Notification device, vehicle, notification method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a notification device that is advantageous in notifying a start of a vehicle to the surroundings of the vehicle with a simple structure. A notification device mounted on a vehicle and notifying a start of the vehicle to the surroundings of the vehicle includes a detection unit that detects a start intention of a driver with respect to the vehicle, and a lighting control section that causes a lighting device of the vehicle to light up in a predetermined lighting pattern in a case where the start intention is detected by the detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification device, a vehicle, a notification method, and a storage medium for notifying the surroundings of a vehicle when it starts moving. Background Technology

[0002] From a safety point of view, it is preferable to notify the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle's start when starting the vehicle. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a start notification display, in the direction of the vehicle's travel, is illuminated to depict a predetermined shape on the road surface.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-55519 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a device for using light to draw a start-up notification display on the road surface needs to be installed on the vehicle, which may become disadvantageous in terms of vehicle cost.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a technology that facilitates notifying the vehicle's surroundings of its start-up with a simple structure.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, a notification device, as one aspect of the present invention, is mounted on a vehicle to notify the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle's start-up. The notification device is characterized by comprising: a detection unit that detects the driver's intention to start the vehicle; and a lighting control unit that, upon detection of the start-up intention by the detection unit, illuminates the vehicle's lighting devices in a predetermined manner.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention is a notification method for notifying the vehicle's start-up to the surrounding area, characterized in that the notification method includes: a detection step, in which the driver's intention to start the vehicle is detected; and a lighting control step, in which, if the start-up intention is detected in the detection step, the lighting control step causes the vehicle's lighting devices to illuminate in a predetermined lighting manner.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a technology that facilitates notifying the vehicle's surroundings of its start-up with a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle's control device.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a notification device.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a flowchart representing the notification processing.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between vehicle speed and the brightness of lighting devices.

[0018] Figure 5 It means in Figure 3 A flowchart of an example of the processing performed in step S13.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the flashing of lights when a vehicle starts moving while turning right or left.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 100: Notification device; 110: Processing unit; 111: Detection unit; 112: Judgment unit; 113: Illumination control unit; 120: Sensor group; 130: Direction indicator; 140: Illumination device. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily all essential to the invention. Two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Additionally, the same or identical structures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0023] <First Implementation Method>

[0024] The notification device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The notification device of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle and is used to notify the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle's start-up. Furthermore, the following description uses a four-wheeled vehicle as an example of a vehicle equipped with the notification device of the present invention, but the notification device of the present invention can also be mounted on vehicles other than four-wheeled vehicles, such as motorized two-wheeled vehicles (motorized two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles).

[0025] First, refer to Figure 1 The overall control system of vehicle 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device 2 in vehicle 1. Figure 1 The diagram shows a general outline of vehicle 1 using top and side views. Vehicle 1 is an example of a four-wheeled passenger car of sedan type.

[0026] Control unit 2 controls various parts of vehicle 1. Control unit 2 includes multiple ECUs 20-29 that are connected and able to communicate via an in-vehicle network. Each ECU (Electronic Control Unit) includes a processor, such as a CPU, a storage device such as semiconductor memory, and an interface for external devices. The storage device stores programs for the processor to execute and data used by the processor during processing. Each ECU may also have multiple processors, storage devices, and interfaces. For example, ECU 20 has a processor 20a and a memory 20b. The processor 20a executes the commands contained in the program stored in the memory 20b, thereby performing the processing of ECU 20. Alternatively, ECU 20 may also have a dedicated integrated circuit such as an ASIC for executing the processing of ECU 20. The same applies to other ECUs.

[0027] The functions of each ECU 20 to 29 will be explained below. Furthermore, the number of ECUs and their functions can be appropriately designed, allowing for further subdivision or integration than in this embodiment.

[0028] ECU 20 performs comprehensive control of vehicle 1 (this vehicle) in this embodiment. ECU 20 can also be configured to perform controls related to the autonomous driving of vehicle 1. In this case, ECU 20 can automatically control at least one of the steering and speed (acceleration or deceleration) of vehicle 1.

[0029] ECU 21 controls the electric power steering system 3. The electric power steering system 3 includes a mechanism that steers the front wheels according to the driver's driving operation (steering operation) on the steering wheel 31. Additionally, the electric power steering system 3 includes a motor 3a that provides driving force for assisting steering operation or automatically steering the front wheels, a steering angle sensor 3b that detects the steering angle, etc. When the vehicle 1 is in automatic driving mode, ECU 21 automatically controls the electric power steering system 3 in accordance with instructions from ECU 20 to control the direction of travel of the vehicle 1.

[0030] ECU 22 and ECU 23 control the detection units 41-43 that detect the surrounding conditions of the vehicle and process the information of the detection results. Detection unit 41 is a camera (hereinafter sometimes referred to as camera 41) that periodically captures images of the outside of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, camera 41 is mounted on the front of the vehicle 1 roof inside the passenger compartment of the windshield so as to capture images of the front of the vehicle 1. By analyzing (image processing) the images captured by camera 41, it is possible to analyze targets such as traffic lights in front of the vehicle 1, display traffic lights, and extract lane markings (white lines, etc.) on the road.

[0031] The detection unit 42 (optical radar detection unit) is a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as optical radar 42), which uses light to detect targets around the vehicle 1 or to measure the distance to the targets. In this embodiment, five optical radars 42 are provided: one at each corner of the front of the vehicle 1, one at the center of the rear, and one on each side of the rear. The detection unit 43 (radar detection unit) is a millimeter-wave radar (hereinafter sometimes referred to as radar 43), which uses radio waves to detect targets around the vehicle 1 or to measure the distance to the targets. In this embodiment, five radars 43 are provided: one at the center of the front of the vehicle 1, one at each corner of the front, and one at each corner of the rear.

[0032] ECU 22 controls one of the cameras 41 and each of the optical radars 42, and processes the detection results. ECU 23 controls the other camera 41 and each of the radars 43, and processes the detection results. By having two sets of devices to detect the vehicle's surroundings, the reliability of the detection results can be improved. Furthermore, by having different types of detection units such as cameras, optical radars, and radars, the vehicle's surrounding environment can be analyzed from multiple perspectives.

[0033] ECU 24 controls the gyroscope sensor 5, GPS sensor 24b, and communication device 24c, and processes the detection or communication results. The gyroscope sensor 5 detects the rotational motion of vehicle 1. It can determine the vehicle 1's route based on the detection results of the gyroscope sensor 5, wheel speed, etc. The GPS sensor 24b detects the current position of vehicle 1. The communication device 24c wirelessly communicates with a server providing map and traffic information to obtain this information. Furthermore, ECU 24 can access a map information database 24a stored in a storage device, and perform route searches from the current location to the destination. Database 24a can be configured on a network, and communication device 24c can access database 24a on the network to obtain information.

[0034] The ECU 25 is equipped with a communication device 25a capable of vehicle-to-vehicle communication, road-to-road communication, or communication with information processing devices such as smartphones. For example, the communication device 25a can wirelessly communicate with other vehicles in the vicinity to exchange information between vehicles, or exchange information wirelessly with external information processing devices.

[0035] ECU26 controls the power unit 6. The power unit 6 is a mechanism that outputs driving force to rotate the drive wheels of vehicle 1, and includes, for example, an engine and a transmission. Furthermore, the structure of the power unit 6 is not limited to this example, and includes electric vehicles powered by electric motors, hybrid vehicles that combine an engine and an electric motor, etc. Electric vehicles, for example, are driven by electricity generated from batteries such as secondary batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, metal fuel cells, and ethanol fuel cells.

[0036] ECU 26 controls engine output, for example, in response to driver operations (accelerator or acceleration) detected by the operation detection sensor 7a located on the accelerator pedal 7A, or switches transmission gears based on information such as vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 7c. When the vehicle 1 is in autonomous driving mode, ECU 26 automatically controls the power unit 6 in response to instructions from ECU 20, controlling vehicle speed (vehicle 1's speed and acceleration / deceleration).

[0037] ECU27 controls the direction indicator 8a (turn indicator light) and lighting devices 8b (headlights, taillights, etc.). Figure 1 In this example, the direction indicator 8a is located at the front, side mirrors, and rear of the vehicle 1. Additionally, the lighting devices 8b include headlights, small lamps, taillights, and fog lights. The lighting devices 8b can be used as daytime running lights illuminated during the day, or as nighttime running lights illuminated after sunset.

[0038] ECU 28 controls the input / output device 9. The input / output device 9 outputs information to occupants, including the driver, and receives information from occupants. The sound output device 91 reports information to the occupants via sound. The display device 92 reports information to the driver via image display. The display device 92 is, for example, positioned directly opposite the driver's seat and the front passenger seat, forming a touch panel-type instrument panel that functions as a human-machine interface. Additionally, the input device 93 is positioned where the driver can operate it, including a switch group for inputting instructions for the vehicle 1 and a voice input device for inputting passenger voices.

[0039] For example, ECU 28, based on the path from the current location to the destination searched by ECU 24, displays road information, including the multiple lanes currently being traveled by vehicle 1 (this vehicle), obtained from the vehicle's location information and map information, on display device 92. Additionally, ECU 28 controls sound output device 91 and display device 92 to provide the driver with sound, map display, and sound-based guidance information. Furthermore, while sound and display are exemplified here, information can also be reported via vibration or light. Moreover, multiple methods, such as sound, display, vibration, or light, can be combined to report information. Furthermore, the combination or notification method can vary depending on the level of the information to be notified (e.g., urgency).

[0040] ECU 29 controls the braking device 10 and the parking brake (not shown). The braking device 10 is, for example, a disc brake, installed on each wheel of the vehicle 1, which decelerates or stops the vehicle 1 by applying resistance to the rotation of the wheels. ECU 29 controls the operation of the braking device 10 in accordance with the driver's driving operation (braking operation) detected by the operation detection sensor 7b installed on the brake pedal 7B. When the vehicle 1 is in automatic driving mode, ECU 29 automatically controls the braking device 10 in accordance with the instructions from ECU 20, controlling the deceleration and stopping of the vehicle 1. The braking device 10 and the parking brake can also operate to maintain the vehicle 1 in a stopped state. In addition, if the transmission of the power unit 6 is equipped with a parking lock mechanism, it can also be operated to maintain the vehicle 1 in a stopped state.

[0041] [Composition of the notification device]

[0042] Next, refer to Figure 2 An example of the configuration of the notification device 100 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 2This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the notification device 100 according to this embodiment. As described above, the notification device 100 is a device for notifying the surroundings of the vehicle 1 of the start of the vehicle 1, and may include, for example, a processing unit 110, a sensor group 120, a direction indicator 130, and a lighting device 140.

[0043] Processing unit 110, for example, with Figure 1 The control device 2 (ECU 20-29) can be configured as a computer including a processor (such as a CPU), a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, and an interface with external devices. In this embodiment, the storage device stores a program (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a notification program) for notifying the surroundings of the vehicle 1 of its start-up. By executing the commands contained in the notification program by the processor, the processing unit 110 can perform notification processing for notifying the surroundings of the vehicle 1 of its start-up. Furthermore, the processing unit 110 in this embodiment may include a detection unit 111, a determination unit 112, and an illumination control unit 113.

[0044] For example, the detection unit 111 is with Figure 1 Corresponding to ECUs 26 and 29, the detection unit 111 detects the driver's intention to start the vehicle 1. Specifically, the detection unit 111 can detect the driver's intention to start the vehicle 1 based on the output from the operation detection sensors 121 and / or 122, which will be described later. The starting intention refers to the driver's intention to start the vehicle 1, and may include the driver's actions and / or the operation of the vehicle 1.

[0045] Judgment unit 112, for example, with Figure 1 Corresponding to ECUs 21, ECU 24, ECU 26, and ECU 27, the current state of vehicle 1 is determined. Specifically, the determination unit 112 determines the current state of vehicle 1 based on the outputs from the vehicle speed sensor 123, steering angle sensor 124, and / or position sensor 125, which will be described later. Furthermore, the determination unit 112 determines the current illumination state of the direction indicator 130 based on the input signal and / or output signal to the direction indicator 130 (turnstile). The direction indicator 130 and... Figure 1 Corresponding to the direction indicator 8a, they are respectively set on the left and right sides of vehicle 1.

[0046] Lighting control unit 113, for example, with Figure 1Corresponding to ECU 27, it controls the illumination of lighting devices 140 (headlights, taillights, etc.). In this embodiment, the illumination control unit 113 illuminates the lighting devices 140 in a predetermined illumination mode when the detection unit 111 detects the driver's intention to start the vehicle 1. The predetermined illumination mode of the lighting devices 140 when the driver's intention to start is detected is set to be different from the illumination mode (e.g., flashing cycle, light emission color) of the lighting devices 140 when the vehicle 1 is in motion; for example, it could be the flashing of the lighting devices 140. Here, the lighting devices 140 correspond to... Figure 1 The lighting device 8b includes a right-side lighting device 141 disposed on the right side of the vehicle 1 and a left-side lighting device 142 disposed on the left side of the vehicle 1. Additionally, as previously described, the lighting device 140 includes at least one of a head lamp, a small lamp, a tail lamp, and a fog lamp. The lighting device 140 can be used as a daytime running light illuminated during the day, or as a nighttime running light illuminated after sunset.

[0047] The sensor group 120 may include, for example, operation detection sensors 121-122, a vehicle speed sensor 123, a steering angle sensor 124, and a position sensor 125. Operation detection sensor 121 and... Figure 1 The operation detection sensor 7b corresponds to the driver's operation (e.g., the amount of operation) on the brake pedal 7B. The operation detection sensor 122 and... Figure 1 Corresponding to the operation detection sensor 7a, it detects the driver's operation (e.g., the amount of operation) on the accelerator pedal 7A. Vehicle speed sensor 123 and... Figure 1 The vehicle speed sensor 7c corresponds to the sensor that detects the speed of vehicle 1. Vehicle speed sensor 123 can also be understood as a sensor that detects the acceleration and deceleration of vehicle 1. Additionally, the steering angle sensor 124... Figure 1 Corresponding to the steering angle sensor 3b, it detects the steering angle of vehicle 1 (steering wheel 31). Position sensor 125 and... Figure 1 Corresponding to GPS sensor 24b, the current position of vehicle 1 is detected (e.g., the current position of vehicle 1 within an intersection). Position sensor 125 can also be understood as a sensor that detects the current orientation of vehicle 1.

[0048] [Notification Processing Flow]

[0049] Next, the notification processing flow executed by the processing unit 110 will be described. As described above, the notification processing is the process of notifying the surroundings of the vehicle 1 of the start of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the processing unit 110 performs the notification processing by illuminating the vehicle 1's lighting device 140 in a predetermined illumination mode when it detects the driver's intention to start the vehicle 1. Hereinafter, the flashing of the lighting device 140 will be described as an example of the predetermined illumination mode of the lighting device 140 when the driver's intention to start is detected. In addition, the following description uses headlights and / or small lamps as examples of lighting devices 140, but the same notification processing can also be applied to taillights, fog lights, etc.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a flowchart representing the notification processing performed by the processing unit 110. Figure 3 The flowchart shown begins with vehicle 1 stationary, i.e., when vehicle 1 is below a predetermined speed Vp. The predetermined speed Vp is a speed threshold set to detect (determine) that vehicle 1 has stopped; for example, it can be set to a speed below a typical slow speed such as 3 km / h or 5 km / h. Furthermore, Figure 3 The flowchart shown is executed repeatedly, and can restart from step S11 after step S17 ends.

[0051] In step S11, the processing unit 110 determines, based on the output from the vehicle speed sensor 123, whether the speed of vehicle 1 is less than a predetermined speed Vp (i.e., whether vehicle 1 has stopped). If the speed of vehicle 1 is less than the predetermined speed Vp, the processing unit 110 determines that vehicle 1 has stopped and proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the speed of vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed Vp, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0052] In step S12, the processing unit 110 (detection unit 111) determines whether a driver's intention to start the vehicle 1 has been detected. For example, the detection unit 111 can detect the driver's intention to start the vehicle as the end of the operation on the brake pedal 7B (e.g., the driver has stopped pressing the brake pedal 7B) based on the output from the operation detection sensor 121 of the brake pedal 7B. Alternatively, the detection unit 111 can also detect the driver's intention to start the vehicle as the start of the operation on the accelerator pedal 7A (e.g., the driver has started pressing the accelerator pedal 7A) based on the output from the operation detection sensor 122 of the accelerator pedal 7A. If no driver's intention to start the vehicle is detected, the process returns to step S11; if a driver's intention to start the vehicle is detected, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0053] In step S13, the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) starts the flashing of the lighting device 140 of the vehicle 1 (i.e., lights it up in a predetermined lighting manner). Next, in step S14, the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) determines whether to stop the flashing of the lighting device 140. For example, the lighting control unit 113 can determine to stop the flashing of the lighting device 140 if a predetermined time has elapsed since the driver's intention to start has been detected. This predetermined time can be arbitrarily set, but as an example, it can be set to a time, such as a few seconds or tens of seconds, at which other vehicles or pedestrians around the vehicle 1 can recognize the start of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the lighting control unit 113 can also determine to stop the flashing of the lighting device 140 based on the output from the position sensor 125, if a predetermined distance has been traveled after the driver's intention to start has been detected. This predetermined distance can be arbitrarily set, but as an example, it can be set to a distance, such as a few meters or tens of meters, at which other vehicles or pedestrians around the vehicle 1 can recognize the start of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the illumination control unit 113 can also determine to stop the flashing of the lighting device 140 when the vehicle 1 reaches a predetermined speed or higher, based on the output from the vehicle speed sensor 123. This predetermined speed can be set to the predetermined speed Vp used in step S11, or it can be set to a different speed Vp (e.g., a speed faster than the predetermined speed Vp). Additionally, when the vehicle 1 starts moving from a stopped position near an intersection, the illumination control unit 113 can also determine to stop the flashing of the lighting device 140 when the vehicle 1 has passed through the intersection, based on the output from the position sensor 125.

[0054] In step S15, the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) starts illuminating the lighting device 140 of the vehicle 1. When the lighting device 140 is used as a daytime running light, step S15 can also be understood as increasing the brightness of the lighting device 140. Alternatively, in step S15, the lighting control unit 113 can also change the brightness of the lighting device 140 based on the speed of the vehicle 1 detected by the vehicle speed sensor 123. Figure 4 This is an example illustrating the relationship between the speed of vehicle 1 and the brightness of the lighting device 140. When vehicle 1 starts moving (specifically, when the driver's intention to start is detected), the illumination control unit 113 causes the lighting device 140 to flash, and then adjusts the brightness of the lighting device 140 according to the speed of vehicle 1, increasing the brightness of the lighting device 140 as the speed of vehicle 1 increases. Furthermore, when the speed of vehicle 1 is greater than a threshold speed Vth, the brightness of the lighting device 140 is kept constant. By controlling the brightness of the lighting device 140 in this way, the current speed of vehicle 1 can be communicated to the surrounding area.

[0055] In step S16, the processing unit 110 determines, based on the output from the vehicle speed sensor 123, whether the speed of vehicle 1 is less than a predetermined speed Vp (i.e., whether vehicle 1 has stopped). If the speed of vehicle 1 is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed Vp, the processing unit 110 determines that vehicle 1 has not yet stopped and repeats step S16. On the other hand, if the speed of vehicle 1 is less than the predetermined speed Vp, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) turns off the lighting device 140. If the lighting device 140 is used as a daytime running light, this step S17 can also be understood as reducing the brightness of the lighting device 140.

[0056] As described above, when the notification device 100 of this embodiment detects the driver's intention to start the vehicle 1, it notifies the surroundings of the vehicle 1's start by illuminating the vehicle 1's lighting device 140 in a predetermined lighting manner. According to this notification process, without the need to install a new device in the vehicle 1, the vehicle 1's start can be notified to the surroundings with a simple structure, thus offering advantages in terms of safety and vehicle cost.

[0057] <Second Implementation Method>

[0058] In the second embodiment, the flashing of the lighting device 140 when the vehicle 1 starts to move during a right turn or left turn (i.e., illumination in a predetermined illumination mode) will be described. When the vehicle 1 turns right or left, one of the left and right direction indicators 130 usually flashes. In this case, if both the left and right lighting devices 140 (right lighting device 141 and left lighting device 142) flash, the flashing of the direction indicator 130 becomes difficult to see from the surroundings of the vehicle 1 (other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) due to the brightness of the lighting devices 140. Therefore, in this embodiment, the notification device 100 (illumination control unit 113) notifies the surroundings of the vehicle 1 of the start of movement of the vehicle 1 by flashing the lighting device on the opposite side of the illuminated direction indicator, either the right lighting device 141 or the left lighting device 142. This reduces the likelihood of the flashing of the direction indicator 130 becoming difficult to see from the surroundings of the vehicle 1.

[0059] Figure 5 It means that in the above Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example of the processing performed in step S13. Additionally, Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the flashing of the lighting device 140 when starting the vehicle 1 during a right turn or a left turn. Figure 6 This is a picture of vehicle 1 viewed from the front. Figure 6 (a) in the text indicates that when vehicle 1 turns right, Figure 6(b) in the text indicates when vehicle 1 turns left. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, the direction indicator 130 may include a right turn direction indicator 131 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as right turn indicator 131) disposed on the right side of the vehicle 1 for notifying the surroundings of the vehicle 1 to turn right, and a left turn direction indicator 132 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as left turn indicator 132) disposed on the left side of the vehicle 1 for notifying the surroundings of the vehicle 1 to turn left.

[0060] In step S13-1, the processing unit 110 (determination unit 112) determines whether the right turn indicator light 131 is flashing (on). If the right turn indicator light 131 is flashing, the process proceeds to step S13-2, as follows: Figure 6 As shown in (a), the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) starts flashing the left-side lighting device 142 on the side opposite to the right turn indicator light 131 (i.e., lighting it up in a predetermined manner). At this time, the right-side lighting device 141 remains off. On the other hand, if the right turn indicator light 131 does not flash, the process proceeds to step S13-3.

[0061] In step S13-3, the processing unit 110 (determination unit 112) determines whether the left turn indicator light 132 is flashing (on). If the left turn indicator light 132 is flashing, the process proceeds to step S13-4, as follows: Figure 6 As shown in (b), the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) starts flashing the right-side lighting device 141 on the side opposite to the left turn indicator light 132 (i.e., lighting it in a predetermined manner). At this time, the left-side lighting device 142 remains off. On the other hand, if the left turn indicator light 132 is not flashing, the process proceeds to step S13-5. In step S13-5, the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) starts flashing both the left and right lighting devices 140 (i.e., both the right-side lighting device 141 and the left-side lighting device 142).

[0062] In this embodiment, an example is described where the lighting device that flashes to notify the surroundings of the start of vehicle 1 is selected from the right-side lighting device 141 and the left-side lighting device 142 based on the illumination state of the direction indicators 130 (right turn indicator 131, left turn indicator 132), but this is not a limitation. For example, the processing unit 110 (illumination control unit 113) may also select the flashing lighting device based on the direction of vehicle 1 turning (right turn or left turn, or turning action) without using the illumination state of the direction indicators 130. As an example, if the determination unit 112 determines that vehicle 1 is turning right or left at an intersection, the illumination control unit 113 may also cause the lighting device on the side opposite to the direction of vehicle 1 turning (right turn direction or left turn direction) of the right-side lighting device 141 and the left-side lighting device 142 to flash when vehicle 1 starts. The determination unit 112 can determine whether vehicle 1 is turning right or left when it is in the right-turn lane or left-turn lane of an intersection based on the output from the position sensor 125. In addition, the judgment unit 112 can determine whether the vehicle 1 is turning right or left when the steering angle of the vehicle 1 (steering wheel 31) is above a predetermined angle, based on the output from the steering angle sensor 124.

[0063] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0064] In step S15 of the above embodiment, an example of changing the brightness of the lighting device 140 according to the speed of the vehicle 1 was described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) can change the brightness of the lighting device 140 according to the amount of operation (depressing amount) of the brake pedal 7B detected by the operation detection sensor 121, or it can change the brightness of the lighting device 140 according to the amount of operation (depressing amount) of the accelerator pedal 7A detected by the operation detection sensor 122. In addition, the processing unit 110 (lighting control unit 113) can also change the brightness of the lighting device 140 according to the amount of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle 1 detected by the vehicle speed sensor 123. By controlling the brightness of the lighting device 140 in this way, the current acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle 1 can be communicated to the surroundings of the vehicle 1.

[0065] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0066] 1. The notification device of the above embodiment is mounted on a vehicle (e.g., 1) and notifies the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle of the vehicle's start-up, wherein,

[0067] The notification device includes:

[0068] A detection unit (e.g., 111) detects the driver's intention to start the vehicle; and

[0069] The illumination control unit (e.g., 113) illuminates the vehicle's lighting devices (e.g., 140-142) in a predetermined manner when the detection unit detects the intention to start.

[0070] According to this embodiment, there is no need to mount a new device on the vehicle, but the vehicle's start-up can be notified to the surroundings of the vehicle with a simple structure, which is advantageous in terms of safety and vehicle cost.

[0071] 2. In the above embodiments,

[0072] The predetermined lighting method is different from the lighting method of the lighting device when the vehicle is in motion.

[0073] According to this implementation, the vehicle's start-up can be more clearly communicated to the surrounding area.

[0074] 3. In the above embodiments,

[0075] The predetermined lighting method is the blinking of the lighting device.

[0076] According to this implementation, the vehicle's start-up can be more clearly communicated to the surrounding area.

[0077] 4. In the above embodiments,

[0078] The lighting devices illuminated in the predetermined lighting manner include at least one of the vehicle's headlights and parking lights.

[0079] According to this implementation method, the vehicle can be notified to start moving forward.

[0080] 5. In the above embodiments,

[0081] The lighting devices that are illuminated in the predetermined lighting manner include the vehicle's taillights.

[0082] According to this implementation method, the vehicle can be notified to start from behind.

[0083] 6. In the above embodiments,

[0084] The vehicle has a right-side lighting device (e.g., 141) disposed on the right side of the vehicle and a left-side lighting device (e.g., 142) disposed on the left side of the vehicle.

[0085] When one of the left and right direction indicators (e.g., 130-132) in the vehicle is illuminated, the illumination control unit causes the right-side lighting device and the lighting device on the opposite side of the illuminated direction indicator in the left-side lighting device to be illuminated in the predetermined illumination manner, thereby notifying the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle that the vehicle has started.

[0086] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the situation where the flickering of the directional indicator is difficult to see from the surroundings of the vehicle (other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) due to the influence of the brightness of the lighting device.

[0087] 7. In the above embodiments,

[0088] When one of the left and right direction indicators is lit, the lighting control unit turns off the right-side lighting device and the lighting device on the left side that is on the same side as the lit direction indicator.

[0089] According to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the situation where the flickering of the directional indicator is difficult to see from the surroundings of the vehicle (other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.) due to the influence of the brightness of the lighting device.

[0090] 8. In the above embodiments,

[0091] The vehicle has a right-side lighting device (e.g., 141) disposed on the right side of the vehicle and a left-side lighting device (e.g., 142) disposed on the left side of the vehicle.

[0092] The lighting control unit notifies the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle's start by illuminating the lighting device on the right side and the left side of the lighting device that is opposite to the direction the vehicle is turning in the predetermined lighting manner.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the vehicle can be appropriately notified to the surroundings of its start even when it is turning right or left, or during a turning maneuver.

[0094] 9. In the above embodiments,

[0095] The detection unit detects the driver's intention to start as the end of the operation of the brake pedal (e.g., 7B).

[0096] According to this implementation method, the driver's starting intention can be detected (understood) accurately and quickly.

[0097] 10. In the above embodiments,

[0098] The detection unit detects the driver's initial operation of the accelerator pedal (e.g., 7A) as the starting intention.

[0099] According to this implementation method, the driver's starting intention can be detected (understood) accurately and quickly.

[0100] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A notification device mounted on a vehicle, which notifies the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle's start-up, characterized in that, The notification device includes: A detection unit that detects the driver's intention to start the vehicle; as well as The lighting control unit controls the illumination of the vehicle's lighting devices. The lighting device includes a right headlight disposed on the right side of the vehicle and a left headlight disposed on the left side of the vehicle. When one of the left and right direction indicators in the vehicle is illuminated and the starting intention is detected by the detection unit, the illumination control unit illuminates the right headlight and the headlight on the side opposite to the illuminated direction indicator in a predetermined illumination manner, and extinguishes the headlight on the side with the same illumination direction indicator.

2. The notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting device includes a right-side marker light disposed on the right side of the vehicle and a left-side marker light disposed on the left side of the vehicle. When one of the left and right direction indicators in the vehicle is illuminated and the starting intention is detected by the detection unit, the illumination control unit causes the right and left position lights, on the opposite side of the illuminated direction indicator, to illuminate in the predetermined illumination manner instead of the right and left headlights.

3. The notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined lighting method is different from the lighting method of the lighting device when the vehicle is in motion.

4. The notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined lighting method is the blinking of the lighting device.

5. The notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lighting device has a right taillight disposed on the right side of the vehicle and a left taillight disposed on the left side of the vehicle. When one of the left and right direction indicators in the vehicle is illuminated and the starting intention is detected by the detection unit, the illumination control unit illuminates the right taillight and the taillight on the opposite side of the left taillight to the illuminated direction indicator in the predetermined illumination manner.

6. The notification device according to claim 5, characterized in that, If one of the left and right direction indicators is illuminated and the starting intention is detected by the detection unit, the illumination control unit turns off the right taillight and the taillight on the same side as the illuminated direction indicator in the left taillight.

7. The notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The illumination control unit illuminates the right headlight and the headlight on the left side opposite to the direction the vehicle is turning in the predetermined illumination manner.

8. The notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit detects the driver's intention to start as the end of the operation of the brake pedal.

9. The notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection unit detects the driver's initial operation of the accelerator pedal as the starting intention.

10. The notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The notification device also includes a vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed of the vehicle. After illuminating the right headlight and the headlight on the opposite side of the illuminated direction indicator in the predetermined illumination mode, the illumination control unit controls the brightness of the right headlight and the left headlight in a manner corresponding to the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor, such that the brightness of the right headlight and the left headlight increases with the increase of the vehicle speed.

11. A vehicle comprising a notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A notification method for notifying the surrounding area of ​​a vehicle of its start-up, characterized in that, The notification method includes: The detection step includes detecting the driver's intention to start the vehicle; and The lighting control step involves controlling the illumination of the vehicle's lighting devices. The lighting device includes a right headlight disposed on the right side of the vehicle and a left headlight disposed on the left side of the vehicle. In the illumination control step, if one of the left and right direction indicators in the vehicle is illuminated and the intention to start is detected by the detection step, the right headlight and the headlight on the opposite side of the illuminated direction indicator of the left headlight are illuminated in a predetermined illumination manner, and the headlight on the same side as the illuminated direction indicator is turned off.

13. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the steps of the notification method of claim 12.

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