Driveability determination device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of driving determination device, it is according to the reaction speed of driver whether exceed the threshold (T2) of pre-specification to determine the driving determination device (10) of the driving machine (1) whether can drive, wherein, the driving determination device (10) has: determination part (12), the reaction speed of driver is measured by the reaction speed check of pre-specification, the determination of the driving of the machine (1) whether can drive is carried out;And storage part (19), it stores the threshold (T2), the threshold (T2) is updated based on the result of the reaction speed check.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for determining whether a vehicle is drivable.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-091547, filed on June 6, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, there were known devices for determining whether a driver was in a suitable driving condition (whether he was able to drive) before the vehicle was driven (for example, see Japanese Patent Publication No. 59-30573).

[0004] In this technology, as a check performed by the driver before driving the vehicle, the pointer of the indicator moves while the clutch pedal is depressed, and the driver is judged to be in a state suitable for driving based on whether the pedal operation can follow the task specified by the device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] However, in the aforementioned existing technologies, since the judgment threshold is fixed, there is a problem when there are individual differences in drivers' reaction speed, such as: it is troublesome for drivers with fast reaction speeds, while drivers with slow reaction speeds may find the inspection difficult.

[0006] The present invention provides a drivability determination device that can take into account individual differences in the driver's reaction speed to determine whether a machine is drivable.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the drivability determination device of the present invention adopts the following structure.

[0008] (1) The present invention provides a drivability determination device 10 for determining whether a machine 1 can be driven based on whether the driver’s reaction speed exceeds a predetermined threshold T2. The drivability determination device 10 includes: a determination unit 12, which measures the driver’s reaction speed by a predetermined reaction speed check and determines whether the machine 1 can be driven; and a storage unit 19, which stores the threshold T2 and updates the threshold T2 based on the result of the reaction speed check.

[0009] According to the scheme in (1) above, control can be performed as follows: during machine operation (start-up operation), the driver's reaction speed is checked; if the actual reaction speed value is less than a threshold (if the reaction speed is fast), machine operation is set to possible (allowed); if the actual reaction speed value exceeds the threshold (if the reaction speed is slow), machine operation is set to not be allowed (disallowed). The threshold for reaction speed checking is updated from an initial value, for example, based on the results of past or prior reaction speed checks. Therefore, a threshold suitable for determining whether the machine can be driven can be set according to the individual reaction speed of the driver (machine owner). Thus, individual biases in the difficulty of reaction speed checking can be suppressed to achieve appropriateness, and the practicality of the drivability determination device can be improved.

[0010] (2) In the above scheme (1), the determination of whether the vehicle is drivable can also be accomplished by performing multiple reaction speed checks. The results of the multiple reaction speed checks are stored in the storage unit 19. The faster the reaction speed in the reaction speed check results, the fewer the number N1 of the reaction speed checks used to determine whether the vehicle is drivable is set.

[0011] According to the scheme in (2) above, the faster the results of past or prior reaction speed checks stored in the storage unit, the fewer reaction speed checks are needed to determine drivability. Therefore, in cases where a driver has a clearer and stricter judgment standard (faster reaction speed), the drivability determination can be completed earlier with fewer reaction speed checks. This ensures the accuracy of drivability determination for drivers with fast reaction speeds and reduces the hassle of reaction speed checks.

[0012] (3) In the above scheme (1) or (2), the storage unit 19 may store the threshold T2 of each of the plurality of drivers, and determine the driver during the reaction speed check, thereby switching the threshold T2 in a matching manner with the determined driver.

[0013] According to the above scheme (3), by determining the driver during the reaction speed check to switch the threshold, even when multiple drivers share a machine, it is possible to set a threshold suitable for each driver to determine whether the vehicle is drivable, thereby making the difficulty of the reaction speed check appropriate, suppressing individual biases in determining whether the vehicle is drivable to improve accuracy, and improving the practicality of the vehicle drivability determination device.

[0014] (4) In the above scheme (1) or (2), the drivability determination device may also use the direction indicators 7L and 7R provided by the machine 1 and the operation unit 8a that allows the driver to operate in the direction indicated by the direction indicators 7L and 7R to perform the reaction speed check.

[0015] According to the above scheme (4), by using the direction indicator and operating unit of the machine to check the reaction speed, no additional device is needed for the check, thus reducing costs.

[0016] (5) In the above scheme (4), the reaction speed check can also measure the reaction time of the driver until the driver operates the operation unit 8a according to the direction indicators 7L and 7R, and calculate the accuracy rate of whether the operation unit 8a is operated in the direction indicated by the direction indicators 7L and 7R. Based on the actual value T1 of the reaction time and the actual value R1 of the accuracy rate, it is determined whether the machine 1 can be driven.

[0017] According to the above scheme (5), the reaction time of the driver's operation corresponding to the direction indicator is measured, and the accuracy of the operation direction of the operating unit is calculated. Based on the actual values ​​of the above reaction time and accuracy, it is determined whether the driver can drive. Thus, the driver can be determined from the perspectives of reaction speed and accuracy. The accuracy of the driver can be improved based on the driver's cognitive, judgment and operation abilities.

[0018] (6) In the above-mentioned (1) or (2) scheme, the drivability determination device may also include a control unit 13, which controls the operation of the drive system of the machine 1 based on the result of the drivability determination performed by the determination unit 12. When the determination unit 12 determines that the machine 1 cannot be driven, the control unit 13 restricts the starting of the drive device of the machine 1 or restricts the transition of the drive system to the drive standby state as a drive restriction control.

[0019] According to the above scheme (6), the control unit that controls the machine's drive system based on the machine's inability to drive restricts the starting of the machine's drive device or restricts the transition of the machine's drive system to the drive standby state (drive preparation completed state), thereby reliably restricting the machine's driving and improving the practicality of the drivability determination device.

[0020] (7) In the above (6) solution, the drivability determination device may also include a restriction display unit 15a, which displays the status of the drive restriction control being executed.

[0021] According to the solution in (7) above, by providing a limitation display unit that indicates that the machine's drive limitation control is being executed, the driver can be informed that the machine is in a drive limitation state. Therefore, the driver can easily understand that it is not a machine malfunction but a drive limitation state, which improves the practicality of the drivability determination device.

[0022] (8) In the above (7) solution, the restriction display unit 15a may also be included in the driving information display device 15 of the machine 1.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned (8) scheme, by having a restriction display section indicating that drive restriction control is being executed in the instrument device or the like that that displays driving information of the machine, the driver can easily notice that drive restriction control is being executed, thereby improving the practicality of the driving permission determination device.

[0024] (9) In the above scheme (6), the determination unit 12 may reset the determination after a predetermined suitability recovery time Ta has elapsed after determining that the machine 1 cannot be driven.

[0025] According to the scheme in (9) above, after a specified time has elapsed following the determination that the machine is not drivable, the determination is automatically reset, thereby allowing the machine to be driven again without the need for additional reset operations. Therefore, a highly convenient drivability determination device can be provided.

[0026] (10) In the above (6) scheme, the determination unit 12 may maintain the driving ability determination for a predetermined determination holding time Tb after stopping the drive system from the operating state of the drive system of the machine 1.

[0027] According to the above-described (10) scheme, after the drive system is stopped from the state of driving the machine, the ability to drive is maintained for a specified period of time. Therefore, in cases where the machine is stopped for a short time and then driven again, the drive unit can be started without having to re-perform the ability to drive. Thus, a highly convenient ability to drive determination device can be provided.

[0028] According to the present invention, a drivability determination device can be provided, which can determine whether a machine is drivable by taking into account individual differences in the driver's reaction speed. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a rear view of the area surrounding the main switch unit of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2This is a table showing the details of the determination of whether the aforementioned motorized two-wheeled vehicles are drivable.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a table showing the update status of the threshold and number of judgments for the above reaction speed check.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a line graph showing the relationship between the number of judgments made in the above reaction speed check and the number of rides.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the aforementioned drivability determination device for a motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control device for the aforementioned drivability determination device.

[0035] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 The flowchart shows the processing of subroutines within the code. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the orientations of front, rear, left, and right in the following description are the same as those in the vehicle described below. Furthermore, arrows indicating the front of the vehicle (FR), the left side of the vehicle (LH), the top of the vehicle (UP), and the left and right center lines of the vehicle body (CL) are shown in appropriate locations in the figures used in the following description.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the drivability determination device 10 in this embodiment (refer to...) Figure 5 For example, applicable to small motorcycle-type motorized two-wheeled vehicles (horse-riding vehicles) 1. Figure 1 The image shows the perimeter of the leg guard 2 as viewed from the passenger position (rear side) of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1. The leg guard 2 is located in front of the seat (not shown) where the driver sits, and suppresses the wind blowing towards the driver's legs while seated.

[0038] The motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 has a front wheel as a steering wheel and a rear wheel as a drive wheel (neither shown). The front wheel is supported by suspension components such as a front fork and can be steered via handlebars 3. The steering system components, including the front wheel, are steerably supported at the front end of the frame 4. The frame 4 is covered by a body cover 5 including shin guards 2. The motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 has at least one of an engine (internal combustion engine) and an electric motor as a drive source for movement.

[0039] A main switch unit 20, including a main switch for turning the power supply of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 on or off, is provided on the rear surface (driver's side) of the leg guard 2. The main switch unit 20 is provided, for example, on the right side of the leg guard 2, and is fixed to the frame 4 inside the leg guard 2 when embedded in the mounting surface on the rear surface of the leg guard 2.

[0040] The main switch unit 20 includes a lock cylinder 21 into which the operating key 25 is inserted. The lock cylinder 21 can be rotated (a pre-defined starting operation) when the operating key 25 is inserted by the driver. This rotation connects or disconnects the main power supply to the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 and locks or unlocks various locking devices such as the handlebar lock. The main switch unit 20 has a key opening / closing member 26 for protecting the keyhole on the rear side of the lock cylinder 21. The combination of the lock cylinder 21 and the operating key 25 constitutes a key device 11 for the driver to perform the pre-defined starting operation of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1.

[0041] A handlebar cover 6 is installed on the left and right center parts of the handlebar 3 (including the defined range on the left and right inner sides of the left and right center parts). The handlebar cover 6 has a headlight (not shown) at its front end and an instrument panel 15 on its upper surface. A pair of left and right forward indicator lights 7L and 7R are respectively installed on the left and right sides. A pair of left and right switch boxes 8L and 8R are installed on the left and right sides of the handlebar 3, adjacent to the left and right inner sides of the handlebars. Multiple handlebar switches for operation by the rider's fingers are installed in the left and right switch boxes 8L and 8R. The symbol 8a in the figure indicates the direction indicator switch in the left switch box 8L. A pair of left and right operating levers 9L and 9R are respectively located in front of the left and right handlebars for the rider to grip and operate.

[0042] With the main power supply of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 switched on, and if the drivability determination device 10 (described later) determines that the vehicle is "drivable," the following driving preparation actions can be performed. Specifically, in the case of a vehicle with an engine in its drive source, the engine can be started by operating a start switch (not shown). Furthermore, in the case of a vehicle with an electric motor in its drive source, the drive system including the electric motor can be switched to a drive standby state (drive preparation completed, a state where the vehicle can immediately move forward by acceleration) by operating a start switch (not shown).

[0043] Before the driver starts the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, the drivability determination device 10 determines whether the driver is qualified to drive the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1. Based on the determination result, the operation of the drive system of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is controlled as needed to restrict its operation.

[0044] like Figure 5As shown, the drivability determination device 10 includes: a key device 11 for the driver to start the vehicle; a determination unit 12 for determining whether the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is drivable; a control unit 13 for controlling the operation of the drive system of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 based on the result of the drivability determination made by the determination unit 12; and a storage device (storage unit) 19 for storing information and results related to the drivability determination.

[0045] The key device 11 includes an operating key 25 held by the driver and a lock cylinder 21 mounted on the side of the vehicle body into which the operating key 25 can be inserted.

[0046] The determination unit 12 and the control unit 13 are configured, for example, within the electronic control unit (ECU) of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1. The determination unit 12 and the control unit 13 are implemented by executing programs (software) using a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The determination unit 12 and the control unit 13 can also be implemented through the coordinated operation of software and hardware.

[0047] The determination unit 12 determines whether the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 can be driven based on the following conditions. The determination condition of the determination unit 12 is whether the driver reacts quickly and accurately in the following reaction speed test. In the reaction speed test, one of the left and right front turn indicator lights 7L and 7R is randomly illuminated to indicate the direction to the driver. The reaction time until the driver operates the turn indicator light switch 8a according to the indication is measured, and the accuracy rate of operating the turn indicator light switch 8a in the indicated direction is calculated. Based on the above reaction time and accuracy rate, the determination unit 12 determines whether driving is permitted.

[0048] The directions indicated by the left and right front turn indicator lights 7L and 7R represent the side where one of the left and right front turn indicator lights 7L and 7R is illuminated (if the left front turn indicator light 7L is illuminated, it is the left side; if the right front turn indicator light 7R is illuminated, it is the right side). In the implementation, operating the turn indicator switch 8a in the direction indicated by the left and right front turn indicator lights 7L and 7R is sometimes referred to as "turn indicator light cancellation". This operation is unrelated to pressing the turn indicator switch 8a to cancel.

[0049] If the reaction time in the reaction speed check exceeds a predetermined threshold (a slow reaction), the determination unit 12 determines that the driver who performed the check is not allowed to drive the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1. Along with this determination, the control unit 13, in cooperation with the engine ECU, restricts engine starting, reliably limiting the driving of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the control device 14 restricts engine starting by cutting off power supply to the starter relay 17 that drives the starter motor 18. The engine ECU can be integrated with the control device 14 or it can be separate.

[0050] Refer to together Figure 2 The determination of whether the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is drivable in the determination unit 12 is accomplished by performing multiple (pre-defined determination (check) times N1) reaction speed checks. The results of the multiple reaction speed checks are stored in the storage device 19, and the average reaction time (performance value T1) is calculated. If the average reaction time (performance value T1) exceeds a pre-defined threshold T2, the determination unit 12 determines that the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is not drivable.

[0051] Furthermore, the determination unit 12 calculates the accuracy rate ("number of times the direction indicator switch 8a was operated in the indicated direction" / "total number of checks") R1 based on the results of multiple reaction speed checks. If the accuracy rate R1 is less than a predetermined threshold R2, the determination unit 12 also determines that the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 cannot be driven.

[0052] exist Figure 2 In the example in the first row, a reaction speed check was performed with N1 judgments (five times). The average reaction time performance value T1 is 0.3 seconds less than the threshold T2 (e.g., 0.5 seconds), which is within the acceptable range of being less than the threshold T2. Additionally, the accuracy performance value R1 is 100% greater than the threshold R2 (e.g., 80%), which is within the acceptable range of being greater than the threshold R2. Based on this check result, in Figure 2 The first example demonstrates a pass (driving capability) assessment. It should be noted that the actual average reaction time value T1 is calculated based solely on the result of operating the turn signal switch 8a in the indicated direction.

[0053] exist Figure 2 In the example in the second row, the reaction speed check is performed five times with the same number of judgments N1 as above. Although the actual value of the average reaction time T1 is 0.3 seconds smaller than the threshold T2 (e.g., 0.5 seconds), the actual value of the accuracy R1 is 60% smaller than the threshold R2 (e.g., 80%), so a failure (unable to drive) judgment is made.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In the example in the third row, the reaction speed check is performed five times with the same number of judgments N1 as above. Although the actual value of the accuracy R1 is 100% greater than the threshold R2 (e.g., 80%), the actual value of the average reaction time T1 is 0.8 seconds greater than the threshold T2 (e.g., 0.5 seconds). Therefore, a failure (unable to drive) judgment is made.

[0055] Thus, the judgment that a person is capable of driving a motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is only made if the actual performance values ​​T1 and R1 of both average reaction time and accuracy rate are within the acceptable range.

[0056] When a user (driver)'s driving suitability is reduced due to factors such as drinking, overwork, or illness, their cognitive, judgment, and operational abilities necessary for driving the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 will decrease. In this situation, if the aforementioned reaction speed check is performed, a slower reaction speed or reduced accuracy can be expected. Therefore, a drivability determination using a reaction speed check is performed before starting the engine (before the main switch unit 20 is turned on). If both reaction speed and accuracy are within acceptable ranges, the user (driver) is determined to be in a state of driving suitability (capable of driving the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1) and the engine can be started. If either reaction speed or accuracy is outside the acceptable range, the user (driver) is determined to be in a state of reduced driving suitability (unable to drive the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1) and the engine cannot be started.

[0057] Refer to together Figure 3 In the implementation, the threshold T2 for the average reaction time in the reaction speed check and the number of judgments (number of checks) N1 are updated (corrected) from the initial value T0 based on the results (performance value T1) of past or prior reaction speed checks.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 In the first line, the initial value T0 of the average reaction time threshold T2 is set to 1.5 seconds, and the initial value N0 of the number of judgments N1 is set to 10. The initial value T0 of the average reaction time threshold T2 is equivalent to an upper limit, such as if driving the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is not suitable if it takes more than this time. The initial value N0 of the number of judgments N1 is set more frequently in order to obtain data.

[0059] Relative to the initial values ​​T0 and N0 mentioned above, the threshold T2 for average reaction time and the number of judgments N1 are updated based on the results of past or prior reaction speed checks.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 In the second line, in the example of driver A, the actual average reaction time T1 is 0.8 seconds. Therefore, the threshold T2 for the average reaction time is set to 0.9 seconds, which is the actual value T1 plus 0.1 seconds. This threshold T2 is much faster than the initial value T0. Therefore, for such a driver, the number of judgments N1 is set to 5 to complete the judgment in a short time by reducing the number of judgments N1.

[0061] Reference Figure 3In the third line, in the example of driver B, the actual average reaction time T1 is 1.2 seconds. Therefore, the threshold T2 for the average reaction time is set to 1.3 seconds, which is the actual value T1 plus 0.1 seconds. This threshold T2 is slightly faster than the initial value T0. Therefore, for such a driver, the number of judgments N1 is set to 7 in a way that ensures reliable judgment by suppressing the reduction in the number of judgments N1.

[0062] Reference Figure 3 In the fourth line, in the example of driver C, the actual average reaction time T1 is 0.3 seconds. Therefore, the threshold T2 for the average reaction time is set to 0.4 seconds, which is the actual value T1 plus 0.1 seconds. This threshold T2 is much faster than the initial value T0 and even faster than driver A. Therefore, in order to further reduce the number of judgments N1 and complete the judgment in a short time, the number of judgments N1 is set to 3.

[0063] The reaction speed test results (reaction speed) vary from person to person, so the initial value N0 of the number of judgments N1 is set higher to collect individual data. If some degree of data duplication occurs, the number of judgments N1 can be reduced to start the engine.

[0064] That is, able to Figure 4 As shown in the line graph, the more times the driver takes a ride, the fewer judgments N1 will be made from the initial value N0.

[0065] The structure described above assumes that the driver of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is fixed. However, in the case where multiple drivers share the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, the following structure is considered.

[0066] That is, when other drivers are driving the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, a predetermined setting reset operation can be performed, and the driver can be determined through a predetermined authentication method, and the threshold T2 of the average reaction time and the number of judgments N1 can be switched. The results of the reaction speed check for each driver (average reaction time, accuracy, number of judgments) are stored in the storage device 19. The relative relationships of the average reaction time, accuracy, and number of judgments, as well as their relationship with the driving qualification determination, are approximated in tabular form or mathematical formula and pre-stored in the storage device 19.

[0067] In the scenario of multiple drivers, for each driver, the initial number of judgments N1 is set to be high for data acquisition, thereby enabling a suitable driving qualification determination for each driver. As for driver authentication methods, a configuration capable of authenticating a predetermined number of drivers via button operation or dial operation is considered. Additionally, configurations capable of fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, or driver authentication via communication with the driver's smartphone, tablet, or other similar device are also considered.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 5 The main structure of the drivability determination device 10 for the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 in the embodiment will be described.

[0069] The drivability determination device 10 includes a key device 11, a control device 14, a storage device 19, an instrument device 15, a battery 16, a starter relay 17, a starter motor 18, left and right front turn indicators 7L and 7R, and a turn indicator switch 8a.

[0070] The key device 11 includes a lock cylinder 21 and an operating key 25. The lock cylinder 21 is connected to the control device 14. The lock cylinder 21 and the control device 14 are mounted on the side of the vehicle body.

[0071] The control device 14 is an electronic control unit that constitutes the determination unit 12 and the control unit 13. In addition to the lock cylinder 21, the control device 14 is also connected to the storage device 19, the instrument device 15, the start switch, and the battery 16.

[0072] Storage device 19 stores information related to reaction speed checks (thresholds, check results, etc.). Storage device 19 is not limited to a structure separate from control device 14, but can also be an integral part of control device 14 (the storage unit within control device 14).

[0073] The instrument panel 15 includes a speedometer indicating vehicle speed, a tachometer indicating engine speed, and various indicators (especially a pair of left and right turn signal indicators 15bL and 15bR). The instrument panel 15 displays various driving states of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 to the driver. The instrument panel 15 includes a restriction display unit 15a that displays to the driver whether engine start-up restrictions are enforced based on a determination of drivability. The restriction display unit 15a may be, for example, a light that illuminates or flashes when start-up restrictions are in effect, or it may be a display device utilizing an LCD panel or the like. The restriction display unit 15a may also be installed independently of the instrument panel 15.

[0074] Battery 16 is, for example, a 12V battery mounted on the vehicle as an auxiliary power source for the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1.

[0075] The starting relay 17 is a switch that is turned on or off according to the primary current supplied from the control device 14 through the operation of the starter switch, and switches the presence or absence of power supply between the battery 16 and the starter motor 18.

[0076] The starter motor 18 is driven by electricity supplied from the battery 16 and enables the engine to start by rotating the crankshaft.

[0077] When the driver inserts the operating key 25 into the lock cylinder 21 and rotates it towards the power-on side to start the engine, a reaction speed check for determining drivability begins before the engine starts. If the reaction speed check determines that the driver who performed the check is in a state where they are capable of driving the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, then starting the engine based on the start switch becomes possible (effective). In this case, the driver can start the engine and drive the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 as usual (make the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 move).

[0078] On the other hand, if the reaction speed check determines that the driver who performed the check is in a state where he / she cannot drive the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, then starting the engine based on the start switch becomes impossible (invalid). In this case, the driver cannot start the engine and cannot drive the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1.

[0079] The determination of whether a vehicle is drivable is performed in the determination unit 12 of the control device 14. If the determination unit 12 determines that the vehicle is not drivable, the control unit 13 of the control device 14, in cooperation with the engine ECU, performs control to restrict engine starting (drive restriction control). If drive restriction control is performed, even if the starter switch is operated while the motorized two-wheeler 1 is powered on, no current will be supplied to the starter relay 17 (the starter relay 17 will not be activated). As a result, the starter motor 18 will not be activated, the engine will not start, and the drivability of the motorized two-wheeler 1 will be restricted (constrained).

[0080] At this time, the limitation display section 15a of the instrument unit 15 displays the meaning that the engine cannot be started based on the result of the driving condition determination (driving condition determination).

[0081] A judgment that a driver is deemed unfit to drive (a judgment that indicates a reduced driving suitability) is reset, for example, after a period of time (a pre-defined recovery time Ta, such as 24 hours) has elapsed since the driver recovered from the state of intoxication caused by alcohol consumption. It should be noted that, in addition to waiting for the prescribed time to pass, a judgment that a driver is deemed unfit to drive can also be reset through specific reset procedures.

[0082] If the drivability determination is performed every time the engine is stopped, it can sometimes be inconvenient, especially for normal drivers. To reduce this inconvenience, the implementation is configured such that after the engine is started from the state where a drivability determination (a determination that the driver is in a state of drivability) has been made and the engine has been stopped by rotating the lock cylinder 21, the engine can be started without a drivability determination during a period of time such as when going to buy a meal or drink (a pre-defined determination holding time Tb, for example, about 15 minutes).

[0083] When the operating key 25 is inserted into the lock cylinder 21 and rotated toward the power-on side, the control device 14 is supplied with standby power and enters standby mode.

[0084] For example, if the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is equipped with the following anti-theft device, it can be configured such that power is supplied to the control device 14 along with the authentication of the operating key 25, thereby putting it into a standby state. The anti-theft device authenticates the operating key 25 by communicating between the vehicle and the operating key 25 (remote key) within a pre-set authentication area. Alternatively, if, for example, the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 can detect or acquire location information, it can also be configured such that power is supplied to the control device 14 according to conditions such as location and time, thereby putting it into a standby state.

[0085] Control wiring is provided between the left and right front turn signals 7L and 7R and the control device 14, and between the turn signal switch 8a and the control device 14, respectively, to enable the left and right front turn signals 7L and 7R and the turn signal switch 8a to function as a drivability determination device 10. This control wiring can function, for example, as wiring to enable the left and right front turn signals 7L and 7R to function as direction indicators for the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, or it can be provided separately from the control wiring. During the drivability determination, a reaction speed check is performed. In this reaction speed check, one of the left and right front turn signals is randomly illuminated to indicate the direction to the driver, who then operates the turn signal switch 8a according to this indication.

[0086] The left turn signal indicator 15bL and the left front turn signal indicator 7L illuminate (flash) synchronously, and the right turn signal indicator 15bR and the right front turn signal indicator 7R illuminate (flash) synchronously. During the reaction speed check, all left and right front turn signal indicators 7L and 7R, as well as left and right turn signal indicators 15bL and 15bR, are illuminated. However, it is also possible to illuminate only the left and right front turn signal indicators 7L and 7R, or only the left and right turn signal indicators 15bL and 15bR.

[0087] Furthermore, for example, if the motorized two-wheeler 1 is equipped with a sensor that detects the handlebar steering angle, the reaction speed can also be checked by operating the handlebars in the direction in which the left and right forward indicator lights 7L and 7R are illuminated. Similarly, for example, if the motorized two-wheeler 1 is equipped with sensors that detect the operation of the left and right control levers 9L and 9R mounted on the handlebars 3, the reaction speed can also be checked by operating the control levers in the direction in which the left and right forward indicator lights 7L and 7R are illuminated.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 6 The flowchart below illustrates the process of determining drivability via control device 14. The following processes are repeatedly executed at predetermined control cycles while control device 14 is in standby mode. Figure 6 In the flowchart, an example of a driver's "reduced driving suitability state" is recorded as "drinking state".

[0089] First, after the ignition is disconnected and conditions such as the suitability recovery time Ta and the determination holding time Tb are met, if the lock cylinder 21 is operated to the power-on side, the control device 14 measures the reaction time multiple times until the turn indicator light is canceled, as a check of the driver's reaction speed (step (subroutine) S1). Then, it determines whether the actual value T1 of the average reaction time for canceling the turn indicator light (cancellation operation) exceeds the predetermined threshold T2 (predetermined time) (or whether it is above the threshold T2) (step S2).

[0090] If the condition is yes in step S2 (the threshold T2 is exceeded), the determination unit 12 determines that the person is in a drinking state (step S3), and the control unit 13 performs a transition to a state where the engine cannot be started (a state that restricts engine starting) (step S4).

[0091] If the result in step S2 is negative (the threshold T2 is not exceeded), the determination unit 12 determines that the person is not in a drinking state (step S5), and the control unit 13 performs a transition to a state where the engine can be started (step S6).

[0092] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 The processing in subroutine S1.

[0093] In subroutine S1, firstly, it is detected that the lock cylinder 21 has been rotated to the power-on side due to the driver's operation (step S11), and it is detected that the control device 14 is in the power-on state (step S12). Next, either the left or right forward indicator lights 7L or 7R is randomly illuminated (step S13), and a cancellation operation based on the indicator light switch 8a is detected in response to the illumination (step S14). The operation time (reaction time) until such indicator light is cancelled is measured and stored in the storage device 19 (step S15), and then it is determined whether a predetermined number of checks N1 has been performed (step S16). If no in step S16 (less than the number of checks N1), the reaction time measurement is repeatedly performed starting from step S13. If yes in step S16 (the number of checks N1 has been completed), the process moves to step S2, where it is determined whether the calculated average reaction time value T1 exceeds the threshold T2.

[0094] In this embodiment, an example of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 using an engine (internal combustion engine) as its driving source has been described. However, the following examples are also considered. That is, if the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle in which the driving source includes an electric motor, then if the determination unit 12 determines that the vehicle cannot be driven, the control unit 13 may restrict the transition of the drive system to a drive standby state (drive preparation completed state). If the determination unit 12 determines that the vehicle can be driven, the control unit 13 may execute the transition of the drive system to a drive standby state (drive preparation completed state).

[0095] As explained above, the drivability determination device 10 in the above embodiment determines whether the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 can be driven based on whether the driver's reaction speed exceeds a predetermined threshold T2. The drivability determination device 10 includes: a determination unit 12, which measures the driver's reaction speed through a predetermined reaction speed check to determine whether the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 can be driven; and a storage device 19, which stores the threshold T2 and updates the threshold T2 based on the result of the reaction speed check.

[0096] According to this structure, control can be performed as follows: During the driving of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 (at start-up), the driver's reaction speed is checked. If the actual reaction speed value T1 is less than a threshold T2 (if the reaction speed is fast), driving the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is set as possible (permitted); if the actual reaction speed value T1 exceeds the threshold T2 (if the reaction speed is slow), driving the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is set as impossible (disallowed). The reaction speed check threshold T2 is updated from an initial value T0, for example, based on the results of past or previously performed reaction speed checks. Therefore, a suitable threshold T2 for determining whether driving is permissible can be set according to the individual reaction speed of the driver (owner of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1). This suppresses individual biases in the difficulty of the reaction speed check, achieving appropriateness and improving the practicality of the driving permission determination device 10.

[0097] In the aforementioned drivability determination device 10, the determination of drivability is accomplished by performing multiple reaction speed checks. The results of the multiple reaction speed checks are stored in the storage device 19. The faster the reaction speed in the reaction speed check results, the fewer the number of reaction speed checks (determination number N1) used to determine drivability are set.

[0098] According to this structure, the faster the results of past or prior reaction speed checks stored in the storage device 19, the fewer reaction speed checks are needed to determine drivability. Therefore, even with drivers who have a clearer understanding of the stringent criteria (faster reaction speed), drivability can be determined earlier with fewer reaction speed checks. This ensures the accuracy of drivability determination for drivers with fast reaction speeds and reduces the complexity of reaction speed checks.

[0099] In the aforementioned drivability determination device 10, the storage device 19 stores the threshold T2 for each of the plurality of drivers, determines the driver during the reaction speed check, and thereby switches the threshold T2 in match with the determined driver.

[0100] According to this structure, by determining the driver during the reaction speed check and switching the threshold T2, even when multiple drivers share a motorized two-wheeler 1, it is possible to set a threshold T2 suitable for determining whether a vehicle can be driven for each driver. This achieves an appropriate level of difficulty in the reaction speed check, suppresses individual biases in determining whether a vehicle can be driven, improves accuracy, and enhances the practicality of the vehicle-driving determination device 10.

[0101] In the aforementioned drivability determination device 10, the reaction speed is checked by using the forward direction indicator lights 7L and 7R provided by the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 and the direction indicator switch 8a, which allows the driver to operate in the direction indicated by the forward direction indicator lights 7L and 7R.

[0102] According to this structure, the reaction speed can be checked by utilizing the forward direction indicator lights 7L and 7R and the direction indicator light switch 8a provided by the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, thereby eliminating the need for additional devices for the check and reducing costs.

[0103] In the aforementioned drivability determination device 10, the reaction speed check measures the reaction time until the driver operates the direction indicator switch 8a according to the indication of the forward direction indicator lights 7L and 7R, and calculates the accuracy rate of whether the direction indicator switch 8a was operated in the direction indicated by the forward direction indicator lights 7L and 7R. Based on the actual value T1 of the reaction time and the actual value R1 of the accuracy rate, it is determined whether the driver can drive the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1.

[0104] According to this structure, by measuring the driver's reaction time corresponding to the indication (operation) of the forward direction indicator lights 7L and 7R, and calculating the accuracy of the operation direction of the direction indicator switch 8a, the driving status is determined based on the actual values ​​T1 and R1 of the above-mentioned reaction time and accuracy. Thus, the driving status can be determined from the perspectives of reaction speed and accuracy, and the accuracy of the driving status determination can be improved based on the driver's cognitive, judgment and operation abilities necessary for driving.

[0105] In the aforementioned drivability determination device 10, there is a control unit 13 that controls the operation of the drive system of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 based on the result of the drivability determination performed by the determination unit 12. When the determination unit 12 determines that the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 cannot be driven, the control unit 13 restricts the starting of the drive device of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 or restricts the transition of the drive system to a drive standby state, as a drive restriction control.

[0106] According to this structure, the control unit 13, which controls the drive system of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 based on the determination that the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 cannot be driven, can reliably restrict the driving of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 by limiting the starting of the drive device of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 or limiting the transition of the drive system of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 to the drive standby state (drive preparation completed state), thereby improving the practicality of the drivability determination device 10.

[0107] The aforementioned drivability determination device 10 includes a restriction display unit 15a that displays the status of the drive restriction control being executed.

[0108] According to this structure, by providing a restriction display unit 15a indicating that drive restriction control of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is being executed, the driver can be informed that the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is in a drive restriction state. Therefore, the driver can easily understand that the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is not malfunctioning but is in a drive restriction state, which improves the practicality of the drivability determination device 10.

[0109] In the aforementioned driving-permit determination device 10, the restriction display section 15a is provided in the driving information display device (instrument device 15) provided in the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1.

[0110] According to this structure, by having a restriction display section 15a indicating that drive restriction control is being executed in the instrument device 15 that displays driving information of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, the driver can easily notice that drive restriction control is being executed, thereby improving the practicality of the driving permission determination device 10.

[0111] In the aforementioned drivability determination device 10, after the determination unit 12 has determined that the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 cannot be driven, a predetermined suitability recovery time Ta is elapsed before the determination is reset.

[0112] According to this structure, after a predetermined time has elapsed following the determination that the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 is inoperable, the determination is automatically reset, thereby allowing the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1 to be driven again without the need for additional reset operations. Therefore, a highly convenient drivability determination device 10 can be provided.

[0113] In the aforementioned drivability determination device 10, after the determination unit 12 stops the drive system from its operating state, it maintains the drivability determination for a predetermined determination holding time Tb.

[0114] According to this structure, after the drive system is stopped from the state of driving the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, the ability to drive is maintained for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, in cases where driving needs to be restarted after a short stop of the motorized two-wheeled vehicle 1, the engine can be started without having to re-perform the ability to drive. Thus, a highly convenient ability to drive determination device 10 can be provided.

[0115] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the drivability determination device of this embodiment can also be applied to straddle-type vehicles other than motorized two-wheeled vehicles. The straddle-type vehicles include all vehicles in which the driver straddles the vehicle, including not only motorized two-wheeled vehicles (including bicycles and small motorcycles with a prime mover), but also three-wheeled (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled (four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles, etc.) vehicles. Furthermore, it can also be applied to vehicles other than straddle-type vehicles (passenger cars, buses, trucks, etc.).

[0116] The drivability determination device of this embodiment is applicable to vehicles, but the present invention is not limited to vehicles. It can also be applied to various transportation machines such as airplanes and ships, as well as various means of transportation and mobile bodies such as construction machinery and industrial machinery. Moreover, the present invention can be applied to machines other than vehicles, as long as they are machines that are driven by users, and can be widely applied to, for example, push lawnmowers and sweepers.

[0117] Furthermore, the structure described above is an example of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention by replacing the constituent elements of the embodiment with well-known constituent elements.

Claims

1. A drivability determination device, comprising a drivability determination device (10) that determines whether a machine (1) is drivable based on whether the driver's reaction speed exceeds a predetermined threshold (T2), characterized in that, The drivability determination device (10) includes: The determination unit (12) measures the driver's reaction speed through a pre-defined reaction speed check to determine whether the machine (1) is drivable; and Storage unit (19) stores the threshold (T2). The machine (1) is equipped with an operating unit (8a) that can be operated by the driver. In the reaction speed check, the reaction time of the driver operating the operating unit (8a) according to the instructions of the machine (1) is measured multiple times, and the average time of the multiple measured reaction times is taken as the actual value (T1) of the reaction time. Based on the actual value (T1), it is determined whether the machine (1) can be driven. The threshold (T2) is updated based on the result of the performance value (T1) used as the reaction speed check. The determination of whether a vehicle is drivable is accomplished by performing multiple reaction speed checks. The results of the multiple reaction rate checks are stored in the storage unit (19). The faster the reaction speed in the reaction speed check result, the fewer the number of reaction speed checks (N1) used to determine whether the vehicle is drivable are set. The more times a driver rides in a vehicle, the fewer times the reaction speed check (N1) is performed to determine whether the driver is capable of driving.

2. The drivability determination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage unit (19) stores the threshold (T2) for each of the multiple drivers. The driver is identified during the reaction speed check, and the threshold (T2) is switched in a matching manner with the identified driver.

3. The drivability determination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The machine (1) is equipped with direction indicators (7L, 7R), and the operating unit (8a) allows the driver to operate in the indicated direction indicated by the direction indicators (7L, 7R). The reaction speed check is performed using the direction indicator (7L, 7R) and the operation unit (8a).

4. The drivability determination device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reaction speed check calculates the accuracy rate of whether the operating unit (8a) was operated in the direction indicated by the direction indicators (7L, 7R). The machine (1) is determined to be drivable based on the actual value of the reaction time (T1) and the actual value of the accuracy (R1).

5. The drivability determination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drivability determination device includes a control unit (13), which controls the operation of the drive system of the machine (1) based on the drivability determination made by the determination unit (12). When the determination unit (12) determines that the machine (1) cannot be driven, the control unit (13) restricts the starting of the drive device of the machine (1) or restricts the transition of the drive system to the drive standby state as a drive restriction control.

6. The drivability determination device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drivability determination device includes a restriction display unit (15a) that displays the status of the drive restriction control being executed.

7. The drivability determination device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The machine (1) has a restriction display unit (15a) in its driving information display device (15).

8. The drivability determination device according to claim 5, characterized in that, After a predetermined suitability recovery time (Ta) has elapsed since the determination unit (12) determines that the machine (1) cannot be driven, the determination unit (12) resets the determination.

9. The drivability determination device according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the determination unit (12) stops the drive system from the operating state of the drive system of the machine (1), it maintains the driving ability determination for a predetermined determination holding time (Tb).

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