Information provision device, control unit, and information provision system

Abstract

To provide an information provision device, a control unit, and an information provision system capable of presenting an obstacle existing farther than a point at which a vehicle can stop at a predetermined acceleration rate or less to a driver.SOLUTION: An information provision device includes: a position sensor for measuring a position of a vehicle SV; a monitor for displaying an image; and a control unit which has a distance sensor interface for receiving a signal including data on the distance to an object in a predetermined measurement region S. The control unit acquires the signal through the distance sensor interface at such timing that at least a part of a region farther than a breaking point at a breaking distance from the vehicle SV, at which the vehicle SV stops at a predetermined acceleration rate or less, in a travel direction of the vehicle SV is included in the predetermined measurement region S, detects an obstacle on the basis of the signal, and makes the monitor display a map of a display region including the braking point and, moreover, an obstacle icon at a position of the obstacle on the map.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing device, a control device, and an information providing system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is an information provision system that displays a map of the surroundings to a driver of a vehicle traveling on a road and further displays obstacles on the map. Such an information provision system acquires the vehicle's position and the positions of obstacles, displays a map of a predetermined range from the acquired vehicle position on a monitor or the like provided in the vehicle, and further displays an icon corresponding to the obstacle's position on the map. Such an information provision system is disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-215911 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a vehicle suddenly decelerates and stops, it may cause discomfort to the occupants of the vehicle. Therefore, it is desirable for the vehicle to decelerate and stop at a predetermined acceleration or less that does not cause discomfort to the occupants. In other words, it is desirable for the vehicle to start decelerating at a braking point that is at least a braking distance away from the desired stopping position that allows the vehicle to stop at the predetermined acceleration or less.

[0005] However, the information provision system described in the above Patent Document 1 displays a map of a predetermined range from the vehicle regardless of the braking distance of the vehicle. Therefore, the information provision system may display a map that does not include an area farther than the braking point in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and may not display obstacles farther than the braking point. Therefore, there is a demand to prevent passengers from feeling uncomfortable due to sudden deceleration by clearly indicating obstacles farther than the braking point to the driver.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides an information providing device, a control device, and an information providing system that can notify the driver of obstacles that are farther away than a point where the vehicle can stop at a predetermined acceleration or less. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information providing device of the present invention comprises a position sensor that measures the position of a vehicle, a monitor that displays an image, and a control device having a distance sensor interface that receives a signal including data related to the distance to an object in a specified measurement area, and the control device acquires the signal via the distance sensor interface at a time when at least a portion of an area distant from the vehicle in the direction of travel of the vehicle beyond a braking point where the vehicle stops at a specified acceleration or less is included in the specified measurement area, detects an obstacle based on the signal, displays a map of a display area including the braking point on a monitor, and further displays an obstacle icon at the position of the obstacle on the map.

[0008] The information providing device can display on the map an obstacle icon corresponding to an obstacle that is farther away than a point where the vehicle can stop at a predetermined acceleration or less, and thus can notify the driver of the existence and position of the obstacle that is farther away than the braking point.

[0009] In the above-mentioned information providing device, the specified measurement range may include at least a portion outside the display area, and when the vehicle is included in a collision area based on the position and speed of the obstacle, the display area may be expanded to an area including the obstacle and the braking point.

[0010] The information providing device can display an obstacle icon corresponding to an obstacle that may cause a collision with the vehicle on a map. Therefore, the information providing device can notify the driver of the existence and location of the obstacle that may cause a collision with the vehicle. Therefore, the information providing device can notify the driver of the existence and location of an obstacle that is more dangerous.

[0011] In addition, in the above-mentioned information providing device, the control device may determine that the vehicle is included in the collision area when a distance between an expected point where the vehicle is predicted to reach at a predicted arrival time when the obstacle is predicted to reach the intersection between an axis of movement along which the vehicle is moving and an axis of movement along which the obstacle is moving is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0012] In the above information providing device, when the vehicle is included in the collision area, the control device may display a warning on the monitor.

[0013] The information providing device can more clearly notify the driver of the presence of an obstacle that may cause a collision with the vehicle.

[0014] In the above information providing device, the display area may include a position of the vehicle, and the control device may display a vehicle icon at the position of the vehicle on the map.

[0015] In the information providing device, the display area may be reduced as the vehicle approaches an intersection.

[0016] The information providing device may present the driver with a more detailed map the closer the vehicle gets to an intersection.

[0017] In the above information providing device, when the vehicle enters an intersection, the control device may reduce the brightness of the monitor.

[0018] The information providing device can alert the driver to his / her surroundings while in an intersection.

[0019] In the above information providing device, when the vehicle turns at the intersection, the control device may reduce the brightness of the monitor when the vehicle enters the intersection.

[0020] The information providing device can urge the driver to pay more attention to the surroundings in a situation where more attention to the surroundings is required.

[0021] In the above information providing device, when the vehicle is turning in an intersection, the control device may reduce the brightness of the monitor.

[0022] The information providing device can urge the driver to pay more attention to the surroundings in a situation where more attention to the surroundings is required.

[0023] In the information providing device, the braking distance may be based on a speed of the vehicle.

[0024] In the information providing device, the braking distance may be based on a speed limit of a road on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0025] The control device of the present invention is a control device equipped with a position sensor interface that communicates with a position sensor that measures the position of the vehicle, a monitor interface that communicates with a monitor that displays images, and a distance sensor interface that receives a signal including data related to the distance to an object in a specified measurement area, and acquires the signal via the distance sensor interface at a time when at least a portion of an area distant from the vehicle in the vehicle's direction of travel beyond a braking point where the vehicle stops at a specified acceleration or less is included in the specified measurement area, detects an obstacle based on the signal, displays a map of the display area including the braking point on the monitor, and further displays an obstacle icon at the position of the obstacle on the map.

[0026] The control device can notify the driver of the presence and position of an obstacle that is farther away than a braking point where the vehicle can be stopped at or below a predetermined acceleration.

[0027] The information provision system of the present invention comprises a position sensor that measures the position of a vehicle, a monitor that displays an image, a distance sensor that receives a signal including data related to the distance to an object in a specified measurement area, and a control device, wherein the control device acquires the signal at a time when the specified measurement area includes at least a portion of an area distant from the vehicle in the vehicle's direction of travel beyond a braking point where the vehicle will stop at a specified acceleration or less, detects an obstacle based on the signal, displays a map of a display area including the braking point on the monitor, and further displays an obstacle icon at the position of the obstacle on the map.

[0028] The information provision system can inform the driver of the presence and position of an obstacle that is located before a braking point where the vehicle can be stopped at or below a predetermined acceleration. Effect of the Invention

[0029] As described above, according to the present invention, there are provided an information providing device, a control device, and an information providing system that can notify a driver of an obstacle that is located farther away than a braking point where the vehicle can be stopped at a predetermined acceleration or less. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the information providing system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the information providing device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram showing an operation of the information providing device shown in FIG. 2 for detecting a collision obstacle; [Diagram 5] 3 is a diagram showing a display area set by the information providing device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed by the information providing device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3 is a diagram showing a display area set by the information providing device shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 3 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed by the information providing device shown in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments exemplified below are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the drawings referred to below, the dimensions of each component may be changed to facilitate understanding.

[0032] An information provision system according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a driver of a vehicle with a map of the surroundings of the vehicle and obstacles such as other vehicles that exist around the vehicle. The information provision system measures the distance to an object in a predetermined measurement area including an intersection and detects the obstacle from the detection result. The information provision system displays information related to the detected obstacle together with the map of the surroundings of the vehicle on a monitor installed in the vehicle.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an information provision system 1 according to an embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the information provision system 1 detects an obstacle in a measurement area S including an intersection I where a first road R1 and a second road R2 intersect and a part of the second road R2. The information provision system 1 mainly includes a vehicle SV and a distance sensor 100.

[0034] In addition, a building E is provided near the intersection I. In addition, a vehicle SV is traveling on the first road R1 toward the intersection I. In addition, a vehicle OV is traveling on the second road R2 toward the intersection I.

[0035] The distance sensor 100 is fixedly installed near an intersection I. The distance sensor 100 measures the distance to an object in a measurement area S. When the distance sensor 100 measures the distance to an object, it transmits a signal including data related to the distance to the object as a measurement result to the vehicle SV. The distance sensor 100 may measure the distance to the object at a predetermined interval, or may measure the distance to the object according to a control signal from the vehicle SV.

[0036] For example, the distance sensor 100 is a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) device that irradiates a measurement area S with light and acquires coordinates of a detection point detected in the measurement area S. The distance sensor 100 may be a millimeter wave radar or a stereo camera. The configuration of the distance sensor 100 is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0037] In this embodiment, the measurement area S includes the intersection I and a part of the second road R2 near the intersection I. The measurement area S includes an area that is likely to be a blind spot for the driver of the vehicle SV due to a building E or the like.

[0038] The vehicle SV is a vehicle driven by a driver to which a map and obstacles are presented by the information provision system 1. For example, the vehicle SV may be a private car or a bus. The configuration of the vehicle SV is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a configuration of the information provision system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, as described above, the information provision system 1 mainly includes the vehicle SV and the distance sensor 100. The vehicle SV mainly includes the information provision device 10, the ECU 40, etc.

[0040] The information providing device 10 is provided at a position where the vehicle SV can be seen. For example, the information providing device 10 is provided near the dashboard of the vehicle SV. The information providing device 10 provides various information to the driver of the vehicle SV. For example, the information providing device 10 is a car navigation device.

[0041] The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 40 electrically monitors and controls each part of the vehicle SV. For example, the ECU 40 monitors the accelerator, brake, headlights, turn signals, steering, etc. In this embodiment, the ECU 40 monitors the speed of the vehicle SV, the steering angle, the illumination of the turn signals, etc. The ECU 40 transmits signals related to the speed of the vehicle SV, the steering angle, the illumination of the turn signals, etc. to the control device 11 according to the control of the control device 11. Note that the ECU 40 may be composed of multiple ECUs each controlling each part.

[0042] The information providing device 10 mainly comprises a control device 11, a position sensor 20, and a monitor 30. The control device 11 mainly comprises a position sensor interface 12, a monitor interface 13, an ECU interface 14, and a distance sensor interface 15. The position sensor interface 12 is communicatively connected to the position sensor 20. The monitor interface 13 is communicatively connected to the monitor 30. The ECU interface 14 is communicatively connected to the ECU 40. The distance sensor interface 15 is communicatively connected to the distance sensor 100.

[0043] The position sensor 20 measures the position of the vehicle SV in accordance with a control signal from the control device 11. The position sensor 20 transmits a signal related to the position of the vehicle SV to the control device 11. For example, the position sensor 20 measures the position of the vehicle SV using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Note that the configuration of the position sensor 20 is not limited to a specific configuration.

[0044] The monitor 30 displays various information in accordance with a control signal from the control device 11. For example, the monitor 30 includes a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0045] The position sensor interface 12 supplies control signals to the position sensor 20 to start or end position measurement, and also receives signals from the position sensor 20 related to the position of the vehicle SV.

[0046] The monitor interface 13 supplies the monitor 30 with a signal related to an image to be displayed on the monitor 30 .

[0047] The ECU interface 14 receives signals related to the speed of the vehicle SV, the steering angle, the illumination of the direction indicators, etc. from the ECU 40. The ECU interface 14 may also transmit requests to the ECU 40 for the signals.

[0048] The distance sensor interface 15 receives a signal including data related to the distance to an object from the distance sensor 100. The distance sensor interface 15 may also transmit a request requesting the signal to the distance sensor 100. The distance sensor interface 15 may also receive the signal from the distance sensor 100 via another interface. For example, the distance sensor interface 15 may receive the signal from the distance sensor 100 via a wireless communication device or the like. The distance sensor interface 15 may also receive the signal from the distance sensor 100 via a server or the like.

[0049] The control device 11 may be, for example, a processor such as an integrated circuit, such as a microcontroller, an integrated circuit (IC), a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a numerical control (NC) device. The control device 11 may also be a central processing unit (CPU), or the like. The control device 11 may also be one that uses a machine learning device, or one that does not use a machine learning device. As described below, some components of the information providing device 10 are controlled by the control device 11. The control device 11 executes programs stored in a memory that the control device 11 stores therein to realize various functions.

[0050] The memory is, for example, a non-transitory recording medium, and is preferably a semiconductor recording medium such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), but may include any type of recording medium such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium. Note that a "non-transitory" recording medium includes all computer-readable recording media except for a transient, propagating signal, and does not exclude volatile recording media.

[0051] Next, the operation of the information providing system 1 of this embodiment will be described. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 11 in this embodiment. The control device 11 realizes the following operations by executing a program stored in the memory. As shown in FIG. 3, the flowchart includes steps SP11 to SP22.

[0052] (Step SP11) This step is a step in which the control device 11 acquires the position of the vehicle SV. For example, the control device 11 acquires a signal related to the position of the vehicle SV from the position sensor 20 via the position sensor interface 12. If the position sensor 20 has not started measuring the position, the control device 11 may transmit a control signal to the position sensor 20 via the position sensor interface 12 prior to step SP11 to cause the position sensor 20 to start measuring the position. When the control device 11 acquires the position of the vehicle SV, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0053] (Step SP12) In this step, the control device 11 determines whether the position of the vehicle SV is included inside the intersection I. The control device 11 acquires the coordinates of the outer edge of the intersection I by referring to map information related to a map stored in a memory or the like. The control device 11 determines whether the position of the vehicle SV is included inside the outer edge of the intersection I.

[0054] The control device 11 may obtain a signal including data related to the distance to the object from the distance sensor 100, and determine whether the position of the vehicle SV is included in the intersection I based on the signal. For example, the control device 11 detects the vehicle SV in the measurement area S based on the signal from the distance sensor 100. The control device 11 determines whether the position of the detected vehicle SV is included inside the intersection I.

[0055] If the position of the vehicle SV is inside the intersection I, the control device 11 proceeds to step SP13. If the position of the vehicle SV is not inside the intersection I, the control device 11 proceeds to step SP14.

[0056] (Step SP13) In this step, the control device 11 determines whether the steering angle of the vehicle SV is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, the control device 11 acquires a signal related to the steering angle from the ECU 40 via the ECU interface 14. The control device 11 determines whether the steering angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold based on the signal.

[0057] If the steering angle is less than the predetermined threshold, the control device 11 proceeds to step SP14. If the steering angle is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the control device 11 proceeds to step SP22.

[0058] (Step SP14) In this step, the control device 11 acquires a signal including data related to the distance to the object from the distance sensor 100. The control device 11 acquires the signal via the distance sensor interface 15 at a timing when at least a part of an area farther away from the braking point in the traveling direction of the vehicle SV, the braking distance from the vehicle SV where the vehicle SV stops at a predetermined acceleration or less, is included in the measurement area S. The predetermined acceleration is an acceleration that does not cause discomfort to the occupants of the vehicle SV. For example, the predetermined acceleration is 2 m / s2. In this embodiment, the predetermined acceleration is a value in which the acceleration applied in the opposite direction to the traveling direction of the vehicle SV is positive.

[0059] In addition, when the data is temporarily stored in a server or the like, the control device 11 may acquire a signal including the data from the server. In addition, when the control device 11 acquires the signal in step SP12, it is not necessary to execute step SP14. When the control device 11 receives the signal, the process proceeds to step SP15.

[0060] (Step SP15) This step is a step in which the control device 11 detects an obstacle in the measurement area S from data relating to the distance to an object in the measurement area S.

[0061] For example, the control device 11 detects an obstacle by calculating the difference between the data and data obtained by measuring a background prepared in advance. The control device 11 may also detect an obstacle by a clustering process. The method by which the control device 11 detects an obstacle is not limited to a specific method.

[0062] For example, the obstacle may be another vehicle such as a vehicle OV. Also, the obstacle may be a bicycle, a pedestrian, etc. The configuration of the obstacle is not limited to a specific configuration. If the control device 11 detects an obstacle in the measurement area S, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0063] (Step SP16) In this step, the control device 11 detects an obstacle that may collide with the vehicle SV from the obstacles detected in step SP15. Hereinafter, an obstacle that may collide with the vehicle SV is referred to as a collision obstacle. In addition, it is assumed that the control device 11 acquires a signal indicating the speed of the vehicle SV from the ECU 40 via the ECU interface 14.

[0064] FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation of the control device 11 to detect an obstacle that may collide with the vehicle SV. FIG. 4 shows the vicinity of an intersection I. In FIG. 4, the distance sensor 100 and a building E are omitted. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the control device 11 detects a vehicle OV as an obstacle. Furthermore, the measurement area S includes at least a part outside the display area that the control device 11 has caused the monitor 30 to display as a map. The vehicle OV is located outside the display area. When the control device 11 detects the vehicle OV, it sets an intersection P between the movement axis along which the vehicle SV moves and the movement axis along which the vehicle OV moves.

[0065] When the control device 11 sets the intersection point P, it calculates the arrival time at which the vehicle OV will arrive at the intersection point P from the position and speed of the vehicle OV. When the control device 11 calculates the arrival time, it calculates a travel distance by multiplying the arrival time by the speed of the vehicle SV. The travel distance is a distance that the vehicle SV is expected to travel between the current time and the arrival time. When the control device 11 calculates the travel distance, it sets a collision area C on the first road R1 between the intersection point P and a point that has traveled the travel distance from the intersection point P in a direction toward the vehicle SV. When the control device 11 sets the collision area C, it determines whether the vehicle SV is included in the collision area C. If the vehicle SV is included in the collision area C, the control device 11 detects the vehicle OV as a collision obstacle. The control device 11 may add a predetermined value to the calculated travel distance and set the collision area C between the intersection point P and a point that has traveled the travel distance after the addition from the intersection point P.

[0066] As a result of the above operation, if the distance between the predicted point where the vehicle SV is predicted to arrive at the arrival time when the vehicle OV reaches the intersection P and the intersection P is less than a predetermined threshold, the control device 11 determines that the vehicle SV is included in the collision area C.

[0067] If the control device 11 detects at least one collision obstacle, the process proceeds to step SP20. If the control device 11 does not detect any obstacle in step SP15, or if the control device 11 does not detect a collision obstacle from the obstacles detected in step SP15, the process proceeds to step SP17.

[0068] (Step SP17) In this step, the control device 11 acquires the distance to the intersection ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle SV. In this embodiment, the control device 11 acquires the distance to the closest intersection ahead in the traveling direction of the vehicle SV.

[0069] For example, the control device 11 acquires the position of an intersection ahead by referring to map information, etc. The control device 11 acquires the distance between the position of the intersection and the vehicle SV as the distance to the intersection ahead. Note that the control device 11 may acquire the distance to the center of the intersection or the distance to the stop line in front of the intersection as the distance to the intersection ahead. In this embodiment, the control device 11 acquires the distance to the intersection I. When the distance to the intersection ahead is acquired, the control device 11 proceeds to step SP18.

[0070] (Step SP18) This step is a step in which the control device 11 sets a display area to be displayed as a map on the monitor 30. Fig. 5 shows a display area 200 set by the control device 11. In Fig. 5, the distance sensor 100 is omitted.

[0071] The control device 11 calculates the braking distance D that allows the vehicle SV to stop at a predetermined acceleration or less, based on the speed of the vehicle SV. The predetermined acceleration is as described above.

[0072] When the control device 11 calculates the braking distance D, it sets a braking point B in the traveling direction of the vehicle SV that is the braking distance D away from the position of the vehicle SV. The braking point B is a point where the vehicle SV can stop at a predetermined acceleration or less if braking is started from the current time.

[0073] The control device 11 sets an area including the braking point B and the position of the vehicle SV as the display area 200. The display area 200 also includes at least a portion of an area farther away than the braking point B in the traveling direction of the vehicle SV. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the position of the vehicle SV is included near the bottom end of the display area 200. The braking point B is included near the center of the display area 200.

[0074] Furthermore, the control device 11 sets a narrower display area 200 as the distance to the intersection I ahead becomes shorter. Therefore, the display area 200 becomes smaller as the vehicle SV advances toward the intersection I. That is, the map displayed on the monitor 30 becomes larger as the vehicle SV advances toward the intersection I.

[0075] The control device 11 sets the display area 200 including the position of the vehicle SV and the braking point B, and therefore the reduction of the display area 200 stops when the distance from the intersection I becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. If the distance is greater than the predetermined threshold, the display area 200 is reduced as the vehicle SV travels toward the intersection I. Furthermore, if the distance is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, the display area 200 maintains the size at the time when the distance became equal to or less than the predetermined threshold.

[0076] After setting the display area 200, the control device 11 proceeds to step SP19.

[0077] (Step SP19) This step is a step in which the control device 11 displays a map on the monitor 30 based on the display area 200 set in step SP18.

[0078] The control device 11 displays a map of the display area 200 on the monitor 30 based on the map information. Since the display area 200 includes at least a portion of an area farther away than the braking point B in the traveling direction of the vehicle SV, the control device 11 displays the map including that portion on the monitor 30.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 11 displays a first road schematic diagram R1a corresponding to a first road R1, a second road schematic diagram R2a corresponding to a second road R2, and a building schematic diagram Ea corresponding to a building E.

[0080] In addition, the control device 11 displays a vehicle icon SVa and a line Ba on the map.

[0081] The vehicle icon SVa indicates the position of the vehicle SV. The control device 11 displays the vehicle icon SVa at the position of the vehicle SV on the map.

[0082] Line Ba indicates the position of braking point B. Line Ba extends in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of vehicle SV, and includes braking point B on the map near its center.

[0083] Furthermore, when an obstacle is included in the display area 200, the control device 11 displays an obstacle icon representing the obstacle at the position of the obstacle on the map. After the control device 11 displays the map, the vehicle icon SVa, the line Ba, and the like on the monitor 30, the process returns to step SP11.

[0084] (Step SP20) In this step, the control device 11 sets a display area 200 including a collision obstacle. Fig. 7 shows the display area 200 set by the control device 11. In Fig. 7, the distance sensor 100 is omitted. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the control device 11 detects a vehicle OV as a collision obstacle.

[0085] As described above, the control device 11 sets the braking point B. After setting the braking point B, the control device 11 expands the display area 200 to an area including the braking point B, the position of the vehicle SV, and the position of the collision obstacle. The expanded display area 200 also includes at least a portion of an area farther away than the braking point B in the traveling direction of the vehicle SV. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the display area 200 includes the position of the vehicle OV as a collision obstacle, in addition to the braking point B and the vehicle SV in the display area 200 in Fig. 5.

[0086] When a plurality of collision obstacles are detected, the control device 11 sets the display area 200 including the positions of the plurality of collision obstacles.

[0087] Furthermore, when the display area 200 is set in the same manner as in step SP18 but includes the position of a collision obstacle, the control device 11 may set the display area 200 in the same manner as in step SP18. After setting the display area 200, the control device 11 proceeds to step SP21.

[0088] (Step SP21) This step is a step in which the control device 11 displays a map on the monitor 30 based on the display area 200 set in step SP20. The control device 11 displays an obstacle icon OVa and a warning A in addition to the display screen of step SP19.

[0089] The obstacle icon OVa indicates the position of the vehicle OV. The control device 11 displays the obstacle icon OVa at the position of the vehicle OV on the map.

[0090] Warning A indicates that there is an obstacle that may collide with the vehicle SV. For example, warning A includes a message indicating the presence of the obstacle. Warning A may also include a message prompting the vehicle SV to stop. Warning A may also include a flashing background or message. The control device 11 may also output a warning sound from a speaker (not shown) or the like.

[0091] The control device 11 may display the traveling direction and speed of the vehicle OV. For example, the control device 11 may display an arrow indicating the traveling direction and a numerical value indicating the speed near the obstacle icon OVa.

[0092] Furthermore, when the display area 200 includes an obstacle that is not a collision obstacle, the control device 11 displays an obstacle icon indicating the obstacle at the position of the obstacle on the map.

[0093] After displaying the map, the vehicle icon SVa, the line Ba, the obstacle icon OBa, the warning A, and the like on the monitor 30, the control device 11 returns to step SP11.

[0094] (Step SP22) In this step, the control device 11 reduces the brightness of the monitor 30 during at least a portion of the period during which the vehicle SV is located within the intersection I. In this embodiment, when the vehicle SV is located within the intersection I and the steering angle is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control device 11 reduces the brightness of the monitor 30 to a predetermined brightness. The control device 11 may also turn off the monitor 30. In this embodiment, reducing the brightness of the monitor 30 includes turning off the monitor 30. After the control device 11 reduces the luminance of the monitor 30, the process returns to step SP11.

[0095] If the luminance of the monitor 30 has been reduced in step SP22, the control device 11 returns the luminance of the monitor 30 to a predetermined luminance in steps SP19 and SP21.

[0096] Furthermore, when a collision obstacle is detected and the collision obstacle is not included in the display area 200 immediately before the detection, the control device 11 may gradually enlarge the display area 200 until the collision obstacle is included in the display area 200.

[0097] In addition, the control device 11 may calculate the braking distance D based on the speed limit of the first road R1 on which the vehicle SV travels. For example, the control device 11 may calculate, as the braking distance D, a distance at which the vehicle SV traveling at the speed limit can be stopped at or below a predetermined acceleration.

[0098] The control device 11 may also set the collision area C based on the speed limit of the second road R2 on which the vehicle OV travels. For example, the control device 11 may calculate the arrival time at which the vehicle OV arrives at the intersection P based on the position of the vehicle OV and the speed limit, and set the collision area C based on the arrival time as described above.

[0099] Furthermore, the control device 11 may display information indicating the type of obstacle. For example, the control device 11 may identify a vehicle, a bicycle, a pedestrian, etc. as the type of obstacle, and display information indicating the identified type.

[0100] Furthermore, the first road R1, the second road R2, and the intersection I may be public roads or may be located on private property.

[0101] Furthermore, the control device 11 may display route guidance on a map displayed on the monitor 30. For example, the control device 11 accepts an input of a destination from the driver and displays route guidance to the destination.

[0102] The information provision system 1 having the above configuration displays on the monitor 30 an icon of an obstacle that exists in an area farther away than the braking point B in the traveling direction of the vehicle SV. Therefore, the information provision system 1 can notify the driver of the existence and position of an obstacle that is farther away than a point where the vehicle can stop at a predetermined acceleration or less. Therefore, the information provision system 1 can prevent the vehicle SV from suddenly stopping due to an obstacle.

[0103] Furthermore, the information provision system 1 sets a display area 200 including an obstacle that may collide with the vehicle SV. Therefore, the information provision system 1 may display an icon of the obstacle on a map displayed on the monitor 30. Therefore, the information provision system 1 may present the presence and position of an obstacle that may collide with the vehicle SV to the driver. Therefore, the information provision system 1 may further suppress the vehicle SV from suddenly stopping due to the obstacle. However, the above operation is not essential.

[0104] Furthermore, the information provision system 1 reduces the brightness of the monitor 30 when the vehicle SV is turning at the intersection I. Therefore, the information provision system 1 can alert the driver of the vehicle SV to pay attention to the surroundings within the intersection I. However, the above operation is not essential.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to these.

[0106] For example, the control device 11 may reduce the brightness of the monitor 30 when the vehicle SV enters the intersection I.

[0107] Furthermore, when the vehicle SV is planning to turn at the intersection I, the control device 11 may reduce the brightness of the monitor 30 at the time when the vehicle SV enters the intersection. For example, when the turn indicator is on, the control device 11 may reduce the brightness of the monitor 30 at the time when the vehicle SV enters the intersection I. Furthermore, when the control device 11 is guiding the driver to turn right or left at the intersection I using navigation, the control device 11 may reduce the brightness of the monitor 30 at the time when the vehicle SV enters the intersection I.

[0108] Furthermore, when the direction indicator is turned on, the control device 11 may reduce the luminance of the monitor 30 before the vehicle SV enters the intersection I. The control device 11 may maintain the reduced luminance of the monitor 30 even after the vehicle SV has entered the intersection I. In addition, when the vehicle SV is planning to turn at an intersection I, the control device 11 may reduce the brightness of the monitor 30 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the vehicle SV entered the intersection I, or after the vehicle SV has traveled a predetermined distance since entering the intersection I.

[0109] Furthermore, the control device 11 may reduce the display area 200 as the vehicle SV advances toward the intersection I, regardless of whether the display area 200 includes the braking point B. In this case, as the vehicle SV approaches the intersection I, the display area 200 continues to reduce, and the map displayed on the monitor 30 continues to expand.

[0110] Furthermore, the control device 11 may reduce the display area 200 as the vehicle SV advances toward the intersection I, regardless of whether a collision obstacle has been detected. Furthermore, the control device 11 may output a warning sound from a speaker (not shown) when the distance between the vehicle SV and the intersection I becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the control device 11 may output a warning sound that becomes louder as the vehicle SV gets closer to the intersection I.

[0111] Furthermore, the control device 11 may set an upper limit value for the size of the display area 200. For example, when the distance between the vehicle SV and the intersection I is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control device 11 may fix the size of the display area 200 to the upper limit value.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the control device 11 displays the map on the monitor 30 with the host vehicle fixed. However, the control device 11 may display the map on the monitor 30 with the heading fixed. Furthermore, the control device 11 may set the display area 200 not including the position of the vehicle SV. [Industrial Applicability]

[0113] As described above, according to the present invention, an information providing device, a control device, and an information providing system are provided that can notify a driver of obstacles that are farther away than a point where the vehicle can stop at or below a predetermined acceleration, and are expected to be used in fields such as vehicle navigation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Information provision system 10... Information provision device 11. Control device 12 Position Sensor Interface 13 Monitor interface 15. Distance sensor interface 20. Position sensor 30 Monitor 40···ECU 100...Distance sensor

Claims

1. a position sensor for measuring the position of the vehicle; a monitor for displaying an image; a control device having a distance sensor interface for receiving a signal including data relating to a distance to an object in a predetermined measurement area; Equipped with The control device includes: The signal is acquired via the distance sensor interface at a timing when at least a part of an area farther away from the vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle than a braking point at which the vehicle stops at a predetermined acceleration or less is included in the predetermined measurement area; Detecting an obstacle based on the signal; A map of a display area including the braking point is displayed on a monitor, and an obstacle icon is displayed at the position of the obstacle on the map. Information provision device.

2. The predetermined measurement area includes at least a portion outside the display area, If the vehicle is included in a collision area based on the position and speed of the obstacle, the display area is expanded to include the obstacle and the braking point.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

3. The control device determines that the vehicle is included in the collision area when a distance between a predicted point where the vehicle is predicted to arrive at a time when the obstacle is predicted to arrive at the intersection between the axis of travel of the vehicle and the axis of travel of the obstacle is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

3. The information providing device according to claim 2.

4. When the vehicle is included in the collision area, the control device displays a warning on the monitor.

3. The information providing device according to claim 2.

5. the display area includes a position of the vehicle; The control device displays a vehicle icon at the location of the vehicle on the map.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

6. The closer the vehicle is to the intersection, the smaller the display area becomes.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

7. When the vehicle enters an intersection, the control device reduces the brightness of the monitor.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

8. When the vehicle turns at the intersection, the control device reduces the brightness of the monitor when the vehicle enters the intersection.

8. The information providing device according to claim 7.

9. When the vehicle is turning in an intersection, the control device reduces the brightness of the monitor.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

10. The braking distance is based on the speed of the vehicle.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

11. The braking distance is based on the speed limit of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1.

12. A control device comprising a position sensor interface in communication with a position sensor for measuring a position of a vehicle, a monitor interface in communication with a monitor for displaying an image, and a distance sensor interface for receiving a signal including data relating to a distance to an object in a predetermined measurement area, The signal is acquired via the distance sensor interface at a timing when at least a part of an area farther away from the vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle than a braking point at which the vehicle stops at a predetermined acceleration or less is included in the predetermined measurement area; Detecting an obstacle based on the signal; A map of a display area including the braking point is displayed on a monitor, and an obstacle icon is displayed at the position of the obstacle on the map. Control device.

13. a position sensor for measuring the position of the vehicle; a monitor for displaying an image; a distance sensor for receiving a signal including data relating to a distance to an object in a predetermined measurement area; A control device; Equipped with The control device includes: The signal is acquired at a timing when at least a part of an area farther than a braking point in a traveling direction of the vehicle, the braking distance from the vehicle at which the vehicle stops with a predetermined acceleration or less, is included in the predetermined measurement area, Detecting an obstacle based on the signal; A map of a display area including the braking point is displayed on a monitor, and an obstacle icon is displayed at the position of the obstacle on the map. Information provision system.

Images