JP7285036B1 - Pedal operation detector - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to realize a relatively inexpensive pedal operation detection device that can be easily attached to an automobile. SOLUTION: The pedal operation detection device includes a foot detection unit that is arranged on a pedal of an automobile and that generates an electric signal whose magnitude changes according to a change in load caused by the driver's pedal operation, and outputs a predetermined sound. and a controller that determines whether or not the pedal is operated based on the electric signal, and controls output of the predetermined sound by the sound generator according to a determination result. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a pedal operation detection device.

BACKGROUND ART Accidents caused by mistakenly stepping on an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal of an automobile have become a social problem.

As a technology aimed at preventing such accidents, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a limit switch that detects excessive depression of the accelerator pedal, a switching unit that turns on and off the circuit of the engine start switch, and an equalizer for the parking brake are connected to the left and right. A motor-operated equalizer forced slide means capable of moving in a direction in which the tension of the pair of brake wires increases; At the same time, the engine start switch circuit is turned off to stop the engine, and the motor is rotated in a direction to increase the tension of the brake wire to generate braking force on the rear wheels, and the rear wheels are moved to a position where they are stopped. "emergency stop device in the event of a misstep that stops the rotation of the motor with an on-signal of a detection sensor that detects it."

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-183430

According to the technique described in Patent Literature 1, when the driver of the automobile mistakenly depresses the accelerator pedal thinking that it is the brake pedal, the automobile can be brought to an emergency stop.

However, existing technologies such as the technology described in Patent Document 1 have problems such as high manufacturing costs and inability to be easily attached to automobiles due to their complicated structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that can be easily attached to a vehicle and that can prevent pedal misapplication at a relatively low cost. and

The present application includes a plurality of means for solving at least part of the above problems, and examples thereof are as follows.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a pedal operation detection device according to one aspect of the present invention is arranged on a pedal of an automobile and generates an electric signal that changes in magnitude according to a change in load caused by a driver's pedal operation. a detection unit, a sound generation unit that outputs a predetermined sound, and a controller that determines whether or not the pedal is operated based on the electric signal, and controls output of the predetermined sound by the sound generation unit according to the determination result. And prepare.

When the controller determines that the pedal operation has been performed, the controller controls the sound generating unit to output the predetermined sound, and when the pedal operation is released, determines whether or not the pedal operation has been performed based on the electric signal. Judging can be resumed.

The controller determines normal or sudden pedal operation based on the magnitude of the electrical signal or the amount of change in the magnitude of the electrical signal during a predetermined sampling time, and the sound generating section responds to the determination result. You can change the output sound.

The pedal operation detection device may include a vibrating section that vibrates according to a determination result of the presence or absence of the pedal operation by the controller.

The pedal operation detection device may include a communication unit that is connected to an external device and causes the external device to output the predetermined sound.

The sound generating section can switch and output at least two types of sounds, and the pedal operation detection device can include a changeover switch for switching the sound output from the sound generating section.

The foot detection unit may comprise a first foot detection unit arranged on an accelerator pedal of the automobile and a second foot detection unit arranged on a brake pedal. A sound and a sound corresponding to the brake pedal can be output, and the controller can cause the sound generation unit to output a sound corresponding to the pedal operated by the driver.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it can be easily attached to a motor vehicle, and it is possible to prevent erroneous pedal depression at a relatively low cost.

Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the pedal operation detection device. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of notification processing by the pedal operation detection device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a first modification of notification processing by the pedal operation detection device. FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a second modification of notification processing by the pedal operation detection device.

A plurality of embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In principle, the same reference numerals are given to the same members in all the drawings for explaining each embodiment, and the repeated description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in the following embodiments, the constituent elements (including element steps and the like) are not necessarily essential, unless otherwise specified or clearly considered essential in principle. In addition, when saying "consisting of A", "consisting of A", "having A", or "including A", other elements are excluded unless it is explicitly stated that only those elements are included. do not. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of components, etc., unless otherwise specified, unless it is clearly considered otherwise in principle, the shape is substantially the same Including those that approximate or are similar to, etc.

<Pedal operation detection device 10 ₁ according to the first embodiment of the present invention>
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ includes a foot detection section 11 and a body section 12 .

The foot detection unit 11 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the load, such as a strain gauge pressure sensor, a piezoelectric effect pressure sensor, a mechanical pressure sensor, a resistive film pressure sensor, a capacitance pressure sensor, or the like. It consists of a pressure sensor that The foot detection unit 11 is arranged on a pedal (for example, an accelerator pedal) of an automobile. The foot detection unit 11 detects a load (contact of the foot) to the extent that the driver puts his/her foot on the pedal, and outputs an electric signal that changes according to the load to the controller 13 of the main unit 12 .

For example, a distance sensor such as an infrared sensor is adopted as the foot detection unit 11, and the distance between the driver's foot and the pedal becomes equal to or less than a threshold value (for example, 1 cm or less) before the driver's foot touches the pedal. This may be detected, and foot approach or foot separation may be output to the controller 13 of the main body 12 as a detection result. The pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ may include both a pressure sensor and a distance sensor.

The main unit 12 has a controller 13, an audio generator 14, a speaker 15, and a battery 16, which are housed in one housing.

The controller 13 determines whether or not the driver's foot is in contact with the pedal based on the presence or absence of the electric signal input from the foot detection section 11 and whether or not the pedal has been released from the contact state. The controller 13 is, for example, a microcomputer or control circuit.

Under the control of the controller 13, the sound generator 14 outputs to the speaker 15 an audio signal corresponding to the sound representing the pedal on which the foot detection unit 11 is arranged (for example, "accel"), and outputs the audio signal from the speaker 15. Output the corresponding sound. It should be noted that the audio signal corresponding to the voice "accel" or the like may be a voice recorded by a person, or may be a synthesized voice. Also, male voice, female voice, voice recorded by the driver or the like may be selected. Further, instead of the audio signal corresponding to the voice "accel" or the like, an audio signal such as a beep sound, an alarm sound, or a melody may be selected.

The battery 16 is a button-type battery, a coin-type battery, a lithium battery, or the like that can be detachably replaced with respect to the main body 12 . The battery 16 supplies drive power to each part of the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ . Instead of providing the battery 16, power may be supplied from, for example, a cigarette lighter socket (accessory power source) of an automobile. However, the provision of the battery 16 can save the trouble of wiring a power supply line from a cigar socket or the like.

As described above, the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ can be made up of relatively inexpensive parts, so that it can be manufactured at a low cost and sold at a low cost.

<Installation of the pedal operation detection device _10-1 >
Next, FIG. 2 shows an arrangement example of the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ corresponding to the case where the sound generator 14 is designed to output an audio signal corresponding to the sound "accelerator".

In the case of this specification, a worker (for example, an automobile user, a driver, etc.) who installs the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ on the automobile arranges the foot detection unit 11 on the accelerator pedal 201 of the automobile.

Also, the operator arranges the main body 12 at a position that does not interfere with the pedal operation by the driver, for example, on the back side of the accelerator pedal 201 or the brake pedal 202 or on a side wall surface. However, if the length of the cable connecting the foot detection unit 11 and the main unit 12 is long enough, the main unit 12 may be arranged on the dashboard or the center console of the automobile, for example.

Note that the audio generator 14 may be designed to output an audio signal corresponding to the audio signal "brake". In that case, the operator arranges the foot detection unit 11 on the brake pedal 202 of the automobile.

As described above, the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ can be easily attached to a vehicle even by a general user or driver of a vehicle who does not have specialized skills related to vehicles.

<Notification processing by the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ >
Next, FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of notification processing by the pedal operation detection device _101. As shown in FIG.

As a premise of the notification process, the audio generator 14 is designed to output an audio signal corresponding to the audio signal "accelerator", and as shown in FIG. shall be The notification process is started when the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ is attached to the automobile and the battery 16 is attached, and is repeatedly executed until the power supply from the battery 16 runs out.

First, the controller 13 determines whether or not the driver's foot is in contact with the accelerator pedal 201 based on the presence or absence of an electric signal input from the foot detector 11 (step S1). Here, when it is determined that the driver's foot is not in contact with the accelerator pedal 201 (NO in step S1), the controller 13 repeats the determination.

After that, if it is determined that the driver's foot has touched the accelerator pedal 201 (YES in step S1), then the controller 13 controls the sound generator 14 to output an audio signal for the sound "accel". , for example, is output only once. Note that the output of the audio signal for the voice "accel" is not limited to one time, and may be repeated several times. Also, instead of controlling the number of times the audio signal is output, the output time may be controlled. As a result, the voice "accel" is output from the speaker 15 (step S2).

Next, the controller 13 determines whether or not the driver's foot is released from the accelerator pedal 201 based on the presence or absence of the electric signal input from the foot detector 11 (step S3). Here, when it is determined that the driver's foot has not left the accelerator pedal 201 (NO in step S3), the controller 13 repeats the determination.

Then, when the controller 13 determines that the driver's foot has been released from the accelerator pedal 201 (YES in step S3), the process returns to step S1, and the steps after step S1 are repeated.

According to the notification processing by the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ , the sound “accelerator” can be output from the speaker 15 in response to the driver's operation of the accelerator pedal 201 . Therefore, for example, when the driver erroneously operates the accelerator pedal 201 while trying to operate the brake pedal 202, the driver can be made aware of the error in pedal operation.

Further, if the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ is attached to, for example, a training car of a driving school, it is possible to familiarize a driver who is inexperienced in driving operation with the positions of the accelerator pedal 201 and the brake pedal 202 during training. .

It should be noted that the output of the voice "accelerator" is not limited to the driver's erroneous operation, but is also performed when the accelerator pedal 201 is intentionally operated as a normal operation. However, since the output is stopped once (for about 0.5 seconds), it is possible to prevent the driver from being annoyed.

<Pedal operation detection device 10 ₂ according to the second embodiment of the present invention>
Next, FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device ₁₀₂ according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The pedal operation detection device 10 ₂ is obtained by adding a vibrating section 21 to the pedal operation detection device 10 ₁ (FIG. 1). The components of the pedal operation detection device _10-2 other than the vibrating section 21 are the same as the components of the pedal operation detection device _10-1 and are given the same reference numerals, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The vibrating section 21 is, for example, a vibrator having a vibrating motor or the like, and converts an audio signal output by the sound generating section 14 into vibration. However, the controller 13 may directly control the vibration of the vibrating section 21 . For example, the vibrating section 21 is arranged on the accelerator pedal 201 so as to overlap with the foot detecting section 11 . However, the vibrating portion 21 may be placed anywhere as long as the driver can recognize the vibration and does not interfere with the driver's driving.

In the case of the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₂ , in response to the driver's operation of the accelerator pedal 201, in addition to being able to output the voice "accel", for example, it is possible to apply vibration to the driver's feet. Therefore, in addition to the same effects as those of the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ , the driver can be made to more strongly recognize that the accelerator pedal 201 is being operated.

<Pedal operation detection device 10 ₃ according to the third embodiment of the present invention>
Next, FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device ₁₀₃ according to a third embodiment of the invention.

The pedal operation detection device 10 ₃ is obtained by replacing the speaker 15 in the pedal operation detection device 10 ₁ (FIG. 1) with a communication unit 31 . The components of the pedal operation detection device _10-3 other than the communication unit 31 are the same as the components of the pedal operation detection device _10-1 and are given the same reference numerals, so the description thereof will be omitted.

For example, the communication unit 31 communicates with the controller 13 of the main unit 12 via a wireless line such as Bluetooth (trademark) or Wi-Fi (trademark) or a wired line, and an external device such as a driver's smart phone or an in-vehicle audio device. and transmits the audio signal from the voice generator 14 to the external device.

In the case of the pedal operation detection device _10-3 , in addition to the same effect as the pedal operation detection device _10-1 , in response to the driver's operation of the accelerator pedal 201, the driver's smart phone or in-vehicle audio device emits a voice "accel". can be output. Also, a vibrator built in the smart phone may be vibrated in accordance with the output of the voice "accel".

<Pedal operation detection device 10 ₄ according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention>
Next, FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device ₁₀₄ according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

The pedal operation detection device 10 ₄ is obtained by replacing the sound generation unit 14 of the pedal operation detection device 10 ₁ (FIG. 1) with a sound generation unit 41 and adding a sound changeover switch 42 . Components of the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₄ other than the voice generation unit 41 and the voice changeover switch 42 are the same as the components of the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ and are denoted by the same reference numerals. are omitted.

The sound generation unit 41 outputs an audio signal corresponding to one of at least two types of sounds (for example, "accel", "brake", etc.) to the speaker 15 under the control of the controller 13, and outputs the audio signal from the speaker 15. Output the corresponding sound. The sound selector switch 42 is for the installation worker to select the sound output by the sound generator 41 according to the arrangement of the foot detector 11 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the foot detection unit 11 is placed on the accelerator pedal 201, the sound selector switch 42 selects the sound generation unit 41 to output the sound "accel". Further, for example, when the foot detection unit 11 is arranged on the brake pedal 202, the sound generation unit 41 is selected to output the sound "brake".

In the case of the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₄ , the sound output by the sound generating section 41 can be selected. Therefore, in addition to the same effects as the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₁ , the foot detection unit 11 can be arranged not only on the accelerator pedal 201 but also on the brake pedal 202 .

<Pedal operation detection device 10 ₅ according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention>
Next, FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a pedal operation detection device ₁₀₅ according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The pedal operation detection device 10 ₅ is obtained by replacing the sound generation unit 14 of the pedal operation detection device 10 ₁ (FIG. 1) with a sound generation unit 51 and adding a foot detection unit 52 . Components of the pedal operation detection device _10-5 other than the sound generation unit 51 and the foot detection unit 52 are the same as the components of the pedal operation detection device _10-1 and are denoted by the same reference numerals. are omitted.

The sound generator 51 outputs audio signals corresponding to at least two types of sounds (for example, “accel”, “brake”, etc.) to the speaker 15 under the control of the controller 13 .

Like the foot detection unit 11, the foot detection unit 52 is composed of a pressure sensor that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the load. The foot detector 52 is arranged on the brake pedal 202 of the automobile. In the present case, the foot detector 11 is arranged on the accelerator pedal 201 of the automobile. The foot detection unit 52 detects a load (foot contact) to the extent that the driver puts his/her foot on the brake pedal 202, and outputs foot contact or foot release to the controller 13 of the main unit 12 as a detection result. .

The controller 13 in the pedal operation detection device ₁₀₅ controls the sound generation unit 14 based on the presence or absence of electric signals input from the foot detection units 11 and 52, and when the user's foot touches the accelerator pedal 201, a sound is generated. "Accelerator" is output, and when the user's foot touches the brake pedal 202, the voice "brake" is output.

In the case of the pedal operation detection device _10-5 , effects similar to those of the pedal operation detection device _10-1 can be obtained. In particular, according to the operation of the accelerator pedal 201 and the brake pedal 202, a sound representing the operated pedal is output. The position of the brake pedal 202 can be familiarized.

<Modified example of controller 13>
The controller 13 is not limited to determining the presence or absence of pedal operation based on the presence or absence of the electric signal from the foot detection section 11 . The controller 13 detects feature quantities related to the electrical signal, such as the presence or absence of the electrical signal, the magnitude of the electrical signal, the average value of the magnitude of the electrical signal, the integrated value of the magnitude of the electrical signal, the waveform pattern of the electrical signal, and the electrical signal. Based on the ON time/OFF time, etc., not only the presence or absence of pedal operation but also normal operation, abnormal and sudden operation, etc., may be determined.

<First modification of notification processing>
The controller 13 determines whether the driver's depression is weak or strong based on the magnitude of the electric signal input from the foot detection unit 11, and changes the sound output by the sound generation unit 14 according to the determination result. The driver may be alerted.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a first modified example of notification processing. The first modification is obtained by adding steps S11, S12, and S13 to the notification process (FIG. 3) described above.

As a premise of the first modification, the sound generator 14 outputs a first sound signal "accelerator" corresponding to a normal weak stepping operation and a second sound corresponding to an abnormal strong stepping operation. It is designed to output an audio signal corresponding to a signal, for example, "It is a sudden start. Please be careful." As shown in FIG. shall be

First, the controller 13 determines whether or not the driver's foot is in contact with the accelerator pedal 201 based on the presence or absence of an electric signal input from the foot detection unit 11 (step S1), and determines that the foot is not in contact. If so (NO in step S1), the controller 13 repeats the determination.

After that, when it is determined that the driver's foot has touched the accelerator pedal 201 (YES in step S1), the controller 13 next detects the magnitude of the electrical signal input from the foot detector 11 and the first threshold value. , and it is determined whether or not the accelerator pedal 201 is weakly depressed (whether or not the magnitude of the electric signal is less than the first threshold) (step S11).

Here, if it is determined that the accelerator pedal 201 is weakly depressed (the magnitude of the electric signal is less than the first threshold) (YES in step S11), the controller 13 controls the sound generator 14 to For example, the output of the audio signal for one voice "accel" is output only once. Note that the output of the audio signal for the first sound is not limited to one time, and may be repeated several times. Also, the output time may be controlled instead of the number of times the audio signal is output. Thereby, the first sound is output from the speaker 15 (step S2).

Conversely, if it is determined that the accelerator pedal 201 is not depressed (the magnitude of the electric signal is greater than or equal to the first threshold) (NO in step S11), then the controller 13 receives input from the foot detection unit 11 The magnitude of the electric signal received is compared with a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold, and whether the accelerator pedal 201 is strongly depressed (whether the magnitude of the electric signal is greater than or equal to the second threshold) ) is determined (step S12). Note that the second threshold is set to a value equal to or greater than the first threshold.

Here, if it is determined that the accelerator pedal 201 is strongly depressed (the magnitude of the electrical signal is equal to or greater than the second threshold) (YES in step S12), the controller 13 controls the sound generator 14 to The voice of 2 "It is a sudden start. Please be careful." is output only once, for example. Note that the output of the audio signal for the second sound is not limited to one time, and may be repeated several times. Also, the output time may be controlled instead of the number of times the audio signal is output. Thereby, the second sound is output from the speaker 15 (step S13).

Conversely, if the controller 13 determines that the accelerator pedal 201 is not strongly depressed (the magnitude of the electrical signal is less than the second threshold) (NO in step S12), step S13 is skipped.

Next, the controller 13 determines whether or not the driver's foot is released from the accelerator pedal 201 based on the presence or absence of the electric signal input from the foot detector 11 (step S3). Here, when the controller 13 determines that the driver's foot has not left the accelerator pedal 201 (NO in step S3), the process returns to step S12, and steps S12 and subsequent steps are repeated. As a modification, when the controller 13 determines that the driver's foot is not released from the accelerator pedal 201 (NO in step S3), the controller 13 may repeat the determination.

Then, when the controller 13 determines that the driver's foot has been released from the accelerator pedal 201 (YES in step S3), the process returns to step S1, and the steps after step S1 are repeated.

According to the first modified example of the notification process described above, in addition to obtaining the same actions and effects as the notification process of FIG. In this case, the speaker 15 can continuously output the second voice "It's a sudden start. Please be careful." Therefore, for example, it is possible to warn the driver that the driving is dangerous.

<Second Modification of Notification Processing>
In the controller 13, based on the magnitude of the electric signal input from the foot detection unit 11 and the stepping time, in other words, based on the amount of change in the electric signal during a predetermined sampling time, whether the driver's operation is a normal stepping operation or not. It is also possible to determine whether the stepping operation is abnormal and sudden, and to call attention to the driver by changing the sound output by the sound generation unit 14 according to the determination result.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a second modified example of notification processing. In the second modification, steps S11 and S12 of the first modification (FIG. 8) are replaced with steps S21 and S22.

The premise of the second modified example is the same as that of the first modified example (FIG. 8) described above, so the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the controller 13 determines whether or not the driver's foot is in contact with the accelerator pedal 201 based on the presence or absence of an electric signal input from the foot detection unit 11 (step S1), and determines that the foot is not in contact. If so (NO in step S1), the controller 13 repeats the determination.

After that, if it is determined that the driver's foot has touched the accelerator pedal 201 (YES in step S1), then the controller 13 receives an input from the foot detection unit 11 during a predetermined sampling period (for example, one second or less). is compared with a third threshold to determine whether the operation on the accelerator pedal 201 is a normal stepping operation (whether the amount of change in the electrical signal is less than the third threshold). is determined (step S21).

Here, when it is determined that the operation of the accelerator pedal 201 is a normal depression operation (the amount of change in the electric signal is less than the third threshold) (YES in step S21), the controller 13 causes the sound generator 14 to Control is performed to output an audio signal for the first voice "accel", for example, only once. Note that the output of the audio signal for the first sound is not limited to one time, and may be repeated several times. Also, the output time may be controlled instead of the number of times the audio signal is output. Thereby, the first sound is output from the speaker 15 (step S2).

Conversely, if it is determined that the operation of the accelerator pedal 201 is not a normal depression operation (the amount of change in the electric signal is equal to or greater than the third threshold) (NO in step S21), then the controller 13 The amount of change in the electrical signal input from the foot detection unit 11 during the sampling period is compared with the fourth threshold to determine whether the operation on the accelerator pedal 201 is an abnormal and sudden stepping operation (the amount of change in the electrical signal is greater than or equal to the fourth threshold) (step S22). Note that the fourth threshold is set to a value equal to or higher than the third threshold.

Here, if it is determined that the operation of the accelerator pedal 201 is an abnormal and sudden stepping operation (the amount of change in the electric signal is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold) (YES in step S22), the controller 13 controls the sound generating unit 14 is controlled to output the second voice "Sudden start. Please be careful.", for example, only once. Note that the output of the audio signal for the second sound is not limited to one time, and may be repeated several times. Also, the output time may be controlled instead of the number of times the audio signal is output. Thereby, the second sound is output from the speaker 15 (step S13).

Conversely, if the controller 13 determines that the operation of the accelerator pedal 201 is abnormal and not a sudden stepping operation (the amount of change in the electrical signal is less than the fourth threshold) (NO in step S22), step S13 Skipped.

Next, the controller 13 determines whether or not the driver's foot is released from the accelerator pedal 201 based on the presence or absence of the electric signal input from the foot detector 11 (step S3). Here, when the controller 13 determines that the driver's foot has not left the accelerator pedal 201 (NO in step S3), the process returns to step S22, and steps S22 and subsequent steps are repeated. As a modification, when the controller 13 determines that the driver's foot is not released from the accelerator pedal 201 (NO in step S3), the controller 13 may repeat the determination.

Then, when the controller 13 determines that the driver's foot has been released from the accelerator pedal 201 (YES in step S3), the process returns to step S1, and the steps after step S1 are repeated.

According to the second modified example of the notification process described above, in addition to obtaining the same actions and effects as the notification process of FIG. It is determined that an abnormal and abrupt stepping operation has been performed, and the second voice "It is a sudden start. Please be careful." can be continuously output from the speaker 15 while the abnormal and sudden stepping operation is being performed. Therefore, for example, it is possible to warn the driver that the driving is dangerous. It should be noted that even if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 201 strongly, if the operation is performed slowly, the amount of change in the electric signal during the predetermined sampling period will be small, and an abnormal and sudden depressing operation will occur. Since it is not determined to have been performed, the first voice "access" is output from the speaker 15 only once.

As an application of the first and second modifications described above, for example, the controller 13 records statistical data such as the number and frequency of sudden braking and sudden starts, and stores the statistical data in an external device such as a driver's smartphone. You may enable it to transmit to a device. The external device can display statistical data, evaluate the driver's driving skill and tendency based on the statistical data, and display the evaluation results. The controller 13 may display the statistical data, evaluate the driver's driving skill and tendency based on the statistical data, and display the evaluation results. Also, the controller 13 may be configured to transmit the evaluation result to an external device.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications have been described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, it is possible to replace a part of a given modification with another modification or combine the modifications.

Further, each of the above configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, and the like may be realized by hardware, for example, by designing them in an integrated circuit. Moreover, each of the above configurations, functions, etc. may be realized by software by a processor interpreting and executing a program for realizing each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in a recording device such as a memory, a hard disk, or an SSD, or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD. Further, the control lines and information lines indicate those considered necessary for explanation, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily indicated on the product. In practice, it may be considered that almost all configurations are interconnected.

The present invention can be provided in various aspects such as a method, a computer-readable program, and the like, without being limited to systems and apparatuses.

10 ₁ to 10 ₅ Pedal operation detection device 11 Foot detection unit 12 Main unit 13 Controller 14 Audio generation unit 15 Speaker 16. Battery 21 Vibration unit 31 Communication unit 41 Sound generation unit 42 Sound changeover switch 51 Sound generation unit 52 Foot detection unit 201... accelerator pedal, 202... brake pedal

Claims (6)

a foot detector that is arranged on a pedal of an automobile and generates an electric signal that changes in magnitude according to a change in the load caused by the driver's pedal operation;
a sound generator for switching and outputting a sound capable of distinguishing between at least two types of pedals ;
a changeover switch for switching the sound output from the sound generating unit;
At least one of the presence or absence of contact of the driver's foot with respect to the pedal, the strength of depression, and the speed of depression is determined based on the electric signal, and the sound produced by the sound generation unit according to the determination result. a controller that controls the output of
One foot detection unit is provided,
The changeover switch switches the sound output from the sound generation unit according to a switching operation according to the placement of the foot detection unit.
Pedal operation detection device. The pedal operation detection device according to claim 1,
The controller is
when it is determined that the foot of the driver touches the pedal, controlling the sound generating unit to output the sound ;
A pedal operation detection device for resuming determination of presence/absence of contact of the driver's foot with the pedal based on the electric signal when the contact of the driver's foot with the pedal is released. The pedal operation detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
Depressing force on the pedal is determined based on the magnitude of the electrical signal.
Pedal operation detection device. The pedal operation detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
Depressing speed of the pedal is determined based on the amount of change in magnitude of the electrical signal during a predetermined sampling time.
Pedal operation detection device. The pedal operation detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
A pedal operation detection device comprising: a vibrating unit that vibrates according to a determination result of whether or not the driver's foot is in contact with the pedal by the controller. The pedal operation detection device according to claim 1 or 2,
A pedal operation detection device, comprising: a communication unit that connects to an external device and outputs the sound from the external device.

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