Vehicle warning system

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle warning system comprising: a first sensor that detects objects in a monitoring area on the left side of the vehicle as vehicle surrounding information; a second sensor that detects objects in a monitoring area on the right side of the vehicle as vehicle surrounding information; and a warning control unit that initiates a vehicle exit warning operation based on the vehicle surrounding information in response to the vehicle coming to a stop, and stops the operation when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a vehicle system shutdown instruction. The warning control unit includes a setting unit that sets the operation of the first sensor and the second sensor as necessary or unnecessary based on the vehicle surrounding information. The warning control unit stops the first sensor or the second sensor that has been set as unnecessary by the setting unit in response to receipt of the vehicle system shutdown instruction, and keeps the sensor set as necessary by the setting unit in operation until the vehicle exit warning operation stops.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle warning system for assisting safety when getting off the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Systems that issue collision warnings when opening a door while exiting a vehicle (generally referred to as "Exit Warning" systems) are known. Such systems are described, for example, in Patent Document 1. In the vehicle assistance system described in Patent Document 1, an exit assistance unit detects approaching objects based on the output of a rear sensor, such as a millimeter-wave radar, when the vehicle is stopped. During the exit assistance operation, such vehicle assistance systems always monitor for approaching objects using the rear sensor to assist in exiting the vehicle.

[0003] However, with the advancement of EVs, the need to increase the driving distance per charge is driving not only improved battery performance but also overall vehicle power conservation. Therefore, even in the aforementioned exit assistance system, reduced power consumption is desired.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-192090 (JP 2019-192090 A). Summary of the Invention

[0007] A vehicle warning system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle warning system that issues a warning to a passenger regarding a vehicle door opening operation based on vehicle surrounding information. The system comprises: a first sensor that detects objects in a monitoring area on the left side of the vehicle as vehicle surrounding information; a second sensor that detects objects in a monitoring area on the right side of the vehicle as vehicle surrounding information; and a warning control unit that initiates an exit warning operation based on the vehicle surrounding information upon vehicle stoppage and stops the operation after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a vehicle system shutdown instruction. The warning control unit includes a setting unit that sets the operation of the first and second sensors as necessary or unnecessary based on the vehicle surrounding information. The warning control unit stops the first and second sensors that have been set as unnecessary by the setting unit upon receipt of the vehicle system shutdown instruction, and continues to operate the sensor set as necessary by the setting unit until the exit warning operation stops. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified through the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle warning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement and monitoring range of radars and cameras.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure around the driver's seat in the vehicle cabin.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a warning display unit provided on a front door side mirror.

[0013] Figure 5A This is a diagram showing a first example of a display form of an alarm display unit provided on an instrument panel.

[0014] Figure 5B This is a diagram showing a second example of the display form of the alarm display unit provided on the instrument panel.

[0015] Figure 5C This is a diagram showing a third example of the display form of the alarm display unit provided on the instrument panel.

[0016] Figure 6 This diagram shows the necessity of the EW sensor operation after the ignition switch is turned off in a typical scene of the surrounding situation.

[0017] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An example of EW warning operation in each scenario.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of how ambient light is displayed.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the EW monitoring operation.

[0020] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 Flowchart of details of the power reduction process in S170.

[0021] Figure 11 It shows the following Figure 9 Flowchart of the process of S170.

[0022] Figure 12 1 is a flowchart showing the EW monitoring operation in a modified example.

[0023] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 This is a flowchart of details of the power reduction process in S270. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The following description and the accompanying drawings are for illustrating examples of the present invention. In order to make the description clear, some parts are omitted or simplified as appropriate. In addition, 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 content described below is only an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can also be implemented in various other ways.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a vehicle warning system in this embodiment. The vehicle warning system 1 includes a warning control unit 10, a left rear side radar 20a, a left side camera 20b, a right rear side radar 21a, a right side camera 21b, an EW warning unit 30, an occupant monitoring unit 40, a position information acquisition unit 50, and a map information acquisition unit 60. The vehicle warning system 1 issues warnings and other functions to support the safety of occupants when exiting the vehicle. It should be noted that EW stands for "Exit Warning," meaning a collision warning for the swinging operation of a hinged door when exiting the vehicle.

[0026] When the vehicle control device 2 detects that the vehicle has stopped based on a vehicle speed sensor (not shown), etc., it activates the vehicle warning system 1. When the vehicle control device 2 detects that the vehicle has started, it sends an EW stop signal to the vehicle warning system 1. When the ignition switch is turned off by the occupant, the vehicle control device 2 sends an ignition switch off operation signal (IGOFF signal) to the vehicle warning system 1. The vehicle control device 2 also controls the opening and closing of the door locks. The position information acquisition unit 50 and the map information acquisition unit 60 obtain the vehicle position information and map information from the navigation system 3. The navigation system 3 has a function of obtaining the current position information of the vehicle through the GPS (Global Positioning System).

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration and monitoring ranges of the left rear side radar 20a, the left side camera 20b, the right rear side radar 21a, and the right side camera 21b. The left rear side radar 20a and the right rear side radar 21a are located at the rear ends of the left and right sides of the vehicle V to monitor the left and right rear sides of the vehicle V. The left side camera 20b is located in the left front door side mirror 105L to monitor the left side of the vehicle V. The right side camera 21b is located in the right front door side mirror 105R to monitor the right side of the vehicle V. For example, millimeter-wave radars are used for the left rear side radar 20a and the right rear side radar 21a. For example, digital cameras are used for the left side camera 20b and the right side camera 21b.

[0028] The warning control unit 10 understands the conditions around the vehicle based on the detection information of the radars 20a, 21a and the cameras 20b, 21b, as well as the information from the position information acquisition unit 50 and the map information acquisition unit 60. Based on the conditions around the vehicle thus understood, the warning control unit 10 controls the alarm operation when the occupant gets off the vehicle, the on / off operation of the radars 20a, 21a and the cameras 20b, 21b, etc. The details of the control will be described later. It should be noted that the warning control unit 10 has an arithmetic processing device such as a microcomputer having a CPU (central processing unit), a memory (ROM: read-only memory, RAM: random access memory), and peripheral circuits, and the functions of the warning control unit 10 are realized using a software program stored in the ROM.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure around the driver's seat in the vehicle interior. Figure 1 The seat occupant monitoring unit 40 is provided with a seat occupant sensor 102 that functions as a seat occupant monitoring unit 40. The seat occupant sensor 102 is provided on the entire seat 101 at the front and rear sides. Figure 1 The warning display unit 30a, warning buzzer 30b, ambient light 103, and door handle 104 function as the EW warning unit 30. The warning display unit 30a, warning buzzer 30b, ambient light 103, and door handle 104 are provided on each of the left and right front doors 100 and the left and right rear doors 100. In addition, warning displays 30c and 30d functioning as the EW warning unit 30 are also provided on the instrument panel and the front door side mirrors 105R and 105L.

[0030] Furthermore, a camera 108 is provided on the pillar 107. The camera 108 functions as the occupant monitoring unit 40 for monitoring the movements of the occupant seated in the seat 101. It should be noted that the number of cameras 108 provided in the vehicle interior may be one or more as long as the movements of the occupants seated in all seats can be monitored.

[0031] When getting out of the vehicle, the door handle 104 is operated to unlock the door and open the door 100. A display operation unit 106 of the navigation system 3 is provided on the instrument panel in front of the seat. A right side camera 21b is provided at the base of the front door side mirror 105R. Figure 2 As shown, the left side camera 20b is provided at the base of the left front door side mirror 105L.

[0032] When the EW alarm is activated, as described later, the alarm displays 30a, 30c, and 30d, the alarm buzzer 30b, and the ambient light 103 are used to alert the occupants. In this embodiment, the ambient light 103 can emit blue, green, or red light. Normally, it emits blue light, but when used to indicate EW sensor operation, it emits green or red light.

[0033] Figure 4 This figure shows an example of the warning display unit 30d provided on the front door side mirror 105R. The warning display unit 30d includes a marker M1 indicating the vehicle, a marker M2 indicating a vehicle approaching from behind, and an approach marker M3, which can be illuminated and extinguished. The warning display unit 30d can display in two modes: a first mode in which the markers M1-M3 are illuminated, and a second mode in which the markers M1-M3 flash. Note that the warning display unit 30a also has printed markings identical to the markers M1-M3, which are visible when illuminated.

[0034] Figures 5A to 5C This diagram illustrates the display format of the warning display unit 30c, located on the instrument panel. The warning display unit 30c is used to notify passengers of the on / off status of the monitoring sensors (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b) during EW monitoring operation, specifically whether the left and right EW sensors are operating in an on / off state. The warning display unit 30c includes a marker M11 indicating the vehicle, a marker M12 indicating the on / off status of the left EW sensor, a marker M13 indicating the on / off status of the right EW sensor, and markers M14 and M15 indicating the locked status of the left and right doors. Marks M12-M15 are associated with marker M11. In more detail, the mark M12 and the mark M13 are respectively arranged on the left and right of the mark M11 in such a manner that the mark M12 represents the opening action of the left door of the mark M11, and the mark M13 represents the opening action of the right door of the mark M11. Therefore, the operating state of the left sensors 20a and 20b is displayed by the image corresponding to the left door of the vehicle, and the operating state of the right sensors 21a and 21b is displayed by the image corresponding to the right door of the vehicle. In this way, the driver can easily recognize the on / off state of the EW sensor operation. It should be noted that in Figures 5A to 5C In the figure, the presence or absence of shading indicates whether the markers M12 to M15 are displayed or not. The markers M11 to M15 may be displayed in a lit state or in a blinking state. The markers M11 to M15 may also be referred to as images.

[0035] Figure 5AThis is the display mode when both EW sensors are in the ON state, and the marks M11, M12, and M13 are displayed. It should be noted that when the marks M12 to M15 are not displayed, the mark M11 is also not displayed and is omitted from the illustration.

[0036] Figure 5B This is the display format when the left EW sensor is in the off state and the right EW sensor is in the on state, with markers M11 and M13 displayed. It should be noted that when the left EW sensor is in the on state and the right EW sensor is in the off state, markers M11 and M12 are displayed, but are not shown in the figure.

[0037] Figure 5C This is the display mode when the left EW sensor is in the OFF state, the right EW sensor is in the ON state, and the left door is locked. In this case, the marks M11, M13, and M14 are displayed.

[0038] It should be noted that in this embodiment, EW operations are referred to as follows. The operation of the sensors used to monitor the surroundings (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b) is referred to as EW sensor operation. On the other hand, the operation of the units that issue warnings to occupants (display, buzzer) is referred to as EW alarm operation. Furthermore, the combined operation of sensor and alarm operations is referred to as EW monitoring operation.

[0039] (Explanation of EW monitoring operation)

[0040] In this embodiment, the EW monitoring operation is essentially the same as in the conventional system before the ignition switch is turned off. After the ignition switch is turned off, a different EW monitoring operation is implemented to minimize power consumption. After the ignition switch is turned off, the sensors used for monitoring the surrounding area (the left rear side radar 20a, the left side camera 20b, the right rear side radar 21a, and the right side camera 21b) are determined to be necessary or unnecessary based on the vehicle's surrounding conditions. Unnecessary sensors are then disabled to reduce power consumption.

[0041] Figure 6 This figure lists the need for EW sensor operation after the ignition switch is turned off for seven typical scenarios of surrounding conditions. Figure 6 This diagram explains the situation of driving a right-hand drive vehicle under traffic regulations that require vehicles to drive on the left. In the case of right-hand traffic regulations and left-hand drive vehicles, the left and right diagrams are reversed accordingly.

[0042] Scenario 1 involves parking the vehicle on the left sidewalk and allowing passengers to exit the vehicle. In this scenario, consideration must be given to bicycles traveling on the sidewalk, as well as vehicles and bicycles on the right side of the vehicle. Furthermore, there is the possibility of pedestrians passing on both sides of the vehicle. Therefore, all sensors (the left rear side radar 20a, the left side camera 20b, the right rear side radar 21a, and the right side camera 21b) must be turned on. Specifically, when the warning control unit 10 determines that the vehicle's surrounding conditions are Scenario 1 based on detection information from the left rear side radar 20a, the left side camera 20b, the right rear side radar 21a, and the right side camera 21b, the warning control unit 10 sets the necessity setting status of all sensors (the left rear side radar 20a, the left side camera 20b, the right rear side radar 21a, and the right side camera 21b) to "necessary."

[0043] Scenario 2 involves parking a vehicle with only the driver on board, close to the left sidewalk. In this scenario, the passenger door is less likely to be open, so disabling the left-side sensors (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b) will not affect the EW warning. Therefore, if the warning control unit 10 determines that the vehicle's surrounding conditions are Scenario 2 based on the detection results of the occupant monitoring unit 40 (seat sensor 102, camera 108), the warning control unit 10 sets the left rear side radar 20a and left side camera 20b to "not required" and the right rear side radar 21a and right side camera 21b to "required."

[0044] Scenario 3 is a situation where there is an obstacle such as a guardrail or a wall on the left side of the vehicle that hinders the door opening operation. The warning control unit 10 determines whether there is an obstacle on the side of the vehicle based on the detection information of the left side camera 20b and the right side camera 21b. When there is an obstacle on the left side of the vehicle, there is no space to open the door on the passenger side and no space for other pedestrians to pass through. Therefore, even if the left sensor (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b) is stopped, it will not affect the EW alarm action. When the warning control unit 10 determines that the surrounding situation is scenario 3, the left rear side radar 20a and the left side camera 20b are set to "not required", and the right rear side radar 21a and the right side camera 21b are set to "required".

[0045] Scenario 4 involves an emergency stop on the shoulder of a road while traveling on a dedicated highway, such as an expressway. The warning control unit 10 determines that the vehicle is traveling on a dedicated highway based on map information and location information obtained from the navigation system 3. Furthermore, it determines that the vehicle has stopped on the shoulder of the road based on detection information from cameras 20b and 21b. Because dedicated highways are not pedestrian-friendly, the warning control unit 10 sets cameras 20b and 21b, which detect pedestrians, to "not necessary." Furthermore, because the likelihood of vehicles passing on the shoulder is low, the left rear radar 20a, which detects vehicles to the left rear, is set to "not necessary." Meanwhile, the right rear radar 21a, which detects vehicles to the right rear, is set to "not necessary" to detect overtaking vehicles passing on the right side of the vehicle.

[0046] Scenario 5 involves parking in a multi-story parking garage, such as a parking tower. The warning control unit 10 can identify this situation based on map information and location information obtained from the navigation system 3. In this scenario, the occupants are simply exiting the vehicle, and the likelihood of pedestrians approaching the vehicle's perimeter is low, making EW monitoring unnecessary. Therefore, the warning control unit 10 sets all sensors (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b) to "not required."

[0047] Scenario 6 is a situation where the vehicle is parked in a parking lot such as a convenience store, and there are parked vehicles on the left and right sides of the vehicle. The warning control unit 10 can determine that the vehicle is parked in the parking lot based on the map information and location information obtained from the navigation system 3, and can also determine whether there are parked vehicles on both sides of the vehicle based on the detection information of the cameras 20b and 21b. In this case, the possibility of other vehicles, bicycles, etc. passing between the parked vehicles is low, so it is not a problem even if the radars 20a and 21a are stopped. On the other hand, considering that pedestrians may pass between the parked vehicles, the left and right cameras 20b and 21b are set to an active state. Therefore, the warning control unit 10 sets the radars 20a and 21a to "not required" and the cameras 20b and 21b to "required."

[0048] Scenario 7 involves parking in a parking lot such as a convenience store, and the parking spaces to the left or right or both sides of the vehicle are empty. Similar to Scenario 6, the warning control unit 10 can determine that the vehicle is parked in the parking lot based on the map information and position information obtained from the navigation system 3, and can also determine whether there are parked vehicles on both sides of the vehicle based on the detection information from cameras 20b and 21b.

[0049] After the vehicle is parked in the parking space on the side without parked vehicles, other vehicles may park. Therefore, in order to monitor the vehicles entering, at least the cameras 20b and 21b need to be operated. When other vehicles can park from behind the vehicle, the radars 20a and 21a can detect the vehicles entering. Therefore, the radars 20a and 21a can be operated according to the situation. Figure 6 In the example, the warning control unit 10 sets the cameras 20b and 21b to "necessary" and sets the radars 20a and 21a to "necessary" according to the situation.

[0050] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An example of the EW warning action to the occupants in scenes 1 to 7 of FIG. Figure 7 This section shows the operation after the ignition switch is turned off. The occupant warning operation utilizes the warning displays 30a, 30c, and 30d, as well as the warning buzzer 30b, functioning as the EW warning unit 30. Furthermore, after the ignition switch is turned off, ambient light 103 is also used as a warning indicator. The type of warning operation depends on the on / off status of the sensors monitoring the surrounding area (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b), the presence of EW warning targets, and the open / close status of the door locks.

[0051] The alarm display 30c, which notifies the on / off status of the EW sensor operation, displays the display format shown in Figure 5. The alarm displays 30a and 30d, which indicate the presence or absence of an EW alarm target, are off when no EW alarm target exists and illuminate when an EW alarm target exists. The alarm buzzer 30b is activated only when an EW alarm target exists and a passenger opens a door. Until the ignition switch is turned off, the ambient light 103 illuminates in its normal color (blue), which serves as the ambient light function. After the ignition switch is turned off, the ambient light 103 functions as a display unit to alert the passenger of the on / off status of the EW sensor operation. Specifically, the left ambient light 103 serves as the primary display unit to indicate the operating status of the left sensors (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b), while the right ambient light 103 serves as the secondary display unit to indicate the operating status of the right sensors (right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b). The ambient light 103 lights up green when the EW sensor is on and turns off when the EW sensor is off. When the EW sensor is off and the door is locked, the ambient light 103 lights up red to inform the occupants that the door opening operation is prohibited.

[0052] It should be noted that, when the ambient light 103 is lit in green, in order to remind the occupants to check the rear through the front door side mirrors, it is preferably set as follows: Figure 8 The display mode shown. Figure 8 In the figure, the time change of the lighting state of the ambient light 103 is shown from the top to the bottom (t1→t2→t3→t4→t5). The shaded area 103a shows the luminous area of ​​the ambient light 103. At time t=t1, the luminous area 103a is located at the rear end of the ambient light 103. Thereafter, as time passes, the luminous area 103a moves forward of the ambient light 103 and reaches the front end of the ambient light 103 at time t=t5. Thereafter, the luminous area 103a moves further toward the rear end of the ambient light 103, similar to the case of t1→t2→t3→t4→t5, and as time passes, the luminous area 103a moves forward. This forward movement of the luminous area 103a can be expected to have the effect of reminding the occupants to check the rear through the front door side mirrors 105L and 105R.

[0053] exist Figure 7 In scenario 1, Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sensors on both sides (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b) are set to the ON state. Therefore, the alarm display unit 30c showing the ON / OFF state of the EW sensor operation is displayed regardless of whether there is an EW alarm target. Figure 5A However, if there is an EW alarm target and the passenger opens the door, the display mode (marks M11 to M13) will be lit. Figure 5A The display mode (marks M11 to M13) is flashing to draw the attention of the passengers. Figure 3 ) detects the passenger's operation of the door handle 104 to determine the passenger's door opening operation.

[0054] The warning indicators 30a and 30d, which indicate the presence or absence of an EW alarm target, are off when there is no EW alarm target and illuminated when there is an EW alarm target. The warning buzzer 30b is activated only when there is an EW alarm target and a passenger opens a door. The ambient light (AL) 103 flashes red when there is an EW alarm target and a passenger opens a door.

[0055] In scenario 2, if Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , only the right side sensor (right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b) is set to the ON state. Therefore, the alarm display unit 30c is displayed regardless of the presence or absence of the EW alarm target. Figure 5BThe display mode shown (markers M11 and M13) is illuminated to inform the occupants that only the right EW sensor is operating in the ON state. Regarding the alarm displays 30a and 30d, because the left EW sensor is operating in the OFF state, the alarm displays 30a and 30d on the left side of the vehicle are extinguished. Meanwhile, the alarm displays 30a and 30d on the right side of the vehicle are extinguished when there is no EW alarm target and illuminated when there is an EW alarm target. The alarm buzzer 30b is turned on only when there is an EW alarm target and the occupant opens the door. The ambient light 103 flashes red when there is an EW alarm target and the occupant opens the door.

[0056] In scenario 3, if Figure 6 As shown, only the right side sensors (right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b) are set to the on state. In addition, in order to prevent collision with obstacles, the door on the passenger side is locked and the door opening / closing is prohibited. In addition, the ambient light 103 of the left door of the vehicle is lit in red to inform the occupants that the door opening / closing is prohibited. The alarm display unit 30c is independent of the presence or absence of the EW alarm target. Figure 5C The display mode shown (markers M11, M13, and M14) illuminates to inform the occupants that only the right EW sensor is in the on state and the left door is locked. The warning indicators 30a and 30d on the left side of the vehicle are off because the left EW sensor is in the off state. On the other hand, the warning indicators 30a and 30d on the right side of the vehicle are off when there is no EW alarm and illuminated when there is an EW alarm. The warning buzzer 30b is turned on only when there is an EW alarm and the occupant opens the door. The ambient light 103 on the right side of the vehicle flashes red when there is an EW alarm and the occupant opens the door.

[0057] In scenario 4, if Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , only the right rear side radar 21a is turned on. The alarm display unit 30c displays the alarm regardless of whether or not an EW alarm target is present. Figure 5BThe display mode shown (markers M11 and M13) is illuminated to inform the occupants that only the right EW sensor is operating in the ON state. Regarding the alarm displays 30a and 30d, because the left EW sensor is operating in the OFF state, the alarm displays 30a and 30d on the left side of the vehicle are turned off. Meanwhile, the alarm displays 30a and 30d on the right side of the vehicle are turned off when there is no EW alarm and illuminated when there is an EW alarm. The alarm buzzer 30b is turned on only when there is an EW alarm and the occupants open the door. The ambient light 103 flashes red when there is an EW alarm and the occupants open the door.

[0058] In scenario 5, if Figure 6 As shown, all sensors (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b) are turned off. Consequently, all indicators M11 to M15 on the alarm display 30c, which indicates the on / off status of the EW sensors, are off. Alarm displays 30a and 30d are off because the EW sensors on both sides are off. The alarm buzzer 30b is off. The ambient light 103 is off.

[0059] In scenario 6, in order to implement the EW sensor action towards the pedestrian, as Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cameras 20b and 21b on the left and right sides are set to the ON state. Therefore, the alarm display unit 30c is displayed regardless of the presence or absence of the EW alarm target. Figure 5A The display mode (markers M11 to M13) is illuminated. The alarm display units 30a and 30d are off when there is no EW alarm and illuminated when there is an EW alarm. The alarm buzzer 30b is turned on only when there is an EW alarm and a passenger opens the door. The ambient light 103 flashes red when there is an EW alarm and a passenger opens the door.

[0060] In scenario 7, Figure 6 As shown, the left and right cameras 20b and 21b are turned on, and the radars 20a and 21a are also turned on according to the situation. Therefore, the alarm display unit 30c is displayed regardless of the presence or absence of the EW alarm target. Figure 5A The display mode (markers M11 to M13) is illuminated. The alarm display units 30a and 30d are off when there is no EW alarm and illuminated when there is an EW alarm. The alarm buzzer 30b is turned on only when there is an EW alarm and a passenger opens the door. The ambient light 103 flashes red when there is an EW alarm and a passenger opens the door.

[0061] Figures 9-11 This flowchart illustrates an example of an EW monitoring operation performed by the warning control unit 10. The vehicle control unit 2 activates the vehicle warning system 1 in response to the vehicle stopping. When the vehicle warning system 1 is activated by the vehicle control unit 2, the warning control unit 10 initiates the EW monitoring operation. In S100 (S: Processing Step), it is determined whether an EW stop signal has been received from the vehicle control unit 2. If so, the process proceeds to S105, where a predetermined termination process is executed to shut down the vehicle warning system 1. On the other hand, if no EW stop signal has been received, the process proceeds from S100 to S110.

[0062] In S110, the warning control unit 10 generates a warning based on the detection information of each sensor (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b). Figure 6 It should be noted that at this point in time, only the generation of the need or not setting is performed, and the control of the EW sensor action according to the need or not setting ( Figure 10 ) starts after receiving the ignition switch off operation signal (IGOFF signal).

[0063] In S120, the warning control unit 10 determines whether there is an object that would obstruct the opening / closing of each door 100 based on the detection information from the cameras 20b and 21b and the surrounding information of the parking position of the vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition unit 50 and the map information acquisition unit 60. If it is determined in S120 that an obstacle is present, the process proceeds to S130; if it is determined that no obstacle is present, the process proceeds to S140.

[0064] In S130, the vehicle door 100 with an obstacle on the side is locked, and the ambient light 103 is turned on to inform the occupants that the door is in the locking process. Alternatively, one of the two actions can be performed. Here, in order to make it easier for the occupants to notice, the ambient light 103 is turned on in red, which is different from the usual color (blue). Through such processing actions, if there is an obstacle on the side of the vehicle door, the opening / closing of the vehicle door is prohibited due to the door locking action, thereby reliably preventing collision with the obstacle caused by the door opening operation. In addition, by turning on the ambient light 103 in red, the occupants can easily visually recognize the door locking state.

[0065] It should be noted that when all doors 100 are locked by the control action of the vehicle control device 2, the corresponding doors 100 remain locked and the ambient light 103 is illuminated in red. Thereafter, even when the vehicle control device 2 performs unlocking control, the corresponding doors 100 remain locked and the ambient light 103 remains illuminated in red.

[0066] In S140, the EW warning target (e.g., a vehicle approaching from behind) is detected based on the detection information from each sensor (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, and right side camera 21b). In S150, the EW warning action (display, buzzer) is updated based on the detection results of S140.

[0067] In S160, a determination is made as to whether an ignition switch OFF operation signal (IG OFF signal) has been received from the vehicle control device 2. If the determination in S160 is "Yes" (received), the process proceeds to S170; if the determination is "No" (not received), the process returns to S140. It should be noted that upon receiving the ignition switch OFF operation signal, the warning control unit 10 starts a timer to measure the EW maintenance time. The EW maintenance time is the time from receipt of the ignition switch OFF operation signal to the termination of the EW monitoring operation, and is a predetermined time period.

[0068] In S170, implementation Figure 10 The power reduction process shown. Figure 10 In the power reduction process S1700, the ambient light 103 turned on in S130 is turned off. The brightness is gradually reduced during the turning off.

[0069] In S1710, the EW sensor operation necessity generated in S110 is set ( Figure 6 ), it is determined whether the left rear side radar 20a is set to be required. If it is set to be required, the process proceeds to S1720. On the other hand, if it is not set to be required (No), the process proceeds to S1715 and turns off the left rear side radar 20a, and then proceeds to S1720.

[0070] In S1720, the EW sensor operation necessity generated in S110 is set ( Figure 6 ), it is determined whether the right rear side radar 21a is set to be necessary. If it is set to be necessary (S1720: Yes), the process proceeds to S1730. On the other hand, if it is not set to be necessary (S1720: No), the process proceeds to S1725, turns off the right rear side radar 21a, and then proceeds to S1730.

[0071] In S1730, the EW sensor operation necessity generated in S110 is set ( Figure 6 ), it is determined whether the left side camera 20b is set as necessary. If it is set as necessary (S1730: Yes), the process proceeds to S1740. On the other hand, if it is not set as unnecessary (S1730: No), the process proceeds to S1735 and turns off the left side camera 20b before proceeding to S1740.

[0072] In S1740, the EW sensor operation necessity generated in S110 is set ( Figure 6 ), determine whether the right side camera 21b is set as necessary. If the setting becomes necessary (S1740: Yes), end Figure 10 On the other hand, if the setting is not necessary (S1730: No), the process goes to S1745 and turns off the right side camera 21b, and then the power reduction process is ended. Figure 10 The power reduction process ends Figure 9 The S170 process enters Figure 11 S180.

[0073] exist Figure 11 In S180, the EW warning target (e.g., a vehicle approaching from behind) is detected based on the detection information of each sensor (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b, right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b). In S190, the action status of the EW warning action (display, buzzer) is updated based on the detection result of S180. Figure 10 The EW sensor operation status is changed according to the result of the power reduction processing, and the EW alarm operation is also changed accordingly.

[0074] In S200, a determination is made as to whether the EW maintenance time, which was started upon receipt of the ignition switch OFF operation signal, has reached a predetermined time. If the predetermined time has not been reached (S200: No), the process returns from S200 to S180, where the EW monitoring operation continues. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has been reached (S200: Yes), the process proceeds from S200 to S210, where a display notifying the stop of the EW monitoring operation is displayed on the alarm display unit 30c of the instrument panel.

[0075] In S220, it is determined whether the predetermined display time has elapsed since the EW monitoring operation was started and the display was stopped. If it is determined that the predetermined display time has not elapsed (S220: No), the process returns to S210. If it is determined that the predetermined display time has elapsed (S220: Yes), the process proceeds to S230, executes a predetermined end process, and shuts down the vehicle warning system 1.

[0076] (Variation)

[0077] Figure 12 、 13 It shows the above Figures 9-11 In the above embodiment, as Figure 1As shown in FIG, a left rear side radar 20a, a left side camera 20b, a right rear side radar 21a, and a right side camera 21b are provided as sensors for EW monitoring. On the other hand, in a modified example, the EW monitoring operation is described when the left rear side radar 20a and the right rear side radar 21a are provided as sensors for EW monitoring. It should be noted that in Figure 12 、 13 In the flowchart shown, the implementation and Figures 9-11 In the flowchart shown, the same processing steps are assigned the same reference numerals, and the following mainly describes the different processing steps.

[0078] In S100, S105, and S110, the Figure 9 The same processing is performed as in S100, S105, and S110. However, in the generation of the necessity setting of the EW sensor operation in S110, the necessity setting is performed for the operation of the left rear side radar 20a and the right rear side radar 21a. That is, no setting is generated for the necessity setting of the EW sensor operation. Figure 6 The left side camera 20b and the right side camera 21b are set. Also, the obstacle detection on the side of the door is based on the detection information of the cameras 20b and 21b, so the obstacle detection is not performed in the modified example. Figure 12 Delete the information about Figure 9 Processing of S120 and S130.

[0079] When the process of S110 is completed, the detection process of the EW alarm target in S140 and the update process of the EW alarm action in S150 are executed. Next, the determination of the reception of the ignition switch OFF operation signal (IG OFF signal) is performed in S160, and the Figure 13 The power reduction process shown in FIG. Figure 13 The processing of S2710 to S2725 is the same as Figure 10 The processes from S1710 to S1725 shown correspond to each other and the same processes are performed.

[0080] In S2710, based on the EW sensor operation necessity setting generated in S110, it is determined whether the left rear side radar 20a is set as necessary. If it is set as necessary (S2710: Yes), the process proceeds to S2720. On the other hand, if it is not set as unnecessary (S2710: No), the process proceeds to S2715, turns off the left rear side radar 20a, and then proceeds to S2720.

[0081] In S2720, based on the necessity setting of the EW sensor operation generated in S110, it is determined whether the right rear side radar 21a is set to be necessary. If it is set to be necessary (S2720: Yes), the process ends. Figure 13 On the other hand, if the setting is not necessary (S2720: No), the process proceeds to S2725 and the right rear side radar 21a is turned off, and the power reduction process is terminated.

[0082] When the end Figure 13 The power reduction process ends Figure 12 The S270 process enters Figure 11 The same processing as in the above embodiment is performed in S180 to turn off the vehicle warning system 1.

[0083] As described above, in the present embodiment and the modified example, when the ignition switch OFF operation signal is received, Figure 10 、 13 As shown, since the operation of the sensor not required for the EW monitoring operation is turned off, it is possible to achieve a reduction in power consumption while ensuring the EW monitoring function.

[0084] According to the embodiment and the modified example of the present invention described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0085] (1) Figure 1 、 6 As shown in Figures 7, 9 to 11, etc., the vehicle warning system 1 is a vehicle warning system that issues a warning to the occupant of the vehicle door opening operation based on the vehicle surrounding information, and comprises: a first sensor that detects objects in the monitoring area on the left side of the vehicle as the vehicle surrounding information, namely, the left rear side radar 20a and the left side camera 20b; a second sensor that detects objects in the monitoring area on the right side of the vehicle as the vehicle surrounding information, namely, the right rear side radar 21a and the right side camera 21b; and a warning control unit 10 that starts the getting-off warning action based on the vehicle surrounding information, namely, the EW monitoring action, when the vehicle stops, and stops when a specified time (EW maintenance time) has passed since the vehicle system shutdown indication, namely, the ignition switch disconnection operation signal was received. The warning control unit 10 functions as a setting unit that sets whether the action of the first sensor and the second sensor is required based on the vehicle surrounding information ( Figure 6 ), controls the on / off status of the first and second sensors based on whether they are required. The warning control unit 10 deactivates sensors designated as unnecessary upon receipt of the ignition switch OFF operation signal, and operates sensors designated as necessary until EW monitoring ceases. This deactivates unnecessary sensors upon receipt of the ignition switch OFF operation signal, while only necessary sensors operate until EW monitoring ceases. This reduces power consumption without affecting EW monitoring.

[0086] (2) Figure 1 、 3As shown in Figures 6, 7, 9 to 11, the vehicle warning system 1 also includes an occupant detection unit, i.e., an occupant monitoring unit 40 (seat sensor 102, camera 108), for detecting an occupant sitting on a seat 101 of the vehicle. When the occupant monitoring unit 40 does not detect an occupant on a seat with the left door of the vehicle as a door for getting on and off, the warning control unit 10 sets the operation of the left rear side radar 20a and the left side camera 20b to be unnecessary regardless of the information around the vehicle. When the occupant monitoring unit 40 does not detect an occupant on a seat with the right door of the vehicle as a door for getting on and off, the warning control unit 10 sets the operation of the right rear side radar 21a and the right side camera 21b to be unnecessary regardless of the information around the vehicle.

[0087] Because the door on the side where the passenger is not seated is rarely opened, the sensor monitoring that door is rendered unnecessary. This sensor is deactivated upon receipt of the ignition switch OFF signal. This reduces power consumption associated with EW monitoring without affecting the EW monitoring operation.

[0088] (3) Figure 1 、 3 As shown in Figures 6, 7, 9 to 11, etc., the vehicle warning system 1 further includes an occupant detection unit, i.e., an occupant monitoring unit 40 (seat sensor 102, camera 108), for detecting an occupant seated in a vehicle seat. When the warning control unit 10 is set to require the operation of the first sensor (left rear side radar 20a, left side camera 20b) and detects an occupant on the seat 101 with the vehicle's left door as the entry and exit door, the first sensor is continued to operate for a predetermined time (EW maintenance time) after the ignition switch is turned off. Furthermore, when the warning control unit 10 is set to require the operation of the second sensor (right rear side radar 21a, right side camera 21b) and detects an occupant on the seat with the vehicle's right door as the entry and exit door, the second sensor is continued to operate for a predetermined time (EW maintenance time) after the ignition switch is turned off.

[0089] It should be noted that if a passenger sits in a seat after a predetermined time (EW maintenance time) has passed since the ignition switch was turned off, the seat-side sensor can be activated for a further predetermined time to continue EW monitoring. This ensures the safety of the passenger when exiting the vehicle even after the EW maintenance time has elapsed.

[0090] (4) Figure 1 、 3As shown in Figures 6, 7, 9 to 11, etc., the vehicle warning system 1 also includes an ambient light 103 as a notification unit, which notifies the occupants of the door whose door opening action is blocked by an obstacle. The warning control unit 10 detects the obstacle that blocks the door opening action based on the vehicle surrounding information. Then, when the obstacle is detected, the warning control unit 10 locks the door lock 4 of the door 100 whose door opening action is blocked or illuminates the ambient light 103 to notify the occupants. It should be noted that as the notification unit, an alarm buzzer 30b can also be used instead of the ambient light 103, and the alarm buzzer 30b is turned on when an obstacle is detected. As a result, when there is an obstacle, the collision between the door and the obstacle caused by the door opening action can be avoided.

[0091] (5) Figure 1 、 9 As shown in FIG11 and FIG12 , the apparatus further includes a position information acquisition unit 50 and a map information acquisition unit 60 for acquiring vehicle position information (host vehicle position information) and map information as vehicle surrounding information. The apparatus sets whether to operate the first sensor and the second sensor based on the acquired vehicle position information and map information. Thus, using the vehicle position information and map information, it is possible to easily determine the vehicle surrounding conditions, which are difficult to determine using sensor detection information.

[0092] (6) Figure 1 、 6 As shown in Figures 7, 9-11, etc., the first sensor comprises a left rear side radar 20a and a left side camera 20b, and the second sensor comprises a right rear side radar 21a and a right side camera 21b. Based on acquired vehicle position information and map information, the operation of at least one of the left and right side cameras 20b, 21b, and the left and right rear side radar 20a, 21a is determined to be necessary or unnecessary. By disabling the operation of at least one of the camera and radar according to the vehicle's surrounding conditions, power consumption can be reduced.

[0093] The various embodiments and modifications described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless the characteristics of the invention are impaired. Other embodiments that are conceivable within the technical scope of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] According to the present invention, the power consumption of a vehicle warning system can be reduced.

[0095] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A vehicle warning system (1) for issuing a warning to a passenger regarding a vehicle door opening operation based on information about the surroundings of the vehicle, characterized in that: have: a first sensor (20a, 20b) for detecting an object in a monitoring area on the left side of the vehicle as the vehicle surrounding information; a second sensor (21a, 21b) for detecting an object in a monitoring area on the right side of the vehicle as the vehicle surrounding information; as well as A warning control unit (10) starts a vehicle exit warning action based on the vehicle surrounding information when the vehicle stops, and stops the action when a predetermined time has passed since a vehicle system shutdown instruction was received. The warning control unit (10) includes a setting unit that sets the operation of the first sensor (20a, 20b) and the second sensor (21a, 21b) to be necessary or unnecessary based on the vehicle surrounding information. The warning control unit (10) stops the first sensor (20a, 20b) and the second sensor (21a, 21b) that are set as unnecessary by the setting unit in response to receipt of the vehicle system shutdown instruction, and operates the sensor that are set as necessary by the setting unit until the vehicle exit warning action stops.

2. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle further comprises an occupant detection unit (102, 108) for detecting an occupant seated in a seat of the vehicle. The setting unit sets the operation of the second sensor (20a, 20b) to be unnecessary regardless of the vehicle surrounding information when the passenger detection unit (102, 108) does not detect an occupant in a seat with the right door of the vehicle as an entry and exit door.

3. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle further comprises an occupant detection unit (102, 108) for detecting an occupant seated in a seat of the vehicle. The warning control unit (10) continues the operation of the first sensor (20a, 20b) even after the predetermined time has passed, when the setting unit sets the need for the operation of the first sensor (20a, 20b) and the occupant detection unit (102, 108) detects an occupant in a seat with the left door of the vehicle as an entry and exit door, thereby performing the exit warning operation. The warning control unit (10) continues the operation of the second sensor (21a, 21b) even after the prescribed time has passed, when the setting unit sets the need for the operation of the second sensor (21a, 21b) and the occupant detection unit detects an occupant in a seat with the right door of the vehicle as a door for getting on and off the vehicle after the prescribed time has passed, thereby performing the getting-off warning operation.

4. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1, wherein: Also features: an obstacle detection unit that detects an obstacle that hinders the door opening action based on the vehicle surrounding information; and a notification unit for notifying the occupant that the door opening movement is blocked by the obstacle; The warning control unit (10) locks the door whose door opening action is blocked or performs notification by the notification unit when the obstacle is detected by the obstacle detection unit.

5. The vehicle warning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also features: a first display unit provided on the inner side of the vehicle door on the left side, indicating that the first sensor (20a, 20b) is in operation; and The second display unit is provided on the inner side of the right door of the vehicle and indicates that the second sensor (21a, 21b) is in operation.

6. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1, wherein: The system further comprises an acquisition unit (50, 60) for acquiring vehicle position information and map information as the vehicle surrounding information. The setting unit sets the operation of the first sensor (20a, 20b) and the second sensor (21a, 21b) to be necessary or unnecessary based on the acquired vehicle position information and map information.

7. The vehicle warning system according to claim 6, wherein: The first sensor (20a, 20b) and the second sensor (21a, 21b) are respectively composed of a camera device and a radar device. The setting unit sets whether operation of at least one of the imaging device and the radar device is necessary or unnecessary based on the acquired vehicle position information and map information.

8. The vehicle warning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The device further includes a display unit (30c) for displaying the operating status of the first sensor (20a, 20b) and the operating status of the second sensor (21a, 21b).

9. The vehicle warning system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The display unit (30c) is configured to indicate the operating state of the first sensor (20a, 20b) by an image (M12) corresponding to the left door of the vehicle, and to indicate the operating state of the second sensor (21a, 21b) by an image (M13) corresponding to the right door of the vehicle.

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