JP7704185B2 - Alarm system, update service system, and alarm management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an alarm system, an update service system, and an alarm management method.

At intersections without traffic lights, drivers may have to give way to each other, and drivers of vehicles on the non-priority side (for example, vehicles entering a wider road from a narrower road) often have to wait until they can make a left or right turn. If you want other drivers to give you the right of way, you can indicate your intention to proceed by flashing your lights or using hand signals.

JP 2012-221451 A JP 2006-106955 A JP 2021-060919 A

The vehicle that has been given the right of way enters the intersection, but if that vehicle is equipped with a sonar-equipped warning system, it may sound an alarm unnecessarily because it is close to the vehicle that gave way. If unnecessary alarms are sounded every time like this, drivers' trust in the warning system will decrease. Lower trust reduces the system's effectiveness in preventing accidents.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an alarm system, an update service system, and an alarm management method that can reduce the issuance of unnecessary alarms.

An alarm system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a warning system mounted on a vehicle and which issues an alarm to warn of the risk of a collision with another vehicle, and which comprises a sonar which measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, a hand signal recognition unit which recognizes hand signals shown by the driver of the vehicle, and an alarm processing unit which uses the measurement results of the sonar and the recognition results of the hand signal recognition unit to issue or stop the alarm, and the alarm processing unit prevents the alarm from being issued when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle indicates a hand signal of a predetermined hand/arm pattern.
An alarm system according to a second aspect of the present invention is an alarm system mounted on a vehicle and which issues an alarm to warn of the risk of a collision with another vehicle, and which comprises a sonar which measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, a passing light detection unit which detects passing lights emitted from the vehicle, and an alarm processing unit which uses the measurement results of the sonar and the detection results of the passing light detection unit to issue or stop the alarm, and the alarm processing unit prevents the alarm from being issued when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the vehicle issues a passing light with a predetermined flashing pattern.
An alarm system according to a third aspect of the present invention is an alarm system mounted on a vehicle and which issues an alarm to warn of the risk of a collision with another vehicle, and comprises a sonar which measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, a hand signal recognition unit which recognizes hand signals indicated by the driver of the vehicle, a passing detection unit which detects passing signals issued by the vehicle, an alarm processing unit which issues or stops the issuance of the alarm using the measurement results of the sonar, the recognition results of the hand signal recognition unit, and the detection results of the passing detection unit, and an alarm cancellation operation unit which cancels the issuance of the alarm in response to an operation, and the alarm processing unit issues or stops the issuance of the alarm based on a determination criterion which is updated so as to reduce the frequency of operation of the alarm cancellation operation unit, using the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit or the detection result of the passing detection unit, which are obtained each time an alarm is issued, the distance, and information indicating whether the issuance of the alarm has been canceled by the alarm cancellation operation unit.

An alarm management method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is an alarm management method applied to an alarm system mounted on a vehicle and issuing an alarm to notify of the risk of collision with another vehicle, the method measuring the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle using a sonar, recognizing hand signals shown by the driver of the vehicle using a hand signal recognition unit, and using the measurement results of the sonar and the recognition results of the hand signal recognition unit, an alarm processing unit prevents the alarm from being issued if the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle indicates a hand signal of a predetermined hand/arm pattern.
An alarm management method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an alarm management method applied to an alarm system mounted on a vehicle and issuing an alarm to warn of the risk of collision with another vehicle, the method measuring the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle using a sonar, detecting passing lights emitted from the vehicle using a passing light detection unit, and using the measurement results of the sonar and the detection results of the passing light detection unit, an alarm processing unit prevents the alarm from being issued if the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the vehicle issues a passing light with a predetermined flashing pattern.
An alarm management method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an alarm management method applied to an alarm system mounted on a vehicle and issuing an alarm to notify of the risk of a collision with another vehicle, the method comprising: using a sonar to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle; using a hand signal recognition unit to recognize hand signals indicated by the driver of the vehicle; using a passing detection unit to detect passing signals issued by the vehicle; using the measurement results of the sonar, the recognition results of the hand signal recognition unit, and the detection results of the passing detection unit to issue or stop the alarm; an alarm cancellation operation unit to cancel the issuance of the alarm in response to operation; and using the recognition results of the hand signal recognition unit or the detection results of the passing detection unit, which are obtained each time an alarm is issued, the distance, and information indicating whether the issuance of the alarm has been canceled by the alarm cancellation operation unit, to issue or stop the alarm based on a determination criterion that has been updated so as to reduce the frequency of operation of the alarm cancellation operation unit.

The present invention can reduce the issuance of unnecessary alarms.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with a warning system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 shows two examples of hand signals that the driver's hands and arms may display in a camera image. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a situation in which the driver of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 is given the right of way by another vehicle at an intersection without traffic lights. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration including an alarm system according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a table showing conditions for turning on (ON) the output in the alarm on/off determination module and conditions for turning off (OFF) the output. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a hand signal recognition database. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a passing detection database. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic operation of the alarm on/off determination module. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a basic operation of the warning adjustment unit. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the basic operation of the customer-specific module management section of the customer-specific update service system. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the configuration shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the configuration shown in FIG.

The following describes the embodiment with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with an alarm system according to an embodiment. Details of the alarm system will be described later.

The vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with headlights 11, turn signals 12, sonar 13, a camera 14, etc.

The headlights 11, also called headlamps or headlights, illuminate the road ahead. The headlights 11 can be switched to high beams (upward lighting) or flashing with high beams by, for example, having the driver pull a turn signal switch (not shown in FIG. 1) inside the vehicle toward themselves. Flashing means sending some kind of signal to drivers of other vehicles by flashing the high beams quickly two or three times.

Generally, passing is used for various purposes, such as (1) "when you want to go ahead" (for example, when you want other vehicles to give way at an intersection, or when you want to indicate your intention to proceed), (2) "when giving way" (for example, when giving way to an oncoming vehicle), (3) "when expressing gratitude (for example, when expressing gratitude after being given the way)", and (4) "when giving a warning" (when informing the driver that the headlights of an oncoming vehicle are on high beam and dazzling), but in this embodiment, an example of using the flashing light by the driver of vehicle 1 for the above (1) "when you want to go ahead" is shown.

The blinkers 12 are also called turn signal lamps or direction indicators, and multiple blinkers are arranged on the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle.

Sonar 13 is a device that detects obstacles such as other vehicles and walls approaching vehicle 1 (host vehicle), and multiple sonars are placed on the front, rear, left and right sides of the vehicle. If the obstacle is another vehicle, sonar 13 determines whether or not the other vehicle is present within a specified range of the host vehicle by transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving the reflected waves, calculates the distance between the host vehicle and the other vehicle, and generates and outputs information indicating whether or not the other vehicle is present within a specified range of the host vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "other vehicle presence/absence information") and information indicating the distance between the host vehicle and the other vehicle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "other vehicle distance information").

In this embodiment, for example, at the front of the vehicle, corner sonars 13 are placed at the left and right corners. Each of these corner sonars 13 transmits ultrasonic waves A1 and receives the reflected waves. At the rear of the vehicle, corner sonars 13 are placed at the left and right corners. Each of these corner sonars 13 transmits ultrasonic waves A2 and receives the reflected waves.

In this embodiment, an example in which the number of sonars 13 is four is shown, but a front center sonar may be placed in the center of the front of the vehicle, and a rear center sonar may be placed in the center of the rear of the vehicle. In addition, sonars may be placed at the top of the front and top of the rear of the vehicle.

Camera 14 captures an image of the area in shooting range A3 near the outside of the window closest to the driver of vehicle 1, either constantly or at regular intervals. When the driver of vehicle 1 puts his or her arm out of the window to show a hand signal, camera 14 outputs an image including the arm showing the hand signal.

Figure 2 shows two examples of hand signals made by the driver's arms as seen in the image from camera 14. Figure 2(a) shows an example of an image in which the hand signal made by the driver's arms indicates a "right turn." Figure 2(b) shows an example of an image in which the hand signal made by the driver's arms indicates a "left turn."

Image recognition processing can be used to determine whether a hand signal indicates a "right turn" or a "left turn." For example, as in the image of FIG. 2(a), when the position P11 of the arm near the window, the position P12 of the fingertips, and the position P13 of the elbow are identified, and the angle between the line segment connecting P11 and P13 and the line segment connecting P12 and P13 is approximately 180 degrees, the hand signal can be recognized as indicating a "right turn." Also, as in the image of FIG. 2(b), when the position P21 of the arm near the window, the position P22 of the fingertips, and the position P23 of the elbow are identified, and the angle between the line segment connecting P21 and P23 and the line segment connecting P22 and P23 is approximately 90 degrees, the hand signal can be recognized as indicating a "right turn."

Figure 3 shows an example of a situation in which the driver of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 is asked by another vehicle to give way to him at an intersection without traffic lights.

As shown in Figure 3, at a T-junction where road R1 and road R2 intersect, your vehicle 1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "your vehicle 1") traveling on road R1 is approaching the intersection and is about to make a left turn as indicated by arrow D1. At this time, another vehicle 2 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "other vehicle 2") traveling on road R2 is approaching the intersection as indicated by arrow D2.

The driver of vehicle 1 wants vehicle 2 to give way to the other vehicle 2, so he or she indicates to the driver of vehicle 2 his or her intention to proceed (turn left) by flashing his or her lights or using hand signals. In response, vehicle 2 slows down and moves slowly.

Having been given the right of way, the host vehicle 1 enters the intersection, but because the distance to the other vehicle 2 is within a specified range, the sonar 13 detects the other vehicle 2 as an obstacle based on the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves A1. At this time, the driver of the host vehicle 1 is paying attention to the surrounding situation and there is no risk of colliding with the other vehicle 2, so it can be said that the driver of the host vehicle 1 does not need to issue an alarm. In a typical alarm system, an alarm would be issued at this point, but in the alarm system of this embodiment, an alarm is not issued at this point. The mechanism behind this will be described later.

Figure 4 shows an example of a configuration including an alarm system according to an embodiment.

The alarm system 100 shown in FIG. 4 is mounted on the vehicle 1. The alarm system 100 has a function of issuing an alarm to notify the driver of the risk of collision with another vehicle, and includes as its components a sonar 13, a camera 14, a hand signal recognition device (hand signal recognition section) 15, a turn signal switch 16, a passing detection device (passing detection section) 17, an alarm cancel switch (alarm cancel operation section) 18, an alarm processing section 19 (including an alarm issuing section 20, an alarm on/off determination module 21, and an alarm adjustment section 22), an update processing section 23, a temporary storage section 24, and an input/output section 25.

Of the individual elements included in the alarm system 100, the sonar 13 and the camera 14 are installed outside the vehicle, while the other elements are installed inside the vehicle 1.

Note that while FIG. 4 shows an example in which the camera 14 is provided in the hand signal recognition device 15, the hand signal recognition device 15 may instead be provided in the camera 14. Also, the camera 14 and the hand signal recognition device 15 may be provided independently. In that case, the hand signal recognition device 15 may be provided in the alarm on/off determination module 21.

The alarm system 200 is installed in a vehicle other than the host vehicle 1. The alarm system 200 includes components similar to those of the alarm system 100.

The function of the sonar 13 is as described above. The information on the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle and the distance to the oncoming vehicle generated by the sonar 13 is supplied to the alarm on/off determination module 21.

The function of the camera 14 is as described above. The images captured by the camera 14 are supplied to the hand signal recognition device 15.

The hand signal recognition device 15 recognizes hand signals given by the driver of the vehicle 1 by performing the image recognition processing described above based on the image captured by the camera 14. Information on hand signals given by the driver includes features indicating physical characteristics such as the length of the driver's upper arm and forearm, as well as features indicating the driver's unique habits and tendencies such as the angle at which the elbow is bent and the inclination of the upper arm and forearm (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "hand signal features"). The hand signal information including the hand signal features is supplied to the alarm on/off determination module 21.

The turn signal switch 16 is used not only when turning left or right, but also when flashing the high beams as mentioned above. The turn signal switch is sometimes called a headlight switch.

The passing detection device 17 detects a passing when the turn signal switch 16 is used to turn on the turn signal. Specifically, the passing detection device 17 detects a flashing pattern of the passing. The flashing pattern indicates a time series of turning on/off the high beams (ON/OFF), and includes features that characterize the flashing pattern, such as the number of flashes, the duration of each flash, and the duration of off between flashes (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "passing features" (or "headlight features"). It can be said that the passing features reflect the driver's unique habits and tendencies when operating the turn signal switch 16. Information on the passing, including the passing features, is supplied to the alarm on/off determination module 21.

The alarm cancel switch 18 has a function of halting (canceling) the issuance of an alarm in response to the operation of the driver of the vehicle 1, that is, a function of preventing an alarm from being issued. The alarm cancel switch 18 is used when an alarm has been issued and the driver of the vehicle 1 wishes to stop the issuance of the alarm.

For example, if vehicle 1 is given the right of way by other vehicle 2 at an intersection and enters the intersection, and sonar 13 detects other vehicle 2 because the distance to other vehicle 2 is within a specified range, and an alarm is issued, the driver of vehicle 1 is paying attention to the surrounding conditions and there is no risk of collision with other vehicle 2, so the driver of vehicle 1 feels that an alarm is unnecessary. In such a case, the driver of vehicle 1 operates alarm cancel switch 18 to stop the alarm from being issued.

When the alarm cancel switch 18 is not operated, the signal (alarm cancel signal) output from the alarm cancel switch 18 remains in the on (ON) state, but when the alarm cancel switch 18 is operated, the signal (alarm cancel signal) output from the alarm cancel switch 18 becomes off (OFF) for a certain period of time.

The alarm processing unit 19 is a function that issues or stops an alarm using the measurement results of the sonar 13, the recognition results of the hand signal recognition device 15, and the detection results of the passing detection device 17. This function is realized by the alarm issuing unit 20, the alarm on/off determination module 21, and the alarm adjustment unit 22, which will be described later.

The alarm processing unit 19 prevents an alarm from being issued, for example, when the distance between the vehicle 1 and another vehicle (e.g., another vehicle 2) is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle 1 indicates a hand signal of a predetermined hand-arm pattern (e.g., a hand signal indicating a left turn or a hand signal indicating a right turn). This reduces the frequency with which unnecessary alarms are issued when the driver of the vehicle 1 indicates a hand signal at an intersection to allow another vehicle to proceed.

The alarm processing unit 19 also prevents an alarm from being issued, for example, when the distance between the vehicle 1 and another vehicle (e.g., the other vehicle 2) is less than a predetermined value and the vehicle 1 emits a flashing light with a blinking pattern including a predetermined flashing feature. This reduces the frequency with which unnecessary alarms are issued when the driver of the vehicle 1 flashes his or her lights at an intersection to allow other vehicles to proceed.

The functions of the alarm issuing unit 20, the alarm on/off determination module 21, and the alarm adjustment unit 22 are described below.

The alarm issuing unit 20 issues an alarm when the signal output from the alarm adjustment unit 22, which will be described later, is in the ON state. Specifically, when both the signal output from the alarm on/off determination module 21 and the signal output from the alarm cancel switch 18 are in the ON state, the signal output from the alarm adjustment unit 22 is in the ON state, and the alarm issuing unit 20 issues an alarm.

On the other hand, the alarm issuing unit 20 does not issue an alarm when the signal output from the alarm adjustment unit 22 is in the off (OFF) state. Specifically, when at least one of the signal output from the alarm on/off determination module 21 and the signal output from the alarm cancel switch 18 is in the off (OFF) state, the signal output from the alarm adjustment unit 22 is in the off (OFF) state, and the alarm issuing unit 20 does not issue an alarm.

An alarm is issued by outputting a sound indicating the warning (e.g., a buzzer sound, a voice message) from a speaker, or by displaying information indicating the warning (e.g., a message) on a display.

The alarm on/off determination module 21 is realized as a program executed by a processor. This program can be updated as needed to determine whether the alarm is on or off in the on/off determination module 21, by updating the information on the hand signal determination criteria and the passing determination criteria described below, or by updating the program itself, thereby making it possible to more appropriately perform alarm on/off determinations in the on/off determination module 21 and further reduce the frequency with which the driver operates the alarm cancel switch 18.

The alarm on/off determination module 21 determines whether there is an other vehicle "present" or "not present" based on the information provided by the sonar 13. "Present" other vehicle means that the distance between the vehicle 1 and another vehicle (e.g., vehicle 2) is less than a predetermined value. "Not present" other vehicle means that this is not the case.

The alarm on/off determination module 21 also determines whether a hand signal is being used or not based on the information supplied from the hand signal recognition device 15. This determination uses a determination criterion (hand signal determination criterion) for determining whether the driver of the vehicle 1 has shown a hand signal of a predetermined hand/arm pattern (for example, a hand signal indicating a left turn or a hand signal indicating a right turn). If the hand signal feature amount included in the hand signal information supplied from the hand signal recognition device 15 matches the hand signal determination criterion, it is determined that a hand signal is being used. If it does not match, it is determined that a hand signal is not being used.

The hand signal judgment criteria are repeatedly updated through a learning process described below so that they reflect features that indicate the driver's particular habits and tendencies. This makes hand signal judgments more appropriate, reduces the frequency with which the driver operates the alarm cancel switch 18, and reduces the issuance of unnecessary alarms.

The alarm on/off determination module 21 also determines whether passing has been performed "yes" or "no" based on the information supplied from the passing detection device 17. This determination uses a determination criterion (passing determination criterion) for determining whether a passing signal with a flashing pattern including a predetermined passing feature has been issued from the vehicle 1. If the passing feature included in the passing information supplied from the passing detection device 17 matches the passing determination criterion, it is determined that passing has been performed "yes." If it does not match, it is determined that passing has not been performed "yes."

The passing judgment criteria are repeatedly updated through a learning process described below so that they reflect the characteristics that indicate the driver's particular habits and tendencies. This makes passing judgments more appropriate, reduces the frequency with which the driver operates the alarm cancel switch 18, and reduces the issuance of unnecessary alarms.

Here, FIG. 5 shows an example of a table showing the conditions for turning the output of the alarm on/off determination module 21 on (ON) and off (OFF).

The "passing judgment" item in the table in Figure 5 represents the judgment result of either "yes" or "no" passing as described above. In the table, "ON (passing performed)" represents a judgment result of "yes" passing, and "OFF (no passing performed)" represents a judgment result of "no" passing.

The item "Hand signal implementation determination" in the table in Figure 5 represents the determination result of either "yes" or "no" hand signal implementation as described above. "ON (hand signal implementation)" represents a determination result of "yes" hand signal implementation. "OFF (hand signal not implementation)" represents a determination result of "no" hand signal implementation.

The item "Other vehicle presence/absence" in the table in Figure 5 indicates the judgment result of either "other vehicle present" or "not present" as described above. "ON (present)" indicates the judgment result that the other vehicle is "present." "OFF (not present)" indicates the judgment result that the other vehicle is "not present."

The item "Alarm ON/OFF Determination" in the table in Figure 5 represents the result of the determination as to whether the output should be turned on (ON) or off (OFF). "ON" represents that the output should be turned on (i.e., an alarm should be issued). "OFF" represents that the output should be turned off (i.e., no alarm should be issued).

Of the eight combinations shown in FIG. 5, there is only one condition, indicated by diagonal lines, under which the alarm on/off determination module 21 turns its output "ON." That is, only when the determination result of the "passing determination" indicates "OFF (passing performed)," the determination result of the "hand signal execution determination" indicates "OFF (hand signal not executed)," and the "other vehicle presence/absence" indicates "ON (present)." In all other cases, the output of the alarm on/off determination module 21 is "OFF."

For example, even if the "Other vehicle presence" indicates "ON (present)," if at least one of the "Passing determination" and "Hand signal implementation determination" determination results indicates "ON," the output of the alarm on/off determination module 21 becomes "OFF."

When the "Other vehicle presence/absence" indicates "OFF (absent)," the output of the alarm on/off determination module 21 becomes "OFF," regardless of the results of the "Passing determination" and "Hand signal implementation determination."

When both the signal output from the alarm on/off determination module 21 and the signal output from the alarm cancel switch 18 are in the on (ON) state, the alarm adjustment unit 22 sets the output to the on (ON) state and causes the alarm issuance unit 20 to issue an alarm.

On the other hand, when at least one of the signals output from the alarm on/off determination module 21 and the alarm cancel switch 18 is in the off (OFF) state, the alarm adjustment unit 22 turns the output off (OFF) and does not cause the alarm issuance unit 20 to issue an alarm.

The update processing unit 23 is a function that updates the information on the hand signal judgment criteria and passing judgment criteria used by the alarm on/off judgment module 21, or updates the program itself that realizes the alarm on/off judgment module 21. The information or program for updating is provided by the customer-specific update service system 30.

The update processing unit 23 temporarily stores the update information or program provided by the customer-specific update service system 30 in the temporary storage unit 24, and then inquires of the driver through the display screen of the display provided in the input/output unit 25 whether the update is necessary. When the driver inputs information indicating the need for an update through the input device provided in the input/output unit 25, the update processing unit 23 carries out the update desired by the driver using the information or program temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 24.

The customer-specific update service system 30 provides an information update service, including hand signal judgment criteria and passing judgment criteria, to each customer who owns an individual vehicle (the customer's own vehicle 1 or another vehicle) equipped with an alarm system. The customer-specific update service system 30 receives information provided by the vehicle owned by each customer (the recognition result of the hand signal recognition device 15 obtained each time a hand signal is given, the detection result of the passing detection device 17 obtained each time a passing signal is given, the other vehicle distance, and information indicating whether the issuance of an alarm has been canceled by the alarm cancel switch 18), performs a predetermined learning process based on the information, and provides a service of providing each customer with hand signal judgment criteria and passing judgment criteria that reflect features that indicate the driver's specific habits and tendencies, or update data for a program that includes them.

The customer-specific update service system 30 includes a customer-specific information storage unit 31, a customer-specific learning processing unit 32, and a customer-specific update service unit 33.

The customer-specific information storage unit 31, customer-specific learning processing unit 32, and customer-specific update service unit 33 in the customer-specific update service system 30 are sometimes collectively referred to as the "customer-specific module management unit" because they are responsible for managing update data for the alarm on/off determination module 21 on a customer-by-customer basis.

The customer-specific information storage unit 31 compiles various information provided by the vehicles owned by each customer, namely, the customer number, the recognition results of the hand signal recognition device 15 (hand signal information including hand signal features), the detection results of the passing detection device 17 (passing information including passing features), the other vehicle distance, and information indicating whether the issuance of an alarm has been canceled by the alarm cancel switch 18 (alarm cancellation status information indicating whether cancellation has been performed) for each customer, and stores it in a database. There are two types of databases: a "hand signal recognition database" and a "passing detection database".

Figure 6 shows an example of information stored in the hand signal recognition database. As shown in Figure 6, the hand signal recognition database stores information for each customer, such as customer number (1, 2, ...), hand signal feature amount (hand signal recognition result A, hand signal recognition result B, ...), other vehicle distance (xxm, ...), and warning cancellation status (cancelled, not cancelled, ...).

Figure 7 shows an example of information stored in the passing detection database. As shown in Figure 7, the passing detection database stores information for each customer, such as customer number (1, 2, ...), headlight switch feature amount equivalent to the passing feature amount (ON/OFF time series result E, ON/OFF time series result F, ...), other vehicle distance (xxm, ...), and warning cancellation status (cancelled, not cancelled, ...).

The customer-specific learning processing unit 32 performs a predetermined learning process for each customer using the information stored in the hand signal recognition database and the information stored in the passing detection database, thereby generating updated hand signal judgment criteria and passing judgment criteria, or a program including them, that reflect the features that indicate the driver's specific habits and tendencies for each customer.

For example, if the latest hand signal feature provided by the customer shows a larger elbow angle when indicating a left turn compared to the hand signal feature currently set in the hand signal judgment standard, the hand signal feature set in the hand signal judgment standard will also be corrected to show a larger elbow angle when indicating a left turn.

For example, if the flashing interval of the latest flashing feature provided by the customer is greater than the flashing feature currently set in the flashing judgment criteria, the flashing feature set in the flashing judgment criteria is also corrected to have a similarly greater flashing interval.

The customer-specific update service unit 33 transmits update data indicating the updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria, or a program including them, to the update processing unit 23 in each customer's vehicle at the appropriate time.

Next, an example of the basic operation of the alarm on/off determination module 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

The alarm on/off determination module 21 monitors the various signals provided by the sonar 13, the passing detection device 17, and the hand signal recognition device 15 (step S11), and based on the various information provided by these devices, determines whether there is an oncoming vehicle (step S12), whether the driver has been passing the vehicle (step S13), and whether the driver has been using a hand signal (step S14).

If it is determined in step S12 that there is no other vehicle (NO in step S12), the alarm is turned off.

If it is determined in step S12 that "another vehicle is present" (YES in step S12) and in step S13 that "passing has been performed" (YES in step S13), the warning is turned off.

If it is determined in step S13 that "passing was not performed" (NO in step S13) and in step S14 that "hand signals were performed" (YES in step S14), the alarm is turned off.

If it is determined in step S14 that "no hand signal was performed" (NO in step S14), the alarm is turned on (step S15).

Then, repeat the process from step S11.

Next, an example of the basic operation of the alarm adjustment unit 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9.

The alarm adjustment unit 22 monitors the alarm cancellation signal supplied from the alarm cancellation switch 18 (step S21) and determines whether or not the alarm has been cancelled (step S22).

If it is determined in step S22 that "alarm cancellation is not required" (NO in step S22), the alarm issuance is turned on (step S23).

If it is determined in step S22 that "alarm cancellation is performed" (YES in step S22), the alarm issuance is turned off (step S24).

Then, repeat the process from step S21.

Next, an example of the basic operation of the customer-specific module management unit of the customer-specific update service system 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 10.

The customer-specific module management unit acquires information for each customer, such as the recognition results of the hand signal recognition device 15 (hand signal information including hand signal features), the detection results of the passing detection device 17 (passing information including passing features), the other vehicle distance, and information indicating whether the issuance of the warning has been canceled by the warning cancel switch 18 (warning cancellation status information indicating whether cancellation has been performed), and stores and keeps this information in a database (hand signal recognition database and passing detection database) (step S31).

Next, the customer-specific module management unit performs a predetermined learning process for each customer using the information stored in the hand signal recognition database and the information stored in the passing detection database to generate updated hand signal judgment criteria and passing judgment criteria that reflect features that indicate the driver's specific habits and tendencies for each customer, or a program that includes them (step S32).

Finally, the customer-specific module management unit performs an update service by transmitting update data indicating the updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria, or a program including them, to the update processing unit 23 in each customer's vehicle in a timely manner (step S33).

By configuring it as described above, it is possible to reduce the issuance of unnecessary alarms.

In addition, the information on the updated hand signal judgment criteria and passing judgment criteria that reflect the characteristics that indicate the driver's specific habits and tendencies can be updated, or the program itself can be updated, so that the on/off judgment module 21 can more appropriately judge whether the alarm is on or off, and the frequency with which the driver operates the alarm cancel switch 18 can be further reduced.

Next, we will explain a modified example (part 1) of the configuration shown in Figure 4.

Figure 11 shows a modified example (part 1) of the configuration shown in Figure 4. Here, the differences from the configuration in Figure 4 will be mainly explained.

The configuration in FIG. 11 differs from the configuration in FIG. 4 in that a customer-specific information storage unit 31 is not provided in the customer-specific update service system 30, but instead an information storage unit 31A is provided in each customer's alarm system. In the example in FIG. 11, the information storage unit 31A is provided in the alarm system 100. In this case, the customer-specific learning processing unit 32 performs learning processing using the information stored in the information storage unit 31A.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the above-mentioned customer-specific information storage unit 31 stores information provided by the vehicles of all customers corresponding to customer numbers 1, 2, ... in a database, but the information storage unit 31A stores only information corresponding to the vehicle of one customer. For example, only information corresponding to the vehicle 1 is stored in the information storage unit 31A in the alarm system 100 of the vehicle 1.

By configuring it in this way, there is no need to provide a large-capacity storage device in the customer-specific update service system 30, which reduces the load on the customer-specific update service system 30.

Next, we will explain a modified example (part 2) of the configuration shown in Figure 4.

Figure 12 shows a modified example (part 2) of the configuration shown in Figure 4. Here, the differences from the configuration in Figure 4 will be mainly explained.

The configuration in FIG. 12 differs from the configuration in FIG. 4 in that the functions previously performed by the customer-specific module management unit of the customer-specific update service system 30 are now performed by the alarm system of each customer's vehicle. In the example in FIG. 12, an information storage unit 31A and a learning processing unit 32A are arranged within the alarm system 100.

The information storage unit 31A stores only information corresponding to one customer's vehicle, as described in the first modification. For example, only information corresponding to the vehicle 1 is stored in the information storage unit 31A in the alarm system 100 of the vehicle 1.

The learning processing unit 32A also performs only learning processing corresponding to the vehicle of one customer. For example, the learning processing unit 32A in the warning system 100 of the host vehicle 1 performs only learning processing corresponding to the host vehicle 1.

The learning processing unit 32A performs a learning process using the information stored in the information storage unit 31A, and generates updated hand signal judgment criteria and passing judgment criteria that reflect features that indicate the driver's specific habits and tendencies, or a program that includes them. The updated hand signal judgment criteria and passing judgment criteria, or update data that indicates the program that includes them, is supplied to the update processing unit 23.

By configuring it in this way, the functions previously handled by the customer-specific module management unit of the customer-specific update service system 30 are now handled by the alarm system of each customer's vehicle, further reducing the load on the customer-specific update service system 30.

As described above in detail, according to the embodiments, it is possible to provide an alarm system, an update service system, and an alarm management method that can reduce the issuance of unnecessary alarms.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combination, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and an effect can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

1...Vehicle (own vehicle)
2...Other vehicles (other cars)
11...Headlight 12...Blinker 13...Sonar (distance measuring unit)
14: Camera 15: Hand signal recognition device (hand signal recognition unit)
16... turn signal switch 17... passing detection device 18... alarm cancel switch 19... alarm processing unit 20... alarm issuing unit 21... alarm on/off determination module 22... alarm adjustment unit 23... update processing unit 24... temporary storage unit 25... input/output unit 30... customer-specific update service system 31... customer-specific information storage unit 32... customer-specific learning processing unit 33... customer-specific update service unit 100... alarm system (inside the vehicle)
200…Alarm system (inside other vehicles)

Claims (7)

A warning system that is mounted on a vehicle and issues a warning to notify the driver of a risk of collision with another vehicle,
A sonar for measuring the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle;
a hand signal recognition unit that recognizes a hand signal provided by a driver of the vehicle;
an alarm processing unit that uses the measurement result of the sonar and the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit to issue or stop the alarm;
Equipped with
The alarm processing unit includes:
When the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle shows a hand signal of a predetermined hand-arm pattern, the warning is not issued.
Alarm system. A warning system that is mounted on a vehicle and issues a warning to notify the driver of a risk of collision with another vehicle,
A sonar for measuring the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle;
a passing detection unit that detects a passing light emitted from the vehicle;
an alarm processing unit that uses the measurement result of the sonar and the detection result of the passing detection unit to issue or stop the alarm;
Equipped with
The alarm processing unit includes:
When the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the vehicle emits a flashing light with a predetermined blinking pattern, the warning is not issued.
Alarm system. A warning system that is mounted on a vehicle and issues a warning to notify the driver of a risk of collision with another vehicle,
A sonar for measuring the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle;
a hand signal recognition unit that recognizes a hand signal provided by a driver of the vehicle;
a passing detection unit that detects a passing light emitted from the vehicle;
an alarm processing unit that issues or stops issuing the alarm using a measurement result of the sonar, a recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit, and a detection result of the passing detection unit;
an alarm cancel operation unit that cancels the issuance of the alarm in response to an operation;
Equipped with
The alarm processing unit includes:
The system performs or stops issuing the alarm based on a determination criterion updated so as to reduce the frequency of operation of the alarm cancel operation unit using the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit or the detection result of the passing detection unit, the distance, and information indicating whether or not the issuance of the alarm has been canceled by the alarm cancel operation unit, which are obtained each time an alarm is issued.
Alarm system. An update service system for providing an update service of information including said judgment criteria to each vehicle equipped with the warning system according to claim 3 . 1. A warning management method applied to a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning to notify a driver of a risk of collision with another vehicle, comprising:
Using sonar to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle;
A hand signal recognition unit recognizes hand signals shown by a driver of the vehicle,
an alarm processing unit, using the measurement result of the sonar and the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit, prevents the alarm from being issued when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle shows a hand signal of a predetermined hand-arm shape;
Alarm management methods. 1. A warning management method applied to a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning to notify a driver of a risk of collision with another vehicle, comprising:
Using sonar to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle;
A passing light detection unit detects a passing light emitted from the vehicle,
an alarm processing unit, using the measurement result of the sonar and the detection result of the passing detection unit, prevents the alarm from being issued when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the vehicle emits a passing light with a predetermined flashing pattern;
Alarm management methods. 1. A warning management method applied to a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning to notify a driver of a risk of collision with another vehicle, comprising:
Using sonar to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle;
A hand signal recognition unit recognizes hand signals shown by a driver of the vehicle,
A passing light detection unit detects a passing light emitted from the vehicle,
An alarm processing unit issues or stops the alarm using the measurement result of the sonar, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit, and the detection result of the passing detection unit.
The alarm cancel operation unit cancels the issuance of the alarm in response to the operation,
The system performs or stops issuing the alarm based on a determination criterion updated so as to reduce the frequency of operation of the alarm cancel operation unit using the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit or the detection result of the passing detection unit, the distance, and information indicating whether or not the issuance of the alarm has been canceled by the alarm cancel operation unit, which are obtained each time an alarm is issued.
Alarm management methods.