JP2007091028A - Vehicular warning system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately avoid collision to a surrounding vehicle such as a preceding vehicle or a following vehicle even during high-speed traveling. <P>SOLUTION: When an object detecting device detects a vehicle approaching own vehicle, it is checked whether the vehicle is during high-speed traveling or not. In case of high-speed traveling, by blinking or shortening a period of headlights and the like, warning is given to surroundings, and traveling control of the own vehicle is carried out so as to make the own vehicle become apart from the approaching vehicle (steps 110 to 120). Operation demand of traveling control to the supporting vehicle is carried out (a step 122). Therefore, the preceding vehicle carries out acceleration control, and a following vehicle carries out brake control, thereby making the surrounding vehicle become apart from the own vehicle with the approaching vehicle. Consequently, collision or contact to the approaching vehicle, and secondary collision or contact accompanied with that can be accurately avoided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm device for a vehicle that issues an alarm when an obstacle with a possibility of collision is detected around the host vehicle, and more specifically, an alarm for a vehicle that issues an alarm to a front vehicle or a rear vehicle. About the system.

  A driver of a traveling vehicle may change his or her visual acuity and other sensations depending on the traveling speed of the vehicle. As for visual perception, moving visual acuity decreases during high-speed traveling compared to low-speed traveling, the substantial visual recognition range becomes narrow, and recognition may be delayed even within the visual recognition range. In addition, a driver traveling at high speed is in a tension state different from that at low speed, which may cause changes in various senses.

  On the other hand, while driving, the driver visually recognizes the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle, etc., judges the possibility of a collision sensuously, and executes the collision avoidance action by braking the vehicle when the possibility of the collision becomes high To do.

  Further, when there is a margin for taking an avoidance action by early visual recognition, it is possible to notify that there is a risk of collision in the preceding vehicle or the following vehicle and that there is a possibility of performing an avoidance operation for that purpose.

  By the way, if the driver cannot recognize the danger or the recognition is delayed, the execution of the collision avoidance action may be delayed or the danger notification to the surroundings may be delayed. Further, when the danger notification to the surroundings is executed, if the driver of the succeeding vehicle cannot recognize or delays recognition, a secondary collision may occur or the collision avoidance operation may be delayed.

  From here, there is a proposal to detect an object around a running vehicle, determine the possibility of a collision between the detected object and the host vehicle, and issue a warning to the driver when the possibility of a collision is high. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, since the risk of a collision with a preceding vehicle changes depending on the traveling environment of the host vehicle, the risk of a collision with an object ahead is determined not only from the relative speed and distance but also from the traveling environment of the host vehicle. I try to judge. Further, in Patent Document 1, when the host vehicle is capable of speed control and braking control, by performing speed control or braking control, in addition to notifying the danger of a collision such as a preceding vehicle, it is possible to avoid a collision. It is proposed to control.

  On the other hand, there has been proposed a vehicle alarm device that not only alerts the driver of the own vehicle but also issues an avoidance action to the following vehicle by issuing an alarm to the following vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .)

  In Patent Document 2, a vehicle traveling ahead is detected using millimeter waves, laser waves, ultrasonic waves, and the like, and the possibility of a collision is determined based on the relative speed, the inter-vehicle distance, and the like. When an accident occurs, a warning is given to the following vehicle using light such as lighting of a brake lamp and blinking of a hazard lamp. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 proposes that when communication with the following vehicle is possible, the operation of a pretensioning function such as tensioning the seat belt of the following vehicle, or brake braking is performed.

  On the other hand, as a collision prevention measure, the distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle is measured, speed control is performed to maintain the distance between vehicles according to the traveling speed, and automatic traveling is performed to maintain the vehicle speed set by the driver. Sometimes done.

  When such speed control is possible, the preceding vehicle may not be detected on a curve or a slope, and therefore, the preceding vehicle may be too close. From here, the position information of each vehicle is acquired by an artificial satellite, the position of the own vehicle is specified, the positions of the preceding vehicle and the following vehicle are specified, and the driving control is performed, thereby performing appropriate driving control. The proposal which made it perform was made | formed (for example, refer patent document 3).

  However, for example, when a warning alarm such as flashing of a hazard lamp or a sound alarm using a horn is issued to the following vehicle, if the visual recognition or recognition of the driving vehicle of the following vehicle is delayed, there is a substantial delay of the alarm. turn into. In addition, even if a warning is issued to the following vehicle simply by a sound warning or a light warning, there is a possibility that a problem such as a delay in the avoidance operation may occur if recognition of the warning of the driver of the following vehicle is delayed during high speed driving or the like. .

Furthermore, when there is a possibility that the following vehicle may collide with the own vehicle, not only the warning for the following vehicle but also the warning for the preceding vehicle may be necessary for the own vehicle to avoid the collision. In addition, there is a problem that if the driver or driver of the vehicle ahead is delayed, the collision cannot be avoided and the possibility of a secondary collision with the vehicle ahead increases.
JP 2004-164188 A JP 2002-222491 A JP 2001-14596 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle warning system for enabling accurate collision avoidance with respect to surrounding vehicles such as preceding vehicles and subsequent vehicles. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an object detection means for detecting an object around the host vehicle and a distance from the object, and a traveling state detection means for detecting a traveling state whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed. An alarm means for issuing an alarm to the surroundings, and an alarm for setting the alarm cycle of the alarm means to be shorter than that in the non-high speed running state when the running state detecting means is detecting a high speed running state The alarm means is activated based on the setting of the alarm setting means when the setting means and the object detection means detect an object close to a predetermined area within a predetermined range around the host vehicle. And an alarm control means for issuing an alarm around the host vehicle.

  According to the present invention, when an object that is close enough to be likely to collide with the host vehicle is detected, an alarm such as a light alarm means such as a headlight, a stop lamp, a hazard lamp, or a sound alarm means such as a horn. Use means to alert the surroundings.

  At this time, if the running state of the vehicle is a high-speed running state, the warning cycle generated by each warning means is made shorter than that in the constant-speed running state that is a non-high-speed running state. For example, when an alarm is issued by blinking a headlight, blinking a stop lamp, or blinking a hazard lamp, the blinking cycle (on-off cycle) is shortened.

  As a result, by visually stimulating, the driver of the surrounding vehicle can recognize the light accurately and quickly even if the recognizability to light or the like is low because the vehicle is traveling at high speed. The alarm effect can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention is different from an object detection unit that detects an object around the host vehicle and a distance from the object, and a traveling state detection unit that detects a traveling state whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed. When a plurality of alarm means capable of issuing an alarm to the surroundings of the own vehicle using a medium and an object close to a predetermined area within the predetermined surrounding of the own vehicle are detected by the object detecting means And alarm control means for controlling the operation of the alarm means based on the running condition detected by the running condition detecting means and issuing an alarm around the host vehicle.

  According to the present invention, when a plurality of alarm means capable of generating an alarm by different media such as a light alarm means such as a headlight, a stop lamp, a hazard lamp, and a sound alarm means such as a horn are provided, the running state Based on the running state detected by the detecting means, the operation of the warning means is controlled to issue a warning.

  By controlling the operation of the alarm means according to the vehicle running state, the emergency state of the host vehicle can be accurately notified to the surroundings.

  In the present invention, the alarm control unit may be any device as long as it controls the operation of the alarm unit so that an optimal alarm is performed based on the traveling state. An alarm setting means for setting an alarm start timing or an alarm cycle for each alarm means, and the alarm control means controls the operation of the alarm means based on the setting of the alarm setting means It may be.

  Further, in the present invention, when the traveling state detecting unit detects a high speed traveling state, the alarm setting unit sets the alarm period of the alarm unit to be shorter than that in the non-high speed traveling state. It is preferable that when the vehicle is in a high-speed traveling state, it is possible to accurately inform the surroundings that the emergency state of the host vehicle is higher by shortening the alarm cycle.

  In addition, the present invention provides an object detection unit that detects an object around the host vehicle and a distance from the object, a communication unit that enables communication of information with another vehicle, and the object detection unit. Alarm control means for issuing alarm information to vehicles around the own vehicle by the communication means when an object close to a predetermined area within a predetermined area around the own vehicle is detected by Features.

  According to this invention, when information communication between vehicles is possible via a communication means, alarm information is emitted to surrounding vehicles via a communication means.

  As a result, it is possible to accurately convey to the surrounding vehicles that the host vehicle is in close proximity to the target object and may cause a collision or contact with the target object even during high-speed driving. Is possible.

  In the present invention as described above, a traveling state detecting means for detecting whether or not the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, a plurality of warning means capable of issuing a warning to the surroundings of the own vehicle using different media, An alarm setting unit configured to set an alarm start timing or an alarm cycle out of the plurality of alarm units based on the driving state detected by the driving state detection unit, and the alarm control unit includes the alarm control unit, A configuration may be included in which an alarm is generated around the host vehicle by operating the alarm unit based on the setting of the alarm setting unit, and at this time, the traveling state detecting unit detects a high-speed traveling state In some cases, the alarm setting unit may set the alarm cycle of the alarm unit to be shorter than that in the non-high speed running state.

  The present invention also includes travel control means for enabling travel control of the vehicle based on information input via the communication means, wherein the alarm control means is configured such that the communication means causes the other vehicle to move from the host vehicle. Travel control is performed so as to retreat.

  According to the present invention, when the vehicle includes a travel control means such as speed control (acceleration control and deceleration control), braking control, steering control, etc., the travel control of the other vehicle is performed by the communication means.

  Thereby, since the surrounding vehicle can be separated from the own vehicle, even when the own vehicle collides with or comes into contact with the object, it is possible to suppress the influence from spreading to the surroundings.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that travel control of the other vehicle is performed between the host vehicle and the adjacent vehicle so as to ensure a distance between the vehicles that is set according to a travel speed.

  According to this invention, when the preceding vehicle or the following vehicle approaches the own vehicle, the adjacent vehicle is separated from the own vehicle. Thereby, a proximity state can be canceled smoothly.

  According to the present invention, when a light alarm using a headlight, a stop lamp, or the like is issued, in the high-speed driving state, the blinking cycle is shortened, so that the driver of the surrounding vehicle even in the high-speed driving state. The alarm can be recognized accurately.

  Moreover, since this invention issues warning information to surrounding vehicles via a communication means, the issued warning information can be accurately transmitted to drivers of surrounding vehicles.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the travel control means is used to control the surrounding vehicle so that the surrounding vehicle is separated from the host vehicle. Therefore, even if the preceding vehicle or the following vehicle approaches the host vehicle, the close state is smoothly released. It is possible to obtain an excellent effect that it is possible.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle alarm system 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle alarm system 10 includes an alarm controller (hereinafter referred to as an alarm ECU 12) including various interfaces and the like together with a microcomputer.

  Connected to the alarm ECU 12 is an obstacle detection device 14 that is provided in a vehicle on which the vehicle alarm system 10 is mounted and forms proximity detection means.

  The obstacle detection device 14 includes a failure detection sensor 16 and is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 18 that is provided in the vehicle and detects the vehicle speed. The obstacle detection sensor 18 emits electromagnetic waves such as millimeter waves, laser waves, light (light waves) such as far infrared rays and near infrared rays, and sound waves such as ultrasonic waves as search waves and is reflected by an object such as a vehicle. A search object is detected by receiving a search wave.

  When the obstacle detection sensor 16 receives the search wave reflected by the object, the obstacle detection device 14 calculates the distance to the object from the time lag or phase lag of the received search wave. Such processing is performed in time series at preset time intervals or the like.

  Further, the obstacle detection device 14 is configured to detect an obstacle detection sensor 16 that searches each of the front side, the rear side, and both sides of the vehicle (hereinafter, the obstacle detection sensors 16F, 16R, and 16Rs when there is a need to distinguish between them). 16Ls).

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2, the search of the target object around the vehicle (own vehicle) 20 is possible. In the following description, it is assumed that the preceding vehicle 20B traveling in front of the host vehicle 20A and the following vehicle 20C traveling behind the host vehicle 20A are searched as main objects.

  The obstacle detection device 14 detects a change in relative distance according to the passage of time for each search object detected by the obstacle detection sensor 16, and whether or not the search object may collide with the host vehicle 20A. Determine whether. That is, the failure detection device 14 detects the presence or absence of the preceding vehicle 20B and the following vehicle 20C. For example, when detecting the preceding vehicle 20B, the obstacle detection device 14 measures the inter-vehicle distance, and when the inter-vehicle distance decreases, It is determined whether or not they are close enough to collide.

At this time, as the inter-vehicle distance x of the preceding vehicle 20B and the traveling speed (speed) v of the host vehicle 20A, the inter-vehicle distance x (inter-vehicle distance x) is set at a preset time interval (for example, time t ₁ and time t ₂ ). ₁ , x ₂ ) and speed v (speed v ₁ , v ₂ ) are detected, and time values T ₁ and T ₂ are calculated.

T ₁ = x ₁ / v ₁
T ₂ = x ₂ / v ₂
From this calculation result and a threshold value Tth for a preset time value T,
T ₁ −T ₂ <0, T ₂ <Tth
When it is, it is judged that the preceding vehicle 20B detected may collide with the own vehicle 20A. That is, since T ₁ −T ₂ <0, it can be determined that the preceding vehicle 20B is approaching the host vehicle 20A, and the time value T _{2 at} this time is smaller than the threshold value Tth. Sometimes, it can be determined that the preceding vehicle 20B is so close that there is a possibility of collision with the host vehicle 20A.

  Such a threshold value Tth is set to a different value for each of the front side, the rear side, and the side side so that the rear side becomes smaller than the front side, for example. Note that the threshold value Tth may be set not only in the direction but also, for example, in accordance with the speed v of the host vehicle 20A so that the threshold value Tth decreases as the speed v increases. Moreover, the detection method and determination method of the proximity degree of a target object are not restricted to this, Arbitrary detection methods and determination methods are applicable.

  The obstacle detection device 14 is not limited to this, and at least the host vehicle 20A on which the vehicle alarm system 10 is mounted, and obstacles around the host vehicle 20A (for example, the preceding vehicle 20B and the following vehicle 20C). As long as it has a configuration capable of acquiring information on the distance (inter-vehicle distance), relative speed, and movement direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the alarm ECU 12 is connected with a headlight 22, a stop lamp 24, a hazard lamp 26 and a horn (horn) 28 provided on the vehicle 20 (own vehicle 20A) as a surrounding alarm means. ing.

  When the alarm ECU 12 determines that the obstacle detection device 14 is close enough to determine that the preceding vehicle 20B or the following vehicle 20C to be searched is likely to collide, the headlight 22, the stop An alarm is issued by blinking of the lamp 24 and the hazard lamp 26 or sounding of the horn 28.

  At this time, in the vehicle warning system 10, the warning for the preceding vehicle 20 </ b> B is performed using the headlight 22, the hazard lamp 26 and the horn 28, and the warning for the following vehicle 20 </ b> C is issued by the stop lamp 24, the hazard lamp 26 and the horn 28. I am going to use it.

  By the way, in the alarm system 10 for vehicles, the navigation system 30 attached to the vehicle is used as a traveling state detection means, and this navigation system 30 is connected to the alarm ECU 12. The alarm ECU 12 acquires from the navigation system 30 whether or not the travel position of the host vehicle 20A on the map is on a highway such as an automobile-only road.

  In the vehicle alarm system 10, for example, an on-off cycle when an alarm is issued using the headlight 22 is changed according to whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed. When information that is determined to be traveling at high speed is acquired from 30, for example, the on-off cycle when issuing an alarm is made shorter than during non-high-speed traveling.

  Further, the alarm ECU 12 is configured to advance the timing of issuing an alarm when issuing an alarm during high-speed traveling, compared to during non-high-speed traveling. That is, when the alarm ECU 12 detects an obstacle with a high possibility of collision, the alarm ECU 12 issues a warning with a predetermined time delay (for example, from several seconds to several seconds), but is determined to be traveling at high speed. Sometimes, the delay time is shortened or the delay time is eliminated to issue an alarm.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 3, an outline of alarm processing in the alarm ECU 12 will be described as an operation of the first embodiment. As described above, here, the obstacle detection device 14 detects the preceding vehicle 20B and the succeeding vehicle 20C, and issues an alarm based on whether or not each approached within the threshold value Tth. .

  This flowchart is executed by, for example, turning on an ignition switch (not shown) provided in the vehicle and starting traveling. In the first step 100, the detection result of the obstacle detection device 14 is read. It is confirmed whether or not a vehicle (a preceding vehicle 20B or a following vehicle 20C) that is close to the host vehicle 20A is detected.

  Here, for example, if the distance between the host vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B is shortened and the preceding vehicle 20B is close to the host vehicle 20A and there is a high possibility of a collision, an affirmative determination is made in step 102. To step 104.

  In step 104, position information of the host vehicle 20A is acquired from the navigation system 30, and in step 106, it is determined whether the vehicle is traveling at high speed. The acquisition of the position of the host vehicle and the determination of whether the vehicle is traveling at high speed may be executed in advance and stored.

  As a result, if the vehicle is not traveling at high speed, a negative determination is made at step 106 and the routine proceeds to step 108. In this step 108, the start timing and the on-off cycle (alarm cycle) when the light alarm and the sound alarm are issued are set to values during low speed travel (during non-high speed travel).

  Thereafter, in step 110, an alarm is issued to the preceding vehicle 20B and the rear vehicle 20C at the set timing and on-off cycle.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is traveling at high speed, an affirmative determination is made at step 106 and the routine proceeds to step 112. In this step 112, the start timing and on / off cycle when the light alarm and sound alarm are issued are set to values during high-speed running, and the process proceeds to step 110, so that the set on-time is set at the set alarm start timing. -Perform off cycle alarm processing.

  In the vehicle alarm system 10, when the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the blinking cycle of the headlight 22, the blinking cycle of the stop lamp 24, the blinking cycle of the hazard lamp 26, and the ringing cycle of the horn 28 are made faster than during low-speed traveling. . Further, in the vehicle alarm system 10, when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed, the timing for issuing the alarm is made earlier than during the vehicle traveling at a low speed.

  As a result, when the host vehicle 20A is traveling at a low speed and the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding vehicle 20B is reduced and the preceding vehicle 20B is in the proximity state, the headlight 22 and the hazard lamp 26 flash slowly. In addition, the ringing of the horn 28 can inform the user that the preceding vehicle 20B is approaching and call attention.

  At the same time, the slow blinking of the stop lamp 24 informs the succeeding vehicle 20C that the host vehicle 20A is close to the preceding vehicle 20B, and can call attention.

  On the other hand, when the host vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B become close to each other during high speed traveling and the possibility of a collision accident increases, the alarm start timing is advanced and a short blinking interval (ON -Blinking of the headlights 22 in the off cycle), blinking of the stop lamp 24, blinking of the hazard lamp 26 and sounding of the horn.

  Thus, the emergency state of the host vehicle 20A can be accurately transmitted to the drivers of the surrounding vehicles that are traveling at high speed. That is, the driver of the preceding vehicle 20B traveling at a high speed is often concentrated on the front side in the traveling direction. At this time, the headlight 22 blinks on the rear side in a short cycle, or the horn 28 Is performed, it is possible to quickly and accurately visually recognize that the headlight 22 is blinking and that the horn 28 is sounding.

  Accordingly, the driver of the preceding vehicle 20B can surely recognize that the following vehicle (the host vehicle 20A) is in a close proximity enough to collide, and thereby perform the collision avoidance operation without delay. It becomes possible.

  In addition, during high-speed traveling, the driver's visual perception may be reduced, which may cause delay in the visual recognition of the driving vehicle of the succeeding vehicle 20C in response to an alarm issued by the host vehicle 20A.

  At this time, by blinking the stop lamp 24 in a short cycle, it is possible to give a stimulus to the driver's vision of the following vehicle 20C. Since the driver of the succeeding vehicle 20C can be promptly and accurately transmitted, the driver of the succeeding vehicle 20A can accurately detect the emergency condition of the vehicle ahead (the host vehicle 20A or the host vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B). Can be performed without delay.

  Accordingly, even when the host vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B are in the proximity state, it is possible to avoid a collision, and in the succeeding vehicle 20C, the collision of the host vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B is avoided. It becomes possible to prevent collisions and the like.

  In addition, even if the host vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B cannot avoid a collision and cause a contact or the like, it is possible to prevent the subsequent vehicle 20C from being caught in the contact.

  On the other hand, when the alarm ECU 12 executes the alarm process, in step 114, the detection result of the obstacle detection device 14 is read, and in step 116, the inter-vehicle distance with the preceding vehicle 20B that has been close is increased. Check if the condition has been resolved.

  As a result, when the proximity state is resolved, an affirmative determination is made in step 116, the process proceeds to step 118, and the alarm process is stopped.

  Thus, in the vehicle alarm system 10, the cycle is changed with the timing of issuing an alarm between high speed traveling and low speed traveling (non-high speed traveling). At this time, if the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the alarm is issued earlier than during low-speed traveling, and the blinking cycle of the headlights 22 and the like is shortened to stimulate the sight and hearing of the driver of the surrounding vehicle, Quick viewing is possible.

  If the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, the alarm timing is set to be slower than that during the traveling at a high speed, and the blinking cycle of the headlights 22 and the like is lengthened. As a result, it is possible to prevent a driver of a surrounding vehicle traveling at a low speed from giving an unnecessarily necessary stimulus, and to enable an accurate and reliable countermeasure.

  In the first embodiment described above, the navigation system is used as the traveling state detection means for detecting whether or not the host vehicle 20A is traveling at a high speed. However, the traveling state detection means is not limited to this. Instead, various configurations can be applied.

  For example, road information broadcasting distributed at a predetermined frequency can be used as the traveling state detection means. This road information broadcast is also distributed on ordinary roads, but on highways, highway radio information is distributed as highway radio broadcasts. It is possible to determine whether or not.

  In addition, as the traveling state detection means, if the vehicle is an ETC-equipped vehicle, it can be determined whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed based on whether or not the vehicle has passed the ETC gate using an ETC device.

  Furthermore, when the vehicle has a function of traveling at a constant speed (for example, a cruise control function), this cruise control function is used to determine whether the set speed exceeds a predetermined speed and whether the vehicle is traveling at a high speed (highway It may be determined whether the vehicle is traveling).

  Moreover, the speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor can be used as the traveling state detection means. At this time, it may be determined from whether or not traveling at a predetermined speed or more has continued for a predetermined time (for example, ten minutes to several tens of minutes).

Further, the present invention is not limited to these, and any configuration can be applied as long as it can be determined whether the vehicle is traveling at high speed.
[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Omitted.

  FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle alarm system 50 applied to the second embodiment. The vehicle alarm system 50 includes an alarm ECU 52, and the obstacle detection device 14 is connected to the alarm ECU 52.

  As a result, the alarm ECU 52 can determine whether the preceding vehicle 20B and the following vehicle 20C are close to the host vehicle 20A.

  Further, the alarm ECU 52 can confirm whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed from the position information acquired from the navigation system 30, and the alarm start timing, the alarm can be determined depending on whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed. When a cycle is set and a proximity vehicle is detected, an alarm process based on this setting is executed.

  By the way, in the vehicle alarm system 10 applied to the second embodiment, the alarm ECU 52 is provided in an engine control ECU 54 that controls the throttle opening degree according to the operation of the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle brake system. A brake ECU 56 that performs various types of brake control is connected.

  As a result, the alarm ECU 52 can perform speed control using the engine control ECU 54 and braking control using the brake ECU 56 when a proximity vehicle or the like is detected.

  The vehicle alarm system 50 is provided with a wireless communication device 58 as a communication means, and this wireless communication device 58 is connected to the alarm ECU 52. For example, the wireless communication device 58 can employ a configuration capable of wireless communication within a limited range of several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters (for example, about 300 meters) using weak radio waves of a predetermined frequency. The alarm ECU 52 can transmit and receive various types of information by using the wireless communication device 58.

  The vehicle alarm system 50 can exchange information with each other by using the wireless communication device 58. That is, the wireless communication device 58 can transmit and receive information between the vehicle alarm systems 50 within a communicable distance, and one of the vehicle alarm systems 50 becomes the transmission side, and the other A speed control request and a braking control request can be transmitted to the receiving side.

  Further, the vehicle alarm system 50 on the receiving side receives the speed control request, performs acceleration control such as acceleration / deceleration based on the received speed control request, and receives the braking control request, thereby braking the vehicle. It comes to perform control.

  Thus, for example, the vehicle warning system 50 (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle warning system 50A when distinguished) is provided in the host vehicle 20A, and the vehicle in front of the host vehicle 20B traveling in front of the host vehicle 20A When the vehicle alarm system 50A detects the proximity of the preceding vehicle 20B when the vehicle alarm system 50 (hereinafter referred to as the vehicle alarm system 50B) is provided, the braking using the brake system is performed. While performing control, it issues a warning to the effect that it has approached the vehicle warning system 50B by wireless communication, and requests acceleration control or the like.

  The vehicle alarm system 50B outputs an acceleration control signal to the engine control ECU 54 when receiving an acceleration control request from the vehicle alarm system 50A of the following vehicle (the host vehicle 20A in this case).

  As a result, the engine control ECU 54 performs acceleration control, thereby separating the distance between the adjacent vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B so that the proximity state is smoothly eliminated.

  Further, when the succeeding vehicle 20C is provided with the vehicle alarm system 50 (when distinguished, the vehicle alarm system 50C is used), the communication using the wireless communication device 58 is performed between the vehicle alarm systems 50A and 50C. Is done.

  At this time, when the proximity of the host vehicle 20A and the following vehicle 20C is detected by the vehicle alarm system 50A, the alarm ECU 52 of the vehicle alarm system 50A uses the engine control ECU 54 to perform acceleration control of the host vehicle 20A. At the same time, the alarm ECU 52 of the vehicle alarm system 50A outputs a notification of the proximity state and a deceleration control request to the vehicle alarm system 50C of the following vehicle 20C.

  When the alarm ECU 52 of the vehicle alarm system 50C provided in the succeeding vehicle 20C receives the deceleration control request together with the notification of the proximity state via the wireless communication device 58, the alarm ECU 52 sends a deceleration control signal to the brake ECU 56 of the brake system. By outputting, vehicle braking is executed. When the deceleration control request is received, the accelerator opening may be narrowed by the engine control ECU 54 in addition to the braking control.

  As a result, when the host vehicle 20A and the following vehicle 20C come close to each other, the host vehicle 20A on the front side in the traveling direction is accelerated, and the succeeding vehicle 20C on the rear side is decelerated to cancel the proximity state.

  That is, the vehicle alarm system 50 applied to the second embodiment is provided in the preceding vehicle 20B and the succeeding vehicle 20C together with the host vehicle 20A, so that the proximity state is notified by wireless communication and acceleration control or Control for canceling the proximity state, such as deceleration control, is requested.

  Here, an alarm process in the vehicle alarm system 50 applied to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

  FIG. 5 shows an outline of alarm processing by the alarm ECU 52 provided in the vehicle alarm system 50. Note that this alarm process is executed in a travelable state in which the ignition switch of the host vehicle 20A is turned on or during travel of the vehicle.

  In this flowchart, in the first step 100, the detection result of the obstacle detection device 14 is read, and in step 102, the presence / absence of a vehicle close to the host vehicle 20A is confirmed from the read detection result.

  As a result, if the preceding vehicle 20B or the following vehicle 20C is very close to the host vehicle 20A and is in a proximity state where there is a high possibility of collision or contact, an affirmative determination is made in step 102 and the routine proceeds to step 104. In step 104, the position information of the host vehicle 20A is acquired from the navigation system 30, and it is determined whether the vehicle is traveling at high speed (step 106).

  Here, if the own vehicle 20A is on the highway from the position information, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling at high speed, an affirmative determination is made in step 106, and the process proceeds to step 112, thereby setting an alarm in accordance with high speed traveling. . If the host vehicle 20A is on a general road, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, a negative determination is made at step 106, the process proceeds to step 108, and an alarm is set in accordance with the traveling at a low speed.

  Thereafter, in step 120, an alarm process based on the setting is executed. That is, if the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, when a predetermined delay time elapses, the horn 28 is sounded together with the flashing of the headlight 22, the stop lamp 24, and the hazard lamp 26 in a gradual cycle. The driver of the preceding vehicle 20B and the driver of the succeeding vehicle 20C are informed that the possibility that a collision will occur in the host vehicle 20A is high.

  On the other hand, if the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the delay time is shortened or an alarm is issued without providing the delay time. At this time, the horn 28 is sounded together with the blinking of the headlight 22, the blinking of the stop lamp 24, and the blinking of the hazard lamp 26 in a short cycle.

  In step 120, acceleration control or braking control of the host vehicle 20A is executed together with the alarm process. That is, when the preceding vehicle 20B is in proximity, the brake ECU 56 executes braking control, and when the following vehicle 20C is in proximity, acceleration control is executed by the engine control ECU.

  At the same time, the alarm ECU 52 proceeds to step 122 and transmits an operation request for avoiding a collision or contact to the surrounding vehicles (the preceding vehicle 20B or the following vehicle 20C). That is, an acceleration control request is transmitted to the vehicle warning system 50B provided in the preceding vehicle 20B, and a braking control request is issued to the vehicle alarm system 50C provided in the following vehicle 20C. Send.

  FIG. 6 shows an outline of processing for this operation request. In this flowchart, in the first step 130, it is confirmed whether or not an operation request issued from the vehicle alarm system 50 of the surrounding vehicle is detected. If an operation request is detected, an affirmative determination is made in step 130 and the process proceeds to step 132. Migrate and receive the detected operation request.

  Thereafter, in step 134, it is confirmed whether or not the received operation request is an acceleration control request, that is, an acceleration control request or a braking control request.

  Here, when the received operation control request is an acceleration control request for the preceding vehicle 20B, an affirmative determination is made in step 134, the process proceeds to step 136, and acceleration control is performed. When the received operation control request is a braking control (including deceleration control) request for the following vehicle 20C, a negative determination is made in step 134, the process proceeds to step 138, and braking control using the brake system is executed. At this time, the engine control ECU 54 may execute a deceleration process for closing the throttle.

  Thereby, the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B and the inter-vehicle distance between the host vehicle 20A and the following vehicle 20C are opened, and the own vehicle 20A and the preceding vehicle 20B or between the host vehicle 20A and the following vehicle 20C are opened. Proximity is eliminated smoothly and in a short time.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, when an alarm to surrounding vehicles and an operation control request for avoiding a collision or contact are transmitted, in step 114, the detection result of the obstacle detection device 14 is read and the proximity state is resolved. (Step 116), and when the proximity state is resolved, an affirmative determination is made in step 116, the process proceeds to step 124, the alarm is stopped, and the acceleration control or braking control being executed is also released. .

  At the same time, in step 124, the cancellation of the operation control request is transmitted.

  On the other hand, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, when acceleration control or braking control is executed, the routine proceeds to step 140, where it is confirmed whether a release request has been received.

  Here, when the close state is resolved and a cancel request is transmitted, when the cancel request is received, an affirmative determination is made in step 140 and the process proceeds to step 142 to cancel the control operation. That is, when acceleration control or deceleration control is being executed, forced acceleration control or deceleration control is canceled and normal speed control is executed. Further, when the braking control is being executed, the braking control is released.

  Thus, when a proximity vehicle is detected, an alarm is issued and acceleration control or deceleration control is executed according to the proximity vehicle. At this time, not only the host vehicle 20A but also each of the preceding vehicle 20B and the following vehicle 20C can execute the acceleration control or the deceleration control, so that the proximity state can be solved smoothly and in a short time. It is possible to prevent a collision and contact with a nearby vehicle, and to prevent a secondary collision and contact.

  When acceleration control is performed on the preceding vehicle 20B or when braking control is performed on the following vehicle 20C, the obstacle detection device 14 provided on each vehicle may further determine whether there is a preceding vehicle or a following vehicle, an inter-vehicle distance, etc. It is preferable to perform acceleration control and deceleration control based on the detection result.

  That is, when the preceding vehicle 20B performs acceleration control, the vehicle alarm system 50B further confirms the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle, and accelerates while suppressing the acceleration if the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle is short. When the control is performed and the following vehicle 20C performs deceleration control, the vehicle alarm system 50C further detects the presence or absence of the following vehicle and the inter-vehicle distance, and suppresses the braking force when the inter-vehicle distance is narrow. However, it is preferable to perform braking control.

  This makes it possible to prevent rear-end collisions and contact accidents due to unintended acceleration control and deceleration control performed by the driver's vehicle.

  Here, the acceleration control and deceleration control of the host vehicle 20A, the preceding vehicle 20B, and the following vehicle 20C are mainly described as an example. However, some vehicles have a steering assist function. A steering ECU to be controlled may be connected to the alarm ECU 52.

  FIG. 7 shows a schematic configuration of a vehicle alarm system 60 as an example. In this vehicle alarm system 60, a steering ECU 64 is connected to an alarm ECU 62 that is used in place of the alarm ECU 52 of the above-described vehicle alarm system 50. In the alarm ECU 62, the steering ECU 64 is connected. Steering control using the ECU 64 is possible.

  As shown in FIG. 8, there are roads with two or more lanes on one side, and particularly on expressways, there are often two or more lanes on one side such as a traveling lane and an overtaking lane. When traveling on such a road, there is a vehicle (parallel vehicle 20D) that travels in a lane adjacent to the lane on which the host vehicle 20A travels.

  The alarm ECU 62 applied to the vehicle alarm system 60 performs alarm setting according to whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed, and executes alarm processing based on the set alarm. At this time, when the following vehicle 20C is in the proximity state, an acceleration request is made to the parallel running vehicle 20D, and when the preceding vehicle 20B is in the proximity state, a braking request is made to the parallel running vehicle 20D. Do. Depending on the position of the parallel running vehicle 20D, a steering request in a direction away from the host vehicle 20A may be made together with a braking request or an acceleration request.

  At this time, because the parallel running vehicle 20D has a steering assist function, the course is changed in a direction away from the own vehicle 20A in response to a request from the own vehicle 20A (for example, approaching the end of the lane in the same lane, etc. ), Even if the driver's visibility of the parallel running vehicle 20D is lowered, the parallel running vehicle 20D is surely retracted, and the parallel running vehicle 20D is involved in the collision or contact of the host vehicle 20A. Can be prevented.

  When the alarm ECU 62 detects that the parallel running vehicle 20D is in the proximity state, the warning ECU 62 issues a warning to the surrounding vehicles and performs steering control by the steering ECU 64 to separate the host vehicle 20A from the parallel running vehicle 20D. At the same time, a steering control request is made to the parallel running vehicle 20D in a direction away from the host vehicle 20A.

  Thereby, even if the parallel running vehicle 20D reaches the proximity state to the host vehicle 20A, the proximity state can be smoothly and smoothly canceled.

  As described above, the vehicle alarm system 60 can also perform steering control, so that even when the visibility of the driving vehicle of the surrounding vehicle may be lowered, the close proximity state can be accurately eliminated. Become.

  Moreover, since the parallel running vehicle 20D can be separated from the own vehicle 20A by performing the steering control together, the evacuation area of the own vehicle 20A that issued the alarm is widened, so that the probability that collision and contact can be avoided. Can be increased.

  In the second embodiment described above, the acceleration control of the preceding vehicle 20B and the deceleration control of the following vehicle 20C are performed using the wireless communication device 58. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Information indicating that the host vehicle 20A is close to the traveling vehicle 20B and the following vehicle 20C is transmitted, and the vehicle alarm systems 20B and 20C send the received information to the preceding vehicle 20B and the following vehicle 20C, respectively. A car radio, a car audio system, or the like may be used to notify the driver vehicle by voice.

  Further, although the wireless communication device 58 that performs direct wireless communication between vehicles is used as the communication means, the communication means is not limited to this, and any configuration can be applied.

  For example, when communicating with surrounding vehicles, such as the preceding vehicle 20B and the following vehicle 20C, not only wireless communication but also infrared communication can be applied.

  In addition, the vehicle is not limited to the one that performs direct communication between vehicles, for example, each vehicle is provided with a communication device that can communicate with a satellite or a predetermined base station, and indirectly via the satellite or the base station. Alternatively, communication between vehicles may be performed.

  At this time, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) can be applied. In DSRC, various types of information can be transmitted and received through communication between a roadside device provided in the vicinity of a road and an in-vehicle device mounted on the vehicle. You may make it connect to ECU52 and may communicate via a DSRC roadside machine.

  Moreover, as a communication means, not only these but arbitrary structures are applicable if it is a structure which can exchange information directly or indirectly between vehicles.

  On the other hand, in the first and second embodiments described above, the alarm cycle is changed according to the traveling state of the vehicle. However, the alarm unit is selected according to the traveling state of the vehicle, and the selected alarm unit is selected. May be used to issue an alarm. At this time, for example, if the vehicle is traveling at high speed, the headlight 22, the stop lamp 24, and the horn 28 are used, or in addition to these, the hazard lamp 26 is used to issue an alarm. At times, the hazard lamp 26 or the hazard lamp 26 and the horn 28 are used to issue an alarm.

  At this time, when an alarm is issued using the selected alarm means, the alarm cycle may be varied based on whether the vehicle is traveling at high speed.

  In addition, this Embodiment demonstrated above does not limit the structure of this invention. For example, in this embodiment, the headlight 22, the stop lamp 24, and the hazard lamp 26 are applied as alarm means (light alarm means) using light, and the horn 28 is applied as alarm means (sound alarm means) using sound. However, the alarm means is not limited to this, and any alarm means such as a fog lamp can be applied as long as the alarm can be transmitted to the surroundings by light or sound.

  In the present embodiment, a vehicle is described as an example of an object that may collide. However, the vehicle alarm system to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a vehicle, and movement of pedestrians, animals, and the like. It can be applied to an alarm system for vehicles of any configuration that detects an object that is highly likely to collide, such as an object that detects the proximity of a moving object and issues an alarm by including the body in the object. .

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle alarm system according to a first embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the own vehicle and surrounding vehicle which concern on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the alarm process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the alarm system for vehicles which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the alarm process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process based on the operation control request | requirement which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows another example of the warning system for vehicles to which this invention is applied. It is the schematic which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of the own vehicle and surrounding vehicle which concern on the alarm system for vehicles of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10, 50 (50A to 50C), 60 Vehicle alarm system 12, 52, 62 Alarm ECU (alarm setting means, alarm control means)
14 Obstacle detection device (object detection means)
20A own vehicle 20B preceding vehicle 20C following vehicle 20D parallel running vehicle 22 headlight (alarm means)
24 Stop lamp (alarm means)
26 Hazard lamp (alarm means)
28 Horn (Alarm means)
30 Navigation system (running state detection means)
54 Engine control ECU (travel control means)
56 Brake ECU (travel control means)
58 Wireless communication device (communication means)
64 Steering ECU (travel control means)

Claims (10)

An object detection means for detecting an object around the vehicle and a distance from the object;
Traveling state detection means for detecting a traveling state whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed;
An alarm means for issuing an alarm to the surroundings;
An alarm setting means for setting the alarm cycle of the alarm means to be shorter than that in the non-high speed running state when the running state detecting means is detecting a high speed running state;
When the object detecting means detects an object close to a predetermined area around the own vehicle around the own vehicle, the own vehicle is operated by operating the alarm means based on the setting of the alarm setting means. Alarm control means for issuing an alarm around
A vehicle alarm system comprising: An object detection means for detecting an object around the vehicle and a distance from the object;
Traveling state detection means for detecting a traveling state whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed;
A plurality of warning means each capable of issuing a warning to the surroundings of the vehicle using different media;
When the object detecting means detects an object close to a predetermined area around the host vehicle, the alarm means is activated based on the running state detected by the running state detecting means. Alarm control means for controlling and issuing an alarm around the vehicle;
A vehicle alarm system comprising:   The vehicle alarm system according to claim 2, wherein the alarm control unit controls the operation of the alarm unit so that an optimal alarm is generated based on the traveling state.   The alarm means includes an alarm setting means for setting an alarm start timing or an alarm cycle for each of the alarm means based on the running state, and the alarm control means operates the alarm means based on the setting of the alarm setting means. The vehicle alarm system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the vehicle alarm system is controlled. When the traveling state detection means detects a high speed traveling state, the alarm setting means sets the alarm period of the warning means to be shorter than when it is in a non-high speed traveling state.
The vehicle alarm system according to claim 4. An object detection means for detecting an object around the vehicle and a distance from the object;
Communication means for enabling communication of information with other vehicles;
An alarm control means for issuing alarm information to vehicles around the own vehicle by the communication means when the object detecting means detects an object close to a predetermined area within a predetermined area around the own vehicle; ,
A vehicle alarm system comprising: Traveling state detection means for detecting a traveling state whether or not the vehicle is traveling at high speed;
A plurality of warning means each capable of issuing a warning to the surroundings of the vehicle using different media;
Based on the traveling state detected by the traveling state detecting unit, an optimal alarm unit among the plurality of alarm units, an alarm setting unit for setting an alarm start timing or an alarm cycle,
The alarm control means emits an alarm around the host vehicle by operating the alarm means based on the setting of the alarm setting means.
The vehicle alarm system according to claim 4. When the traveling state detection means detects a high speed traveling state, the alarm setting means sets the alarm period of the warning means to be shorter than when it is in a non-high speed traveling state.
The vehicular alarm system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein Including travel control means for enabling travel control of the vehicle based on information input via the communication means,
The alarm control means performs travel control so that the other vehicle is retracted from the own vehicle by the communication means;
The vehicle alarm system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein   When the object is a surrounding traveling vehicle, traveling control of the other vehicle is performed so as to secure a distance between the host vehicle and the adjacent vehicle that is greater than a distance set according to traveling speed. The vehicular alarm system according to claim 9, wherein the vehicular alarm system is performed.

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