JP6520554B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus mounted on a vehicle and used.

  There is known a technology for performing safety processing when a following vehicle of a vehicle approaches. For example, when it is determined that there is a possibility that a following vehicle of a vehicle may cause a rear impact, a technique for performing lighting of a brake lamp, winding up of a seat belt, and movement of a headrest has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2006-306198

  A driver who recognizes the approach of a following vehicle may feel anxious and insecure by thinking about the risk of a rear-end collision or thinking that there is a problem with his own driving. As a result, there is a risk that the vehicle may be in a dangerous situation because the driving operation is mistaken or the traveling speed is increased more than necessary in order to obtain an inter-vehicle distance with the following vehicle.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of reducing driver's anxiety.

An information processing apparatus (1) according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus mounted and used in a vehicle, which includes rear distance acquisition means (31), notification control means (31), and determination means (31). Prepare.
The rear distance acquiring means acquires a rear distance which is a distance from a host vehicle (101) which is a vehicle in which the information processing apparatus is present to a following vehicle of the host vehicle. The notification control means executes one or more notification processes for notifying the driver of the host vehicle of vehicle information which is information on at least one of the host vehicle and the succeeding vehicle.

  The determination means determines which of a plurality of state classifications the host vehicle and the following vehicle correspond to. At least one of the plurality of status sections includes the condition that the back distance is within a predetermined range, and the determining unit performs the determination based on at least the back distance acquired by the back distance acquiring unit. Run.

When the judging means judges that the predetermined state classification is made, the notification control means executes a predetermined notification process according to the predetermined state classification.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to give the driver objective information of the own vehicle and the following vehicle, and information which is difficult to grasp from the driver's seat, so that the driver's anxiety can be reduced. .

  For example, the fear that the vehicle may be crashed is reduced if the actual distance is greater than the impression that the driver views the following vehicle at the rearview mirror. In addition, by knowing the driving situation (for example, the traveling speed) of the own vehicle, it is possible to recognize the legitimacy of the own driving or to improve it to a proper driving situation, and "the own driving is inappropriate. Therefore, it may be possible to reduce anxiety that the following vehicle may be approaching.

  In addition, the reference numerals in the parentheses described in this column and the claims indicate the correspondence with specific means described in the embodiment described later as one aspect, and the technical scope of the present invention It is not limited.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle-mounted system of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the anxiety reduction process of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the determination method of a anxiety zone. It is a figure which shows an example of a back image. It is a flowchart of the anxiety reduction process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the determination method of a state division. Both (A) and (B) are examples of the information display image. It is a figure explaining the installation position of a light. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the vehicle-mounted system of other embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a front image. It is a flowchart of the anxiety reduction process of other embodiment. It is a flowchart of the anxiety reduction process of other embodiment. It is a figure explaining the determination method of a state division.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments at all, and may take various forms within the technical scope of the present invention.

[1. First embodiment]
[1-1. overall structure]
The in-vehicle system according to the present embodiment is a system that is mounted on and used by the host vehicle 101 as shown in FIG. 1 and includes an HCU (Human Machine Interface) control unit (HCU) 1, a display 11, and a driver state sensor 13. An operation unit 15, a camera 17, a sonar 19, a speaker 21, a light 23, a vehicle speed sensor 25, an inter-vehicle communication device 27, a navigation function unit 29, and the like are provided. In addition, a self-vehicle means the vehicle in which the said system was provided.

  The HCU 1 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 33 for storing programs to be executed by the CPU 31, a RAM 35 used as a work area when the CPU 31 executes a program, a storage unit 37 for storing various data, and a bus line (not shown) And so on. The CPU 31 is an example of the backward distance acquisition means, the notification control means, the determination means, the speed acquisition means, and the forward distance acquisition means in the present invention.

  The display 11 is a device that is disposed on an instrument panel of a vehicle and displays an image according to a control signal from the HCU 1. In addition, the display 11 may be arrange | positioned other than an instrument panel, for example, may be arrange | positioned at a rearview mirror.

  The driver state sensor 13 is a sensor that detects the state of the driver. Specifically, one of a pressure sensor, a pulse wave sensor, a sensor such as a heart rate sensor disposed on a steering wheel or a seat, or an image sensor for detecting a driver's behavior or expression, an eye condition, etc. The above applies. A signal output from the driver state sensor 13 is transmitted to the HCU 1. The HCU 1 functions as a driver status monitor that determines the driver's condition based on these signals.

  The operation unit 15 is a device for performing an operation input to the HCU 1. Although the specific configuration is not particularly limited, a key switch, a touch panel, a steering controller, or the like disposed on the display 11 can be used as the operation unit 15.

  The camera 17 is a camera such as a CCD camera, a camera using an imaging tube, or an infrared camera capable of acquiring an infrared image, and is mounted at the rear of the host vehicle 101, and there is a following vehicle behind the vehicle Take an image of the area.

  The sonar 19 is a sensor for detecting an object existing in front of and behind the vehicle, such as a millimeter wave radar disposed in front of and behind the vehicle 101 or a laser radar, and the front and back of the vehicle 101 By setting the detection range, it is possible to detect the relative position of the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle of the host vehicle 101.

  The following vehicle is a vehicle located behind the host vehicle 101 and traveling in the same direction as the host vehicle 101 travels. The rear is the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle 101. The preceding vehicle is a vehicle located in front of the host vehicle 101 and traveling in the same direction as the host vehicle 101 travels.

The speaker 21 is a device that outputs sound in accordance with a control signal from the HCU 1.
The lights 23 are lights disposed behind the host vehicle 101. The light 23 may have a function as a so-called brake lamp or tail lamp, or may be provided separately from these.

The vehicle speed sensor 25 is a sensor that outputs a detection signal according to the traveling speed of the host vehicle 101.
The inter-vehicle communication device 27 is a device that performs inter-vehicle communication with vehicles other than the host vehicle 101.

  The navigation function unit 29 has a function of a so-called car navigation system, and executes detection of the position of the host vehicle by GPS (Global Positioning System), map matching, route search and route guidance. An image display such as route guidance is performed on the display 11, and an input operation from a driver or the like is received from the operation unit 15.

[1-2. processing]
Next, the anxiety reduction process executed by the CPU 31 of the HCU 1 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

This process is started when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on as an example and is repeatedly executed.
In S1, the CPU 31 determines whether a following vehicle is detected based on the output of the sonar 19. If the following vehicle is not detected (S1: NO), S1 is executed again. On the other hand, if a following vehicle is detected (S1: YES), the process proceeds to S2.

  In S2, the CPU 31 calculates and acquires the inter-vehicle distance from the host vehicle 101 to the following vehicle based on the output of the sonar 19. Hereinafter, the inter-vehicle distance to the following vehicle acquired in S2 will be simply described as the rear distance.

  In S3, the CPU 31 calculates and acquires the inter-vehicle distance from the host vehicle 101 to the preceding vehicle based on the output of the sonar 19. Hereinafter, the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle acquired in S3 will be simply referred to as the forward distance.

  At S4, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the current state is a state classification of the "anxiety zone". The anxiety zone is a state category to which a state assumed to be desired to reduce the driver's anxiety corresponds. A specific determination method will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 31 determines that the current state is the state classification of the anxiety zone when the following conditions (i) to (iv) are satisfied.

(I) The traveling speed of the host vehicle 101 is V ₁ km / h or more and V ₂ km / h or less (ii) forward distance L _F is N ₁ m or more (iii) backward distance L _R is N ₂ m or more (iv) Rearward distance is less than N ₃ m First, with regard to (i), if the traveling speed of the host vehicle 101 is less than V ₁ , then the following vehicle 102 is approaching the host vehicle 101 However, it is assumed that the driver is not anxious, for example, because it is assumed that the vehicle is in a crowded area, in a traffic jam, a slow-moving section, or the like.

Further, if the traveling speed of the own vehicle 101 is V ₂ or more, it is assumed that the driver is driving a high-speed traveling with a relatively high degree of danger by its own operation. There is no need to notify the situation. Incidentally, _{V 1} may be a 30 km / h as an example, _{V 2} may be a 130 km / h as an example.

Next, with regard to (ii), if the distance to the preceding vehicle 103 is short, for example, it is assumed that the vehicle is crowded or in traffic congestion, the driver may feel uneasy even if the following vehicle 102 is approaching. Is low. Incidentally, _{N 1} may be a 5m as an example.

Next, (iii) will be described. In this embodiment, when it is determined to be the anxiety zone, a notification is made to make the driver recognize that "the driver is objectively safer than the driver's recognition", but the following vehicle 102 is very close. Such notification may not be appropriate. Therefore, when the backward distance L _R is less than N _2, it is not determined to be the anxiety zone. Incidentally, _{N 2} may be a 5m as an example.

Next, with regard to (iv), when the following vehicle 102 is sufficiently separated, the possibility that the driver feels uneasy is low. Note _{N 3} may be 20m as an example.
For the reasons described above, when the above (i) to (iv) are satisfied, it is determined as the anxiety zone.

  Description will be returned to FIG. If it is not determined in S4 that the zone is the anxiety zone (S4: NO), the process returns to S1. On the other hand, if it is determined to be the anxiety zone (S4: YES), the process proceeds to S5. As described above, in S4, it is determined whether the state taking into consideration the host vehicle 101, the following vehicle 102, and the preceding vehicle 103 corresponds to any of the state classification of the anxiety zone and the state classification that is not the anxiety zone. Be done.

In the subsequent S5 and S6, notification for reducing the driver's anxiety is performed.
At S5, the CPU 31 causes the display 11 to display a rear image. An example of the rear image is shown in FIG. The rear image 51 is an image of the rear view from the host vehicle 101 taken by the camera 17 and the rear vehicle 102 is shown. In addition, a character display 55 indicating the measured value of the backward distance L _R and the safe distance, and a guideline 57 for making it easy for the driver to visualize the distance from the host vehicle to the following vehicle 102 are also displayed. Ru.

  At S6, the CPU 31 performs safety guidance. Here, the speaker 21 is made to perform audio output for reducing the driver's anxiety. Specifically, the speaker 21 is made to output voices such as "the distance between the following vehicles is sufficiently maintained", "the distance between the vehicles is Am, it is a safety region", and "it is safe. Please feel relieved". After this S6, the present process is ended.

[1-3. effect]
According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(A) In the in-vehicle system according to the present embodiment, the CPU 31 obtains a backward distance L _R that is an inter-vehicle distance from the following vehicle 102 based on the output signal of the sonar 19, and determines whether the following vehicle 102 is in the anxiety zone. judge. When it is determined to be the anxiety zone, the rear image 51 obtained by photographing the following vehicle 102 and the distance to the following vehicle 102 are presented to the driver.

  In the in-vehicle system according to the present embodiment configured as described above, when the driver may feel anxious about the following vehicle, the driver acquires information on the following vehicle in more detail than in the case where only the rearview mirror is viewed. Can. Therefore, the driver's anxiety can be reduced, and it is possible to suppress the driver from feeling impatient and to make a mistake in the driving operation or performing a dangerous operation.

The CPU 31 of the HCU 1 functions as a back distance acquisition unit, a notification control unit, and a determination unit in the present invention. The CPU 31 acquires the back distance L _R which is the distance from the host vehicle to the following vehicle, and notifies the driver of the host vehicle of vehicle information which is information on at least one of the host vehicle and the following vehicle. The notification process of

  Further, the CPU 31 determines which of two state classifications the host vehicle and the following vehicle correspond to. The state division of the anxiety zone, which is one of the two state divisions, includes the condition that the back distance is within a predetermined range. The CPU 31 executes the above determination based on the acquired backward distance.

When the CPU 31 determines that the vehicle is in the predetermined state category (anxiety zone), the CPU 31 executes a notification process predetermined according to the predetermined traveling state category.
The above-mentioned vehicle information includes a photographed image (rear image 51) obtained by photographing the following vehicle from the own vehicle as shown in FIG. 4, character display 55, information of the following vehicle and the own vehicle voice-outputted by the speaker 21, etc. Although applicable, various information on the own vehicle and the following vehicle can be used as the vehicle information.

  The state division may be divided into two or more. Although CPU31 illustrated the composition which acquires back distance and front distance based on the output signal of sonar 19, it may acquire those distances by other methods. For example, the distance may be acquired from an image captured by a camera.

  In addition, although it does not specify in the flowchart of FIG. 2, when it determines with it not being an anxiety zone, you may stop the alerting process under execution. That is, the CPU 31 is configured to change the notification process to be executed to the notification process according to the changed state category when the determination result of the state category determined by the determining means changes. Good.

(B) In the in-vehicle system of the present embodiment, the CPU 31 acquires the traveling speed of the host vehicle 101 based on the output signal of the vehicle speed sensor 25. And one of the conditions for determining that anxiety zone, but that the running speed of the vehicle 101 is V ₁ or V ₂ less.

  The vehicle-mounted system of this embodiment comprised in this way alert | reports, only when travel speed is in a predetermined | prescribed range. When the traveling speed deviates from the predetermined range, for example, when it can be judged that the traveling state is not a normal traveling state, it is not determined to be the anxiety zone. Therefore, there is no need to perform unnecessary notification to the driver, which is convenient.

  The CPU 31 functions as speed acquisition means for acquiring the traveling speed of the host vehicle in the present invention. Further, at least one of the plurality of state sections includes the condition that the rear distance is within a predetermined range and the traveling speed of the host vehicle is within a predetermined range. The CPU 31 executes the above determination based on at least the rear distance acquired by the rear distance acquisition means and the traveling speed acquired by the speed acquisition means.

Note the range of travel speed for determining that anxiety zone may be either the V ₁ or more and V ₂ or less.
(C) In the on-vehicle system according to the present embodiment, the CPU 31 acquires a front distance L _F , which is an inter-vehicle distance to the leading vehicle 103, based on an output signal of the sonar 19. One of the conditions for determining the anxiety zone is that the forward distance L _F is N ₁ m or more. Therefore, when the preceding vehicle 103 is located near the host vehicle 101, it is not determined to be the anxiety zone.

  The on-vehicle system according to the present embodiment configured as described above does not determine that the area is an anxiety zone when the preceding vehicle 103 approaches in front, for example, when the road is congested or congested. Therefore, there is no need to perform unnecessary notification to the driver, which is convenient.

  The CPU 31 functions as a forward distance acquisition unit that measures a forward distance which is a distance from the host vehicle to a preceding vehicle in the present invention. Also, at least one of the plurality of state sections includes the condition that the back distance is within a predetermined range and the front distance is within a predetermined range.

The determination means executes the determination based on at least the rear distance acquired by the rear distance acquisition means and the forward distance acquired by the front distance acquisition means.
Note that the range of L _F for determining an anxiety zone is not limited to N ₁ m or more, in other words, L _F is not less than a predetermined lower limit value. For example, an upper limit may be set.

[2. Second embodiment]
[2-1. Differences from the First Embodiment]
The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, since the contents of the process executed by the CPU 31 are different, the explanation will be made focusing on that point.

[2-2. processing]
Anxiety reduction processing executed by the CPU 31 of the HCU 1 in the in-vehicle system of the second embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 5. The present process is started when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on and is repeatedly executed.

S11 to S13 in FIG. 5 are the same processes as S1 to S3 in FIG.
At S14, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the driver is in a state of anxiety. Based on the output of the driver state sensor 13, the CPU 31 determines whether the driver is in an anxious state. Various known techniques can be employed to detect anxiety. For example, the state of anxiety can be determined from the pressure at which the steering wheel is held, the pulse or heartbeat, the frequency with which the driver's rearview mirror is checked, the speed increase from the normal time, and the like.

  If it is not determined in S14 that the user is in an anxious state (S14: NO), the process returns to S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user is in an anxious state (S14: YES), the process proceeds to S15.

  At S15, the CPU 31 starts the operation guide display. Specifically, the CPU 31 causes the display 11 to display a button for starting notification processing for removing the driver's anxiety, and receives an input from the touch panel. Further, the CPU 31 causes the speaker 21 to output that the above-described processing is started by pressing the above-described button.

  In S16, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the input operation to the button displayed on the display 11 in S15 is performed. If the button is not operated (S16: NO), S16 is executed again. That is, it waits until a button operation is performed. On the other hand, if the button is operated (S16: YES), the process proceeds to S17.

  In S17 and S18, the CPU 31 determines which of the safe area, the anxiety area, and the dangerous area the following vehicle is located. The relief area is a status category in which the driver is less likely to be anxious. Anxiety regions are state categories assumed to be desirable to reduce driver's anxiety. The danger zone is a state category that is assumed to be desirable to promote driver's calmness.

In S17, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the following vehicle is in the safe area. Specifically, when the CPU 31 does not satisfy one of the conditions (i) and (ii) described in S4 of FIG. 2 or as shown in FIG. 6, the rear distance L _R is N ₃ or more. In this case, it is determined that the area is a relief area. On the other hand, when the conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied and the backward distance L _R is less than N _3, it is determined that the region is not a safe region.

  If it is determined in S17 that the region is the safe region (S17: YES), there is no need to perform notification processing, and the present processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the region is not the relief region (S17: NO), the process proceeds to S18.

At S18, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the following vehicle is in an anxious area. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines that the region is an anxious region when the above-described conditions (i) and (ii) are satisfied and the back distance L _R is N ₂ or more and less than N ₃ as shown in FIG. Do.

If it is determined in S18 that the region is an anxiety region (S18: YES), the process proceeds to S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the region is not an anxiety region (S18: NO), that is, if it is determined that the region is a risk region where the back distance L _R is less than N ₂ , the process proceeds to S20.

  At S19, the CPU 31 performs a first safety notification. Here, similar to S5 and S6 in FIG. 2, the notification process is performed to reduce the driver's anxiety. After this S19, the present process ends.

At S20, the CPU 31 performs a second safety notification. Here, we present information that encourages drivers to settle down. As an example, the following processes (a) and (b) are performed.
(A) The traveling state of the vehicle 101 is displayed on the display 11, and the traveling state is objectively displayed.

  The example of FIG. 7 (A) is an example of the information display image 61 in the case of an appropriate traveling speed, and the speed limit of the road during traveling and the traveling speed of the host vehicle are displayed. Although the method of acquiring the speed limit is not particularly limited, for example, the speed limit information of the road included in the map information possessed by the navigation function unit 29 is acquired, or it is acquired by photographing the outside of the vehicle with a camera and performing image processing , It is possible to receive from the roadside device which sends information.

  If the traveling speed of the host vehicle 101 is too fast or too slow, guidance display may be performed so as to set an appropriate traveling speed. Further, the speaker 21 may be made to output sound in accordance with the display content on the display 11. For example, in the case of FIG. 7 (A), it can be considered to output "It can travel at 47 km / h for the speed limit of 50 km / h".

  (B) The display 11 indicates that the recording of the following vehicle 102 has been started, and the speaker 21 outputs a voice to that effect, and the light 23 is turned on to warn the driver of the following vehicle 102.

  FIG. 7B is an example of the information display image 63 indicating that the recording of the following vehicle 102 has been started. The speaker 21 outputs "shooting of the rear vehicle has started". By recording the follow-on vehicle 102, it is possible to present the evidence that the follow-on vehicle 102 was in dangerous travel in the event of an accident, thereby reducing the driver's anxiety and achieving calmness. Can.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing the rear of the host vehicle 101 provided with the light 23. The light 23 is provided at the rear end of the host vehicle 101 and can emit light like a flash of a camera. Alternatively, the brake lamp 71 may blink. Further, the driver of the host vehicle 101 may be notified of such warning by image display or sound.

After this S20, the present process ends.
[2-3. effect]
According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above.

  [2A] In the on-vehicle system of the present embodiment, the information on the host vehicle is presented as the vehicle information, so that the driver can objectively know the driving state of the host vehicle. Further, by knowing the traveling speed of the host vehicle 101, it is possible to recognize the legitimacy of the driver's own driving or change the traveling speed to an appropriate one. In this way, the driver can be calmed down by reducing the anxiety "the following vehicle may be approaching because his driving is inappropriate."

[2B] In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 determines which one of the safety region, the anxiety region, and the danger region the three of the host vehicle 101 is. The anxiety area and the danger area are different in the condition of the back distance L _R.

In the on-vehicle system configured as described above, appropriate notification can be performed according to the assumed degree of driver's anxiety.
In addition, CPU31 can be classify | categorized into three or more division as a state division of self-vehicles 101 grade | etc.,. In this case, at least two state sections may be set to include a range of back distances different from each other.

  [2C] The CPU 31 functions as a state detection unit that detects the state of the driver of the host vehicle 101, and executes notification processing when the driver is detected to be in an anxious state. Therefore, when the driver is not anxious, notification for reducing anxiety can be performed, and the risk of causing the driver to feel bothersome can be reduced.

[3. Other embodiments]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can take various forms, without being limited to the said embodiment.

  [3A] The notification mode for reducing the driver's anxiety of the host vehicle 101 is not limited to the one described in each of the above-described embodiments, and information about at least one of the host vehicle and the following vehicle Various forms of notification can be provided as long as the vehicle information is notified.

For example, it is conceivable to reduce anxiety by notifying the contents of processing that the host vehicle is executing for the purpose of securing safety or processing that has started execution. Further, for example, by displaying the change with time of the rear distance L _R , giving information to the driver as to whether the distance is gradually narrowed or whether the same inter-vehicle distance is maintained for a long time. it can.

  In addition, the warning with respect to a following vehicle is not limited to what was demonstrated by the said embodiment. For example, the indicator may be arranged or displayed behind the host vehicle to indicate the inter-vehicle distance, or a character may be displayed using a display device. The display device may be any device as long as it can display characters that can be recognized from the following vehicle. For example, a display such as a liquid crystal display device or a projection device, a light with which characters are displayed when lit, or the like may be used. The content of the character can be, for example, "during shooting", "during backward recording", "close attention", and the like.

  [3B] Communication is performed between the host vehicle 101 and the following vehicle 102 by inter-vehicle communication, and the host vehicle 101 outputs information acquired by the following vehicle 102 or warns the driver of the following vehicle 102. It may be configured to transmit a signal to the following vehicle 102 or the like.

  FIG. 9 shows a configuration for realizing inter-vehicle communication. In the host vehicle 101, an inter-vehicle communicator 27 for inter-vehicle communication with the following vehicle 102 is disposed. The succeeding vehicle 102 is provided with an inter-vehicle communicator 111, an HCU 113 for controlling each device, and a camera 115 for imaging the front.

  As an example of the information acquired by the following vehicle 102 which is output by the own vehicle 101, as shown in FIG. 10, a front image 117 which is an image in front of the following vehicle 102 photographed by the camera 115 is Conceivable. In the front image 117, the host vehicle 101 is shown. Also, the character information 119 may be displayed together.

When the HCU 113 of the succeeding vehicle 102 receives a predetermined control signal from the HCU 1 of the host vehicle 101, the HCU 113 causes the camera 115 to capture the front, and transmits the captured image to the HCU 1.
When the driver confirms the following vehicle from the rearview mirror etc., there is a risk that the following vehicle may feel closer than it actually is. However, the driver can more appropriately grasp the rear distance by displaying on the own vehicle an image showing the own vehicle as viewed from the following vehicle.

[3C] Depending on the traveling speed of the host vehicle 101, any one or more of the N ₁ , N ₂ , and N ₃ parameters described above may be changed. For example, it is conceivable to configure each parameter to increase as the traveling speed increases.

[3D] At least one of the parameters V ₁ , V ₂ , N ₁ , N ₂ and N ₃ described above is configured to be changed according to the type of road on which the host vehicle 101 is traveling. May be The type of road can be classified according to the number of lanes, road width, speed limit, road shape and the like. The specification of the type of road while traveling may be classified based on the map database of the navigation function unit, or may be specified by performing image processing on a photographed image obtained by photographing the outside of the vehicle with a camera.

Further, the types of roads may be classified into so-called expressways and motorways and general roads.
In this case, the navigation function unit 29 or the CPU 31 functions as a road identification unit that identifies the type of road on which the host vehicle is traveling. The CPU 31 executes the determination of the state classification based on at least a result of comparing the back distance obtained by the back distance obtaining means with a predetermined threshold. At this time, the threshold is set in accordance with the type of road identified by the road identification means.

[3E] One or more of the V ₁ , V ₂ , N ₁ , N ₂ , and N ₃ parameters described above may be changed according to the travel history of the host vehicle 101.
For example, the average vehicle speed for each road traveled by the vehicle 101 is calculated using the GPS of the navigation function unit 29, and the average vehicle speed is, for example, 30-50 km / h, 50-70 km / h, 70 km / h or more. Use to classify road types. Then, the above parameters are set in accordance with the classified road type.

  In order to remove noise such as traffic congestion and signal waiting, it is conceivable to use the traveling speed at the time of normal traveling to calculate the average vehicle speed. The definition at the time of normal traveling can be, for example, that the increase or decrease of the vehicle speed ± 5% lasts for n minutes.

  Further, the number of travels may be recorded for each road, and the above parameters may be set according to the number of travels and the travel frequency. It is preferable to set a threshold value so that a road which is not familiar with running may be more easily notified, so that a road which is not used to running is more likely to be notified of anxiety resolution.

  In this case, the navigation function unit 29 functions as a history acquisition unit that acquires the history of the road on which the host vehicle has traveled. The type of road referred to here is either a road whose condition satisfies the predetermined condition or a road which does not satisfy the predetermined condition, and the road identification means described in the above [3D] acquires the history Based on the history acquired by the means, the type of road on which the vehicle is traveling is specified.

  [3F] When the state of the host vehicle 101 or the like changes and the corresponding state division changes, notification according to the new state division is performed on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed in the state determined to be the new state division. May be set to What added the said process to the anxiety cancellation process of 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 11, S1 to S6 are the same as those in FIG.

  In the present process, when it is determined in S4 that the zone is the anxiety zone (S4: YES), the process proceeds to S31. If it is determined that the zone is not the anxiety zone (S4: NO), the process proceeds to S34.

  At S31, the CPU 31 determines whether the anxiety flag is on. The anxiety flag is a flag set in S32. If the flag is not on (S31: NO), the process proceeds to S32. On the other hand, if the flag is on (S31: YES), the process proceeds to S33.

  In S32, the CPU 31 starts a timer to start counting the continuous presence time. The continuous presence time is the time during which the state determined to be the anxiety zone continues. Also, the anxiety flag is turned on. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S33.

In S33, the CPU 31 determines whether the continuous existence time has elapsed T ₁ s. If the continuous presence time has passed T ₁ s (S33: YES), the process proceeds to S5. On the other hand, if the continuous presence time has not passed T ₁ s (S33: NO), the process proceeds to S1.

At S34, counting of the continuous existence time is stopped and the value is reset. Also, the anxiety flag is turned off. Thereafter, the process returns to S1.
In the in-vehicle system configured as described above, the process proceeds to S5 when the state determined to be the anxiety zone continues for T ₁ s.

  Next, one obtained by adding the above process to the process of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 12, S11 to S20 are the same as those in FIG. Further, in the process shown in FIG. 12, the processes of S15 and S16 are not performed.

  In this process, when it is determined in S17 that the area is a safe area (S17: YES), the process proceeds to S41. If it is determined that the region is not the relief region (S17: NO), the process proceeds to S45.

  At S41, the CPU 31 determines whether the reassurance flag is on. The relief flag is a flag set in S42. If the flag is not on (S41: NO), the process proceeds to S42. On the other hand, if the flag is on (S41: YES), the process proceeds to S43.

At S42, the CPU 31 starts counting the continuous existence time of the relief area. Also, the relief flag is turned on. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S43.
At S43, the CPU 31 determines whether the continuous existence time has elapsed T ₁ s. If the continuous presence time has elapsed T ₁ s (S 43: YES), the process proceeds to S 44. On the other hand, if the continuous presence time T ₁ s has not elapsed (S 43: NO), the process proceeds to S 11.

In S44, when performing the 1st safety information and the 2nd safety information, CPU31 stops those information. Thereafter, the process ends.
At S45, counting of the continuous existence time of the relief area is stopped and the value is reset. Also, the relief flag is turned off. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S18.

If it is determined in S18 that the region is an anxiety region (S18: YES), the process proceeds to S51. If it is determined that the region is not an anxiety region (S18: NO), the process proceeds to S54.
In S51, the CPU 31 determines whether the anxiety flag is on. The anxiety flag in the present processing is a flag set in S52. If the flag is not on (S51: NO), the process proceeds to S52. On the other hand, if the flag is on (S51: YES), the process proceeds to S53.

At S52, the CPU 31 starts counting the continuous existence time of the anxiety area. Also, the anxiety flag is turned on. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S53.
In S53, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the continuous existence time has elapsed T ₂ s. If the continuous existence time has passed T ₂ s (S 53: YES), the process proceeds to S 19. On the other hand, if the continuous presence time has not passed T ₂ s (S53: NO), the process proceeds to S11.

In S54, counting of the continuous existence time of the anxiety area is stopped and the value is reset. Also, the anxiety flag is turned off. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S20.
In the in-vehicle system configured in this way, the notification is stopped when the state determined to be the relief area continues for T ₁ s, and the state T ₂ s determined to be the anxiety area for the first safety alert Therefore, when the determination result changes in a short time between the relief area and the anxiety area, execution and stop of the notification are not repeated.

  In addition, when it determines with it being a danger area | region (S18: NO), 2nd safety alerting | reporting is performed, without waiting for progress of continuous presence time. As a result, when the degree of proximity of the distance between the own vehicle 101 and the following vehicle 102 is high, notification can be performed promptly. Of course, when it is determined to be a dangerous area, as in the other areas, the second safety notification may be performed after the elapse of the continuous presence time.

Also, T ₁ and T ₂ may be the same time or different times. T ₁ may be set longer, and the notification may be started promptly, and after a sufficient time for stopping the notification has elapsed. Also, when configured to perform the notification after waiting for the continuous presence time T ₃ when it is determined that the dangerous zone may be set such T ₃ is shorter than T _2.

[3G] In the second embodiment, the additional area is provided in the area on the side of the anxiety area in the safe area, and when the following vehicle exists in the additional area for a predetermined period, the same as the case where it is determined to be an anxiety area. You may comprise so that alerting | reporting may be performed. In FIG. 13, a portion behind N ₃ m or more and N ₄ m or less behind the host vehicle 101 is an additional area.

If a following vehicle is present in a safe area but close to the anxiety area for a certain period of time, there is a risk that the driver may be anxious about being beaten. However, in the above configuration, the anxiety can be reduced. In addition, in order to be determined as an additional area, it is necessary to satisfy not only the rear distance L _R but also the conditions (i) and (ii) described above.

  [3H] The approach of the following vehicle 102 may be monitored not only while the host vehicle 101 is traveling, but also while the vehicle is stopped, and the distance to the following vehicle 102 may be displayed on the display 11. In addition, when it is determined that there is a risk of a collision, the driver may be notified.

  [3I] In the above embodiment, the configuration has been exemplified in which the state division is determined in consideration of the traveling speed and the front distance in addition to the rear distance. However, the condition to be determined to be the status classification to be notified may include at least the condition of the backward distance, and may not include the traveling speed or the forward distance. In addition, conditions other than those described above may be included. For example, weather or time may be included as a condition.

  [3J] In the above embodiment, the HCU 1 is exemplified as a device mounted on a vehicle, but an information processing device that operates in a state existing in the vehicle can be taken out of the vehicle. The same function as that of the HCU 1 may be realized.

  For example, the present invention can be realized by a device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. Since these devices have a display and a speaker, notification can be performed using the display and the speaker.

  [3K] The function of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed as a plurality of components, or the function of a plurality of components may be integrated into one component. Further, at least a part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be replaced with a known configuration having the same function. In addition, part of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. In addition, at least a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configuration of the other above-described embodiment. In addition, all the aspects contained in the technical thought specified only by the words described in the claim are an embodiment of the present invention.

  [3L] In addition to the information processing apparatus (HCU1) described above, the present invention is provided in various forms such as a system having the HCU 1 as a component, a program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus, and a medium recording the program. Can also be realized.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... HCU, 11 ... Display, 17 ... Camera, 19 ... Sonar, 21 ... Speaker, 23 ... Light, 25 ... Vehicle speed sensor, 29 ... Navigation function part, 31 ... CPU, 51 ... Rear image, 61, 63 ... Information display Image, 101: own vehicle, 102: following vehicle, 103: preceding vehicle.

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus (1) mounted on a vehicle and used,
Rear distance acquiring means (31) for acquiring a rear distance which is a distance from a host vehicle (101) which is a vehicle in which the information processing apparatus is present to a following vehicle of the host vehicle;
Notification control means (31) for executing one or more notification processes for notifying the driver of the vehicle of the vehicle information which is information on at least one of the vehicle and the succeeding vehicle;
Determining means (31) for determining which of a plurality of state classifications the host vehicle and the following vehicle correspond to;
Front distance acquiring means (31) for measuring a front distance which is a distance from the host vehicle to a preceding vehicle of the host vehicle;
At least one of the state sections of the plurality of state sections includes the condition that the back distance is a predetermined range and the front distance is a predetermined range ;
The determination unit executes the determination based on at least the rear distance acquired by the rear distance acquisition unit and the front distance acquired by the front distance acquisition unit .
The notification control means is configured to execute the predetermined notification process when the determination means determines that the state classification is a predetermined state classification ,
6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit does not determine that the section is the predetermined state section when the forward distance is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The information processing apparatus, wherein the vehicle information is a photographed image obtained by photographing the following vehicle from the host vehicle. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
The vehicle includes a speed acquisition means (31) for acquiring the traveling speed of the vehicle.
At least one of the plurality of status sections includes the condition that the rear distance is within a predetermined range and the traveling speed of the host vehicle is within a predetermined range.
An information processing apparatus characterized in that the determination means performs the determination based on at least the rear distance acquired by the rear distance acquisition means and the traveling speed acquired by the speed acquisition means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein
The determination means determines which one of at least three of the state classifications the vehicle and the following vehicle correspond to, and at least two of the state classifications of the at least three state classifications. An information processing apparatus comprising: a range of the back distance different from each other as a condition. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein
The road identification means (29) for identifying the type of road on which the vehicle is traveling is provided.
The determination means executes the determination based on a result of comparing at least the rear distance acquired by the rear distance acquisition means with a predetermined threshold value.
An information processing apparatus characterized in that the threshold value is set according to the type of road specified by the road specification means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein
The vehicle includes a history acquiring unit (29) for acquiring at least one of a traveling speed, the number of times of traveling, and a traveling frequency as a history of a road on which the vehicle travels.
The type of the road is a road having at least one of an average speed based on a history of the traveling speed, the number of times of traveling, and the traveling frequency within a predetermined range , and a road not included in the predetermined range ; Is either
The information processing apparatus, wherein the road identification means identifies the type of road on which the vehicle is traveling, based on the history acquired by the history acquisition means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein
The notification control means determines that the notification process is predetermined according to the predetermined status category when the determination result does not change until a predetermined time has elapsed after the determination section determines that the status category is the predetermined status category. An information processing apparatus characterized in that: The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein
It comprises state detection means for detecting the state of the driver of the host vehicle based on at least one of pressure grasping the steering wheel, pulse, heartbeat, rearview mirror confirmation frequency of the driver, and traveling speed state.
The notification control means is determined to be the predetermined state classification by the determination means, and is detected by the state detection means to be in a state where it can be estimated that the driver feels anxiety. An information processing apparatus that executes notification processing.

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