JP4534493B2 - Notification control device, vehicle obstacle detection result notification device, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for improving driver convenience by changing notification settings for notifying the presence of an obstacle around a vehicle according to the situation.

  Conventionally, as an obstacle detection device mounted on a vehicle, for example, there is one using an ultrasonic sensor (sonar) that transmits ultrasonic waves. In this kind of obstacle detection device, an ultrasonic sensor mounted on the vehicle emits an ultrasonic wave around the vehicle, receives a reflected wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave and hits the obstacle, and the received wave is set as a threshold value. The presence / absence of an obstacle is determined by comparison, and if there is an obstacle, that fact is notified (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, in this kind of obstacle detection device, for example, in a garage at home, when a structure that the driver is familiar with, such as a wall or a shelf, is detected, the presence of the structure is detected, which may be annoying to the driver. There is. Therefore, an obstacle detection device is known in which a driver can manually change the setting for notifying whether or not an obstacle is present. There is also known an obstacle detection device in which the driver can manually change the distance at which the presence of an obstacle starts to be notified.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-212072 (page 3, FIG. 2)

  However, in the obstacle detection device as described above, for example, a method for notifying the presence of obstacles around the vehicle, such as setting whether to notify the presence of an obstacle or a distance to start reporting the presence of an obstacle, is defined. It is troublesome because the driver needs to change the notification control information manually.

  The present invention has been made in view of such inconveniences, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a notification setting for notifying the presence of an obstacle around the vehicle, even if the driver does not manually change it. For example, it is intended to provide a technique for improving the convenience of the driver by changing the vehicle according to information on the vehicle such as the positional relationship between the current position of the vehicle and the destination.

The notification control apparatus according to claim 1 made to solve the above-described problems is configured as follows. In other words, vehicle information acquisition means ( 1) For ease of understanding of the invention, the reference numeral used in the column “Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention” is attached as necessary. Does not mean that the vehicle information is acquired), and the detection result acquisition means (6) detects obstacles around the vehicle right front, left front, right rear, An obstacle detection result obtained from the left rear and rear center is acquired. Moreover, a memory | storage means (4) memorize | stores one or more criteria information and one or more alerting control information. Note that the determination criterion information refers to whether or not to notify the detection result of the obstacle acquired by the detection result acquisition unit as information serving as a determination criterion for determining the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit and the detection result. It is set the conditions for notifying the. The notification control information is detected when each vehicle is associated with at least one of one or more pieces of judgment criterion information and the vehicle information matches the judgment criteria set in the associated judgment criterion information. conditions for informing whether or detection result notifying the detection result as information to be broadcast method when notifying the result is set. In addition, the setting unit can set or change the determination reference information stored in the storage unit and the notification control information stored in the storage unit based on an operation from the user. Then, the control unit (1) reads the determination criterion information storage means for storing, satisfies the condition for notifying the detection result with is set to that of informing the detection result of the determination criterion information thus read out Choose what you have. Further, when there is a piece of the selected criterion information that matches the vehicle information, the control unit reads out the notification control information associated with the corresponding criterion information from the storage unit. It controls to inform the notification means (3) based on the conditions for notifying the detection result result whether or sensing informed as information becomes notification method set in the information.

As described above, according to the notification control device, the notification setting for notifying the presence of an obstacle around the vehicle can be changed according to the vehicle information about the vehicle without the driver having to manually change the setting. User convenience can be improved.
Further, it is possible to set or change the judgment reference information stored in the storage unit and the notification control information stored in the storage unit based on the operation from the user, for example, according to the preference of the driver and the surrounding situation. Since the judgment reference information and the notification control information can be changed, the convenience for the driver can be further improved.

  The above-mentioned “vehicle information” includes (a) distance information indicating the distance between the vehicle position and a predetermined point set in advance (Claim 2), and (b) driver information indicating the driver. (Claim 3), (c) Information indicating vehicle speed value (Claim 4), (d) Information indicating driving time (Claim 5), (e) Information indicating time (Claim 6), etc. It is done.

  It should be noted that the vehicle, such as (a) distance information, (b) driver information indicating the driver, (c) information indicating the vehicle speed value, (d) information indicating the driving time, (e) information indicating the time, etc. Regarding various types of information included in the information, it may be determined whether or not any of these pieces of information matches the judgment standard indicated by the judgment standard information. It may be determined whether or not the determination criterion indicated by the determination criterion information is met.

Further, as in claim 1, in the above-described notification control information, at least one of the right front, left front, right rear, left rear, and rear center of the vehicle as the direction in which the obstacle to be notified exists exists. but it may also define a. And the detection result acquisition means can acquire the direction where at least an obstacle exists as a detection result from the right front, left front, right rear, left rear and rear center of the vehicle, and the control means can detect the detection result. When the direction in which the obstacle acquired as the detection result is present matches the direction in which the obstacle to be notified set in the notification control information is present, control is performed so that the notification means is notified.
Also, as in claim 7, in the broadcast control information described above, may define the traveling direction of the vehicle in the case of notifying that an obstacle exists, for example, during forward and during reverse, stopping Or any one of them. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned notification control information, when there is an obstacle, it may be specified to notify that there is an obstacle immediately, and there is an obstacle as in claim 8. In this case, when the accessory switch is turned on or when the shift lever is positioned in reverse, it may be specified to notify that an obstacle is present.

Moreover, you may comprise as an obstacle detection result alerting | reporting apparatus of the following vehicles. That is, as in claim 9 , the obstacle detection result notification device for a vehicle is capable of detecting obstacles around the vehicle from the right front, left front, right rear, left rear, and rear center of the vehicle. Object detection means (7), notification means (3) capable of notifying the detection result of detecting an obstacle present around the vehicle by the obstacle detection means, and vehicle information acquisition capable of acquiring vehicle information relating to the vehicle Means (1) , whether or not to notify the detection result of the obstacle detected by the obstacle detection means as information serving as a determination criterion for determining the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition means, and the detection one or more criteria information condition for notifying the result is set, and each associated with at least one of the one or more criteria information, the-size associated Article for informing the whether to notify the detection result of the detection result as information to be broadcast method when broadcast or the detection results when the vehicle information criteria set in the reference information matches Storage means (4) for storing one or more notification control information for which a case is set, judgment criterion information stored by the storage means, and notification control information stored by the storage means based on an operation from a user and or changeable configuration means (1,2) reads the determination criterion information, wherein the storage means stores said detected with being set to that of informing the detection result of the determination criterion information thus read out When the information that satisfies the conditions for informing the result is selected, and the selected criterion information that matches the vehicle information exists, the corresponding criterion information Article for the broadcast control information associated read from the storage means, to notify the subsequent said detection result notifying whether or the detection result as information to be broadcast method is set to the readout notification control information based on the matter comprising a control means for controlling so as to inform the notification means (3) (1), wherein the obstacle detection means, right of the vehicle at least the direction in which the obstacle is present as the detection result It can be detected from the front, left front, right rear, left rear, and rear center , and the notification control information includes the right front, left front, right rear, and left as directions in which the obstacle to be notified exists. At least one of the rear and the rear center is set, and the control unit is configured to detect the direction of the obstacle detected by the obstacle detection unit as the detection result and the notification control. Control is performed so that the notification means is notified of the detection result when the direction in which the obstacle to be notified set in information coincides with the direction in which the obstacle exists .

  Specific examples of the notification method of the notification means described above include (f) displaying on a display device, (g) notifying by voice, (h) turning on a lamp, (re) sounding a buzzer. For example, notification.

In addition, as shown in Claim 10 , the control means in the notification control apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 can be realized as a program that causes a computer to function. Therefore, the present invention can be realized as a program invention. In the case of such a program, for example, the program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an FD, MO, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, or hard disk, and is used by being loaded into a computer and started up as necessary. be able to. In addition, the ROM or backup RAM may be recorded as a computer-readable recording medium, and the ROM or backup RAM may be incorporated into the computer for use.

  Embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following examples, and can take various forms as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a vehicle 200 equipped with an obstacle detection result notification device according to an embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 2 is a block diagram which shows the structure of the obstruction detection result alerting | reporting apparatus of an Example. Hereinafter, in the vehicle 200 of FIG. 1, the forward direction (upper side in FIG. 1) of the vehicle 200 is referred to as “front side”, and the backward direction (lower side in FIG. 1) of the vehicle 200 is also referred to as “rear side”. In addition, the right side and the left side of the vehicle 200 when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle 200 are referred to as “right side” and “left side”, respectively.

[Description of Configuration of Vehicle 200]
As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 200 includes ultrasonic sensors (sonar) 71 to 75. Each ultrasonic sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave around the vehicle, and receives a reflected wave reflected by the ultrasonic wave hitting an obstacle or the like. In addition, although the vehicle 200 of a present Example is provided with the five ultrasonic sensors 71-75, the number of ultrasonic sensors is not restricted to this, For example, you may make it provide four ultrasonic sensors.

  Among these, the ultrasonic sensor 71 is an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an obstacle on the right front side of the vehicle 200, and is installed at the right end of the front bumper 200 a of the vehicle 200. The ultrasonic sensor 72 is an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an obstacle on the left front side of the vehicle 200, and is installed at the left end of the front bumper 200 a of the vehicle 200. The ultrasonic sensor 73 is an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an obstacle on the right rear side of the vehicle 200, and is installed at the right end of the rear bumper 200b of the vehicle 200. The ultrasonic sensor 74 is an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an obstacle at the rear center of the vehicle 200, and is installed at the center of the rear bumper 200 b of the vehicle 200. The ultrasonic sensor 75 is an ultrasonic sensor for detecting an obstacle on the left rear side of the vehicle 200, and is installed at the left end of the rear bumper 200b of the vehicle 200. In addition, these ultrasonic sensors 71-75 comprise the obstruction detection part 7 (refer FIG. 2). The ultrasonic sensors 71 to 75 correspond to obstacle detection means.

Further, the vehicle 200 includes an occupant room 200c, and an obstacle detection result notification device 100 described later is attached to the occupant room 200c.
[Description of Configuration of Obstacle Detection Result Notification Device 100]
As shown in FIG. 2, the obstacle detection result notification device 100 includes a control unit 1, an operation unit 2, a user notification unit 3, a sonar setting storage unit 4, a sonar interface unit 6, and an obstacle detection unit 7. . The control unit 1 is connected to the operation unit 2, the user notification unit 3, the sonar setting storage unit 4, the sonar interface unit 6, and the time measuring unit 8. The sonar interface unit 6 is connected to an obstacle detection unit 7.

The operation unit 2 is for a user to input various information such as characters.
The user notification unit 3 includes a CRT or a liquid crystal display for displaying an image, and can display an obstacle detection result. Note that the user notification unit 3 may be a speaker that emits sound. The user notification unit 3 corresponds to a notification unit.

The sonar interface unit 6 is an electronic circuit and has a function of performing amplification and waveform shaping of the reflected wave received by the obstacle detection unit 7.
The time measuring unit 8 is a so-called clock and can measure time.

[Description of configuration and storage contents of sonar setting storage unit 4]
The sonar setting storage unit 4 includes a nonvolatile memory. The sonar setting storage unit 4 is used to store determination criterion information and notification control information. Here, the criterion information refers to information indicating a criterion for determining vehicle information. The vehicle information refers to information about the vehicle, and includes “distance information” indicating the distance between the vehicle position and the destination, “driver information” indicating the driver, information indicating the vehicle speed value, and time. Information to be shown. Specific examples of the criterion information include (a) information indicating settings for normal operation, (b) information indicating settings for switching by location, (c) information indicating settings for switching by driving time, (D) Information indicating settings for switching by time, (e) Information indicating settings for switching by speed, and the like.

(A) Information indicating settings for normal operation This “normal operation” refers to notifying the result of obstacle detection by sonar. That is, when the normal operation is set to “Yes”, the obstacle detection result is notified, and when the normal operation is set to “No”, the obstacle detection result is not notified. In addition, when the normal operation is set to “not”, the ultrasonic sensors 71 to 75 may be turned off.

(B) Information indicating the setting for switching by location This `` switching by location '' refers to switching the conditions for notifying the obstacle detection result according to the distance from the location set as the destination to the vehicle position. Show. Note that the judgment criteria indicated by this judgment criteria information is presumed to be familiar with the position of the obstacle near the destination, such as the position of the wall or shelf near the home parking lot, so that the vehicle is the destination. In the case of being located in the vicinity, it is set from the viewpoint that the distance from the own vehicle that starts to notify the presence of an obstacle may be set longer. As an example, if the distance from the place set as the destination to the vehicle position is set to “10 m or less” as a judgment criterion, from the place set as the destination to the current vehicle position When the distance of the vehicle is “not less than 10 m” such as 12 m, the obstacle detection result is not notified. On the other hand, the distance from the location set as the destination to the current vehicle position is “10 m or less” such as 9 m. Sometimes the obstacle detection result is notified.

(C) Information indicating the setting for switching by driving time This "switching by driving time" refers to the conditions for notifying the result of obstacle detection by the "time since the vehicle started (driving time)" Indicates switching. Note that the judgment criteria indicated by this judgment criteria information are set from the following viewpoints. That is, when the current driver's driving time is short, it is estimated that the driver's fatigue level is not so high and the sense of distance is normal, and when the current driver's driving time is long It is estimated that the driver's fatigue level is high and the sense of distance is slow, so if the current driver's driving time is long, the distance from the vehicle that starts to notify the presence of an obstacle is increased. Judgment criteria are set from the viewpoint that it is desirable to set. As an example, when the operation time is set to “1 hour or more” as a criterion, the obstacle detection result is not notified when the operation time is “not more than 1 hour” such as 50 minutes. For example, when the driving time is “1 hour or longer” such as 1 hour 30 minutes, the obstacle detection result is notified.

(D) Information indicating setting for switching by time This "switching by time" indicates that the condition for notifying the obstacle detection result is switched by "current time". Note that the judgment criteria indicated by this judgment criteria information is, for example, estimated that the time zone from 6:00 in the evening to 6:00 in the next morning is a time zone in which it is difficult for the driver of the vehicle to grasp the sense of distance. It is set from the viewpoint that it is desirable to set a long distance from the vehicle which starts to notify the presence of an obstacle when it is a time zone in which it is difficult to grasp the sense of distance. As an example, if the time is set to “after 5 pm” as the criterion, notify the obstacle detection result when the current time is “not after 5 pm” such as 4 pm. On the other hand, when the current time is “after 5 p.m.” such as 6 p.m., an obstacle detection result is notified.

(E) Information indicating setting for switching by speed This "switching by speed" indicates that the condition for notifying the obstacle detection result is switched by "current vehicle speed". Note that the judgment criteria indicated by this judgment criteria information are set from the following viewpoints. That is, for example, it is estimated that the vehicle is traveling on a road with a low possibility of obstacles such as a motor vehicle road or a suburban road if it is traveling at high speed, and an urban road or a residential road if it is traveling at a low speed. It is estimated that the vehicle is traveling on a road where there is a high possibility that there will be obstacles, so if the vehicle speed is high, even if you set a long distance from your vehicle to start reporting the presence of obstacles Often, when the vehicle speed is low, a determination criterion is set from the viewpoint that it is desirable to set a short distance from the host vehicle that starts reporting the presence of an obstacle. As an example, when the vehicle speed is set to “30 km / h or less”, the obstacle detection result is notified when the current vehicle speed is “not less than 30 km / h”, such as 35 km / h. On the other hand, when the current vehicle speed is “30 km / h or less” such as 25 km / h, for example, an obstacle detection result is notified.

  In addition, the notification control information is associated with each determination criterion information described above. The notification control information refers to information that defines a notification method when notifying the detection result of an obstacle. The notification control information includes sonar operation setting information, sonar sensitivity setting information, and obstacle notification setting information. include. The setting information is as follows.

  (F) “Sonar operation setting information” refers to setting information for performing notification control of an obstacle detection result according to the traveling direction of the vehicle (refer to the item “Sonar operation setting” in FIG. 3D). In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3D, the notification of the obstacle detection result is either “Yes” or “No” at the time of forward, reverse and stop as the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is configured to be settable.

  (G) The sonar sensitivity setting information refers to setting information for performing notification control of an obstacle detection result according to the distance from the vehicle to the obstacle (see the item “sonar sensitivity setting” in FIG. 3E). In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3E, a reference value for determining the distance from the vehicle to the obstacle can be set by inputting a numerical value via the touch switch. Yes.

  (H) Obstacle notification setting information refers to setting information indicating a notification method for notifying an obstacle detection result (see item “obstacle notification setting” in FIG. 3F). In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3F, for example, when a map or the like is displayed on the user notification unit 3, the interrupt display of the obstacle detection result is “ON” or “NO”. It is configured to be settable, and it is configured to be able to set either “Yes” or “No” for voice notification of an obstacle detection result.

The sonar setting storage unit 4 corresponds to a storage unit.
[Description of Configuration of Control Unit 1]
The control unit 1 is configured around a known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and a bus line connecting these components. The control unit 1 specifies the current position based on data detected by a position detection function of the navigation unit 5 described later based on a program stored in the ROM and RAM while interpolating an error in the current position. Further, the control unit 1 sets a destination according to an operation of the operation unit 2 based on point data and various data stored in the navigation unit 5 described later. In addition, the control unit 1 displays a setting dialog for confirming or changing “judgment reference information” and “notification control information” stored in the sonar setting storage unit 4 on the user notification unit 3, and will be described later. The reference information and notification control information setting process is executed. Moreover, the control part 1 is comprised so that the alerting | reporting setting change process mentioned later may be performed. Further, the control unit 1 determines the presence or absence of an obstacle by comparing the received wave amplified and waveform-shaped by the sonar interface unit 6 with a threshold value. And the control part 1 is made to alert | report by the user alerting | reporting part 3 when an obstruction exists (refer FIG. 4).

The control unit 1 corresponds to detection result acquisition means, vehicle information acquisition means, control means, reference setting means, and notification setting means.
[Description of other configurations]
Incidentally, a navigation unit 5 is connected to the control unit 1 of the obstacle detection result notification device 100.

  The navigation unit 5 is composed mainly of a navigation ECU, a GPS (global positioning system) sensor, a DVD-ROM that records a map database, etc., and calculates a position of the vehicle and relates to a travel route on which the vehicle is traveling. Information is output to the control unit 1 at regular intervals.

[Description of Setting Process for Judgment Criteria Information and Broadcast Control Information]
Next, the determination criterion information and notification control information setting process executed by the control unit 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (1) illustrating the setting process of the determination criterion information and the notification control information.

  First, when an instruction to set the notification control information is received from the user via the operation unit 2, as shown in FIG. 3A, a setting dialog of “sonar operation switching setting” is stored in the sonar setting. The information is read from the unit 4 and displayed on the user notification unit 3.

(A) About sonar operation switching setting:
On the left side of the setting dialog for this “Sonar operation switching setting”, items “normal operation”, item “switching by location”, item “switching by operating time”, item “switching by time”, item “switching by time” “Switch” is arranged. Also, selection keys “Yes” and “No” are arranged on the right side of each item. These selection keys are touch switches. In addition, among the selection keys for each item, a key indicating the current setting content for each item is highlighted. For example, when the item “normal operation” is set to perform a normal operation, the selection key “Yes” is highlighted and the selection key “No” is normally displayed (FIG. 3). (See (a)).

  Here, when the selection key “NO” in the item “NORMAL OPERATION” is touched when it is set to perform the normal operation, the stored contents regarding the item “NORMAL OPERATION” in the sonar setting storage unit 4 are updated, The selection key “ON” of the item “NORMAL OPERATION” is normally displayed, and the selection key “NO” is highlighted.

  Note that the item “switch by location”, item “switch by operation time”, item “switch by time”, and item “switch by speed” are the same as in the case of the item “normal operation”, so a detailed description is given here. Is omitted.

  In addition, a touch switch “return” is arranged on the upper right of the setting dialog of “sonar operation switching setting”, and when the touch switch “return” is touched, the setting process of the notification control information is ended.

  Here, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, when the “switch by speed” selection key “YES” is touched when “switch by speed” is set to be executed, FIG. As illustrated in b), a setting dialog of “sonar setting” is read from the sonar setting storage unit 4 and displayed on the user notification unit 3.

(B) About sonar setting (see FIG. 3B):
On the left side of the setting dialog of this “sonar setting”, items “switching speed setting”, item “sonar operation setting”, item “sonar sensitivity setting”, and item “obstacle notification setting” are arranged in order from the top. . A touch switch “change” is arranged on the right side of each item.

  Here, when the touch switch “change” of the item “switching speed setting” is touched, a setting dialog of “switching speed setting” is read out from the sonar setting storage unit 4 as illustrated in FIG. Part 3 is displayed. When the touch switch “change” of the item “sonar operation setting” is touched, a setting dialog of “sonar operation setting” is read from the sonar setting storage unit 4 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed. Further, when the touch switch “change” of the item “sonar sensitivity setting” is touched, a setting dialog of “sonar sensitivity setting” is read from the sonar setting storage unit 4 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is displayed. When the touch switch “change” of the item “obstacle notification setting” is touched, a setting dialog of “obstacle notification setting” is read from the sonar setting storage unit 4 as illustrated in FIG. It is displayed on the notification unit 3. In addition, a touch switch “return” is arranged at the upper right of the setting dialog of “sonar setting”, and when the touch switch “return” is touched, the setting dialog of “sonar operation switching setting” is returned.

(C) About the switching speed setting (see FIG. 3C):
A numeric keypad is arranged at the center of the “switching speed setting” setting dialog as illustrated in FIG. In addition, a display unit and a selection key “correction” are arranged above the numeric keypad, and a selection key “complete” is arranged below the numeric keypad. Further, a touch switch “return” is arranged in the upper right of the “switching speed setting” setting dialog. When the touch switch “return” is touched, the setting dialog for the “sonar setting” is returned. Then, “30 km / h or less”, which is the current setting content, is displayed on the display unit.

  Here, when the user inputs a numerical value from the numeric keypad, the above-described numerical value “30” is replaced with the input numerical value. Note that the latest input content can be canceled by the selection key “correction”. Then, when the selection key “Done” is touched, the stored content related to the item “switching speed setting” in the sonar setting storage unit 4 is updated to the numerical value displayed on the display unit.

(D) About sonar operation setting (see FIG. 3D):
On the left side of the setting dialog for “sonar operation setting”, an item “at the time of forward movement”, an item “at the time of backward movement”, and an item “at the time of stop” are arranged in order from the top. On the right side of each item, selection keys “ON” and “OFF” are arranged. In addition, a selection key “Done” is arranged at the lower right of the setting dialog of “sonar operation setting”. In addition, a touch switch “return” is arranged at the upper right of the setting dialog of “sonar operation setting”, and when the touch switch “return” is touched, the setting dialog of “sonar setting” is returned.

  In addition, among the selection keys for each item, a selection key indicating the current setting content for each item is highlighted. For example, in the item “when moving forward”, when an obstacle is detected when the vehicle moves forward, the selection key “ON” is highlighted and the selection key “OFF” is set to notify the presence of the obstacle. "Is normally displayed (see FIG. 3D).

  Here, when the vehicle is set to notify the presence when an obstacle is detected when the vehicle moves forward, if the selection key “OFF” in the item “when moving forward” is touched, the sonar setting storage unit 4 The stored contents relating to the item “SONAR OPERATION SETTING” are updated, the selection key “ON” for the item “FORWARD” is normally displayed, and the selection key “OFF” is highlighted.

Note that the item “backward traveling” and the item “stopping” are the same as in the case of the item “forward traveling”, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.
(E) About sonar sensitivity setting (see FIG. 3 (e)):
As illustrated in FIG. 3E, a numeric keypad is arranged at the center of the setting dialog for “sonar sensitivity setting”. In addition, a display unit and a selection key “correction” are arranged above the numeric keypad, and a selection key “complete” is arranged below the numeric keypad. Further, a touch switch “return” is arranged at the upper right of the “sonar sensitivity setting” setting dialog. When the touch switch “return” is touched, the setting dialog for “sonar setting” described above is returned. Then, “30 cm”, which is the current setting content, is displayed on the display unit.

  Here, when the user inputs a numerical value from the numeric keypad, the above-described numerical value “30” is replaced with the input numerical value. Note that the latest input content can be canceled by the selection key “correction”. When the selection key “Done” is touched, the contents stored in the sonar setting storage unit 4 regarding the item “sonar sensitivity setting” are updated to the numerical values displayed on the display unit.

(F) Obstacle notification setting (see FIG. 3 (f)):
On the left side of the “obstacle notification setting” setting dialog, as illustrated in FIG. 3F, an item “sonar interrupt display” and an item “sonar voice guidance” are arranged in order from the top. Also, selection keys “Yes” and “No” are arranged on the right side of each item. In addition, a selection key “Done” is arranged in the lower right corner of the “obstacle notification setting” setting dialog. In addition, a touch switch “return” is arranged in the upper right of the “obstacle notification setting” setting dialog. When the touch switch “return” is touched, the setting dialog of the “sonar setting” is returned.

  In addition, among the selection keys for each item, a selection key indicating the current setting content for each item is highlighted. For example, in the item “sonar interrupt display”, when an obstacle is detected, when the setting is made so as to be displayed superimposed on the setting dialog being displayed on the user notification unit 3, the selection key “ “Yes” is highlighted and the selection key “No” is normally displayed (see FIG. 3F). Here, when an obstacle is detected, the selection key “NO” in the item “SONAR INTERRUPT DISPLAY” is displayed when it is set so as to be superimposed on the setting dialog being displayed on the user notification unit 3. Is touched, the stored contents related to the item “obstacle notification setting” in the sonar setting storage unit 4 are updated, the selection key “ON” of the item “SONAR INTERRUPT DISPLAY” is normally displayed, and the selection key “NO” is displayed. Highlight.

  Also, in the item “sonar voice guidance”, when an obstacle is detected and it is set to voice guidance to that effect, the selection key “Yes” is highlighted and the selection key “No” is normally displayed. (See FIG. 3F). Here, when an obstacle is detected and it is set to be voiced to that effect, if the selection key “NO” of the item “SONAR VOICE GUIDANCE” is touched, the item “ The stored contents regarding the “obstacle notification setting” are updated, the selection key “ON” of the item “SONAR VOICE GUIDANCE” is normally displayed, and the selection key “NO” is highlighted.

  In addition, about the switching by a place, the switching by driving time, and the switching by time, since the setting content can be switched by the process similar to the switching by the speed mentioned above, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.

[Description of notification control information change processing]
Next, notification control information change processing executed by the control unit 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This process is executed when an accessory power source (not shown) is turned on and power is supplied to the obstacle detection result notification device 100. Moreover, the obstacle detection part 7 will perform the operation | movement which detects the above obstacles when the accessory power supply which is not shown in figure turns on. And the control part 1 reads the alerting | reporting control information which is not matched with judgment criteria information from the sonar setting memory | storage part 4, and controls the user alerting | reporting part 3 based on the read alerting | reporting control information. In the following description, it is assumed that the driver's home is set as the destination.

  First, in the first step S110, it is determined whether or not the vehicle information regarding the vehicle matches the criterion information. Specifically, the judgment criterion information stored in the sonar setting storage unit 4 is read, and information whose setting content is set to “Yes” is selected from the read judgment criterion information. For the selected criterion information, it is determined whether there is a match with the vehicle information.

  For example, if (b) “Switch by location” is set to “Yes”, the vehicle position is specified and the vehicle position is within a predetermined range centered on the destination. Determine whether or not. That is, when the distance from the place set as the destination to the vehicle position is set to “10 m or less”, the distance from the place set as the destination to the current vehicle position is, for example, 12 m. When it is not “less than 10 m”, it is determined that this criterion information “switch by location” does not match the vehicle information, while the distance from the location set as the destination to the current vehicle position is, for example, 9 m When it is “10 m or less”, it is determined that the determination criterion information “switching by location” does not match the vehicle information.

  In addition, (c) when “switching by driving time” is set to “Yes”, the driving time is measured, and it is determined whether or not the driving time matches the criterion information. That is, when the driving time is set to “1 hour or longer” and the driving time is “not longer than 1 hour”, for example, 50 minutes, this criterion information “switching by driving time” is included in the vehicle information. On the other hand, when the driving time is “1 hour or more” such as 1 hour 30 minutes, for example, it is determined that the determination criterion information “switching by driving time” matches the vehicle information. .

  Also, if (d) “switching by time” is set to “Yes”, it is determined whether or not the current time matches the criterion information. That is, when the time is set to “after 5:00 pm” and the current time is “not after 5:00 pm” such as 4 pm, for example, the determination criterion information “switch by time” On the other hand, when the current time is “after 5:00 pm” such as 6:00 pm, for example, it is determined that the judgment criterion information “switching by time” matches the vehicle information. It is.

  If (e) “switching by speed” is set to “Yes”, the vehicle speed is detected, and it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed matches the criterion information. That is, when the vehicle speed is set to “30 km / h or less”, when the current vehicle speed is “not less than 30 km / h”, such as 35 km / h, for example, this criterion information “switch by speed” ”Is determined not to match the vehicle information. On the other hand, when the current vehicle speed is“ 30 km / h or less ”, such as 25 km / h, for example, For example, it is determined that it matches the information.

  Here, if any of the selected criteria information (b) to (e) does not match the vehicle information (S110: NO), this S110 is repeated until it is determined that it exists. Execute. On the other hand, if the selected criterion information exists that matches the vehicle information (S110: YES), the process proceeds to S120.

  In the subsequent S120, the notification control information corresponding to the criterion information determined to match the vehicle information in the previous S110 is read from the sonar setting storage unit 4, and thereafter the user notification unit 3 is operated based on the read notification control information. Control. Then return.

[effect]
Thus, according to the obstacle detection result notification device 100 of the embodiment, in the notification control information change process, the determination criterion information stored in the sonar setting storage unit 4 is read, and the setting content of the read determination criterion information is set. Selects the information set to “Yes”, and if there is a piece of the selected criterion information that matches the vehicle information (S110: YES), the notification control information corresponding to the criterion information Since the user notification unit 3 is controlled based on the read notification control information, the driver manually changes the notification setting for notifying the presence of an obstacle around the vehicle 200. Even if it does not do, it can change according to vehicle information, such as the positional relationship of the own vehicle position and the destination, and can improve a driver's convenience.

  Further, according to the obstacle detection result notification device 100 of the embodiment, the determination reference information and the notification control information can be set via the operation unit 2 in the determination reference information and notification control information setting process. The criterion information and the notification control information can be changed in accordance with the driver's preference and surrounding circumstances, and the convenience for the driver can be improved.

[Another embodiment]
(1) In the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic sensors 71 to 75 are used as the obstacle detection means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an apparatus capable of photographing an obstacle existing around the vehicle such as a camera is used. May be. Even if comprised in this way, there exists an effect similar to the said Example.

  (2) The obstacle detection result notifying device 100 of the above embodiment is configured as a dedicated device for executing determination reference information and notification control information setting processing and notification control information changing processing. You may comprise so that the function of the obstruction detection result alerting | reporting apparatus 100 may be implement | achieved by utilizing a structure.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, in the notification control information, it is determined whether any of the selected criterion information (b) to (e) matches the vehicle information, and exists. In this case (S110: YES), the notification control information corresponding to the determination criterion information determined to match the vehicle information is read from the sonar setting storage unit 4, and thereafter the user notification unit 3 is activated based on the read notification control information. The control (S120) is not limited to this, and it may be determined whether or not there is a plurality of pieces of determination criterion information that matches the vehicle information.

  (4) One of the criteria information in the above embodiment may be information indicating criteria for judging a specific driver. In addition, as a means to identify a driver | operator, the key sensor provided in the inside of a key cylinder is mentioned. In this case, when the key sensor determines that the key is inserted into the key cylinder, the control unit 1 is configured to identify the owner from the key ID. Other specific examples of the means for identifying the driver include a device using biometrics authentication such as fingerprint authentication, an infrared sensor provided in the vehicle, a pressure sensor provided in the driver's seat, and photographing inside the vehicle. A configuration including a video camera and an image processing apparatus is exemplified. Even if comprised in this way, there exists an effect similar to the said Example.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 1 notifies the user notification unit 3 when there is an obstacle, but may set the time when the user notification unit 3 is notified that the obstacle exists. Good. For example, when the accessory switch is on or when the shift lever is in the reverse position, the fact that there is an obstacle is reported.

  (6) In the above embodiment, based on the data detected by the position detection function of the navigation unit 5, the control unit 1 specifies the current position while interpolating the error of the current position. However, the position detection function is not necessarily required to specify the current position. For example, position information may be acquired from a roadside beacon or the like via an external information input / output function, and the current position may be specified based on the position information. Alternatively, a mobile phone, PHS, or the like may be connected to the navigation unit 5 and the current position may be specified by a position specifying function of the mobile phone, PHS, or the like.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the vehicle 200 carrying the obstacle detection result alerting | reporting apparatus of an Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the obstruction detection result alerting | reporting apparatus of an Example. It is explanatory drawing (1) explaining the setting process of judgment criteria information and alerting | reporting control information. That is, (a) is an explanatory view showing a setting dialog for sonar operation switching, (b) is an explanatory view showing a setting dialog for sonar setting, and (c) is an explanatory view showing a setting dialog for switching speed setting. Yes, (d) is an explanatory diagram showing a sonar operation setting dialog, (e) is an explanatory diagram showing a sonar sensitivity setting dialog, and (f) is an obstacle notification setting dialog. FIG. It is explanatory drawing (2) explaining the setting process of judgment criteria information and alerting | reporting control information. It is a flowchart of an alerting | reporting control information change process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part, 2 ... Operation part, 3 ... User alerting | reporting part, 4 ... Sonar setting memory | storage part, 5 ... Navigation part, 6 ... Sonar interface part, 7 ... Obstacle detection part, 8 ... Time measuring part, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 ... ultrasonic sensors, 100 ... obstacle detection result notification device, 200 ... vehicle, 200a ... front bumper, 200b ... rear bumper, 200c ... passenger compartment

Claims (10)

A detection result acquisition means (6) for acquiring an obstacle detection result which is a result of detecting an obstacle present around the vehicle from the right front, left front, right rear, left rear and rear center of the vehicle;
Vehicle information acquisition means (1) capable of acquiring vehicle information relating to the vehicle;
Whether to notify the detection result of the obstacle acquired by the detection result acquisition unit as information serving as a determination criterion for determining the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition unit, and to notify the detection result one or more criteria information conditions are set, and each associated with at least one of the one or more criteria information, the determination is set in the criterion information corresponding reference the vehicle information over one of the detection result condition for notifying whether or the detection result notifying the detection result as information to be broadcast method when notifying the is set if it meets the Storage means (4) for storing the notification control information of
Setting means (1, 2) capable of setting or changing the determination reference information stored in the storage means and the notification control information stored in the storage means based on an operation from a user;
Reading criteria information said storage means stores, select the one that meets the condition for notifying the detection result with is set to that of informing the detection result of the determination criterion information thus read out When the selected criterion information matches with the vehicle information, the notification control information associated with the corresponding criterion information is read from the storage means, and set to the read notification control information thereafter. wherein the control means controls to broadcast the detection result notification means (3) based on the condition for notifying whether or the detection result notifying (1) as information to be broadcast methods,
Comprising
The detection result acquisition means can acquire at least the direction in which the obstacle exists as the detection result from the right front, left front, right rear, left rear and rear center of the vehicle ,
In the notification control information, at least one of right front, left front, right rear, left rear or rear center of the vehicle is set as a direction in which the obstacle to be notified exists .
In the case where the direction in which the obstacle acquired by the detection result acquisition unit as the detection result is present matches the direction in which the obstacle to be notified set in the notification control information is coincident with the control means. A notification control apparatus that controls the notification means to notify the detection result . The notification control device according to claim 1,
The vehicle information acquisition means is capable of acquiring distance information between the vehicle position and a predetermined point set in advance as the vehicle information,
A notification control apparatus characterized in that a distance between the vehicle position and the point when notifying that the obstacle exists is set in the determination criterion information. In the information control device according to claim 1 or 2,
The vehicle information acquisition means can acquire driver information indicating a specific driver as the vehicle information,
Driver information for notifying that the obstacle is present is set in the determination criterion information. In the information control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The vehicle information acquisition means can acquire a vehicle speed as the vehicle information,
The notification control apparatus characterized in that a vehicle speed for notifying that the obstacle exists is set in the determination criterion information. In the information control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The vehicle information acquisition means can acquire driving time as the vehicle information,
The notification control apparatus characterized in that an operation time for notifying that the obstacle exists is set in the determination criterion information. In the information control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The vehicle information acquisition means can acquire time as the vehicle information,
A notification control apparatus characterized in that a time for notifying that the obstacle exists is set in the criterion information. In the information control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The vehicle information acquisition means can acquire the traveling direction of the vehicle as the vehicle information,
In the notification control information, a traveling direction of the vehicle when notifying that the obstacle is present is set. In the information control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The notification control apparatus is characterized in that a timing for notifying that the obstacle exists is set in the notification control information. Obstacle detection means (7) capable of detecting obstacles existing around the vehicle from the right front, left front, right rear, left rear and rear center of the vehicle;
A notification means (3) capable of notifying a detection result of detecting an obstacle present around the vehicle by the obstacle detection means;
Vehicle information acquisition means (1) capable of acquiring vehicle information relating to the vehicle;
Whether to notify the detection result of the obstacle detected by the obstacle detection means as information serving as a determination reference for determining the vehicle information acquired by the vehicle information acquisition means, and to notify the detection result one or more criteria information conditions are set, and each associated with at least one of the one or more criteria information, the determination is set in the criterion information corresponding reference the vehicle information over one of the detection result condition for notifying whether or the detection result notifying the detection result as information to be broadcast method when notifying the is set if it meets the Storage means (4) for storing the notification control information of
Setting means (1, 2) capable of setting or changing the determination reference information stored in the storage means and the notification control information stored in the storage means based on an operation from a user;
Reading criteria information said storage means stores, select the one that meets the condition for notifying the detection result with is set to that of informing the detection result of the determination criterion information thus read out When the selected criterion information matches with the vehicle information, the notification control information associated with the corresponding criterion information is read from the storage means, and set to the read notification control information thereafter. wherein the control means controls to broadcast the detection result notification means (3) based on the condition for notifying whether or the detection result notifying (1) as information to be broadcast methods,
Comprising
The obstacle detection means can detect at least the direction in which the obstacle exists as the detection result from the right front, left front, right rear, left rear and rear center of the vehicle ,
In the notification control information, at least one of right front, left front, right rear, left rear or rear center of the vehicle is set as a direction in which the obstacle to be notified exists .
In the case where the direction in which the obstacle detected by the obstacle detection unit is detected as the detection result and the direction in which the obstacle to be notified set in the notification control information coincides with the control unit. An obstacle detection result notification device for a vehicle, wherein the notification means is controlled to notify the detection result.   The program for functioning a computer as a control means in the alerting | reporting control apparatus in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 8.

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