Warning device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of warning device for vehicle, it is configured according to the detection signal from the object detection device for detecting the object existing in the surrounding of vehicle, the door opening operation of vehicle is warned for passenger, with: sound radiation pressure generating part, it emits ultrasonic waves, and generates the sound radiation pressure that makes people feel tactile in the surrounding space of door lock release operation part in vehicle room;And warning control part, according to the reception of detection signal, makes sound radiation pressure generating part generate sound radiation pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle warning device that assists in safety when getting out of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Systems that issue collision warnings for door opening operations during exiting a vehicle (generally referred to as Exit Warning systems) are known in the past. Such systems are described, for example, in Patent Document 1. In the system described in Patent Document 1, a warning symbol is displayed on the screen when an alarm is triggered. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique that activates a vibration alarm and causes the inner handle to vibrate when an occupant touches the inner handle as a vehicle approaches from behind.

[0003] However, the technology described in Patent Document 2 begins to vibrate based on contact when the occupant operates the inner handle. Therefore, it is possible that the occupant stops opening the door after noticing the vibration, or that the door is already open when the vibration is noticed.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-192090 (JP2019-192090A);

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-147434 (JP2015-147434A). Summary of the Invention

[0008] One technical solution of the present invention is a vehicle warning device that issues a warning to an occupant for opening a vehicle door based on a detection signal from an object detection device that detects objects present around the vehicle. The device comprises: an acoustic radiation pressure generating unit that emits ultrasonic waves to generate acoustic radiation pressure in the space surrounding the door unlocking operation unit inside the vehicle interior, which is perceptible to a person; and a warning control unit that, based on the receipt of the detection signal, causes the acoustic radiation pressure generating unit to generate acoustic radiation pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention are further illustrated by the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle warning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the layout around the driver's seat inside the vehicle.

[0012] Figure 3This is a diagram showing a portion of the interior of the driver's side door.

[0013] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of the sound pressure generator.

[0015] Figure 6 This diagram shows the warning display unit installed in the side mirror of the front door.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the warning action in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the door lock release switch.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a vehicle warning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the warning action in the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description and drawings are examples for illustrating the present invention; appropriate omissions and simplifications have been made for clarity. Furthermore, in the following description, the same or similar elements and processes are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted. It should be noted that the following description is merely an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be implemented in various other ways.

[0021] (First Implementation)

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle warning device according to the first embodiment. The vehicle warning device 1 includes: a warning control unit 10, a sound radiation pressure generating device (hereinafter referred to as a sound pressure generating device) 20, an audible alarm unit 30, an alarm display unit 40, a release operation detection unit 50, and an occupant movement detection unit 60. The vehicle warning device 1 is a device that provides an alarm to support the safety of occupants when disembarking from the vehicle.

[0023] The object detection device 2 installed in the vehicle inputs a detection signal to the vehicle warning device 1. The object detection device 2 monitors objects existing within a specified range around the vehicle and outputs a detection signal notifying the presence of objects within the specified range to the vehicle warning device 1. For example, millimeter-wave radar, cameras, etc., are used to monitor objects (vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, etc.) within the specified range. The vehicle control unit 3 is a component that controls the driving action of the vehicle and also controls the activation and deactivation of the vehicle warning device 1 according to the driving action. For example, when the vehicle stops, the vehicle control unit 3 activates the vehicle warning device 1, and when a specified time has elapsed since the ignition switch was turned off, the vehicle control unit 3 deactivates the vehicle warning device 1.

[0024] The vehicle warning device 1 is a device that warns occupants when the door opening action affects the exiting of the vehicle. Therefore, the object detection device 2 monitors a defined area including the side, rear, and front of the vehicle, detecting stationary and moving objects on the side of the vehicle door, as well as moving objects approaching the vehicle from the front or rear, that could potentially collide with the door when it is opened. Typically, it monitors for objects approaching from the rear of the vehicle (cars, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.), which are difficult to detect from inside the vehicle. When an approaching object is detected, a detection signal is output from the object detection device 2 to the vehicle warning device 1. The following explanation uses the case where a detection signal is output when an object approaching from the rear of the vehicle as an example; however, the present invention can be applied to various situations where there is a risk of collision when the door is opened, and achieves the same effect.

[0025] The warning control unit 10 controls the entire vehicle warning device 1 to provide warnings when occupants exit the vehicle. The warning control unit 10 is equipped with a processing unit such as a microcomputer containing a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory (ROM: Read-Only Memory, RAM: Random Access Memory), and peripheral circuitry. The functions of the warning control unit 10 are implemented using software programs stored in the ROM. When the vehicle warning device 1 receives a detection signal from the object detection device 2, it displays an alarm on the alarm display unit 40 to alert the occupants of an approaching object and activates the audible alarm unit 30 to produce an alarm sound. The release operation detection unit 50 is a sensor that detects when an occupant has released the door lock; the detection result is input to the warning control unit 10. The occupant action detection unit 60 is a component that detects when an occupant releases the door lock; for example, it may use a camera. The detection result of the occupant action detection unit 60 is input to the warning control unit 10.

[0026] The sound pressure generating device 20 is a device that generates ultrasonic waves, thereby creating a distribution of sound radiation pressure in the air that can stimulate the sense of touch. An example of such a sound pressure generating device is the one described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-533500 (JP2017-533500A). The sound pressure generating device 20 includes a sound radiation pressure generating unit 201 that generates sound radiation pressure and a drive unit 202 that drives and controls the sound radiation pressure generating unit (hereinafter referred to as the sound pressure generating unit) 201. Multiple ultrasonic vibrators that generate ultrasonic waves are provided in the sound pressure generating unit 201. These multiple ultrasonic vibrators are arranged in an array, and the sound energy is concentrated in space using the phased array principle, thus creating a distribution of sound radiation pressure in the air.

[0027] As described later, an inner handle 106 is provided on the interior side of the vehicle door as a lock release operation part 4 for unlocking the door. The sound pressure generating part 201 generates a distribution of sound radiation pressure that makes a person feel touch in the space area S near the lock release operation part 4.

[0028] Figures 2-4 It is an explanation and Figure 1 The diagram shows the arrangement of the corresponding components inside the vehicle. Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the area around the driver's seat inside the vehicle. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a portion of the interior of the driver's side door. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line AA. (e.g.) Figure 2 As shown, a camera 101 for capturing animations is installed on the pillar 100 to monitor the movements of the occupant sitting in the seat 105 on the driver's side. In the first embodiment, the camera 101 serves as... Figure 1 The occupant motion detection unit 60 is functioning.

[0029] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, an alarm buzzer 103, functioning as an audible alarm unit 30, and an alarm display unit 40 are provided on the door trim panel 110 of the door 102. It should be noted that, as described later, the front door side mirror 107 also functions as the alarm display unit 40. When the door 102 is opened, the door is unlocked by operating the inside handle 106. When the alarm display unit 40 is illuminated or flashing, a warning sign indicating that an object M2 is approaching the vehicle M1 is displayed there.

[0030] like Figure 4As shown, a recess 111 is formed in the door trim panel 110. An inner handle 106 is disposed near the opening of the recess 111. The inner handle 106 has a touch sensor 108 on the surface opposite to the bottom surface 111a of the recess 111, which functions as a release operation detection unit 50. The touch sensor 108 is, for example, a capacitive touch sensor.

[0031] A sound pressure generating section 201 is provided on the bottom surface 111a of the recess 111. The sound pressure generating section 201 forms a sound radiation pressure distribution in the spatial region indicated by the symbol S, which provides a tactile sensation of vibration. The sound radiation pressure generated in the spatial region S is controlled to provide pressure that makes the skin feel vibration. Of course, it is not limited to vibration, but can also be controlled to provide a tactile sensation other than vibration. When the occupant wants to operate the inner handle 106 and moves their hand H as... Figure 5 When moving in that way, the hand H in the space region S feels the tactile sensation of vibration through the sound radiation pressure distribution generated by the sound pressure generator 201.

[0032] The sound pressure generating unit 201 is a component installed to generate sound radiation pressure in the air opposite to the inner handle 106, so that a person can feel the touch. Therefore, the configuration of the sound pressure generating unit 201 is not limited to... Figure 4 The bottom surface 111a shown can also be disposed on the side surface 111b of the recess 111. Figure 4 (dashed lines), 111c, the surface of handle 106 106a, 106b, 106c, etc.

[0033] It should be noted that, omitting the illustrations, the alarm buzzer 103, alarm display unit 40, touch sensor 108, and sound pressure generator 201 are not limited to the driver's side door 102, but are installed in all doors. Furthermore, the number of cameras 101 installed in the vehicle interior can be one or multiple, as long as they can monitor the movements of occupants seated in all seats.

[0034] Figure 6 This diagram shows the warning display unit 40 installed on the side rearview mirror 107 of the front door. When the detection signal comes from... Figure 1 When the object detection device 2 inputs the warning signal to the vehicle warning device 1, the warning display unit 40 displays the following: Figure 6 The warning sign shown indicates that an object M2 is approaching the vehicle M1. It should be noted that in this embodiment, regarding the front seats (driver's seat and front passenger seat), Figure 1 The alarm display unit 40 is located at both the front door side mirror 107 and the door interior panel 110, but it can also be located at either of them. In addition, the location of the alarm display unit 40 is not limited to the front door side mirror 107 or the door interior panel 110, as long as it is a location that can be seen by the occupants.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the warning actions performed by the warning control unit 10. When the vehicle control unit 3 detects that the vehicle has stopped based on the vehicle speed sensor or other means, it activates the vehicle warning device 1. When the vehicle warning device 1 is activated by the vehicle control unit 3, the warning control unit 10 begins EW monitoring operations, which are repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals. Figure 7 The series of processes shown. It should be noted that when the warning control unit 10 is activated, the alarm display unit 40, the alarm buzzer 103, and the sound pressure generator 201 are all in the off state. EW is an abbreviation for "Exit Warning", which means a collision warning for the hinged door turning operation when getting out of the vehicle.

[0036] In S100 (S: processing step), it is determined whether an EW stop signal has been received from the vehicle control unit 3. If it has been received (S100: Yes), the process proceeds to S105, where the prescribed termination process is executed, and the vehicle warning device 1 is turned off. On the other hand, if no EW stop signal has been received (S100: No), the process proceeds from S100 to S110.

[0037] In S110, it is determined whether there is a detection signal from the object detection device 2. Figure 1 The object detection device 2 shown continues to output a detection signal while detecting the approach of an object, and stops outputting the detection signal when no object is detected. The warning control unit 10 enters S120 from S110 if a detection signal is received (S110: Yes), and enters S125 if no detection signal is received (S110: No).

[0038] Upon receiving a detection signal and entering S120, the warning control unit 10 illuminates the alarm display unit 40, deactivates the alarm buzzer 103, and deactivates the sound pressure generator 201. That is, during this phase, the occupant is alerted to the approaching object by illuminating the alarm display unit 40.

[0039] On the other hand, if the system enters S125 without receiving a detection signal, the warning control unit 10 sets the alarm display unit 40 to an off state, the alarm buzzer 103 to a closed state, and the sound pressure generator 201 to a closed state. Then, the process temporarily ends. Figure 7 The warning action is processed and executed again after a specified time interval. Figure 7 Handling of warning actions.

[0040] In S130, the warning control unit 10 determines whether an operation to unlock the door performed by the occupant has been detected. Specifically, based on the information captured by the camera 101, it monitors the occupant's movement of their hand toward the inward handle; if such movement is detected, it is determined that an operation has been detected. If no operation is detected in S130 (S130: No), the process is temporarily terminated. Figure 7 A series of processes are executed again after a specified time interval. Figure 7 The processing.

[0041] On the other hand, when an operation is detected in S130 (S130: Yes), the process proceeds to S140. In S140, the warning control unit 10 changes the alarm display unit 40 from a lit state to a flashing state and turns on the sound pressure generator 201, thereby generating sound radiation pressure. The alarm buzzer 103 remains off. In this way, if the occupant wants to operate the inner handle 106, by changing the alarm display unit 40 from a lit state to a flashing state, a stronger alarm warning of an approaching object can be issued to the occupant. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the occupant wants to operate the inner handle 106 and moves his hand toward the space area S, his hand feels the vibration caused by the sound radiation pressure. Therefore, the occupant can easily and intuitively perceive that it is an alarm for operating the inner handle 106.

[0042] In S150, the warning control unit 10 determines whether the touch sensor 108 located on the inner handle 106 is activated. That is, it determines whether the occupant touched the touch sensor 108 to operate the inner handle 106 to unlock the door. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As shown, the touch sensor 108 is located at the point where the door handle 106 will definitely be touched when the door is opened (on one side of face 106a).

[0043] When it is determined in S150 that the touch sensor 108 is not turned on, the process is temporarily terminated. Figure 7 A series of processes are executed again after a specified time interval. Figure 7 The processing.

[0044] On the other hand, when the touch sensor 108 is on in S150, that is, when the operation of the inner handle 106 determines that the touch sensor 108 has been touched (S150: Yes), the process proceeds to S160. In S160, the warning control unit 10 continues the flashing state of the alarm display unit 40 and changes the alarm buzzer 103 from the off state to the on state. Furthermore, the sound pressure generator 201 is changed from the on state to the off state, stopping the generation of sound radiation pressure. Afterwards, the process is temporarily suspended. Figure 7 A series of processes are executed again after a specified time interval. Figure 7 The processing.

[0045] That is, if the determination in S150 is "yes", it is determined that the occupant wants to unlock the door and open the car door. The alarm display unit 40 flashes and the alarm buzzer 103 sounds to alert the occupant to the approaching object. At the same time, the generation of sound radiation pressure is stopped, thereby saving the power consumption of the sound pressure generating unit 201.

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, when the occupant brings their hand H close to the inner handle 106, in addition to the alarm display 40 illuminating / flashing and beeping, the hand intending to operate the inner handle 106 experiences a tactile vibration. Therefore, the occupant can easily notice the alarm for getting out of the vehicle through the tactile vibration felt by their hand H. For example, even if the occupant does not know what the alarm display 40 illuminating / flashing and beeping means, they can intuitively notice that it is an alarm for operating the inner handle 106 based on the unexpected vibration felt by their hand.

[0047] Especially Figure 4 , 5 As shown, because a sound radiation pressure distribution is formed in the air separated from the inner handle 106, the occupant notices the alarm before their hand H touches the inner handle 106, thus preventing accidental operation of the inner handle 106. In this way, the sound pressure generator 201 makes the hand wanting to unlock the door feel a vibration, easily reminding the occupant to be aware of accidentally opening the door when an object is approaching, thereby improving safety when getting off the vehicle.

[0048] It should be noted that, in Figure 7 In the warning actions shown, a warning action is performed for the opening of all doors 102 when a detection signal is received. However, if the detection signal includes information about which side of the vehicle is approaching, the warning action can also be performed for the opening of either the right-side or left-side door 102. In other words, a warning action can also be performed for the opening of a door 102 on the side where an object is approaching. Of course, even when left-side information is present, a warning action can be performed for all doors 102.

[0049] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the unlocking action of the occupants when the detection signal is received does not prohibit the unlocking of the doors, such as locking. This is to allow the user to choose the door opening operation according to their wishes, so as not to hinder the evacuation action from the vehicle in an emergency.

[0050] In the technology described in the aforementioned Patent Document 2, the inner handle begins to vibrate based on the contact made when the occupant begins to operate it. Therefore, it is possible that the occupant stops opening the door after noticing the vibration, or that the door has already been opened by the time they notice the vibration.

[0051] On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the sound pressure generating unit 201 generates sound pressure in the surrounding space separated from the inner handle 106 (e.g., Figure 4 The spatial region S forms a sound radiation pressure distribution, allowing the hand H to feel the vibration. Therefore, before the occupant's hand H reaches the inner handle 106, the vibration can alert the occupant to the alarm, preventing the door lock from being released. That is, it can reliably prevent the occupant from opening the door when a warning is issued.

[0052] (Modified Example)

[0053] In the above embodiment, the door lock is released by operating the inner handle 106; however, it is also known to release the door lock electrically by operating a door lock release switch provided on the door trim panel. In a variation, a vehicle warning device equipped with a door lock release switch will be described.

[0054] Figure 8 This diagram shows a door lock release switch 109 located on the door trim panel 110 of the door 102. The door lock release switch 109 is located on the side surface of the handle 112 of the door trim panel 110. The door lock release switch 109 and... Figure 1 Corresponding to the lock release operation section 4. A touch sensor 108 is provided on the surface of the lock release switch 109. Therefore, when a finger touches the lock release switch 109 in order to operate the lock release switch 109, the touch sensor 108 detects the switch operation.

[0055] The sound pressure generating unit 201 is provided on the upper surface and side of the handle 112, as well as on the interior door panel surface opposite the handle 112. When an occupant brings their hand close to the handle 112 to operate the door lock release switch 109, the sound radiation pressure generated by the sound pressure generating unit 201 causes the occupant's hand to feel a tactile vibration. The warning action of the warning control unit 10 is the same as in the above embodiment.

[0056] It should be noted that in the case of electrically unlocked door locks, there is a possibility that the door lock will not be unlocked even if the occupant operates the door lock release switch 109 when a detection signal is received. In a modified example, for the same reason as in the first embodiment described above, the door lock is unlocked when the occupant operates the door lock release switch 109 when a detection signal is received. That is, based on the operation of the door lock release switch 109, the touch sensor 108 is also activated, and the process proceeds from S150 to S160. Then, in S160, the flashing state of the alarm display unit 40 continues, and the alarm buzzer 103 is changed from the off state to the on state, the sound pressure generator 201 is changed from the on state to the off state, and the door lock is unlocked electrically. That is, the warning control unit 10 outputs a door lock release signal to the vehicle control unit 3, and the door lock is unlocked by the vehicle control unit 3.

[0057] (Second Implementation)

[0058] In the first embodiment described above, the camera 101, which functions as an occupant motion detection unit 60, detects the occupant's action of bringing their hand close to the inner handle 106. Figure 9 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vehicle warning device 1A according to the second embodiment. Figure 1 Unlike the vehicle warning device 1A, the vehicle warning device 1A does not have an occupant movement detection unit 60. Therefore, the warning action implemented by the warning control unit 10 is different from that of the first embodiment described above. Other configurations are different. Figure 1 Same, explanation omitted.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the warning action in the second embodiment. When the vehicle warning device 1A is activated by the vehicle control unit 3, the warning control unit 10 repeatedly executes the warning at predetermined time intervals. Figure 10 The series of processes shown. In addition, when the warning control unit 10 is activated, the alarm display unit 40, the alarm buzzer 103, and the sound pressure generation unit 201 are all in the off state.

[0060] In S200, it is determined whether an EW stop signal has been received from the vehicle control unit 3. If it has been received (S200: Yes), the process proceeds to S205, where the prescribed termination process is executed and the vehicle warning device 1A is deactivated. On the other hand, if no EW stop signal has been received (S200: No), the process proceeds from S200 to S210.

[0061] In S210, it is determined whether a detection signal from the object detection device 2 has been input. If a detection signal is received (S210: Yes), the warning control unit 10 proceeds from S210 to S220; if no detection signal is received (S210: No), it proceeds to S225.

[0062] Upon receiving a detection signal and entering state S220, the warning control unit 10 illuminates the alarm display unit 40, deactivates the alarm buzzer 103, and activates the sound pressure generator 201. As a result, in Figure 4 The spatial region S forms a sound radiation pressure distribution that gives a tactile sensation of vibration.

[0063] On the other hand, if no detection signal is received and the system enters state S225, the warning control unit 10 sets the alarm display unit 40 to the off state, the alarm buzzer 103 to the off state, and the sound pressure generator 201 to the off state. Then, the process is temporarily terminated. Figure 10 The warning action is processed and executed again after a specified time interval. Figure 10 Handling of warning actions.

[0064] In S230, with Figure 7 Similar to S150, the warning control unit 10 determines whether the touch sensor 108 located on the inner handle 106 is turned on. If it is determined in S230 that the touch sensor 108 is not turned on (S230: No), the process is temporarily terminated. Figure 10 A series of processes are executed again after a specified time interval. Figure 10 The processing.

[0065] On the other hand, when it is determined in S230 that the touch sensor 108 is turned on (S230: Yes), that is, when it is determined that the touch sensor 108 has been touched due to the operation of the inner handle 106, the process proceeds to S240. In S240, the warning control unit 10 sets the alarm display unit 40 to a flashing state and changes the alarm buzzer 103 from the off state to the on state. Furthermore, the sound pressure generator 201 is changed from the on state to the off state, stopping the generation of sound radiation pressure. Afterwards, the process temporarily ends. Figure 10 A series of processes are executed again after a specified time interval. Figure 10 The processing.

[0066] It should be noted that, similar to the first embodiment described above, in the second embodiment, the prohibition of door lock release, such as locking, is not implemented for the occupant's door lock release action when the detection signal is received. Furthermore, as in the modified example described above, when the structure includes the door lock release switch 109, the door lock is also released electrically in S240 when the occupant operates the door lock release switch 109 when the detection signal is received.

[0067] In the second embodiment, since the occupant motion detection unit 60 (e.g., camera 101) is not included, the cost of the vehicle warning device 1A can be reduced compared to the first embodiment. On the other hand, since the occupant's unlocking action cannot be monitored, the generation of sound radiation pressure distribution implemented by the sound pressure generator 201 begins when a detection signal is received (S220). Therefore, the operation time of the sound pressure generator 201 is longer compared to the first embodiment.

[0068] The embodiments and variations of the present invention described above achieve the following effects.

[0069] (1) As Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the vehicle warning device 1 issues a warning to the occupant regarding door opening operations based on a detection signal from an object detection device 2 that detects objects present around the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle warning device 1 includes: an acoustic radiation pressure generator 201 that emits ultrasonic waves to generate tactile acoustic radiation pressure in the space surrounding the inner handle 106 or door lock release switch 109 of the door lock release operation unit 4, which is located inside the vehicle cabin; and a warning control unit 10 that generates the acoustic radiation pressure generated by the acoustic radiation pressure generator 201 based on the received detection signal. With this configuration, the occupant can be alerted by vibration before the door lock release operation unit 4 is operated, thus preventing door lock release operations from occurring. As a result, door opening operations by the occupant during exit warnings can be reliably prevented.

[0070] (2) Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the vehicle warning device 1 also includes a camera 101 installed in the vehicle interior as part of an occupant motion detection unit 60 that detects movement of the occupant's hand toward the door unlocking operation unit 4. When the warning control unit 10 receives a detection signal and the occupant motion detection unit 60 detects movement, it causes the acoustic radiation pressure generator 201 to generate acoustic radiation pressure. With this configuration, since the acoustic radiation pressure generator 201 does not generate acoustic radiation pressure until movement toward the door unlocking operation unit 4 is detected, the power consumption associated with the operation of the acoustic radiation pressure generator 201 can be suppressed.

[0071] (3) Figure 1 , 4As shown in Figures 7 and 10, the vehicle warning device 1 also includes a touch switch 108 installed inside the vehicle interior as a release operation detection unit 50 for detecting occupants' operation of the door lock release operation unit 4. When the touch switch 108, acting as the release operation detection unit 50, detects an operation of the door lock release operation unit 4 during the generation of sound radiation pressure by the sound radiation pressure generator 201, the warning control unit 10 stops the sound radiation pressure generator 201 from generating sound radiation pressure. Thus, when the touch switch 108 detects an operation of the door lock release operation unit 4, i.e., when an alarm is detected and the occupant performs a door opening operation, the generation of sound radiation pressure is stopped, thereby suppressing power consumption.

[0072] (4) Figure 1 , 3 As shown in figures 4, 7, and 10, the vehicle warning device 1 also includes an alarm buzzer 103 installed inside the vehicle interior as an audible alarm unit 30 that provides sound alerts. When the warning control unit 10 receives a detection signal and the touch switch 108, which functions as a release operation detection unit 50, detects an operation on the door lock release operation unit 4, it activates the alarm buzzer 103. Thus, when an occupant operates the door lock release operation unit 4, the alarm buzzer 103 provides an auditory alert, effectively drawing the occupant's attention more strongly when exiting the vehicle.

[0073] (5) Figure 1 , 6 As shown in Figures 7 and 10, the vehicle warning device 1 also includes an alarm display unit 40 installed in the interior of the vehicle or on the side mirror 107 of the front door, which alerts the occupants to the detection of an object. When the warning control unit 10 receives a detection signal, it causes the alarm display unit 40 to display an alarm (display warning signs M1 and M2). With this configuration, the alarm display unit 40 can provide the occupants with a visually easily identifiable alarm.

[0074] The various embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these contents as long as they do not destroy the features of the invention. Other methods that can be conceived within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] Using this invention, it is possible to reliably prevent passengers from opening the door during a disembarkation warning.

[0076] The present invention has been described above in conjunction with preferred embodiments, but those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle warning device that issues a warning for a vehicle door opening operation performed by an occupant based on a detection signal from an object detection device that detects objects present around the vehicle, characterized in that, have: The acoustic radiation pressure generating unit (201) emits ultrasonic waves and generates acoustic radiation pressure that makes people feel touch in the space around the door lock release operation unit (4) in the vehicle interior. The warning control unit (10), based on the receipt of the detection signal, causes the acoustic radiation pressure generator (201) to generate acoustic radiation pressure; and The occupant motion detection unit (60), which is installed in the vehicle interior, detects the movement of the occupant's hand toward the door unlocking operation unit (4). When the warning control unit (10) receives the detection signal and the occupant action detection unit (60) detects the movement, it causes the acoustic radiation pressure generator (201) to generate acoustic radiation pressure. The vehicle warning device also includes a release operation detection unit (50), which is located inside the vehicle interior and detects the occupant's operation of the door lock release operation unit (4). When the warning control unit (10) detects an operation on the door lock release operation unit (4) by the release operation detection unit (50) during the generation of acoustic radiation pressure in the acoustic radiation pressure generating unit (201), the acoustic radiation pressure generating unit (201) stops the generation of acoustic radiation pressure.

2. The vehicle warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sound alarm unit (30), which is installed inside the vehicle interior to provide an alarm via sound. When the warning control unit (10) receives the detection signal and the release operation detection unit (50) detects the operation of the door lock release operation unit, the sound alarm unit (30) sounds an alarm.

3. The vehicle warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The release operation detection unit (50) is arranged facing the bottom surface (111a) of the recess (111) of the door. The acoustic radiation pressure generating unit (201) is disposed on the bottom surface (111a) or side surface (111b, 111c) of the recess (111) to generate ultrasonic waves in the recess (111).

4. The vehicle warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an alarm display unit (40), which is installed in the vehicle interior or on the side mirror of the front door, and alerts the occupants to the detection of an object through the alarm display. When the warning control unit (10) receives the detection signal, it causes the alarm display unit (40) to display an alarm.

5. The vehicle warning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the warning control unit (10) receives the detection signal, it sets the alarm display unit (40) to a lit state. Then, when the occupant action detection unit (60) detects the movement, it sets the alarm display unit (40) to a flashing state.

Images