JP5074441B2 - Message communication apparatus, message communication method, message communication system, and message communication program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a message communication device that is mounted on a vehicle and transmits and receives messages between the vehicles.

  In order to improve the safety of road traffic, it is important to quickly transmit traffic information such as traffic jams, interruptions, and approach from crossing roads to drivers of other vehicles. Conventionally, traffic information is transmitted by operations such as turning on a hazard lamp during traffic jams or interruptions, and sounding a horn when entering from an intersection.

  Such an operation is cumbersome for the driver of the vehicle. In addition, if the operation is wrong, wrong information may be transmitted to the driver of the other vehicle, and there is a high possibility that the safety of the road traffic is deteriorated.

Therefore, in the communication device described in Patent Document 1, a gesture indicating a driver's intention (for example, a motion of raising the hand lightly as a gratitude) is imaged using a CCD camera, and the driver's intention is grasped from the gesture. Then, a message is generated, and the message is transmitted to the counterpart vehicle through inter-vehicle communication. Thereby, the burden of the driver | operator at the time of message transmission can be reduced.
JP 2008-126954 A

  In the intention transmitting apparatus described in Patent Document 1, in order to transmit a message, the driver is forced to make a gesture such as raising his hand or to determine whether or not to transmit a message, which is a burden on the driver.

  In addition, in a road traffic scene in which surrounding conditions constantly change, a certain time is required for the driver to make a gesture and determine whether to send a message. For this reason, at the time of transmitting the message, there is often no need to transmit the message anymore, such as the driver of the receiving vehicle knowing the traffic situation.

  Further, in the intention transmission device described in Patent Document 1, since the message receiving vehicle does not know from which vehicle the message is sent, the driver of the message receiving vehicle is likely to be confused. Furthermore, there is a problem that the driver of the message transmission side vehicle cannot identify whether or not the driver of the reception side vehicle understands the message.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a message communication device capable of transmitting and receiving messages without imposing a burden on the driver.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a message communication apparatus that can easily identify the direction in which a message is transmitted and received.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a message communication apparatus that allows a message sending side to identify that a message receiving side understands a message.

  The message communication device of the present invention includes a traffic condition detection unit that detects a traveling condition of the transmitting vehicle and a surrounding condition of the transmitting vehicle, a predetermined condition of the traveling condition and the surrounding condition, a transmission message, and a transmission target. A message storage unit that stores the data in association with each other, and a control unit that extracts the corresponding transmission message and transmission target when the traveling state and the surrounding state detected by the traffic state detection unit satisfy the predetermined condition; And a message communication unit that transmits the extracted transmission message to the receiving vehicle.

  With this configuration, since the driver of the own vehicle can send a message according to the detected traffic situation to another vehicle without performing a special operation, the burden on the driver for communication is reduced. be able to.

  In the message communication device of the present invention, the message communication unit receives a response message transmitted from the receiving vehicle as a response to the transmission message, and the traffic condition detection unit receives the direction of the receiving vehicle as a message. It has a configuration including a display unit that detects the direction and displays the receiving vehicle in an area on the display corresponding to the message receiving direction, and displays the response message in association with the receiving vehicle.

  With this configuration, since a response message from the message receiving vehicle is displayed, it is possible to easily identify that the message receiving vehicle has understood the transmitted message, and to facilitate the direction of the message receiving vehicle. Can be identified.

  The message communication device of the present invention is a storage unit that stores a figure for displaying a vehicle as a character, and includes a character storage unit that stores different characters depending on the message reception direction, and the control unit receives the message The display graphic corresponding to a direction is extracted from the character storage unit, and the display unit is configured to display the display graphic as the receiving vehicle.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily identify the direction of the vehicle on the message receiving side, and it is possible to more effectively produce the message transmission by displaying the character of the vehicle on the message receiving side.

  In the message communication device of the present invention, the message communication unit receives display graphic data corresponding to the receiving vehicle from the receiving vehicle, and the display unit uses the display graphic as the receiving vehicle. indicate. Also with this configuration, the effects of the invention can be suitably obtained.

  In the message communication device of the present invention, the display graphic is determined according to at least one of an external state, a profile and a driving skill of the driver of the receiving vehicle, and information indicating an occupant and a journey of the receiving vehicle. It is characterized by being. With this configuration, it is possible to display a graphic according to the driver's characteristics and the like, so that message communication rich in entertainment can be performed.

  In the message communication device of the present invention, the message communication unit receives a response message transmitted from the receiving vehicle as a response to the transmission message, and the traffic condition detection unit receives the direction of the receiving vehicle as a message. It has a configuration including a plurality of speakers, which are detected as directions, and a voice output unit which outputs the response message as a voice from a speaker corresponding to the message reception direction.

  With this configuration, since the response message is output by voice, it is possible to easily identify that the message receiving vehicle has understood the transmission message, and it is possible to easily identify the direction of the message receiving vehicle. .

  The message communication device of the present invention is a storage unit that stores a voice type indicating a vehicle as a character, and includes a character storage unit that stores different characters according to the message reception direction, and the control unit receives the message A voice type corresponding to a direction is extracted from the character storage unit, and the voice output unit is configured to output the response message by voice corresponding to the extracted voice type.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily identify the direction of the vehicle on the message receiving side, and it is possible to more effectively produce the intention transmission by message communication by outputting the response message in a voice corresponding to the character. .

  In the message communication device according to the present invention, the message communication unit receives voice type data corresponding to the receiving vehicle from the receiving vehicle, and the voice output unit receives the response with a voice corresponding to the voice type. It has a configuration for outputting a message by voice. Also with this configuration, the effects of the invention can be suitably obtained.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a message communication device that associates a message communication unit that receives a transmission message from a transmitting vehicle, a message output unit that outputs the transmission message, and the transmission message and a response message. A response message storage unit that stores the response message; and a control unit that extracts the response message corresponding to the transmission message and transmits the response message to the transmitting vehicle via the message communication unit.

  With this configuration, a message corresponding to the detected traffic situation can be received and a response message corresponding to the received message can be transmitted, so that the driver does not need to perform a special operation.

  The message communication device of the present invention includes an input unit operated to determine transmission of the response message, and the control unit executes transmission of the response message when the input unit is operated. Have. With this configuration, a response message according to the intention of the driver of the receiving vehicle can be transmitted.

  A message communication system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a transmission-side message communication device provided in a transmission-side vehicle and a reception-side message communication device provided in a reception-side vehicle. A traffic condition detection unit that detects a traveling condition of the transmitting vehicle and a surrounding condition of the transmitting vehicle, a message storage that stores a predetermined condition of the traveling condition and the surrounding condition, a transmission message, and a transmission target in association with each other. A control unit that extracts the corresponding transmission message and transmission target when the traveling condition and the surrounding condition detected by the traffic condition detection unit satisfy the predetermined condition, and the extracted transmission message A message communication unit for transmitting to the receiving vehicle, wherein the receiving message communication device is configured to send a message from the transmitting vehicle. A message communication unit that receives a transmission message, a message output unit that outputs the transmission message, a response message storage unit that stores the transmission message and a response message in association with each other, and the response message that corresponds to the transmission message And a control unit that extracts and transmits the response message to the transmitting vehicle via the message communication unit. Also with this configuration, the above-described effects of the present invention can be suitably obtained.

  In the message communication method as another aspect of the present invention, the message communication device provided in the transmission-side vehicle detects the traveling state of the transmitting-side vehicle and the surrounding state of the transmitting-side vehicle, and the detected traveling state And when the surrounding condition satisfies the predetermined condition, the transmission message stored in association with the predetermined condition is extracted, and the extracted transmission message is transmitted to the receiving vehicle. Also with this configuration, the above-described effects of the present invention can be suitably obtained.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a message communication method in which a message communication device provided in a receiving vehicle receives a transmission message from the transmitting vehicle, outputs the transmission message, and associates the transmission message with the transmission message. The response message stored in the above is extracted, and the response message is transmitted to the transmitting vehicle. Also with this configuration, the above-described effects of the present invention can be suitably obtained.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a message communication program, comprising: a computer mounted on a transmission-side vehicle; detecting a traveling state of the transmitting-side vehicle and a surrounding state of the transmitting-side vehicle; A step of associating a predetermined condition of a surrounding situation with a transmission message and a transmission target in a storage unit, and extracting the corresponding transmission message and transmission target when the traveling situation and the surrounding situation satisfy the predetermined condition And a step of transmitting the extracted transmission message to the receiving vehicle. Also with this configuration, the above-described effects of the present invention can be suitably obtained.

  A message communication program according to another aspect of the present invention includes a step of receiving a transmission message from the transmission-side vehicle, a step of outputting the transmission message, and the transmission message to a computer mounted on the reception-side vehicle. And storing the response message in the storage unit, extracting the response message corresponding to the transmission message, and transmitting the response message to the transmitting vehicle. . Also with this configuration, the above-described effects of the present invention can be suitably obtained.

  As described above, the present invention detects the running situation of the transmitting vehicle and the surrounding situation of the sending vehicle, and extracts the corresponding transmission message when the detected running situation and the surrounding situation match predetermined conditions. And since the extracted said transmission message is transmitted to the receiving side vehicle, the message according to the detected traffic condition can be transmitted to another vehicle, without the driver of the own vehicle performing a special operation. Thereby, it has the outstanding effect that a message communication can be performed, without putting a burden on a driver | operator.

  Hereinafter, a message communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a message communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The message communication devices 10 and 30 are mounted on each of a transmission-side vehicle that transmits messages such as traffic jams and interruptions, and a reception-side vehicle that receives a message from the transmission-side vehicle and transmits a response message. Send and receive messages via.

  The transmission-side message communication device 10 mounted on the transmission-side vehicle includes a traffic-state detection unit 11 that detects a traffic state around the transmission-side vehicle and the transmission-side vehicle, an inter-vehicle communication unit 12 that transmits and receives messages, and a message Is displayed, a voice output unit 14 that outputs a message by voice, and a control device 15 that controls the operation of the message communication device 10.

  The traffic condition detection unit 11 includes, for example, a navigation device 16, a radar device 17, an imaging unit 18, a microphone 19, a speed sensor 20, and a line-of-sight detection device 21.

  The navigation device 16 includes a position detection unit that detects the position of the transmission-side vehicle and a map database, and outputs route information to the destination based on destination information that is input in advance. Can be applied. Based on the route information output from the navigation device 16, for example, it is possible to obtain information such as the left-side vehicle turning left at the next intersection.

  The radar device 17 includes a transmission unit that emits millimeter waves or ultrasonic waves and a reception unit that detects the reflected wave, and one or a plurality of radar devices 17 are installed outside the transmission-side vehicle. The radar device 17 detects the presence or absence of a surrounding vehicle or an obstacle, a position, and a relative speed with respect to a transmission-side vehicle based on information such as a propagation time and a frequency difference caused by the Doppler effect.

The imaging unit 18 includes one or a plurality of CCD cameras installed outside the transmission-side vehicle and an image analysis unit that analyzes an image input from the CCD camera. The CCD camera captures a video around the transmission-side vehicle, and an image analysis unit analyzes the image from the CCD camera, thereby detecting information such as the type and color of an object existing around the transmission-side vehicle.

  One or a plurality of microphones 19 are installed outside the transmission-side vehicle, and detect sounds around the transmission-side vehicle, such as engine sounds of other vehicles and human voices. The voice information input from the microphone 19 is sent to the control unit 15, and the voice type can be identified by analyzing the voice information in a voice analyzer (not shown).

  The speed sensor 20 detects the speed of the transmission-side vehicle and outputs speed information to the control unit 15, and a known speed sensor can be applied. Based on the speed information from the speed sensor 20, it is possible to obtain information such as whether or not the transmission-side vehicle is stopped or decelerating.

  The line-of-sight detection unit 21 is composed of a CCD camera and an image processing unit installed in the vehicle, images the driver's face with the CCD camera, and detects the driver's face direction and pupil position in the image processing unit. Thus, it is detected which direction the driver of the transmitting vehicle is facing.

  The members constituting the traffic condition detection unit 11 are not limited to those described above, and if the surrounding traffic condition including the transmission side vehicle can be detected, the components of the transmission side vehicle and the like are also applied. Can do. For example, the moving direction of the transmission-side vehicle can be detected from the steering operation angle, and information such as a lane change or a left turn can be detected from a signal from the winker. Further, it can be detected from the signal from the brake pedal that the transmitting vehicle is decelerating.

  The inter-vehicle communication unit 12 transmits / receives messages, position information, and speed information to / from other vehicles by inter-vehicle communication. As a vehicle-to-vehicle communication method, a known communication method such as a method for transmitting a message by wireless communication or a visible light communication for transmitting a message by superimposing a pulse signal on visible light from a light source such as a headlamp or a tail lamp is applied. can do.

  The display unit 13 includes a display panel configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and a display control unit that displays a message on the display panel. As the display panel, for example, a liquid crystal display attached to the navigation device 16 can be used.

  A plurality of audio output units 14 are installed inside the transmission-side vehicle, and are composed of a speaker that outputs a response message received from another vehicle and an audio output control unit that controls audio output from the speaker. The audio output control unit determines which speaker should output audio in addition to adjusting the volume of the speaker.

  The control device 15 is a computer configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a bus connecting these, and the like, and the CPU executes arithmetic processing according to a program written in the ROM. The control unit 15 includes a condition master file 22 that stores traffic conditions corresponding to predetermined traffic conditions, a transmission message (DB) 23 that stores transmission messages corresponding to detected traffic conditions, and a receiving-side vehicle. And a character DB 24 for storing character (graphic / voice) data determined in advance based on the direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the condition master file 22 stores a condition that matches a predetermined traffic situation (for example, interruption to an adjacent lane, traffic jam) in association with an identifier (ID). For example, the ID “01” indicates that an interruption to the left lane is performed, and it is determined that “there is another vehicle on the left side” and “the left turn signal has been operated”. It has been.

  The control device 15 detects the traffic situation detected based on the signal from the traffic situation detection unit 11 (for example, the speed of the host vehicle, the travel route information and the operation status of the brake pedal, the speed of the other vehicle, the distance and the traveling direction, the obstacle). It is determined whether the condition such as the presence / absence of the condition) satisfies a predetermined condition in the condition master file 22.

  For example, when it is detected from the signals from the radar device 17 and the imaging unit 18 that there is another vehicle in the left lane of the transmission-side vehicle, and it is detected that the left turn signal is operated by the signal from the turn signal, the control is performed. The device 15 extracts an ID “01” indicating an interruption to the left lane.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the transmission message DB 23 includes a database in which the content of the transmission message and information on the transmission target vehicle are associated with the condition master file 22 using a common ID. The control device 15 extracts a transmission message and transmission target vehicle information corresponding to the ID extracted in the condition master file 22. For example, when “01” is input as the ID (that is, when it is determined that an interruption to the left lane is performed), the control device 15 “disregards interruption” as a transmission message from the transmission message DB 23. Then, “left vehicle” is extracted as the transmission target information.

  Next, the control device 15 detects the direction and position of the receiving-side vehicle based on the transmission target information extracted from the transmission message DB 23 and the information from the traffic condition detection unit 11, and drives the inter-vehicle communication unit 12. Vehicle-to-vehicle communication is established with the receiving-side vehicle, and a transmission message is transmitted to the receiving-side vehicle.

  As a method of detecting the direction and position of the receiving vehicle, for example, a method of transmitting a millimeter wave in a direction corresponding to the transmission target information by the radar device 17 and detecting the reflected wave, or a transmission target information by the imaging unit 18 A method of analyzing an image obtained by imaging the direction of the vehicle, a method of establishing a connection with a receiving-side vehicle by infrared communication means (not shown), and acquiring position information from the receiving-side vehicle. it can. Further, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-293510, when surrounding vehicle positions are mapped based on information obtained by the radar device and inter-vehicle communication, and a plurality of adjacent vehicle positions are detected. May be determined to be the same vehicle, and a method of specifying one with high reliability as the vehicle position may be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the character DB 24 has a database including graphic data and voice data indicating the vehicle character according to the direction (8 directions in the example of FIG. 4) of the receiving vehicle that transmits the response message. is doing. For example, when the receiving-side vehicle is positioned in front of the transmitting-side vehicle, the control device 15 uses the character DB 24 to display the image data of “red sports car” as the graphic type and the voice of “male / 20s” as the audio type. Extract data.

  The receiving-side message communication device 30 mounted on the receiving-side vehicle includes a radar device 31, an imaging unit 32, a line-of-sight detection unit 33, an input unit 34, an inter-vehicle communication unit 35, a display unit 36, an audio output unit 37, and the like. It is comprised from the control apparatus 38 which performs operation control. Note that the configurations of the radar device 31, the imaging unit 32, the line-of-sight detection unit 33, the inter-vehicle communication unit 35, the display unit 36, and the audio output unit 37 are the same as those described in the transmission-side message communication device 10.

  The input unit 34 is an input button provided on the steering of the receiving vehicle, for example, and is operated by the driver of the receiving vehicle in order to determine whether or not to send a response message. The input unit 34 is not limited to the input button as long as it can determine the transmission of the response message. For example, from the microphone that inputs the driver's voice and the voice recognition device that identifies the utterance content of the driver It can also be configured.

  The control device 38 includes a response message DB 39 and a character DB 40. As shown in FIG. 5, the response message DB 39 has a configuration in which the contents of the transmission message and the response message are associated with each other by the ID, and the control device 38 responds to the transmission message sent from the transmitting vehicle. Extract messages. For example, when the transmission message is “I am sorry for the interruption”, the control unit 38 extracts the corresponding “please” response message and sends the response message to the transmitting vehicle via the inter-vehicle communication unit 35.

  The configuration of the character DB 40 is the same as that provided in the transmission-side message communication device 10.

  Regarding the operation of the message communication device with the above configuration, an example of notifying an interruption to the left lane, an example of notifying that the vehicle is stopped due to traffic jam, an example of notifying the preceding vehicle that it is a green signal, a deceleration due to a left turn An example in which the following vehicle is notified, an example in which the other vehicle is entered to enter the intersection, and an example in which the oncoming vehicle is informed to the oncoming vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transmission side message communication apparatus 10. First, based on the information from the traffic condition detection unit 11, the control device 15 determines the traffic conditions such as the speed of the host vehicle, the travel route information and the operation status of the brake pedal, the speed, distance and traveling direction of other vehicles, and the presence or absence of obstacles. Is detected (S11). And the control apparatus 15 determines whether the detected traffic condition satisfy | fills the conditions defined in the condition master file 22 (S12).

  In the present embodiment, it is detected from the signal from the traffic condition detection unit 11 that there is another vehicle on the left side of the transmission side vehicle and that the left turn signal of the transmission side vehicle has been operated. Then, the control device 15 refers to the condition master file 22 and determines that the condition corresponding to the ID “01” (that is, the condition for interrupting the left lane) is met, and the corresponding transmission message “disappointing interrupt”. "Mass" is extracted (S13).

  Next, the control device 15 extracts “left side vehicle” as transmission target information corresponding to the ID “01” from the transmission message DB 23, and drives the radar device 17 and the imaging unit 18 to travel on the left side. A vehicle is detected and specified as a receiving vehicle (S14). And the control apparatus 15 drives the vehicle-to-vehicle communication part 12, and establishes vehicle-to-vehicle communication between receiving side vehicles.

  When the receiving-side vehicle is set, the control device 15 transmits a transmission message “I am sorry to interrupt” to the receiving-side vehicle via the inter-vehicle communication unit 12 (S15).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reception-side message communication device 30 that has received the transmission message. The control device 38 of the reception side message communication device 30 receives the transmission message from the transmission side vehicle via the inter-vehicle communication unit 35 (S21). And the control apparatus 38 detects the direction and position of a transmission side vehicle by receiving a positional information and direction information from a transmission side vehicle via the vehicle-to-vehicle communication part 35 (S22). Alternatively, the control device 38 may detect the direction and position of the transmission-side vehicle by driving the radar device 31 and the imaging unit 32 and detecting the situation around the response-side vehicle.

  Next, when the control device 38 detects that there is no dangerous situation in which the transmitting vehicle that performs the interruption is excessively close to the receiving vehicle, based on the signals from the radar device 31 and the imaging unit 32, the control device 38 responds. A response message “Please” corresponding to the transmission message “I will excuse you” is extracted from the message DB 39 (S23).

  Next, the control device 38 extracts graphic data and voice data of the transmitting vehicle corresponding to the direction of the transmitting vehicle (transmission message direction) from the character DB 40 (S24), and the display unit 36 together with the response message data. Send to.

  The display unit 36 displays a predetermined figure of the receiving-side vehicle and displays the extracted drawing of the transmitting-side vehicle at a position in the transmission message direction (S25). Further, the display unit 36 displays the transmission message in association with the transmission side vehicle (S26).

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the transmission message is output and displayed together with the transmission side vehicle in the reception side vehicle. In addition to the transmission-side vehicle 51 and the reception-side vehicle 52, map information and route information (not shown) are displayed on the display panel 50 provided in the reception-side vehicle. Then, the transmission-side vehicle 51 is displayed at the right front position of the reception-side vehicle 52 (corresponding to the message transmission direction), and a transmission message 53 “I am sorry to interrupt you” is displayed near the transmission-side vehicle 51. Is displayed.

  As a result, the driver of the receiving vehicle 52 can instantaneously identify from which direction the vehicle traveling nearby is interrupting. Further, by displaying the character of the transmitting vehicle 51, it is possible to effectively produce inter-vehicle communication, and to reduce the stress received by the driver of the receiving vehicle 52 on the receiving side. Furthermore, by changing the display graphic according to the direction of the transmission-side vehicle 51, the driver of the reception-side vehicle 52 can easily identify in which direction the transmission-side vehicle 51 is located.

  Further, the control device 38 outputs the transmission message as a voice via the speaker of the voice output unit 37 based on the voice data extracted from the character DB 40. At this time, the control device 38 can easily identify the direction of the transmission-side vehicle 51 by performing control so that sound is output from a speaker arranged in the direction of the transmission-side vehicle 51. Moreover, the direction of the transmission side vehicle 51 can be easily identified by changing the type of sound to be output according to the direction of the transmission side vehicle 51.

  In particular, when the direction of the transmission side vehicle 51 moves from the right side to the diagonal right side as in the case of a lane interruption by the transmission side vehicle 51, the control device 38 adjusts the outputs of the right speaker and the right front speaker. By this, it can be effectively transmitted to the driver of the receiving side vehicle 52 that the transmission side vehicle 51 is interrupted.

  After the transmission message 53 is displayed on the display panel, the display unit 36 displays the corresponding response message “please” on the display panel, and as shown in FIG. 9, is this response message allowed to be transmitted? A message 54 prompting whether or not is displayed (S27).

  When the driver of the receiving-side vehicle operates the input unit 37 to permit transmission of the response message (S28), the control device 38 sends the response message “please” via the inter-vehicle communication unit 35 to the transmitting side. Transmit to the vehicle (S29).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transmission side message communication apparatus 10 that has received the response message. When receiving the response message from the receiving-side vehicle via the inter-vehicle communication unit 12 (S31), the control device 15 of the transmitting-side message communication device 10 drives the radar device 17 and the imaging unit 18, and the direction of the receiving-side vehicle Then, the distance is detected (S32). Next, the control device 15 extracts graphic data and audio data corresponding to the receiving vehicle from the character DB 24 based on the direction information of the receiving vehicle (S33).

  Then, the control device 15 transmits graphic data and a response message to the display unit 13. As shown in FIG. 11, the display panel 55 provided in the display unit 13 displays a graphic indicating the transmission-side vehicle 51 and a transmission message 53 in association with each other, and at the right rear position of the transmission-side vehicle. Then, a graphic indicating the receiving vehicle 52 and a response message 56 of “Please” are displayed in association with each other.

  In addition, the control device 15 outputs audio data and direction information of the receiving vehicle to the audio output unit 14. The voice output unit 14 outputs a response message as voice from a speaker installed in the direction of the receiving vehicle.

  In the above-described embodiment, the conditions for transmitting the transmission message include the presence of a vehicle on the left side and the operation of the left turn signal. However, the present invention is not limited to these. Various conditions can be set, for example, when the driver detects that the driver has turned to the left side, or when it is determined that a lane change is required based on route information from the navigation device.

  Moreover, although the case where operation by the operation part 37 of a receiving side vehicle was given as conditions for transmitting a response message is mentioned, it is not limited to this. For example, when a transmission message is output as a voice, when it is detected that the distance between the transmission-side vehicle and the reception-side vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined value based on information obtained by the radar device and the imaging unit (that is, an interrupt is received) When it is determined that the receiving vehicle is not in danger), when the gaze detection unit detects that the driver has seen the right side (that is, when it is determined that the driver has confirmed the transmitting vehicle) ), Various conditions can be set, such as when an operation of the brake pedal is detected.

(Example 2)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example in a case where the transmitting vehicle 61 stopped in front notifies the subsequent vehicle (receiving vehicle 62) that the vehicle is stopped due to traffic congestion. In the following embodiments, the operations of the message communication devices 10 and 30 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Based on the information from the traffic condition detection device 11 of the transmission side vehicle 61, the transmission side vehicle 61 and the front vehicle 63 are stopped, the distance from the front vehicle 63 is within 5 m, for example, and the reception side traveling behind When it is detected that the distance to the vehicle 62 is decreasing, the control device 15 determines that the condition of ID “02” in FIG. 2 is satisfied, and extracts a transmission message “stopped due to traffic jam”. Then, this is transmitted to the receiving vehicle 62.

  The receiving side vehicle 62 displays a graphic indicating the transmitting side vehicle 61 and the transmission message 62 and refers to the response message DB 39 to extract a response message “OK” corresponding to the transmission message. When transmission of the response message is permitted by the driver of the receiving vehicle 62, the response message is transmitted to the transmitting vehicle 61. In the transmission side vehicle 61, the graphic indicating the transmission side vehicle 61 and the transmission message 64 “stopped due to traffic jam” are displayed in association with each other, and the graphic indicating the reception side vehicle 62 and the response “OK” A message 65 is displayed in association with it.

  In the above embodiment, conditions for transmitting the transmission message and the response message can be appropriately determined. For example, a transmission message may be transmitted when traffic information is detected in the navigation device 16, and when the transmission message is output as a voice, when it is detected that the transmitting vehicle is visually recognized, the brake pedal is operated. In some cases, a response message can be automatically transmitted. Further, instead of displaying a message, the message may be output by voice.

(Example 3)
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment in the case where the transmitting vehicle 71 at the rear notifies the receiving vehicle 72 at the front that the signal is a green signal. When the transmission side vehicle 71 detects from the image obtained by the imaging unit 18, for example, that the nearest traffic signal 73 in the traveling direction is blue and that the reception side vehicle 72 in front is stopped, FIG. It is determined that the condition of ID “03” is satisfied, and a transmission message “signal is blue” is transmitted to the receiving vehicle 72.

  The reception side vehicle 72 displays a transmission message together with a graphic showing the transmission side vehicle 71 and refers to the response message DB 39 to extract a response message “I'm sorry” corresponding to the transmission message. When transmission of the response message is permitted by the driver of the receiving vehicle 72, the response message is transmitted to the transmitting vehicle 71. In the transmission side vehicle 71, the graphic of the transmission side vehicle 71 and the transmission message 74 of “signal turned blue” are displayed in association with each other, and the graphic indicating the reception side vehicle 72 and the response “I'm sorry” A message 75 is displayed in association with it.

  In the above embodiment, conditions for transmitting a message can be determined as appropriate. For example, when it is detected by road-to-vehicle communication with the traffic signal 73 that the traffic signal 73 is blue, or when it is detected by vehicle-to-vehicle communication that the vehicle ahead of the receiving vehicle 72 is traveling, etc. In addition, a transmission message may be transmitted.

  In addition, when the transmission message is output as a voice, when it is detected that the transmission-side vehicle is visually recognized, or when the reception-side vehicle transmits, the response message can be automatically transmitted. Further, instead of displaying a message, the message may be output by voice.

Example 4
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the transmitting vehicle 81 notifies the receiving vehicle 82 that it is decelerating for a left turn. The transmission-side vehicle 81 has the distance from the preceding vehicle increased, the distance from the rear vehicle (the reception-side vehicle 82) has decreased, and the transmission-side vehicle 81 is the next intersection from the route information of the navigation device. 2, it is determined that the condition of ID “04” in FIG. 2 is satisfied, and a corresponding “sending deceleration due to left turn” transmission message is transmitted to the receiving-side vehicle 82.

  The receiving-side vehicle 82 displays a transmission message together with a graphic indicating the transmission-side vehicle 81, and refers to the response message DB 39 to extract a “OK” message corresponding to the transmission message. When transmission of the response message is permitted by the driver of the reception-side vehicle 82, the response message is transmitted to the transmission-side vehicle 81. In the transmission side vehicle 81, a graphic indicating the transmission side vehicle 81 and a transmission message 83 “decelerated due to left turn” are displayed in association with each other, and a graphic indicating the reception side vehicle 82 and a response “OK” A message 84 is displayed in association with it.

  In the above embodiment, conditions for transmitting a message can be determined as appropriate. For example, in the transmission-side vehicle 81, a transmission message may be transmitted when the turn signal is operated. Further, in the receiving vehicle 82, when a transmission message is output by voice, when it is detected that the distance to the rear vehicle is a predetermined value or more (that is, when it is determined that there is no risk of rear-end collision). Alternatively, a response message may be automatically transmitted. Further, instead of displaying a message, the message may be output by voice.

(Example 5)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notifying the driver of the receiving vehicle 92 near the intersection vehicle that the transmitting vehicle 91 enters the intersection. The transmission-side vehicle 91 indicates that its own vehicle is approaching the intersection 93, that there is another vehicle (reception-side vehicle 92) in the intersection road based on information from the radar device, When it is detected that the receiving-side vehicle 92 is not included in the image obtained by imaging, it is determined that the condition of ID “05” in FIG. 2 is met. Then, a transmission message “I will come out from the side road” corresponding to the condition is transmitted to the receiving-side vehicle 92.

  The receiving-side vehicle 92 displays the transmission message 60 together with the graphic indicating the transmitting-side vehicle 91 and refers to the response message DB 39 to extract a message “OK” corresponding to the transmission message. When transmission of the response message is permitted by the driver of the receiving vehicle 92, the response message is transmitted to the transmitting vehicle 91. In the transmission side vehicle 91, a figure indicating the transmission side vehicle 91 and a transmission message 94 of “coming from the side road” are displayed in association with each other, and a figure indicating the reception side vehicle 92 and a response message “I understand” are displayed. 95 are displayed in association with each other.

  In the above embodiment, conditions for transmitting a message can be determined as appropriate. For example, instead of analyzing the captured image in the transmission-side vehicle 91, a transmission message may be transmitted when it is detected that the intersection has a poor view based on the map information of the navigation device. In addition, when the transmission message is output in the receiving vehicle 92, when it is detected that the direction of the transmission vehicle 91 is visually observed, or when the brake pedal is operated, the response message is automatically transmitted. good. Further, instead of displaying a message, the message may be output by voice.

(Example 6)
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example in which the transmission-side vehicle 101 notifies the reception-side vehicle 102 waiting for a right turn in the oncoming lane of the presence of a two-wheeled vehicle. The transmitting-side vehicle 101 has a receiving-side vehicle 102 that is stopped (or traveling at a slow speed) in the opposite lane for a right turn to the intersection road 103, and a motorcycle is traveling to the left rear of the transmitting-side vehicle 101. When it is detected that the condition is met, it is determined that the condition of ID “n” in FIG. 2 is met. Then, the transmission-side vehicle 101 transmits a corresponding “bike is coming” transmission message to the reception-side vehicle 102.

  The receiving-side vehicle 102 displays a transmission message together with a graphic showing the transmitting-side vehicle 101 and refers to the response message DB 39 to extract a “thank you” response message corresponding to the transmission message. When transmission of the response message is permitted by the driver of the receiving vehicle 102, the response message is transmitted to the transmitting vehicle 101. The transmitting vehicle 101 displays the graphic indicating the transmitting vehicle 101 and the transmission message 104 “Bike is coming” in association with each other, and the graphic indicating the receiving vehicle 102 and the response message “OK”. 105 are displayed in association with each other.

  In the above embodiment, conditions for transmitting a message can be determined as appropriate. For example, in the reception side vehicle 102, when a communication message is output by voice, when it is detected that the direction of the transmission side vehicle 51 is observed, or when a brake pedal is operated, a response message is automatically transmitted. good. Further, instead of displaying a message, the message may be output by voice.

  In the above embodiment, text data or voice data corresponding to a message is transmitted / received. However, a transmission message and a response message may be associated with each other by an ID number, and only the ID number may be transmitted / received in inter-vehicle communication. In each vehicle on the transmission side and the response side, a transmission message and a response message corresponding to the ID number can be extracted and output. In this case, since the amount of transmission data can be reduced, message communication can be performed more quickly.

  In the above-described embodiment, the message is displayed on the screen and output by voice. However, the message may be output by either screen display or voice output.

  In the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a part of the configuration of the message communication devices 10 and 30 is omitted, but the message communication devices 10 and 30 may be configured from the same member.

  In the above embodiment, based on the direction information of the vehicle to which the message is transmitted, the vehicle figure or voice type has been set, but along with the direction information, such as “red sports car” “male in his 20s”, “cook” Character data indicating the vehicle type and driver profile (gender, age, occupation) may be transmitted from the transmitting vehicle. The receiving side vehicle is provided with a database having image data and voice data corresponding to the character data, and extracts image data corresponding to the character data from the transmitting side vehicle and displays it on the display together with the transmission message. Alternatively, the receiving vehicle extracts voice data corresponding to the character data, and outputs the transmission message as voice.

  In addition, the driver's current external condition (tired, talking, rushing, lost, etc.) can be preset or detected by a camera and microphone installed in the car. Character data indicating a figure or a voice type corresponding to the driver's state may be transmitted to the receiving vehicle. In addition, information indicating driving skills (beginner / experienced, driving frequency, type of license, number of accidents, car insurance class, etc.), information indicating the occupants of the transmitting vehicle (number of occupants, occupant composition, etc.), and process Information (such as destination, departure place, and driving time) may be transmitted as character data to the receiving vehicle.

  FIG. 17 shows an example in which a display graphic determined on the basis of the external features, profile, driving skill, occupant of the transmitting vehicle, and the stroke of the driver of the transmitting vehicle is displayed on the screen. The figure 110 of the transmitting vehicle includes a figure 111 indicating a driver, a figure 112 indicating a driver beginner, and a figure 113 indicating a passenger together with the figure of the vehicle. In the example of FIG. 17, information such as the driver's external features (being in conversation), profile (male in his twenties, university student), driving skill (no accident history within one year), journey (destination), Although text is displayed in the information box 114, a display graphic indicating these pieces of information may be displayed.

  Further, the transmission message may be transmitted in a language used by the driver of the receiving vehicle. For example, if the driver of the receiving vehicle uses only English, when constructing inter-vehicle communication, the language information used in the receiving vehicle is transmitted to the transmitting vehicle, and the transmitting vehicle corresponds to the language information. Transmit message data to be transmitted to the receiving vehicle. Accordingly, since the message is displayed in a language that can be understood by the driver of the receiving vehicle, communication by inter-vehicle communication can be performed reliably.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can modify the above-described embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the message communication device according to the present invention has an effect of being able to transmit and receive an appropriate message according to traffic conditions without involving a special operation for message transmission. It is useful as a message communication device.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the message communication apparatus of this invention Explanatory drawing which shows an example of traffic condition judgment DB Explanatory drawing which shows an example of transmission message DB Explanatory drawing which shows an example of character DB Explanatory drawing which shows an example of response message DB Flowchart showing the operation of the sender message communication device Flowchart showing operation of responding message communication device Explanatory drawing showing an example of a sent message being displayed Explanatory drawing which shows the example which confirms transmission of a response message The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the transmission side message communication apparatus after receiving a response message. Explanatory drawing which shows the example which displays a transmission message and a response message Explanatory diagram showing an example of notification of traffic jams Explanatory drawing which shows the example which notifies that it changed to green light Explanatory diagram notifying you that you are decelerating for a left turn Explanatory diagram notifying that the vehicle is entering the intersection Explanatory drawing to notify oncoming vehicle that motorcycle is approaching Explanatory drawing which shows another example in which the sent message is displayed

10, 30 Message communication device 11 Traffic condition detection unit 22 Condition master file 23, 39 Message DB
24,40 Character DB
51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101 Transmission side vehicle 52, 62, 72, 82, 92, 102 Reception side vehicle 53, 64, 74, 83, 94, 104 Transmission message 54, 65, 75, 84, 95 , 105 Response message

Claims (8)

In the message communication device that is installed in the transmission-side vehicle and transmits and receives messages to and from the reception-side vehicle by inter-vehicle communication,
A traffic condition detecting unit for detecting a traveling condition of the transmitting vehicle and a surrounding condition of the transmitting vehicle;
A message storage unit that stores a predetermined condition of the traveling situation and the surrounding situation, a transmission message, and a transmission target in association with each other;
A control unit that extracts the corresponding transmission message and transmission target when the traveling condition and the surrounding condition detected by the traffic condition detection unit satisfy the predetermined condition;
A message communication unit that transmits the extracted transmission message to the receiving vehicle,
The message communication unit receives a response message transmitted from the receiving vehicle as a response to the transmission message,
The traffic condition detection unit detects the direction of the receiving vehicle as a message reception direction,
Displaying the receiving vehicle in an area on the display corresponding to the message receiving direction, and displaying the response message in association with the receiving vehicle ;
A storage unit for storing a display graphic for displaying a vehicle as a character, comprising a character storage unit for storing different characters according to the message receiving direction;
The control unit extracts the display graphic corresponding to the message reception direction from the character storage unit,
The said display part is a message communication apparatus which displays the said figure for a display as the said receiving vehicle . The message communication unit receives display graphic data corresponding to the receiving vehicle from the receiving vehicle,
Wherein the display unit, the message communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein displaying the display graphic as the receiving vehicle. The display graphic is determined based on at least one of an external state of the driver of the receiving vehicle, a profile and driving skills, and information indicating an occupant and a journey of the receiving vehicle, The message communication device according to claim 1 . In the message communication device that is installed in the receiving-side vehicle and transmits and receives messages to and from the transmitting-side vehicle by inter-vehicle communication,
A message communication unit for receiving a transmission message from the transmitting vehicle;
A message output unit for outputting the transmission message;
A response message storage unit that stores the transmission message and the response message in association with each other;
A control unit that extracts the response message corresponding to the transmission message and transmits the response message to the transmitting vehicle via the message communication unit;
A receiving direction detector that detects the direction of the transmitting vehicle as a message receiving direction;
A storage unit for storing a display graphic for displaying a vehicle as a character, comprising a character storage unit for storing different characters according to the message receiving direction;
The control unit extracts the display graphic corresponding to the message reception direction from the character storage unit,
The message output unit is a message communication device that displays the display graphic as the transmitting vehicle . An input unit operated to determine transmission of the response message;
The message communication device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit transmits the response message when the input unit is operated. The message communication device according to claim 4 , wherein the message output unit is a display unit that displays the transmission vehicle at a position in the message reception direction and displays the transmission message in association with the transmission vehicle. . The message communication unit receives display graphic data corresponding to the transmitting vehicle from the transmitting vehicle,
The message communication device according to claim 4 , wherein the message output unit displays the display graphic as the transmitting vehicle. The display graphic is determined based on at least one of an external state of a driver of the transmitting vehicle, a profile and driving skills, and information indicating an occupant and a journey of the receiving vehicle, The message communication device according to claim 4 .