Invention, or constituent elements embodying arbitrary constituent elements described in Means for Solving the Invention and may be configured in any combination. We intend to acquire the rights for these as well in the amendment of the present application or in a divisional application.

In addition, the applicant intends to acquire rights to the entire design or partial design by converting the design application. Although the entire device is drawn in solid lines in the drawing, the drawing includes not only the overall design but also the partial design claimed for a part of the device. For example, it is a drawing that includes a part of the device as a partial design regardless of the member, as well as a partial design of a part of the member of the device. The part of the device may be a part of the device or a part of the member. In addition to the overall design, we intend to acquire a partial design in which an arbitrary part of the solid line part of the drawing is a broken line part.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Main unit 10... Control means 11... Front view camera 12... GPS unit 13... OBD connector 14... Acceleration sensor 15... Extension camera 16... Temperature/humidity sensor 17... Remote controller 18... Display device , 19... touch panel, 20... input button, 21... built-in microphone, 22... speaker, 23... short-range wireless communication device, 24... memory card slot, 25... storage means

Claims (7)

A device characterized by having a function of counting the number of days that a vehicle has been continuously driven, and displaying incentive information, which is information that motivates a driver to drive, on a display means when a predetermined number of days has been counted. 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a function of changing reward information, which is information that motivates the driver to drive, according to the number of days that the vehicle has been driven continuously. 3. The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a function of displaying reward information, which is information that motivates the driver to drive, on the display means when the number of times that the vehicle is driven every day within a predetermined period is counted. machine. 4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the counting is performed by addition rather than subtraction. 5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a photograph image of a family is provided as reward information which is information that motivates the driver to drive. 6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reward information, which is information that motivates the driver to drive, is provided with a video image of an animal appearing after an egg hatches. A program for causing a computer to implement the function of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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