Apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus that gives family members a sense of security for elderly drivers to drive by suppressing occurrence of risks caused by driving vehicles by elderly drivers so as to reduce the possibility of elderly drivers becoming perpetrator or victims of accidents.SOLUTION: An apparatus 1 attachable to a vehicle driven by an elderly driver acquires vehicle information on the vehicle driven by the elderly driver from a front view camera 11, an OBD connector 13 and an acceleration sensor 14, determines by control means 10 from the vehicle information whether or not the elderly driver can be a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle and provides a notification of a warning from notification means 19 and 22 on the basis of the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, devices, programs, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various in-vehicle devices that enhance the convenience of drivers have been sold. Examples of such devices include a drive recorder, a car navigation system, a radar detector, and the like. Such devices can be attached to a vehicle and have functions such as recording images, guiding a destination, and notifying the position of a radar.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, conventionally, accidents caused by elderly drivers have been a problem. Such accidents may involve elderly drivers as victims, but there are also many cases where elderly drivers are the perpetrators. Especially when an elderly driver becomes the perpetrator, the remaining family members are likely to be burdened heavily, so the family members of elderly drivers will continue to have strong anxiety. In contrast, there is an idea that elderly people should simply return their driver's licenses. However, considering the living environment of the elderly and their relationship with their families, it is not possible to generally discuss that all elderly people should stop driving. For example, in the case of an elderly couple living alone in the countryside or an elderly person with their own job such as farming, they may not be able to live without a car.

[0005]

[0006] ​However, it cannot be denied that elderly drivers are more likely to cause accidents than normal drivers. Regarding accidents involving elderly drivers, for example, as the four major characteristics of errors that elderly drivers are prone to make, information such as (1) the misconception that something should not be there, (2) a decline in concentration, (3) being distracted by others, and (4) being difficult to see has also been disseminated (see "Accidents during Four-Wheel Driving by the Elderly - Their Trends and Characteristics -", Italda Information, [online], The General Accident Analysis Center, a juridical person, June 2007, No. 68, pp. 2-12, [searched on January 24, 2017], Internet <URL: http: / / www.itarda.or.jp / itardainfomation / info68.pdf>).

[0007] Thus, although the problem of accidents involving elderly drivers has been a long-standing issue, few solutions to this problem have been considered. In particular, measures to prevent elderly drivers from becoming victims may be sufficient as a countermeasure to prevent accidents among all drivers, including normal drivers. However, no countermeasures have been considered that focus on preventing elderly drivers from becoming the perpetrators of accidents.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide, for example, a device or the like that suppresses the occurrence of risks caused by an elderly driver driving a vehicle, reduces the possibility of the elderly driver becoming a perpetrator or a victim of an accident, and allows the family to feel at ease when the elderly driver drives.

[0009] The object of the invention of the present application is not limited to this, and the applicant also has the intention of obtaining rights through divisional applications, amendments, etc. for a configuration aimed at obtaining the effects achieved by the components of the configuration disclosed in this specification, drawings, etc. For example, the problem of reading the part described as "~ can be done" in this specification as "~ is a problem" is disclosed in this specification, and the applicant also has the intention of obtaining rights through divisional applications, amendments, etc. for the configuration for solving this problem. The applicant of the present application has the intention of making part of the configuration described in this specification the scope of the claims by amendment or divisional application.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] (1) For example, a device attachable to a vehicle driven by an elderly driver, which acquires vehicle information regarding the vehicle driven by the elderly driver, determines from the vehicle information whether the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle, and causes a warning to be notified to a notification means based on the determination.

[0011] In this way, in a situation where an elderly driver driving a vehicle may become a perpetrator, by notifying the elderly driver of a warning, the possibility of the elderly driver becoming a perpetrator is reduced, and the family of the elderly driver can be more at ease and allow the elderly driver to drive. Also, driving a car is a reason for going out, and it is possible to suppress the elderly driver from becoming withdrawn at home, which may lead to improved health.

[0012] The device attachable to a vehicle can be attached to and used with vehicles such as automobiles and preferably has an attachment portion, and the attachment portion preferably has a structure for attaching to the dashboard of an automobile or the upper part of the windshield.

[0013] The "elderly driver" is, for example, not an age at which one enters a facility and is an elderly person before the need for care, assuming an elderly person who can go to the toilet alone and can eat at home. Also, for example, an elderly person living with a son in his or her forties or fifties and doing field work during the day.

[0014] Such an elderly person can, for example, drive a light truck to the fields, but when going on a long trip, he or she travels with the son and his wife, so the elderly person's range of independent movement by vehicle is only around his or her own home. It is assumed that the elderly person lives in a rural area where there is no bus service, and in the range of independent movement, the car is necessary for movement. Or, an elderly person who does not live with his or her family and whose daily life requires a car, such as going to the hospital or shopping for daily necessities, must become an elderly driver.

[0015] "Vehicle information related to a vehicle" may be, for example, information acquired by the vehicle itself, or information acquired by this device attached to the vehicle. For example, it may be information acquired by a sensor or the like provided in the vehicle itself, or information acquired by a sensor or the like provided in this device.

[0016] For example, it may be external image information or internal image information of the vehicle viewed from inside the vehicle, detection information detected by a detection device provided in the vehicle or a device attached to the vehicle, GPS information acquired by GPS, etc. The image information may be acquired from an imaging device such as a camera, for example. Also, the detection device may be a sensor such as a speed sensor or an acceleration sensor, for example.

[0017] "Determining whether or not there is a situation where an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle from the vehicle information" may be determined, for example, by the compatibility between the acquired vehicle information and predetermined condition information. The predetermined condition information may be incorporated into a program for operating the device according to the present invention, or stored in a storage means provided in the device, for example. The predetermined condition information may be vehicle information that is considered to be acquired by the vehicle in past cases where the perpetrator of the accident was involved, for example. For example, an accident may be recorded by a vehicle simulator, and the predetermined condition information may be determined based on the recorded vehicle information. Then, by comparing the condition information with the vehicle information, it may be determined whether or not there is a situation where an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0018] Also, "determining whether or not there is a situation where an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle from the vehicle information" may be, for example, a process in which the control means of the device according to the present invention compares the predetermined condition information incorporated in the program or the predetermined condition information stored in the storage means with the acquired vehicle information to determine whether or not the vehicle information conforms to the condition information.

[0019] In addition, for the "situation where an elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle", it is advisable to determine the conformity between individual information such as image information, GPS information, speed information, etc. and predetermined condition information, but it is even better to determine the conformity between multiple pieces of information and the predetermined condition information. By determining the conformity with multiple pieces of information, it is possible to more appropriately determine the "situation where an elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident" compared to the case of determining the conformity with individual information. The predetermined condition information may be multiple pieces of condition information such as image information, GPS information, and speed information.

[0020] When determining the conformity between multiple pieces of information and the predetermined condition information, for example, as in the configuration of (8) described later, it may be determined based on whether the traffic signal information and the speed information conform to the predetermined condition information. In this case, the "predetermined condition" information may be, for example, information indicating that the traffic signal information is in the state of a yellow signal or a red signal and the speed information is in a state of a certain speed or higher. Also, the "wobbling" described in (9) later may be determined based on whether multiple pieces of information such as acceleration information, speed information, GPS information, and image information conform to the predetermined condition information. And, for example, a part of the "predetermined condition" information stored in the storage means may be set as fixed conditions in the initial setting, but the other part may be set individually, such as in the individual setting in (2) described later. Among the predetermined conditions, those with easy condition settings may allow individual setting.

[0021] "Notifying a warning based on the determination" may be processed, for example, to notify a warning when it is determined that the situation where an elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident conforms to the predetermined conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to determine whether the situation of the vehicle conforms to the predetermined conditions, and if it is determined to conform, process to notify a warning, and if it is determined not to conform, process not to notify a warning.

[0022]

[0023] ​However, on the other hand, even if it is determined that the elderly driver meets the conditions to be a perpetrator of an accident, it may be processed so as not to notify a warning when other conditions are taken into account. In vehicle driving, there may be cases where the situation of the vehicle meets multiple conditions simultaneously, and in some cases, it may be possible to drive safely without notifying a warning.

[0024] Also, for example, when it is determined that multiple conditions are met, it is advisable to notify a warning. For example, based on the vehicle leaning left or right by a predetermined value or more at a predetermined speed or higher, it may be determined that the elderly driver is in a situation where they can become a perpetrator of an accident, and a warning should be notified.

[0025] Also, for example, even if it is determined that a condition is met, if it is determined that other conditions are not met, it is advisable not to notify a warning. For example, as described in (11) below, even if it is determined that the elderly driver is in a situation where they can become a perpetrator of an accident because the vehicle has leaned right by a predetermined value or more, it may be processed so as not to notify a warning on the condition that there is no oncoming vehicle.

[0026] "Notifying a warning" should, for example, be a weaker warning compared to general drivers, a warning that arouses attention and gives advice, and not a strong beeping sound or the like. Since elderly drivers tend to be more short-tempered as they get older, it is advisable to notify a warning that does not startle them or make them irritated. For example, the function of notifying a warning may be switched between a warning for general drivers and a warning for elderly drivers that is weaker than the warning for general drivers.

[0027] The device according to the present invention may, for example, use the above-described control as a control mode for elderly drivers and have a control mode for general drivers other than elderly drivers, and it is even better if both modes can be switched.

[0028] In the mode for general drivers, for example, it is a device that can be attached to a vehicle driven by a general driver other than an elderly driver, which acquires vehicle information regarding the vehicle driven by the general driver, determines from the vehicle information whether the general driver may become a victim of an accident by driving the vehicle, and based on the determination, causes a warning to be notified to a notification means. For example, the function of notifying a warning may be switched between the warning for general drivers and the warning for elderly drivers as described above, but it is even better to make it switch according to the mode switch by switching between the mode for general drivers and the mode for elderly drivers.

[0029] (2) For example, it has a function for the family member of the elderly driver to set the situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0030] In this way, each family member of the elderly driver can individually make settings that they consider to be optimal for that elderly driver. If the settings are appropriate, a warning will be notified in a situation that is considered optimal for that elderly driver. Therefore, compared to the case where the situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident is initially set, it reduces the anxiety of the elderly driver and allows the family to feel more at ease and let the elderly driver drive.

[0031] The "function for the family member of the elderly driver to set the situation" may be, for example, a function for the family member to set a part of a predetermined condition for determining compatibility with the acquired information. For example, it is advisable to set conditions regarding the "location information" in (3) described later, or set conditions regarding the "traffic signal information" and the "speed information" in (8). The set conditions may be stored, for example, as setting data in the storage means of this device.

[0032] For example, the condition regarding "position information" in (3) may be set on the condition that the vehicle reaches a specific position or a specific range. Also, for example, the condition regarding "traffic signal information" in (8) may be set on the condition that the color of the traffic signal light is recognized as a predetermined color, and the condition regarding "speed information" may be set on the condition that the speed of the vehicle exceeds a certain threshold value.

[0033] Also, this device may preferably be provided with a display device, for example. The "function to be set" may be, for example, a function that the items to be set are displayed on the display device and set by appropriately selecting the items. For example, a plurality of items including an item for setting a situation regarding climate information as in (12) are displayed on the display device. When (12) is selected, items such as temperature, weather, and humidity are displayed. When temperature is selected, it is preferable to display a selection of the temperature for warning notification in 1-degree increments. The selection may be made by a setting unit such as an input button provided on the display device or a touch panel. Or, the "function to be set" may be set by the external setting device in (5).

[0034] Also, for example, prepare in advance items such as places, times, and events considered as "situations where an elderly driver can become a victim of an accident by driving a vehicle" and options for each item, and have the family of the elderly driver select the options. Also, such settings may be repeated many times in consideration of the daily changing state and driving situation of the elderly driver.

[0035] For example, the "function set by the family of the elderly driver" may preferably have a configuration in which it is more difficult for the elderly driver to set than the family of the elderly driver. More preferably, only the family of the elderly driver should be able to set it. For example, it may preferably have a function for inputting information for identifying the family of the elderly driver.

[0036] Furthermore, this device preferably has a function that allows only the family members of the elderly driver to set, for example, "situations where an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident" by driving a vehicle, and preferably has a function that cannot be set by the elderly driver. For example, the device preferably has a function that requires a password, and before setting, a password is required, and preferably has a function that can be set only by family members who know the password by entering the password, and preferably has a function that cannot be set by an elderly driver who does not know the password.

[0037] (3) For example, regarding the position information where a specific risk of the elderly driver is predicted, the family members of the elderly driver preferably have a function of setting the situation where the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0038] In this way, since warnings are comprehensively notified at positions where the elderly driver is likely to become a perpetrator, the family can more safely ask the elderly driver to drive. Since the driving range of the elderly driver is limited, the positions where risks are predicted are limited. Therefore, the family can set all the specific positions corresponding to each elderly driver.

[0039] The "specific risk for an elderly driver" is preferably, for example, a risk common to general elderly drivers, and preferably a risk focused on the driving habits and driving customs of general elderly drivers. For example, it is preferably a risk arising from the driving habit of a general elderly driver who repeatedly moves towards and then away from the center line.

[0040] Generally, elderly drivers cannot drive straight normally and move in a way of going towards and then away from the center line on the right side all the time. Since there is a guardrail on the left side, they are scared, but they have the awareness that if no oncoming vehicle comes when crossing the center line, the car will not hit, and they tend to basically drive towards the inside. Also, sometimes they are startled by a large truck coming and cut to the left and hit the left side. Therefore, specific locations where such driving is likely to occur are preferably set as "positions where risks are predicted".​

[0041] On the other hand, the "hazards specific to elderly drivers" may well be the hazards of a specific elderly driver and may be set by the family of the elderly driver. For example, in a convenience store that the specific elderly driver frequents daily or a home center that the driver visits regularly, and where there is a lot of traffic of people and vehicles, it is assumed that the location is a dangerous location, and the family may set it as the "location information where hazards specific to elderly drivers are predicted".

[0042] Also, for example, the family may set the location where there has been an accident in the past as the "location where hazards are predicted". For example, when the accident was due to misoperation of the accelerator and brake, it may be set as an example related to the "location information where hazards specific to elderly drivers are predicted".

[0043] (4) For example, it may have a function that the family of the elderly driver sets the situation where the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle in relation to the location information and regarding the event information where hazards specific to the elderly driver are predicted.

[0044] In this way, the family of the elderly driver can comprehensively set the situations where the elderly driver may become the perpetrator based on limited location information and event information corresponding to that location. As a result, warnings are comprehensively notified for the locations and events where the elderly driver is likely to become the perpetrator, so that the family can more reassuringly let the elderly driver drive. Since the driving range of the elderly driver is limited, the events where hazards are predicted within that driving range are also limited. In particular, it may have a function that the family sets the location information.

[0045] The "event information where hazards specific to the elderly driver are predicted in relation to the location information" may be, for example, information regarding the time, content, and weather of an event related to the location. Specifically, for example, when there is a school route for elementary school students within the driving range of the elderly driver, it may be information related to the location information of the school route and regarding the event that elementary school students go to school during a predetermined time period.

[0046] There are countless places across Japan where tragic vehicle accidents can occur, such as on the way to school. However, if limited to the driving range of elderly drivers, the location information and event information can be narrowed down to a level where they can be set. Thus, even if the family sets them specifically for the elderly driver, it does not impose a heavy burden. The family can set them for the elderly driver, and the family can feel more at ease allowing the elderly driver to drive.

[0047] (5) For example, an external setting device for setting the above situation in the device in (4), which is equipped with a display unit, and causes the display unit to display map information, the position information on the map, the event information related to the position information, and warning information related to the content of the warning. It is preferable to have a function for the family of the elderly driver to set the situation in which the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0048] In this way, information such as map information, position information, event information, and warning information can be displayed on the display means of the external setting device, and the situation in which the elderly driver can be considered as the perpetrator can be set by the external setting device. Since it is easier to set when the information such as map information is displayed largely, if it can be displayed on the display device of an external setting device different from the device attachable to the vehicle as in the present invention, each setting becomes easier.

[0049] The external setting device may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, etc. Alternatively, the connection to the external setting device may be made, for example, via wired or wireless means, or via a storage medium such as an SD card.

[0050] The "function of setting" of the external setting device may be, for example, a function of setting each setting by the external setting device instead of the device itself without relying on the setting unit of the device, by setting predetermined conditions stored in the storage means of the device. For example, the device may be connected to the external setting device by wired or wireless means and have a function of setting the conditions for determining the situation by the external setting device.

[0051] The external setting device can select the condition while viewing the display unit of the external device, and creates setting data as a condition for determining the fitness of the situation. Thereafter, it is preferable to store the setting data as the condition in the storage means of this device. If this device can be connected to such an external setting device, for example, in the device according to the present invention, only a connection part to the external setting device may be provided, and a setting part such as a button may not be provided. By doing so, the structure of this device can be simplified.

[0052] "Map information" is, for example, an electronic map, and may be displayed on a part of the display screen of the display unit. Also, "position information on the map" may be displayed on the displayed map as, for example, a pin arranged at a predetermined position.

[0053] "Warning information" is, for example, a warning displayed on the display screen of the device in (13) described later, or generated by a warning sound output means, and may be information indicating how each notification means notifies the warning. Specifically, "warning information" may be, for example, information indicating that a warning is notified with a single-color background on the display screen and large characters, or information indicating that the notification is made by a beep sound or a recorded voice of a family member.

[0054] (6) For example, further, a position information registration unit for registering the position information is provided, and when a family member of the elderly driver drives the vehicle driven by the elderly driver on behalf of the elderly driver, the position information registration unit is operated to have a function of registering the position information.

[0055] By doing so, the family member of the elderly driver can register only the dangerous positions assuming the case when the elderly driver drives while driving on behalf of the elderly driver, and can register other information regarding the registered positions after the driving ends.

[0056] The other information may include information such as the position being a location with poor visibility, a traffic signal being present at the position, or the position being a route for elementary school students to go to school. By doing so, it becomes easier to register position information based on actual driving. Therefore, the work of setting the situation becomes easier and it is possible to surely register dangerous positions, reducing the possibility of elderly drivers getting into accidents.

[0057] Also, the external setting device in (5) is preferably configured such that the family members of the elderly driver can set it together with the elderly driver. For example, through the position information registration unit, the family members of the elderly driver can register the position information while driving, and after the registration of the position information, the elderly driver can drive the vehicle to set up situations where the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident together with the elderly driver. It is also expected to improve communication between the family and the elderly driver.

[0058] The "position information registration unit" may be, for example, a pressing means such as a button or a touch panel provided on the device. By doing so, since the pressing means can be easily pressed even during driving, the position information can be appropriately registered on the spot.

[0059] Furthermore, the "position information registration unit" may be provided in an external registration means such as a remote control connected wirelessly or by wire. By doing so, the remote control can be placed within the reach of the driver's hand, and the driver does not need to reach for the device, and the position information can be registered without changing the posture during driving.

[0060] (7) For example, it is preferable to start the warning notification after the elderly driver is in a situation where they may become the perpetrator of an accident and end the notification after the situation where they cannot become the perpetrator of an accident.

[0061] By doing so, by ending the notification after the situation where they cannot become the perpetrator, the elderly driver can recognize the accuracy of their driving, and compared to the case where the notification continues even in a situation where they cannot become the perpetrator, they can be encouraged to drive appropriately.

[0062] The situation where one "cannot become the perpetrator of an accident" may be, for example, a situation where there is no possibility of becoming a perpetrator. The situation where "there is no possibility of becoming a perpetrator" may be, for example, when the moving speed of the vehicle becomes 0 km / h (when the vehicle has stopped). Or, the situation where one "cannot become the perpetrator of an accident" may be, for example, a situation where there is usually no possibility of becoming a perpetrator.

[0063] If the notification ends in a situation where there is usually no possibility of becoming a perpetrator, the notification ends in a scene where it is usually considered unnecessary, and compared with the case where the notification ends only in a situation where there is no possibility of becoming a perpetrator, an elderly driver can more appropriately recognize the accuracy of his or her driving.

[0064] The situation where one "can become the perpetrator of an accident" may be, for example, set as fixed conditions. Generally, for example, the situation where an elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident is wider than the situation where a normal driver other than the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident, and the situation where an elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident includes the situation where a normal driver other than the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident. Therefore, the situation where "an elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident" may be initially set in a wider range than the situation where an ordinary driver can become the perpetrator of an accident.

[0065] Also, the situation where one "cannot become the perpetrator of an accident" may be, for example, set as fixed conditions. Generally, for example, the situation where an elderly driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident is narrower than the situation where a normal driver other than the elderly driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident, and the situation where an elderly driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident is included in the situation where a normal driver other than the elderly driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident. Therefore, for example, the situation where "one cannot become the perpetrator of an accident" may be initially set in a narrower range than the situation where an ordinary driver can become the perpetrator of an accident.

[0066] Also, for example, initially set at least one of the situations where "an elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident" and the situation where "an elderly driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident", or (2) It is advisable to set it as such by the family members of the elderly driver.

[0067] In particular, for example, it is advisable for the family members of the elderly driver to set both "situations where the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident" and "situations where the elderly driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident". By doing so, through the family's setting, it is possible to encourage the elderly driver to drive appropriately according to their own characteristics.

[0068] Also, for example, it is advisable for the family members to set only "situations where the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident" without setting "situations where the elderly driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident". By doing so, leaving the situation for ending the notification to the initial settings and having the family members set only the situation for starting the notification, it is possible to easily set while ensuring that warnings are reliably notified in situations specific to the elderly driver.

[0069] (8) For example, obtain traffic signal information regarding the color of the traffic signal light in front of the vehicle and speed information regarding the speed of the vehicle, and determine from the traffic signal information and speed information whether the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0070] By doing so, from the relationship between the traffic signal information and speed information, by determining it as a situation where the elderly driver becomes the perpetrator, it is possible to reduce the possibility of accidents frequently occurring to the elderly driver. Note that due to the decline in concentration due to aging and being easily distracted during driving, the elderly driver is prone to making driving mistakes and becoming the perpetrator of an accident. Therefore, there are many cases where they miss the traffic signal or notice it late due to these reasons.

[0071] For example, when the color of the traffic signal light in front of the vehicle is red or yellow and the speed of the vehicle does not decrease, it is advisable for the notification means to notify a warning. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an accident with a high probability for the elderly driver, such as entering an intersection where they should stop and colliding with other vehicles.

[0072] Also, for example, when the color of the traffic signal light changes from red to blue but the moving speed of the vehicle does not change, a warning to prompt the start of the vehicle may be notified. By doing so, when realizing belatedly that the color of the traffic signal light has turned blue, it is possible to suppress the mistake in driving due to hurriedly starting the vehicle.

[0073] In particular, elderly drivers tend to be more impatient as they get older, and when honked at by a horn, they may get irritated. Then, even if an accident does not occur on the spot, there is a possibility of causing an accident at another place due to driving in an unstable mental state of irritation. Therefore, if the start is notified at a green signal, the elderly driver will not be honked at by other vehicles, and it is possible to suppress irritating the elderly driver.

[0074] The acquisition of "traffic signal information" may be obtained, for example, by a photographing means such as a camera that photographs the front of the vehicle. The traffic signal information can be obtained by performing image processing on the image photographed by the photographing means, and based on the key that the LEDs of the traffic signal blink infinitely and are processed, recognizing the traffic signal and grasping the color.

[0075] The "speed information" can be obtained based on the speed obtained from GPS or OBD and the acceleration by an acceleration sensor, and may be the information of the speed or acceleration of the vehicle.

[0076] Also, at this time, it is better to further include the configuration of (7). For example, based on the traffic signal information and the speed information, a warning notification is started when the elderly driver is in a situation where they may become the perpetrator of an accident, and the notification is terminated when the situation where they cannot become the perpetrator of an accident occurs.

[0077] By doing so, based on the traffic signal information and speed information, when the notification is terminated in a situation where an elderly driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident, for example, when the traffic signal information is a red signal and the speed information is equal to or higher than a predetermined moving speed, the notification is started, and when the moving speed of the speed information becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined moving speed in relation to the distance to the traffic signal, the notification is terminated. In this way, the elderly driver can recognize that they have appropriately responded to the red signal.

[0078] If the notification continues for some time even when the moving speed becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, the elderly driver is likely to feel as if they were mistaken in decelerating, and it may even arouse uneasiness by the notification. Therefore, the effect of appropriately terminating the warning notification is significant.

[0079] (9) For example, it is preferable to have a function of determining the wobbling of the vehicle driven by the elderly driver from the vehicle information and, based on this determination, determining whether the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0080] Since the driving of elderly drivers generally has the characteristic of being likely to wobble left and right, by doing so, based on the wobbling, a warning is notified in a situation where the elderly driver becomes the perpetrator. Therefore, due to the wobbling driving which is a characteristic of elderly drivers, the possibility of frequent accidents for elderly drivers can be reduced.

[0081] "Wobbling" may be, for example, in addition to the so-called wobbling state where the vehicle in motion moves unstably left and right, a state where the traveling direction changes significantly to one side on the right or a state where it changes significantly to one side on the left as described in (10) below, and it is preferably determined from the vehicle information. The vehicle information used for the determination of "wobbling" may be obtained, for example, from the change in the left and right accelerations by an acceleration sensor. Also, it may be obtained from the change in the position information acquired by GPS. Also, it may be obtained from an image captured by a photographing means such as a camera.

[0082] "Weaving" can be regarded as a situation resulting from the driving habits peculiar to elderly drivers, such as repeatedly moving towards and then away from the center line, or as a situation due to the narrow field of vision peculiar to elderly drivers. Also, it is advisable not to distinguish between weaving and turning. For example, when vehicle information conforms to predetermined conditions for weaving, it may be uniformly determined as weaving.

[0083] In addition, for "weaving determination", in addition to left - right weaving, it is advisable to determine weaving caused by changes in the speed and acceleration of the vehicle in the front - rear direction, such as sudden acceleration and sudden braking, and to give warnings about sudden acceleration and sudden braking.

[0084] (10) For example, it is advisable to determine from the vehicle information that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more, and based on this determination, to determine whether the situation is such that the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0085] By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a serious accident such as a head - on collision when an oncoming vehicle approaches if the vehicle drifts to the right.

[0086] For example, elderly drivers often make movements such as moving towards and then away from the center line. This is a driving habit peculiar to elderly drivers in which, because there is a guardrail on the left side, they are vigilant about the left side, but on the right side, they think that there is no danger as long as no oncoming vehicle crosses the center line. However, if the vehicle drifts to the right, it will cause a serious accident such as a head - on collision when an oncoming vehicle approaches.

[0087] Therefore, by giving a warning when there is a large change in the weaving information in the right direction, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of serious accidents peculiar to elderly drivers. Also, for example, a warning may be given when the state has changed significantly to the left. By doing so, it is possible to inform the elderly driver of the possibility that there may be pedestrians or bicycles in the traveling direction.

[0088] The determination of "the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more" may be made, for example, based on the vehicle having straddled the center line or the distance from the center line having decreased.

[0089] (11) Further, determine the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle, and even when determining whether the situation is such that the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle from the determination that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more, if it is determined that there is no oncoming vehicle, no warning is notified.

[0090] Even when the vehicle deviates to the right due to the characteristics of driving by an elderly driver, if there is no oncoming vehicle, the possibility of causing a serious accident is small. Therefore, if a notification is made every time the vehicle frequently deviates to the right, it will make the elderly driver feel uncomfortable. Therefore, by not notifying a warning when there is no oncoming vehicle, it is possible to prevent the notifications from occurring repeatedly and reduce the discomfort felt by the driver.

[0091] The oncoming vehicle information can be obtained, for example, based on whether the image captured by a photographing means such as a camera includes an image of a vehicle as viewed from the front direction.

[0092] (12) For example, in addition to the vehicle information, climate information is obtained, and based on the climate information together with the vehicle information, it is advisable to determine whether the situation is such that the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0093] By doing so, a warning can be notified based on the climate information related to the position of the vehicle, and the danger caused by elderly driving due to climate can be reduced. Generally, elderly drivers are prone to physical discomfort due to climate. Therefore, compared to general drivers, dangers specific to elderly drivers are more likely to occur due to the climate during driving.

[0094] Therefore, when warning the general driver based on the vehicle information and climate, it is advisable to issue the warning at an earlier stage and under conditions that are more severe than those assumed to be dangerous for the general driver. Although the application describes a configuration that uses climate information together with vehicle information at the time of filing, it has the intention of obtaining patent rights for a configuration that uses climate information instead of vehicle information through division or the like.

[0095] "Climate information" may be, for example, information related to the physical state of the atmosphere or in the atmosphere, such as temperature, humidity, sunny or rainy weather, wind speed, etc. For example, in addition to directly obtaining from various sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a wind speed sensor, the control means may obtain that the wiper has operated via the OBD connector and indirectly obtain rainfall information.

[0096] The vehicle information may be, for example, the position information of the vehicle. In this way, the family members of the elderly driver can comprehensively set up situations that may make the elderly driver a potential perpetrator based on the limited position information and the climate information corresponding to that position. As a result, warnings are comprehensively issued according to the position and climate where the elderly driver is likely to become a perpetrator, so that the family can feel more at ease letting the elderly driver drive. Since the driving range of the elderly driver is limited, the position information is limited within that driving range.

[0097] Based on the climate information and the position information, to cause a warning to be issued, for example, when the temperature is high to the extent that a danger such as heat stroke is predicted, after moving a predetermined distance from the position information of the starting position it is advisable to issue a warning to prompt water replenishment. This can reduce the possibility of an accident in which the elderly driver makes a driving mistake due to heat stroke and becomes a perpetrator.

[0098] Also, "notifying a warning based on climate information" may be, for example, when it is hot in summer or in summer when the temperature inside the vehicle rises rapidly, to give some kind of warning, such as a notice prompting water replenishment. Since many elderly people are tolerant of climate changes, by notifying a warning based on climate information, elderly drivers can be made aware of the climate change and the risks peculiar to elderly drivers can be deterred.

[0099] The notification of the warning should not be something that strongly restricts actions. Instead, it should be something that encourages actions, such as an advice like it is better to drink water or it is better to open the window, to the extent of raising awareness. Furthermore, the warnings to be notified should be notifications such as "Your concentration may decrease if you drive for too long" or "It may be difficult to see ahead during rainfall".

[0100] (13) For example, the notification means may include a display screen capable of displaying a background of a single color throughout, and the display screen may notify a warning by changing the color of the background.

[0101] In this way, a change in color, which is the visual information that elderly drivers are most likely to recognize, is notified as a warning as a change in a single color in the background of the entire display screen where changes are particularly easy to recognize. This can ensure that elderly drivers recognize the warning, reducing the probability of accidents caused by elderly drivers' driving and allowing their families to feel at ease when the elderly drivers drive.

[0102] The "change in color" may be such that the display screen changes to a solid red color from a situation where it usually displays an image like a camera image. This can make it easier for elderly drivers to understand that it is a state different from the normal state compared to a change to a color other than red, and can reduce the probability of accidents caused by elderly drivers' driving. Also, the "change in color" may be a change where the background of the same color blinks or a change where backgrounds of different colors are sequentially switched.

[0103] For example, even for elderly drivers who are driving with various vision-related diseases such as cataracts, the change in the color of the display background is the most intuitively recognizable compared to warnings by text. For example, by remembering that danger is notified by color, the possibility of becoming a victim of an accident can be reduced.

[0104] (14) For example, the notification means includes a warning sound output means for notifying a warning by sound, the display screen displays a warning by text in addition to the display background, and in accordance with the characteristics of the elderly driver, the warning is notified by the notification means by a combination of the color of the display background and at least one of the text and the sound.

[0105] In this way, by notifying a warning by a combination of at least one of text and sound in addition to the color of the display background, it becomes easier for elderly drivers to recognize the warning. In particular, elderly drivers may have physical problems, and in such cases, even if it is difficult to recognize a warning by one method, the elderly driver can be made to recognize the warning.

[0106] The display screen may, for example, be configured to have no elements other than the background and text. For example, it may have a function of notifying a warning only by the color of the text and the background without displaying icons or maps. Also, for example, the red hue may be set to a hue that is easy for elderly drivers to recognize.

[0107] For example, elderly drivers with vision problems may have difficulty recognizing text, but if warnings by the color of the display background and sound are given together, the warning can be properly recognized. Also, elderly drivers with hearing problems can properly recognize a warning if warnings by the color of the display background and text are given together. Also, even if it is difficult to recognize text during driving, the text can be recognized when the vehicle is in a stopped state.

[0108] (15) For example, it is preferable to have a function that allows a family member of the elderly driver to set at least one of the color of the display background, the text, and the sound according to the characteristics of the elderly driver.

[0109] In this way, the family members who know the elderly driver best can set the display according to the characteristics of the elderly driver and give the most easily recognizable warning notifications. As a result, the elderly driver can drive the vehicle under the love of the family, and the awareness of preventing accidents will also increase.

[0110] For the setting method, for example, it is advisable to prepare multiple types of combinations of the color of the display background and the color of the text in the initial setting, and only change the content of the warning text by the text. In this way, according to the characteristics of the elderly driver, the content to be alerted can be individually set with an easy-to-see color combination.

[0111] The color combination is preferably, for example, a complementary color relationship, but it is even better if it is selected according to the personality of the elderly driver. Also, for example, it is advisable to record the voice of the family such as "Grandpa, be careful" and set it to be notified according to the situation. If it is the voice of the family, the elderly driver can accept the alert obediently.

[0112] By the way, for example, it is advisable to cause the display means to display reward information that can give the elderly driver a motivation to drive based on the distance or frequency of driving of the vehicle. In particular, as in the following (16), for example, the frequency of driving is preferably measured by counting the number of days the vehicle has been driven.

[0113] (16) For example, count the number of days the vehicle has been continuously driven, and when a predetermined number of days has been counted, cause the display means to display reward information that can give the elderly driver a motivation to drive.

[0114] By displaying reward information according to the number of days that elderly drivers continuously drive a vehicle, the elderly drivers can be motivated to drive and be encouraged to drive every day. This can prevent the situation where elderly drivers dislike driving and become withdrawn, and can provide an environment in which the families of elderly drivers can feel at ease and allow the elderly drivers to drive.

[0115] "Counting the number of days" should not be based on simple driving distance, number of times, or frequency. For example, it is advisable to count the days when the vehicle is driven at least once a day. Also, when "a predetermined number of days has been counted", for example, it is advisable to count the days when the vehicle is driven every day within a predetermined period such as one month. Specifically, for example, if the vehicle can be driven safely for 10 consecutive days, a video showing an egg hatching and an animal emerging can be displayed on the display device of the vehicle.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, if the vehicle can be driven safely for the next 10 consecutive days, the number of animals hatched from the eggs can be increased. By doing so, combined with the desire to collect animals, the elderly can be motivated to drive every day. The counting of the days of driving can be based on, for example, the engine of the vehicle being started, or on the vehicle having moved a predetermined distance.

[0117] In addition to videos of animals, the "reward information" can be, for example, a photo image of the family members of the elderly driver. Since elderly drivers have deep affection for their families, this can enhance the motivation to drive based on the reward information. For example, the reward information can be displayed at any time according to the number of days of continuous driving, and it is even better to change the reward information according to the number of days of continuous driving. When changing the reward information, for example, it is advisable to change it so that the value of the reward increases. The number of days of continuous driving when the reward information is displayed should be at least 2 days, preferably several days, especially 5 days. Also, this number of days can be 5 days or more, but if it is too long, there is a possibility of stopping driving halfway, so it is even better to be around 2 to 5 days.

[0118] Also, for example, regarding the frequency of vehicle operation, reward information may be displayed without performing a deduction process. By doing so, it will not be the case that elderly drivers are discouraged from driving due to deductions, and the motivation to drive based on the reward information will not be inhibited. For example, even when sudden acceleration, sudden braking, etc. are acquired from information of an acceleration sensor during driving, or when the driving distance does not reach a predetermined distance where normal driving is scheduled, the days when the elderly driver drives without causing an accident may be counted. In particular, as described in the above (16), when counting the frequency of vehicle operation as the number of days, it may be as follows in the following (17).

[0119] (17) For example, the counting may be only addition.

[0120] If the count of the number of days may be subtracted, it may reduce the motivation for the elderly driver to continue driving every day. However, since the count of the number of days is only added, the elderly driver only needs to simply consider driving the vehicle, and can continue driving every day. Thereby, an environment can be provided in which the family of the elderly driver can feel at ease and let the elderly driver drive.

[0121] Also, when calculating the number of times or frequency of the vehicle operation, and when the calculated value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, reward information that can give the elderly driver a motivation to drive is displayed on the display means, and during the calculation, subtraction should not be performed.

[0122] By doing so, by only notifying good information and not notifying bad information, the motivation of the driver to drive can be enhanced.

[0123] (18) It may be configured as a program for causing a computer to execute the functions of the device according to any one of (1) to (17).

[0124] The above-described configuration is an example, and it may be extended in part or limited in part. Also, the configurations may be combined within a range without contradiction. For example, the inventions from (1) to (17) described above can be arbitrarily combined. Further, for example, it may be configured to include at least any one of the other configurations from (2) to (17) without including all or part of the configuration of (1). However, in particular, it is preferably configured to include all or part of the configuration of (1) and combined with at least any one of the configurations from (2) to (17). Also, any components may be extracted from at least one of (1) to (17) and combined. The applicant of the present application also intends to obtain a patent right for such configurations.

Effect of the Invention

[0125] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of risks caused by an elderly driver driving a vehicle, reduce the possibility of the elderly driver becoming a perpetrator or victim of an accident, and provide a device or the like that allows the family to feel at ease with the elderly driver to drive. The effects of the invention of the present application are not limited to this, and the effects achieved from the disclosed parts of the configuration in this specification, drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and the applicant also intends to obtain rights for the configurations that achieve such effects by divisional applications, amendments, etc. For example, the parts described as "can" in this specification are descriptions that clearly indicate the achieved effects, and even if there is no description of "can", there are parts that indicate the effects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0126]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0127] Figs. 1 to 9 are diagrams showing the configuration of a safety system including a drive recorder as a device, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 1, a safety system including a device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main unit (hereinafter also referred to as "main body") 1 provided with control means 10, a front view camera 11, a GPS unit 12, an OBD connector 13, an acceleration sensor 14, an additional camera 15, a temperature and humidity sensor 16, a remote control 17, a display device 18, a touch panel 19, an input button 20, a built-in microphone 21, a speaker 22, a short-range wireless communication device 23, a memory card slot 24, and storage means 25 (not shown) connected to the control means 10 of the main unit 1.

[0129] The control means 10, the acceleration sensor 14, the temperature and humidity sensor 16, the built-in microphone 21, the speaker 22, the short-range wireless communication device 23, the memory card slot 24, and the storage means 25 are provided in the main unit 1. Also, the front view camera 11, the GPS unit 12, the OBD connector 13, the additional camera 15, the remote control 17, and the display device 18 are provided in the vehicle separately from the main unit 1.

[0130] The control means 10 of the main unit 1 includes a microcomputer, and the processing in this embodiment is realized by a computer provided in the microcomputer executing a program stored in the microcomputer.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 2, the main unit 1 is fixed, for example, by attaching and sticking its bottom surface using double-sided tape to a center console at the left front position of the driver's seat, an under cover of the instrument panel, or the like.

[0132] The main unit 1 includes an AV output terminal which is a terminal for outputting a video signal and an audio signal to a display device 18 provided separately from the main unit 1, a microphone terminal which is a terminal for inputting an audio signal from an external microphone, and an SD card slot (corresponding to the memory card slot 24 in FIG. 1).

[0133] Corresponding connectors are connected to these respective terminals, and are connected to the corresponding devices via cords (cables) connected to the connectors. That is, the control means 10 is connected to the display device 18 via an AV output connector connected to the AV output terminal. Further, an opening is provided in the main unit 1, and a built-in microphone 21 connected to the control means 10 is provided in the opening. Also, a speaker 22 connected to the control means 10 is provided inside the main unit 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the display device 18 is a well-known liquid crystal monitor, and is detachably attached, for example, to a dashboard in a vehicle via a fixture. The display device 18 inputs and displays an NTSC signal such as a car navigation or a car TV. The touch panel 19 is provided on the display of the display device 18 and can be operated by touching the touch portion. Also, a plurality of input buttons 20 are provided on both sides of the display of the display device 18.

[0134]

[0135] ​In the display device 18, the displays generally shown on the display unit are hierarchized. In the hierarchized display, first, by touching a menu button displayed as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) input screen in the upper layer, a new menu screen in the lower layer is displayed, and the menu buttons are successively touched until the screen for executing the target predetermined processing mode is reached.

[0136] For example, when it is desired to determine a destination by inputting an address when setting a destination, an operation is performed such that, starting from the initial screen, first a menu button is touched to display a position information setting screen, and then another menu button is touched to display an address input screen, such as the initial screen → position information setting screen → address input screen.

[0137] The main unit 1 also includes an OBD connection terminal connected to the OBD connector 13 provided in the vehicle, a GPS unit connection terminal connected to the GPS unit 12, an additional camera connection terminal connected to the additional camera 15, and a front view camera connection terminal connected to the front view camera 11, each of which is connected to the control means 10.

[0138] The front view camera 11 is a camera for photographing the front of the vehicle and acquiring a driving image, and outputs an NTSC signal as a video signal of the photographed video. The front view camera 11 is fixed to the front glass in the vehicle interior with double-sided tape such that the lens faces the traveling direction of the vehicle as the direction for photographing the front of the vehicle. The fixing position is set to a position within 20% of the height of the entire front glass from the upper part of the front glass in the vehicle interior. The power supply for the front view camera 11 is supplied from the control means 10.

[0139] The GPS unit 12 is installed at a position in front of the dashboard, receives a GPS signal, obtains the current position from the received GPS signal, and sends position information (longitude, latitude, etc.) of the obtained current position to the control means 10 in NMEA format data.

[0140] Further, the control means 10 is connected to the vehicle speed signal line, turn signal line, brake signal line, vehicle ground line, vehicle ACC system power supply, etc. of the vehicle via the OBD connector 13 connected to the OBD connection terminal. Thereby, the control means 10 acquires vehicle speed information, turn signal information, brake information, engine rotational output information, etc. from the vehicle via the OBD connector 13.

[0141] The acceleration sensor 14 detects the behavior of the vehicle from the acceleration in three dimensions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis detects the acceleration acting in the lateral direction, the Y-axis detects the acceleration acting in the traveling direction, and the Z-axis detects the acceleration acting in the vertical direction. Thereby, predetermined behaviors of the vehicle such as sudden acceleration / sudden deceleration, sudden steering, driving over a step, and falling into a depression are respectively detected. The acceleration sensor 1 4 is provided inside the main unit 1 and is connected to the control means 10.

[0142] The additional camera 15 is a camera that can be attached at an arbitrary position to capture an image of the periphery of the vehicle, and outputs an NTSC signal as the video signal of the captured image. For example, it is fixed to the front windshield inside the vehicle with double-sided tape facing the direction of photographing the interior direction (from the front windshield to the rear direction of the vehicle). Thereby, the behavior of the driver can be photographed. The power supply of the additional camera 15 is supplied from the control means 10.

[0143] The temperature and humidity sensor 16 is a well-known temperature and humidity meter in the past, and measures the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle. The temperature and humidity sensor 16 is provided inside the main unit 1 and is connected to the control means 10.

[0144] The remote control 17 is provided with a position information registration button that functions as a position information registration unit, and is fixed by pasting the back surface using double-sided tape at a position where the driver can easily operate, such as on the center console or the under cover of the instrument panel. As will be described later, the position information registration button of the remote control 17 registers the position information of the place when it is pressed at the place where it is desired to be memorized during driving.

[0145] The short-range wireless communication device 23 performs so-called Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and connects the control means 10 and an external device that functions as an external setting device such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a notebook PC in a communicable manner by short-range wireless communication.

[0146] [Notification of Warning Regarding Traffic Signal]

[0147] A case will be described in which, based on traffic signal information and speed information, it is determined whether or not a situation exists in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle, and based on this determination, a warning is notified to a notification means.

[0148] In the safety system, the front view camera 11 captures an image in front of the vehicle, the control means 10 recognizes an LED traffic signal from the captured image information, and acquires information on the color of the traffic signal light as traffic signal information. Further, the control means 10 of the main unit 1 acquires vehicle speed information from the OBD connector 13 and acquires acceleration information in the front-rear direction from the acceleration sensor 14. Here, the vehicle speed information and the acceleration information are included in speed information regarding the speed of the vehicle.

[0149] From these traffic signal information and speed information, the control means 10 determines whether or not a situation exists in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator by driving the vehicle. Specifically, when the traffic signal information meets the condition that the color of the traffic signal light is red or yellow, and the speed information meets the condition that the vehicle is at a predetermined speed or higher, for example, 10 km / h, and the vehicle is not decelerating, it is determined that there is a possibility that the elderly driver has not noticed the red signal, and thus a situation exists in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator by entering an intersection on a red signal or the like.

[0150] When it is determined that the elderly driver may be the perpetrator, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the display unit switches from the driving screen capturing the front of the vehicle to the notification screen for warning, as shown in Figs. 4(B) and (C). On the notification screen, the text 41 "Pay attention to the signal" is displayed in white, and the background 42 alternately blinks between a background color of only red (displayed in gray in Fig. 4(B)) and a background color of only black (see Fig. 4(C)). Also, from the speaker 22, a message "Pay attention to the signal" is notified as a warning in a voice that gives a soft impression.

[0151] In this way, taking the result of the main body's judgment on the blinking caused by the power supply of the LED traffic signal as the key to recognize the red signal, the vehicle speed, for example, the moving speed, and the change in speed, for example, acceleration and deceleration, and if the acceleration does not decrease much, it can be notified in advance that since it is a red signal, it is better to stop immediately.

[0152] Also, the control means 10 recognizes the distance from the traffic signal that is the basis of the traffic signal information from the image information, and ends the warning notification according to the distance and the speed information. Specifically, on the condition that the vehicle has decelerated to a speed at which it can be assumed to stop at the stop position corresponding to the traffic signal, when the actual vehicle speed meets the condition, it is determined that the situation is such that the driver cannot become the perpetrator of an accident, and the notification is ended.

[0153] [Notification of warning regarding wobbling, etc.]

[0154] It is determined from the vehicle information that the vehicle driven by the elderly driver has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more in the lane, and from this determination, it is determined whether the situation is such that the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle. The case where a warning is notified to the notification means based on this determination will be described.

[0155] As shown in Fig. 5, when the vehicle C driven by the elderly driver moves closer to the right side of the lane, the acceleration sensor 14 in the vehicle detects the acceleration in the left - right direction, and the control means 10 acquires the detected acceleration information. Also, the control means 10 acquires the image information in front of the vehicle from the front - view camera 11 and recognizes the distance between the vehicle C and the center line L of the road. Thereby, the control means 10 determines from the acceleration information and the image information that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more, and based on this determination, causes a warning to be notified.

[0156] Specifically, taking as predetermined conditions that the vehicle C has deviated to the right by a certain value or more from the acceleration information and that the distance between the vehicle C and the center line L has become a certain value or less, when the behavior of the vehicle C conforms to the conditions, the control means 10 determines that the elderly driver may be in a situation where they can be the perpetrator.

[0157] The certain values regarding the vehicle C deviating to the right and the distance between the vehicle C and the center line L are predetermined in the determination program of the control device. In the present embodiment, the certain value of the distance between the right end of the vehicle C and the center line L is set to 10 cm, but this certain value may be set to 0 or a negative number. However, in order to more safely determine that the elderly driver has approached the center line, the certain value is preferably set in the range of 5 cm to 50 cm. When the control means 10 determines that the elderly driver may be in a situation where they can be the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle, the display of the display device 18 starts to blink to notify a warning.

[0158] Elderly drivers tend to drive in a pattern of going from the center of the lane to the right and then back, going to the right and then back, and when an oncoming vehicle approaches, feeling danger and returning to the left. By notifying such characteristic wavering of elderly drivers at the stage when they deviate to the right, it is possible to determine a situation where a general elderly driver may be the perpetrator.

[0159] Next, based on the vehicle information, the wobbling of the vehicle driven by the elderly driver is determined. Based on this determination, it is determined whether the situation where the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident may occur when driving the vehicle. The case where a warning is notified to the notification means based on this determination will be described.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 6, when the vehicle C driven by the elderly driver wobbles, in the vehicle C, the acceleration sensor 14 detects the acceleration in the left - right direction, and the control means 10 acquires the detected acceleration information. Also, the control means 10 acquires the image information in front of the vehicle from the front - view camera 11 and recognizes the distance between the vehicle C and the center line L of the road. Thereby, the control means 10 determines from the acceleration information and the image information that the vehicle C has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more, and the vehicle has deviated to the left by a predetermined position or more is recognized.

[0161] When the situation where the vehicle C has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more and the vehicle has deviated to the left by a predetermined position or more is repeated, the control means 10 determines that the vehicle C is wobbling, and based on this determination, a warning is notified.

[0162] Specifically, based on the image information acquired from the front - view camera 11, the control means 10 recognizes the positional relationship between the vehicle C and the center line L, the outer - lane line M, and the virtual intermediate line N that is in the middle between the center line L and the outer - lane line M shown in FIG. 6. Then, from the acceleration information and the image information, it is recognized that the vehicle C has deviated to the right by a certain value or more and the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the virtual intermediate line N has become a certain value or more in the right direction, and then the vehicle C has deviated to the left by a certain value or more and the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the virtual intermediate line N has become a certain value or more in the left direction. And when the situation where the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the virtual intermediate line N repeatedly becomes a certain value or more in both the left and right directions within a predetermined time is repeated as a predetermined condition, the control means 10 determines that the elderly driver may be in a situation where they can become the perpetrator.

[0163] When the vehicle C drifts to the right, a certain value is predetermined in the determination program that operates the control means 10. In this embodiment, when the vehicle C drifts to the right, the certain value is set to 50 cm as the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the virtual center line N. Also, when the vehicle C drifts to the left, the certain value is set to 50 cm as the distance between the center of the vehicle C and the virtual center line N. The predetermined time for determining the wobbling is set to 30 seconds. These values can be changed as appropriate. When it is determined that the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle, the display of the display device 18 starts to blink to give a warning.

[0164] Elderly drivers tend to drive by going to the right from the center of the lane and then back, and going to the right and then back. By notifying such characteristic wobbling of elderly drivers, it is possible to determine a situation in which a general elderly driver may become the perpetrator.

[0165] Such excessive drifting to the right and the determination of wobbling are incorporated into the determination program that operates the control means 10 under predetermined conditions, that is, a predetermined value. The control means 10 automatically makes a determination without setting etc., and determines a situation in which the elderly driver may become the perpetrator based on the determination and gives a warning.

[0166] [Notification of Warning Based on Location Information]

[0167] Location information and event information related to the location are registered as situations in which an elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident. Then, when the vehicle driven by the elderly driver reaches the registered location, a warning is given.

[0168] The registration of location information is performed by an external setting device from a viewer 71 as shown in FIG. 7. Various information registered by the external setting device is stored as setting data in a memory card inserted into the external setting device. The memory card storing the setting data is inserted into the memory card slot 24 of the main unit 1. Then, the control means 10 transfers the setting data from the memory card to the storage means 25 of the main unit 1. Thereby, the storage means 25 of the main unit 1 stores the setting data.

[0169] When the vehicle reaches a position corresponding to the location information of the setting data, the control means 10 displays the relevant event information on the display means and audibly notifies it by the speaker 22 which is a warning sound output means.

[0170] The PC of the external setting device displays a viewer 71 as shown in FIG. 7 on the display. The viewer 71 displays map information 72, event information 73, and image information 74 captured by the front view camera 11 at a specific position of the map information 72. The map information 72, event information 73, and image information 74 are respectively linked. For example, a position 72a where the event information 72a is registered is displayed on the map. Also, the image information 73 displays the image information at the position pointed to by the cursor on the map.

[0171] For the registration of location information, for example, move the cursor on the map and click at the position where you want to register the event information. Register the event information according to the menu at that position. By clicking the cursor at any position on the map, the event information at that position can be registered. The event information can register the time of the event, the target period of notification, the direction in which the event occurs, the display content on the display unit, the color of the background of the display unit, etc. Each item is configured to be set by options.

[0172] By doing so, for example, by registering from Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 in the morning, the target vehicle, the commuting of elementary school students, etc. as conditions, it becomes possible to notify a warning when an elderly driver drives in accordance with the registered conditions, and the possibility of causing an accident to an elementary school student during commuting and becoming a perpetrator can be reduced.

[0173] [Notification of warnings related to climate]

[0174] In addition to vehicle information, weather information is acquired, and a case where the determination of whether or not an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle is made based on the weather information together with the vehicle information will be described.

[0175] The control means 10 acquires the temperature information and humidity information inside the vehicle from the temperature and humidity sensor 16 as weather information. Further, the control means 10 acquires the travel distance information from the OBD connector 13 as vehicle information. Thereby, the control means 10 determines whether or not an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident from the vehicle information and the weather information. When it is determined that an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle, the control means 10 notifies other devices of a warning.

[0176] Specifically, on the condition that the temperature inside the vehicle has reached a certain value or more and the travel distance has reached a certain distance or more, when the temperature information and the travel distance information meet the conditions, the control means 10 determines that an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident. A certain temperature and travel distance are initially set, but the family of the elderly driver sets them using a setting device according to the characteristics of the elderly driver.

[0177] In this case, as shown in Fig. 8(A), the control means 10 displays the character 81 "It's better to drink water because the temperature is high" on the display of the display device 18. Also, a similar warning is notified by voice from the speaker 22.

[0178] Further, the control means 10 acquires from the OBD connector 13 that the wiper has operated as weather information about rainfall. Further, the control means 10 acquires travel distance information from the OBD connector 13 as vehicle information. Thereby, the control means 10 determines whether or not the situation is such that an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident based on the vehicle information and the weather information. And when it is determined that the situation is such that an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle, the control means 10 causes another device to be notified of a warning.

[0179] Specifically, on the condition that the wiper has operated and the travel distance has reached a certain distance or more in that state, when the condition is met, the control means 10 determines that the situation is such that an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident due to rain. A certain temperature and travel distance are initially set, but the family of the elderly driver sets them using a setting device according to the characteristics of the elderly driver. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the control means 10 causes the character 82 "It's raining and slippery" to be displayed on the display of the display device 18. Also, a similar warning is notified by voice from the speaker 22.

[0180] In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(B), the control means 10 causes the character 82 "It's raining and slippery" to be displayed on the display of the display device 18. Also, a similar warning is notified by voice from the speaker 22.

[0181] [Change of Display Adapted to Elderly Drivers] An example of notifying a warning by changing the color of the background of a single color will be described for the display.

[0182] The control means 10 notifies a warning by the warning information determined according to the situation in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident from a plurality of pieces of warning information stored in the storage means 25. The warning information is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4(B) and 4(C), a pattern in which the character "Be careful of signals" is displayed in white and the background alternately blinks between a background color of only red and a background color of only black as a set of warning information. Therefore, the control means 10 determines one set or a plurality of sets of warning information according to the situation in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident and notifies a warning.

[0183] The warning information is preferably set by the family members of the elderly driver, and the family members of the elderly driver can input through the setting button and the touch panel 19 so that the display is suitable for the target elderly driver. For example, the family members of the elderly driver can set the content and color of the displayed characters and the color of the display background according to the personality and preferences of the elderly driver.

[0184] For example, when the family members of the elderly driver select "Warning Display Setting" through the touch panel 19, the display will guide them to set items such as "Character Content", "Character Color", "Background Color", and "Blinking". In the "Character Content" item, characters such as "Pay attention to the signal" can be input using the keyboard displayed on the touch panel 19. In the "Character Color" and "Background Color" items, colors such as red, blue, yellow, green, white, and black can be selected. In the "Blinking" item, the presence or absence of blinking and the blinking interval can be selected. Each item is registered in a selection manner to set one warning pattern.

[0185] [To encourage the elderly driver to continue driving safely]

[0186] The number of days the vehicle has been driven is counted, and the case where, when a predetermined number of days has been counted, reward information for motivating the elderly driver to drive is displayed on the display means will be described.

[0187] The control means 10 recognizes that the vehicle engine has started and counts the number of days the vehicle has been driven. Specifically, the engine rotation speed output is obtained via the OBD connector 13 to recognize that the engine has started. Then, the date and time when the engine started is stored in the storage means 25. Also, a predetermined number of days is counted from the date and time stored in the storage means 25.

[0188] When the control means 10 counts a predetermined number of days, it displays the reward information on the display means. Specifically, the storage means 25 stores a plurality of pieces of reward information, and the control means 10 selects the reward information corresponding to the counted number of days from the plurality of pieces of reward information and causes it to be displayed on the display means.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 9, the reward information is that on the first day that an elderly driver starts the engine, one day is counted and an image of an egg is displayed (FIG. 9(A)). Then, when the number of days is counted for five consecutive days, an image of a cracked egg is displayed (FIG. 9(B)). Then, after the number of days is counted for ten consecutive days, an image of a cracked egg is displayed (FIG. 9(C)). As the number of days continues to be counted, an image of an egg cracking and a chick emerging is displayed (Fig. 9(C)). Next, when 15 consecutive days have been counted, an image of an egg hatching and a chick emerging is displayed (Fig. 9(D)). Then, when 20 consecutive days have been counted, a photo of the elderly driver's family is displayed along with a message (Fig. 9(E)). In this way, the reward information may be image information of an animal hatching from an egg and growing according to the number of days counted.

[0190] In this way, the elderly driver will look forward to the changing image, and will be more motivated to continue driving. If the elderly driver's family members are too worried about becoming the perpetrator of an accident, the elderly driver will be prevented from staying indoors.

[0191] [Variations]

[0192] In this embodiment, a case has been described in which a determination is made based on traffic light information and speed information as to whether or not an elderly driver may be the perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle, and a warning is issued by the notification means based on the determination result, but it is also preferable to take location information into account when determining the situation.

[0193] For example, in a location where the lane is curved and the traffic light cannot be recognized until the vehicle reaches the location, the control means 10 may register the location where the traffic light can be recognized and acquire the traffic light information after the vehicle reaches the location. Specifically, when the vehicle reaches the registered location, the control means 10 may determine whether the traffic light is red or green from the moment the control means 10 recognizes the target traffic light in the image information captured by the front view camera 11, and may issue a warning if the acceleration sensor 14 or the vehicle speed does not change even though the light is red.

[0194] As another example of notifying a warning regarding traffic signal information, when the color of the traffic signal light changes from red to blue, start information may be notified. By doing so, when an elderly driver is waiting for a signal and looking around absent-mindedly, they will not be startled and jump out when the following vehicle honks. Also, if they are informed of a green signal, they will know that they can proceed, without being startled or getting impatient, so their heart rate will not increase and they can continue driving in a stable mood.

[0195] Elderly drivers generally tend to become more impatient as they get older. Therefore, the effect of maintaining safe driving by preventing an increase in heart rate is significant. The notification when it changes to blue may have an image on the notification screen of "You can go~" with a blue background color. Note that "start information" is a function that notifies when the vehicle in front has started moving while stopped, and is also referred to as stop and go. Therefore, it is preferable to have a function that detects when the vehicle in front has started and notifies the driver.

[0196] The timing of the notification should be earlier compared to the normal case of notifying a warning to general drivers. The timing of the notification is preferably set by the family of the elderly driver. Let the elderly driver drive once and set it at a timing that seems good. If the timing is not suitable for the elderly driver, drive again and set it again, and it is advisable to challenge the setting several times.

[0197] The additional camera 15 acquires image information inside the vehicle centered on the elderly driver. The control means 10 acquires the image information in which the elderly driver appears from the additional camera 15 and recognizes the driving state of the elderly driver. Based on this, the control means 10 may make an overall judgment from the images of the front view camera 11 and the additional camera 15 and notify a warning. For example, the front Based on the image information of the front-view camera 11, it is recognized that the elderly driver has steered the vehicle closer to the center line. At this time, based on the image information of the additional camera 15, the driving situation such as whether the driver was looking straight ahead or looking around is recognized. Based on these image information, when the driver is looking straight ahead but has steered closer, a warning is notified in a voice such as "You're getting closer to the right", and when the driver is looking around, a warning is notified in a voice such as "Look ahead", so that the warning can be notified according to the situation.

[0198] In this embodiment regarding the notification of warnings related to traffic lights, an example where a warning is notified when it is determined that the elderly driver may be the perpetrator has been shown. However, the position or timing at which the notification of the warning starts may be set individually, for example, by the family members of the elderly driver. By doing so, the family members of the elderly driver can set the timing according to the personality and preferences of the elderly driver that only the family can know.

[0199] Also, the position or timing at which the warning is notified is, for example, when the control means 10 recognizes that the color of the traffic light is red, and starts notifying the warning from 200 to 500 meters in front of the traffic light. If it is determined by the acceleration sensor 14 that the vehicle has decelerated, it can be judged that the elderly driver has recognized the traffic light, so the warning should be stopped.

[0200] Here, if the warning is continuously notified until the vehicle speed actually reaches 0 km / h, it may harm the mood of the elderly driver who has already stepped on the brake and is performing a stopping operation. In that case, the elderly driver will become unstable and the risk of becoming the perpetrator of an accident will increase. In the individual setting by the family members of the elderly driver, for example, it is advisable to be able to set the vehicle speed condition for ending the warning so that the numerical value 200 to 500 meters in front can be tuned and set.

[0201] Also, for example, in this embodiment, several situations where an elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident were exemplified. However, other situations such as accidental acceleration at a specific location like a convenience store parking lot are also assumed. For example, when the vehicle is parked at a registered specific location such as a convenience store and the engine is started, a message such as "Start safely" is notified. If the elderly driver starts stepping on the accelerator and the vehicle accelerates, the control means 10 determines that the vehicle has started moving slowly, and since there is no risk of crashing into the convenience store, it may be configured to end the message such as "Start safely".

[0202] In this embodiment, in the notification of warnings regarding wobbling or the like, when determining wobbling, the fixed values when the vehicle C drifts to the right, the fixed values when the vehicle C drifts to the left, and the predetermined time for determining wobbling can be appropriately changed. For example, the fixed value serving as the criterion for determining that the vehicle C has drifted to the left or right may be obtained from the distance between the center line L and the outer lane line M. For example, when the distance between the center line L and the outer lane line M is 250 cm, a fixed value of 50 cm, which is one-fifth of the value, may be set as the fixed value when the vehicle C drifts to the right. Also, when the distance from the center line L becomes less than a fixed value, it may be determined that the vehicle has drifted to the right, and based on only the acceleration information from the state of drifting to the right, after drifting to the left and then drifting to the right again, it may be determined as wobbling.

[0203] Older drivers may have difficulty driving straight and may instead veer towards and away from the center line on the right side. This is presumably because they have the perception that "the left side is scary because there is a guardrail, but as long as no oncoming vehicle comes from the opposite side, crossing the center line won't directly lead to an accident." Due to such a perception, general older drivers basically move towards the inner side of the road. When a large truck comes occasionally, they may be startled and turn the steering wheel to the left, hitting the left guardrail and becoming the perpetrator of an accident. Assuming such a situation, when the vehicle moves significantly to the right, an alert such as "Have you crossed the center line?" may be issued. Also, since there may be pedestrians when approaching the left side, it is advisable to draw attention to that area. As a cause of such wavering, the narrow field of vision of older drivers is considered.

[0204] Also, using FIG. 5, an example of notifying a warning when vehicle C moves closer to the right was described. However, warnings should also be notified in the following cases.

[0205] First, when the state of vehicle C moving closer to the right continues for a certain period or more (Situation 1), a warning is notified. Here, the state of vehicle C moving closer to the right is defined as the distance between the right end of vehicle C and the center line L being equal to or less than a certain value. For example, the certain value may be, for example, 50 cm, and the certain period may be, for example, 30 seconds.

[0206] Next, when an oncoming vehicle comes from the oncoming lane and vehicle C moves closer to the left to avoid it (Situation 2), a warning is notified. In this case, the coming of the oncoming vehicle is determined based on the image information of the front view camera 11. Also, the movement closer to the left is defined as the distance between the right end of vehicle C and the center line L being, for example, 150 cm or more.

[0207] Next, when the oncoming vehicle disappears and vehicle C moves closer to the right again (step 3), a warning is issued. The disappearance of the oncoming vehicle is determined from the image information of the front view camera 11. Also, the fact that it has moved closer to the right again may be considered when the distance between the right end of vehicle C and the center line L becomes, for example, 50 cm or less.

[0208] Furthermore, when situations 1 to 3 are repeated several times (situation 4), a warning is issued. Also, it is advisable to issue a warning in each individual situation of situations 1, 2, 3, and 4. For example, no warning is issued in situation 1, a warning is issued in situation 2, no warning is issued in situations 1 and 2, a warning is issued only in situation 3, no warning is issued in situations 2 and 3, and it is advisable to set it so that a warning is issued in situations 1 and 4. The fact that vehicle C has moved closer to the right or left may be determined by other methods regardless of its relationship with the center line L.

[0209] In this embodiment, an example of determining wobbling and issuing a warning has been described. However, for example, when attempting to determine wobbling only based on the acceleration information of the acceleration sensor 14, when driving along a lane with continuous curves instead of wobbling, driving similar to wobbling may occur. In that case, it may be possible to determine whether it is wobbling, but rather than determining whether it is wobbling or a curve, even when curves are repeated, it is advisable to uniformly determine it as wobbling.

[0210] Or, for example, in the vicinity of an intersection, it is advisable not to issue a warning uniformly as a prohibited area. By doing so, by excluding the vicinity of the intersection from the wobbling determination, the number of unauthorized warnings issued is reduced, and elderly drivers can concentrate on driving. If the family of an elderly driver makes such a setting, they will protect the elderly driver with kindness. Similarly, in the case of a sharp curve, it is advisable not to issue a warning.

[0211] In this embodiment, the wobbling is determined based on the lateral acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 14. However, it is preferable to determine sudden acceleration and sudden braking from the changes in the longitudinal acceleration information and issue a warning. By doing so, it is possible to determine excessive pressing of the accelerator, misapplication of the brake, etc., and issue a warning.

[0212] Also, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the control means 10 recognizes the wobbling of the vehicle based on the image information in front of the vehicle from the front view camera 11 and the left and right acceleration information from the acceleration sensor 14. However, the control means 10 may recognize the wobbling of the vehicle only from, for example, the image information in front of the vehicle from the front view camera 11. That is, the control means 10 may recognize the wobbling of the vehicle from a single piece of information.

[0213] Furthermore, it is even better if the control means 10 recognizes the wobbling from, for example, GPS information, information on the steering angle of the steering wheel, etc. Also, by comprehensively determining the wobbling of the vehicle from these multiple pieces of information, the determination of the wobbling can be made more accurate.

[0214] In this embodiment, an example of issuing a warning regarding the position information is shown. However, for the setting of the position information, for example, locations where other people have had accidents before, locations where accidents often occur, locations where only local people are likely to have accidents, etc. are input, and locations that local residents are all cautious about are registered in advance and notified. Such position information may be shared via Internet communication, but it is preferable to set it completely individually. After all, it should be limited to the information of this main body alone and registered with the information of only specific elderly drivers.

[0215] Therefore, it is not necessary to create a special website on the Internet to include the information of that area. The setting should be done individually by family members such as the sons of elderly drivers. Also, when a vehicle dealer sells a car to an elderly driver, in the same position as the family, it is advisable to register the positions that people in that area usually pay attention to.

[0216] The number of location information that can be registered may be limited to about 10. Elderly drivers often drive for about 15 or 20 minutes at a time, and it is not often assumed that they drive for an hour. Although it is not daily, but occasionally need to drive to places such as hospitals, home centers, barbershops, etc., but still the places to go are determined, and the distance from home is often about 5 - 10 km. Therefore, elderly drivers generally have a limited range of activities, and the location information that can be registered in the safety device can be limited.

[0217] Therefore, in the safety device according to the present invention, the number (places) that can be set is limited, and when the place and time repeatedly match, a warning is notified. For general drivers, a huge registration work is required to set the place and time, but in comparison, elderly drivers have a limited range of activities and operating time, so the required setting work does not increase much.

[0218] If individual settings can be made by an external setting device such as a PC or a smartphone, the settings from the main unit 1 and the display device 18 of the device are not required. Therefore, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the main unit 1 and the display device 18 are not provided with setting buttons. For example, if the display device 18 is not provided with setting buttons, the degree of freedom in design such as widening the screen can be increased.

[0219] Notifying a warning is not limited to highly urgent attention. It may also be a prior notice such as registering a location near home and saying "Just a little more", "Because it's just a little more, be careful". Incident information may not be registered, and a warning may be notified based only on location information.

[0220] The registration of location information may be jointly carried out by the elderly driver and the family of the elderly driver. For example, even if the elderly driver himself says it's okay, if dangerous driving is taking place at a specific location while jointly checking the actual driving information, the elderly driver and his family can have a common understanding. The elderly driver will provide all information such as the destinations and driving skills to the family, which can strengthen the trust relationship.

[0221] In this embodiment, an example where the location information is registered by an external setting device is shown. However, the location information may be registered by the location information registration means while driving without relying on an external setting device. Specifically, the location information may be registered by pressing a button on the remote control 17 corresponding to the location information registration means. For example, while driving, pressing a button on the remote control 17 registers the location information. After the driving ends, this information is retrieved from the external setting device, and event information and the like are set for the registered location information. By doing so, it is possible to create a highly accurate registration pattern by registering the locations where the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident while driving and adding information to the registered locations.

[0222] The family of the elderly driver may register the location information with the remote control 17 while driving on behalf of the elderly driver, add or modify information to the location information registered together with the elderly driver, and then let the elderly driver actually drive. Furthermore, while observing the actual driving situation of the elderly driver, the family of the elderly driver may reset the information together.

[0223] By performing repeated setting operations, the communication between the elderly driver and his family becomes closer. Accordingly, it is even better to be able to register the warning notification method together for the registered locations. When registering the location information while driving, the elderly driver drives and his family registers the location information from the remote control 17.

[0224] In this embodiment, an example of determining whether or not a situation exists in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident based on travel distance information and temperature information has been described. For example, from the time information of GPS information, if it is a predetermined condition that the temperature situation continues for a certain period or more, and if it meets the condition, the control means 10 may have a function of determining that the elderly driver may be in a situation of becoming a perpetrator.

[0225] In this way, in summer when the temperature inside the vehicle rises rapidly, it is possible to issue some kind of warning by playing a notice such as "It is necessary to replenish moisture" or "If you drive for too long, you will become drowsy". Elderly drivers are often mentally patient. For example, there are cases where they even endure until they suffer from heatstroke even at home. Therefore, it is beneficial to inform them of information related to the climate.

[0226] When warning is notified based on meteorological information, it is determined whether it is in the morning, daytime, or a place where heatstroke is likely to occur from the date and time by the temperature and humidity sensor 16 and the GPS unit 12.

[0227] When warning is notified based on meteorological information, it is preferable that after a predetermined time has elapsed after the engine is started, the change in the air temperature is detected and the warning is notified. For example, a warning may be notified when the air temperature has risen by a certain amount or more when going out only when returning from field work in summer compared to when going out. Also, for example, a warning may be notified when the temperature difference is large when going out in the morning and returning home at noon.

[0228] Note that even in a situation where the control device notifies a warning based on meteorological information, if it is necessary to notify a warning due to the occurrence of a highly urgent event based on other information such as vehicle information, the notification of the warning based on meteorological information should not be performed.

[0229] In setting the location information, for example, it is advisable to set the distances to places such as fields or hospitals that an elderly driver regularly passes by from home. Then, when a certain distance is exceeded, it can be considered an unusual situation such as getting lost on the road. In unusual situations, people often don't pay attention to things like temperature, so it is highly meaningful to issue a warning again when the temperature is high.

[0230] In this embodiment, an example where the warning information displayed on the display is set by the family of the elderly driver is shown. As a premise for such a setting, it is advisable that there be one or more default warning patterns determined as the initial setting for the color and the content of the text. Then, when the family makes settings it is advisable that warning patterns be added.

[0231] For example, depending on the personality and preferences of the elderly driver, in some cases, a stronger tone such as "Be careful" instead of "Take care" may be more suitable for the text content. The warning information displayed on the display should be such that, for example, like in New Year's card creation software, predetermined parts can be arranged at any position on the display. It should be possible to set it in the same way as writing New Year's greetings, New Year at the upper right, and Happy New Year on the left side, and thinking about how to arrange the photos. Since many people experience such settings once a year, the screen can be configured relatively easily. Then, actually let the elderly driver drive the vehicle and change the settings while trying. Try to change things like emphasizing the background color, flashing or lighting it, and find something that is easy for that person to notice.

[0232] Also, the notification of warnings by text is highly effective when the vehicle is stopped. For example, when stopping at a convenience store parking lot and starting the engine, if text such as "Be careful with the accelerator operation" appears, it can prevent misstepping on the accelerator. Also, by repeatedly notifying warnings, there is a possibility of forming a habit of being careful every time.

[0233] The warning notification by the display device 18 stores a plurality of registered patterns in the storage means by default. Thus, it is advisable to register in advance, by default, a registered pattern that is easy for elderly drivers to recognize. Furthermore, it is advisable to allow the family members of the elderly driver, as users, to rewrite and use the registered patterns set by default. Based on the registered patterns, only the characters may be changed, or only the combination of the character color and the background color may be changed. As for the color combination, for example, there is a complementary color relationship.

[0234] In addition to the warning by the display device 18, it is advisable to provide a warning by voice. For example, the control means 10 acquires voice information via the built-in microphone 21 and stores it in the storage means 25. The family member registers the voice information as warning information corresponding to the situation. As a result, when the vehicle driven by the elderly driver is in the corresponding situation, a warning is notified by the voice information. Since it is difficult for the elderly driver to read characters while driving, the warning notification by voice is effective.

[0235] The voice notification is preferably made in the voices of, for example, the son, daughter, or grandchild that the elderly person is familiar with. In the present embodiment, the voice is stored in the storage means by the built-in microphone 21, but voice data may be acquired by an external setting device and stored in the storage means of the main unit 1 via an SD card. In addition to voice, a startling sound such as a beep sound may be used, but it is more likely to motivate the elderly driver to drive safely if the warning is notified in a gentle voice or sound.

[0236] Although the voice can be set according to the elderly driver, a voice indicating that it should be like this may be incorporated. Alternatively, the voice of "Danger!" of the great-grandchild may be acquired by a smartphone application and stored in the storage means of the main unit 1. The voice information may be notified in a notification method such as the voice of the wife, which is suitable for the target elderly driver and which the elderly driver pays the most attention to, giving a sense of security that the driver is not driving alone.

[0237] That is, it may be something that resonates with each elderly driver. It is advisable to change the settings to find out which is better, such as a completely unfamiliar voice, a simple sound, the voice of a familiar person, or the voice of a beloved grandchild or great-grandchild. There may be cases where the driver is ashamed to use their own voice or where text is more appropriate.

[0238] The voice warning may be given once or repeated multiple times. If repeated warnings seem to make the elderly driver irritated and uncomfortable, it is advisable to give the warning only once. As an initial setting, it is better to give the warning only once and allow for individual settings to repeat it multiple times. It is advisable to have a function to set the number of repetitions and the duration of the warning (e.g., in seconds). There may be registered patterns such as for grandpa, grandma, gentle grandpa, gentle people, and impatient people. However, such registered patterns are preferably individually set for a specific elderly driver (e.g., grandpa) assuming that only that elderly driver (e.g., grandpa) will be driving. The text content may preferably be articles or messages created by the grandchild of the elderly driver. For example, it may be something like "Be careful, grandpa" or "Welcome home" when the driver returns home after driving. Even if it is something that will not be read during driving, the fact that it was set by the grandchild can serve as a motivation for the elderly driver to be safety-conscious. By making individual settings instead of using a one-size-fits-all notification method, it is possible to deliver a notification that resonates with the heart of the specific elderly driver.

[0239] For example, it is advisable to individually set whether the font weight of the text or the image of the text should be made more broken, softer, or harder. Even if the color is the same red, some elderly drivers may find it easier to see a slightly brighter color, while others may find it easier to see a really dark red like wine red. While checking such things with an external setting device like a personal computer, it is possible to customize while having a conversation like "Is this easy to see? What do you think?"

[0240]

[0241] ​ For example, for a person who has difficulty seeing a certain color due to a physical illness or an eye disease, it would be advisable to provide a PC viewer that can change the gradation, instead of only having a viewer or display unit that can only use fixed colors as in the past.

[0242] In this embodiment, the case of providing reward information such that one egg grows until safe driving continues for 20 days has been described. However, after 20 days have passed, it would be advisable to prepare the next egg so that another animal hatches. By doing so, elderly drivers will increase the number of animals, be given the joy of collection, and their motivation to continue driving safely will increase.

[0243] In such a case, it is also possible to set a distance target with respect to the number of days, or to deduct points when there is a sudden acceleration or sudden stop based on the acceleration information of the acceleration sensor 14. However, in this case, it is characterized by displaying reward information for elderly drivers as a reward for being able to drive daily. By doing so, it encourages going out so that driving does not become unpleasant due to forced target setting or point deduction, and the onset of diseases due to social withdrawal is suppressed.

[0244] Also, in this embodiment, an example of changing every five days has been described. However, it would be advisable to display a reward image that changes every day. Further, the storage means may store a plurality of character images in the storage means, and the character images may be a series of character images that grow according to each stage of the acquired point number. Specifically, if a plurality of stages of character images are created in an image such that a larva becomes an adult after undergoing molting multiple times, for example, the user can regard the coupon they are trying to obtain as a pet and continue driving with the image of raising that pet.

[0245] Also, it would be advisable to have a system where, if driving continues for 10 days, one obtains an egg, and if driving for another 10 days, the egg hatches and the user's point card on the screen is filled. By doing so, it stimulates the collecting habit and serves as a motivation for elderly drivers to continue driving safely.

[0246] The reward information provides on the screen images that are considered to be pleasing to elderly drivers. As reward information, it is advisable to assume things that elderly drivers are interested in. For example, it may be videos, images, illustrations of dogs, images of cats, animal series, world fish series, railways, photos of grandchildren, photos of oneself in the past, dinosaurs, mountains, ports, world heritage sites, etc. In particular, it is advisable to be something that arouses the collecting habit of elderly drivers. In order to obtain such reward information, elderly drivers will drive the vehicle every day, and that state will be maintained.

[0247] Also, the reward images may be settable by the family. For example, prepare a plurality of photos that record the growth of the grandchildren of the elderly driver, and make it so that the photos of the growing grandchildren are displayed as the counted number of days increases. By the family setting the reward images, images that suit the preferences of the elderly driver can be displayed, so the motivation for the elderly driver to continue driving safely can be further enhanced compared to the case where the reward images are initially set.

[0248] When setting the reward images, the external setting device may request a password known only to the family of the elderly driver. The reward images should be kept secret from the elderly driver as a little surprise for the elderly driver, and the elderly driver should not be able to view them even if they operate. By doing so, the elderly driver cannot know what reward images are registered, and the motivation to continue driving safely in order to view the reward images can be enhanced.

[0249] By elderly drivers driving the vehicle every day, the battery will not run down due to the engine operating every day, and the oil also circulates, which also leads to a reduction in failures. By doing so, preventing the elderly driver from becoming reclusive and reducing vehicle failures can be achieved only with the cost of gasoline, without spending unnecessary money.

[0250] The safety system allows the family members of elderly drivers to set situations in which elderly drivers may become accident perpetrators by driving a vehicle, and the family members of elderly drivers also set warning information for notifying warnings according to the characteristics of the elderly drivers.

[0251] Regarding situations in which elderly drivers may become accident perpetrators by driving a vehicle, the criteria for judging the situations may be incorporated into the program of the control means 10, may be stored in the storage means 25 as an initial setting, or may be set by the family members of the elderly drivers.

[0252] Regarding the initial setting, at least it is registered as a default setting. Without a default setting, some settings have to be made individually, which may be inconvenient for those who want to use it quickly. If the elderly driver can respond to risks under the initial setting conditions, the initial setting can be used as it is. If the elderly driver cannot respond to risks, the conditions can be added by setting individually.

[0253] In the initial setting, warnings are notified earlier than for people in their 30s and 40s in general. For example, when the condition for notifying a warning is distance, the distance is set to 1.5 times or 2 times the normal distance. For the individual setting, it is advisable to determine whether it is better to repeatedly notify "Danger, danger" from 500 meters or 600 meters ahead according to the personality and preferences of the elderly driver, or whether the driver can understand with just one notification.

[0254] For example, among elderly drivers aged 65 to 80, who are one of the targets of the safety system, some elderly drivers closer to 65 years old may understand with just one notification, while those closer to 80 years old may not understand without multiple notifications. First, once the elderly driver drives a vehicle, the driving content is recorded along with the initial setting notification. The family members check the recorded driving content. For example, if the driver is completely unaware of the notification, the number of notifications can be increased, such as notifying two more times. Individual settings for notifications can be made, such as increasing the volume of the sound, changing the color, etc.

[0255] According to the device as described above, it can be attached to a vehicle driven by an elderly driver as exemplified in FIG. 2. The control means 10 of the device acquires vehicle information, traffic signal information, climate information, etc. related to the vehicle driven by the elderly driver, and determines from this information whether or not it is a situation where the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle. Based on this determination, it has a function of causing a warning to be notified to notification means such as a display device 18 attached to the vehicle and a speaker 22. Therefore, in a situation where an elderly driver driving a vehicle can become a perpetrator, by notifying the elderly driver of a warning, the possibility of the elderly driver becoming a perpetrator is reduced, and the family of the elderly driver can feel more at ease and let the elderly driver drive.

[0256] The device attachable to the vehicle is preferably a main unit 1 that can be attached and used by the elderly driver or his / her family to the vehicle driven by the elderly driver. For example, it is preferably provided with an attachment part, and the attachment part may have a structure for attaching to, for example, on the dashboard of an automobile or above the front glass.

[0257] The "vehicle information related to the vehicle" is preferably, for example, information acquired by the vehicle itself or information acquired by this device attached to the vehicle. For example, as vehicle information, external image information or internal image information of the vehicle viewed from inside the vehicle, detection information detected by a detection device provided in the vehicle or a device attached to the vehicle, GPS information acquired by a GPS unit 12, etc. may be used. The image information is preferably acquired from an imaging device such as a front view camera 11, for example. Also, the detection device is preferably a sensor such as an acceleration sensor 14, for example.

[0258] "Determining whether or not, based on vehicle information, an elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" may be determined, for example, by the compatibility of the acquired vehicle information with a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may be incorporated, for example, into a program that operates the control means 10 of the device according to the present invention, or may be stored in the storage means 25 provided in the main unit 1.

[0259] Therefore, "determining whether or not, based on vehicle information, an elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" may be, for example, a process in which the control means 10 of the device according to the present invention compares a predetermined condition incorporated in a program or a predetermined condition stored in the storage means 25 with the acquired vehicle information to determine whether or not the information conforms to the condition.

[0260] Also, "a situation where an elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle" may be determined by the compatibility of single information such as image information captured by the front view camera 11 or the additional camera 15, GPS information acquired from the GPS unit 12, speed information acquired from the OBD connector 13, etc. with a predetermined condition, but it is even better to determine the compatibility of a plurality of information with a predetermined condition. By determining the compatibility with a plurality of information, it is possible to more appropriately determine "a situation where an elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident" compared to the case of determining the compatibility with single information.

[0261] "Notifying a warning based on the determination" may be, for example, processed so that when it is determined that a situation where an elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident conforms to a predetermined condition, a warning is notified by the blinking of the display screen of the display device 18. Therefore, it is advisable to determine whether or not the situation of the vehicle conforms to a predetermined condition, and if it is determined to conform, process to notify a warning, and if it is determined not to conform, process not to notify a warning.

[0262] "Issuing a warning" should be, for example, a weaker warning compared to that for ordinary drivers, a warning that arouses attention or gives advice. When issuing a warning through the speaker 22, it is advisable not to use a strong beeping sound or the like. Since elderly drivers tend to be more impatient as they get older, it is advisable to issue a warning that does not startle or irritate them.

[0263] Furthermore, the device according to the present invention preferably has, for example, the above-described control as a control mode for elderly drivers and a control mode for ordinary drivers other than elderly drivers, and it is more preferable that both modes can be switched by the touch panel 19 or the input button 20 of the display device 18.

[0264] In the mode for ordinary drivers, for example, it is a device that can be attached to a vehicle driven by an ordinary driver other than an elderly driver, acquires vehicle information regarding the vehicle driven by the ordinary driver, determines from the vehicle information whether or not the ordinary driver may become a victim of an accident by driving the vehicle, and based on the determination, causes a warning to be notified to a notification means.

[0265] Also, as shown in this embodiment, it is preferable to have a function for the family of an elderly driver to set a situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving a vehicle.

[0266] In this way, if each family member of an elderly driver makes an individual setting that they consider to be optimal for that elderly driver, a warning will be notified in a situation that is considered to be optimal for that elderly driver. Therefore, compared to the case where a situation in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident is initially set, the anxiety of the elderly driver is reduced, and the family can feel more at ease and let the elderly driver drive.

[0267] The "function set by the family members of the elderly driver for the situation" may be, for example, a function in which the family members set a part of the predetermined conditions for determining the conformity with the acquired information. For example, it is possible to set conditions related to the position of the vehicle from an external setting device or the touch panel 19 or input buttons 20 of the display device 18, or to set conditions related to the color and speed of the traffic signal lights. The conditions set by the external setting device may be stored in the storage means of this device via a memory card as setting data. In particular, for the conditions related to "position information", it is preferable to set the position where the vehicle is located or a predetermined range. Also, for example, for the conditions related to speed, it is preferable to set a threshold value.

[0268] Further, this device may, for example, be provided with a display device 18 as shown in FIG. 2. The "setting function" may be, for example, a function in which the items set on the display device 18 of this device are displayed, and the items are appropriately selected by the touch panel 19 for setting. For example, items for setting the situation related to traffic signal information and items for setting the situation related to climate information are displayed on the display device 18. When an item related to climate information is selected, items such as temperature, weather, and humidity are displayed. When temperature is selected, it is preferable to display a selection in which the temperature for warning is selected step by step by the input button 20. The selection may be made by the setting unit.

[0269] Furthermore, this device may, for example, have a function in which only the family members of the elderly driver can set the "situation where the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle", and have a function that the elderly driver cannot set. For example, this device has a function of requesting a password. Before setting, a password is requested, and only the family members who know the password can have a function of inputting the password by the touch panel 19 for setting, and the elderly driver who does not know the password cannot have a function of setting.

[0270] Also, for example, regarding the position information where a specific danger to the elderly driver is predicted for the situation where the elderly driver may become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle, the home of the elderly driver The group may have a function that can be set by an external setting device, the touch panel 19 of the display device 18, or the input button 20.

[0271] In this way, comprehensive warnings are notified at positions where elderly drivers are likely to become perpetrators, so that family members can more safely let the elderly driver drive. Note that since the driving range of elderly drivers is limited, the positions where danger is predicted are limited. Therefore, the family can set up unique positions corresponding to individual elderly drivers in a comprehensive manner.

[0272] The "danger specific to elderly drivers" may be, for example, a danger common to general elderly drivers, and may be a danger focusing on the driving habits and driving customs of general elderly drivers. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, it is advisable to determine based on the image information obtained by the front view camera 11 of the driving habit of a general elderly driver who repeatedly makes a movement of approaching and then returning to the center line, and the acceleration information in the left-right direction detected by the acceleration sensor 14.

[0273] General elderly drivers cannot drive straight normally, and they keep moving to the right, approaching and then returning to the center line, approaching and then returning to the center line. Since there is a guardrail on the left side, they are afraid, but they have the awareness that as long as no vehicle comes from the opposite side when crossing the center line, the vehicle will not collide, so they tend to basically drive inside. Also, sometimes they are startled when a large truck comes and cut to the left and hit the left. Therefore, specific locations where such driving is likely to occur may be regarded as "positions where danger is predicted".

[0274] On the other hand, the "danger specific to elderly drivers" may be a danger possessed by a specific elderly driver, and it is advisable for the family of the elderly driver to set it. For example, in a convenience store that the specific elderly driver frequents daily or a home center that the specific elderly driver regularly visits, and places where there is a lot of entry and exit of people and vehicles are assumed to be positions where danger is predicted, and the family sets it together with the elderly driver as "position information where danger specific to elderly drivers is predicted" by an external setting device.

[0275] Also, for example, a location where there has been an accident before may be set by the family as a "location where danger is predicted". For example, when the accident is due to a mistake in stepping on the accelerator and the brake, it may be set as event information regarding "location information where danger specific to elderly drivers is predicted".

[0276] Further, for example, the family of the elderly driver may have a function of setting, in relation to the position information, the situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident with respect to event information where danger specific to the elderly driver is predicted.

[0277] In this way, the family of the elderly driver can comprehensively set the situations in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator based on limited position information and event information corresponding to that position. As a result, warnings are comprehensively notified for the positions and events where the elderly driver is likely to become a perpetrator, so that the family can more safely let the elderly driver drive. Since the driving range of the elderly driver is limited, the events in which danger is predicted within that driving range are also limited. In particular, it is preferable to have a function that allows the family to set a number of position information that can be all displayed in the viewer shown in FIG. 7.

[0278] "Event information related to the position information where danger specific to elderly drivers is predicted" may be, for example, information regarding the time, content, and weather of an event related to the position. Specifically, for example, when there is a primary school student's commuting route within the driving range of the elderly driver, the family of the elderly driver may store it in the storage means 25 as information related to the position information of the commuting route and regarding the event that primary school students commute during a predetermined time period.

[0279] Also, for example, an external setting device for setting the situation of the device, such as a personal computer or a smartphone, includes a display unit such as a display, and displays map information, position information on the map, event information related to the position information, and warning information regarding the content of the warning on the display device 18, and the family of the elderly driver may have a function of setting the situation in which the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0280] In this way, information such as map information, position information, event information, and warning information can be displayed on the display unit of the external setting device, and a situation in which an elderly driver may become a perpetrator can be set by the user interface of the external setting device. Since it is easier to set when the information such as map information is displayed larger, as shown in FIG. 7, if it can be displayed on the display unit of an external setting device different from the device attachable to a vehicle like the present invention, each setting becomes easier.

[0281] The external setting device may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like. Alternatively, the connection to the external setting device may be made, for example, via a wire or wirelessly via a short-range wireless communication device 23, or may be made via a storage medium such as an SD card.

[0282] The "function to be set" of the external setting device may be, for example, a function to set each setting by the external setting device instead of the present device without depending on the setting unit of the present device, for the conditions for determining the situation stored in the storage means of the present device. For example, the present device does not have a setting unit such as the input button 20, is connected to the external setting device by wire or wirelessly via the short-range wireless communication device 23, and has a function to set the conditions for determining the situation by the external setting device.

[0283] The "map information" may be, for example, an electronic map as shown in FIG. 7 and may be displayed on a part of the screen of the display unit. Also, the "position information on the map" may be displayed on the map as, for example, a pin arranged at a predetermined position in the displayed map.

[0284] The "warning information" is, for example, a warning displayed on the display screen of the display device 18 or generated by the warning sound output means, and may be information indicating how each notification means notifies the warning. Specifically, for example, information indicating that a warning is notified with a single-color background on the display screen and large characters, a beep sound, or information indicating that the warning is notified by the voice of a family member recorded by the built-in microphone 21 may be used.

[0285] For example, the remote control 17 of the device may be provided with a position information registration unit, and when a family member of the elderly driver drives the vehicle driven by the elderly driver on behalf of the elderly driver, the position information registration unit is pressed to have a function of registering position information. In this way, the family member of the elderly driver can register only dangerous positions assuming the case when the elderly driver drives while driving on behalf of the elderly driver, and can register other information regarding the registered positions after the driving ends.

[0286] The other information may be information such as that the position is a position with poor visibility, there is a traffic signal at the position, the position is a school route of elementary school students, etc. In this way, it becomes easy to register position information based on actual driving. Therefore, the work of setting the situation becomes easy, dangerous positions can be surely registered, and the possibility of the elderly driver getting into an accident can be reduced.

[0287] The external setting device may be configured such that the family member of the elderly driver can set it while looking at the viewer shown in FIG. 7 together with the elderly driver. For example, by the position information registration unit, the family member of the elderly driver registers position information while driving, and after the registration of the position information, the situation where the elderly driver can become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle can be set together with the elderly driver, and an improvement in communication between the family and the elderly driver can also be expected.

[0288] The "position information registration unit" may be, for example, a pressing means such as a button provided on the device or a touch panel 19. In that case, since the pressing means can be easily pressed even during driving, the position information can be appropriately registered on the spot.

[0289] Furthermore, the "position information registration unit" may be, for example, a button of an external registration means such as a remote control 17 connected wirelessly or by wire. In that case, the remote control 17 can be arranged within the reach of the driver's hand, the driver does not need to reach for the device, and the position information can be registered without changing the posture during driving.

[0290] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable to start warning notification after the elderly driver has come to a situation where he / she can become a perpetrator of an accident, and end the notification after the situation where he / she cannot become a perpetrator of an accident has occurred.

[0291] In particular, for example, it is preferable that the family members of the elderly driver set "a situation where the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident" and "a situation where the elderly driver cannot become a perpetrator of an accident" by an external setting device or the like as shown in FIG. 7. By doing so, by the family members setting, it is possible to encourage the elderly driver to drive appropriately according to his / her own characteristics.

[0292] Also, for example, the control means 10 may acquire traffic signal information regarding the color of the lights of a traffic signal in front of the vehicle and speed information regarding the speed of the vehicle, and determine whether or not, based on the traffic signal information and the speed information, there is a situation where the elderly driver can become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0293] By doing so, the control means 10 can reduce the possibility of frequent accidents for the elderly driver by determining, from the relationship between the traffic signal information and the speed information, a situation that is determined as a situation where the elderly driver becomes a perpetrator. Note that elderly drivers are prone to making driving mistakes and becoming perpetrators of accidents because of a decrease in concentration due to aging and being easily distracted during driving. Therefore, there are many cases where they miss a traffic signal or are slow to notice due to these reasons.

[0294] For example, when the color of the lights of the traffic signal in front of the vehicle acquired by the front view camera 11 is red or yellow, and the vehicle speed does not decrease in the acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 14, it is preferable that notification means such as the display device 18 and the speaker 22 notify a warning. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an accident with a high probability for the elderly driver, such as entering an intersection where one should stop and colliding with another vehicle.

[0295] The acquisition of "traffic signal information" may be obtained, for example, by imaging means such as a front view camera 11 that captures the front of the vehicle. The traffic signal information can be obtained by recognizing the traffic signal and grasping its color by processing the image captured by the imaging means, with the key being the processing of the countless blinking LEDs of the traffic signal. "Speed information" can be obtained based on the speed obtained from the GPS unit 12 or the OBD connector 13 or the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 14, and may be information on the speed or acceleration of the vehicle. Also, at this time, for example, based on the traffic signal information and the speed information, it is advisable to start warning notifications when an elderly driver is in a situation where they could become the perpetrator of an accident, and to end the notifications when the situation is such that they cannot become the perpetrator of an accident.

[0296] Also, for example, from vehicle information such as acceleration information and image information, determine the swaying of the vehicle driven by the elderly driver, and based on this determination, determine whether the elderly driver is in a situation where they could become the perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle.

[0297] "Swaying" means, for example, in addition to the state where the vehicle in motion moves unstably from side to side, i.e., the so-called swaying state, a state where the traveling direction changes greatly to one side on the right or a state where it changes greatly to one side on the left, which the control means 10 determines from the vehicle information. The vehicle information used for the determination of "swaying" may be, for example, the change in lateral acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor 14, the change in position information obtained by the GPS unit 12, or the change in the image captured by imaging means such as the front view camera 11. Also, for the "swaying determination", for example, based on the acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 14, in addition to the lateral swaying, it is advisable to determine the swaying caused by changes in the speed or acceleration of the vehicle in the front and rear, such as sudden acceleration and sudden braking, and to issue warnings regarding sudden acceleration and sudden braking.

[0298] Moreover, for the "swaying determination", for example, based on the acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor 14, in addition to the lateral swaying, it is advisable to determine the swaying caused by changes in the speed or acceleration of the vehicle in the front and rear, such as sudden acceleration and sudden braking, and to issue warnings regarding sudden acceleration and sudden braking.

[0299] Also, for example, it is possible to determine from vehicle information that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more, and from this determination, determine whether or not there is a situation where an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a serious accident such as a head-on collision occurring when the vehicle deviates to the right and an oncoming vehicle approaches. For example, elderly drivers often make movements such as returning closer to the center line. This is a driving habit peculiar to elderly drivers, in which they are vigilant about the left side because there is a guardrail on the left side, but they have the awareness that there is no danger on the right side as long as there is no oncoming vehicle even if they cross the center line. However, if the vehicle deviates to the right, a serious accident such as a head-on collision will occur when an oncoming vehicle approaches. Therefore, by detecting that the change in the acceleration sensor 14 in the right direction is large in the wobbling information and notifying a warning, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a serious accident peculiar to elderly drivers. Also, for example, a warning may be notified when it is detected that the change in the acceleration sensor 14 to the left is large. By doing so, it is possible to notify the elderly driver that there may be pedestrians or bicycles in the traveling direction.

[0300] The determination of "the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more" may be made, for example, based on the image information acquired by the front view camera 11, based on the vehicle having straddled the center line or the distance from the center line having decreased.

[0301] Also, for example, even when determining the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle from the image information of the front view camera 11 and determining whether or not there is a situation where the elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident by driving the vehicle from the determination that the vehicle has deviated to the right by a predetermined value or more, if it is determined that there is no oncoming vehicle, the process may be such that a warning is not notified.

[0302] Among the driving characteristics of elderly drivers, even if they tend to drive closer to the right side, when there is no oncoming vehicle, the possibility of causing a serious accident is small. Therefore, if a warning is given every time the driver frequently drifts to the right, it will make the elderly driver feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when there is no oncoming vehicle, the control means 10 does not give a warning, so that warnings are not repeated frequently, and the discomfort of the driver can be reduced.

[0303] Also, for example, in addition to vehicle information, climate information detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 16 is obtained. The determination of whether an elderly driver may become a perpetrator of an accident when driving the vehicle may be made based on the climate information together with the vehicle information.

[0304] Therefore, when warning is given to general drivers based on climate for vehicle information and climate, it is advisable to give the warning at an earlier stage, which is stricter than the conditions assumed to be dangerous for general drivers. The "climate information" may be, for example, information regarding the atmosphere or the physical state in the atmosphere, such as temperature, humidity, sunny or rainy, wind speed, etc. For example, in addition to directly obtaining from various sensors such as the temperature and humidity sensor 16, humidity sensor, and wind speed sensor, the control means 10 may obtain the information that the wiper has operated as rainfall information via the OBD connector 13 and indirectly obtain the rainfall information. It is advisable.

[0305] The vehicle information may be, for example, the position information of the vehicle. In this way, the family members of the elderly driver can comprehensively cover the situations where the elderly driver may become a perpetrator based on the limited position information and the climate information corresponding to that position, and set it by an external setting device or the like. As a result, warnings are comprehensively given according to the position and climate where the elderly driver is likely to become a perpetrator, so that the family members can feel more at ease and let the elderly driver drive. Since the driving range of the elderly driver is limited, the position information is limited from that driving range.

[0306] For example, when the temperature is high enough to predict the risk of heat stroke, etc., a warning encouraging the driver to drink water may be issued by the display means or the speaker 22 after moving a predetermined distance from the position information of the starting position. This can reduce the possibility of an accident occurring in which an elderly driver makes a driving mistake due to heat stroke and becomes the cause of the accident.

[0307] The warnings given by the display device 18 and the speaker 22 should not be of a strong nature that restricts the user's actions, but should be words that encourage the user's actions, such as advice such as "The temperature is high, so you should drink water" or "You should open the window," as shown in Fig. 8, to call attention to the situation. Furthermore, the warnings given may be words such as "You will lose concentration if you drive for too long," or, in the case of rain, words such as "It's raining, so it's slippery," as shown in Fig. 8.

[0308] Also, for example, the notification means may include a display screen capable of displaying a single-color background over the entire surface, as shown in FIG. 3, and the display screen may notify the warning by changing the color of the background.

[0309] In this way, a warning is issued as a single color change in the background of the entire display screen, which is visual information most easily recognized by elderly drivers, and is particularly easy to recognize. This allows elderly drivers to be sure that they are aware of the warning, reducing the probability of accidents caused by elderly drivers and allowing their families to feel at ease when the elderly drivers are driving.

[0310] "Color change" may be such that the display screen changes to solid red from the situation where it normally displays real-time image information captured by the front view camera 11. This makes it easier for elderly drivers to understand that it is a state different from the normal state compared to a change to a color other than red, and can reduce the probability of accidents caused by the driving of elderly drivers. Also, "color change" may be a change where the background of the same color blinks or a change where backgrounds of different colors are sequentially switched.

[0311] For example, even for an elderly driver with various vision-related diseases such as cataracts, the change in the color of the display background is the most intuitively recognizable compared to warnings by characters. By, for example, remembering that danger is notified by color, the possibility of becoming a perpetrator of an accident is reduced.

[0312] Also, for example, the notification means includes a warning sound output means such as a speaker 22 that notifies a warning by sound, and the display screen of the display device 18 can display a warning by characters in addition to the display background. According to the characteristics of elderly drivers, it is advisable to notify a warning by the notification means by a combination of the color of the front display background and at least one of the characters and the sound.

[0313] In this way, by notifying a warning by a combination of at least one of characters and sound in addition to the color of the display background, it becomes easier for elderly drivers to recognize the warning. In particular, elderly drivers may have physical problems, and in such cases, even if it is difficult to recognize a warning by one method, elderly drivers can be made to recognize the warning.

[0314] The display screen of the display device 18 may be configured, for example, to have no elements other than the background and characters. For example, it may have a function of notifying a warning only by the color of the characters and the background without displaying icons or maps. Also, for example, the shade of red may be set to a shade that is easily recognizable by elderly drivers.

[0315] For example, it is preferable to have a function that allows the family members of elderly drivers to set at least one of the color of the display background, characters, and sound emitted from the speaker 22 displayed on the display screen of the display device 18 according to the characteristics of the elderly drivers.

[0316] In this way, the family members who know the elderly drivers best can set the warning information according to the characteristics of the elderly drivers and provide the most recognizable warning notifications. As a result, elderly drivers can drive the vehicle under the love of their family members, and their awareness of preventing accidents will also increase.

[0317] For the setting method, for example, it is advisable to prepare multiple combinations of the color of the display background and the color of the characters in the initial settings, and only change the content of the warning text by the touch panel 19 of the display device 18. In this way, according to the characteristics of the elderly drivers, the content that needs to arouse attention can be individually set with an easy-to-see color combination.

[0318] Also, the device according to the present invention can be considered to prevent elderly drivers from staying at home because driving a car is the reason for going out, which will contribute to the improvement of their health. In order to consider that such elderly drivers will not become the perpetrators of accidents, for in-vehicle devices, for example, it is advisable to count the frequency of vehicle operation based on the start of the engine from the OBD connector 13 and display reward information that can motivate elderly drivers on the display device 18. For example, count the number of days the vehicle has been driven, and when a predetermined number of days have been counted, display reward information that can motivate elderly drivers on the display means.

[0319] By displaying reward information according to the number of days an elderly driver has started the engine and driven the vehicle, it is possible to motivate the elderly driver to drive and make them want to drive every day. As a result, it can prevent the elderly driver from becoming averse to driving and staying at home, and provide an environment where the family members of the elderly driver can feel at ease and let the elderly driver drive.

[0320] The "reward information" may be, for example, a photographic image of the family of the elderly driver as shown in Fig. 9(E) in addition to the video of the animal. Since the elderly driver has deep affection for the family, doing so can strengthen the motivation to drive based on the reward information.

[0321] Also, for example, the control means 10 may display the reward information without performing a point deduction process for the frequency of vehicle operation. By doing so, it will not be the case that the elderly driver is discouraged from driving due to point deduction, and the motivation to drive based on the reward information will not be inhibited. For example, even when rapid acceleration, sudden braking, etc. are acquired from the information of the acceleration sensor 14 during driving, or when the driving distance does not reach a predetermined distance where normal driving is scheduled, the days when the elderly driver drives without causing an accident may be counted. For example, the counting may be only addition. If the number of days counted may sometimes be subtracted, it may reduce the motivation for the elderly driver to continue driving every day, but since the number of days counted is only added, the elderly driver only needs to simply consider driving the vehicle, and can continue driving every day. Thereby, an environment can be provided in which the family of the elderly driver can feel at ease and let the elderly driver drive. As described above, various aspects of the present invention have been described using embodiments and modifications. It should be noted that these embodiments and descriptions are not made for the purpose of limiting the scope of the present invention, but are provided to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of various aspects of the present invention disclosed in this specification within its scope. Among the present invention, the configuration for which a patent is sought has been specified in the appended claims, but even a configuration that is not currently specified in the claims has the intention of being made the subject of the claims in the future for the configurations disclosed in this specification.

[0322]

[0323] ​The invention of the present application is not limited to the configurations described in the above-described embodiments. The constituent elements of the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be arbitrarily selected and combined. Also, any constituent element of each embodiment or modification example may be arbitrarily combined with any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention or a constituent element embodying any constituent element described in the means for solving the invention. Regarding these, there is an intention to acquire rights in the amendment or divisional application of the present application, etc.

[0324] In addition, by filing a change application for a design application, there is an intention to acquire rights for the overall design or partial design. Although the drawings depict the entire device in solid lines, the drawings include not only the overall design but also partial designs claimed for a part of the device. For example, not only can a part of the members of the device be a partial design, but the drawings also include partial designs of parts of the device regardless of the members. As a part of the device, it may be a part of a member of the device or a part of that member. Regarding the overall design, of course, there is an intention to obtain rights for a partial design in which an arbitrary part of the solid line part of the drawing is made into a broken line part.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0325] 1…Main unit, 10…Control means, 11…Front view camera, 12…GPS unit, 13…OBD connector, 14…Acceleration sensor, 15…Additional camera, 16…Temperature and humidity sensor, 17…Remote control, 18…Display device, 19…Touch panel, 20…Input button, 21…Built-in microphone, 22…Speaker, 23…Short-range wireless communication device, 24…Memory card slot, 25…Storage means

Claims

1. A function of notifying a warning to the driver of the vehicle when the vehicle reaches a predetermined position, and A function of registering the predetermined position in response to a user input A system characterized by comprising A system.

2. A function of registering the position of the vehicle when the user input is made as the predetermined position The system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising

3. A function of receiving the user input via a remote control The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising

4. A function of registering the content set by the user as the content of the warning The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by comprising

5. A function of registering the recorded voice of the user as the content of the warning The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by comprising

6. A program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images