Alarm control device, computer program and vehicle on-board system

Abstract

A reporting control device provided in a vehicle (1), the reporting control device comprising: a projection controller (102) which controls the projection of a pedestrian crossing pattern onto a road in front of the vehicle (1) and determines the projection period based on at least one of the road widths and an expected crossing speed of a pedestrian; and a false start prevention unit (104) that prevents a false start of the vehicle (1) during a projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a message control device, a computer program and a vehicle on-board system. Technical background

[0002] Traditionally, techniques are known to assist a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in crossing a road. For example, Patent Specification 1 (hereinafter referred to as "PTL") discloses a vehicle technique in which, when a pedestrian is struck who may wish to cross a road, the system determines, based on the presence or absence of an oncoming and a following vehicle, whether the pedestrian can cross the road or not, and, if it is determined that the pedestrian can cross the road, a pedestrian crossing pattern is projected onto the road to assist the pedestrian in crossing.

[0003] PTL 2 discloses a method for alerting a vehicle to a pedestrian in an easily understandable manner. A visible light camera and an infrared camera photograph a road surface in front of, behind, and to the right of a vehicle. A CPU distinguishes a pedestrian based on the infrared images from the infrared cameras and determines whether a pedestrian is within the discrimination range. If a pedestrian is within this discrimination range, the CPU activates the switch, and the projector projects an image of a pedestrian crossing onto the road surface. As the vehicle approaches, the CPU activates the switch, and the projector projects an image of a stop line onto the road surface.

[0004] PTL 3 discloses a braking device for a vehicle comprising an accelerator pedal opening detector, a distance detector, an obstacle detector and an ECU, which is configured to perform the process of executing an automatic braking action when the distance detected by the distance detector is a certain distance or less while the vehicle is in motion, canceling the automatic braking action when the accelerator pedal opening detected by the accelerator pedal opening detector is a certain opening or greater, and preventing the cancellation of the automatic braking action when the obstacle in front is detected by the obstacle detector while the vehicle is stopped or traveling at a low speed, which is a certain speed or less.This allows the braking device for a vehicle to be provided, which can safely reduce the damage caused by the collision of the vehicle with the obstacle in front.

[0005] PTL 4 discloses a vehicle projection control device comprising: a projection controller that controls a projection device to project an image onto the environment of a self-propelled vehicle; a junction point detector that detects a junction point between a road on which the self-propelled vehicle travels (self-propelled roadway) and another road (connecting roadway) that is connected to the self-propelled vehicle roadway; and an overlap roadway detector that detects an overlap roadway at the junction point. The overlap roadway is a surface that allows both another vehicle to travel to the junction point from a connecting roadway and the self-propelled vehicle to travel there. The projection controller projects an image onto the overlap roadway, which is detected by the overlap roadway detector, using the projection device.

[0006] PTL 5 discloses a system, software product, and method for automatically adjusting the traffic light at a signalized intersection. Simultaneously, it collects personal data of a pedestrian crossing the intersection, including their walking speed, and the current speed of a vehicle approaching the intersection. Both the personal data and the vehicle's current speed are processed to generate control signals for the pedestrian crossing, such as indicators of the risk of collision between the vehicle and the pedestrian. If the risk necessitates intervention, the traffic light's "stop" state is activated to warn the vehicle to stop. Traffic control signals are also generated to regulate the duration of the "walk" state for slow-moving pedestrians.

[0007] PTL 6 discloses a vehicle lighting device provided in a vehicle capable of driving in an automatic driving mode, comprising a lighting unit configured to display stop warning information to warn of the vehicle coming to a stop towards the front of the vehicle, and a lighting control configured to control the lighting unit so that the stop warning information is displayed towards the front of the vehicle. List of quotations Patent literature PTL 1 Japanese Patent Publication No. JP 2015-143093 A PTL 2 Japanese Patent Publication No. JP 2008 - 7 079 A PTL 3 German patent application publication no. DE 10 2014 011 858 A1 PTL 4 German patent application publication no. DE 11 2014 006 919 T5 PTL 5 US Patent Application Publication No. US 2009 / 0146841 A1 PTL 6 US Patent Application Publication No. US 2018 / 0319325 A1 Summary of the invention; Technical task

[0008] However, PTL 1 leaves room for further improvements to ensure the safe crossing of the road by a pedestrian, bicycle or the like (hereinafter referred to as "pedestrian or the like") during the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern.

[0009] Non-restrictive examples of the present disclosure include a notification control device, a computer program and a vehicle on-board system that enable a pedestrian or the like to cross a road more safely. Solution to the task

[0010] A reporting control device according to claim 1.

[0011] A computer program according to claim 12.

[0012] A vehicle on-board system according to claim 13.

[0013] It should be noted that general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, a method, a device, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a storage medium, or any optional combination thereof. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0014] According to a non-restrictive and exemplary embodiment, a pedestrian or the like can cross a street more safely.

[0015] Additional benefits and advantages of an aspect of the disclosed embodiments are evident from the description and the drawing. These benefits and / or advantages can be individually achieved through the various embodiments and features described in the description and the drawing; not all of these features need to be present to achieve one or more of the benefits and advantages. Brief description of the drawing Fig. Figure 1 represents an exemplary configuration of a vehicle on-board system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is an explanatory view to illustrate the processing of Example 1 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection according to the present embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of the processing of Example 1 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection according to the present embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory view to illustrate the processing of Example 2 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection according to the present embodiment; Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the processing of Example 2 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection according to the present embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory view to illustrate the processing of Example 3 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection according to the present embodiment; and Fig. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the processing of Example 3 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection according to the present embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0016] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawing. However, descriptions that are more detailed than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of already well-known aspects and redundant descriptions of essentially the same configuration may be omitted. This serves to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0017] It should be noted that the accompanying drawing and the following description are intended to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 represents an exemplary configuration of a vehicle on-board system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] The vehicle on-board system 2, which is installed in the vehicle 1, includes, for example, a camera device 3, a radar device 4, a digital micromirror device (DMD) 5, a radio communication device 6, a vehicle control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 7 and a message control ECU 10.

[0020] The camera device 3 is, for example, installed at the front of the vehicle 1 and detects an object (a person, a bicycle, another vehicle, an obstacle, or the like) in front of the vehicle 1 by means of a recorded image. The radar device 4 is, for example, installed at the front, rear, left side, and right side of the vehicle 1 and emits an electromagnetic wave (e.g., millimeter wave) and detects an object adjacent to the vehicle 1 by means of the reflected electromagnetic wave.

[0021] It should be noted that the camera device 3 and the radar device 4 are only one example of a device for detecting the object adjacent to the vehicle 1, and the vehicle 1 can detect the object with a device other than these. It should also be noted that the device for detecting the object, such as the camera device 3 and the radar device 4, can also be referred to as the object detection unit 9. The object detection unit 9 can transmit detection information, including a detection result, to the alarm control ECU 10 when the object is detected.

[0022] The DMD 5 is a device installed, for example, near the bumper of vehicle 1, and serves to project a pattern, a character, and / or the like onto a road. In the present embodiment, the DMD 5 projects the pedestrian crossing pattern or the like onto the road in front of vehicle 1 based on control by the alarm control ECU 10.

[0023] The radio communication device 6 is a device for communicating with another vehicle. For example, the radio communication device 6 performs inter-vehicle radio communication with the other vehicle based on the V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) standard.

[0024] The vehicle control ECU 7 is a device for controlling the operation of the vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle control ECU 7 controls the steering, accelerator pedal, brakes, and the like of the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the vehicle control ECU 7 prevents a false start of the vehicle 1 based on the control by the alarm control ECU 10. That is, the vehicle control ECU 7 prevents the vehicle 1 from starting if a driver mistakenly presses the accelerator pedal.

[0025] The alarm control ECU 10 is a device for controlling a message from vehicle 1 to the pedestrian or similar and to the other vehicle. The alarm control ECU 10 includes, for example, a communication interface 11, a memory 12, and a processor 13. The communication interface 11, the memory 12, and the processor 13 are interconnected via an internal bus 14 capable of bidirectional communication.

[0026] The communication interface 11 sends or receives data via a vehicle network to or from the camera device 3, the radar device 4, the DMD 5, the radio communication device 6, and the vehicle control ECU 7. The vehicle network can consist of either a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the vehicle network can consist at least partially of a Controller Area Network (CAN).

[0027] Memory 12 stores a computer program, data, and the like, which is to be executed by processor 13. Memory 12 consists of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0028] The processor 13 implements various functions of the alarm control ECU 10 by reading the computer program from memory 12 and executing the computer program. The processor 13 can be described as a central processing unit (CPU), an LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuit, or a controller.

[0029] For example, the processor implements 13 functions relating to the projection determination unit 101, the projection control 102, the display unit for other vehicles 103 and the false start prevention unit 104 by executing the computer program read from memory 12.

[0030] The projection determination unit 101 determines, based on the detection information transmitted by the object detection unit 9, whether or not the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected. For example, if a pedestrian or similar person waiting to cross a street is detected in front of vehicle 1, the projection determination unit 101 determines, based on the detection information, that it should project the pedestrian crossing pattern. It should be noted that the case in which the pedestrian or similar person waiting to cross the street is detected could, for example, be a case in which the pedestrian or similar person is detected obliquely in front of vehicle 1, based on the captured image and / or the reflected wave.

[0031] Furthermore, in a case where, based on the acquisition information, a stop sign is detected in front of vehicle 1 on a road that a pedestrian or similar person is permitted to cross, the projection determination unit 101 determines, based on the acquisition information, that it should project the pedestrian crossing pattern. It should be noted that the case in which the stop sign is detected could, for example, be a case in which a "STOP" traffic sign on a road surface or a road sign located diagonally in front of vehicle 1 is detected using the acquired image. It should also be noted that, based on a traffic sign, map information, and / or the like, the projection determination unit 101 can determine whether or not the pedestrian or similar person is permitted to cross the road.

[0032] The projection determination unit 101 can also determine that the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected when the driver instructs the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern.

[0033] When the projection determination unit 101 determines that the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected, the projection control 102 controls the DMD 5 so that the pedestrian crossing pattern is projected in front of vehicle 1. For example, if the object detection unit 9 detects that an object present in front of vehicle 1 is a pedestrian or a bicycle, the projection control 102 controls the DMD 5 so that the pedestrian crossing pattern is projected for the pedestrian or the bicycle. It should be noted that the projection control 102 is described in detail below (see Fig. 3 to 7).

[0034] The display unit for other vehicles 103 shows a following vehicle, which is behind vehicle 1, information indicating that a pedestrian or the like is crossing a road on the pedestrian crossing pattern. The information is displayed by means of the radio communication device 6 during the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern. Hereinafter, such a display is referred to as a "crossing indicator." The following vehicle, which is behind vehicle 1, can learn the reason why the preceding vehicle 1 is stopped by receiving the crossing indicator. It should be noted that the display unit for other vehicles 103 can also display the information indicating that the pedestrian or the like is crossing the road on the pedestrian crossing pattern, for example, on a display device (not shown) installed at the rear of vehicle 1.It should also be noted that the crossing indicator can also be described as a display of information indicating that the pedestrian crossing pattern is currently being projected (such a display is referred to as a "projection indicator").

[0035] The false start prevention unit 104 controls the vehicle control ECU 7 during the pedestrian crossing pattern projection period to prevent the false start of vehicle 1. For example, during the pedestrian crossing pattern projection period, the false start prevention unit 104 instructs the vehicle control ECU 7 not to start vehicle 1, even if the driver presses the accelerator pedal. This prevents vehicle 1 from falsely starting while a pedestrian or similar person is crossing the road on the pedestrian crossing pattern projected onto the road. (Example 1 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection)

[0036] Next is the processing of Example 1 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection with reference to the explanatory view of Fig. 2 and the flowchart of Fig. 3 described. The processing described next is carried out when the projection determination unit 101 determines that the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected.

[0037] The false start prevention unit 104 controls the vehicle control ECU 7 so that the false start prevention is started (S101).

[0038] Projection control 102 defines a projection period for the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 (S102). The projection period can be predefined. Alternatively, the projection period can be determined based on road width, the expected crossing speed of a pedestrian, or similar factors. For example, projection control 102 can set the projection period so that the greater the road width, the longer the projection period, and / or so that the lower the expected crossing speed of the pedestrian, or similar factors.

[0039] Projection control 102 begins counting down the projection period specified in S102 (S103). Projection control 102 also controls DMD 5 to start the projection of pedestrian crossing pattern 201 (S104).

[0040] The display unit for other vehicles 103 starts the crossing indicator 202 for the following vehicle C, which follows vehicle 1 (S105).

[0041] Projection control 102 controls DMD 5 so that information 203, indicating a remaining projection period, is projected into the environment of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 (S106). For example, projection control 102 causes the projection of a numerical sign indicating the remaining projection period, as in Fig. 2 shown. Alternatively, the projection control 102 can also initiate the projection of a bar chart, the length of which decreases according to the remaining projection period.

[0042] The position control 102 determines whether the projection period has expired or not (S107), and if the projection period has not expired (S107: NO), the projection control 102 returns to S106, continues the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 and projects information 203 indicating an updated remaining projection period.

[0043] When the projection period has expired (S107: YES), the projection control 102 controls the DMD 5 so that the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 is terminated (S108).

[0044] Furthermore, the display unit for other vehicles 103 stops the crossing indicator 202 (S109). Additionally, the false start prevention unit 104 controls the vehicle control ECU 7 so that the false start prevention is terminated (S101).

[0045] According to the processing described above, vehicle 1, which projects the pedestrian crossing pattern, is prevented from erroneously starting, thus enabling pedestrians to cross the road more safely using pedestrian crossing pattern 201. Furthermore, vehicle 1, which projects the pedestrian crossing pattern, provides the crossing indicator 202 to the following vehicle C, allowing the following vehicle C to understand why the preceding vehicle 1 is stationary. This prevents the following vehicle C from overtaking the preceding vehicle 1 and entering pedestrian crossing pattern 201. In other words, pedestrians can cross the road more safely using the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 projected by vehicle 1.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the processing described above, the pedestrian or similar person can use information 203, which indicates the remaining projection period and is projected into the vicinity of pedestrian crossing pattern 201, to learn the remaining projection period of pedestrian crossing pattern 201. Thus, the pedestrian or similar person can cross the street more calmly.

[0047] It should be noted that the processing described above is only an example and some of the processing need not be performed in the present embodiment. For example, the information 203 indicating the remaining projection period does not need to be projected in the present embodiment. Likewise, the crossing indicator 202 for the following vehicle C does not need to be provided in the present embodiment. (Example 2 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection)

[0048] Next is the processing of Example 2 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection with reference to the explanatory view of Fig. 4 and the flowchart of Fig. 5 described. As in the example 1 mentioned above, the processing described next is carried out when the projection determination unit 101 determines that the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected.

[0049] The false start prevention unit 104 controls the vehicle control ECU 7 so that the false start prevention is started (S201).

[0050] Projection control 102 sets the projection period of pedestrian crossing pattern 201 as in step S102. Projection control 102 also sets a transition period until pedestrian crossing pattern 201 disappears (S202). The transition period until disappearance is the time from the end of the projection period until the end of the projection of pedestrian crossing pattern 201. The transition period until disappearance can be predefined. Alternatively, the transition period until disappearance, like the projection period, can also be set based on a road width, an expected crossing speed of a pedestrian, or similar factors.For example, the projection control 102 can adjust the transition period until disappearance so that the greater the road width, the longer the transition period until disappearance, and / or so that the lower the expected crossing speed of the pedestrian or the like, the longer the transition period until disappearance.

[0051] As in steps S103 and S104 in Fig. Step 3: The projection control 102 begins counting down the projection period (S203) and starts the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 (S204). Furthermore, the display unit for other vehicles 103 starts the crossing indicator 202 for the following vehicle C as in step S105 (S205).

[0052] Projection control 102 determines whether the projection period has expired or not (S206), and if the projection period has not expired (S206: NO), projection control 102 returns to S206 and continues projecting the pedestrian crossing pattern. If the projection period has expired (S206: YES), projection control 102 begins counting down the transition period until it disappears (S207).

[0053] During the transition period until disappearance, the projection controller 102 then changes a projection aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 compared to the projection aspect during the projection period (S208). More precisely, the projection controller 102 changes the projection aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 compared to the projection aspect during the projection period with respect to a projection intensity, a color, or to a flashing projection. For example, the projection controller 102 reduces the projection intensity 211 of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 according to the remaining transition period until disappearance, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 is shown. Alternatively, the projection control 102 changes the flashing interval of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 according to the remaining transition period until it disappears. Alternatively, the projection control 102 changes the color of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 according to the remaining transition period until it disappears.

[0054] Projection control 102 determines whether the disappearance transition period has elapsed (S209). If the disappearance transition period has not elapsed (S209: NO), projection control 102 returns to S208 and continues projecting the pedestrian crossing pattern during the disappearance transition period. If the disappearance transition period has elapsed (S209: YES), processing is carried out by S210.

[0055] In the processing according to S210, the projection control 102, the display unit for other vehicles 103 and the false start prevention unit 104 perform the same processing as that of S108 to S110 (S210 to S212).

[0056] According to the processing described above, vehicle 1, which projects the pedestrian crossing pattern 201, is prevented from starting erroneously, thus enabling pedestrians or similar persons to cross the road more safely on the pedestrian crossing pattern 201. Furthermore, vehicle 1, which projects the pedestrian crossing pattern 201, provides the crossing indicator 202 to the following vehicle C, so that the following vehicle C can learn why the preceding vehicle 1 is stopped.

[0057] According to the processing described above, changing the projection aspect of pedestrian crossing pattern 201 allows the pedestrian or similar person to continue to know that pedestrian crossing pattern 201 will soon disappear. Thus, the pedestrian or similar person can cross the street more calmly and safely.

[0058] It should be noted that in the processing of example 2 described above, the message control ECU 10 can also project the remaining projection period described for example 1 until the projection period has expired. (Example 3 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection)

[0059] Next is Example 3 of the pedestrian crossing pattern projection with reference to the explanatory view of Fig. 6 and the flowchart of Fig. 7 described. As in the example 1 mentioned above, the processing described next is carried out when the projection determination unit 101 determines that the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected.

[0060] The false start prevention unit 104, the projection control 102 and the display unit for other vehicles 103 are processed in the same way as S101 to S108 (S301 to S308).

[0061] After the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 has been projected into S308, the projection controller 102 determines whether or not vehicle 1 can start (S309). For example, if a pedestrian or similar person crossing a road, or who is highly likely to begin crossing a road, is detected by the object detection unit 9 based on the detection information, the projection controller 102 determines that vehicle 1 cannot start.

[0062] If the projection control 102 determines that vehicle 1 cannot start (S309: NO), the projection control 102 causes the projection of pattern 212, which indicates that it is inappropriate to cross the road (hereafter such a pattern is referred to as ‘Inappropriate Crossing Pattern 212’) (S310), as shown in Fig. 6 is shown, and returns to S309. That is, the projection control 102 continues the projection of the inappropriate crossing pattern 212 until the projection control 102 determines that vehicle 1 can start. In addition, the display unit for other vehicles 103 continues the crossing display 202 for the following vehicle C, which follows vehicle 1, until it is determined that vehicle 1 can start.

[0063] When the production control 102 determines that vehicle 1 can start (S309: YES), the projection control 102 proceeds with S311. That is, the display unit for other vehicles 103 stops the crossing indicator 202 for the following vehicle C, which follows vehicle 1 (S311), and the false start prevention unit 104 ends the false start prevention (S312).

[0064] According to the processing described above, the false start prevention for vehicle 1 continues even after the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 has ended if a pedestrian or similar person is present while crossing the road, thus allowing the pedestrian or similar person to cross the road more safely. Furthermore, the crossing indication 202 for the following vehicle C continues even after the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 has ended if a pedestrian or similar person is present while crossing the road, thus keeping the following vehicle C continuously informed of the reason why the preceding vehicle 1 is stationary.

[0065] Furthermore, the inappropriate crossing pattern projected onto the road, according to the processing described above, allows the pedestrian or similar person crossing the road to know that the road must be crossed quickly, or allows the pedestrian or similar person who is most likely to begin crossing the road to know that they should not cross the road now. Thus, the pedestrian or similar person can cross the road more calmly and safely.

[0066] It should be noted that the message control ECU 10, in the processing of the example 3 described above, can also perform the processing to change the projection aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern, as described in example 2, after the projection period has elapsed and before determining whether vehicle 1 can start or not. <Zusammenfassung der Offenbarung>

[0067] In the present disclosure, the message control ECU 10 is provided in a vehicle and includes the projection control 102, which controls the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201 onto a road in front of the vehicle 1, and the false start prevention unit 104, which prevents the false start of the vehicle 1 during the projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern 201.

[0068] This prevents vehicle 1, which projects the pedestrian crossing pattern, from starting erroneously, so that the pedestrian or the like can cross the road more safely on the pedestrian crossing pattern 201.

[0069] It should be noted that the present revelation can be described as follows.

[0070] A reporting control device according to the present disclosure is a reporting control device provided in a vehicle and comprising: a projection control which controls the projection of a pedestrian crossing pattern onto a road in front of the vehicle; and a false start prevention unit which prevents a false start of the vehicle during a projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern.

[0071] Furthermore, the false start prevention unit in the message control device, according to the present disclosure, can prevent the false start of the vehicle if an accelerator pedal is incorrectly pressed.

[0072] Furthermore, the projection control in the reporting control device according to the present disclosure can determine the projection period based on at least one of a road width and an expected crossing speed of a pedestrian.

[0073] Furthermore, the projection control in the message control device according to the present disclosure can control the projection of information indicating a remaining period of a given projection period.

[0074] Furthermore, the projection control in the message control device according to the present disclosure can control the projection of a bar chart, the length of which decreases according to the remaining projection period.

[0075] Furthermore, the projection control in the reporting control device according to the present disclosure can modify an aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern such that the aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern during a transition period until disappearance, which is set to begin after the expiry of a predetermined projection period, differs from the aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern during the predetermined projection period.

[0076] Furthermore, the projection control in the reporting control device according to the present disclosure can change the aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern according to a remaining period of the transition period until disappearance, which is set to begin after the expiry of the specified projection period.

[0077] Furthermore, the projection control in the reporting control device according to the present disclosure can determine the transition period until disappearance based on at least one of a road width and an expected crossing speed of a pedestrian.

[0078] Furthermore, the reporting control device according to the present disclosure also includes a projection determination unit which, based on at least one traffic sign and map information, determines whether or not the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected. The projection control can control the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern if the projection determination unit determines that the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the reporting control device may also include a display unit for other vehicles which, during the projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern, indicates to a following vehicle that the pedestrian crossing pattern is currently being projected.

[0080] Furthermore, the projection control in the detection control device according to the present disclosure can control the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern for the pedestrian or bicycle when it is detected that an object present in front of the vehicle is a pedestrian or a bicycle.

[0081] Furthermore, the projection control in the reporting control device according to the present disclosure can control the projection of an inappropriate crossing pattern when a pedestrian or bicycle crossing the road is detected in front of the vehicle after the projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern has elapsed.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, a computer program causes a computer mounted in a vehicle to perform the following processing: controlling the projection of a pedestrian crossing pattern onto a road in front of the vehicle; and preventing a false start of the vehicle during a projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, a vehicle on-board system is a detection control device provided in a vehicle and comprising: an object detection unit that detects a pedestrian or bicycle present in front of the vehicle; a projection control that controls the projection of a pedestrian crossing pattern onto a road in front of the vehicle when the pedestrian or bicycle is detected; and a false start prevention unit that prevents a false start of the vehicle during a projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern.

[0084] The present disclosure may be realized by software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware.

[0085] Each functional block described above in the description of each embodiment can be implemented partially or entirely by an LSI circuit, such as an integrated circuit, and each operation described in each embodiment can be implemented partially or entirely by this LSI circuit or a combination of LSI circuits. The LSI circuit can be formed from individual chips, or a single chip can be configured to contain some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI circuit can include an associated data input and output. The LSI circuit can be referred to as an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI, depending on the level of integration.

[0086] However, the technique for implementing an integrated circuit is not limited to the LSI circuit and can be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a specialized processor. Furthermore, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), which can be programmed after the LSI circuit has been fabricated, or a reconfigurable processor, in which the settings of circuit cells arranged in the LSI circuit can be reconfigured, can be used. The present disclosure can be implemented as digital or analog processing.

[0087] If future integrated circuit technology, resulting from advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies, replaces LSI circuits, the functional blocks could be integrated using this future integrated circuit technology. Biotechnology could also be applied.

[0088] The present disclosure can be realized by any type of device, apparatus, or system that can be installed in a vehicle. Some non-limiting examples of such a device include a telephone (e.g., mobile phone, smartphone), a tablet, a personal computer (PC) (e.g., a laptop, desktop, notebook), a camera (e.g., a digital still / video camera), a digital playback device (digital audio / video player), a wearable device (e.g., a wearable camera, smartwatch, tracking device), a game console, and a vehicle or means of movement or transport (e.g., automobile, aircraft, ship), and various combinations thereof. Commercial applicability

[0089] One aspect of the present disclosure is useful for vehicle on-board systems. Reference sign 1 vehicle 2 Vehicle on-board system 3 camera device 4 radar device 5 DMD 6 Radio communication device 7 Vehicle control ECU 9 object detection unit 10 Alarm control ECU 11 Communication interface 12 storage locations 13 processor 14 Internal Bus 101 Projection determination unit 102 Projection control 103 Display unit for other vehicles 104 False start prevention unit

Claims

[1] A signaling control device provided in a vehicle (1), the signaling control device comprising: a projection controller (102) which controls the projection of a pedestrian crossing pattern onto a road in front of the vehicle (1) and determines the projection period based on at least one of the road widths and an expected crossing speed of a pedestrian; and a false start prevention unit (104) that prevents a false start of the vehicle (1) during a projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern. [2] Signaling control device according to claim 1, wherein the false start prevention unit (104) prevents the false start of the vehicle (1) when an accelerator pedal is incorrectly pressed. [3] Message control device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the projection control (102) controls the projection of information indicating a remaining period of a predetermined projection period. [4] Signaling control device according to claim 3, wherein the projection control (102) controls the projection of a bar chart, the length of which decreases according to the remaining projection period. [5] Reporting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the projection control (102) modifies a pedestrian crossing pattern such that the aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern during a transition period until disappearance, which is set to begin after the expiry of a predetermined projection period, differs from the aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern during the predetermined projection period. [6] Reporting control device according to claim 5, wherein the projection control (102) changes the aspect of the pedestrian crossing pattern according to a remaining period of the transition period until disappearance, which is set to begin after the expiry of the predetermined projection period. [7] Reporting control device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the projection control (102) determines the transition period until disappearance based on at least one of a road width and an expected crossing speed of a pedestrian. [8] Signaling control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a projection determination unit (101) which determines, on the basis of at least one traffic sign and map information, whether the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected or not, wherein The projection control (102) controls the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern when the projection determination unit (101) determines that the pedestrian crossing pattern should be projected. [9] Signaling control device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a display unit for other vehicles (103) which, during the projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern, indicates to a following vehicle (1) that the pedestrian crossing pattern is currently being projected. [10] Detection control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when it is detected that an object present in front of the vehicle (1) is a pedestrian or a bicycle, the projection control (102) controls the projection of the pedestrian crossing pattern for the pedestrian or the bicycle. [11] Reporting control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when a pedestrian or bicycle crossing the road is detected in front of the vehicle (1) after the projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern has elapsed, the projection control (102) controls the projection of an inappropriate crossing pattern. [12] Computer program for causing a computer mounted in a vehicle (1) to perform the following processing: Control of the projection of a pedestrian crossing pattern onto a road in front of the vehicle (1); Controlling the projection of the projection period based on at least one of the street widths and the expected crossing speed of a pedestrian; and Preventing a false start of the vehicle (1) during a projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern. [13] Vehicle on-board system (2) provided in a vehicle (1), the vehicle on-board system (2) comprising: an object detection unit (9) that detects a pedestrian or bicycle that is in front of the vehicle (1); a projection controller (102) which controls the projection of a pedestrian crossing pattern onto a road in front of the vehicle (1) when the pedestrian or bicycle is detected and which determines the projection period based on at least one of a road width and an expected crossing speed of a pedestrian; and a false start prevention unit (104) that prevents a false start of the vehicle (1) during a projection period of the pedestrian crossing pattern.

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