JPWO2019208515A1 - Marking structure, as well as road markings, road attachments and structures - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a marking structure capable of increasing the reception intensity of reflected waves when sensing is performed by a radar using millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves. It also provides road markings, road appendages and structures that can be well sensed by millimeter or quasi-millimeter wave radar. The marking structure of the present invention has a repeating structure portion in which reflective members that reflect millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves are repeatedly arranged at intervals of 0.2 mm or more and 40 mm or less. In addition, the road markings, road attachments and structures of the present invention include the marking structure.

Description

The present invention relates to a marking structure, road markings using the marking structure, road attachments and structures, and particularly uses a radar such as a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar in an automatic driving system or a driving support system. It relates to marking structures, road markings, road attachments and structures that can be used to advantage in performing the sensing that was used.

In recent years, a driving support system that assists a driver's driving operation of an automobile and an automatic driving system that automatically drives an automobile without the driver performing the driving operation have been attracting attention.

Here, in the driving support system and the automatic driving system, in-vehicle radar devices and the like are used to indicate road markings such as lane markings and stop lines; edge stones, breakers, guard fences (guard rails, guard pipes, etc.), rubber. It is essential to develop technology to accurately detect road attachments such as poles, distance markings, lighting, electric poles, traffic lights, signal poles, road signs and road sign pillars; and structures such as fences and outer walls; ..

Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, a thermoplastic binder and a constitutional material are used as road surface line markings which have a large difference in refractive index intensity from the road surface and can reduce detection malfunction when a laser radar is used. , A glass having a predetermined refractive index and a particle size on the surface of a band-shaped line formed of a melt-type marking paint that requires a plasticizer, a coloring pigment, and glass beads having a predetermined refractive index and a particle size. Road surface line markings in which beads are sprayed and fixed have been proposed.

Further, for example, in Non-Patent Document 1, a millimeter-wave radar is used as an all-weather white line detection technology in which the detection performance is unlikely to deteriorate even in bad weather such as rainfall, snowfall and fog, and even when snow is accumulated, for example, about 400 mm. A technique for detecting rib-type white lines provided with ribs at equal intervals has been proposed.

JP-A-2015-148114

Kotaro Ishimoto, 5 others, "Rib-type white line detection by millimeter-wave radar", Fujitsu Ten Giho, March 2017, Vol. 34, No. 1, p. 9-17

Here, from the viewpoint of realizing a driving support system and an automatic driving system that are not easily affected by the weather, as an in-vehicle radar, a millimeter-wave radar or a quasi-millimeter-wave radar whose detection performance is unlikely to deteriorate even in bad weather and snowfall is used. It is preferable to use it. However, in the above-mentioned conventional marking structure such as the above-mentioned road surface line marking and rib type white line, the reception intensity of the reflected wave is low when the millimeter wave radar or the quasi-millimeter wave radar is used.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a marking structure capable of increasing the reception intensity of reflected waves when sensing is performed by a radar using millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide road markings, road appendages and structures that can be well sensed by a radar using millimeter or quasi-millimeter waves.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems advantageously, and according to the present invention, the following marking structures <1> to <19>, the following road markings <20> to <21>, The following <22> to <23> road attachments and the following <24> to <25> structures are provided.
<1> A marking structure having a repeating structure portion in which reflective members that reflect millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves are repeatedly arranged at intervals of 0.2 mm or more and 40 mm or less.
<2> The marking structure according to <1> above, wherein the reflective member has a height of 3 mm or less.
<3> The marking structure according to <1> or <2> above, wherein the reflective member has a negative real part of the complex relative permittivity.
<4> The marking structure according to <3> above, wherein the reflective member contains a metal.
<5> The marking structure according to <1> or <2> above, wherein the reflective member has a real part having a complex relative permittivity of 5 or more.
<6> The marking structure according to <1> or <2> above, wherein the reflective member has a real part having a complex relative magnetic permeability of more than 1.
<7> The marking structure according to <1> or <2> above, wherein the reflective member has a negative real part of complex relative magnetic permeability.
<8> The marking structure according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the reflective member is repeatedly arranged in the repeating structure portion at a constant cycle.
<9> The marking structure according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the arrangement interval of the reflective member is modulated in the repeating structure portion.
<10> The marking structure according to <9> above, wherein the arrangement interval of the reflective member in the repeating structure portion is within a range of 0.7 times or more and 1.3 times or less the average value of the arrangement intervals.
<11> A first repeating structure portion in which the reflecting member is repeatedly arranged in the first cycle, and a second repeating structure in which the reflecting member is repeatedly arranged in a second cycle different from the first cycle. The marking structure according to any one of <1> to <7> above, which has a portion.
<12> The marking structure according to any one of <1> to <7> above, which has a plurality of repeating structure portions having different repeating directions.
<13> The marking structure according to <12> above, wherein the repeating structure portion includes 5 or more and less than 20 reflective members.
<14> The marking structure according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the reflective member is a linear member.
<15> The marking structure according to <14> above, wherein the linear member is a linear member.
<16> The marking structure according to <14> above, wherein the linear member is a curved member.
<17> The marking structure according to any one of <1> to <16>, which is transparent to millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves and has a cover layer covering the repeating structure portion.
<18> The marking structure according to <17>, wherein the cover layer is a layer that conceals the repeating structure portion from at least one of visible light and infrared light.
<19> The marking structure according to <17>, wherein the cover layer absorbs at least one of visible light and infrared light.
<20> A road marking having the marking structure according to any one of <1> to <19> above.
<21> The marking structure according to any one of <17> to <19> above is provided.
The cover layer is a road marking having a higher reflectance of at least one of visible light and infrared light than the installation surface.
<22> A road accessory having the marking structure according to any one of <1> to <19> above.
<23> The marking structure according to any one of <17> to <19> above is provided.
The cover layer is a road accessory having a higher reflectance of at least one of visible light and infrared light than the installation surface.
<24> A building having the marking structure according to any one of <1> to <19> above.
<25> The marking structure according to any one of <17> to <19> above is provided.
The cover layer is a building in which the reflectance of at least one of visible light and infrared light is higher than that of the installation surface.

According to the marking structure of the present invention, the reception intensity of the reflected wave can be increased when sensing is performed by a radar using a millimeter wave or a quasi-millimeter wave.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide road markings, road attachments and structures that can be well sensed by a radar using millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves.

It is a top view which shows the structure of an example of a marking structure. (A) and (b) are plan views which show the structure of the modification of the marking structure. It is a top view which shows the structure of another example of a marking structure. (A)-(c) are plan views which show the structure of another example of a marking structure. It is a top view which shows the structure of still another example of a marking structure. It is a top view which shows the structure of still another example of a marking structure. It is a top view which shows the structure of still another example of a marking structure. It is a top view which shows the structure of still another example of a marking structure. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of an example of a marking structure. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of an example of a road marking. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of an example of a road appendage. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of another example of a road appendage. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of another example of a road appendage.

The marking structure of the present invention can be suitably sensed by a radar using a millimeter wave or a quasi-millimeter wave, and for example, a radar such as a millimeter-wave radar or a quasi-millimeter-wave radar is used in an automatic driving system or a driving support system. It can be installed on the object to be sensed. Further, the road markings, road attachments and structures of the present invention have the marking structure of the present invention and can be suitably sensed by a radar using millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves.

(Marking structure)
The marking structure of the present invention has a repeating structure portion in which reflective members that reflect millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves are repeatedly arranged at intervals of 0.2 mm or more and 40 mm or less. In this way, if the reflecting members are repeatedly arranged at intervals of 0.2 mm or more and 40 mm or less, the reflected waves obtained by scattering and reflecting millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves by the reflecting members strengthen each other and propagate. The reception intensity of the reflected wave can be increased.
The marking structure may further have a cover layer that covers the repeating structure portion.

<Millimeter wave / quasi-millimeter wave>
Here, examples of millimeter waves and quasi-millimeter waves include electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 20 GHz or more and 300 GHz or less and a wavelength of 1 mm or more and 15 mm or less. Specifically, the millimeter wave includes an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 30 GHz or more and 300 GHz or less and a wavelength of 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and a quasi-millimeter wave has a frequency of 20 GHz or more and less than 30 GHz and a wavelength of 10 mm. Examples include electromagnetic waves having an ultra-15 mm or less.

<Repeat structure part>
Further, the repeating structure portion has a reflecting member repeatedly arranged at predetermined intervals, and a portion located between the reflecting members and having a reflectance of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves different from that of the reflecting member. Specifically, the form of the repeating structure portion is not particularly limited, and for example, (1) a plurality of reflective members having a reflectance of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves different from that of the reflective members are placed on an installation surface. A form in which a plurality of reflective members are installed at predetermined intervals, (2) a plurality of reflective members are arranged at predetermined intervals so that a part of the reflectance of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves is different from that of the reflective member on the surface layer of the installation surface. Embedded form, (3) A form in which members having different reflectances of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves are spread between a plurality of reflective members arranged at predetermined intervals on the installation surface, (4) millimeter waves. Alternatively, a member that absorbs millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves is arranged on an installation surface that can reflect quasi-millimeter waves so that the installation surface is exposed at predetermined intervals (between members that absorb millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves). The position where the installation surface is a reflective member), (5) A member whose reflectance of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves is different from that of the reflective member is placed on the reflective member spread on the installation surface at predetermined intervals. Examples thereof include a form arranged so as to be exposed.
The "portion where the reflectance of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves is different from that of the reflecting member" may be one that absorbs millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves. Further, the marking structure may have only one repeating structure portion or may have a plurality of repeating structure portions. Further, in the above (1), (3), (4) and (5), the reflective member, the member having a reflectance different from that of the reflective member, and the member that absorbs millimeter wave or quasi-millimeter wave are on the installation surface. It may be installed or arranged directly on the installation surface, or may be indirectly installed or arranged on the installation surface via an adhesive layer or the like.

The repeating structure portion having the above-described form usually has a distribution in which the complex relative permittivity and / or the complex relative magnetic permeability repeatedly change at the above-mentioned intervals.

[Reflective member]
Here, as the reflective member, any member can be used without particular limitation as long as it is a member capable of having different reflectances of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves from the portion located between the reflective members. .. Specifically, as the reflective member, for example, a member made of a material such as a metal having a negative real part of the complex relative permittivity, forsterite, aluminum oxide, barium niobate magnesiumate, barium neodium titanate, oxidation. A member made of a material having a real part of a complex relative permittivity of 5 or more, preferably 10 or more, such as magnesium and zinc oxide, a member made of a material having a real part of a complex relative permeability of more than 1 such as a magnetic material, and a member. , A member made of a material such as a metamaterial in which the real part of the complex relative permeability is negative. Above all, from the viewpoint of increasing the reception intensity of the reflected wave when sensing using a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar, a reflective member made of a material such as metal having a negative real part of the complex relative permittivity is used. preferable. Further, from the viewpoint of easily detecting the installation position of the reflective member after the construction of the marking structure, the reflective member made of a material such as a magnetic material having a real part having a complex relative magnetic permeability of more than 1 is preferable. Further, from the viewpoint of obtaining high reflectance by designing the characteristics according to the frequency of millimeter wave or quasi-millimeter wave, a reflective member made of a material having a negative real part of complex relative permeability such as a metamaterial is preferable.
It should be noted that the polarization that can be reflected by a material having a real part value of complex relative dielectric constant of 5 or more or a material having a negative real part value of complex relative dielectric constant and a real part value of complex relative permeability of 1 or more. Because the real value of the material or complex permeability is different from the polarization that can be reflected by the negative material, the material's properties are selected according to the polarization emitted by the millimeter-wave or quasi-millimeter-wave radar. Is preferable.

Also, each repeatedly arranged reflective member typically has a length sufficiently long for millimeter or quasi-millimeter wave wavelengths and a width sufficiently short for millimeter or quasi-millimeter wave wavelengths. Have. Specifically, the reflective member has, for example, a length of 0.1 mm or more. The width of the reflective member is, for example, 1/200 or more and 2/3 or less, preferably 1/50 or more and 1/5 or less of the average value of the arrangement intervals of the reflective members in the repeating structure portion.

Further, the height of the reflective member provided on the installation surface is preferably 3 mm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less. When the height of the reflective member is not more than the above upper limit value, it is possible to suppress the formation of excessive unevenness in the structure to which the marking structure is provided. Therefore, for example, when the road marking structure is formed by using the marking structure, it is possible to prevent the vehicle such as a motorcycle from being hindered from running, and it is possible to prevent the road marking from being scraped off when removing snow by a snow removal grader or the like. can do. Further, when the height of the reflecting member is at least the above lower limit value, the reception intensity of the reflected wave when sensing is performed using a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar can be sufficiently increased.

Further, the plan view shape of each of the repeatedly arranged reflective members is not particularly limited, and for example, in addition to a linear shape such as a straight line or a curved line, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a cross shape, a polygonal shape, or the like can be used. Can be mentioned.
When the reflective member is linear, the repeating direction of the reflective member is preferably a direction intersecting the linear member.

[Reflective member spacing]
The spacing between the repeatedly arranged reflective members needs to be 0.2 mm or more and 40 mm or less, preferably 0.5 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. .. If the distance between the reflecting members is out of the above range, the reception intensity of the reflected wave cannot be sufficiently increased.
In the present invention, when the distance between the reflective members adjacent to each other in the repeating direction is not constant (for example, the adjacent reflective members are not arranged in parallel with each other, and between the central portions of the reflective members and the reflective member). (For example, when the distance between the ends of the two is different), the distance between the reflective members shall refer to the average distance between the reflective members adjacent to each other in the repeating direction.

[Members whose reflectance is different from that of reflective members]
The member that can be arbitrarily used and has a reflectance different from that of the reflective member is not particularly limited, and a member made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the reflective member can be used. Here, the reflectance of the reflective member can also be changed by changing the mixing ratio of the materials constituting the reflective member and / or the porosity in the reflective member.
The member having a reflectance different from that of the reflective member may be a member that absorbs millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves.

[Members that absorb millimeter or quasi-millimeter waves]
The member that absorbs millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves is not particularly limited, and the absorption rate of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves is usually 10% or more, preferably 50% or more, more preferably 80% or more. Can be used.
The absorption rate can be measured by the free space method.

[Installation surface]
The installation surface on which the above-mentioned member can be placed may be the surface of the structure to which the marking structure is applied, or may be the surface of the undercoat layer provided on the surface of the structure to which the marking structure is applied. That is, the repeating structure portion is configured by arranging the above-mentioned members on the surface or surface layer portion of the structure, or on the surface or surface layer portion of the undercoat layer.

Here, the undercoat layer is not particularly limited, and for example, a resin layer that smoothes the unevenness of the surface of the structure to which the marking structure is applied, and the adhesiveness between the above-mentioned member and the surface of the structure are improved. Examples thereof include a resin layer and a resin layer that suppresses unnecessary reflection of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves.

<Example of marking structure>
The marking structure having the repeating structure portion described above is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include marking structures as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

Here, in the repeating structure portion 10 of the marking structure shown in FIG. 1, linear reflective members 1 made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are arranged on the installation surface S in parallel with each other at the above-mentioned predetermined intervals. Being done. That is, the reflective member 1 is repeatedly arranged at a constant cycle. Each reflective member 1 extends in a direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) orthogonal to the repeating direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1).

Further, in the repeating structure portion 10A of the marking structure shown in FIG. 2A, linear reflective members 1A made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S on the installation surface S are parallel to each other at the above-mentioned predetermined intervals. It will be placed in. That is, the reflective member 1A is repeatedly arranged at a constant cycle. Each reflective member 1A is inclined and extends in a direction orthogonal to the repeating direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1). Then, when the reflecting member 1A is inclined with respect to the repeating direction, sensing using a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar is performed from a vehicle traveling beside the marking structure to display the millimeter wave or the quasi-millimeter wave. Even if it is incident from an oblique direction, it can be reflected in the incident direction.

Further, in the repeating structure portion 10B of the marking structure shown in FIG. 2B, curved reflective members 1B made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are parallel to each other on the installation surface S at the above-mentioned predetermined intervals. It will be placed in. That is, the reflective member 1B is repeatedly arranged at a constant cycle. Each reflective member 1B is curved and extends so that the central portion is convex in one of the repeating directions (leftward in FIG. 1). When the reflective member 1B has a curved shape, the reflection direction when sensing is performed using a millimeter-wave radar or a quasi-millimeter-wave radar can be widened to improve robustness.

Further, in the repeating structure portion 10C of the marking structure shown in FIG. 3, linear reflective members 1 made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are arranged on the installation surface S in parallel with each other at different intervals. There is. That is, the reflecting member 1 is arranged so that the arrangement interval is modulated within the above-mentioned predetermined interval range, and in FIG. 3, the portion where the arrangement interval of the reflection member 1 becomes sparse and the reflection member 1 The portions where the arrangement intervals of the above are dense are alternately present in the repeating direction. Each reflective member 1 extends in a direction (vertical direction in FIG. 1) orthogonal to the repeating direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1). When the arrangement interval of the reflecting member 1 is modulated, high reflectance can be obtained for millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves in a wide wavelength band.

Here, when the arrangement interval of the reflection member 1 in the repeating structure portion 10C is modulated as in the marking structure shown in FIG. 3, the arrangement interval of the reflection member 1 is 0, which is the average value of the arrangement intervals. It is preferably in the range of 7 times or more and 1.3 times or less. When the variation of the arrangement interval is within the above range, the reception intensity of the reflected wave when sensing is performed using the millimeter wave radar or the quasi-millimeter wave radar can be sufficiently increased.

Further, in the above-described example, the case where the marking structure has only one repeating structure portion has been described, but as shown in FIG. 4, the marking structure has a plurality of repeating structure portions arranged apart from each other. You may. When the marking structure has a plurality of repeating structures separated from each other, the reflected wavelength band, the reflection direction of millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves can be widened, and the robustness can be enhanced.

Here, the marking structure shown in FIG. 4A has a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) repeating structure portions 10D, 10E, and 10F arranged apart from each other in the left-right direction in FIG. 4A. ing. Then, in each of the repeating structure portions 10D, 10E, and 10F, linear reflective members 1 made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are arranged in parallel with each other on the installation surface S. That is, the reflective member 1 is repeatedly arranged at a constant cycle. Each reflecting member 1 extends in a direction orthogonal to a repeating direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 4A) (vertical direction in FIG. 4A). When the marking structure has a plurality of repeating structure portions separated from each other in the repeating direction of the reflecting member, high reflectance can be obtained for millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves in a wide wavelength band.

Further, the marking structure shown in FIG. 4B has a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) repeating structure portions 10H, 10G, and 10I arranged vertically separated from each other in FIG. 4B. There is. Then, in the repeating structure portions 10H and 10I, linear reflective members 1A made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are arranged on the installation surface S in parallel with each other at the above-mentioned predetermined intervals. Specifically, the reflective members 1A are repeatedly arranged at regular intervals, and each reflective member 1A is inclined and extends in a direction orthogonal to the repeating direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 4B). doing. Further, in the repeating structure portion 10G located between the repeating structure portions 10H and 10I, linear reflective members 1 made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are placed on the installation surface S at predetermined intervals described above. It is arranged in parallel. Specifically, the reflective members 1 are repeatedly arranged at regular intervals, and each reflective member 1 extends in a direction orthogonal to the repeating direction (left-right direction in FIG. 4B). When the extending direction of the reflecting member is different between the plurality of repeating structures of the marking structure, the reflecting direction when sensing is performed using a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar is widened to enhance robustness. Can be done.

Further, the marking structure shown in FIG. 4C has a plurality of repeating structure portions 10J having different repeating directions of the reflective member 1. Specifically, in each repeating structure portion 10J, linear reflective members 1 made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are arranged on the installation surface S in parallel with each other at the above-mentioned predetermined intervals. Each reflective member 1 repeatedly arranged at a constant cycle extends in a direction orthogonal to the repeating direction. When the repeating direction of the reflecting member is different between the plurality of repeating structures of the marking structure, high reflectance can be obtained in all directions when sensing is performed using a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar. ..

When a plurality of repeating structure portions having different repeating directions of the reflecting members are provided, the number of reflecting members contained in each repeating structure is preferably 5 or more and less than 20. When the repeating direction of the reflecting member is different between the repeating structures, if the number of reflecting members is 5 or more, the directivity of the reflection required for sensing by the millimeter wave radar or the quasi-millimeter wave radar should be sufficiently provided. Can be done. Further, if the number of reflecting members is less than 20, redundancy can be provided in the wavelength band and directivity of the reflected wave.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the reflective members are arranged at regular intervals in all the repeating structure parts, but when the marking structure has a plurality of repeating structure parts in which the repeating directions of the reflecting members are different, they are repeatedly arranged. The period of the reflective member may be different between at least two repeating structures. That is, the marking structure consists of a first repeating structure in which the reflecting members are repeatedly arranged in the first cycle and a second repeating structure in which the reflecting members are repeatedly arranged in a second cycle different from the first cycle. It may have a part. When the reflecting member has a first repeating structure part and a second repeating structure part arranged at different periods, each repeating structure part reflects millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves according to each period, so that the wavelength band is wide. High reflectance can be obtained for millimeter or quasi-millimeter waves.

Further, in the above-described example, the reflective member in each repeating structure portion is a linear member having the same length and width, but the reflecting member in the repeating structure portion has a shape as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, for example. It may be.

Here, in the repeating structure portion 10K of the marking structure shown in FIG. 5, linear reflective members 1 and 1C, which are made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S and have different lengths from each other, are placed on the installation surface S. Are alternately arranged at predetermined intervals as described above. Specifically, the reflecting members 1 and 1C are repeatedly arranged at regular intervals so that they are parallel to each other and the centers in the length direction are located on the same straight line. The reflecting members 1 and 1C extend in a direction (vertical direction in FIG. 5) orthogonal to the repeating direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 5). When the reflecting members having different lengths are alternately arranged, the reception intensity of the reflected wave when sensing is performed by using the millimeter wave radar or the quasi-millimeter wave radar can be further increased.
From the viewpoint of increasing the reception intensity of the reflected wave, it is preferable that the reflecting member 1 and the reflecting member 1C are arranged at equal intervals. For the same reason, the length of the reflecting member 1 is longer than half the wavelength of the millimeter wave or the quasi-millimeter wave, and the length of the reflecting member 1C is shorter than half the wavelength of the millimeter wave or the quasi-millimeter wave. Is preferable.

Further, in the repeating structure portion 10L of the marking structure shown in FIG. 6, dot-shaped reflective members 1D made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are arranged on the installation surface S at the above-mentioned predetermined intervals. .. Specifically, the reflective member 1D is repeatedly arranged at a constant cycle in both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in FIG. When the dot-shaped reflecting members 1D are arranged at a constant cycle, millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves can be satisfactorily reflected in a plurality of directions.

Further, in the repeating structure portion 10M of the marking structure shown in FIG. 7, linear reflecting members 1E made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S are repeatedly arranged at the above-mentioned predetermined intervals. Specifically, in the repeating structure unit 10M, four reflecting members 1E (first reflecting member row) juxtaposed in the vertical direction (direction orthogonal to the repeating direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 7)) in FIG. 7 and In FIG. 7, three reflecting members 1E (second reflecting member rows) juxtaposed in the vertical direction are alternately and repeatedly arranged at regular intervals. In the vertical direction of FIG. 7, each reflecting member 1E forming the second row of reflecting members is located between the reflecting members 1E forming the first row of reflecting members. Further, the reflective member 1E extends in a direction along the left-right direction (repeating direction) in FIG. 7. Then, according to the repeating structure portion 10M of the marking structure shown in FIG. 7, a high reflectance can be obtained for the polarized waves oscillating in the left-right direction.

Further, in the above-described example, the case where each reflecting member exists independently is shown, but the reflecting members in the repeating structure portion may intersect as shown in FIG. 8, for example.

Here, in the marking structure shown in FIG. 8, a linear reflective member 1 made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S is repeatedly arranged in the left-right direction in FIG. In FIG. 8, a linear reflective member 1 made of a material having a reflectance different from that of the installation surface S is repeatedly arranged in the vertical direction, and the reflective member 1 of the repeating structure portion 10P intersects with the reflective member 1 in a grid pattern. That is, the marking structure shown in FIG. 8 has a plurality of (two in FIG. 8) repeating structure portions 10N and 10P in which the repeating direction of the reflecting member 1 is different. When the repeating directions of the reflecting members are different between the plurality of repeating structure portions of the marking structure and the reflecting members intersect each other to form a grid, millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves are transmitted in a plurality of directions (FIG. In the example, it can reflect well in two directions).

<Cover layer>
Then, in the marking structure of the present invention, the repeating structure portion may be covered with a cover layer having transparency to millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 showing the structure of the cross section of the reflective member 1 along the repeating direction, the repeating structure portion formed by repeatedly arranging the reflective member 1 may be covered with the cover layer 3. Note that FIG. 9 shows a case where the reflective member 1 is provided on the undercoat layer 2 provided on the surface S of the structure to which the marking structure is applied, but the present invention shows the embodiment shown in FIG. It is not limited to.

Here, the cover layer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a sheet having an adhesive layer, a layer made of a paint containing a synthetic resin, a pigment, an extender, and a plasticizer.
Above all, the cover layer is preferably a layer that conceals the repeating structure portion from at least one of visible light and infrared light. By concealing the repeating structure from at least one of visible light and infrared light, the driver and other sensors mounted on the vehicle (eg, visible light camera, infrared camera, infrared laser radar, etc.) ) Can be prevented from giving a false recognition. The layer that conceals the repeating structure with respect to at least one of visible light and infrared light can be formed by containing a dye, a pigment, or a material having a light scattering property.
Further, the cover layer is preferably a layer that absorbs at least one of visible light and infrared light. Absorption of at least one of visible and infrared light can mislead the driver and other sensors in the vehicle (eg, visible light cameras, infrared cameras, infrared laser radars, etc.). You can prevent that. The layer that absorbs at least one of visible light and infrared light can be formed by containing a dye or a pigment.

<Structure>
The structure provided with the above-mentioned marking structure is not particularly limited, and for example, road markings such as lane markings and stop lines; edge stones, breakers, guard fences (guard rails, guard pipes, etc.), Road accessories such as rubber poles, distance markings, lighting, electric poles, traffic lights, signal poles, road signs and road marking pillars; and structures such as fences and outer walls; etc. may be mentioned.

When a marking structure having a cover layer is provided for these structures, it is preferable that the cover layer has a higher reflectance of at least one of visible light and infrared light than the installation surface. If the cover layer has a higher reflectivity for at least one of visible and infrared light than the installation surface, the cover layer can also function as a marking structure for visible and / or infrared light, as well as the driver. , A highly redundant marking structure that can be detected by a visible light camera, an infrared light camera, an infrared light laser radar, or the like.

Further, when the marking structure is used for an automatic driving system or a driving support system as a target of sensing using a radar such as a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar, the marking structure is such that the repeating direction of the reflective member is the traveling direction of the vehicle. It is preferable to have at least one repeating structure portion parallel to the direction.

(Road marking)
Here, as a road marking using the above-mentioned marking structure, for example, a road marking showing a cross section parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle in FIG. 10 can be mentioned. In the road marking shown in FIG. 10, the reflective member 1 is repeatedly arranged on the surface of the undercoat layer 2 provided on the road surface 20 so that the traveling direction of the vehicle is in the repeating direction, and the white line 4 serving as the cover layer is further arranged as the undercoat layer. It is provided on 2 and the reflective member 1. Further, from the viewpoint of enhancing the visibility of the white line 4, a retroreflecting material for visible light such as glass beads 5 and an infrared light reflecting material (not shown) are provided on the surface layer portion of the white line 4.

Then, in this road marking, a highly intense reflected wave can be obtained by sensing from a traveling vehicle using a radar such as a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar.

(Road accessories)
The road attachment using the above-mentioned marking structure is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a guardrail 30 as shown in FIG. 11, a curb 40 as shown in FIG. 12, and a utility pole 50 as shown in FIG. Can be mentioned.

Here, in the guardrail 30 shown in FIG. 11, a repeating structure portion 10 in which the repeating direction of the reflective member is parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle is provided in the beam portion.
Then, in the guardrail 30, high-intensity reflected waves can be obtained by sensing from a traveling vehicle using a radar such as a millimeter-wave radar or a quasi-millimeter-wave radar.

Further, the curb 40 shown in FIG. 12 is provided with a repeating structure portion 10 on the surface and side surfaces in which the repeating direction of the reflective member is parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle.
Then, in the curb 40, a highly intense reflected wave can be obtained by sensing from a traveling vehicle using a radar such as a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar.

Further, the utility pole 50 shown in FIG. 13 is provided with a repeating structure portion 10 having a repeating direction of the reflecting member parallel to the traveling direction of the vehicle along the circumferential direction.
Then, in the utility pole 50, a reflected wave having high intensity can be obtained by performing sensing from a traveling vehicle using a radar such as a millimeter wave radar or a quasi-millimeter wave radar.

According to the marking structure of the present invention, the reception intensity of the reflected wave can be increased when sensing is performed by a radar using a millimeter wave or a quasi-millimeter wave.
Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide road markings, road attachments and structures that can be well sensed by a radar using millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves.

1,1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Reflective member 2 Undercoat layer 3 Cover layer 4 White line 5 Glass beads 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, 10M, 10N, 10P Repeated structure part 20 Road surface 30 Guardrail 40 Curb 50 Electric pole S Installation surface

Claims (25)

A marking structure having a repeating structure portion in which reflective members that reflect millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves are repeatedly arranged at intervals of 0.2 mm or more and 40 mm or less. The marking structure according to claim 1, wherein the reflective member has a height of 3 mm or less. The marking structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective member has a negative real part of the complex relative permittivity. The marking structure according to claim 3, wherein the reflective member contains a metal. The marking structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective member has a real part having a complex relative permittivity of 5 or more. The marking structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective member has a real part having a complex relative magnetic permeability of more than 1. The marking structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflective member has a negative real part of complex relative permeability. The marking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reflective member is repeatedly arranged in the repeating structure portion at a constant cycle. The marking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the arrangement interval of the reflection member is modulated in the repeating structure portion. The marking structure according to claim 9, wherein the arrangement interval of the reflection member in the repeating structure portion is within a range of 0.7 times or more and 1.3 times or less the average value of the arrangement intervals. A first repeating structure portion in which the reflecting member is repeatedly arranged in the first cycle and a second repeating structure portion in which the reflecting member is repeatedly arranged in a second cycle different from the first cycle are provided. The marking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The marking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a plurality of repeating structural portions having different repeating directions. The marking structure according to claim 12, wherein the repeating structure portion includes 5 or more and less than 20 reflective members. The marking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the reflective member is a linear member. The marking structure according to claim 14, wherein the linear member is a linear member. The marking structure according to claim 14, wherein the linear member is a curved member. The marking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which is transparent to millimeter waves or quasi-millimeter waves and has a cover layer covering the repeating structure portion. The marking structure according to claim 17, wherein the cover layer is a layer that conceals the repeating structure portion from at least one of visible light and infrared light. The marking structure according to claim 17, wherein the cover layer absorbs at least one of visible light and infrared light. A road marking having the marking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 19. The marking structure according to any one of claims 17 to 19 is provided.
The cover layer is a road marking having a higher reflectance of at least one of visible light and infrared light than the installation surface. A road appendage comprising the marking structure according to any one of claims 1-19. The marking structure according to any one of claims 17 to 19 is provided.
The cover layer is a road accessory having a higher reflectance of at least one of visible light and infrared light than the installation surface. A building having the marking structure according to any one of claims 1 to 19. The marking structure according to any one of claims 17 to 19 is provided.
The cover layer is a building in which the reflectance of at least one of visible light and infrared light is higher than that of the installation surface.

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