JP3845338B2 - Seat belt reminder method and seat belt reminder device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a seat belt reminder method and apparatus for alarming a non-mounting of a seat belt of a vehicle by a buzzer or a lamp, and more particularly, a seat that accurately drives synchronization of a buzzer and a lamp drive to reduce discomfort at the time of alarm. The present invention relates to a belt trimming method and apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, an apparatus called a seat belt reminder has been proposed that warns a vehicle seat belt not being worn using a buzzer or a lamp. On the other hand, in recent years, European vehicle evaluation standards, for example, have required a seat belt non-wearing alarm using light as well as sound, and there is a growing demand for vehicles that meet this standard. Based on such a background, a method has been proposed in which when a predetermined alarm condition is satisfied, a warning of seat belt non-wearing is made by simultaneously driving a buzzer and a lamp. However, it turns out that driving the buzzer continuously gives great discomfort to the driver and passengers. To alleviate this discomfort, lamp lighting, blinking and buzzer ON / OFF are combined alternately as follows: Specs were proposed.
[0003]
That is, when a predetermined alarm condition is satisfied, the buzzer sounds with a cycle of ON time 5 seconds and OFF time 1 second. When the buzzer is ON, the lamp has a cycle of 0.4 seconds and a duty cycle of 50%. The lamp is flashed and the lamp is always turned on when the buzzer is OFF.
[0004]
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an alarm operation according to a conventional seat belt reminder method designed based on the above-mentioned rules. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, when the seat belt is not worn when the ignition switch is turned on, an alarm using both a buzzer and a lamp is performed while satisfying the above restrictions.
[0005]
Specifically, in such a situation, the buzzer is sounded by repeating a cycle of an ON time of 5 seconds and an OFF time of 1 second. On the other hand, the lamp blinks by repeating the cycle of 0.2 second ON time and 0.2 second OFF time during the ON time of the buzzer, and is continuously lit during the OFF time of the buzzer. The The driving of the buzzer and the lamp is continued until a predetermined trigger, for example, seat belt wearing or time-out occurs. This prompts the driver or passenger to wear the seat belt.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, an alarm based on the combination of lighting, blinking, and buzzer of the lamp as described above may give the driver or passenger a different type of discomfort or discomfort. That is, during the 5-second ON time of the buzzer, a cycle consisting of a lamp ON time of 0.2 seconds and an OFF time of 0.2 seconds can be allocated only 12.5 times. That is, the thirteenth time leaves a half cycle (half cycle). Then, the remainder of this half cycle is linked to the start time of the subsequent lamp lighting period corresponding to the OFF time of 1 second of the buzzer. Furthermore, the end point of the lamp lighting period is connected to the start point of the next blinking lamp. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the lighting period of the lamp for 1 second is extended to around 0.2 seconds, and it is recognized that it is not synchronized with the OFF time of the buzzer for 1 second. . Such a phenomenon gives the driver and passengers a different type of discomfort and discomfort than when the buzzer is continuously driven.
[0007]
Therefore, in view of the present situation described above, the present invention satisfies the above-mentioned relationship between the buzzer and the lamp drive, and does not cause discomfort or incongruity to the driver or passenger, and ensures that the seat belt is not worn. It is an object of the present invention to provide a seat belt reminder method and a seat belt reminder device capable of alarming the above.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The seatbelt reminder method according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is configured such that the audible alarm driving means is connected to a predetermined duty when a predetermined alarm condition when the vehicle seatbelt is not worn is satisfied. The audible alarm driving signal is caused to ring by the audible alarm driving signal of the tee cycle, and the visual alarm driving means is shorter than the audible alarm driving signal during the on time of the audible alarm driving signal, and the duty cycle is 50%. It is made to blink, and is always turned on during the off time of the audible alarm driving signal, and the on time of the audible alarm driving signal is divided by the period of the visible alarm driving signal so that there is a remaining half cycle. In the seat belt reminder method, when the alarm condition is satisfied, the visual alarm is activated at the start timing of the audible alarm drive signal. By synchronizing the start timing of the off motion signal, to initiate an alarm of non-fastening of the seat belt, characterized in that.
[0009]
Further, the seat belt reminder method according to claim 2, which has been made to solve the above problem, is the seat belt reminder method according to claim 1, wherein the on time and the off time of the audible alarm drive signal are 5 to 1. The on-time of the audible alarm driving signal and the period of the visible alarm driving signal are in a relationship of 5 to 0.4. It continues until it reaches a predetermined alarm reference time.
[0010]
Further, a seat belt reminder method according to claim 3, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, is a stage before the predetermined alarm condition is satisfied in the seat belt reminder method according to claim 1 or 2, The system further includes an initial warning step of driving only the visual warning means until the vehicle reaches a predetermined vehicle speed after the engine is started.
[0011]
A seat belt reminder device according to claim 4, which is made to solve the above-mentioned problem, is an audible alarm means which is sounded by an audible alarm driving signal of a predetermined duty cycle, and the audible alarm driving signal is on-time. Has a visual alarm means that is shorter than the audible alarm driving signal and flashes with a visual alarm driving signal having a duty cycle of 50%, and is always turned on during the off time of the audible alarm driving signal. When a predetermined alarm condition when the seat belt of the vehicle is not worn is satisfied according to a relationship in which the on-time of the audible alarm drive signal is divided by a half cycle when the on-time of the audible alarm drive signal is divided In a seat belt reminder device that warns that the seat belt is not worn, when the alarm condition is satisfied, the audible alarm drive signal is activated. The rise timing, said by synchronizing the falling timing of the visual alarm drive signal, characterized in that it comprises a warning control means for starting the alarm.
[0012]
Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the seat belt reminder device according to claim 5 is the seat belt reminder device according to claim 4, wherein the on time and the off time of the audible alarm drive signal are 5 to 1. The on-time of the audible alarm driving signal and the period of the visible alarm driving signal are in a relationship of 5 to 0.4. It continues until it reaches a predetermined alarm reference time.
[0013]
According to the first and fourth aspects of the invention, when the alarm condition is satisfied, the start timing of the visual alarm drive signal is synchronized with the start timing of the audible alarm drive signal, and the seat belt is synchronized. The audible alarm driving means is activated by an audible alarm driving signal of a predetermined duty cycle, and the visual alarm driving means is audible during the on time of the audible alarm driving signal. Flashes with a visual alarm drive signal that has a shorter cycle than the alarm drive signal and a duty cycle of 50%, and always lights up during the off time of the audible alarm drive signal, and the on time of the audible alarm drive signal is visible alarm driven. Dividing by the period of the signal satisfies the relationship of remaining by a half period, but does not give the driver or passenger a sense of discomfort or distrust.
[0014]
According to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, the on time and the off time of the audible alarm driving signal are in a 5-to-1 relationship, and the on time of the audible alarm driving signal and the period of the visible alarm driving signal are Is in a 5 to 0.4 relationship, which is such that the sum of the on time of the audible alarm drive signal is continued until a predetermined alarm reference time is reached. It meets various vehicle evaluation standards and regulations, and does not give the driver or passenger a sense of discomfort or distrust.
[0015]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the initial alarm stage in which only the visual alarm means is driven until the vehicle reaches a predetermined vehicle speed after the engine is started is performed by the visual alarm driving means and the audible alarm driving means. Since it is provided as a pre-stage of warning by combination, a realistic seat belt reminder method is provided.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a basic configuration of a seat belt reminder device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a seat belt reminder device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a basic configuration around the device. In FIG. 1, a seat belt reminder device 1 is connected to an ignition switch 2, a vehicle speed sensor 3, a seat belt switch 4, a buzzer output unit 5, and a belt lamp output unit 6.
[0017]
The seat belt reminder device 1 includes an alarm information acquisition unit 11, a buzzer control unit 12, and a lamp control unit 13. The seat belt reminder device 1 controls the buzzer output unit 5 and the belt lamp output unit 6 on the basis of information supplied from the ignition switch 2, the vehicle speed sensor 3, and the seat belt switch 4, and warns that the seat belt is not worn. To do.
[0018]
The alarm information acquisition unit 11 has a function of receiving information supplied from the ignition switch 2, the vehicle speed sensor 3, and the seat belt switch 4 and supplying the information to the buzzer control unit 12 and the lamp control unit 13. That is, the alarm information acquisition unit 11 receives the ignition ON / OFF signal from the ignition switch 2, the pulse signal according to the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 3, and the electrical signal indicating whether the seat belt is mounted or not. This is supplied to the buzzer controller 12 and the lamp controller 13. The alarm information acquisition unit 11 also includes an interface function that converts each signal from the ignition switch 2, the vehicle speed sensor 3, and the seat belt switch 4 into a voltage suitable for the control units 12 and 13 including a microcomputer.
[0019]
The buzzer control unit 12 and the lamp control unit 13 receive information related to the seat belt non-wearing alarm from the alarm information acquisition unit 11, and control the buzzer output unit 5 and the belt lamp output unit 6, respectively. These control parts 12 and 13 are comprised from the microcomputer which has a control function which drives a buzzer and a lamp according to each alarm condition. Although not shown, the seat belt reminder device 1 also includes a timer function for counting 30 seconds, 90 seconds, ON time, and OFF time, which will be described later. The buzzer and lamp drive control by the buzzer controller 12 and the lamp controller 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0020]
On the other hand, the ignition switch 2 is used to determine the use state of the vehicle. When the switch 2 is turned on, it is determined that the vehicle is in use. The vehicle speed sensor 3 detects the vehicle speed and outputs a pulse signal having a period corresponding to the vehicle speed. This output is one piece of information for determining an alarm stage described later. The seat belt switch 4 outputs to the seat belt reminder device 1 an electrical signal indicating whether the seat belt is worn or not, based on at least whether or not the buckle attached to the seat belt of the driver's seat is coupled.
[0021]
The buzzer output unit 5 and the belt lamp output unit 6 are driven and controlled by the seat belt reminder device 1 to warn the driver or the like by sound and light that the seat belt is not attached. The buzzer output unit 5 is composed of a buzzer incorporated in the seat belt reminder device 1 and its drive circuit, but may be provided at other locations as long as the driver can recognize an alarm. The belt lamp output unit 6 includes, for example, an alarm lamp incorporated in a combination meter and a drive circuit thereof. The buzzer output unit 5 and the belt lamp output unit 6 correspond to audible alarm means and visible alarm means in the claims, respectively. The buzzer control unit 12 and the lamp control unit 13 correspond to alarm control means in claims. In the present specification, the seat belt may be simply referred to as a belt, and the belt lamp may be simply referred to as a lamp.
[0022]
In addition, the effect | action which concerns on this embodiment based on the said structure adds description later, referring the time chart etc. of FIGS.
[0023]
Next, a multi-stage reminder method as one application example of the reminder method and apparatus will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. That is, the reminder method and apparatus of this embodiment are applied in the third step S3 in the multi-stage reminder method shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example. FIG. 2 is a time chart showing an alarm operation performed in the multi-stage reminder method which is one example of application of the present reminder method and apparatus. FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram for explaining state transition between each alarm stage according to the reminder method of FIG.
[0024]
In FIG. 2, the uppermost time chart indicates whether the ignition switch 2 in FIG. 1 is in an ON state or an OFF state. The lower time chart indicates whether the seat belt is in the worn state or not in the worn state by the seat belt switch 4 of FIG. Further, the lower time chart shows a pulse waveform composed of Hi and Lo corresponding to the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 3 of FIG. Further, the lower time chart of the vehicle speed sensor 3 indicates ON / OFF of the buzzer included in the buzzer output unit 5 in FIG. 1, and the lower time chart is included in the belt lamp output unit 6 in FIG. Indicates whether the lamp is on or off. In FIG. 3, the trigger for state transition is underlined and each processing operation is enclosed in parentheses.
[0025]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in this multi-stage reminder method, the first stage S1, the second stage S2, the third stage S3, and the fourth stage S4 are set, and the first stage S1 is set at a time point P0. As shown, it is assumed that, after the ignition switch 2 is turned ON, as shown at a time point P24, a predetermined vehicle speed, for example, 24 km / h or more is reached. In this first stage S1, the buzzer is OFF, and only the lamp 6 is turned ON and turned on. Note that when the seat belt is attached at this stage, the lamp 6 is also turned off, like the buzzer.
[0026]
In the first stage S1, for example, when the vehicle speed is 24 km / h or more, the process proceeds to the next second stage S2. In this second stage S2, the buzzer is still OFF, and only the lamp blinks by repeating, for example, an ON time of 0.5 seconds and an OFF time of 0.5 seconds, as indicated by I1 in the figure. Even at this stage, when the seat belt is attached, the lamp is also turned off as in the case of the buzzer. If the vehicle speed is less than 24 km / h at this stage, the process proceeds to the first stage S1.
[0027]
In the second stage S2, when a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds elapses, the process proceeds to the next third stage S3. In the third stage S3, the lamp blinking period in the second stage S2 is shortened and lighting is combined. Further, the buzzer is driven in synchronization with this. That is, as indicated by I2 in the figure, the lamp is caused to blink by repeating OFF time 0.2 seconds and ON time 0.2 seconds only for time T5 (for example, 5 seconds), and subsequently, time T1 ( For example, the pattern of continuously lighting the lamp is repeated only for one second). Further, the buzzer is driven in synchronization with these times T5 and T1. That is, the buzzer repeats the pattern of ON at time T5 and OFF at time T1. Here, how to synchronize the buzzer and the lamp drive is directly related to the present embodiment. This will be described later with reference to FIGS. Even at this stage, when the seat belt is attached, both the buzzer and the lamp are turned off. In this stage, if the vehicle speed is less than 24 km / h, the process proceeds to the first stage S1.
[0028]
In the third stage S3, when the buzzer ON total (total time in a state where the buzzer is ON) becomes equal to or longer than time T90 (for example, 90 seconds) in the drawing, the process proceeds to the next fourth stage S4. In the fourth stage S4, as in the first stage S1, only the lamp is turned on, and when the seat belt is attached, the lamp is also turned off, like the buzzer. In addition, if the belt is changed from wearing to non-wearing at this stage, the process proceeds to the first stage S1.
[0029]
By applying the present invention to such a multi-stage reminder method, at the time of work while the vehicle is stopped, etc., in the third stage S3 in which the operator has no discomfort and the degree of danger has increased, By driving the buzzer and the lamp accurately in synchronism, the necessary warning can be performed accurately without causing the driver or passenger to feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable.
[0030]
Further, the alarm operation of the seat belt reminder method and the seat belt reminder device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an alarm operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram corresponding to the time chart of FIG. Also in FIG. 5, the trigger for state transition is underlined and each processing operation is enclosed in parentheses.
[0031]
For example, FIG. 4 shows a point ST when 30 seconds have elapsed in the second stage S2. From this time ST, the alarm in the third stage S3 starts. As shown in FIG. 4, at this time ST, the buzzer turns from OFF to ON, and a cycle of ON time 5 seconds and OFF time 1 second is repeated and sounded. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the lamp turns from OFF to ON 0.2 seconds after the time ST, and the cycle of the ON time 0.2 seconds and the OFF time 0.2 seconds is during the ON time of the buzzer. It blinks repeatedly and lights continuously during the buzzer OFF time. That is, the buzzer OFF to ON start timing R (corresponding to the audible alarm drive signal ON start timing in claims), the lamp OFF start timing D (the visible alarm drive signal OFF start timing in claims). This alarm is started in synchronization. As shown in FIG. 4, here, the ignition switch is in the ON state and the seat belt is in the non-wearing state.
[0032]
In FIG. 5, the operation of the buzzer and the lamp of FIG. 4 is shown using a state transition diagram. The state shown in FIG. 4 is an alarm ON state. In this alarm ON state, as shown in FIG. 5, an output ON state that is buzzer ON and an output OFF state that is buzzer OFF are respectively output time 5 seconds and output time. Transitions are made with 1 second as a trigger. That is, the buzzer is sounded by repeating a cycle of ON time 5 seconds and OFF time 1 second.
[0033]
On the other hand, in this alarm ON state, as shown in FIG. 5, in the output ON state where the buzzer is ON, the output OFF state where the buzzer is OFF and the lamp ON state where the lamp is ON are respectively OFF time 0.2 seconds. Transitions are triggered by the passage of time and the ON time of 0.2 seconds. That is, the lamp is blinked by repeating a cycle with an OFF time of 0.2 seconds and an ON time of 0.2 seconds. In this alarm OFF state, the lamp is ON. That is, the lamp is turned on.
[0034]
FIG. 5 also shows that the buzzer OFF-to-ON start timing R and the lamp OFF start timing D are synchronized. In addition, in order to demonstrate operation | movement of this embodiment, said each state is named for convenience, and does not limit invention. Although not shown here, in the state shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, when the buzzer ON total is 90 seconds or more, the process proceeds to the next fourth step S4, where the belt is not attached. If it becomes wearing, it will change to 1st step S1.
[0035]
As described above, the alarm is started in synchronization with the buzzer OFF to ON start timing R and the lamp OFF start timing D, so that the 13th ON time of the lamp blinking is the start point of the lamp lighting period. It will not be connected to. In addition, the end point of the lamp lighting period is not connected to the start point of the next blinking lamp. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, it is not recognized that the lighting period of the lamp for 1 second is extended. That is, the buzzer OFF time and the lamp lighting period are not recognized as being shifted. Needless to say, the relationship between the buzzer OFF time and the lamp lighting period as shown in FIG. 4 does not change over the alarm reference time of 90 seconds. As a result, it is possible to prevent the driver and passengers from feeling uncomfortable and uncomfortable. Further, by applying the synchronization method of the present embodiment to the multi-stage reminder method, the third stage S3 in which the danger level is increased without causing discomfort to the worker during work while the vehicle is stopped. In this case, by driving the buzzer and the lamp accurately in synchronism with each other, the necessary warning can be performed accurately without causing the driver or passenger to feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable.
[0036]
The present invention is not limited to the application to the multistage reminder method and apparatus exemplified in the above embodiment, and any other type of multistage reminder method can be used as long as it is a sound and light reminder method and apparatus. It is also applicable to a single stage reminder method and apparatus. Further, the present invention limits the relationship between the buzzer ON time and the OFF time and the relationship between the buzzer ON time and the blinking cycle of the lamp during this time shown in the above embodiment to the above numerical values. Not all those that have an equivalent relationship to them. Furthermore, the belt non-wearing detection may be extended not only to the driver's seat but also to the passenger seat and the rear seat.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first and fourth aspects of the invention, when the alarm condition is satisfied, the start timing of turning off the visible alarm drive signal is synchronized with the start timing of turning on the audible alert drive signal. Because the seat belt non-wearing alarm is started, the driver and the passenger feel discomfort and distrust while satisfying the predetermined relationship between the visual alarm driving signal and the audible alarm driving signal. It is possible to provide a seat belt reminder method capable of reliably alarming that the seat belt is not worn without giving a feeling.
[0038]
Further, according to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the on time and the off time of the audible alarm driving signal are in a 5-to-1 relationship, and the on time of the audible alarm driving signal is The period of the visual alarm driving signal has a relationship of 5 to 0.4, and this relationship is continued until the sum total of the on time of the audible alarm driving signal reaches a predetermined alarm reference time. By complying with the reality, it is possible to reliably alert the user of the absence of seat belts, meeting various vehicle evaluation standards and regulations in Europe, etc., and without causing discomfort or distrust to the driver or passenger. A seat belt reminder method can be provided.
[0039]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the initial alarm stage in which only the visual alarm means is driven until the vehicle reaches a predetermined vehicle speed after the engine is started is performed by the visual alarm driving means and the audible alarm driving means. Since it is provided as a pre-stage of alarm by combination, a more realistic seat belt reminder method can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a seat belt reminder device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a basic configuration around the device.
FIG. 2 is a time chart showing an alarm operation performed in a multi-stage reminder method which is one example of application of the present reminder method and apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram for explaining state transitions between respective alarm stages according to the reminder method of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing an alarm operation according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a state transition diagram corresponding to the time chart of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing an alarm operation according to a conventional seat belt reminder method that satisfies a predetermined rule.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Seat belt reminder device 2 Ignition switch 3 Vehicle speed sensor 4 Seat belt switch 5 Buzzer output part 6 Belt lamp output part 11 Alarm information acquisition part 12 Buzzer control part 13 Lamp control part

Claims (5)

When a predetermined warning condition is met when the vehicle seat belt is not worn,
The audible alarm driving means is sounded by an audible alarm driving signal of a predetermined duty cycle,
The visual alarm driving means is caused to blink with a visual alarm driving signal having a shorter cycle than the audible alarm driving signal and having a duty cycle of 50% during the ON time of the audible alarm driving signal, and the audible alarm driving signal Be sure to light during off hours,
In the seat belt reminder method in which the on-time of the audible alarm drive signal is in a relationship such that a half cycle is left when dividing the period of the visible alarm drive signal,
When the alarm condition is satisfied, an alarm for not wearing the seat belt is started by synchronizing the start timing D for turning off the visual warning drive signal with the start timing R for turning on the audible warning drive signal. ,
The seat belt reminder method characterized by the above-mentioned. The seat belt reminder method according to claim 1,
The on time and off time of the audible alarm drive signal have a 5 to 1 relationship,
The ON time of the audible alarm driving signal and the period of the visual alarm driving signal are in a relationship of 5 to 0.4,
This relationship continues until the sum of the on time of the audible alarm drive signal reaches a predetermined alarm reference time.
The seat belt reminder method characterized by the above-mentioned. In the seat belt reminder method according to claim 1 or 2,
The method further includes an initial warning stage in which only the visual warning means is driven until the predetermined vehicle speed is reached after the engine is started up, which is a stage before the predetermined warning condition is satisfied.
The seat belt reminder method characterized by the above-mentioned. Audible alarm means ringed by an audible alarm driving signal of a predetermined duty cycle;
During the on time of the audible alarm drive signal, the visual alarm drive signal flashes with a visual alarm drive signal having a shorter cycle and a duty cycle of 50% than the audible alarm drive signal, and always during the off time of the audible alarm drive signal. Visual indicator means to be lit,
When a predetermined alarm condition when the seat belt of the vehicle is not worn is satisfied according to a relationship in which the on time of the audible alarm drive signal is divided by a half period when the on-time of the audible alarm drive signal is divided. In the seat belt reminder device that warns of non-mounting of the seat belt,
When the alarm condition is satisfied, alarm control means for starting the alarm by synchronizing the falling timing of the visible alarm driving signal with the rising timing of the audible alarm driving signal,
A seat belt reminder device comprising: The seat belt reminder device according to claim 4,
The on time and off time of the audible alarm drive signal have a 5 to 1 relationship,
The ON time of the audible alarm driving signal and the period of the visual alarm driving signal are in a relationship of 5 to 0.4,
This relationship continues until the sum of the on time of the audible alarm drive signal reaches a predetermined alarm reference time.
A seat belt reminder device.

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