JPH1153699A - Inter-vehicle distance alarming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inter-vehicle distance alarming device capable of intuitively recognizing the increase in the possibility of coming into contact with a vehicle in front. SOLUTION: An alarm display part 12 is composed of a red alarm lamp 12a, a yellow alarm lamp 12b and a green alarm lamp 12c which are arranged at positions near a front vehicle display part 11 in the order of the alarm lamps 12a, 12b and 12c. The alarm lamps 12a, 12b and 12c are in a trapezoidal shape while the sizes of respective bottom sides are large in the order of the alarm lamps 12c, 12b and 12a. The alarm display part 12 consisting of the alarm lamps 12a, 12b and 12c is also in the trapezoidal shape. A numerical value display part 13 displays one of an inter-vehicle distance with the vehicle in front, inter-vehicle time, a relative speed, sensitivity of alarm generation, a magnitude of alarming sound and an error display by a numerical value. A following travel display part 14 indicates the alarm generation sensitivity in an analog manner by lighting one of plural marks. A standstill object alarming part 15 indicates an alarm for a standstill object by the red alarm lamp and the following travel display part 16 indicates whether or not a following travel function is set by the green alarm lamp.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a radar system for detecting a distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle by a radar device, and when it is determined that the distance between the vehicles has decreased to a predetermined distance or less, an alarm is issued. The present invention relates to an inter-vehicle distance alarm device that notifies a driver of the collision and prevents a rear-end collision.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an apparatus for measuring the distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle by irradiating a beam of radio waves, laser, light, or the like, and generating an alarm for a driver, for example, FIGS.
8 is disclosed in JP-A-8-80792. In FIGS. 16 to 18, reference numeral 1 denotes an own-vehicle display, and reference numeral 2 denotes a plurality of segment display elements arranged and arranged in accordance with the inter-vehicle distance to a preceding vehicle. Reference numeral 3 denotes a red warning light, 4 denotes a yellow warning light, and 6 denotes a green warning light. In FIGS. 16 to 18, the lit segment display element 2 and the warning lights 3 to 5 are hatched.

In this conventional inter-vehicle distance warning device, the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle is displayed on the segment display element 2. That is, when the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle is large, the lighting area is large as in the segment display element 2 in FIG. 16, and as the inter-vehicle distance becomes small, FIGS.
As described above, the lighting area is reduced.

[0004] The possibility of collision of the vehicle is indicated by warning lights 3-5.
Had been displayed. That is, when the inter-vehicle distance is large and the possibility of collision is low, the green warning light 5 is turned on as shown in FIG. 16, and when the inter-vehicle distance is short, the yellow warning light 4 is turned on as shown in FIG. When the inter-vehicle distance becomes small, the red warning light 3 is turned on as shown in FIG.

[0005]

As described above, the conventional inter-vehicle distance warning device changes the color of the warning lights 3, 4 and 5 from green to green as the vehicle approaches the preceding vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance decreases.
The color is changed from yellow to red to make it easier for the driver to recognize.

However, in the conventional inter-vehicle distance warning device, the lighting area of the segment display element 2 that indicates the inter-vehicle distance decreases as the inter-vehicle distance decreases, and the possibility of contact with the preceding vehicle may increase. Was changed in the opposite direction to the increase in For this reason, there has been a problem that it is difficult to intuitively recognize an increase in the possibility of contact with the preceding vehicle, which does not match the driver's sense.

When the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, the driver's driving operation differs depending on whether the own vehicle is further approaching or leaving the preceding vehicle. . Similarly, even when the inter-vehicle distance exceeds a predetermined distance, the driver's driving operation differs depending on whether the own vehicle is approaching or leaving the preceding vehicle. .

However, in the above-mentioned conventional inter-vehicle distance warning device, the lighting area of the segment display element 2 is becoming larger as to whether the vehicle is approaching or leaving the preceding vehicle. There is a problem that it is necessary to judge whether the size is smaller or smaller, and it is difficult to make the judgment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an inter-vehicle distance alarm device capable of intuitively recognizing an increase in the possibility of contact with a preceding vehicle in view of the above-described problems of the conventional device.

[0010]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

(1) The present invention is configured as follows to achieve the above object. That is, an inter-vehicle distance alarm device that detects an inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle and generates an alarm according to the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Having a plurality of warning lights arranged adjacent to the part, the color of the warning lights changes depending on the distance between the vehicle ahead and the distance between the vehicles, and as the distance between the vehicles decreases, among the plurality of warning lights, A display section for illuminating a warning lamp at a position closer to the front vehicle display section.

(2) Preferably, in the above (1),
The display section on which the warning light is lit is disposed adjacent to the lower part of the front vehicle display section, has a shorter upper side, a longer lower side, has a trapezoidal shape representing a road, and has a small inter-vehicle distance. The shape of the warning unit that emits light in order from the lower part to the upper part of the warning light is a trapezoidal shape that has a shorter upper side and a longer lower side and represents a road.

(3) An inter-vehicle distance warning device which detects an inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle and generates an alarm according to the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. The vehicle includes a stationary object display unit that compares the speed with the own vehicle speed and switches between a lit state and a non-lit state based on a determination whether the preceding vehicle is stationary.

(4) An inter-vehicle distance warning device which detects an inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle and generates an alarm in accordance with the inter-vehicle distance with the preceding vehicle. And a follow-up travel display that indicates whether or not the vehicle is traveling following the preceding vehicle while maintaining a constant inter-vehicle distance, and the following travel display is a following travel. When the vehicle display unit indicates that a vehicle is present in front, the vehicle display unit indicates that the vehicle is running following the preceding vehicle, and the following display unit indicates that the vehicle is following. If the vehicle display does not indicate that a vehicle is present ahead, it indicates that the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed.

(5) Preferably, in the above (4),
There are a plurality of criteria for alarm judgment, and when any one of the plurality of alarm judgment criteria is selected, a display unit for displaying the judgment criteria to be selected and displaying the judgment criteria numerically is provided. In addition to the display of the criterion, the criterion is displayed as an analog value, and the analog value is always displayed on the display unit.

(6) The distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is detected, an alarm is issued according to the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and the vehicle follows the preceding vehicle so as to maintain a constant following distance. An inter-vehicle distance warning device for displaying whether or not the vehicle is running, wherein a reference value for follow-up running and a reference value for alarm determination are commonly used.

(7) An inter-vehicle distance alarm device which detects the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle and generates an alarm according to the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, determines that the inter-vehicle distance alarm device is abnormal. In this case, the content of the determined abnormality is displayed in either a numerical value or an alphabet, or a combination of a numerical value and an alphabet.

(8) The distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is detected, an alarm is issued in accordance with the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle, and the vehicle follows the preceding vehicle so as to maintain a constant following distance. An inter-vehicle distance alarm device that displays whether or not the vehicle is running includes a display unit that selects one of an inter-vehicle distance with a preceding vehicle, an inter-vehicle time, and a relative speed and displays the selected numerical value.

(9) An inter-vehicle distance warning device which detects a distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle and generates an alarm according to the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle. A front vehicle display unit that indicates whether or not a warning light that is arranged adjacent to the lower part of the front vehicle display unit and changes to a plurality of colors and has a smaller inter-vehicle distance, from the lower part of the warning light The trapezoidal warning unit that emits light sequentially toward the upper part, and the relative speed between the own vehicle and the detected preceding vehicle is compared with the own vehicle speed, based on the determination whether the preceding vehicle is stationary or not, A stationary object display unit that is switched between a lighted state and a non-lighted state, and a follow-up traveling display unit that displays whether or not the vehicle is following up to maintain a constant inter-vehicle distance with respect to the preceding vehicle, Inter-vehicle distance, inter-vehicle time, relative to preceding vehicle A numerical display unit for displaying a numerical value by selecting one of degree, the reference of the alarm decision is more,
When selecting one of multiple alert criteria,
An alarm occurrence sensitivity display unit that constantly displays a criterion to be selected as an analog value.

In the invention of the above (1), by providing the front vehicle display section, the driver can instantly judge whether or not the inter-vehicle distance warning device detects the front vehicle. Further, as the inter-vehicle distance between the own vehicle amount and the preceding vehicle decreases and the possibility of collision increases, the display unit close to the front vehicle display unit is turned on, thereby indicating the actual positional relationship between the own vehicle amount and the preceding vehicle. Therefore, the positional relationship between the front vehicle display unit indicating the vehicle in front and the warning light becomes the same, and the driver can recognize the possibility of collision between the host vehicle and the vehicle in front without discomfort.

In the invention of the above (2), a plurality of warning lights of different colors are arranged at the lower part of the front vehicle display section, and the warning lights are turned on in order from the bottom as the possibility of collision increases, whereby: The positional relationship between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle in the front scene confirmed by the driver and the positional relationship between the preceding vehicle display unit and the warning light become the same, and the driver may reduce the possibility of collision between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle. It can be recognized without discomfort.

Further, by making the shape of the warning section composed of the warning light into a trapezoid representing a road having a short upper side and a longer lower side, a sense of perspective can be obtained from the display. Can easily recognize the possibility of collision of the own vehicle.

In the invention of the above (3), by providing a display unit for comparing the detected relative speed with the own vehicle and the own vehicle speed and displaying an alarm, for example, a stationary object having a large relative speed and a high degree of danger It is possible to recognize an alarm for (for example, a vehicle stopped on the road) separately from other alarms.

In the invention of the above (4), when the follow-up traveling function is set, the two displays are combined,
In order to distinguish between a state in which the vehicle is running following the preceding vehicle and a state in which the vehicle is running at a constant speed, the driver can instantly recognize the current driving state.

According to the invention of the above (5), when the criterion of the alarm judgment is adjusted, the criterion is displayed on the display unit and the criterion is indicated by a numerical value, so that the driver can himself / herself. You can recognize your favorite criteria numerically,
Even when a different driver changes the criterion, the driver can easily set the criterion to his or her own preference.

Further, in the invention of (5), the judgment criterion is displayed as an analog value separately from the display of the judgment criterion of the alarm by the numerical value, and the display is always displayed, so that the driver can always be informed. You can check the level of the criterion that you set.

In the invention of the above (6), the driver's operation can be simplified as compared with the case where the reference values for the following running and the reference value for the warning judgment are commonly used, as compared with the case where the reference values are separately set. .

In the invention of (7), when it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance alarm device has an abnormality, the details of the abnormality are displayed by numerical values or alphabets or a combination of numerical values and alphabets, so that the driver can easily operate. It is possible to recognize that the system is not operating normally, and to recognize the outline of the content of the abnormality.

In the invention of the above (8), one of the following distance, the following time and the relative speed with respect to the preceding vehicle is selected and displayed numerically on one display section, thereby displaying the numerical value in a limited space. Therefore, a large amount of information can be displayed according to the driver's preference, and the requirements such as miniaturization of the inter-vehicle distance alarm display and response to various driver needs can be satisfied.

If the relative speed is selected to be displayed, it is determined whether a minus is added to the relative speed as to whether the vehicle is approaching or leaving the preceding vehicle. Then, it is possible to discriminate, and it is possible to intuitively recognize an increase in the possibility of contact with the preceding vehicle.

In the invention of the above (9), the driver can instantly recognize the current driving situation including the case where the follow-up traveling function is set.

[0031]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of an inter-vehicle distance alarm device for an automobile according to the present invention. This inter-vehicle distance alarm device includes a radar 6, a signal processing unit 7, a vehicle speed sensor 8, a display 9, and a following travel control unit 10.

The role of each component of the inter-vehicle distance warning device will be described along the flow of processing. As the radar 6, a type of radar capable of measuring a distance and a relative speed with respect to a preceding vehicle is used. Here, there are various types of radar 6 such as a type using a laser and a type using a millimeter wave. However, since the present invention does not relate to a radar system, its details are omitted.

The distance and the relative speed with respect to the object ahead (vehicle ahead) measured by the radar 6 are sent to the signal processing section 7 and processed. The vehicle speed sensor 8 detects the traveling speed of the own vehicle, and outputs the detected traveling speed to the signal processing unit 7.

The signal processing unit 7 receives an instruction signal from a display 9 in addition to the data input from the radar 6 and the vehicle speed sensor 8. The signal processing unit 7 determines the distance to the vehicle ahead based on these signals, and sends a warning instruction to the display 9. These data are also sent from the signal processing unit 7 to the display 9 in response to displaying the distance, the relative speed, and the like according to the driver's preference. Further, the signal processing unit 7 determines the distance to the preceding vehicle, the relative speed, the horizontal angle, the own vehicle speed, and the like.
Send to a.

The display 9 comprises a display controller 9a, a switch 9b, a display 9c and a speaker 9d.
Display control unit 9a receiving data from signal processing unit 7
Is selected from several types of numerical displays described later and displayed on a numerical display unit provided in the display unit 9c by an input operation to the switch unit 9b by the driver. Further, the display controller 9
a, when a warning is issued from the signal processing unit 7, a warning is issued by turning on a warning light provided on the display unit 9c according to the possibility of collision, and a warning sound is generated from the speaker 9d if necessary. Sounds and alerts the driver of the possibility of a collision.

The display 9 also has a switch 9b on the switch 9b for the driver to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm generation. The indicated value of this switch is displayed on the display 9c and the display controller is controlled. 9a is sent to the signal processing unit 7, and the signal processing unit 7 adjusts the alarm generation timing according to the indicated value. A method of displaying a warning to the driver, that is, details of the operation of the display unit 9c will be described later.

The follow-up traveling control unit 10 includes a traveling control unit 10
a, a throttle actuator 10b, a brake actuator 10c, and a transmission control unit 10d. A microcomputer (not shown) is built in the travel control unit 10a, and a software program for performing the following processing is recorded in advance. First, based on the data from the signal processing unit 7, the traveling control unit 10a
The vehicle acceleration / deceleration for maintaining the distance to the preceding vehicle at the target inter-vehicle distance is determined.

Further, the traveling control unit 10a calculates a throttle opening, a braking force, and a shift position for executing the determined acceleration / deceleration. Then, the traveling control unit 10a sends the required throttle opening to the throttle actuator 10b and sends a shift position instruction to the transmission control unit 10b based on the calculation result. In addition, if a brake is required during deceleration, the traveling control unit 10a issues a brake instruction to the brake actuator 1.
0c.

Here, a basic algorithm of the following running control will be described. When there is no preceding vehicle, the travel control unit 10a controls the throttle actuator 10b and the like so that the driver travels at a preset target speed. On the other hand, when a preceding vehicle exists in the own vehicle traveling lane and the preceding vehicle is traveling at a target speed set by the driver or lower, the throttle actuator 10b and the like are controlled so as to follow the preceding vehicle. ing.

The travel control unit 10a calculates acceleration and deceleration required for performing follow-up travel control at a certain target inter-vehicle distance, and calculates the throttle actuator 10a.
b, the control amounts of the brake actuator 10c and the transmission control unit 10d are determined, and commands are sent to the throttle actuator 10b and the like. However, the present invention does not relate to follow-up running, so that the details are omitted.

Next, the contents displayed on the display unit 9c will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 11 denotes a front vehicle display unit, and 12 denotes a plurality of warning display units arranged and arranged in accordance with the inter-vehicle distance to a preceding vehicle.
Is comprised of a red warning light 12a, a yellow warning light 12b, and a green warning light 12c.

The red warning light 12a is closest to the front vehicle display unit 11, the yellow warning light 12b is closest to the front vehicle display unit 11, and the green warning light 12c is farthest from the vehicle display unit 11. Is located in the position.

The warning lights 12a, 12b, 12
c has a trapezoidal shape, and the size of each base is such that the warning light 12b is larger than the warning light 12a and the warning light 12c is larger than the warning light 12b.
The warning display section 12, which is a set of the warning lights 12a, 12b, and 12c, also has a trapezoidal shape.

Numeral 13 is a numerical display unit for selecting one of numerical values from the following distance between the vehicle and the preceding vehicle, the following time, the relative speed, the sensitivity of the alarm, the loudness of the alarm sound, and the error display. 14 indicates the sensitivity of the alarm occurrence among a plurality of landmarks.
An alarm generation sensitivity indicating unit which indicates which mark is lit in an analog manner, 15 is a warning unit for a stationary object which shows an alarm for a stationary object with a red warning light, and 16 is a green color indicating whether or not the follow-up traveling function is set. Is a follow-up running display section indicated by a warning light.

Next, the operation of the front vehicle display section 11 and the alarm display section 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
In (a) to (e), when the warning lights 12a, 12b, and 12c of the front vehicle display unit 11 and the warning display unit 12 are turned on, they are indicated by hatching.

FIG. 3A shows a state in which the radar 6 has not detected the preceding vehicle, and all the warning lights 12a, 12b and 12c of the forward vehicle display section 11 and the alarm display section 12 are lit. Absent. (B) to (e) of FIG.
Indicates a state in which the front vehicle is detected, and indicates a state in which the front vehicle display unit 11 is lit.

When the vehicle ahead is detected, but the inter-vehicle distance is large and there is almost no possibility of collision, only the front vehicle display section 11 is turned on as shown in FIG. 6B.
As the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle decreases and the possibility of a rear-end collision increases, the warning lights 12c to 12a are sequentially turned on as shown in FIGS. 3 (c) to 3 (e).

That is, when the degree of caution is low, only the green warning light 12c is turned on as shown in FIG. When the alert level is medium, the yellow warning light 12b is turned on in addition to the green warning light 12c as shown in FIG. 3D. When the degree of vigilance is high, a green warning light 1 as shown in FIG.
In addition to 2c and the yellow warning light 12b, the red warning light 12a is turned on.

As described above, the display sections 12a to 12c are formed as trapezoids representing roads so that a sense of perspective can be obtained from the display. As the nature increases,
When the warning lights 12c to 12a close to the front vehicle display unit 11 are turned on, the actual positional relationship between the own vehicle and the front vehicle is the same as the positional relationship between the front vehicle display unit and the warning light indicating the possibility of collision. Thus, the driver can intuitively recognize the possibility of a collision without any discomfort.

Next, an example of the alarm judgment performed by the signal processing section 7 will be described. Normally, as the driving speed of the vehicle increases, the required inter-vehicle distance for ensuring safety increases,
The appropriate inter-vehicle distance changes depending on the traveling speed. Therefore, the inter-vehicle time is used as a criterion for determining whether the current inter-vehicle distance is a safe inter-vehicle distance.

The following formula (1) shows the relationship between the following distance, the own vehicle speed, and the following time. Inter-vehicle time (sec) = inter-vehicle distance (m) / own vehicle speed (m / sec) --- (1) Here, it is said that the inter-vehicle time is almost constant regardless of the own vehicle speed. It is said that an inter-vehicle time of 2 seconds or more is a safe inter-vehicle distance.

For example, the sensitivity of the warning is, for example, a green warning light 12c and an inter-vehicle time of 2 to 3 seconds.
Green warning light 12c and yellow warning light 12 in seconds to one second
b, The green warning light 12c, the yellow warning light 12b, and the red warning light 12a are turned on in the inter-vehicle time of 1 second or less.

Then, based on the threshold value of the alarm level, the threshold value of the alarm level is selected from the five alarm sensitivities as shown in FIGS. To be able to In FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents the inter-vehicle time (second), and the horizontal axis represents the alarm sensitivity.

In FIG. 4, for example, when the alarm sensitivity 17e is selected, the green warning light 12c is turned on when the inter-vehicle time is 1.5 to 1.0 seconds, and is green when the inter-vehicle time is 1.0 to 0.5 seconds. The warning light 12c and the yellow warning light 12b are turned on, and the green warning light 12c and the yellow warning light 12b and the red warning light 12a are turned on when the inter-vehicle time is 0.5 second or less. Although the relationship between the alarm sensitivity and the inter-vehicle time shown in FIG. 4 is linear, this relationship may be a curve.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, an alarm, that is, a procedure of a warning lamp lighting process will be described. First, the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is measured by the radar 6 (Step S).
1).

Next, the vehicle speed of the host vehicle is measured by the vehicle speed sensor 8 (step S2), and the signal processor 7 calculates the inter-vehicle time by dividing the measured inter-vehicle distance by the vehicle speed (step S3).

Next, the signal processing section 7 checks the currently set alarm sensitivity, and sets a threshold value corresponding to each alarm sensitivity. When the alarm sensitivity is set to 17a (step S4), the thresholds TH1, TH2, and TH3 are set to 4.5 seconds, 3 seconds, and 1.5 seconds, respectively (step S8).

If the alarm sensitivity is set to 17b (step S5), the threshold values TH1, TH2,
TH3 is set to 3.75 seconds, 2.5 seconds, and 1.25 seconds, respectively (step S9).

If the alarm sensitivity is set to 17c (step S6), the threshold values TH1, TH2, T
H3 is set to 3 seconds, 2 seconds, and 1 second, respectively (step S10). If the alarm sensitivity is set to 17d (step S7), the threshold values TH1, TH2, TH3
Are set to 2.25 seconds, 1.5 seconds, and 0.75 seconds, respectively (step S11). If the alarm sensitivity is set to 17e, the threshold values TH1, TH2, TH
3 are set to 1.5 seconds, 1 second, and 0.5 seconds, respectively (step S12).

Next, the calculated inter-vehicle time is compared with the set thresholds TH1, TH2, TH3 to determine the level of the alarm to be lit. If the calculated inter-vehicle time is greater than TH1 (step S13), it is determined that there is almost no possibility of collision, and the warning lamp is not turned on (step S1).
6).

If the calculated inter-vehicle time is less than TH1 and greater than TH2 (step S14), the possibility of collision is determined to be small, and the green warning light 12c is turned on (step S17). If the calculated inter-vehicle time is equal to or less than TH2 and greater than TH3 (step S15), the possibility of collision is determined to be medium, and the green warning light 12c and the yellow warning light 12b are turned on (step S18). The calculated inter-vehicle time is T
In the case of H3 or less, the possibility of collision is determined to be large, and the green warning light 12c, the yellow warning light 12b, and the red warning light 12
a is turned on (step S19).

If it is determined by the above-described flow that an alarm is to be turned on when the vehicle ahead is distant, the alarm sensitivity adjustment switch (not shown) of the switch section 9b is operated, and the alarm shown in FIG. This can be dealt with by setting the sensitivity to 17a. On the other hand, if the user does not want to turn on the alarm until the vehicle in front is considerably close, he operates an alarm sensitivity adjustment switch (not shown) of the switch section 9b,
This can be handled by setting the alarm sensitivity to 17e.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a description will be given of a display method of the alarm occurrence sensitivity instructing section 14 for indicating the sensitivity of the alarm occurrence by the position of the mark. The alarm generation sensitivity indicating section 14 has 5
Triangular marks 14a to 14e and these marks 14a
It is composed of three notations representing the meanings of the positions of to 14e, far 14f, middle 14g, and near 14h. These triangular marks 14a to 14e are adjusted according to the alarm sensitivity adjustment value.
The lighting position changes.

That is, when the adjustment value of the alarm sensitivity is the farthest as indicated by 17a in FIG. 4, the mark 14a at the farthest far position 14f is lit (FIG. 6 (a)). . In the case of 17b in FIG. 4, the mark 14b is turned on ((b) in FIG. 6), and in the case of 17c in FIG. 4, the mark 14c in the middle 14g is turned on ((c) in FIG. 6). ). Also, in the case of 17d in FIG. 4, the mark 14d is turned on ((d) in FIG. 6), and in the case of 17e in FIG. 4, the mark 14e at the lowermost position 14h is turned on ((e) in FIG. 6). ).

Here, the shapes of the marks 14a to 14e do not necessarily have to be triangular as long as it can be determined at which position the alarm sensitivity is far, middle or near. Also, it is only necessary to be able to judge how much the alarm sensitivity is set with respect to the number of the marks, and whether the alarm sensitivity is set closer,
At least 2 so that you can determine if it is set far
At least one.

Next, the display contents displayed on the numerical value display section 13 of the display 9c and the switching thereof will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the contents displayed on the numerical value display unit 13 are roughly divided into the radar measurement value display 1
8, alarm sensitivity display 19, volume display 20, and error display 2
There are four types of 1.

Normally, the radar measurement value display 18 is set on the numerical value display section 13 shown in FIG. However, in the following cases, the content displayed on the numerical value display unit 13 is changed to the alarm sensitivity display 1
9. Switch to volume display 20 and error display 21.

First, the case of switching to the alarm sensitivity display 19 will be described. When the driver operates an alarm sensitivity adjustment switch (not shown) of the switch section 9b, the display control section 9
The content a is displayed on the numerical value display unit 13 is switched to the alarm sensitivity display 19. Then, when the driver does not operate the alarm sensitivity adjustment switch and a certain time period t seconds elapses, the display control unit 9a changes the contents of the numerical display unit 13 to the radar measured value display 18.

Next, the case of switching to the volume display 20 will be described. When the driver operates a volume control switch (not shown) of the switch section 9b, the display control section 9a switches the numerical value displayed to the volume display 20. Then, when a certain period of time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses after the driver stops operating the volume adjustment switch, the display control unit 9a changes the contents of the numerical display unit 13 to the radar measurement display 18.

Next, the case of switching to the error display 21 will be described. The error display 21 is switched by the signal processing unit 7 regardless of the driver's intention. That is, the signal processing unit 7 checks the operation state of the inter-vehicle distance warning system, and when it determines that there is some abnormality in the system, the signal processing unit 7 sends a signal to the display control unit 9a,
The display controller 9a switches the display content of the numerical display 13 to the error display 21.

Next, details of the respective display methods of the radar measurement value display 18, the alarm sensitivity display 19, the volume display 20, and the error display 21 displayed on the numerical value display section 13 will be described.

First, the radar measured value display 18 will be described. In the radar measurement value display 18, the following distance display 18
a, any one of the driver's favorite displays can be displayed from the three types of display, ie, the inter-vehicle time display 18b and the relative speed display 18c. Every time the driver presses a display changeover switch (not shown) of the switch section 9b, the display is switched in the order of the following distance display 18a, the following time display 18b, and the relative speed display 18c.

Therefore, the driver can select his / her favorite display state from the three types of display, ie, the following distance display 18a, the following time display 18b, and the relative speed display 18c.

Here, specific display methods of the three display states of the radar measured value display 18, the following distance display 18a, the following time display 18b, and the relative speed display 18c will be described.

First, an inter-vehicle distance display 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The display method of 8a will be described. Inter-vehicle distance display 18a
In FIG. 8, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, “m” (meter) is always displayed as a numerical unit regardless of the inter-vehicle distance between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Regarding the numerical values to be displayed, when the radar 6 has not detected the preceding vehicle, FIG.
(A), "----" is displayed and the distance is not displayed. When the radar 6 detects the preceding vehicle, the numerical value display unit 13 displays the inter-vehicle distance with the preceding vehicle.

If the detected inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle is, for example, 80 m, a display is made as shown in FIG. 8B. Further, as the inter-vehicle distance changes, the numerical value display unit 13 displays the inter-vehicle distance with respect to the preceding vehicle detected in real time. When the detected inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle is 60 m, the distance is displayed as shown in FIG. 8C, and the inter-vehicle distance is 40 m.
Is displayed as shown in FIG. 8D.

Next, a method of displaying the headway time display 18b will be described with reference to FIG. Inter-vehicle time display 18
In FIG. 9B, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, "sec." is always displayed as a unit of numerical value regardless of the inter-vehicle time between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Regarding the numerical values to be displayed, when the radar 6 has not detected the preceding vehicle, "--.--" is displayed as shown in FIG. 9A, and the time is not displayed.

When the radar 6 detects the preceding vehicle, the numerical value display section 13 displays the time between the preceding vehicle and the preceding vehicle. When the detected inter-vehicle time with the preceding vehicle is, for example, 3.0 seconds, the display is performed as shown in FIG. 9B.

As the inter-vehicle time changes, the inter-vehicle time with the preceding vehicle detected in real time is displayed on the numerical value display section. 1. Detected inter-vehicle time with preceding vehicle
If the time is 5 seconds, it is displayed as shown in FIG. 9C, and if the inter-vehicle time is 2.0 seconds, it is displayed as shown in FIG. 9D.

Next, a method of displaying the relative speed will be described with reference to FIG. Relative speed display 1 in FIG.
In FIG. 8c, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D, "km / h" is always displayed as a unit of numerical value regardless of the relative speed between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle. Regarding the numerical values to be displayed, when the radar 6 does not detect the vehicle ahead, FIG.
"----" is displayed as in (a) of 0, and the relative speed is not displayed. When the radar 6 detects the preceding vehicle, the numerical display unit 13 displays the relative speed with respect to the preceding vehicle.

15 km relative to the detected preceding vehicle
When moving away with / h, it is displayed as shown in FIG. Further, as the relative speed changes, the numerical value display section 13 displays the relative speed with respect to the preceding vehicle detected in real time. When the detected relative speed with respect to the preceding vehicle is zero, a display is made as shown in FIG. Also,
When the relative speed is 10 km / h and the vehicle approaches the preceding vehicle, as shown in FIG.
/ H "to indicate that the vehicle is approaching the preceding vehicle by adding a minus to the relative speed.

Thus, whether the vehicle is approaching or moving away from the preceding vehicle can be determined by judging whether or not minus is added to the relative speed, thereby making contact with the preceding vehicle. The increase in possibility can be intuitively recognized.

Next, the alarm sensitivity display 19 among the radar measured value display 18, the alarm sensitivity display 19, the volume display 20, and the error display 21 displayed on the numerical value display section 13 will be described.

FIGS. 11A to 11E show display states when the alarm sensitivity is adjusted in five steps as an example. The numerical value display unit 13 displays the inter-vehicle time for generating an alarm in which the yellow warning light 12b is turned on as a guide for determining the alarm sensitivity, and the alarm generation sensitivity indicating unit 14 displays a triangle mark at a position corresponding to the alarm sensitivity. Lights up. Then, the driver looks at these indications, determines the alarm sensitivity, and adjusts the sensitivity to his or her preference.

FIG. 11 (a) shows a display when an alarm is generated so that an alarm is generated when the distance between the host vehicle and the preceding vehicle is the longest in the five stages of the alarm sensitivity adjustment. This FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 4, the inter-vehicle time at which the yellow warning light 12b is turned on and an alarm is generated is 3 seconds corresponding to 17a in FIG. 4, and the alarm generation sensitivity display section 14 displays the uppermost mark 14
a lights up.

FIG. 11 (b) shows a display when the alarm sensitivity is set closer to one step than in FIG. 11 (a). In this case, the inter-vehicle time during which the yellow warning light 12b is turned on and an alarm is generated is 2.5 seconds, which is 17b in FIG. 4, and the alarm generation sensitivity display section 14 is illuminated with the second mark 14b from the top. .

FIG. 11C shows a display when the alarm sensitivity is set closer by one step than in FIG. In this case, the inter-vehicle time during which the yellow warning light 12b is turned on and an alarm is generated is 2.0 seconds, which is 17c in FIG. 4, and the center mark 14c of the alarm generation sensitivity display unit 14 is turned on.

FIG. 11D shows a display when the alarm sensitivity is set closer by one step than in FIG. 11C. In this case, the inter-vehicle time at which the yellow warning light 12b is turned on and an alarm is generated is 1.5 seconds corresponding to 17d in FIG.
The second mark 14d from the bottom of the alarm occurrence sensitivity display section 14 is turned on.

FIG. 11 (e) shows a display in the case where adjustment is made so that an alarm is generated in the state of closest approach. In this case, the inter-vehicle time at which the yellow warning light 12b is turned on to generate an alarm is 1.0 second, which is equivalent to 17e in FIG. 4, and the lowermost mark 14e of the alarm generation sensitivity display unit 14 is lit.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the inter-vehicle time is used as a guide of the alarm sensitivity. However, a simple numerical value having no unit may be used as a guide, for example, from 1 to 5 in 5 steps. . Also, in this example, the number of steps for adjusting the alarm is five.
It is sufficient if there are a plurality of stages equal to or more than the stages.

As described above, the criterion is displayed in the form of an analog value and the display is always displayed, so that the driver can always confirm the level of the criterion set by the driver. Also, when adjusting the criteria for the alarm judgment, the driver can recognize his / her favorite judgment standard by numerically displaying the judgment standard on the display unit and displaying the judgment standard with numerical values. Thus, even when a different driver changes the judgment criteria, the driver can easily set the judgment criteria to his or her own preference.

Next, among the radar measured value display 18, the alarm sensitivity display 19, the volume display 20, and the error display 21 displayed on the numerical value display section 13, the volume display 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

The volume of the alarm volume is indicated by numerical values as shown in FIG. For example, when the sound volume is adjusted in 16 steps, and when the sound volume is minimum, “0” is displayed as shown in FIG. When the driver adjusts the volume control switch (not shown) of the switch section 9b so as to increase the volume, the numerical value increases by one. FIG. 12B shows a display when the volume is adjusted to “5”.
As the maximum numerical value of the volume, “15” is displayed as shown in FIG.

By expressing the volume by the numerical value in this manner, the driver can adjust the volume of the alarm to his or her desired size. Although the volume adjustment is not shown, when the volume adjustment switch is adjusted, the speaker emits a sound of the adjusted volume, and the driver can adjust the alarm volume also according to the volume of the speaker sound. Here, the sound volume adjustment is performed in 15 steps, but it is not necessarily required to be performed in 15 steps, and a plurality of at least two steps may be used.

Next, the error display 21 among the radar measured value display 18, the alarm sensitivity display 19, the volume display 20, and the error display 21 displayed on the numerical value display section 13 will be described with reference to FIG. If the signal processing unit 7 determines that there is some abnormality in the inter-vehicle distance warning system, for example, FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 3, a numerical value or an alphabet or a symbol combining a numerical value and an alphabet is displayed blinking on the numerical value display unit 13 to notify the driver that there is an abnormality in the system. Notify. Then, the display can be changed according to the type of the abnormality content, such as the display “E1” and “E2” in FIG.

Next, the display of the stationary object alarm will be described with reference to FIG. The signal processing unit 7 compares the relative speed of the target object detected by the radar with the speed of the own vehicle. Then, the relative speed is within a predetermined range of the own vehicle speed (± xkm / h).
Otherwise, as shown in FIG. 14A, the stationary object alarm unit 15 does not light.

If the relative speed is the same as the own vehicle speed or within a predetermined range (± xkm / h), the object detected by the radar is determined as a stationary object, and as shown in FIG. A red warning light is lit on the object warning unit 15.

Thus, the driver can distinguish between an alarm for a vehicle ahead and an alarm for a stationary object, and the driver can easily recognize a stationary object approaching more rapidly than the preceding vehicle.

Next, the display of the following running will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15A shows a state in which the following running is not set, and in this case, the following running display section 16 is not lit.

When the driver operates a follow-up traveling switch (not shown) of the switch section 9b to set the follow-up traveling, FIG.
(B) and (c) as shown in FIG.
The green warning light comes on. Thus, the driver can recognize that the follow-up running has been set.

By the way, when the follow-up traveling is set, the following two traveling states exist. One is when the driver is traveling at a fixed speed set in advance because there is no preceding vehicle to follow, and the other is when the driver is following the preceding vehicle detected by the radar. And

The following display section 16 and the preceding vehicle display section 11
By using in combination, the driver can distinguish and recognize these two states. That is, in the former state (the state in which the driver is running at a preset constant speed because there is no preceding vehicle to be followed), the following traveling display section 16 is turned on as shown in FIG. The front vehicle display 11 is turned off.

In the latter state (running following the preceding vehicle detected by the radar), as shown in FIG. The vehicle display unit 11 is also turned on.

By displaying in this manner, the driver can distinguish and recognize the two states as described above.

[0105]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. It is possible to realize an inter-vehicle distance alarm device capable of intuitively recognizing an increase in the possibility of contact with a preceding vehicle and a traveling state of the own vehicle during a follow-up traveling.

If the relative speed is selected to be displayed, it is determined whether a minus is added to the relative speed as to whether the vehicle is approaching or leaving the preceding vehicle. Then, it is possible to discriminate, and it is possible to intuitively recognize an increase in the possibility of contact with the preceding vehicle.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of an inter-vehicle distance warning device for an automobile according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display unit of the inter-vehicle distance alarm device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating operations of a forward vehicle display unit and an alarm display unit.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship between an alarm sensitivity and a headway distance.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an alarm processing procedure.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of an alarm generation sensitivity instruction unit.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of types of display contents to be numerically displayed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of an inter-vehicle distance display.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an inter-vehicle time display.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a relative speed display.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a display when adjusting the alarm generation sensitivity.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a volume display.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an error display.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a display of a stationary object alarm.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a display of following travel.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the conventional inter-vehicle distance display device displays that the inter-vehicle distance with the preceding vehicle is a safe inter-vehicle distance.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state in which the conventional inter-vehicle distance display device draws attention to the driver because the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle is shorter than the safe inter-vehicle distance.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the conventional inter-vehicle distance display device warns the driver that the inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle is short and the possibility of collision is large.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 6 radar 7 signal processing unit 8 vehicle speed sensor 9 display 9a display control unit 9b switch unit 9c display unit 10 following running control unit 10a running control unit 10b throttle actuator 10c brake actuator 10d transmission control unit 11 front vehicle display unit 12 alarm display Unit 12a, 12b, 12c Warning light 13 Numerical display unit 14 Alarm generation sensitivity display unit 15 Stationary object alarm unit 16 Follow-up running display unit

Continued on the front page. Design Institute

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle is detected.
An inter-vehicle distance warning device that generates a warning according to the inter-vehicle distance to a vehicle in front, comprising: a front vehicle display unit indicating a vehicle in front; and a plurality of warning lights arranged adjacent to the front vehicle display unit. The display in which the color of the warning light changes according to the inter-vehicle distance to the vehicle in front and, as the inter-vehicle distance decreases, a warning light of a position closer to the front vehicle display unit among the plurality of warning lights is lit. And an inter-vehicle distance alarm device. 2. The inter-vehicle distance warning device according to claim 1, wherein the display section on which the warning light is lit is disposed adjacent to a lower portion of the front vehicle display section, and the upper side is shorter and the lower side is shorter. An inter-vehicle distance alarm device having a long, trapezoidal shape representing a road, and sequentially emitting light from a lower portion to an upper portion of the warning light as the inter-vehicle distance becomes smaller. 3. Detecting an inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle,
In an inter-vehicle distance warning device that generates an alarm according to the inter-vehicle distance to a preceding vehicle, a relative speed between the own vehicle and the detected preceding vehicle is compared with the own vehicle speed to determine whether or not the preceding vehicle is stationary. An inter-vehicle distance alarm device comprising a stationary object display unit that can be switched between a lighted state and a non-lighted state based on. 4. An inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle and a preceding vehicle is detected,
An inter-vehicle distance warning device that generates an alarm according to the inter-vehicle distance with a preceding vehicle, a front vehicle display unit that indicates whether a vehicle is present ahead, and a follow-up to maintain a constant inter-vehicle distance with respect to the preceding vehicle. A follow-up traveling display unit that displays whether or not the vehicle is traveling,
When the following display indicates that the vehicle is following the vehicle, and the vehicle display indicates that a vehicle is present in front of the vehicle, the vehicle indicates that the vehicle is following the preceding vehicle. An inter-vehicle display, wherein the traveling display unit indicates that the vehicle is following, and if the vehicle display unit does not indicate that a vehicle is present ahead, the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed. Distance alarm device. 5. The inter-vehicle distance warning device according to claim 4, wherein there are a plurality of criteria for alarm judgment, and when any one of the plurality of alarm judgment criteria is selected, a judgment standard to be selected is displayed. In addition, a display unit for displaying the criterion by a numerical value is provided, and apart from the display of the criterion by the numerical value, the criterion is displayed by an analog value.
An inter-vehicle distance alarm device displayed on the display unit. 6. An inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle is detected,
An inter-vehicle distance warning device that generates an alarm according to the inter-vehicle distance to a preceding vehicle and further displays whether or not the vehicle is following to maintain a constant inter-vehicle distance with respect to the preceding vehicle. An inter-vehicle distance alarm device which uses a reference value for alarm judgment in common. 7. An inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle is detected,
In an inter-vehicle distance alarm device that generates an alarm according to the inter-vehicle distance with the vehicle in front, when it is determined that the inter-vehicle distance alarm device has an abnormality, the content of the determined abnormality is either a numerical value or an alphabet, or An inter-vehicle distance warning device characterized by displaying a combination of a numerical value and an alphabet. 8. An inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle is detected,
An inter-vehicle distance warning device that generates an alarm according to the inter-vehicle distance to a preceding vehicle and further indicates whether or not the vehicle is following up to maintain a constant inter-vehicle distance to the preceding vehicle. An inter-vehicle distance alarm device, comprising: a display unit for selecting one of inter-vehicle time and relative speed and displaying the selected numerical value. 9. Detecting an inter-vehicle distance between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle,
An inter-vehicle distance warning device that generates a warning according to the inter-vehicle distance with a preceding vehicle, comprising: a front vehicle display unit that indicates whether or not a vehicle is present ahead; A warning light that changes to a plurality of colors, a trapezoidal warning section that emits light sequentially from a lower portion to an upper portion of the warning light as the inter-vehicle distance becomes smaller, A stationary object display unit in which a relative speed with respect to the vehicle is compared with the own vehicle speed, and based on a determination whether or not the preceding vehicle is stationary, a lit state and a non-lit state are switched. A follow-up running display section that displays whether or not the vehicle is following up to maintain a constant inter-vehicle distance with respect to the preceding vehicle; and selecting one from the following distance, inter-vehicle time, and relative speed with the preceding vehicle. Numerical display that displays numerical values and alarm There are a plurality of interruption criteria, and when selecting any one of the plurality of alarm criteria, an alarm occurrence sensitivity display unit that constantly displays a criterion to be selected by an analog value is provided. Distance warning device.