Automotive driver assistance systems

Abstract

The present invention provides an automotive driver assistance system that generates braking force on the vehicle and issues a warning when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a predetermined amount. [Solution] The automobile driving support system 1 comprises: a pedal depression detection unit 2 that detects an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal AP and outputs an electrical signal; a control judgment unit 3 that receives the electrical signal from the pedal depression detection unit 2 and determines the generation of braking force and a warning based thereon; a braking force generation unit 4 that generates braking force based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit 3; and a warning generation unit 5 that generates a warning based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit 3. The control judgment unit 3 comprises a braking force generation judgment unit 31 that makes a judgment to generate braking force when the electrical signal from the pedal depression detection unit 2 exceeds a threshold, and a warning generation judgment unit 32 that makes a judgment to generate a warning using the warning generation unit 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automotive driving assistance system that is linked to the movement of an accelerator pedal of an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increase in automobile accidents mainly caused by the confusion between the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal of an automobile by elderly drivers. Also, during the driving of an automobile, a sudden acceleration operation may be performed, and in such a case, the possibility of a collision accident with pedestrians or other vehicles is increasing. Various technologies for preventing such confusion between the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal by the driver have been disclosed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for operating a braking device of an automobile in conjunction with an operation of an accelerator pedal, and has a function of automatically operating a brake system when a driver strongly depresses the accelerator pedal.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 describes a technology related to an automobile safety system, and a system for detecting an incorrect operation of an accelerator pedal and issuing a warning to a driver has a function of prompting a driver's attention through an audio warning or a visual warning. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses an emergency braking device for immediately stopping an automobile when a driver missteps on an accelerator pedal, and has a function of detecting a driver's incorrect operation and automatically operating a brake.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 provide a braking function to counter sudden acceleration when the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator pedal, but they have the problem that they do not adequately warn people around the driver.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an automobile driving assistance system that, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a predetermined amount, generates braking force on the vehicle and immediately issues warnings to people in the surrounding area in various ways, thereby preventing accidents resulting in personal injury. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides an automobile driving support system comprising: a pedal depression detection unit that detects an electrical signal corresponding to the amount the driver depresses the accelerator pedal of an automobile and outputs the electrical signal; a control judgment unit that receives the electrical signal output from the pedal depression detection unit and determines, based on the electrical signal, whether to generate a braking force on the automobile and to issue a warning to the surrounding area of ​​the automobile; a braking force generation unit that stops the acceleration of the automobile and generates a braking force to stop the automobile based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit; and a warning generation unit that issues a warning to the surrounding area of ​​the automobile based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit. The control judgment unit comprises a braking force generation judgment unit that determines to stop the acceleration of the automobile and generate a braking force when the electrical signal output from the pedal depression detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, and a warning generation judgment unit that determines to issue a warning using the warning generation unit when the electrical signal output from the pedal depression detection unit exceeds a preset threshold. The system transmits the judgment result of the braking force generation judgment unit to the braking force generation unit and the judgment result of the warning generation judgment unit to the warning generation unit.

[0009] The thresholds include a first threshold, which is the criterion for the braking force generation determination unit to decide whether to stop the vehicle's acceleration and then generate braking force, and a second threshold, which is the criterion for the warning generation determination unit to decide whether to generate a warning using the warning generation unit. The second threshold can also be smaller than the first threshold.

[0010] Furthermore, the warning generating means may include a horn control means for activating the car's horn. In addition, the warning generating means may include a light control means for turning on or flashing the car's lights. Furthermore, the warning generating means may include a lamp control means for turning on or flashing either the car's brake lights or hazard lights. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The automobile driving assistance system according to the present invention generates braking force (applies the brakes) on the vehicle when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a predetermined amount, and simultaneously issues an immediate warning to people in the surrounding area. Therefore, the automobile driving assistance system according to the present invention has the effect of reducing the risk of automobile accidents by suppressing sudden acceleration of the vehicle due to driver error and issuing a warning to people in the surrounding area. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram of the automobile driver assistance system 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the potentiometer-type foot-pressure detection unit 2A. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the foot-pressure detection unit 2B using an angle sensor. [Figure 4] This is an example of a graph showing the relationship between the amount of pedal travel and the voltage value using a potentiometer. [Figure 5] This is an example of a graph showing the relationship between the amount of foot pressure and the rotation angle using an angle sensor system. [Figure 6]It is an example of a graph showing the relationship between the depression force L of the accelerator pedal AP and an arbitrary variable Y. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart when the vehicle driving support system 1 operates (First Embodiment). [Figure 8] It is a flowchart when the vehicle driving support system 1 operates (Second Embodiment).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the same elements in all the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, in the description in the text, the reference numerals described above will be used as necessary.

[0014] The overall configuration diagram of the vehicle driving support system 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle driving support system 1 of the present invention is roughly divided into a depression amount detection unit 2 that detects the depression amount of the accelerator pedal AP of the vehicle by the driver, a control determination unit 3 that receives an electric signal corresponding to the depression amount output from the depression amount detection unit 2, a braking force generation unit 4 that generates a braking force to stop the vehicle after stopping the acceleration of the vehicle, and a warning generation unit 5 that generates a warning to people around the vehicle.

[0015] Further, the control determination unit 3 includes a braking force generation determination unit 31 that determines whether to generate a braking force of the vehicle based on the electric signal received from the depression amount detection unit 2, and a warning generation determination unit 32 that determines whether to generate a warning using the warning generation means 5 based on the electric signal received from the depression amount detection unit 2. Hereinafter, details of each of the depression amount detection unit 2, the control determination unit 3, the braking force generation unit 4, the warning generation unit 5, the braking force generation determination unit 31, and the warning generation determination unit 32 will be described. <从踏板行程检测部2>

[0016] The depression amount detection unit 2 is an important part for quantitatively measuring how much the driver of the vehicle depresses the accelerator pedal. This part has the function of quantitatively perceiving in real time the change in the movement of the accelerator pedal through sensors installed on the accelerator pedal.

[0017] In particular, in order to ensure the safety during sudden acceleration of the vehicle by the driver, a sudden operation of the accelerator pedal is detected and a warning signal is sent to the control judgment unit 3 described later. The sensors can detect the depression state (depression amount) of the accelerator pedal by using, for example, a potentiometer or an angle sensor. Detection methods for the depression amount of the accelerator pedal include, for example, a potentiometer method using a variable resistor and an angle sensor method. The configuration diagram of the depression amount detection unit 2A by the potentiometer method is shown in FIG. 2, and the configuration diagram of the depression amount detection unit 2B by the angle sensor method is shown in FIG. 3, respectively.

[0018] The potentiometer method is a method of detecting the depression amount of the accelerator pedal AP using a potentiometer (an electronic component that can change its resistance value through rotational or linear movement), as shown in FIG. 2. The potentiometer 21 is a type of variable resistor and can divide the input voltage and extract it as an output voltage. That is, the resistance value of the potentiometer 21 changes according to the depression amount of the accelerator pedal AP, and the depression amount is detected by outputting this change as a voltage value.

[0019] In this method, the potentiometer 21 is attached to the rotation axis of the accelerator pedal AP. With a constant voltage applied to one end, the voltage value (obtained from the other end) corresponding to the rotation amount of the rotation axis of the accelerator pedal AP is converted into an electrical signal by the AD converter 22. Further, the microcontroller 23 receives the electrical signal from the AD converter 22 and calculates the depression amount of the accelerator pedal AP.

[0020] Furthermore, the angle sensor method, as shown in Figure 3, is a method of measuring the rotation angle of the accelerator pedal AP using an angle sensor 24 (a sensor that detects the rotation angle of an axis, etc., when attached to machinery and converts the amount of rotation into an electrical signal) that directly measures the angle of the accelerator pedal AP. The angle sensor 24 is attached to the rotation axis of the accelerator pedal AP and directly measures the rotation angle of the accelerator pedal AP. In this method, the microcontroller 25 reads the electrical signal of the rotation angle acquired by the angle sensor 24 and calculates the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal AP based on the rotation angle.

[0021] The data (electrical signals) corresponding to the amount of accelerator pedal depression calculated by the detection methods described above, such as the potentiometer method and the angle sensor method, are output to the control judgment unit 3 (braking force generation judgment unit 31, warning generation judgment unit 32), which will be described later. Filtering can also be applied to minimize noise in the electrical signals detected by the depression amount detection unit 2 to prevent malfunctions.

[0022] <Control Decision Unit 3> The control decision unit 3 plays a central role in the automobile driving assistance system 1 of the present invention. It receives an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of pedal depression output from the pedal depression detection unit 2 and plays an important role in controlling the movement of the automobile based on this signal. The control decision unit 3 includes a braking force generation decision unit 31 and a warning generation decision unit 32.

[0023] The braking force generation determination unit 31 can determine whether it is necessary to generate braking force for the vehicle based on an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of depression from the depression amount detection unit 2, based on a predetermined reference value (threshold). This determination is made by comparing the electrical signal corresponding to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal with a preset threshold to instantly determine whether an emergency brake is required.

[0024] For example, if the amount of pressure applied to the accelerator pedal increases rapidly, and the electrical signal output from the pedal pressure detection unit 2 exceeds a preset threshold, the braking force generation determination unit 31 instructs the braking force generation unit 4 (described later) to automatically apply the brakes to ensure the safety of the vehicle.

[0025] Furthermore, the braking force generation determination unit 31 sends an instruction to the system that controls the engine and motor to interrupt the electrical signal from the accelerator pedal as a preliminary step before applying the brakes. This instruction causes the system that controls the vehicle's engine and motor to disable the acceleration command, thereby preventing situations in which the driver unintentionally accelerates suddenly.

[0026] The "threshold" for the amount of accelerator pedal depression can be arbitrarily set to suppress sudden acceleration unintended by the driver. For example, if the accelerator pedal depression amount is detected using a potentiometer method, the position of the accelerator pedal is detected as a voltage value, so it is assumed that the output voltage of the potentiometer usually changes within the range of 0 to 5V, where 0V is when the accelerator pedal is fully returned (depression amount is zero) and 5V is when it is fully depressed. Figure 4 shows an example of a graph of the relationship between the amount of depression and the voltage value generated by the potentiometer method.

[0027] Assuming that the amount of accelerator pedal depression during normal driving corresponds to a voltage value in the range of 2.5 to 3.5V as shown in Figure 4 (h1 to h2), the "threshold" is assumed to be 3.8V based on this range. Under this assumption, when the accelerator pedal reaches a voltage value of 3.8V or higher, the control force generation determination unit 31 determines from the amount of accelerator pedal depression that this is an unintended sudden acceleration by the driver, and transmits the determination result to the control force generation unit 4 to generate braking force, stopping the acceleration of the vehicle and then generating braking force on the vehicle.

[0028] The warning generation determination unit 32 activates the warning generation unit 5 when the amount of accelerator pedal depression exceeds a set predetermined standard value (threshold), and is responsible for issuing a warning to people in the vicinity. This warning is used to draw the attention of pedestrians and other drivers to the vehicle's movements. This function allows for the notification of danger to others even in sudden situations, thereby preventing accidents resulting in personal injury.

[0029] Furthermore, the "threshold" for the amount of accelerator pedal depression can be arbitrarily set to suppress sudden acceleration unintended by the driver. For example, if the accelerator pedal depression amount detection method is an angle sensor method, it is assumed that the angle of the accelerator pedal when the driver performs normal driving operations is usually in the range of 0° (initial position of the accelerator pedal) to 60°. Figure 5 shows an example of a graph of the relationship between the depression amount (h) and the rotation angle (θ) of the accelerator pedal linked to it, as determined by the angle sensor method.

[0030] As mentioned above, we assume that the amount of accelerator pedal depression during normal driving operations corresponds to a rotation angle θ in the range of 0° to 60°, as shown in Figure 5, where 0 to h11 corresponds to 0. In this case, by setting the threshold to 65° based on this range, the warning generation determination unit 32 determines that the driver may be unintentionally accelerating rapidly when the amount of accelerator pedal depression exceeds h12, that is, when the accelerator pedal reaches a rotation angle of 65° or more. The unit then transmits the determination result to the warning generation unit 5 to generate a warning means such as honking the horn or flashing the lights.

[0031] <Braking force generating unit 4> The braking force generation unit 4 receives the judgment result from the control judgment unit 3 and is responsible for activating the vehicle's braking system. If the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a predetermined amount, the braking force generation unit 4, having received a judgment result from the control judgment unit 3 that "it is necessary to generate braking force," quickly activates the brake system and generates braking force. It also has a function to cut off the acceleration signal from the accelerator pedal based on the instruction of the braking force generation judgment unit 31, ensuring the safety of the vehicle by stopping the vehicle's acceleration before activating the brake system. This brake system activates the brakes using control devices such as electric actuators and hydraulic control systems, similar to how the brake pedal is pressed in a typical automobile.

[0032] <Warning Generation Unit 5> The warning unit 5 plays a crucial role in quickly issuing warnings to surrounding pedestrians and other vehicles when the driver excessively presses the accelerator pedal. This warning unit 5 is equipped with multiple visual and auditory control means, enabling appropriate warnings in a variety of situations.

[0033] First, upon receiving the judgment result from the control judgment unit 3, the warning generation unit 5 immediately activates the appropriate warning means. The generation of a warning is important to prevent potential dangers caused by sudden acceleration unintended by the driver. Specifically, warnings can be issued using methods such as honking the horn, flashing lights, or illuminating lamps.

[0034] The control means for the above warnings include a horn control means 51 that sounds the horn, a light control means 52 that turns on or flashes the lights, and a lamp control means 53 that activates the brake lights or hazard lights. Each of these control means will be described in detail below.

[0035] (Horn control means 51) The horn control means 51 plays a role in automatically activating the horn as part of the warning generation unit 5. This means is primarily intended to alert pedestrians and other vehicles in the vicinity and is particularly effective in situations where visual warnings are difficult, such as during the daytime in summer.

[0036] The horn control means 51 immediately sounds the horn upon receiving a judgment result from the control judgment unit 3. This allows pedestrians and other drivers to immediately pay attention and avoid the risk of collision. The volume and duration of the horn can be adjusted according to the surrounding environment and circumstances, thereby minimizing disruption to the surroundings due to excessive noise.

[0037] Furthermore, this horn control means 51 can also be operated in conjunction with a sensor that detects the ambient noise level. For example, in urban areas with high noise levels, the horn volume can be automatically increased to enhance the warning effect.

[0038] (Light control means 52) The light control means 52, as part of the warning generation unit 5, has the function of issuing visual warnings to the surroundings. It is mainly used as an effective warning means at night or in poor visibility conditions, and plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the driver and those around them.

[0039] The light control means 52, upon receiving a command from the control judgment unit 3, automatically flashes or illuminates the headlights or taillights to warn surrounding pedestrians and other drivers. The flashing pattern and frequency of the lights are adjusted according to the situation and designed to maximize the effect of attracting attention.

[0040] The light control means 52 can also use LED lights to improve visibility, especially at night. This makes it easily recognizable from a distance, allowing for quick warnings to be communicated to people in the vicinity.

[0041] <Lamp control means 53> The lamp control means 53 is a means for issuing a visual warning using the vehicle's lamps, and is particularly intended to draw attention at night or in poor visibility conditions. This lamp control means 53 immediately draws attention to vehicles behind and pedestrians in the vicinity by issuing a warning using either the brake lights or hazard lights.

[0042] The lamp control means 53 receives the judgment result from the control judgment unit 3 and performs the optimal lighting or flashing of the lamps according to the situation. For example, if an emergency stop is necessary, flashing the brake lights can enhance the warning effect to following vehicles.

[0043] Furthermore, the lamp control means 53 can detect the vehicle's movement using sensors and select the optimal warning method based on that information. For example, if sudden acceleration of the vehicle is detected, it is possible to quickly warn following vehicles by immediately flashing or illuminating either the brake lights or hazard lights.

[0044] In this embodiment, it is desirable to set the "threshold" for the amount of accelerator pedal depression in the braking force generation determination unit 31 and the warning generation determination unit 32 to the same value. However, the threshold for the amount of accelerator pedal depression in the braking force generation determination unit 31 and the threshold for the amount of accelerator pedal depression in the warning generation determination unit 32 may be set individually.

[0045] For example, the threshold at which the braking force generation determination unit decides to stop the vehicle's acceleration and then generate braking force can be set as the "first threshold," and the threshold at which the warning generation determination unit decides to use the warning generation unit to generate a warning can be set as the "second threshold." In this case, if the first threshold is greater than the second threshold, that is, if the second threshold is less than the first threshold, braking force will be generated after the warning is issued, allowing surrounding pedestrians and following vehicles to detect the anomaly (the vehicle running out of control due to sudden acceleration unintended by the driver) and quickly avoid various dangers.

[0046] Conversely, if the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold, i.e., if the second threshold is larger than the first threshold, a warning will be issued after the vehicle's braking force is applied. In this setting, by warning the driver after the vehicle's braking force is applied, the driver can quickly realize their mistake and continue driving more safely. For example, if the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal, the vehicle driving assistance system of the present invention will automatically apply braking force and then issue a warning, allowing the driver to realize their mistake and take appropriate action, such as pressing the brake pedal again without panicking.

[0047] Furthermore, the braking force generation unit 4 and the warning generation unit 5 can be activated in response to the driver's pressing force on the accelerator pedal AP. Figure 6 shows an example of a graph representing the relationship between the pressing force L of the accelerator pedal AP and an arbitrary variable Y. As shown in Figure 6, the pressing force L of the accelerator pedal AP and the arbitrary variable Y have a linear relationship, and this relationship is shown in the graph. In the example shown in Figure 6, the threshold of the pressing force L is L0, and the variable Y at that time is Y0.

[0048] This variable Y can be set to correspond to the magnitude of the braking force generated by the braking force generating unit 4. That is, when the force L applied to the accelerator pedal AP is less than the threshold L0, the variable Y will be less than Y0, and the braking force generating unit 4 will not generate any braking force. On the other hand, if there is a strong enough force applied to the pedal L to be greater than or equal to the threshold L0, the variable Y will be greater than or equal to Y0, and the braking force generating unit 4 will generate a large braking force. Furthermore, the braking force generating unit 4 can be arbitrarily set to generate braking force even when the pedal force L reaches 95% of the threshold L0.

[0049] Similarly, this variable Y can also be configured to correspond to the warning generated by the warning generation unit 5. When the force L applied to the accelerator pedal AP is less than the threshold L0, the variable Y will be less than Y0, and the warning generation unit 5 will not issue a warning. Conversely, if the force L is strong enough to exceed the threshold L0, the variable Y will exceed Y0, and the warning generation unit 5 will issue a warning. Furthermore, the warning generation unit 5 can be arbitrarily configured to issue a warning even when the force L reaches 95% of the threshold L0.

[0050] In this way, by gradually changing the generation of braking force and warnings in accordance with the force L applied to the accelerator pedal AP, more precise control becomes possible, and sudden acceleration unintended by the driver can be suppressed more effectively.

[0051] Next, a series of steps (first embodiment) from the first step of detecting the amount of accelerator pedal depression when the accelerator pedal of a vehicle is excessively pressed using the vehicle driving assistance system of the present invention, to the eighth step in which both the vehicle's braking force and warning are released, will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating the flow when the vehicle driving assistance system of the present invention is activated (first embodiment).

[0052] <Detection of accelerator pedal depression: Step 1 S001> First, the first step is to measure how far the driver of the vehicle is pressing the accelerator pedal AP. In this step, the pedal depression detection unit 2 shown in Figure 1 plays an important role. The pedal depression detection unit 2 is equipped with sensors that sense changes in the movement of the accelerator pedal AP in real time. These sensors, for example, use potentiometers and angle sensors to quantitatively measure the degree to which the accelerator pedal AP is pressed.

[0053] For example, in the potentiometer method, the resistance value changes according to the amount the accelerator pedal AP is pressed, and this change is output as a voltage value to detect the amount of depression. In the angle sensor method, the amount of depression can be detected by directly measuring the angle of the accelerator pedal AP. The detection data from either of these methods is filtered to minimize noise and can be transmitted to the control decision unit 3 as an accurate electrical signal.

[0054] <The control decision unit receives the electrical signal: Step 2 S002> The second step is for the control decision unit 3 to receive the electrical signal transmitted from the pedal depression detection unit 2. The control decision unit 3 is the central component of the automobile driving assistance system 1 and is responsible for controlling the operation of the automobile based on the received electrical signal. The control decision unit 3 mainly consists of a braking force generation decision unit 31 and a warning generation decision unit 32, which work together to perform appropriate control according to the driver's operation. The received electrical signal indicates how far the driver has pressed the accelerator pedal, and decisions in the next step are made based on this information. The control decision unit 3 analyzes the electrical signal at high speed and uses it as data necessary for subsequent processing.

[0055] <Determination of braking force generation and warning generation: Step 3 S003> In the third step, the control decision unit 3 determines whether to generate braking force or issue a warning based on the electrical signal received from the pedal depression detection unit 2. The braking force generation decision unit 31 and the warning generation decision unit 32 work together to make the appropriate decision.

[0056] The braking force generation determination unit 31 determines whether to generate braking force to ensure the safety of the vehicle when the driver suddenly presses the accelerator pedal. For example, if the amount of pedal depression increases rapidly and exceeds a preset threshold, it issues an instruction to the braking force generation unit 4 to generate braking force, that is, to apply the brakes.

[0057] At the same time, the warning generation determination unit 32 determines whether or not to issue a warning to surrounding pedestrians or other vehicles. For example, if the amount the accelerator pedal is pressed exceeds a preset threshold, it instructs the warning generation unit 5 to generate a warning, such as honking the horn or flashing the lights.

[0058] <Comparison and judgment with the set threshold: Step 4 S004> The fourth step is for the control judgment unit 3 to compare the electrical signal received from the pedal depression detection unit 2 with a preset threshold. This threshold can be arbitrarily set to suppress sudden acceleration unintended by the driver. For example, in the case of an angle sensor system, assuming that the angle range of the accelerator pedal when the driver performs normal driving operations is approximately 0° to 60°, the threshold can be set to 65°. With this setting, sudden acceleration is determined when the accelerator pedal reaches an angle of 65° or more.

[0059] In the case of a potentiometer system, assuming that the voltage range during normal operation is 2.5 to 3.5V, the threshold is set to 3.8V, so that if a voltage of 3.8V or higher is measured, it is judged as a sudden acceleration. In this way, by comparing the electrical signal received from the pedal depression detection unit 2 with a preset threshold, the control judgment unit 3 instantly determines whether the driver's operation is within the normal range or whether it is a sudden acceleration unintended by the driver.

[0060] <Generating braking force: Step 5 S005> The fifth step is for the braking force generation determination unit 31 to determine, if the driver suddenly presses the accelerator pedal and the threshold is exceeded, that it is necessary to stop the vehicle's acceleration and generate braking force in order to ensure the vehicle's safety. In this case, the braking force generation determination unit 31 cuts off the electrical signal to the system that controls the engine or motor to accelerate the vehicle, and then transmits an electrical signal to the braking force generation unit 4 to generate braking force, thereby activating the brake system.

[0061] The braking force generation unit 4 generates braking force to stop the vehicle, using an electric actuator and a hydraulic control system, similar to how the vehicle would stop from normal driving. In this step, the generation of braking force prevents sudden acceleration unintended by the driver and stabilizes the vehicle's control. If the amount the accelerator pedal is pressed does not exceed a threshold, the vehicle will accelerate normally.

[0062] <Warning Issued: Step 6 S006> In the sixth step, similar to the fifth step described above, if the amount the accelerator pedal is pressed exceeds a set threshold (the same value as the threshold set in advance to generate braking force in the fifth step), the warning generation determination unit 32 determines that it is necessary to issue a warning to surrounding pedestrians and other vehicles. In this case, the warning generation determination unit 32 sends an electrical signal to the warning generation unit 5 indicating that a warning needs to be issued, and at the same time as the generation of braking force in the fifth step described above, warning means such as the horn, flashing lights, brake lights, and hazard lights are activated.

[0063] In this sixth step, the warning can alert those around the vehicle to potential dangers caused by unintended sudden acceleration. The warning generation unit 5 is equipped with multiple visual and auditory warning control means, enabling appropriate warnings for various situations. For example, the horn generating means 51 provides immediate auditory alerts to pedestrians and other drivers, while the light control means 52 and lamp control means 53 provide visual warnings to ensure the safety of those around the vehicle.

[0064] <Vehicle comes to a complete stop: Step 7 S007> Step 7 involves the generation of braking force on the moving vehicle, followed by a warning, after which the vehicle gradually decelerates until it comes to a complete stop. In this step, the braking force generation unit 4 generates appropriate braking force to safely stop the vehicle. The control judgment unit 3 continuously monitors the operation of the braking force generation unit 4 and adjusts the braking force as needed, continuously controlling the vehicle until it comes to a complete stop. The warning generation unit 5 also continues to operate simultaneously, continuously issuing warnings to surrounding pedestrians and other vehicles. Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the danger caused by sudden acceleration is completely avoided.

[0065] <Manual release of brakes and warnings: Step 8 S008> The final, eighth step is that, after confirming that the vehicle has come to a complete stop, the driver presses a release button inside the vehicle, causing the control judgment unit 3 to instruct the braking force generating unit 4 and the warning generating unit 5 to release the brakes and warnings. The braking force generating unit 4, upon receiving the instruction from the control judgment unit 3, releases control of the brakes and returns the vehicle to its normal driving state. Similarly, the warning generating unit 5 stops the horn, flashing lights, brake lights, and hazard lights from illuminating. With this eighth step, the warnings to surrounding pedestrians and other vehicles end, and the vehicle returns to its normal driving state.

[0066] Next, Figure 8 shows a flowchart illustrating the flow of events (second embodiment) when the vehicle's accelerator pedal is excessively pressed while using the vehicle's driver assistance system of the present invention. The seventh step (S017) and the eighth step (S018) of the second embodiment will now be described.

[0067] In the flow of the second embodiment, the sequence from the first step (S011) of detecting the amount of accelerator pedal depression as shown in Figure 8 to the sixth step (S016) of issuing a warning is the same as the first to sixth steps of the first embodiment shown in Figure 7, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Similarly, the ninth step (S019) and tenth step (S020) of the second embodiment correspond to the seventh step (S007) and eighth step (S008) of the first embodiment described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0068] <Pressure of release and re-pressing of the accelerator pedal: Step 7 S017> Step 7 is a step in which the control decision unit 3 determines whether the driver has pressed the accelerator pedal again after completely taking their foot off the accelerator pedal AP (releasing the accelerator pedal) while the vehicle is decelerating. In this step 7, the pedal depression detection unit 2 detects the release of the accelerator pedal AP and sends a signal to the control decision unit 3. Upon receiving this signal, the control decision unit 3 continues to decelerate the vehicle by continuously applying braking force from the braking force generation unit 4. After that, the driver presses the accelerator pedal again.

[0069] In other words, when the driver takes their foot off the accelerator pedal and then presses it again, the control judgment unit 3 instructs the braking force generation unit 4 and the warning generation unit 5 to release the braking force (brake) and the warning. This seventh step is a step that corresponds to an operation that is released based on the driver's clear intention, not due to a system error. If the driver continues to press the accelerator pedal without taking their foot off, or if they take their foot off the accelerator pedal but do not press it again, the sequence of steps will be the same as steps 7 and 8 of the first embodiment described above.

[0070] <Automatic release of brakes and warnings: Step 8 S018> Step 7, as described above, is a step in which the braking force and warnings are automatically released if the control judgment unit 3 determines that the driver has completely released their foot from the accelerator pedal AP and then pressed the accelerator pedal again. Therefore, in this step 8, the braking action of the vehicle based on the instructions of the braking judgment unit 3 is released, and the horn, flashing lights, brake lights, and hazard lights are also stopped. Once the vehicle has come to a complete stop, the system operation ends, and the driver can return to normal driving conditions. With this step 8, the series of operations by the vehicle driving assistance system of the present invention is completed.

[0071] In the sequence of steps shown in Figures 7 and 8 above, the "threshold" applied in steps 4 through 6 is explained as the same value for both the "threshold" for generating braking force and the "threshold" for issuing a warning. However, the threshold for the amount of accelerator pedal depression in the braking force generation determination unit and the threshold for the amount of accelerator pedal depression in the warning generation determination unit may be set individually.

[0072] For example, the threshold at which the braking force generation determination unit decides to stop the vehicle's acceleration and then generate braking force can be set as the "first threshold," and the threshold at which the warning generation determination unit decides to use the warning generation unit to generate a warning can be set as the "second threshold." In this case, the subsequent flow will change depending on the relative magnitudes of the threshold for generating braking force (first threshold) and the threshold for issuing a warning (second threshold).

[0073] (When the first threshold (braking force is generated) > the second threshold (warning is generated)) If the first threshold (braking force generation) is greater than the second threshold (warning generation), a warning is issued to alert surrounding pedestrians and other vehicles to the danger once the accelerator pedal is pressed beyond the second threshold. Subsequently, if the amount of pedal pressure increases further and exceeds the first threshold, the vehicle's braking force is generated. In this case, because the warning is issued first, surrounding pedestrians can notice the driver's unintended acceleration early and quickly avoid the danger.

[0074] (When the first threshold (braking force generation) < the second threshold (warning generation)) If the first threshold (braking force generation) is less than the second threshold (warning generation), the vehicle's braking force will be generated first when the accelerator pedal is pressed beyond the first threshold, in order to avoid a dangerous situation early, and then a warning will be issued. In this case, because the braking force is generated first, the driver is more likely to notice their own mistake and can respond more quickly. In either case, once the vehicle has come to a complete stop and safety is confirmed, the brakes and warnings will be released, and the vehicle will return to normal driving conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Automotive driver assistance systems 2(2A,2B) Step-in depth detection unit 3. Control Decision Unit 4. Braking force generating unit 5. Warning Generation Unit 21. Potentiometer (Variable Resistor) 22 AD converters 23,25 Microcontrollers 24 Angle Sensor 31 Braking force generation determination unit 32 Warning Occurrence Determination Unit 51 Horn control means 52 Light control means 53 Lamp control means AP Accelerator Pedal

Claims

1. A car driving assistance system comprising: a pedal depression detection unit that detects an electrical signal corresponding to the amount the driver depresses the accelerator pedal of a vehicle and outputs the electrical signal; a control judgment unit that receives the electrical signal output from the pedal depression detection unit and determines, based on the electrical signal, whether to generate a braking force on the vehicle and to issue a warning to the area around the vehicle; a braking force generation unit that stops the acceleration of the vehicle and generates a braking force to stop the vehicle based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit; and a warning generation unit that issues a warning to the area around the vehicle based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit, wherein the control judgment unit comprises a braking force generation determination unit that determines to stop the acceleration of the vehicle and generate a braking force on the vehicle when the electrical signal output from the pedal depression detection unit exceeds a preset threshold, and a warning generation determination unit that determines to issue the warning using the warning generation unit when the electrical signal output from the pedal depression detection unit exceeds the threshold, and transmits the judgment result of the braking force generation determination unit to the braking force generation unit and transmits the judgment result of the warning generation determination unit to the warning generation unit.

2. The automobile driving support system according to claim 1, wherein the threshold includes a first threshold that serves as a criterion for the braking force generation determination unit to determine whether to stop the acceleration of the automobile and then generate braking force for the automobile, and a second threshold that serves as a criterion for the warning generation determination unit to determine whether to generate the warning using the warning generation unit, wherein the second threshold is smaller than the first threshold.

3. An automobile driving assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the warning generating means includes a horn control means for activating the horn of the automobile.

4. An automobile driving assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the warning generating means includes a light control means for turning on or flashing the lights of the automobile.

5. An automobile driving assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the warning generating means includes a lamp control means for illuminating or flashing either the brake lamp or the hazard lamp of the automobile.

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