JPH0316680B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] a. Field of Industrial Application This invention provides a system that automatically informs the driver of the vehicle of the occurrence of the abnormal approach when a running vehicle approaches an obstacle such as another vehicle. The present invention relates to a vehicle obstacle detection device that is capable of making a notification.

b. Prior Art When a vehicle such as an automobile is running, the distance between it and an obstacle such as a preceding vehicle, a guardrail provided at a curve in front, or a cliff may become too short compared to the traveling speed.

The main causes of this include the fact that the vehicle is traveling at a higher speed than the vehicle in front, and errors in the sense of distance to the vehicle in front and obstacles.
Cases in which the driving speed of the own vehicle is higher than the driving speed of the preceding vehicle include, for example, when the speed of the own vehicle is intentionally increased to overtake, when the preceding vehicle applies the brakes and slows down its traveling speed, etc. There are various cases such as when a driver unconsciously increases the speed of his own vehicle while driving aimlessly, or when he consciously narrows the distance between him and the vehicle in front because he is angry about being overtaken.

However, regardless of the cause, as the distance between vehicles and the distance between the vehicle and obstacles becomes shorter, the probability of a rear-end collision or a collision increases. Therefore,
Various techniques have been proposed to prevent rear-end collisions when the distance between vehicles becomes short.

For example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 36-8214, a device that emits ultrasonic waves forward within a limited range is mounted on the front of a vehicle, and a device at the rear is equipped with a device that emits ultrasonic waves in a limited range. A warning device (hereinafter referred to as a first conventional example) has been proposed, which is characterized by mounting a device for receiving sound waves and transmitting and receiving warnings from a rear vehicle to a front vehicle.

For example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 39-5668, a pulse oscillator with an ultrasonic frequency is used to measure the distance between the self and an obstacle in front of the self, and at the same time the relative speed between the self and the obstacle in front of the self. An automobile safety device (hereinafter referred to as the second conventional example) has been proposed that automatically and continuously measures and automatically prevents collisions by appropriately considering the measured distance and relative speed. ing.

c Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the first conventional example described above, for example, an ultrasonic wave is emitted from a following vehicle to a preceding vehicle, and if the preceding vehicle is within a certain distance, a warning is issued to the driver of the preceding vehicle. It is configured so that it can be given. Therefore, when a following vehicle overtakes a preceding vehicle, it has a function that gives a warning to the preceding vehicle, but if the preceding vehicle applies the brakes and slows down, or if the preceding vehicle is carelessly ahead and the own vehicle is If you unconsciously increase your driving speed, or if you consciously narrow the gap between you and the vehicle in front because you are angry about being overtaken, you will give unnecessary warnings to the driver of the vehicle in front.
In other words, a warning is given to the driver of the preceding vehicle to ask him/her to take a driving operation that is convenient for the own vehicle based on the driving operation of the own vehicle. This increases stress on vehicle drivers and lacks the spirit of mutual compromise, which is the basis of traffic ethics.

According to the second conventional example, when there is a risk of a rear-end collision with a preceding vehicle or a collision with an obstacle in front, the brakes of the own vehicle are activated to avoid an accident, so it is self-restrictive. There are many things to recommend from the spirit of mutual compromise, which is the basis of traffic ethics.

However, constantly operating the brake system in order to avoid the risk of collision with a preceding vehicle or collision with an obstacle ahead is not necessarily effective in preventing accidents. For example, if a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of you while driving on a highway and the brakes are applied suddenly, it not only impairs the smooth flow of traffic, but also increases the risk of being rear-ended by the following vehicle. . In addition, even if the distance to the vehicle in front or an obstacle in front is short, accidents can be prevented by operating the steering wheel to change direction or lane, and this can be done without impairing the smooth flow of traffic. There are many cases.

Furthermore, according to the second conventional example, since the traveling speed of the own vehicle is not a problem, for example, if the traveling speed of the preceding vehicle and the own vehicle are the same, the brakes will be activated even if the inter-vehicle distance is short. Never. For example, per hour
Even though I am driving at 100km/h, the following distance is
If the vehicle is traveling at an abnormally short distance from the vehicle compared to the vehicle speed, such as a distance of only about 10 meters, the brakes will not be automatically applied. Therefore, it is not necessarily effective in preventing rear-end collisions, especially chain rear-end collisions (swivel collisions).

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is based on the reflection propagation time of the signal carrier emitted from the transmitting device and reflected after colliding with an obstacle, and the reflection propagation time of the signal carrier, which is set in advance according to the speed of the vehicle. By comparing the reflection propagation time with the set time and notifying the driver of an abnormally approaching state when the reflection propagation time is shorter than the set time, the driver can be alerted to prevent accidents such as rear-end collisions and collisions. The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle obstacle detection device that prevents traffic jams caused by unnecessary braking and prompts optimal measures to ensure traffic smoothness.

d Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the vehicle obstacle detection device according to the present invention includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, a comparison determination device, and an alarm device mounted on the vehicle.

The transmitting device includes a transmitting device that transmits a signal carrier, and the receiving device includes a detecting device that receives and detects a reflected component of the signal carrier. Furthermore, the comparison/judgment means compares the reflection propagation time of the signal carrier detected by the detection means with a set time preset according to the speed of the vehicle, and determines when the reflection propagation time is shorter than the set time. The vehicle is configured to output an abnormal approach signal, and the warning means is configured to notify the driver of the vehicle of the abnormal approach state when the abnormal approach signal is input.

In the present invention, the signal carrier used is a signal carrier that is emitted by a emitting means, reflected by hitting a vehicle, an obstacle, etc., detected by a detecting means, and from being emitted by the emitting means to being detected by the detecting means. It is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the reflection propagation time of
Examples include light rays (infrared rays, laser beams, etc.).

Furthermore, in the present invention, the direction in which the signal carrier is emitted by the emitting means and the direction in which the detection means inputs the reflected component of the signal carrier are not particularly limited.
For example, it may be configured to fire toward the front, which is the direction in which the vehicle is traveling, or toward the rear, or toward the steering direction during cornering. Therefore, these firing means and detection means may be installed at the front or rear of the vehicle, at the front or rear of the passenger compartment, at the front or rear fenders, or at the front or rear of the vehicle, depending on the position and direction suitable for detecting obstacles such as other vehicles. Any location such as the bumper portion can be selected, and the installation direction can be freely selected such as front, rear, diagonal right, diagonal left, etc. according to the direction desired to be detected.

For example, when detecting an obstacle in front, the firing means and the detection means may be supported on the front cover, on the radiator grill, on the dash board in the driver's cab, etc. On the other hand, when detecting a rear obstacle, the emitting means and the detecting means may be supported by the rear bumper, supported by the rear gate of the vehicle body, or placed behind the seat in the driver's cabin.

Furthermore, the alarm means used in the present invention is
It is sufficient if the structure is such that a warning is issued to the driver of the vehicle when the abnormal approach signal outputted by the comparison determination means is input, and the warning issued by the warning means may be an auditory warning such as a buzzer or voice. However, it may also be a visual warning such as a continuous lighting or blinking of a lamp, or a display of letters or patterns.

e Effect In the present invention, a signal carrier is reflected in a predetermined direction from the emitting means of the transmitting device, and its emitted component is detected by the detecting means of the receiving device. and,
The comparison determination means compares the reflection propagation time from the firing by the firing means to the detection by the detection means with a set time set in advance according to the speed of the vehicle,
When the reflection propagation time is shorter than the set time, the comparison and determination means outputs an abnormal approach signal. When this abnormal approach signal is input to the alarm means, the alarm means issues a warning to notify the driver of the vehicle of the abnormal approach state, allowing the driver of the vehicle to avoid danger, prevent unnecessary brake activation, and stop traffic. This will have the effect of encouraging optimal measures to be taken to ensure facilitation.

f Example Hereinafter, a vehicle obstacle detection device according to an example of the present invention will be explained in detail based on FIG. 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle obstacle detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This vehicle obstacle detection device includes a transmitting device 1, a receiving device 2, a comparison and determination device 3, and an alarm device 4, which are mounted on a vehicle.

In this embodiment, ultrasonic signals are used as signal carriers.

Therefore, the transmitting device 1 has a pulse signal generating circuit 12.
generates a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency, a drive circuit forms a drive signal in synchronization with this pulse signal, and the drive signal drives the emission means 11 consisting of an ultrasonic oscillator to generate ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency. It is configured to output a signal.

Further, the receiving device 2 inputs an ultrasonic signal from the outside using a detecting means 21 having the same resonant frequency as the emitting means 11, converts it into a pulse signal having that frequency, and outputs the ultrasonic signal from the detecting means 21 using an amplification/detection circuit 22. The pulse signal is amplified, a pulse signal corresponding to the ultrasonic signal of the frequency outputted from the emitting means 11 is detected among the amplified pulse signals, and the waveform of the pulse signal is adjusted by the waveform shaping circuit 23 for comparative judgment. It is configured to output to means 3.

The comparison/judgment means 3 calculates the time from when the emitting means 11 emits the signal to when the detecting means 21 receives the signal using, for example, a built-in microcomputer, and stores it as a reflection propagation time.

Note that the reflection propagation time is twice the time it takes for an ultrasonic wave to travel the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle such as another vehicle if the vehicle is stopped; Since there is a difference between the position of the vehicle when the sound wave signal is emitted and the position when the reflected signal is received, corrections are made as appropriate depending on the traveling speed and direction of the vehicle as necessary.

Further, the comparison and determination means 3 is stored in advance with a set time that is set corresponding to the traveling speed.
This set time is the time required for the signal carrier to travel the shortest distance that allows the vehicle to approach obstacles such as other cars at that speed, taking into account the braking distance for the vehicle's travel speed. equivalent to,
Alternatively, it may be approached for a slightly longer period of time.

The comparison and determination means 3 is configured to compare the reflection propagation time with a set time corresponding to the current running speed of the vehicle, and output an abnormal approach signal when the reflection propagation time is shorter than the set time. be.

The warning means 4 is configured to issue an alarm when receiving the abnormal approach signal from the comparison and determination means 3 to notify the driver of the vehicle that an abnormal approach state has occurred.

As such warning means 4, a device that gives an auditory warning such as a buzzer or voice may be used.
For example, a visual warning may be provided, such as by continuously lighting or blinking a lamp such as a hazard lamp, or by displaying characters or patterns on a display device such as a cathode ray tube or liquid crystal panel. Of course, it is not prohibited to use two or more of these in combination.

According to this vehicle obstacle detection device, a signal carrier consisting of an ultrasonic signal is emitted from the emitting means 11 in a predetermined direction of the vehicle, for example, in front of the vehicle,
A signal carrier reflected by an obstacle such as another vehicle existing in that direction is selected by the detection means 21. Then, the comparison and determination means 3 calculates the reflection propagation time from emission to detection of the signal carrier. This reflection propagation time is compared with a set time set in advance according to the speed of the vehicle, and if the reflection propagation time is shorter than the set time, the comparison and determination means 3 outputs an abnormal approach signal. The alarm means 4 receiving this abnormal approach signal issues an alarm to notify the driver of the vehicle of the abnormal approach state. Based on this warning, the driver of the vehicle in question may, for example, use the brakes to slow down, operate the steering wheel to change course or lane, or operate the horn, hazard lights, or directional supports to avoid surrounding vehicles. By issuing a warning to the driver, the driver is urged to take the most appropriate measures to avoid danger, prevent unnecessary application of the brakes, and ensure smooth traffic flow. It turns out.

Therefore, based on the driving operation of the own vehicle, a warning is not automatically given to the drivers of surrounding vehicles such as the preceding vehicle to request driving operations that are more convenient for the own vehicle's driving. The spirit of mutual compromise, which is the basis of traffic ethics, can be fully demonstrated without increasing the stress of drivers of other vehicles due to erratic driving.

In addition, since the brakes are not forcibly activated to avoid the risk of collision, optimal measures are taken in response to surrounding traffic conditions to prevent accidents and ensure traffic smoothness. You can choose.

Furthermore, the system notifies the driver of the limits of the distance between vehicles and the approach distance to obstacles based on the speed of the vehicle, so a warning will not be issued if the vehicle is traveling with an abnormally short distance between vehicles compared to the vehicle's speed. By encouraging drivers to maintain an appropriate distance between vehicles, it is possible to effectively prevent rear-end collisions, and sometimes chain-rear-end collisions (cross-over collisions).

The above explanation mainly focuses on ensuring safety against obstacles such as other vehicles in front of the vehicle, but the present invention is of course only intended to ensure safety against obstacles such as other vehicles in front of the vehicle. However, obstacles such as other cars behind the driver may restrict the driver's field of vision.
It can also be used to ensure safety against obstacles such as other vehicles in the direction of travel during cornering.

g Effects of the Invention As explained above, since the vehicle obstacle detection device of the present invention has the above configuration, it achieves the effects described below.

That is, in the present invention, a signal carrier is emitted in a predetermined direction from the emitting means of the transmitting device, and its reflected component is detected by the detecting means of the receiving device. Then, the comparison and determination means compares the reflection propagation time from the firing by the firing means to the detection by the detection means with a set time preset according to the speed of the vehicle, and when the reflection propagation time is shorter than the set time, the comparison and determination means An abnormal approach signal is output from the When this abnormal approach signal is input to the warning means, it is possible to urge the driver of the vehicle to take optimal measures to avoid danger and ensure smooth traffic flow.

As a result, based on the driving operation of the own vehicle, a warning is automatically given to the drivers of surrounding vehicles, such as the preceding vehicle, to request driving operations that are convenient for the own vehicle's movement, thereby preventing one's own selfish driving. Therefore, it is possible to maintain traffic order in accordance with the spirit of mutual compromise, which is the basis of traffic ethics, without increasing the stress of drivers of other vehicles.

In addition, when your vehicle approaches another vehicle or other obstacle, you can select a safety avoidance operation other than braking, which allows you to prevent your vehicle from colliding with the obstacle depending on the local traffic conditions. Therefore, it is possible to ensure smooth traffic flow in the surrounding area.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle obstacle detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1... Transmission device, 2... Receiving device, 3... Comparison/judgment means, 4... Alarm means, 11... Emission means,
21...Detection means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A transmitting device 1, a receiving device 2, and a receiving device 2 mounted on a vehicle.
Comparative determination means 3 and alarm means 4 are provided, the transmitting device 1 is provided with a transmitting device 11 for transmitting a signal carrier, and the receiving device 2 is a detecting device for detecting a reflected component of the signal carrier reflected from the obstacle. 2
1, the comparison and determination means 3 compares the reflection propagation time of the signal carrier detected by the detection means 21 with a set time preset according to the speed of the vehicle, and determines the reflection propagation time as the set time. The alarm means 4 is configured to output an abnormal approach signal when the abnormal approach signal is shorter, and the alarm means 4 is configured to notify the driver of the vehicle of the abnormal approach state when the abnormal approach signal is input. Obstacle detection device for vehicles.