JP6187091B2 - Driver eyeball position estimation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a driver eyeball position estimation apparatus including a rearview mirror that reflects the rear of a vehicle.

  Conventionally, a driver eyeball position estimation device that estimates the position of a driver's eyeball based on the direction of the rearview mirror that reflects the rear of the vehicle and the distance from the rearview mirror to the driver's eyeball is known (for example, patents). Reference 1).

JP 10-509933 gazette

  By the way, in the conventional driver eyeball position estimation device, in order to estimate the position of the eyeball, in addition to the direction of the rearview mirror, distance information from the rearview mirror to the eyeball is required. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a distance detection sensor for detecting the distance to the eyeball on the rearview mirror, which causes a problem that costs are increased.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a driver eyeball position estimating apparatus that can estimate the eyeball position of a driver at a low cost.

In order to achieve the above object, a driver eyeball position estimation device of the present invention includes a first rearview mirror and a second rearview mirror, an index unit, mirror adjustment means, mirror direction detection means, and eyeball position estimation means. I have.
The first rearview mirror and the second rearview mirror are provided on the vehicle body and each reflect the rear of the vehicle.
The indicator portion is provided on each of the first and second rearview mirrors, and the visual object behind the vehicle imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors coincides with the line of sight of the driver in a predetermined direction. The standard.
The mirror adjusting means adjusts the orientations of the first and second rearview mirrors, and aligns the visual object imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors with the indicator portion.
The mirror direction detecting means detects the directions of the first and second rearview mirrors.
The eyeball position estimation means estimates the position of the driver's eyeball based on the orientations of the first and second rearview mirrors and the distance between the first and second rearview mirrors.
Further, as the visual object, a vehicle body component that is a part of the vehicle body that is rearward of the driver and protrudes most in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and a boundary between the sky and the earth behind the driver of the vehicle And a line.
The mirror adjusting means aligns the vehicle body component that is the visual object imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors with the indicator portion so that the first and second rearview mirrors are oriented in the vehicle left-right direction. The adjustment is performed, and a boundary line that is the visual object imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors is aligned with the indicator portion to adjust the vertical direction of the first and second rearview mirrors.
The eyeball position estimating means includes the tilt angle of the first rearview mirror with respect to the vehicle left-right direction, the tilt angle of the second rearview mirror with respect to the vehicle left-right direction, and the distance between the first and second rearview mirrors. At least one of first estimation means for estimating a vehicle front-rear direction position and a vehicle left-right direction position of the eyeball, and an inclination angle of the first rearview mirror with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle or an inclination angle of the second rearview mirror with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle And second estimation means for estimating the vehicle vertical direction position of the eyeball from the vehicle front-rear direction position of the eyeball estimated by the first estimation means.

In the driver eyeball position estimation apparatus according to the present invention, the orientation of the first and second rearview mirrors is adjusted by the mirror adjusting means, and the visual object imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors is aligned with the indicator portion. . The eyeball position estimating means estimates the position of the driver's eyeball based on the orientations of the first and second rearview mirrors and the distance between the first and second rearview mirrors.
That is, the orientation of the first and second rearview mirrors with respect to the line of sight of the driver in a predetermined direction can be defined by aligning the visual object formed on the first and second rearview mirrors with the indicator portion. Then, the eyeball position is estimated by calculation from the prescribed directions of the first and second rearview mirrors and the distance between the first and second rearview mirrors.
Therefore, a means for detecting the distance from the rearview mirror to the eyeball such as a distance sensor can be made unnecessary, and an increase in cost can be suppressed. As a result, the eyeball position of the driver can be estimated at a low cost.

1 is an overall system diagram illustrating a driver eyeball position estimation apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a driver side door mirror according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically showing a passenger seat side door mirror according to the first embodiment. (a) is a schematic diagram showing a right rear parting point, (b) is a schematic diagram showing a horizon with respect to the vehicle body. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of eyeball position estimation processing executed by a coordinate calculation unit according to the first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the right side rear parting point and the 1st index part corresponded in the driver's seat side door mirror. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the horizon and the 2nd parameter | index part corresponded in the driver's seat side door mirror. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the left back parting point and the 3rd indicator part corresponded in the passenger seat side door mirror. It is explanatory drawing which shows the horizontal direction gaze angle with respect to a driver's seat side door mirror, the horizontal direction gaze angle with respect to a passenger seat side door mirror, and the front-back position and the left-right position of a driver's eyeball. It is explanatory drawing which shows the vertical direction gaze angle with respect to a driver's seat side door mirror, and the up-and-down position of a driver eyeball. FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing a passenger seat side door mirror in the driver eyeball position estimating apparatus according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of eyeball position estimation processing executed by a coordinate calculation unit according to the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the horizon and the 4th parameter | index part corresponded in the passenger seat side door mirror of Example 2. FIG. It is a vehicle side view which shows typically the other 1st example of a visual target object. It is a vehicle side view which shows typically the other 2nd example of a visual target object. It is a front view which shows the example which provided the parameter | index part in the frame part of the driver's seat side door mirror. It is sectional drawing of the driver's seat side door mirror which shows the structural example of the parameter | index part which has a light emission means. (a) is a cross-sectional view of a driver's seat side door mirror showing a configuration example of an index unit having video projection means, (b) is a diagram showing an example of an index unit in the door mirror shown in FIG. 18 (a), (c) is a figure which shows the other example of the parameter | index part in the door mirror shown to Fig.18 (a). It is a front view of the driver's seat side door mirror which shows the example which displayed the index part in the shape of a dot.

  Hereinafter, a form for carrying out a driver eyeball position estimating device of the present invention is explained based on Example 1 shown in a drawing.

Example 1
First, the configuration of the driver eyeball position estimation apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described by dividing it into “the overall system configuration”, “the detailed configuration of the door mirror”, “the detailed configuration of the visual object”, and “the configuration of the eyeball position estimation process”.

[Entire system configuration]
FIG. 1 is an overall system diagram illustrating a driver eyeball position estimating apparatus according to a first embodiment. The overall system configuration of the driver eyeball position estimating apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the driver eyeball position estimation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a driver seat side door mirror 10, a passenger seat side door mirror 20, a first indicator portion 31, a second indicator portion 32, and a third indicator. A unit 33, a mirror adjustment switch 40, a right potentiometer 51, a left potentiometer 52, and a coordinate calculation unit 60 are provided and mounted on the vehicle 2.

The driver's seat side door mirror 10 is a first rearview mirror that is provided on the right side (right position) 3a of the vehicle body 3 of the vehicle 2 and reflects the rear of the vehicle. The passenger seat side door mirror 20 is a second rearview mirror that is provided on the left side surface (left position) 3b of the vehicle body 3 and reflects the rear of the vehicle. The directions of the driver side door mirror 10 and the passenger side door mirror 20 can be adjusted.
Here, the “direction of the driver's seat side door mirror 10” is an inclination angle of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle left-right direction and an inclination angle with respect to the vehicle vertical direction. The “direction of the passenger side door mirror 20” is an inclination angle of the passenger side door mirror 20 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction and an inclination angle with respect to the vehicle vertical direction.
The driver's seat side door mirror 10 and the passenger's seat side door mirror 20 are mounted symmetrically with respect to the vehicle body 3, and the vehicle front-rear direction positions coincide with each other and are provided at the same height position (not shown).

The first indicator portion 31 and the second indicator portion 32 are provided in the driver's seat side door mirror 10, and a visual target object (here, a right rear closing point P1 or a horizon (not shown)), which will be described later, is replaced with a driver (not shown). ) Is a mark that serves as a reference when matching the line of sight in a predetermined direction.
The third indicator portion 33 is provided on the passenger seat side door mirror 20 and serves as a reference when aligning a visual object (here, the left-side closing point P2), which will be described later, with a line of sight in a predetermined direction of a driver (not shown). It is a landmark.

The mirror adjustment switch 40 is mirror adjustment means for adjusting the directions of the driver-side door mirror 10 and the passenger-side door mirror 20, respectively. The mirror adjustment switch 40 includes a right / left operation unit 41, a right / left operation unit 42, a left / right operation unit 43, and a left up / down operation unit 44.
Each operation part 41, 42, 43, 44 is provided in the vicinity of the driver's seat, and can be operated without moving the head by the driver seated on the driver's seat.

  The right / left side operation unit 41 is operated by a driver and outputs an adjustment signal for adjusting the inclination angle of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle left / right direction. The right / left side operation unit 41 includes, for example, a seesaw switch, and outputs an adjustment signal that rotates the driver's seat side door mirror 10 toward the right side of the vehicle by pressing one. Moreover, the adjustment signal which rotates the driver's seat side door mirror 10 toward the vehicle left side by pressing the other is output.

  The right up / down operation unit 42 is operated by a driver and outputs an adjustment signal for adjusting an inclination angle of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction. The right-side up / down operation unit 42 includes, for example, a seesaw switch, and outputs an adjustment signal that rotates the driver's seat side door mirror 10 upward by pressing one. Moreover, the adjustment signal which rotates the driver's seat side door mirror 10 downward by pressing the other is output.

  The left and right operation unit 43 is operated by a driver and outputs an adjustment signal for adjusting an inclination angle of the passenger side door mirror 20 with respect to the vehicle left-right direction. The left and right operation unit 43 includes, for example, a seesaw switch, and outputs an adjustment signal that rotates one of the passenger side door mirrors 20 toward the right side of the vehicle by pressing one of them. Moreover, the adjustment signal which rotates the passenger seat side door mirror 20 toward the vehicle left side by pressing the other is output.

  The left side up / down operation unit 44 is operated by a driver and outputs an adjustment signal for adjusting an inclination angle of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction. The left-side up / down operation unit 44 includes, for example, a seesaw switch, and outputs an adjustment signal that rotates the passenger-side door mirror 20 upward by pressing one of the buttons. Moreover, the adjustment signal which rotates the passenger seat side door mirror 20 downward by pressing the other is output.

The right potentiometer 51 is a mirror direction detection unit that is provided in the driver's seat side door mirror 10 and detects the direction of the driver's seat side door mirror 10. The left potentiometer 52 is a mirror direction detection unit that is provided in the passenger seat side door mirror 20 and detects the orientation of the passenger seat side door mirror 20.
The detection results obtained by the right potentiometer 51 and the left potentiometer 52 are input to the coordinate calculation unit 60.

The coordinate calculation unit 60 is based on the direction of the driver side door mirror 10 and the passenger side door mirror 20 and the distance between the door mirrors 10 and 20 in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter referred to as mirror distance L). It is eyeball position estimation means for estimating the position of the eyeball. The coordinate calculation unit 60 includes an information acquisition unit 61, a memory 62, and a calculation unit 63.
The information acquisition unit 61 acquires the detection results from the right potentiometer 51 and the left potentiometer 52 and various information stored in the memory 62 as necessary.
The memory 62 stores various necessary information such as the mirror interval L.
The calculation unit 63 calculates an eyeball position of the driver by executing an eyeball position estimation process described later based on various information acquired by the information acquisition unit 61.

[Detailed configuration of door mirror]
FIG. 2 is a front view schematically illustrating the driver's seat side door mirror according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view schematically illustrating the passenger seat side door mirror according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the door mirror according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the driver's seat side door mirror 10 includes a mirror part 11 that reflects the rear of the vehicle with the mirror surface 11a facing the rear of the vehicle, a frame part 12 that supports the peripheral part of the mirror part 11, and a vehicle vertical direction. A vertical shaft 13, a horizontal shaft 14 extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle, a first motor 15 that rotates the vertical shaft 13, and a second motor 16 that rotates the horizontal shaft 14. Yes.
Here, the mirror part 11 and the frame part 12 are fixed integrally.

  The vertical shaft 13 is fixed to a lower side surface 12 a facing the vehicle lower side of the frame portion 12, and is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the vehicle body 3. The horizontal shaft 14 is fixed to a vehicle body side surface 12 b facing the vehicle body 3 of the frame portion 12, and is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the vehicle body 3.

The first motor 15 is provided on the vehicle body 3, and an output shaft (not shown) is connected to the vertical shaft 13. The first motor 15 rotates when a driving voltage is supplied by receiving an adjustment signal from the right / left operation unit 41 of the mirror adjustment switch 40. Then, the vertical shaft 13 is rotated by the first motor 15, and the mirror part 11 and the frame part 12 of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 are integrally rotated with respect to the vehicle left-right direction.
The second motor 16 is provided on the vehicle body 3, and an output shaft (not shown) is connected to the horizontal shaft 14. The second motor 16 is supplied with a driving voltage and rotates when an adjustment signal is input from the right upper / lower operation unit 42 of the mirror adjustment switch 40. Then, the horizontal shaft 14 is rotated by the second motor 16, and the mirror part 11 and the frame part 12 of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 are integrally rotated with respect to the vehicle vertical direction.

Further, the mirror surface 11 a of the mirror part 11 is provided with a first index part 31 and a second index part 32.
The first indicator portion 31 is a linear printed portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction set at a position closer to the vehicle body 3 than the center in the vehicle width direction on the mirror surface 11a. Here, it is displayed by a broken line and is provided from the upper end portion 11b of the mirror portion 11 to the lower end portion 11c.
The second indicator portion 32 is a linear print portion extending in the vehicle left-right direction set in the vehicle vertical direction center portion of the mirror surface 11a. Here, it is displayed by a broken line and is provided from the vehicle body side end portion 11 d of the mirror portion 11 to the first indicator portion 31.

As shown in FIG. 3, the passenger seat side door mirror 20 includes a mirror portion 21 that reflects the rear of the vehicle with a mirror surface 21 a facing the rear of the vehicle, a frame portion 22 that supports a peripheral portion of the mirror portion 21, and a vehicle vertical direction. A vertical shaft 23, a horizontal shaft 24 extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle, a first motor 25 that rotates the vertical shaft 23, and a second motor 26 that rotates the horizontal shaft 24. Yes.
Here, the mirror part 21 and the frame part 22 are integrally fixed.

  The vertical shaft 23 is fixed to a lower side surface 22 a facing the vehicle lower side of the frame portion 22, and is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the vehicle body 3. The horizontal shaft 24 is fixed to a vehicle body side surface 22 b facing the vehicle body 3 of the frame portion 22, and is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the vehicle body 3.

The first motor 25 is provided on the vehicle body 3, and an output shaft (not shown) is connected to the vertical shaft 23. The first motor 25 is rotated by being supplied with a drive voltage when an adjustment signal is input from the left / right operation unit 43 of the left side of the mirror adjustment switch 40. Then, the vertical shaft 23 is rotated by the first motor 25, and the mirror part 21 and the frame part 22 of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 are integrally rotated with respect to the vehicle left-right direction.
The second motor 26 is provided on the vehicle body 3, and an output shaft (not shown) is connected to the horizontal shaft 24. The second motor 26 is rotated by receiving a drive voltage when an adjustment signal is input from the left / right up / down operation unit 44 of the mirror adjustment switch 40. Then, the horizontal shaft 24 is rotated by the second motor 26, and the mirror part 21 and the frame part 22 of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 are integrally rotated with respect to the vehicle vertical direction.

Further, a third index portion 33 is provided on the mirror surface 21 a of the mirror portion 21.
The third indicator portion 33 is a linear printed portion extending in the vehicle vertical direction set at a position closer to the vehicle body 3 than the center in the vehicle width direction on the mirror surface 21a. Here, it is indicated by a broken line and is provided from the upper end 21b to the lower end 21c of the mirror part 21.

[Detailed structure of visual object]
FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing the side surface of the vehicle body, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the position of the horizon with respect to the vehicle body. Hereinafter, based on FIG.1 and FIG.4, the detailed structure of a visual target object is demonstrated.

As described above, the first index unit 31, the second index unit 32, and the third index unit 33 are provided from the driver to the driver side door mirror 10 or the passenger side door mirror 20, respectively. Each index unit 31, 32, 33 is used as a reference when the visual object imaged on the driver's seat side door mirror 10 or the passenger's seat side door mirror 20 is made to coincide with the line of sight of the driver in a predetermined direction. It is a landmark.
On the other hand, the “visual object” refers to a reference for determining the orientation of the driver side door mirror 10 with respect to the line of sight of the driver in a predetermined direction, or the direction of the passenger side door mirror 20 with respect to the line of sight of the driver. It is a standard for deciding. That is, the orientation of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 when estimating the driver eyeball position is determined by aligning the visual target image formed on the driver's seat side door mirror 10 with the first indicator portion 31 and the second indicator portion 32. . Further, the orientation of the passenger side door mirror 20 when the driver eyeball position is estimated is determined by aligning the visual object formed on the passenger side door mirror 20 with the third indicator 33.

  The visual object is set in advance for each of the index parts 31, 32, 33 and is present at least at the rear of the vehicle and is visible from the driver through the driver side door mirror 10 or the passenger side door mirror 20. is there. Furthermore, the visual object with respect to the 1st index part 31 and the 2nd index part is what faces the driver's seat side door mirror 10 when the driver's seat side door mirror 10 is along the vehicle left-right direction and the vehicle up-down direction. preferable. Further, it is preferable that the visual object with respect to the third index portion 33 is directly facing the passenger seat side door mirror 20 when the passenger seat side door mirror 20 is along the vehicle left-right direction and the vehicle vertical direction.

  Here, the right rear parting point P <b> 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 is set as a visual object for the first index portion 31. This right rear parting point P1 is a part of the vehicle body 3 at the rear of the vehicle relative to the driver D, and is the portion that protrudes most to the right of the vehicle. The right rear parting point P1 is set at almost the same height as the driver's seat side door mirror 10, as shown in FIG. 4 (a).

  In addition, as a visual object with respect to the second index portion 32, a horizon G at the rear of the vehicle shown in FIG. 4B is set. The horizon G is a boundary line between the sky and the earth, and can be regarded as a horizontal line at infinity of the vehicle 2.

  Further, as the visual object for the third index portion 33, the left rear parting point P2 shown in FIG. 1 is set. The left rear parting point P2 is a part of the vehicle body 3 at the rear of the vehicle relative to the driver, and is the portion that protrudes most to the left of the vehicle. The left rear parting point P2 is set at substantially the same height as the right rear parting point P1, the driver side door mirror 10, and the passenger side door mirror 20, although not shown.

[Configuration of eyeball position estimation processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the eyeball position estimation process executed by the coordinate calculation unit according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, each step of the eyeball position estimation process will be described with reference to FIG. This eyeball position estimation process is executed when the vehicle 2 is stopped.

  In step S <b> 1, the right / left operation unit 41 of the mirror adjustment switch 40 is operated to supply a driving voltage to the first motor 15 provided in the driver's seat side door mirror 10. As a result, the first motor 15 is driven to rotate, and the vertical shaft 13 of the driver side door mirror 10 is rotated. That is, the inclination angle of the driver side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle left-right direction is changed. Then, the process proceeds to step S2. The right / left operation unit 41 is operated by a driver who sits in the driver's seat and faces the front of the vehicle without moving his / her head while viewing the driver's seat-side door mirror 10.

In step S 2, following the operation of the right and left operation unit 41 in step S 1, the first indicator 31 provided on the driver's seat side door mirror 10 is a right rear parting which is a visual object reflected on the driver's seat side door mirror 10. It is determined whether or not it coincides with the point P1. If YES (match), the process proceeds to step S3. If NO (mismatch), the process returns to step S1.
Note that the state in which the first indicator portion 31 coincides with the right rear parting point P1 means that the right rear side reflected on the driver side door mirror 10 when the driver looks at the driver side door mirror 10 as shown in FIG. That is, the parting point P1 appears to overlap the first indicator portion 31 extending in the vehicle vertical direction.

  In step S3, following the determination that the first index part 31 and the right rear parting point P1 match in step S2, the right upper and lower operation part 42 of the mirror adjustment switch 40 is operated to be provided on the driver side door mirror 10. A driving voltage is supplied to the second motor 16. As a result, the second motor 16 is rotationally driven, and the horizontal shaft 14 of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 is rotated. That is, the inclination angle of the driver side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction is changed. Then, the process proceeds to step S4. The right up / down operation unit 42 is operated by a driver sitting in the driver's seat and facing the front of the vehicle without moving his / her head while viewing the driver's seat side door mirror 10.

In step S4, following the operation of the right up / down operation unit 42 in step S3, the second indicator 32 provided on the driver's seat side door mirror 10 is placed on the horizon G, which is a visual object reflected on the driver's seat side door mirror 10. Determine whether they match. If YES (match), the process proceeds to step S5. If NO (mismatch), the process returns to step S3.
The state in which the second indicator portion 32 matches the horizon G means that, as shown in FIG. 7, when the driver looks at the driver side door mirror 10, the horizon G reflected on the driver side door mirror 10 That is, it appears to be the same height as the second indicator portion 32 extending in the direction.

  In step S5, following the determination that the second indicator portion 32 and the horizon G match in step S4, the left and right operation portion 43 of the mirror adjustment switch 40 is operated, and the first provided on the passenger side door mirror 20 is operated. A drive voltage is supplied to the motor 25. As a result, the first motor 25 is driven to rotate, and the vertical shaft 23 of the passenger side door mirror 20 is rotated. That is, the inclination angle of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 with respect to the vehicle left-right direction is changed. Then, the process proceeds to step S6. The left and right operation unit 43 is operated by a driver who sits in the driver's seat and faces the front of the vehicle without moving his / her head while looking at the passenger side door mirror 20.

In step S 6, following the operation of the left and right operation unit 43 in step S 5, the third indicator 33 provided on the passenger seat side door mirror 20 is a left rear parting that is a visual object reflected on the passenger seat side door mirror 20. It is determined whether or not it coincides with the point P2. If YES (match), the process proceeds to step S7. If NO (mismatch), the process returns to step S5.
Note that the state in which the third indicator portion 33 coincides with the left rear parting point P2 is the left rear as reflected on the passenger side door mirror 20 when the driver looks at the passenger side door mirror 20, as shown in FIG. That is, the parting point P2 appears to overlap with the third indicator portion 33 extending in the vehicle vertical direction.

In step S7, following the determination that the third indicator portion 33 and the left rear parting point P2 match in step S6, the inclination angle of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle left-right direction is detected, and the process proceeds to step S8. Here, the inclination angle of the driver side door mirror 10 is detected by a right potentiometer 51 provided on the driver side door mirror 10.
As shown in FIG. 9, “the inclination angle of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle left-right direction” refers to the left-right direction line X extending in the vehicle width direction, and the mirror surface 11 a of the mirror portion 11 of the driver seat side door mirror 10. is the angle θ ₁ in.

In step S8, following the detection of the inclination angle theta ₁ with respect to the vehicle transverse direction of the driver's side door mirror 10 in step S7, based on the detection result at this step S7, the horizontal viewing angle for the driver's side door mirror 10 Calculate and proceed to step S9.
Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the “horizontal line-of-sight angle with respect to the driver's seat side door mirror 10” refers to the lateral line X extending in the vehicle width direction and the line of sight A of the driver D viewing the driver's seat side door mirror 10. The angle θ ₂ formed by The line-of-sight angle θ ₂ is determined by the following formula (1).
θ ₂ (°) = 90 ° −2 × θ ₁ (°) (1)
This calculation result is input to the information acquisition unit 61 of the coordinate calculation unit 60.

In step S9, following the operation of the line-of-sight angle theta ₂ with respect to the driver's side door mirror 10 at step S8, to detect the angle of inclination with respect to the transverse direction of the vehicle on the passenger's side door mirror 20, the process proceeds to step S10. Here, the inclination angle of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 is detected by a left potentiometer 52 provided in the passenger seat side door mirror 20.
The “inclination angle of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 with respect to the vehicle left-right direction” refers to the left-right direction line X extending in the vehicle width direction, the mirror surface 21a of the mirror portion 21 of the passenger seat side door mirror 20, as shown in FIG. it is an angle θ ₃ in.

In step S10, following the detection of the inclination angle theta ₃ with respect to the vehicle transverse direction of the passenger side door mirror 20 in step S9, on the basis of the detection result in the step S9, the horizontal viewing angle for the passenger's side door mirror 20 Calculate and proceed to step S11.
Here, the “horizontal line-of-sight angle with respect to the passenger seat side door mirror 20” means a horizontal line X extending in the vehicle width direction and a line of sight B of the driver D viewing the passenger seat side door mirror 20 as shown in FIG. 9. is the angle θ ₄ that forms between. Further, the line-of-sight angle θ ₄ is determined by the following equation (2).
θ ₄ (°) = 90 ° −2 × θ ₃ (°) (2)
This calculation result is input to the information acquisition unit 61 of the coordinate calculation unit 60.

In step S11, following the calculation of the line-of-sight angle θ ₄ with respect to the passenger seat side door mirror 20 in step S10, the distance dimension in the vehicle width direction between the driver seat side door mirror 10 and the passenger seat side door mirror 20 stored in advance in the memory 62 ( Reading is performed by inputting the mirror interval L to the information acquisition unit 61, and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, following the reading of the mirror interval L in step S11, the position of the driver's D eyeball in the vehicle front-rear direction and the position in the vehicle left-right direction are estimated and calculated, and the process proceeds to step S13.
Here, the vehicle front-rear direction position of the eye and the position of the vehicle lateral direction can be determined from the coordinates of the intersection of the line of sight A line of sight B shown in FIG. 9, the line-of-sight angle theta ₂ which is input to the information acquisition unit 61 And the line-of-sight angle θ ₄ and the mirror interval L.

In step S13, following the estimation calculation of the position of the eyeball in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle left-right direction in step S12, the inclination angle of the driver side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction is detected, and the process proceeds to step S14. Here, the inclination angle of the driver side door mirror 10 is detected by a right potentiometer 51 provided on the driver side door mirror 10.
Note that “the inclination angle of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction” is, as shown in FIG. 10, the vertical line Y extending in the vertical direction and the mirror surface 11 a of the mirror portion 11 of the driver seat side door mirror 10. This is the angle θ ₅ formed.

In step S14, following the detection of the inclination angle theta ₅ with respect to the vehicle vertical direction of the driver's side door mirror 10 in step S13, on the basis of the detection result in the step S13, the viewing angle in the vertical direction with respect to the driver's side door mirror 10 Calculate and proceed to step S15.
Here, “the viewing angle in the vertical direction with respect to the driver's seat side door mirror 10” refers to the front / rear direction line Z extending in the horizontal direction and the viewing line C of the driver D viewing the driver's seat side door mirror 10 as shown in FIG. 10. it is an angle θ ₆ in. The line-of-sight angle θ ₆ is determined by the following equation (3).
θ ₆ (°) = 90 ° −2 × θ ₅ (°) (3)
This calculation result is input to the information acquisition unit 61 of the coordinate calculation unit 60.

In step S15, following the operation of the line-of-sight angle theta ₆ for the driver's side door mirror 10 in step S14, the estimation calculation of the vehicle vertical position of the eye of the driver D, the flow proceeds to the end.
Here, the position of the eyeball in the vehicle vertical direction is the position of the eyeball in the vehicle front-rear direction obtained in step S12, that is, the distance L2 from the driver's seat side door mirror 10 to the eyeball, and the line of sight input to the information acquisition unit 61 It calculates | requires based on following formula (4) from angle (theta) ₆ .
X = L2 × tan θ ₆ (4)
X is the vehicle vertical dimension from the driver's seat side door mirror 10 to the eyeball.

Next, the operation will be described.
In the driver eyeball position estimation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, in order to estimate the eyeball position of the driver D, an eyeball position estimation process shown in FIG. 5 is executed.

That is, first, the process proceeds from step S1 to step S2, and the right and left operation unit 41 of the mirror adjustment switch 40 is operated in a state where the vehicle 2 is stopped, and the first indicator unit 31 provided in the driver's seat side door mirror 10 is operated. In addition, the right rear parting point P1 reflected on the driver side door mirror 10 is set.
Subsequently, the process proceeds from step S3 to step S4, the right upper and lower operation unit 42 is operated, and the horizon G reflected on the driver seat side door mirror 10 is aligned with the second indicator portion 32 provided on the driver seat side door mirror 10. .
Thereby, the direction with respect to the vehicle left-right direction of the driver's seat side door mirror 10 and the direction with respect to the vehicle vertical direction are determined according to the driver's line of sight in a predetermined direction.

Next, the process proceeds from step S5 to step S6, the left and right operation unit 43 is operated, and the left rear break point reflected on the passenger side door mirror 20 is displayed on the third indicator 33 provided on the passenger side door mirror 20. Match P2.
Thereby, the direction of the passenger side door mirror 20 with respect to the left-right direction of the vehicle is determined in accordance with the line of sight of the driver in a predetermined direction.

When the orientations of the driver side door mirror 10 and the passenger side door mirror 20 are thus determined, the process proceeds from step S7 to step S8, step S9, step S10, step S11, and step S12. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the locus of light reflected from the position of the first indicator portion 31 provided on the mirror surface 11a of the driver side door mirror 10 and the left rear parting point, exiting from the right side rear parting point P1. The trajectory intersection when the trajectory of light exiting P2 and reflected at the position of the third indicator portion 33 provided on the mirror surface 21a of the passenger side door mirror 20 is projected onto the horizontal plane is the vehicle of the eyeball of the driver D It becomes a position in the front-rear direction and a position in the left-right direction of the vehicle.
Accordingly, the inclination angle theta ₁ with respect to the vehicle transverse direction of the driver's side door mirror 10, and the inclination angle theta ₃ with respect to the vehicle transverse direction of the passenger side door mirror 20, on the basis of the mirror spacing L, the vehicle front-rear direction position of the eye, The position in the left-right direction of the vehicle can be calculated and estimated.
That is, Steps S7 to S12 shown in FIG. 5 are based on the direction of the first rearview mirror, the direction of the second rearview mirror, and the distance between the first and second rearview mirrors, This corresponds to first estimation means for estimating the vehicle lateral direction position.

When the vehicle front-rear direction position of the eyeball is calculated and estimated, the process proceeds from step S13 to step S14 to step S15. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the trajectory of the light that emerges from the horizon G and is reflected at the position of the second indicator portion 32 provided on the mirror surface 11 a of the driver side door mirror 10 passes through the eyeball of the driver D. For this reason, the intersection when the line formed by the locus of the reflected light and the position of the eyeball in the vehicle front-rear direction is projected on the vertical plane is the position of the eyeball of the driver D in the vehicle vertical direction.
Accordingly, the inclination angle theta ₅ with respect to the vehicle vertical direction of the driver's side door mirror 10, based on the longitudinal distance L2 from driver's side door mirror 10 to the eye, can be calculated estimate of the vehicle vertical position of the eye.
That is, step S13 to step S15 shown in FIG. 5 correspond to second estimating means for estimating the vehicle vertical direction position of the eyeball from the direction of the first rearview mirror and the vehicle front-back direction position of the eyeball.

As described above, the eyeball position of the driver D is determined by aligning the visual target object imaged on the door mirrors 10 and 20 with the first index unit 31 to the third index unit 33, and the direction of the driver side door mirror 10 and the assistant. It can be estimated by calculation based on the direction of the seat side door mirror 20 and the mirror interval L.
Thereby, a means for detecting the distance from the rearview mirror to the eyeball, such as a distance sensor, can be eliminated, and an increase in cost can be suppressed. As a result, the eyeball position of the driver can be estimated at a low cost.

Further, in the first embodiment, the right rear parting point P1 and the left rear parting point P2 which are parts of the vehicle body 3 which are behind the driver D and protrude most in the left-right direction of the vehicle as the visual objects. did.
Thus, without providing a mark as a mark on the vehicle 2 side, the driver D can identify the object to be viewed as reflected on the other mirror surface 11a or the mirror surface 21a such as a landscape and adjust the mirror angle. It can be performed easily and the increase in cost can be further suppressed.

Furthermore, the target object for the second index portion 32 is a horizon located behind the vehicle from the driver D.
Accordingly, the driver D can easily identify the object to be visually observed without providing a mark as a mark on the vehicle 2 side, and can easily adjust the mirror angle, further increasing the cost. Can be suppressed.

On the other hand, the driver's seat side door mirror 10 includes a mirror portion 11 and a frame portion 12 that supports the mirror portion 11, and the first index portion 31 and the second index portion 32 are printing portions provided on the mirror portion 11, respectively. Yes. Further, the passenger seat side door mirror 20 includes a mirror part 21 and a frame part 22 that supports the mirror part 21, and the third index part 33 is a printing portion provided in the mirror part 21.
Therefore, the first indicator portion 31 and the like can be easily provided, and further cost reduction can be achieved.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the driver eyeball position estimation apparatus according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) a first rearview mirror (driver side door mirror) 10 and a second rearview mirror (passenger side door mirror) 20 provided on the vehicle body 3 and reflecting the rear of the vehicle;
A visual object behind the vehicle provided on the first and second rearview mirrors 10 and 20 and imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors 10 and 20 (right rear rear closing point P1, horizon G, rear left side) An index part (first index part 31, second index part 32, third index part 33) serving as a reference when matching the parting point P2) to the line of sight of the driver D in a predetermined direction;
The orientations of the first and second rearview mirrors 10 and 20 are respectively adjusted, and the visual objects P1 and G imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors 10 and 20 on the indicator portions 31, 32 and 33, respectively. , P2 mirror adjusting means (mirror adjusting switch) 40,
Mirror direction detection means (right potentiometer 51, left potentiometer 52) for detecting the orientations of the first and second rearview mirrors 10 and 20, respectively.
Eyeball position estimating means for estimating the position of the eyeball of the driver D based on the orientations of the first and second rearview mirrors 10 and 20 and the distance L between the first and second rearview mirrors 10 and 20 Coordinate calculation unit) 60.
Thereby, the eyeball position of the driver D can be estimated at low cost.

(2) The eyeball position estimation means (coordinate calculation unit) 60 includes a direction of the first rearview mirror (driver seat side door mirror) 10, a direction of the second rearview mirror (passenger side door mirror) 20, and the first First estimation means (steps S7 to S12) for estimating the vehicle front-rear direction position and the vehicle left-right direction position of the eyeball from the distance L between the first and second rearview mirrors 10, 20;
Second estimation means for estimating the vehicle vertical direction position of the eyeball from the direction of the first rearview mirror 10 and the vehicle front-rear direction position of the eyeball estimated by the first estimation means (steps S7 to S12). Steps S13 to S15)
It was set as the structure provided with.
Thereby, in addition to the effect of (1), the eyeball position of the driver D can be easily estimated at low cost.

(3) A vehicle body component (a right rear parting point P1 and a left rear parting point P2) that is a part of the vehicle body 3 that protrudes most in the left and right direction of the vehicle behind the driver D and the driver D. The configuration is as follows.
Thereby, in addition to the effect of (1) or (2), since it is not necessary to provide a mark as a mark on the vehicle body 3 as a visual object, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

(4) The visual object is a boundary line (horizon line) G between the sky and the earth behind the driver D and the earth.
Thereby, in addition to the effect of (1) or (2), since it is not necessary to provide a mark as a mark on the vehicle body 3 as a visual object, an increase in cost can be suppressed.

(5) The first and second rearview mirrors (driver seat side door mirror 10 and passenger seat side door mirror 20) include mirror portions 11 and 21 having mirror surfaces 11a and 21a that reflect the rear of the vehicle, and the mirror portions 11 and 21. And supporting frame parts 12, 22.
The index parts (the first index part 31, the second index part 32, and the third index part 33) are provided in the mirror parts 11 and 21.
Thereby, in addition to the effect in any one of (1) to (3), the 1st indicator | index part 31 grade | etc., Can be provided easily and the further cost reduction can be aimed at.

(Example 2)
The second embodiment is an example in which the estimation calculation parameter of the vehicle vertical direction position of the driver's eyeball is different from that of the first embodiment.

First, the configuration of the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 11 is a front view schematically illustrating a passenger seat side door mirror according to the second embodiment. In addition, about the structure equivalent to Example 1, the code | symbol same as Example 1 is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the driver eyeball position estimation apparatus according to the second embodiment, a fourth index unit 34 is provided in addition to the third index unit 33 for the passenger seat side door mirror 20.
As shown in FIG. 11, the fourth indicator portion 34 is a linear print portion extending in the vehicle left-right direction set in the vehicle vertical direction center portion of the mirror surface 21 a. Here, it is displayed by a broken line and is provided from the vehicle body side end portion 21 d of the mirror portion 21 to the third indicator portion 33.

  In addition, a horizon G behind the vehicle shown in FIG. 4B is set as a visual object for the fourth index portion 34.

  Next, the eyeball position estimation process in the second embodiment will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. The same steps as those in the eyeball position estimation process in the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers as those in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S6A shown in FIG. 12, following the determination that the third indicator portion 33 and the left rear parting point P2 match in step S6, the left upper / lower operation portion 44 of the mirror adjustment switch 40 is operated, and the passenger seat side door mirror is operated. A drive voltage is supplied to a second motor 26 provided at 20. As a result, the second motor 26 is rotationally driven, and the horizontal shaft 24 of the passenger side door mirror 20 is rotated. That is, the inclination angle of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction is changed. Then, the process proceeds to step S6B. The left vertical operation unit 44 is operated by a driver who sits in the driver's seat and faces the front of the vehicle without moving his / her head while looking at the passenger side door mirror 20.

In step S6B, following the operation of the left vertical operation unit 44 in step S6A, the fourth indicator 34 provided on the passenger seat side door mirror 20 appears on the horizon G, which is a visual object reflected on the passenger seat side door mirror 20. Determine whether they match. If YES (match), the process proceeds to step S7. If NO (mismatch), the process returns to step S6A.
As shown in FIG. 13, when the driver looks at the passenger-side door mirror 20, the horizon G reflected on the passenger-side door mirror 20 indicates that the fourth indicator portion 34 coincides with the horizon G. It looks like the same height as the fourth indicator portion 34 extending in the direction.

Further, in step S15A shown in FIG. 12, following the calculation of the line-of-sight angle θ ₆ with respect to the driver's seat side door mirror 10 in step S14, the first position of the eyeball of the driver D is estimated and calculated, and the process proceeds to step S16. .
Here, the first position of the eyeball in the vehicle vertical direction is input to the information acquisition unit 61 and the position of the eyeball in the vehicle front-rear direction obtained in step S12, that is, the distance L2 from the driver's seat side door mirror 10 to the eyeball. It calculates | requires based on following formula (5) from the obtained line-of-sight angle (theta) ₆ .
X1 = L2 × tan θ ₆ (5)
X1 is the first vehicle vertical dimension from the driver's seat side door mirror 10 to the eyeball. This calculation result is input to the information acquisition unit 61 of the coordinate calculation unit 60.

In step S16, following the first vertical position estimation calculation in step S15A, the inclination angle of the passenger side door mirror 20 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction is detected, and the process proceeds to step S17. Here, the inclination angle of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 is detected by a left potentiometer 52 provided in the passenger seat side door mirror 20.
The “inclination angle of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 with respect to the vehicle vertical direction” is an angle formed by the vertical line extending in the vertical direction and the mirror surface 21 a of the mirror portion 21 of the passenger seat side door mirror 20.

In step S17, following the detection of the inclination angle of the passenger seat side door mirror 20 in the vehicle vertical direction in step S16, the gaze angle in the vertical direction with respect to the passenger seat side door mirror 20 is calculated based on the detection result in step S16. The process proceeds to step S18.
Here, the “vertical line-of-sight angle with respect to the passenger seat side door mirror 20” is an angle formed by the front-rear direction line extending in the horizontal direction and the line of sight of the driver viewing the passenger seat side door mirror 20. Moreover, this line-of-sight angle is performed according to the above-mentioned formula (3). This calculation result is input to the information acquisition unit 61 of the coordinate calculation unit 60.

In step S18, following the calculation of the line-of-sight angle with respect to the passenger side door mirror 20 in step S17, the second position in the vehicle vertical direction of the driver's eyeball is estimated and calculated, and the process proceeds to step S19.
Here, the second position of the eyeball in the vehicle vertical direction is input to the information acquisition unit 61 and the position of the eyeball in the vehicle front-rear direction obtained in step S12, that is, the distance in the front-rear direction from the passenger side door mirror 20 to the eyeball. It calculates | requires according to the above-mentioned Formula (4) from the eyes | visual_axis angle of the perpendicular direction with respect to the passenger seat side door mirror 20. FIG.

In step S19, following the estimation calculation of the second vertical position in step S18, the driver's eyeball is determined based on both the first vertical position determined in step S15A and the second vertical position determined in step S18. Estimate and calculate the position in the vertical direction of the vehicle and proceed to the end.
Here, the position of the eyeball in the vehicle vertical direction is an average value of the first vertical position and the second vertical position.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, not only the inclination angle of the driver side door mirror 10 but also the position of the driver's eyeball in the vehicle vertical direction is estimated and calculated in steps S13 to S19 corresponding to the second estimating means. The inclination angle of the passenger side door mirror 20 is also taken into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the estimation error and improve the estimation accuracy of the eyeball position.

Next, the effect will be described.
In the driver eyeball position estimating apparatus according to the second embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.

(6) The second estimating means (steps S13 to S19) includes an orientation of the first rearview mirror (driver's seat side door mirror) 10 and the eyeball estimated by the first estimating means (steps S7 to S12). Vehicle front-rear direction position, and the first vehicle vertical direction position of the eyeball estimated from
The second of the eyeball estimated from the direction of the second rearview mirror (passenger side door mirror) 20 and the vehicle front-rear direction position of the eyeball position estimated by the first estimating means (steps S7 to S12). Vehicle vertical position,
Based on the above, the vehicle vertical position of the eyeball is estimated.
Thereby, the estimation error of the vehicle vertical position of the eyeball can be reduced, and the estimation accuracy of the eyeball position can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although the driver eyeball position estimation apparatus of the present invention has been described based on the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and each claim of the claims Design changes and additions are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention according to the paragraph.

In Examples 1 and 2, an example in which the right rear parting point P1, the left rear parting point P2, or the horizon G, which is a part of the vehicle body 3, is set as the visual object. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a press line 100 formed on the right side surface 3a or the left side surface (not shown here) of the vehicle body 3 may be set as the visual object.
Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the visual object may be a component having a function such as a door handle 101 provided at the rear portion of the vehicle body 3.
In any case, any object that is visible behind the driver D and behind the driver side door mirror 10 or the passenger side door mirror 20 can be regarded as a visual object. In any case, since it is a part of the vehicle body 3, the visual object can be set without providing a display as a mark on the vehicle body 3 side.

  Moreover, although the sight line object with respect to the 2nd parameter | index part 32 was set as the horizon G in the vehicle back, it is not restricted to this. When the horizon is visible, the horizon may be used as a visual object instead of the horizon.

In the first embodiment, the first indicator portion 31 and the second indicator portion 32 are provided by printing on the mirror portion 11 of the driver seat side door mirror 10, and the third indicator portion 33 is printed on the mirror portion 21 of the passenger seat side door mirror 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a first indicator portion 31 </ b> A and a second indicator portion 32 </ b> A may be provided on a part of the frame portion 12 that supports the mirror portion 11.
In this case, since it is not necessary to provide the first index part 31A etc. on the mirror surface 11a of the mirror part 11, the first index part 31A etc. does not get in the way when the driver's seat side door mirror 10 is visually observed during traveling or the like. The vehicle rear can be easily seen.

In the first embodiment, the first index unit 31 and the like are provided by printing. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the first index unit 31B and the second index unit 32B are replaced by the mirror unit 11 and the second index unit 31B. A translucent half-mirror-shaped first display unit 102A and second display unit 102B provided in the frame unit 12, an LED bulb disposed on the back surface of the first display unit 102A and the second display unit 102B, and the like The flashing light emitting means 103 may be configured.
In this case, the light emitting means 103 is turned on and light is transmitted through the first display portion 102A and the like, so that the first indicator portion 31B and the like can be easily seen. In addition, when the light emitting means 103 is turned off, light does not pass through the first display portion 102A and the like, so that the first indicator portion 31B and the like can be made difficult to see. That is, by controlling the light emitting unit 103 to blink, the first display unit 102A and the like can be displayed as necessary. Thereby, the 1st index part 31B does not become obstructive at the time of driving etc., and it can be made hard to feel troublesome when the driver's seat side door mirror 10 is visually observed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18A, the index unit 104 is displayed by the image projection unit 104A arranged on the back surface of the mirror surface 11a and the image provided on the mirror unit 11 and projected from the image projection unit 104A. Display unit 104B.
Here, the display unit 104B may display a region where the visual object is to be projected (a region α surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 18B), or a region where the visual object is not to be projected (FIG. 18). In (c), a region β) surrounded by a two-dot chain line may be displayed.
Further, since the content displayed on the display unit 104B is a video projected by the video projection unit 104A, the display content can be easily changed. Therefore, for example, the indicator 104 can be easily visually checked according to the weather, time zone (nighttime / daytime), driver's preference, and the like.

Further, the index part may be displayed in a point shape like the first index part 31C shown in FIG. In this case, for example, the ratio of the index portion occupying the mirror surface 11a of the mirror portion 11 can be reduced compared with the first index portion 31 of the first embodiment, and the troublesomeness when viewing the driver's seat side door mirror 10 is reduced. Can be reduced.
In addition, the shape of the index portion is not limited to a line or a point, and may be an inflection point shape that follows a preset outline of the visual object.

  Furthermore, the indicator part may be displayed by an uneven design provided on the frame part, or may be provided on both the mirror part and the frame part by any one of the methods described above.

  Although the right potentiometer 51 and the left potentiometer 52 are shown as the mirror direction detection means for detecting the direction of the driver side door mirror 10 and the passenger side door mirror 20, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a rotary encoder may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Driver eyeball position estimation apparatus 2 Vehicle 3 Car body 10 Driver side door mirror (first rearview mirror)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Mirror part 11a Mirror surface 12 Frame part 13 Vertical axis 14 Horizontal axis 15 1st motor 16 2nd motor 20 Passenger side door mirror (2nd rearview mirror)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 Mirror part 21a Mirror surface 22 Frame part 23 Vertical axis 24 Horizontal axis 25 1st motor 26 2nd motor 31 1st index part 32 2nd index part 33 3rd index part 40 Mirror adjustment switch (mirror adjustment means)
51 Right potentiometer (mirror direction detection means)
52 Left potentiometer (mirror direction detection means)
60 Coordinate calculation unit (eye position estimation means)
L Mirror interval P1 Right rear parting point (visual object)
P2 Left rear parting point (visual object)
G Horizon (visual object)
D driver

Claims (6)

A first rearview mirror and a second rearview mirror provided on the vehicle body and reflecting the rear of the vehicle;
An indicator portion provided on each of the first and second rearview mirrors, which serves as a reference when matching the visual object behind the vehicle imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors with the line of sight of the driver in a predetermined direction When,
Mirror adjustment means for adjusting the orientations of the first and second rearview mirrors and aligning the visual object imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors with the indicator portion,
Mirror direction detecting means for detecting the directions of the first and second rearview mirrors;
Eyeball position estimating means for estimating the position of the eyeball of the driver based on the orientation of the first and second rearview mirrors and the distance between the first and second rearview mirrors ,
As the visual object, a vehicle body component which is a part of the vehicle body which is rearward of the driver and protrudes most in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and a boundary line between the sky and the earth behind the driver of the driver Have
The mirror adjusting means aligns the vehicle body component that is the visual object imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors with the indicator portion so that the first and second rearview mirrors are oriented in the vehicle left-right direction. Adjusting, adjusting the vehicle vertical direction of the first and second rearview mirrors by aligning the boundary line that is the visual object imaged on the first and second rearview mirrors with the indicator portion,
The eyeball position estimating means includes the tilt angle of the first rearview mirror with respect to the vehicle left-right direction, the tilt angle of the second rearview mirror with respect to the vehicle left-right direction, and the distance between the first and second rearview mirrors. At least one of first estimation means for estimating a vehicle front-rear direction position and a vehicle left-right direction position of the eyeball, and an inclination angle of the first rearview mirror with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle or an inclination angle of the second rearview mirror with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle And a second estimation means for estimating the vehicle vertical direction position of the eyeball from the vehicle longitudinal direction position of the eyeball estimated by the first estimation means . In the driver eyeball position estimating apparatus according to claim 1,
The second estimating means is a first vehicle up-down direction of the eyeball estimated from an inclination angle of the first rearview mirror with respect to the vehicle up-down direction and a position of the eyeball in the vehicle front-rear direction estimated by the first estimating means. location and,
A second vehicle vertical direction position of the eyeball estimated from the inclination angle of the second rearview mirror with respect to the vehicle vertical direction and the vehicle front-rear direction position of the eyeball position estimated by the first estimating means;
Based on the above, a driver eyeball position estimating means is configured to estimate a vehicle vertical direction position of the eyeball. In the driver eyeball position estimating device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The first and second rearview mirrors have a mirror part having a mirror surface that reflects the rear of the vehicle, and a frame part that supports the mirror part,
The driver eyeball position estimating apparatus, wherein the index part is provided in the mirror part. In the eyeball position estimation device for a driver according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The first and second rearview mirrors have a mirror part having a mirror surface that reflects the rear of the vehicle, and a frame part that supports the mirror part,
The driver eyeball position estimating apparatus, wherein the index part is provided in the frame part. In the eyeball position estimation apparatus for a driver according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The driver's eye position estimation device, wherein the indicator unit includes: a flashable light emitting unit; and a display unit displayed by light when the light emitting unit is turned on. In the eyeball position estimation device for a driver according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The driver eye position estimation apparatus, wherein the index unit includes a video projection unit and a display unit displayed by a video from the video projection unit.