Safety driving support systems and safety driving support programs

Abstract

The present invention provides a safety driving support device that can assist in safe driving by preventing users from driving a vehicle while wearing an audio output device that can be attached to their ear or head. [Solution] The audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal to an audio output device that can be worn on the user's ear or head. The speed detection unit 202 detects the speed at which the safety driving support device is moving. The warning processing unit 203 determines at predetermined intervals whether a first condition is met, which is that the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal and the speed of movement is equal to or greater than a first speed. The number of times the first condition is met is counted as the number of warnings, and based on the number of warnings, a predetermined warning process is executed for the user.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a safe driving support device and a safe driving support program. [Background Art]

[0002] It is not preferable that drivers of vehicles such as bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric kickboards drive while wearing earphones or headphones, because this increases the possibility of leading to a traffic accident. Depending on local ordinances, driving a vehicle while wearing earphones or headphones may be prohibited. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-100598 [Outline of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a technology that prevents driving a vehicle while wearing earphones or headphones. In the invention described in Patent Document 1, an in-vehicle acoustic device mounted on a vehicle and a portable acoustic device communicate with each other via short-range communication, and are configured to encourage a user to remove the earphones or headphones. However, in general, vehicles such as bicycles, electric bicycles, and electric kickboards are not equipped with in-vehicle acoustic devices. That is, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot prevent a user from driving a vehicle that is not equipped with an in-vehicle acoustic device while wearing earphones or headphones.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a safe driving support device and a safe driving support program that can prevent a user from driving a vehicle while wearing an audio output device wearable on the ears or head, and can support safe driving. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a safe driving support device that can be carried by a person riding in a vehicle or installed in a vehicle, comprising: an audio signal output unit that outputs an audio signal to an audio output device that can be worn on the user's ear or head; a speed detection unit that detects the speed at which the safe driving support device is moving; and a warning processing unit that determines at predetermined intervals whether a first condition is met, where the audio signal output unit outputs the audio signal and the speed of movement is equal to or greater than a first speed, counts the number of times the first condition is met as a warning count, and executes a predetermined warning process for the user based on the warning count.

[0007] The present invention provides a safe driving support program that causes a computer in a device that can be carried by a person riding in a vehicle or installed in a vehicle to perform the following steps: detect the speed at which the device is moving; determine at predetermined intervals whether a first condition is met, which is that the device outputs an audio signal to an audio output device that can be worn on the user's ear or head, and the speed of movement is equal to or greater than a first speed; count the number of times the first condition is met as a number of warnings; and perform a predetermined warning process for the user based on the number of warnings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the safety driving support device and safety driving support program of the present invention, it is possible to support safe driving by preventing the user from driving a vehicle while wearing an audio output device that can be attached to the ear or head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a safe driving support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a location information table generated by the safety driving support device according to the first to fifth embodiments. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the safety driving support device according to the first embodiment, and the processes that the safety driving support program according to the first embodiment causes the control unit to execute. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the first embodiment of a safety driving support device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the partial operation of the safety driving support device according to the second embodiment, and the partial processing that the safety driving support program according to the second embodiment causes the control unit to execute. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the partial operation of the safety driving support device according to the third embodiment, and the partial processing that the safety driving support program according to the third embodiment causes the control unit to execute. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing a safe driving support device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a graph showing an example of the change in vertical acceleration over time while a user is running. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a graph showing an example of the change in vertical acceleration over time while a user is riding in a vehicle. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the partial operation of the safety driving support device according to the fourth embodiment, and the partial processing that the safety driving support program according to the fourth embodiment causes the control unit to execute. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the partial operation of the safety driving support device according to the fifth embodiment, and the partial processing that the safety driving support program according to the fifth embodiment causes the control unit to execute. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a graph showing an example of speed distribution data when the vehicle is a bicycle. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a graph showing an example of speed distribution data when the vehicle is an automobile and is caught in heavy traffic. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, the safe driving support device and safe driving support program according to the first to fifth embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the first to fifth embodiments, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted.

[0011] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment shows an example in which a terminal device that reproduces music data functions as a safe driving support device. FIG. 1 shows a terminal device 100 that is the safe driving support device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] In FIG. 1, the terminal device 100 may be any of a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, and a music player. A wireless earphone 20A may be wirelessly connected to the terminal device 100, or a wired earphone 20B may be connected to the terminal device 100 via a wire. Although FIG. 1 illustrates that the wireless earphone 20A and the earphone 20B are connected to the terminal device 100 at the same time, either the wireless earphone 20A or the earphone 20B is selectively connected to the terminal device 100. The wireless earphone 20A or the earphone 20B is abbreviated as the earphone 20. The terminal device 100 outputs audio signals such as music and call audio to the earphone 20.

[0013] Instead of the wireless earphone 20A, the terminal device 100 and headphones may be wirelessly connected. Instead of the earphone 20B, the terminal device 100 and headphones may be connected via a wire. The earphone 20 or headphones are an example of an audio output device that can be worn by a user on their ear or head. Audio output devices that can be worn on the ear or head include headsets, neck speakers, smart glasses with an audio output function, or wearable devices. The audio output device may include bone conduction earphones.

[0014] A user possessing (carrying) terminal device 100 may ride and drive a micro-mobility vehicle such as a bicycle, electric bicycle, electric kick scooter, electric motorcycle, or electric cart. In the present embodiment, these small vehicles including bicycles are referred to as micro-mobility vehicles. Hereinafter, micro-mobility vehicles may be abbreviated as vehicles. The vehicle may be provided with two wheels or three or more wheels. The terminal device 100 is a device that can be possessed by a person (user) riding the vehicle. Alternatively, the terminal device 100 may be attached to a holder provided on the vehicle. For example, a holder may be attached near the center of the handlebar of a bicycle or an electric kick scooter, so that a smartphone or a tablet terminal can be placed on the holder. That is, the terminal device 100 is a device that can be installed on a vehicle. However, some vehicles may not be provided with a holder or the like for installing the terminal device 100. A user of the terminal device 100 should originally not wear earphones 20 in their ears and drive the vehicle. If a driver of the vehicle wears the earphones 20 in their ears to listen to music or the like, as will be described later, the terminal device 100 is configured to prevent careless driving while listening to music or the like and support safe driving. In the present embodiment, a situation is assumed where the terminal device 100 is possessed by a person riding the vehicle or installed on the vehicle.

[0015] The terminal device 100 includes an audio input unit 1, a control unit 2, a timer unit 3, a storage unit 4, a display unit 5, an operation unit 6, an illuminance detection unit 7, a position specifying unit 8, a communication unit 9, and an audio output terminal 10. The audio input unit 1 can be configured by a microphone. It is not essential for the terminal device 100 to include the audio input unit 1. The control unit 2 can be configured by a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 2 includes an audio signal output unit 201, a speed detection unit 202, and an alert processing unit 203.

[0016] The timing unit 3 obtains the current time by timing based on the oscillation of a quartz crystal oscillator or a ceramic oscillator. The timing unit 3 may also obtain the current time based on time data contained in the GNSS signal transmitted from a satellite for the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) received by the GNSS receiver.

[0017] The storage unit 4 is composed of, for example, semiconductor memory and stores various types of data such as music data and computer programs. As will be described later, the storage unit 4 also stores the location information of the terminal device 100 for each time period. At least a portion of the storage unit 4 is composed of non-volatile memory so that necessary data is retained even when the power to the terminal device 100 is turned off.

[0018] The storage unit 4 may store a safe driving support program as a computer program. The storage unit 4 is a non-temporary storage medium for storing the safe driving support program. The control unit 2 may be configured to execute the safe driving support program to realize some or all of the functions of the voice signal output unit 201, the speed detection unit 202, and the warning processing unit 203.

[0019] The display unit 5 is composed of a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The operation unit 6 for operating the terminal device 100 may be operation buttons or a touch sensor. In the latter case, the operation unit 6 is placed on the screen of the display unit 5, so that the display unit 5 and the operation unit 6 form an integrated touch panel. The illuminance detection unit 7 is composed of an illuminance sensor and detects the illuminance indicating the brightness around the terminal device 100. For example, the illuminance detection unit 7 detects whether the ambient brightness corresponds to daytime brightness or nighttime brightness.

[0020] The illuminance detection unit 7 is an example of a brightness determination unit that determines the brightness around the terminal device 100. The brightness around the terminal device 100 may be determined as daytime or nighttime without using an illuminance sensor. The control unit 2 may determine whether it is daytime or nighttime based on the date and time, and then determine the brightness around the terminal device 100. In this case, the control unit 2 may further consider the current location of the terminal device 100 when determining whether it is daytime or nighttime. In this way, it becomes possible to determine whether it is daytime or nighttime in accordance with the difference in sunset times at the location where the terminal device 100 is located. Furthermore, the control unit 2 may obtain weather information for the current location from an external server or the like via the long-distance communication unit 92, which will be described later, and determine the brightness around the terminal device 100 based on the date and time, current location, and weather information.

[0021] It is not essential for the terminal device 100 to include a brightness determination unit such as the illuminance detection unit 7, but it is preferable to include a brightness determination unit.

[0022] The location determination unit 8 determines the current location of the terminal device 100 based on GNSS signals transmitted from three or more GNSS satellites and outputs location information consisting of the latitude and longitude of the current location. The location determination unit 8 is not limited to determining the current location of the terminal device 100 based on GNSS signals, but may also determine the current location of the terminal device 100 based on information from a mobile phone base station or a wireless LAN access point. If the user possessing the terminal device 100 is in a vehicle, the location information of the terminal device 100 is the location information of the vehicle. Also, if the terminal device 100 is installed in a vehicle, the location information of the terminal device 100 is the location information of the vehicle.

[0023] The control unit 2 obtains the current time from the timing unit 3 and location information from the location identification unit 8. At predetermined intervals T1, the control unit 2 stores time-series data of location information, which associates the current time with the location information, as a location information table in the storage unit 4. The interval T1 is, for example, 1 second. Figure 2 shows an example of a location information table stored in the storage unit 4. The location information such as (N01, E01) shown in the location information table in Figure 2 conceptually represents latitude and longitude.

[0024] The communication unit 9 includes a short-range communication unit 91 and a long-range communication unit 92. The short-range communication unit 91 pairs with the wireless earphone 20A and communicates with it in accordance with short-range wireless communication standards such as BLUETOOTH®. The long-range communication unit 92 sends and receives data to and from a server, etc., via a communication line such as a mobile phone network or the internet. If the terminal device 100 is a music player, it may not have a long-range communication unit 92. It is not mandatory for the terminal device 100 to have a long-range communication unit 92.

[0025] The control unit 2 plays music data stored in the memory unit 4, for example, and the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal based on the played music data. The audio signal output unit 201 may also output an audio signal based on streaming music data received by the long-range communication unit 92. Alternatively, the audio signal output unit 201 may output telephone or other call audio received by the long-range communication unit 92. The control unit 2 acquires a signal from the short-range communication unit 91 and determines (detects) whether the wireless earphone 20A is wirelessly connected to the short-range communication unit 91. If the terminal device 100 and the wireless earphone 20A are wirelessly connected, the audio signal output unit 201 supplies an audio signal to the wireless earphone 20A via the short-range communication unit 91. The audio signal supplied to the wireless earphone 20A is compressed digital data. The control unit 2 acquires a signal from the audio output terminal 10 and determines (detects) whether the earphone 20B is wired connected to the audio output terminal 10. If the earphones 20B are connected to the audio output terminal 10 via a wire, the audio signal output unit 201 supplies an analog audio signal to the earphones 20B.

[0026] As described above, the audio signals output by the audio signal output unit 201 include music data stored in the storage unit 4, audio signals based on music data received by the long-distance communication unit 92, and audio signals of call audio received by the long-distance communication unit 92. Furthermore, the audio signals output by the audio signal output unit 201 may also be audio signals of video data stored in the storage unit 4 or video data received by the long-distance communication unit 92. In other words, the audio the user hears through the earphones 20 can be any audio.

[0027] The speed detection unit 202 uses time-series data of location information supplied from the location identification unit 8 to detect the speed at which the terminal device 100 is moving. If a user is in a vehicle with the terminal device 100, the speed of the terminal device 100 is the speed of the vehicle. Also, if the terminal device 100 is installed in a vehicle, the speed of the terminal device 100 is the speed of the vehicle. The speed detection unit 202 is not limited to detecting the speed of the terminal device 100 based on changes in location information from the location identification unit 8. If the vehicle is configured to output its speed, the speed of the terminal device 100 may be obtained by the short-range communication unit 91 receiving the speed transmitted by the vehicle. If the vehicle is configured to output the rotation speed of its wheels, the speed of the terminal device 100 may be detected based on the rotation speed of its wheels transmitted by the vehicle.

[0028] The terminal device 100 may be equipped with a speaker. The terminal device 100 may be configured to output sound from the speaker based on the audio signal output by the audio signal output unit 201 when the earphones 20 are not connected. In this case, since the user's ears are not covered by the earphones 20, driving the vehicle while playing music or the like does not constitute inattentive driving.

[0029] The operation of the terminal device 100 will be further explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 3. When the control unit 2 executes the safe driving support program, the flowchart shown in Figure 3 shows the processes that the safe driving support program causes the control unit 2 to execute. The terminal device 100 executes the processes shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 at predetermined intervals T2. The interval T2 is, for example, 30 seconds, but is not limited to 30 seconds. The interval T2 is sometimes called the first predetermined period (first predetermined period).

[0030] In Figure 3, once processing begins, the control unit 2 determines in step S1 whether or not the earphones 20 are connected to the terminal device 100. As described above, the control unit 2 can determine whether or not the earphones 20 are connected by acquiring signals from the short-range communication unit 91 and the audio output terminal 10. If the earphones 20 are not connected (NO), the control unit 2 terminates processing. If the earphones 20 are connected (YES), the control unit 2 (audio signal output unit 201) determines in step S2 whether or not it is outputting an audio signal. If the control unit 2 is not outputting an audio signal (NO), the control unit 2 terminates processing.

[0031] If the control unit 2 outputs an audio signal in step S2 (YES), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines in step S3 whether the movement speed of the terminal device 100 detected by the speed detection unit 202 is equal to or greater than the first speed. The first speed is a speed faster than the average walking speed of a person, for example, 10 km / h. If the movement speed of the terminal device 100 is not equal to or greater than the first speed (NO), the control unit 2 terminates the process. When the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal to the earphone 20 and the movement speed detected by the speed detection unit 202 is equal to or greater than the first speed, the state is considered to satisfy the first condition (the state in which the first condition is met).

[0032] If the movement speed of the terminal device 100 in step S3 is equal to or greater than the first speed (YES), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) increments (updates) the warning count by 1 in step S4. When the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 is executed for the first time, the initial value of 0 for the warning count is stored in the storage unit 4, so the warning count becomes 1 when step S4 is executed for the first time. The control unit 2 stores the updated warning count in the storage unit 4.

[0033] Thus, when the control unit 2 determines that the first condition is met, it increments the warning count by 1 in step S4. The first condition is met when the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal to the earphone 20 and the terminal device 100 is moving at a speed greater than or equal to the first speed, which means that there is a possibility that the user is driving the vehicle while wearing the earphone 20.

[0034] In step S5, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines whether the number of warnings stored in the memory unit 4 is less than a first threshold. Here, the first threshold is set to 2. The first threshold may be set to 3 or more, or any number greater than or equal to 2. If the number of warnings is less than the first threshold (YES), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) controls the audio signal output unit 201 in step S6 to output the first audio message.

[0035] The first voice message is a message that cautions or warns the user against driving the vehicle while listening to music or other audio through the earphones 20. For example, the first voice message may be, "If you are driving the vehicle, remove the earphones immediately. If you are not the driver, please respond accordingly." When the voice signal output unit 201 supplies the first voice message to the earphones 20, it is preferable for the voice signal output unit 201 to stop outputting the voice signal it was originally outputting. The control unit 2 may also display the same content as the first voice message on the display unit 5.

[0036] The first voice message output by the voice signal output unit 201 is a first example of a predetermined warning process. The warning processing unit 203 executes the warning process as a first example by causing the voice signal output unit 201 to output the first voice message.

[0037] In step S7, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines whether a response indicating that the user is not the driver was received within a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) from the time the first voice message was output. The user can respond by operating the operation unit 6 to indicate that they are not the driver, or by inputting a voice message such as "I am not the driver" using the voice input unit 1.

[0038] If the user responds in step S7 that they are not the driver (YES), the control unit 2 extends the period T2 in step S8. For example, the control unit 2 extends the period T2 to 30 minutes for 60 minutes from the current time. Extending the period T2 to 30 minutes reduces user inconvenience by eliminating the need to frequently output the first voice message to the earphone 20 of non-drivers or to frequently request a response indicating that they are not the driver. Subsequently, the control unit 2 resets the warning count in step S9. That is, it sets the warning count in the memory unit to 0. Then it terminates the process.

[0039] If no response indicating that the user is not the driver is given in step S7 (NO), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines in step S10 whether the user has performed an operation to stop the output of the audio signal. The control unit 2 should determine whether the user has performed an operation to stop the output of the audio signal within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 seconds) from the output of the first audio message in step S6. The user may stop the output of the audio signal by operating the operation unit 6, or by inputting voice such as "Stop audio output" or "Stop playback" into the audio input unit 1.

[0040] Steps S7 and S8 are not mandatory and may be omitted. If the confirmation of whether or not the user is the driver in step S7 is omitted, the first voice message in step S6 may be, for example, "If you are driving the vehicle, please remove the earphones immediately" or "Please stop the voice output." However, even if the first condition is met, the user may not be driving the vehicle, so executing steps S7 and S8 can reduce the burden (complexity) on the user. If the confirmation of whether or not the user is the driver in step S7 is omitted, the control unit 2 moves the process from step S6 to step S10.

[0041] If the user has stopped the output of the audio signal in step S10 (YES), the control unit 2 resets the warning count in step S9 and terminates the process. If the user has not stopped the output of the audio signal (NO), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) controls the audio signal output unit 201 to stop the output of the audio signal in step S11. As a result, the audio signal output unit 201 stops outputting audio signals such as music or call audio. The stopping of the audio signal output by the audio signal output unit 201 is a second example of a predetermined warning process. The warning processing unit 203 executes the warning process as a second example by stopping the output of the audio signal by the audio signal output unit 201. After that, the process is terminated.

[0042] If the audio signal output is stopped in step S11, the warning count is not reset to 0 when the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 3 is executed for the second time. Assume that, during the second execution, the user is still wearing the earphones 20 and listening to music, and the terminal device 100 is moving at or above the first speed. In that case, the warning count is incremented by 1 to 2 in step S4, so the control unit 2 (warning alert processing unit 203) determines in step S5 that the warning count stored in the memory unit 4 is not below the first threshold (NO).

[0043] In step S12, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines whether the illuminance is below a second threshold. The second threshold is a value used to determine whether the ambient brightness corresponds to daytime brightness or nighttime brightness. The second threshold should be set to the illuminance at dusk, when a car's headlights automatically turn on. In other words, if the illuminance is below the second threshold, it is determined to be equivalent to nighttime brightness.

[0044] If the illuminance is below the second threshold in step S12 (YES), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) controls the audio signal output unit 201 in step S13 to output noise for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). The noise output by the audio signal output unit 201 should be a sound of such poor quality (unpleasant sound) that the user cannot continue to wear the earphones 20, such as a "buzz" or "beep". The audio signal output unit 201 stops outputting the audio signal, such as music, that it had been outputting up to that point and outputs the noise sound.

[0045] Next, in step S14, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) controls the audio signal output unit 201 to stop outputting the audio signal. As a result, the noise sound output in step S13 is stopped. Then, in step S15, the warning count is reset and the process is terminated. If in step S12 the illuminance is not below the second threshold (NO), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) executes the processes in steps S14 and S15 and terminates the process.

[0046] The noise output by the audio signal output unit 201 is a third example of a predetermined warning process. The warning processing unit 203 performs the warning process as a third example by causing the audio signal output unit 201 to output noise. In the first, second, and third examples of the warning process, the larger the number, the stronger the warning. In other words, the first example (outputting an audio message) is the least burdensome (mild) for the user, and therefore the weakest (lightest) warning. The second example (stopping the output of the audio signal) is a moderate warning. The third example (outputting noise) is the most burdensome (heavy) for the user, and therefore the strongest (heavyest) warning. The control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) sets the degree (level) of the warning process's strength based on the number of warnings and the illuminance.

[0047] To summarize the processing when NO is determined in step S5, the warning processing unit 203, when the number of warnings is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the brightness determined by the brightness determination unit (illuminance detection unit 7) is less than the second threshold, causes the audio signal output unit 201 to output noise to the audio output device as a warning process. The warning processing unit 203, when the number of warnings is equal to or greater than the first threshold and the brightness determined by the brightness determination unit is equal to or greater than the second threshold, stops the audio signal output by the audio signal output unit 201 to the audio output device as a warning process.

[0048] The reason for this is that it is a risk to safe driving for a user to drive a vehicle while wearing earphones 20, and this risk is especially high at night when the surroundings are dark. Therefore, if the illumination level in step S12 is below the second threshold, noise is output in step S13, causing the user to hear an unpleasant sound. In other words, if there is a high risk to safe driving, a more severe warning process is performed. This can reduce the likelihood that the user will drive while wearing earphones 20 in the future. In other words, it is expected to have the effect of improving the user's awareness of safe driving and driving habits.

[0049] Therefore, the safety driving support device according to this embodiment can effectively prevent the user from driving a vehicle while wearing an audio output device that can be attached to the ear or head, thereby supporting safe driving.

[0050] In addition to stopping the output of the audio signal in step S14, the control unit 2 may also disconnect the short-range communication unit 91 from the wireless earphone 20A. Furthermore, after disconnecting the short-range communication unit 91 from the wireless earphone 20A, the control unit 2 may control the communication unit 9 to disable the connection between the short-range communication unit 91 and the wireless earphone 20A for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes). Similarly, the control unit 2 may control the audio output terminal 10 to disable the connection between the audio output terminal 10 and the earphone 20B for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) after executing step S14. Step S15 may also be omitted.

[0051] Furthermore, if the earphones 20 are equipped with a wearing sensor that detects whether the user is wearing the earphones 20, the control unit 2 may determine in step S2 whether or not the user is wearing the earphones 20. That is, the control unit 2 may determine whether or not the user is wearing the earphones 20 regardless of whether or not an audio signal is being output. In this case, the control unit 2 may omit step S1 and execute steps S2 and onward.

[0052] In the process shown in Figure 3 described above, step S12 may be omitted. For example, if the terminal device 100 does not have an illuminance detection unit 7, step S12 may be omitted. In that case, if the number of warnings in step S5 is not less than the first threshold, the control unit 2 may execute the processes in steps S13 to S15, or it may execute only the processes in steps S14 and S15. In other words, the warning processing unit 203 may perform a relatively mild warning process (output of an audio message) when the number of warnings is less than the first threshold, and a relatively heavy warning process (stopping the output of an audio signal and / or outputting noise) when the number of warnings is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Furthermore, if the number of warnings is less than the first threshold, a mild (output of an audio message) warning process may be performed, if the number of warnings is equal to or greater than the first threshold and less than the third threshold, a moderate warning process (stopping the output of an audio signal) may be performed, and if the number of warnings is equal to or greater than the third threshold, a heavy warning process (output of noise) may be performed. Here, the third threshold is a value greater than the first threshold. Also, the warning processing is not limited to three types, but may be four or more. That is, the warning processing unit 203 may perform multiple types of warning processing based on the number of warnings. Even if warning processing is performed based on the number of warnings without using illumination, it is possible to reduce the likelihood that the user will wear the earphones 20 while driving in the future. In other words, it can be expected to have the effect of improving the user's awareness of safe driving and driving habits.

[0053] As described above, the terminal device 100, which is a safety driving support device according to the first embodiment, includes a speed detection unit 202 for detecting the speed at which the safety driving support device moves, and an audio signal output unit 201 for outputting an audio signal to an audio output device that can be worn on the user's ear or head. The terminal device 100 further includes a warning processing unit 203 that determines at predetermined intervals whether a first condition is met, which is that the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal and the speed at which the safety driving support device detected by the speed detection unit 202 is greater than or equal to a first speed. That is, the warning processing unit 203 determines at predetermined intervals whether the first condition is met, which is that the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal and the speed at which the safety driving support device detected by the speed detection unit 202 is greater than or equal to a first speed. The warning processing unit 203 counts the number of times the first condition is met (the number of times it is true) as the number of warnings, and controls the audio signal output unit 201 to execute a predetermined warning process based on the number of warnings.

[0054] Therefore, the safety driving support device according to this embodiment can support safe driving by preventing the user from driving a vehicle while wearing an audio output device that can be attached to the ear or head.

[0055] <Modified form of the first embodiment> A modification of the first embodiment is an example in which earphones function as a safety driving support device. The earphones in this modification are one of the audio output devices exemplified in the first embodiment, and may be any of the audio output devices exemplified in the first embodiment, such as headphones. The earphones are a device that can be carried by a person (user) riding in a vehicle.

[0056] Figure 4 shows an earphone 200 which is a modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the earphone 200 comprises an audio input unit 21, a control unit 22, a timing unit 23, a storage unit 24, an operation unit 26, an illumination detection unit 27, a location identification unit 28, an audio output unit 30, and a short-range communication unit 291. The control unit 22 has an audio signal output unit 221, a speed detection unit 222, and a warning processing unit 223.

[0057] The earphone 200 is connected to the terminal device 110 by a short-range communication unit 291. The earphone 200 shown in Figure 4 is, for example, a wireless earphone. The terminal device 110 may be a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or music player. The terminal device 110 and the earphone 200 may also be connected by a wire. In this case, the short-range communication unit 291 can be omitted.

[0058] In Figure 4, the control unit 22 decodes the audio signal supplied from the terminal device 110, performs sound quality adjustment processing, etc., and supplies the audio signal to the audio signal output unit 221. The audio output unit 30 includes a drive unit that emits sound waves based on the audio signal supplied from the audio signal output unit 221. The drive unit includes a diaphragm, a voice coil, and other components. The audio output unit 30 corresponds to an audio output device that can be worn on the user's ear or head.

[0059] The operation unit 26 is a button or touch sensor for performing operations such as switching the power of the earphone 200 on and off and adjusting the volume. The voice input unit 21, timing unit 23, memory unit 24, illuminance detection unit 27, location identification unit 28, and short-range communication unit 291 operate in the same manner as the voice input unit 1, timing unit 3, memory unit 4, illuminance detection unit 7, location identification unit 8, and short-range communication unit 91 in the first embodiment, respectively. The voice input unit 21 is optional. The earphone 200 may be equipped with a wearing sensor to detect whether the user is wearing the earphone 200.

[0060] The earphone 200 performs safe driving support processing in the same manner as shown in the flowchart in Figure 3. In this modified example, instead of determining the movement speed of the terminal device 100 in step S3, the movement speed of the earphone 200 is determined. The earphone 200 provides the same effect as the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment. With the earphone 200, regardless of what terminal device is used as the terminal device 110, it is possible to stop using the earphone 200 while the vehicle is being driven and support safe driving.

[0061] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment and its modified form, when the illuminance is below a second threshold, it is expected that the user will stop using the earphones 20 or 200 while driving the vehicle by being exposed to noise. On the other hand, if the user is likely to be startled by the noise and it could negatively affect their driving, the configuration should be as in the second embodiment. The processing of the second embodiment will be explained using the case where the terminal device 100 constitutes the second embodiment as an example.

[0062] The flowchart shown in Figure 5 shows only the parts that differ from the flowchart in Figure 3 in the first embodiment. If it is determined in step S12 of Figure 3 that the illuminance is less than the second threshold, the control unit 2 moves the process to step S21 shown in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines in step S21 whether the moving speed of the terminal device 100 detected by the speed detection unit 202 is greater than or equal to the second speed. The second speed is a speed faster than the first speed, for example, 20 km / h.

[0063] If the movement speed of the terminal device 100 in step S21 is equal to or greater than the second speed (YES), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) controls the voice signal output unit 201 in step S22 to output a second voice message. The second voice message is a message that warns or cautions the user to slow down and encourages them to reduce their movement speed. An example of the second voice message is a message such as, "It is dangerous, so please slow down and stop immediately."

[0064] When the audio signal output unit 201 supplies a second audio message to the earphone 20, it is preferable for the audio signal output unit 201 to stop outputting the audio signal it was originally outputting. The control unit 2 may also display the same content as the second audio message on the display unit 5.

[0065] Following step S22, in step S23, the control unit 2 (speed detection unit 202) determines whether the movement speed of the terminal device 100 has fallen below the second speed. If the movement speed of the terminal device 100 does not fall below the second speed (NO), the control unit 2 repeats the processing in steps S22 and S23. If the movement speed of the terminal device 100 falls below the second speed (YES), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) controls the audio signal output unit 201 in step S13 to output noise for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). After step S13, the control unit 2 proceeds to step S14 in Figure 3.

[0066] If the movement speed of the terminal device 100 in step S21 is not equal to or greater than the second speed (NO), the control unit 2 proceeds to step S13.

[0067] In the second embodiment as well, if it is not determined in step S12 of Figure 3 that the illuminance is below the second threshold (NO), the control unit 2 proceeds to step S14. As can be seen from the above, the second embodiment is configured to output noise after reducing the travel speed when the user is driving a vehicle at night and the travel speed is high, such as 20 km / h or more.

[0068] According to the terminal device 100, which is a safety driving support device according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects similar to those of the safety driving support device according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will be startled by noise and that this will negatively affect driving. Similar to the modification of the first embodiment, the earphone 200 may constitute the safety driving support device according to the second embodiment.

[0069] <Third Embodiment> In the first and second embodiments, the first voice message is output if the movement speed of the terminal device 100 is equal to or greater than the first speed. For example, the first voice message is output even if the user is sitting in the back seat of a car. The earphone 20 can continue to be used if the user responds that they are not the driver, but this response is troublesome for the user.

[0070] Drivers of vehicles requiring a license, such as automobiles or motorcycles, are very unlikely to use earphones 20 while driving. On the other hand, drivers of micromobility vehicles that do not require a license are more likely to use earphones 20 while driving compared to drivers of vehicles requiring a license. Also, since micromobility vehicles are basically single-seater vehicles, the likelihood of having passengers is low, and the occupant of the vehicle is very likely to be the driver.

[0071] The third embodiment is configured to accurately detect movement by a micromobility vehicle and execute a warning process. The third embodiment is configured not to execute a warning process for drivers or passengers of vehicles other than micromobility vehicles, or at least to reduce the frequency of executing a warning process.

[0072] The flowchart shown in Figure 6 shows only the parts that differ from the flowchart in Figure 3 in the first embodiment. When it is determined in step S2 of Figure 3 that an audio signal is being output, the control unit 2 moves the process to step S31 shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6, the control unit 2 (attention alert processing unit 203) calculates the velocity distribution data for period T2 by referring to the location information table stored in the storage unit 4 in step S31. The period T2 in the third embodiment may be longer than the 30 seconds of the period T2 in the first embodiment, for example, 5 minutes. The period T2 in the third embodiment is not limited to 5 minutes.

[0073] In the third embodiment, it is preferable to set the period T2 to a period during which there is a high probability that the vehicle's original speed can be observed without being affected by the reduction in speed due to the vehicle's temporary stop.

[0074] Specifically, the control unit 2 calculates the distance traveled for each period T1 from the latitude and longitude recorded for each period T1, and calculates the speed for each period T1. For example, if period T1 is 1 second and duration T2 is 5 minutes (300 seconds), 300 speed data points (meters per second) are calculated. The control unit 2 calculates the speed distribution data in this way. The control unit 2 can then create a speed frequency distribution table or histogram as the speed distribution data.

[0075] In step S32, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) calculates the top speed V during period T2 based on the speed distribution data. The top speed V is the highest speed in the speed distribution data, ranked from fastest to slowest. The predetermined rank may be "1st place," which is the highest speed during period T2. However, when driving a micromobility vehicle downhill, the speed may increase instantaneously, and may exceed the speed that represents the micromobility vehicle's inherent driving performance. Therefore, it is preferable for the control unit 2 to select a predetermined rank within the range of the top 10% to 30% of the speed distribution data.

[0076] For example, if a predetermined rank is set at 20%, then among 300 data points, the 60th fastest speed will be considered the top speed V. The top speed V calculated in this way is unaffected by the decrease in speed due to the vehicle's temporary stopping and is likely to represent the speed that the vehicle can achieve under normal driving conditions, that is, the speed that represents the vehicle's inherent driving performance.

[0077] In step S33, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines whether the higher speed V is within a predetermined range that is greater than or equal to the third speed and less than or equal to the fourth speed. Here, the fourth speed is a speed faster than the third speed. The predetermined range may be the typical speed range of a micromobility vehicle. The third speed is faster than walking speed and greater than or equal to the first speed. The third speed and the first speed may be the same. The fourth speed may be set to be faster than the third speed and slower than the typical speed of an automobile, motorcycle, or train. Based on the above conditions, the predetermined range may be, for example, 10 km / h or more and 25 km / h or less.

[0078] If the upper speed V is within a predetermined range in step S33 (YES), the control unit 2 proceeds to step S4 in Figure 3. If the upper speed V is not within a predetermined range (NO), the control unit 2 terminates the process because it is highly likely that the user is riding in a vehicle other than a micromobility vehicle.

[0079] Thus, in the third embodiment, the alert processing unit 203 determines at predetermined intervals whether the second condition is met, that the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal to the earphone 20 and the upper speed V is greater than or equal to the third speed and less than or equal to the fourth speed. The alert processing unit 203 counts the number of times the second condition is met as the number of alerts. That is, the alert processing unit 203 determines that the second condition is met when the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal to the earphone 20 and the upper speed V is within a predetermined range (greater than or equal to the third speed and less than or equal to the fourth speed). The alert processing unit 203 counts the number of times the second condition is met as the number of alerts. Steps S31 to S33 are provided in place of step S3 in Figure 3. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the alert processing unit 203 counts the number of times the second condition is met as the number of alerts, instead of the first condition.

[0080] According to the terminal device 100, which is a safety driving support device according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects achieved by the terminal device 100 according to the first embodiment, a warning process regarding the use of the earphones 20 while driving can be performed only when there is a high probability that the user is riding in a micromobility vehicle.Therefore, since it does not require the user to perform operations that are not originally necessary, it is possible to reduce the amount of troublesome operations that the user has to perform.Similar to the modification of the first embodiment, the earphones 200 may constitute the safety driving support device according to the third embodiment.

[0081] <Fourth Embodiment> In the third embodiment, when the user is running (jogging), the upper speed V may fall within the predetermined range described above, and the output of the audio signal to the earphone 20 may be stopped. In the fourth embodiment, when the user is running while using the earphone 20, the earphone 20 is permitted to be used, and the system is configured to perform a warning process with higher accuracy.

[0082] Figure 7 shows a terminal device 400, which is a safety driving support device according to the fourth embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those of the terminal device 100 shown in Figure 1, and their descriptions are omitted. The terminal device 400 includes an acceleration detection unit 41. The acceleration detection unit 41 can be composed of an acceleration sensor. The acceleration detection unit 41 detects acceleration in at least the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and supplies the detected value to the control unit 2. The acceleration detection unit 41 may also detect acceleration in three axes: the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. If the acceleration detection unit 41 detects acceleration in three axes, it is sufficient that the detected value of acceleration in at least the Z-axis is supplied to the control unit 2.

[0083] In Figure 7, the control unit 2 obtains the current time from the timing unit 3 and the detected vertical acceleration value from the acceleration detection unit 41 at predetermined intervals T3 (e.g., 30 milliseconds), and records them in the acceleration record table (also called the acceleration history table) of the storage unit 4. Figure 8A is an example of a graph of the acceleration record table when the user is running with the terminal device 400. Figure 8B is an example of a graph of the acceleration record table when the user is riding a bicycle with the terminal device 400. Here, the acceleration when the user is riding a bicycle is used as an example, but the same applies to the acceleration when the user is riding other micromobility vehicles.

[0084] As can be seen from Figure 8A, when a user is running, the acceleration is larger and there is a periodic pattern (periodicity) in the change of acceleration compared to Figure 8B. This is because when a user is running, a large vertical acceleration is generated when the foot lands. On the other hand, when a user is riding a bicycle, not much vertical acceleration is generated, so there is not much clear periodicity. The fourth embodiment is configured to detect the acceleration pattern specific to running and to perform a warning process based on the detection result.

[0085] The flowchart shown in Figure 9 shows only the parts that differ from the flowchart in Figure 3 in the first embodiment. When it is determined that an audio signal is being output in step S2 of Figure 3, the control unit 2 moves the process to step S41 shown in Figure 9. In Figure 9, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) in step S41 refers to the acceleration record table stored in the storage unit 4 and obtains acceleration history data for a predetermined period T4. In the fourth embodiment, the period T4 is, for example, 1 minute. However, the period T4 is not limited to 1 minute; for example, the period T4 may be 30 seconds, the same as the period T2 in the first embodiment. The period T4 is preferably a period in which the periodicity specific to running can be detected, and is generally several seconds or longer, but the detection accuracy will be higher if it is set to several tens of seconds or longer. The period T4 is sometimes called the second predetermined period (second predetermined period). The second predetermined period may be the same as the first predetermined period (period T2), or it may be longer or shorter than the first predetermined period.

[0086] In step S42, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) calculates a characteristic value of vertical acceleration based on the acceleration history data. Based on this acceleration characteristic value, it determines whether the user is riding in the vehicle or not. In other words, based on this acceleration characteristic value, it determines whether the user is running or not. At least one of the following first to third characteristics can be used as the acceleration characteristic value. The first characteristic value is the representative value of the amplitude at the peak of acceleration. The second characteristic value is the rate of change of the period at the acceleration zero point. The third characteristic value is the maximum value of the autocorrelation coefficient of acceleration.

[0087] Let's explain the details of the first feature. As shown in Figure 8A, when the user is running, a large acceleration peak (maximum value) is observed at approximately constant intervals. In the example shown in Figure 8A, the acceleration at the peak is 10 m / s². 2 It exceeds [value]. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8B, when the user is riding a bicycle, no clear period is observed, and the maximum acceleration is 2 m / s². 2 The control unit 2 calculates the amplitude values ​​(maximum values) at the peak of acceleration during period T4 and calculates their representative values ​​as the first feature quantity. The representative value can be the mean, median, mode, etc. The control unit 2 may calculate the representative value using the absolute value of the amplitude (minimum value) of negative peaks (minimum points) as well as positive peaks (maximum points).

[0088] Let's explain the details of the second feature. As shown in Figure 8A, when the user is running, acceleration is observed at a nearly constant period (approximately 300 to 400 milliseconds), and the acceleration becomes zero every half of that time. In the example shown in Figure 8A, the acceleration becomes zero approximately every 180 milliseconds. The time when the acceleration becomes zero is called the zero point, and the period of the zero point is nearly constant. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8B, when the user is riding a bicycle, no clear period is observed at the zero point.

[0089] The control unit 2 identifies the zero points in period T4 and calculates the average value Mt of the interval between them. For example, the average value Mt is calculated to be 180 milliseconds. The control unit 2 also calculates the standard deviation St of the interval between zero points in period T4. For example, the standard deviation St is calculated to be 18 milliseconds. Furthermore, according to equation (1), the control unit 2 calculates the rate of change Ct of the period (interval) of the zero points as a second feature. For example, if the average value Mt is 180 milliseconds and the standard deviation St is 18 milliseconds, the rate of change Ct is calculated to be 0.1 (10%). Ct = St / Mt …(1)

[0090] The details of the third feature will now be explained. If A[t] is the acceleration at time t, the k-th autocorrelation coefficient AC[k] of the acceleration can be calculated using equation (2). In equation (2), Am is the average value of the acceleration during period T4, and N is the number of data points during period T4. Alternatively, the autocorrelation coefficient AC[k] can be calculated by approximating Am=0.

[0091]

number

[0092] The control unit 2 calculates the maximum value of the autocorrelation coefficient AC[k] as a third feature while varying k within a predetermined range. The predetermined range (autocorrelation search range) can be set to a time range that is possible for the running period, for example, it can be set to 300 milliseconds to 420 milliseconds. For example, if the period T3 (sampling period) is 30 milliseconds and the autocorrelation search range is 300 milliseconds to 420 milliseconds, then k = 10 to 14. The control unit 2 calculates the maximum value of the autocorrelation coefficient AC[k] by varying k within this range.

[0093] Returning to Figure 9, in step S43, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines whether the acceleration feature quantity calculated in step S42 satisfies conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration. In other words, the control unit 2 determines whether the acceleration feature quantity does not meet the conditions specific to running.

[0094] When using the first feature, the control unit 2 determines that the feature satisfies the conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration if the representative value of the amplitude value at the acceleration peak, which is the first feature, is less than a predetermined value. Here, an example of the predetermined value is 5 m / s². 2 This can be used. As shown in Figure 8B, when the user is riding a bicycle, the first feature becomes small in terms of acceleration, and is determined to be true in step S43. In that case, the control unit 2 determines that the user is not running.

[0095] When using the second feature, the control unit 2 determines that the feature satisfies the conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration if the rate of change Ct is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Here, 0.2 (20 percent) can be used as an example of the predetermined value. As shown in Figure 8B, the second feature becomes large in the acceleration when the user is riding a bicycle, and is determined to be true in step S43. In that case, the control unit 2 determines that the user is not running.

[0096] When using the third feature, the control unit 2 determines that the feature satisfies the conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration if the maximum value of the autocorrelation coefficient AC[k] is less than a predetermined value. The maximum value of the autocorrelation coefficient AC[k] takes a value in the range of 0 to 1, so 0.6 can be used as an example of the predetermined value. As shown in Figure 8B, the third feature becomes small in the acceleration when the user is riding a bicycle, and is determined to be true in step S43. In that case, the control unit 2 determines that the user is not running.

[0097] In step S43, the control unit 2 may use at least one of the first to third feature quantities to determine whether the acceleration feature quantity satisfies the conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration, i.e., predetermined conditions. The control unit 2 may also combine any two of the first to third feature quantities to determine whether the acceleration feature quantity satisfies the conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration. For example, when combining the first feature quantity and the second feature quantity, the control unit 2 determines that the acceleration feature quantity satisfies the conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration if the first feature quantity is less than a predetermined value and the second feature quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0098] The control unit 2 may use all of the first to third feature quantities to determine whether the acceleration feature quantity satisfies conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration (predetermined conditions). The control unit 2 determines that the acceleration feature quantity satisfies conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration if the first feature quantity is less than a predetermined value, the second feature quantity is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the third feature quantity is less than a predetermined value. By combining any two of the first to third feature quantities, or by using all of the first to third feature quantities, the accuracy of determining whether the acceleration feature quantity satisfies conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration can be improved.

[0099] If, in step S43, it is determined that the acceleration feature satisfies the conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration (YES), then in step S44, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines that the user is not running and proceeds to step S3 in Figure 3. In step S3, the control unit 2 determines whether the movement speed is the first speed. If, in step S3, it is determined that the acceleration feature satisfies the conditions specific to the vehicle's acceleration (NO), then in step S45, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines that the user is running and terminates the process.

[0100] Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the alert processing unit 203 determines at predetermined intervals whether the third condition is met, which is that the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal, the vertical acceleration feature quantity satisfies conditions specific to a vehicle (predetermined conditions), and the movement speed is equal to or greater than a first speed. That is, the alert processing unit 203 determines that the third condition is met when the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal, the vertical acceleration feature quantity satisfies conditions specific to a vehicle (predetermined conditions), and the movement speed is equal to or greater than a first speed. The alert processing unit 203 counts the number of times the third condition is met as the number of alerts. In other words, if the alert processing unit 203 determines, based on the vertical acceleration, that there is a high probability that the user is in a vehicle, it updates the number of alerts. On the other hand, if the alert processing unit 203 determines, based on the vertical acceleration, that there is a low probability that the user is in a vehicle (i.e., that the user is running), it does not update the number of alerts.

[0101] According to the terminal device 400, which is a safety driving support device according to the fourth embodiment, the warning process is not performed when the user is running, so the user can use the earphones 20 without any problems, improving user convenience. According to the terminal device 400, the warning process is performed when the user is in a vehicle, so the warning process can be performed with high accuracy. Therefore, the terminal device 400 can support safe driving by preventing the user from driving a vehicle while wearing an audio output device that can be worn on the ear or head.

[0102] The fourth embodiment and the third embodiment may be combined. In that case, if the warning processing unit 203 determines in step S44 that the user is not running, it should proceed to step S31 in Figure 6. When the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment are combined, the warning processing unit 203 counts the number of warnings if an audio signal is output to the earphone 20, the acceleration feature quantity satisfies conditions specific to the acceleration of the vehicle, and the upper speed V is within a predetermined range.

[0103] Furthermore, similar to the modification of the first embodiment, the earphone 200 may constitute the safe driving support device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0104] <Fifth Embodiment> When a user possessing the terminal device 100 is in a car and caught in heavy traffic, the upper speed V (e.g., maximum speed) during period T2 may fall within the predetermined range described above. A user riding in the back seat of a car can continue using the earphones 20 if they respond that they are not the driver, but this response is cumbersome for the user. The fifth embodiment is configured to reduce the frequency of warning processing when there is a high probability that the user is a passenger in a vehicle caught in heavy traffic. The safety driving support device according to the fifth embodiment can be configured with the terminal device 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0105] The flowchart shown in Figure 10 shows only the parts that differ from the flowchart in Figure 3 in the first embodiment. When it is determined in step S2 of Figure 3 that an audio signal is being output, the control unit 2 moves the process to step S51 shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, the control unit 2 (attention alert processing unit 203) calculates the velocity distribution data for period T2 by referring to the location information table stored in the storage unit 4 in step S51. Step S51 is the same as step S31 in Figure 6.

[0106] In step S52, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) calculates the highest speed V during period T2 based on the speed distribution data. Step S52 is the same as step S32 in Figure 6. In step S53, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines whether the highest speed V is within a predetermined range that is greater than or equal to the third speed and less than or equal to the fourth speed. Step S53 is the same as step S33 in Figure 6.

[0107] If the upper speed V is not within a predetermined range in step S53 (NO), the control unit 2 terminates the process. If the upper speed V is within a predetermined range (YES), the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) proceeds to step S54.

[0108] Figure 11A shows an example of speed distribution data when the vehicle is a bicycle, and Figure 11B shows an example of speed distribution data when the vehicle is an automobile caught in heavy traffic. Figures 11A and 11B show the speed distribution every second over a 5-minute (300-second) period. The vertical axis represents the number of times (frequency) that speed was observed in the 5 minutes, with the sum of frequencies being 300. The horizontal axis represents speed. For example, "0-4" represents the speed range between 0 km / h and less than 4 km / h, and "4-8" represents the speed range between 4 km / h and less than 8 km / h.

[0109] As shown in Figure 11A, the frequency of speeds in the "16-20" and "20-24" ranges, which are relatively stable and easy for bicycles to ride, is high. On the other hand, the frequency of speeds in the "0-4" and "4-8" ranges, which are difficult for bicycles to ride stably, is low. This is because, except when a bicycle temporarily stops at a traffic light or the like, it rarely maintains a slow speed that makes it difficult to ride stably.

[0110] As shown in Figure 11B, the maximum speed of automobiles is in the "20-24" speed range, the same as that of bicycles shown in Figure 11A. However, unlike Figure 11A, the frequency of slower speed ranges such as "0-4" and "4-8" is high, while the frequency of faster speed ranges such as "20-24" is very low. This is because automobiles are caught in heavy traffic. Thus, even if the maximum speed V of bicycles and the maximum speed V of automobiles in traffic are similar, the speed distribution differs greatly between the two.

[0111] In step S54, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) calculates the proportion of the low-speed band. The low-speed band can be defined as the range between 0 km / h and 4 km / h, where it is difficult for micromobility vehicles to travel stably. The low-speed band is not limited to 0 km / h and 4 km / h; it may also be between 0 km / h and 8 km / h. The control unit 2 only needs to calculate the proportion of speeds below a predetermined speed in the speed distribution. When the low-speed band is defined as 0 km / h and 4 km / h, in Figure 11A, the proportion of the low-speed band is approximately 13% (40 / 300), and in Figure 11B, the proportion of the low-speed band is approximately 40% (120 / 300).

[0112] In step S55, the control unit 2 (warning processing unit 203) determines whether the proportion of the low-speed band is less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, 0.25 (25 percent), but is not limited to this. If the proportion of the low-speed band is not less than the predetermined value (NO), the user is likely to be a passenger in a car (a vehicle other than a micromobility vehicle) caught in heavy traffic, so the process is terminated. If the proportion of the low-speed band is less than the predetermined value (YES), the user is likely to be riding in a micromobility vehicle, so the control unit 2 proceeds to step S4 in Figure 3.

[0113] Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the warning processing unit 203 determines whether the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal and whether the higher speed V is within a predetermined range. If the higher speed V is within the predetermined range, the warning processing unit 203 determines whether the proportion of the low-speed band is less than a predetermined value. The warning processing unit 203 performs the above determination at predetermined intervals. The warning processing unit 203 determines that the fourth condition is met when the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal, the higher speed V is within a predetermined range, and the proportion of the low-speed band is less than a predetermined value. That is, the warning processing unit 203 determines that the fourth condition is met when the audio signal output unit 201 outputs an audio signal, the higher speed V is within a predetermined range, and the proportion of the low-speed band is less than a predetermined value. The warning processing unit 203 counts the number of times the fourth condition is met as the number of warnings.

[0114] Steps S51 to S55 are provided in place of step S3 in Figure 3. In the fifth embodiment, the warning processing unit 203 counts the number of times the fourth condition is met as the number of warnings, instead of the first condition.

[0115] According to the terminal device 100, which is a safety driving support device according to the fifth embodiment, the warning process can be either not performed or reduced in frequency for passengers in a vehicle caught in heavy traffic, so that the user can use the earphones 20 without problems and improve user convenience. The safety driving support device according to this embodiment can perform the warning process with high accuracy if the user is the driver of a micromobility vehicle. For this reason, the safety driving support device according to this embodiment can support safe driving by preventing the user from driving a vehicle while wearing an audio output device that can be worn on the ear or head.

[0116] The fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment may be combined. When combining the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment, terminal device 400 can be used instead of terminal device 100. When the control unit 2 determines in step S2 of Figure 3 that an audio signal is being output, it should proceed to step S41 of Figure 9, and after step S44, proceed to step S51 of Figure 10.

[0117] When the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment are combined, the warning processing unit 203 counts the number of warnings when an audio signal is output to the earphone 20, the acceleration feature quantity satisfies conditions specific to the acceleration of the vehicle (predetermined conditions), the upper speed V is within a predetermined range, and the proportion of the low speed band is less than a predetermined value.

[0118] The memory unit 4 or 24 of the terminal device 100, 400, or earphone 200 may store a safe driving support program, and the terminal device 100, 400, or earphone 200 may execute the safe driving support program. In other words, these devices are equipped with a computer (microprocessor, etc.), and the computer in these devices may execute the safe driving support program. In this case, the terminal device 100, 400, or earphone 200 is a device that can be carried by a person (user) riding in a vehicle or a device that can be installed in a vehicle. The speed at which these devices move is the speed at which the vehicle moves, but it can also be said to be the speed at which the computer moves.

[0119] The safe driving support program causes a computer in a device that can be carried by a person (user) in the vehicle or installed in the vehicle to perform a step of detecting the speed of movement. The safe driving support program causes the computer to perform a step of outputting an audio signal to an audio output device that can be worn on the user's ear or head, and determining at predetermined intervals whether a first condition is met, that the speed of movement is equal to or greater than a first speed. Furthermore, the safe driving support program causes the computer to perform a step of counting the number of times the first condition is met as the number of warnings, and a step of performing a predetermined warning process for the user based on the number of warnings.

[0120] The present invention is not limited to the first to fifth embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1.21 Voice Input Section 2,22 Control Unit 3,23 Timing section 4,24 Storage part 5 Display section 6,26 Control unit 7.27 Illuminance detection unit 8,28 Location identification part 9 Communications Department 20A Wireless Earphones 20B Earphones 10 Audio output terminals 30 Audio output section 41 Acceleration detection unit 91,291 Near Field Communication Department 92 Long-Distance Communications Department 100,110,400 terminal devices 200 earphones 201 Audio signal output section 202 Speed ​​detection unit 203 Warning Processing Unit

Claims

1. A safety driving assistance device that can be carried by a person riding in a vehicle or installed in a vehicle, An audio signal output unit that outputs an audio signal to an audio output device that can be worn on the user's ear or head, A speed detection unit that detects the speed at which the aforementioned safe driving support device moves, The audio signal output unit outputs the audio signal and determines at predetermined intervals whether a first condition is met, where the movement speed is equal to or greater than a first speed; counts the number of times the first condition is met as the number of warnings; and executes a predetermined warning process for the user based on the number of warnings. A safety driving support system equipped with the following features.

2. The device further includes a brightness determination unit that determines the brightness of the surrounding environment of the aforementioned safe driving support device. The aforementioned warning processing unit, When the number of warnings is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the brightness determined by the brightness determination unit is less than the second threshold, the warning process involves the audio signal output unit outputting noise to the audio output device. When the number of warnings exceeds the first threshold, and the brightness determined by the brightness determination unit exceeds the second threshold, the warning process involves stopping the audio signal output by the audio signal output unit to the audio output device. The safe driving support device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned warning processing unit, If the number of warnings is equal to or greater than the first threshold, and the brightness determined by the brightness determination unit is less than the second threshold, then it is determined whether the moving speed is greater than or equal to the second speed which is faster than the first speed. When the aforementioned movement speed is equal to or greater than the second speed, the warning process involves the audio signal output unit outputting an audio message to the audio output device prompting it to reduce the movement speed. If the aforementioned movement speed falls below the second speed, the aforementioned warning process causes the audio signal output unit to output the aforementioned noise to the audio output device. The safe driving support device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned warning processing unit, The velocity distribution data for the aforementioned movement speed is calculated, The top speeds are calculated from the fastest speeds in the aforementioned speed distribution data, and the speeds that are higher in a predetermined rank are used as the top speeds. The audio signal output unit outputs the audio signal, and the second condition is met at predetermined intervals, where the higher speed is greater than or equal to a third speed which is greater than or equal to the first speed, and less than or equal to a fourth speed which is faster than the third speed. Instead of the first condition, the number of times the second condition is met is counted as the number of warnings. A safety driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The system further includes an acceleration detection unit that detects the vertical acceleration applied to the aforementioned safety driving support device, The aforementioned warning processing unit, The acceleration feature quantity detected by the acceleration detection unit is calculated, The audio signal output unit outputs the audio signal, the movement speed is equal to or greater than the first speed, and the third condition that the feature quantity satisfies the predetermined conditions is determined at each predetermined period. The number of times the third condition described above is met is counted as the number of warnings. A safety driving support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A computer in a device that can be carried by a person riding in a vehicle or a device that can be installed in a vehicle, The steps include detecting the moving speed of the device, The device outputs an audio signal to an audio output device that can be worn on the user's ear or head, and the device determines at predetermined intervals whether a first condition is met, where the movement speed is equal to or greater than a first speed. The steps include counting the number of times the first condition is met as the number of times a warning is issued, The steps include: executing a predetermined warning process for the user based on the number of warnings; A safe driving support program that enables the execution of safety driving actions.

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