JPS61162777A - Recognition for running environment of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow an operator to determine the surrounding situation easily, by performing a display for recognition of an object when a specified distance is detected based on distance information between the own vehicle and an object and information on the speed of the own vehicle to facilitate the operator's recognition. CONSTITUTION:A signal from a distance sensor 1 is inputted into a distance information calculating circuit 10 to compute the distance between the own vehicle and an object and the distance information obtained is inputted into a running environment judging circuit 11. On the other hand, a signal about the speed of the own vehicle from a vehicle speed sensor 12 is inputted into an own vehicle speed calculating circuit 11 and information on the speed of the own vehicle obtained by computation with the own vehicle speed calculating circuit 13 is inputted into the running environment judging circuit 11 and an own vehicle operation detecting circuit 14. The running environment judging circuit 11 judges the surrounding running environment from the distance information and the information on the own vehicle speed. For example, it is determined whether a specified distance is maintained between the own vehicle and another vehicle or not and when they approached each other exceeding a specified value, a display is made by outputting a judgment signal.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) This invention relates to a method for recognizing the driving environment of a vehicle, and more particularly, to a method of recognizing the driving environment of a vehicle that can easily recognize surrounding objects while driving. .

(Prior Art) Conventionally, in vehicles such as four-wheeled motor vehicles and motorcycles, objects such as surrounding vehicles and pedestrians can be recognized while driving by looking directly or through a rearview mirror. There is.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) By the way, it is difficult for a driver to recognize vehicles and cargo in the surrounding area in a short period of time, or when driving at night, on a rainy day, or when there is frost.
When the surrounding conditions worsen, careful attention is required to recognize the object. In addition, it is troublesome to look behind the vehicle through the rearview mirror, and requires a great deal of attention to the rear, which are factors that impede the driver's comfortable driving environment.

Therefore, there is a need for a means to easily recognize surrounding conditions and make driving even more comfortable.

This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and the purpose is to provide a method for recognizing the driving environment of a vehicle that allows the surrounding objects to be easily recognized and provides a better driving environment for the driver. There is.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention obtains distance information between the own vehicle and an object from a distance sensor provided in the vehicle, and obtains the own vehicle speed from a vehicle speed sensor. When a predetermined distance is detected based on this distance information and vehicle speed information, and if the fuel injection is at a predetermined speed, a display device installed in the vehicle displays a display to recognize the object. It is characterized by what it has done.

(Operation) In the present invention, distance information between the vehicle and an object is obtained from a distance sensor provided in the vehicle, and vehicle speed information is obtained from a speed sensor. Then, the driving environment around the vehicle is determined from this distance information and own vehicle speed information. As a result of this determination, if there is an object at a predetermined distance from the vehicle, a display is displayed on a display device installed in the vehicle to make the presence of the object known.

Therefore, the driver can easily grasp the surrounding situation.

It is possible to know the existence of objects such as other vehicles and pedestrians,
Drivers will be provided with a better environment.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a motorcycle will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the present invention, and in the figure, reference numeral 1 indicates a distance sensor, and this distance sensor 1 is provided at a predetermined position of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the distance sensor 1 includes a front distance sensor 2, a right front distance sensor 3, a left front distance sensor 4, a right side distance sensor 5, and a left side distance sensor 6.
, a rear distance sensor 7 , a right diagonal rear distance sensor 8 , and a left diagonal rear distance sensor 9 .

Signals related to the distance between the own vehicle and objects such as other mokas and pedestrians obtained by the distance sensor l are input to the distance information calculation circuit 10, and the distance information calculation circuit 10 calculates from these signals. to obtain distance information, and output this distance information to the driving environment judgment circuit ll.

Further, the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle speed sensor 12, which detects a pulse signal based on the rotation of the front wheels, for example, and outputs this pulse signal to the own vehicle speed calculation circuit 13. The own vehicle speed calculation circuit 13 calculates the vehicle speed from the pulse signal, and outputs this own vehicle speed information to the driving environment judgment circuit 11 and to the direct movement detection circuit 14.

The operation signals of the flasher switch 15 and the stop switch 16 are also input to the vehicle operation detection circuit 14, and the operation information calculated based on the vehicle speed information is output to the running ring and filler cutoff circuit 11. do. Based on the own vehicle speed information, the control is such that, for example, if the speed is below a predetermined speed, no operation information is output even if an operation signal is input.

The driving environment judgment circuit 11 judges the surrounding driving environment based on the distance information between the own vehicle and the object, the own vehicle speed information, and the movement information of the own car, and outputs a judgment signal to the display control circuit 17.

The driving environment judgment circuit 11 determines the driving environment by knowing the position and distance between the own vehicle and objects, and the movement of surrounding objects from distance information and own vehicle speed information. Then, when the distance between the own vehicle and the object reaches a predetermined value, it is displayed and outputs a judgment signal that allows the driver to recognize the object. The distance between the own vehicle and the object at this time changes depending on the speed of the own vehicle, and is set to a predetermined distance if the vehicle speed is constant.

Further, when the driving environment judgment circuit 11 receives operation information from the own vehicle movement detection circuit 14, for example, if the operation information is based on the operation signal of the stop switch 16, the driving environment judgment circuit 11 outputs a 1 judgment signal. Set a longer distance between you and other vehicles. Further, if the operation information is based on the operation signal of the flasher switch 15, the distance to the object in the direction of changing the course is set to be long so that the judgment signal is outputted early.

The display control circuit 17 is configured to display one surrounding driving environment on the display device 18 based on the determination signal from the driving environment determining circuit 11. The display on the display device 18 includes a display for the driver of the own vehicle, a display for the driver of another vehicle, a pedestrian, and the like. - The display to the driver of the vehicle indicates that the distance to the object is within a predetermined value, or the direction of the object. This display may be based on light or sound, and may be a light display. There are two types of light sources: point light sources such as bulbs and light emitting diodes, and images from liquid crystal display devices, cathode ray tube display devices, and the like. Sound displays include point sound sources such as buzzers, and sound images with stereo effects.

Indications to drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians are made by light and sound. Light may be provided by bulbs, strobe discharge tubes, etc., and in the case of sound, a sound device such as a buzzer or speaker may be used.

Figures 2 to 411 show the distance sensor l and display device 18.
A more specific configuration is shown.

2 to 5 are applied to a motorcycle having a cowling and a box, and a front distance sensor 2 is installed at the lower center of the front side of a cowling 19 that covers both sides from the front side of the vehicle body.
However, a right front distance sensor 3 and a left front distance sensor 4 are provided on both left and right sides of the front side, respectively. rear wheel 20
The right side distance sensor 5, the left side distance sensor 6, and the right diagonal rear distance sensor 8. A left diagonal rear distance sensor 9 is provided. A rear distance sensor 7 is provided in a rear box 24 provided behind the seat 23.

A plurality of these distance sensors 1 may be provided in each direction. For example, a radar sensor, a semiconductor laser sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a television camera, etc. are used. Radar sensors include a separate type with a transmitting part and a receiving part separated, or an integrated type with a transmitting part and a receiving part integrated, and semiconductor laser sensors have a laser emitting part and a receiving part. Further, the infrared sensor has a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and the ultrasonic sensor has a transmitting part and a receiving part, and each of them emits microwaves, laser light, infrared rays, and ultrasonic waves to detect pedestrians and other people. The light is reflected by objects such as vehicles and is received by each receiver. Further, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 4, when the television camera 25 is used as a rear distance sensor, for example, two cameras are used.
Images are obtained by each television camera 25, and a signal regarding distance is obtained from the difference between the images. Furthermore, when only one television camera 25 is used, a signal related to distance is obtained depending on the degree of focus.

These distance sensors 1 may be attached to the cowling 19, the side boxes 21, 22, and the rear box 24, or may be integrated into these.

Further, the front distance sensor 2 may be attached to the front fork 26, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 3, or may be attached to a part that moves together with the front fork 26. In this case, the front distance sensor 2 fork 2
Since it rotates with 6, the accuracy of sensing is improved by a whole year.

These distance sensors 1 can sense objects in a predetermined range around the vehicle as shown in FIG.
mg! It is set as a percentage of the vehicle, but it is arbitrarily selected depending on the vehicle type.

・In this embodiment, the distance sensor l is arranged so that it can sense the surroundings of the vehicle, but as shown in Fig. Range C1 Front predetermined range A and rear predetermined range C
1 Specified range from left and right diagonal rear to rear, and predetermined range A in front
and a predetermined range D from the rear left and right, a predetermined range A in front.
It may be possible to sense only a predetermined range E from the left and right sides to the rear, or furthermore, only the right side or the left side of the vehicle may be sensed.

The display device 18 includes a display section 18a for the driver of the own vehicle, and a display section 18b for the driver of another vehicle and pedestrians.

When the display section 18a for the driver is configured using light, the meter panel 28 of the meter 27 provided on the front side of the vehicle body.
, or on the cover 30 that covers the upper part of the internal combustion engine 29, and further on the fuel tank if the cover 30 is a fuel tank.

When the display section 18a is constructed from a point light source of a bulb 1 For example, as shown in FIG. can be made variable. When emitting light continuously, for example, the amount of light may be kept constant regardless of the approaching distance of the object, or the amount of light may be increased. In addition, when the bulb 31 is blinked and made variable, for example, the light intensity may be constant regardless of the approaching distance of the object, and the light may be turned on or off at regular intervals, or the light may be turned on or off at a constant interval. Or lengthen the turn-off interval. Alternatively, there are methods such as keeping the lighting interval constant and gradually increasing the amount of light, or keeping the light amount constant and shortening the extinguishing interval.

Alternatively, a large number of light emitting diodes may be arranged on the side to display characters such as 1, for example, a message such as "You are coming too close".

If the display section 18a is provided on the cover 30, for example, $7
As shown in Figure (a), a plurality of bulbs 31 are provided at a predetermined distance between opening and opening of the display 32 of the vehicle, and when an object approaches, the bulb 31 in the direction indicating the position of the object lights up.

This lighting method may be the same as described above.

In addition, when one display is performed as an image, the display section 18a shown in FIG. 7(b) is a liquid crystal display device, and the screen shown in FIG.
An object 33 at a predetermined distance may be displayed on the display 32 of the vehicle using a J-ray tube display device.

Note that the arrangement positions of these display sections 18a are not limited to those described above, and can be freely selected.

In addition, when displaying with sound, it is possible to use a buzzer 34 that uses the display section 18a as a point sound source. Buzzer 34
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the meter panel 2
8, one frequency is constant and the sound can be emitted continuously or at predetermined intervals. In this case, similar to the above-mentioned light, the volume is changed and the interval between occurrences is changed to indicate the direction of the object and the degree to which it approaches.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 as a point sound source,
Speakers 35 placed on the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle body can be used, and the speakers 35 can be used to speak words to indicate the distance and direction of an object, or to change the frequency for other than words. Alternatively, the front, rear, left, and right speakers 35 may be used to create a stereo effect, and the direction may be indicated by a sound image.

The display unit 18b for drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians uses light and sound. For example, a bulb or a strobe discharge tube is used as the optical display section 18b. The bulbs can be used with the existing flasher lights 37 and 38° headlights 39 on the front and back of the stop ride 361 that also serves as taillights, or they can be newly installed in designated locations on the vehicle.

When a new display section tab is installed, one valve 40 is provided as shown in FIG. Further, a plurality of valves 40 may be provided, and in this case, as a general rule, they are provided at the rear of the vehicle.

Whether an existing bulb 40 is used or a new one is installed, the display of the bulb 40 is made to have a constant amount of light, or to increase the amount of light or shorten the interval between blinks as another vehicle approaches.

Furthermore, in the case of new installation, the display section 18b may be constructed by providing a large number of bulbs on the E side of the rear fender 41 of the vehicle so as to display a message such as "Keep distance between the clusters". may be displayed.

Strobe discharge tubes are used for continuous flashing or single flashing.
A rotating lamp is an example other than a strobe discharge tube that emits continuous light.

The sound display '1ll18b may be configured with a buzzer or a speaker, and in the case of using the speaker, for example, the words may be arbitrarily selected depending on the direction of the other vehicle.

Also, display! 18b may be provided integrally with the distance sensor 1.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment applied to a motorcycle without a cowling or box, in which the front distance sensor 2 is placed above the headlight 42 and the rear distance sensor 7 is placed above the taillight 43. A display section 18a indicating the approach of the object to the driver of the vehicle is provided above a meter 44 provided at the center of the steering wheel. On the other hand, the display part 18b for drivers of other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. is the existing headlight 42, front and rear 7 lasher lamps 45
．． 46. Alternatively, this is an example of using the tail light 43 or the like.

Note that the rear distance sensor 7 can be provided on the rear side of the backrest 47 in a vehicle having a backrest 47, as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a rear fender 41 can be provided on a vehicle with a long rear fender 41.

Further, when side covers 49 are provided below both sides of the seat 48 as shown in FIG. 11, the lateral distance sensor 6 may be provided on the side covers 49.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

While the vehicle is running, other vehicles, pedestrians, etc. around the vehicle are detected by respective distance sensors l. The signal from the distance sensor l is input to the distance information calculation circuit 10, which calculates the distance between the own vehicle and the object, and the obtained distance information is input to the driving environment judgment circuit 11. be done.

On the other hand, for the vehicle speed of the own vehicle, a signal from the vehicle speed sensor 12 is input to the own vehicle speed calculation circuit 13, and the own vehicle speed information obtained by calculation in the own vehicle speed calculation circuit 13 is transmitted to the driving environment judgment circuit ll.
and is input to the own vehicle motion detection circuit 14.

The driving environment judgment circuit 11 judges the surrounding driving environment from the distance information and the own vehicle speed information.For example, it judges whether a predetermined distance is maintained between other vehicles and pedestrians. When they are close to each other by a predetermined value or more, a judgment signal is output and displayed on the display device 18 via the display control circuit 17. This display differs depending on the display device 18, and when displaying using light, it lights up a bulb, flashes, or projects an image of the object, and when displaying using sound, it uses a buzzer or By a sounding device such as a speaker.

As a result, the driver can easily recognize surrounding objects, and when visibility is poor, the driver can guide the driving of the vehicle, providing a better driving environment for the driver.

Furthermore, the display is also made to drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians using light or sound to notify drivers of other vehicles and pedestrians that they are approaching within a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

Then, in order to change the course, Fragiya Sui 2 Chi 1
5 or when the brake is applied, the stop switch 16 is activated, and this operation signal is input to the own vehicle motion detection circuit 14. In this self-vehicle motion detection circuit 14, for example, the self-vehicle during operation! Based on the information, operation information is output only when the speed exceeds a predetermined value, and the driving environment judgment circuit 11 sets the distance between the own vehicle and the target object to be longer, so that the display for N-turners and the driver of other vehicles is accelerated. Make it.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, the present invention obtains distance information between the own vehicle and an object from the distance sensor, and obtains own vehicle speed information from the vehicle speed sensor, and uses this distance information and the own vehicle speed information to determine the distance between the own vehicle and the object. When the distance is detected and the vehicle is traveling at a predetermined speed, a display that recognizes the object is displayed on the vehicle's display device, so the driver can easily grasp the surrounding situation. The presence of objects such as other vehicles and pedestrians can be detected, resulting in a better driving environment.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of this invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view of a motorcycle to which this invention is applied, Fig. 3 is a front view thereof, and Fig. 4 is a plan view of a motorcycle to which this invention is applied.
Figure 85 is a rear view, Figure 85 is a diagram showing the narrow tube i of the distance sensor, Figure 6 is a diagram showing the display section for the driver of the own vehicle, and Figure 7 (
a), (b). (C) is a diagram showing another embodiment showing the display section for the driver of vehicle Q, @8 is a side view of another motorcycle to which this invention is applied, and FIGS. 9 and 1θ are rear distance sensors. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another arrangement of the lateral distance sensor. l...Distance sensor lO...Distance information calculation circuit 11...Driving environment judgment circuit 12...Vehicle speed sensor 13...Vehicle speed calculation circuit 14...Vehicle speed calculation circuit 15...Flasher switch 16...Stop switch 17...Display control circuit 18...Display device Fig. 4 Fig. 6 Fig. 7 (a) (t)) (C) Fig. 9 Fig. 10

Claims (1)

[Claims] Obtain distance information between the vehicle and the object from a distance sensor installed in the vehicle, and obtain vehicle speed information from the vehicle speed sensor, and when a predetermined distance is detected from this distance information and vehicle speed information, a predetermined A method for recognizing a running environment of a vehicle, in which a display device provided in the vehicle displays a display for recognizing an object when the vehicle speed is .