Vehicle detection assistance system

Abstract

The dangerous situation where pedestrians are unaware of bicycles and other vehicles approaching from behind, allowing vehicles to pass by at dangerous speeds, is a fact that cannot be overlooked. However, issuing warnings from the drivers is illegal, thus creating a paradox where effective measures to avoid danger cannot be implemented. [Solution] The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle detection assistance system that, when a vehicle approaches a pedestrian within a predetermined distance and the pedestrian wishes to receive it, receives an inaudible signal and outputs a notification signal, and comprises a signal receiving and notification device carried by the pedestrian and a detection assistance signal generating device attached to the vehicle, such as a bicycle, that generates an inaudible signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for a pedestrian to detect the presence of a moving vehicle, particularly a bicycle, approaching from behind and avoid danger.

Background Art

[0002] When walking on the road while taking a walk or the like, a bicycle passes by at a considerably high speed beside the pedestrian. In that case, even for bicycles equipped with a manual bell or the like in advance, very few riders ring the bell. Since pedestrians do not notice bicycles approaching from behind, even if the side of the pedestrian is open for passage, the pedestrian may suddenly turn and come out in front of the bicycle. Although this is an extremely dangerous situation, in fact, few people take measures such as calling out. If one cannot rely on people, one desires a means to perform automatically. When investigating related prior applications for avoiding such dangers, the following applications can be found. FIG. 5 shows an example of a prior application related to a bicycle-related alarm device in tabular form. It can be classified into the following four categories according to features. A) Those that alert from a pedestrian to a bicycle B) Those that alert from a pedestrian to a pedestrian C) Alert from a bicycle to a pedestrian (constantly or when turned on) D) Those that detect a pedestrian from a bicycle and alert the pedestrian First, In A), the following three examples were found. A1: Patent Document 1: JP 2022-83631: Drawing a circle on the road surface with laser light from a cane held by a pedestrian A2: The same as B1. The target of attention is a bicycle A3: Patent Document 2: JP 2014-106954: A laser light emitter held by a pedestrian In B), the following one example was found. B1: Patent Document 3: JP 2011-106978: A device for detecting the distance to a bicycle is attached to the pedestrian side, and the target of attention is a pedestrian In section C), the following seven examples were found. C1: Patent Document 4: JP 2012-140097: Mounted on an axle, constantly produces sound when rotated. C2: Patent Document 5: JP 2011-240926: Switch-type operation for generating electronic sound, lights, etc. C3: Patent Document 6: JP 2003-252267: Wind chime attached to a handle, constantly producing sound C4: Patent Document 7: JP 2001-322582: Mounted on a wheel frame, the vibrating plate strikes the spokes and produces a constant sound. C5: Patent Document 8: Utility Model Registration No. 3180289: Sound Generating Device Attached to Headlight C6: Patent Document 9: Utility Model Publication H7-17693: Wheel rotation LED flashes C7: Patent Document 10: Japanese Patent Publication No. H6-016164: Bicycle alarm with switchable sound quality, volume, interval, etc. No patent applications were found in D). However, the investigation revealed that detecting pedestrians from a bicycle and issuing warnings to pedestrians is prohibited by law. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-83631 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-106954 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-106978 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-140097 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-240926 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-252267 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-322582 [Patent Document 8] Utility Model Registration No. 3180289 [Patent Document 9] Actual H7-17693 [Patent Document 10] Japanese Patent Publication No. H6-016164 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, the dangerous situation where pedestrians are unaware that vehicles such as bicycles are approaching from behind, and these vehicles pass by pedestrians at dangerous speeds, is an undeniable fact. Yet, issuing a warning from the vehicle driver is illegal, preventing the development of an effective means of avoiding danger. In light of this contradiction, the object of this application is to provide a system in which a vehicle emits an inaudible auxiliary signal that the pedestrian receives, enabling pedestrians to detect the presence of vehicles behind them at their own discretion in order to avoid danger. Since the vehicle driver does not emit an audible warning sound, pedestrians are not forced to listen to warning sounds, and they can only receive and recognize vehicles behind them if they intend to receive the signal. This does not violate the law, ensures safety, and resolves the aforementioned contradiction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following is a description in accordance with the claims. The invention described in claim 1 is a vehicle detection assistance system, It comprises a signal receiving and notification device carried by pedestrians and a detection auxiliary signal generating device attached to a moving vehicle. The signal receiving and notification device comprises a power supply 1, a detection auxiliary signal receiving means driven by the power supply 1 for receiving a detection auxiliary signal transmitted from the detection auxiliary signal generator, and a notification means that receives the received output and outputs a notification to the pedestrian. The detection assistance signal generating device is characterized by comprising a power supply 2 and a detection assistance signal generating means driven by the power supply 2, which generates an inaudible detection assistance signal that reaches only a desired limited distance, thereby enabling the pedestrian to detect the presence of the moving vehicle.

[0006] The invention according to claim 2 is the traveling vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized by comprising traveling vehicle movement detection means for detecting the movement of the traveling vehicle, driving the detection assistance signal generation means by the traveling vehicle movement detection means, and enabling generation of the detection assistance signal corresponding to the movement of the traveling vehicle.

[0007] The invention according to claim 3 is the traveling vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 2, wherein the traveling vehicle movement detection means has speed detection means for detecting the speed of the traveling vehicle or the speed of the rotating wheels of the traveling vehicle, and speed determination means for determining whether the speed is not less than a desired threshold value.

[0008] The invention according to claim 4 is the traveling vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized by using weak electric waves or ultrasonic waves as the non-audible detection assistance signal that reaches a desired limited distance.

[0009] The invention according to claim 5 is the traveling vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized by using a mobile phone as the signal reception notification device, making the detection assistance signal generated by the detection assistance signal generation device conform to the specifications of the signal received by the mobile phone, including identification means that can be separated and distinguished from the normal received signal of the mobile phone, and further comprising means for outputting the notification from the reception of the detection assistance signal by the mobile phone.

[0010] The invention according to claim 6 is the traveling vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized by using a mobile phone as the signal reception notification device, making the detection assistance signal generated by the detection assistance signal generation device different from the specifications of the signal received by the mobile phone, and providing a receiver for receiving the detection assistance signal in the mobile phone.

[0011] The invention described in claim 7 is a detection assistance signal generating device, which is used attached to a vehicle for the vehicle detection assistance system described in claim 1, and comprises a power supply 2 and a detection assistance signal generating means that is driven by the power supply 2 and generates an inaudible detection assistance signal that reaches only a desired limited distance. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] By providing a vehicle detection assistance system that includes a signal receiving and notification device carried by the pedestrian and a detection assistance signal generator that generates an inaudible signal attached to the vehicle, such as a bicycle, The system does not emit any audible warning sounds from the vehicle, nor does it force pedestrians to listen to warning sounds. Only when a pedestrian intends to receive the signal can it be received and output as a notification. This resolves the current contradiction where pedestrians are unaware that a vehicle is approaching from behind, and the vehicle passes them at a dangerous speed, thereby ensuring pedestrian safety. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows one embodiment of the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the operation flow of the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows one embodiment of the configuration and operation of the detection assistance signal generator for the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows one embodiment of the power supply 2 of the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This table illustrates examples of prior applications related to bicycle-related warning devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention. In 1-A, the vehicle detection assistance system 1000 includes a signal receiving and notification device 100 carried by the pedestrian and a detection assistance signal generating device 200 attached to the vehicle, such as a bicycle. The signal receiving and notification device 100 includes at least a detection auxiliary signal receiving means 110 that receives a detection auxiliary signal transmitted from the detection auxiliary signal generator 200, a notification means 120 that receives the received output and outputs a notification to pedestrians, and power supplies 1 and 130 that drive these. The detection assistance signal generator 200 includes at least a detection assistance signal generating means 210 that generates an inaudible detection assistance signal toward the surroundings for a desired short limited distance L, a vehicle motion detection means 220 that drives the detection assistance signal generating means 210 for generating the detection assistance signal, and power supplies 2 and 230 that drive them. The vehicle motion detection means 220 includes a speed detection means 221A that detects the speed of the vehicle or the corresponding wheel speed, and a speed determination means 221B that determines whether the speed is above a desired threshold, thereby detecting and determining the speed of the vehicle. Depending on the configuration, it is also possible to detect the on / off state of the power supplies 2 and 230.

[0015] As described above, the signal from the detection assistance signal generator 200 on the vehicle side is an inaudible signal and will not warn unwilling pedestrians. The presence of the vehicle can only be made apparent to pedestrians who wish to detect the vehicle, carry the signal receiving and notification device 100, and have the power supply 1, 130 turned on to receive the signal. The signal from the detection assistance signal generator 200 assists the detection of the signal receiving and notification device 100. Figure 1-B shows a pedestrian A and a moving vehicle B on a road, with pedestrian A having a signal receiving and notification device 100 and vehicle B having a detection auxiliary signal generator 200. The signal receiving and notification device 100 and the detection auxiliary signal generator 200 ensure that when they are within the aforementioned limited distance L, the pedestrian receives notification that a moving vehicle has been detected. This eliminates the risk of suddenly stepping in front of the vehicle, allowing the pedestrian to turn around, check the vehicle, and safely pass by.

[0016] A suitable example of the detection auxiliary signal generating means 210 of the detection auxiliary signal generating device 200 is: 1) Devices that use weak radio waves are easy to set the range of and are easier to use compared to other types because they have weaker directivity. 2) In the case of ultrasonic devices, the range is at most 20m, and usually within 10m, but since the signal receiving and notification device 100 faces backward, there are some difficulties in terms of reception sensitivity, but it can still be used. 3) In the case of devices that use light (including infrared light), the signal receiving and notification device 100 faces backward, and because of its high directivity, there are difficulties in terms of reception sensitivity.

[0017] Furthermore, a so-called mobile phone can be used as the signal receiving and notification device 100. In this case, the vehicle detection assistance system 1000 can function as long as the detection assistance signal generator 200 is available, resulting in an extremely simple configuration. In that case, if the detection auxiliary signal transmitted by the detection auxiliary signal generator 200 is, for example, a signal using weak radio waves, it should be a signal that matches the specifications (frequency, etc.) of the radio waves received by the mobile phone, and should include identification means such as an identification signal to distinguish it from the mobile phone's normal received signal, then the mobile phone can easily implement this by only installing application software from reception to notification signal output. Furthermore, if the detection assistance signal transmitted by the detection assistance signal generator 200, for example, a signal using weak radio waves, is to have different specifications from the radio waves received by the mobile phone, a receiver for receiving weak radio waves can be installed on the mobile phone side. In this case, an external receiver would allow it to be used with existing mobile phones.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an example of the operation flow of the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention. Section 2-A shows an example of the operation of the detection assistance signal generator 200. When using a bicycle, power supplies 2 and 230 should be in the ON state. It is desirable that they be automatically turned ON by the rotation of the wheels. The vehicle motion detection means 220 detects whether the speed of the vehicle or the rotation speed of the wheels is above a predetermined threshold via the speed determination means 221. If the answer is NO, the detection assistance signal is not output, and detection continues. If the answer is YES, the detection assistance signal generator means 210 is driven to generate a detection assistance signal. Furthermore, while the system generates a detection assistance signal when the vehicle speed or wheel rotation speed exceeds a threshold, it is also possible to have a system that generates a detection assistance signal continuously or while the vehicle is in operation, regardless of the vehicle speed or wheel rotation speed. Section 2-B shows an example of the operation of the signal receiving and notification device 100. When the pedestrian requests detection and the power supply 1 is turned on, the detection auxiliary signal receiving means 110 checks whether it has detected a detection auxiliary signal. If the result is NO, the detection check is repeated until detection is detected. If the result is YES, the notification means 120 is driven to output a notification to the person carrying the signal receiving and notification device 100 (pedestrian). The notification allows the pedestrian to recognize that a vehicle is approaching within a predetermined range behind them, and ensures safety by checking by looking back, etc., and waiting for the vehicle to pass.

[0019] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the configuration and operation of the detection assistance signal generator for the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention. In Figure 3, the vehicle motion detection means 220 described in Figure 1 includes a speed detection means 221A and a speed determination means 221B. In the case of a vehicle, such as a bicycle, the pulse counter 311 receives the pulse output from the vehicle speed detector 310, which uses magnets attached to the wheels or spokes and magnetic detection coils to detect magnetic force, and determines the speed of wheel rotation. It is also possible to integrate the pulse output with an integration circuit to obtain an analog output. The speed of wheel rotation or the corresponding bicycle speed is provided to the speed determination means 221B, which determines whether it is above a threshold. If it is above the threshold, the detection assistance signal generation means 210 is driven to generate a detection assistance signal. Furthermore, if a detection assistance signal is to be generated regardless of speed, the speed determination means 221B is not used. The detection assistance signal generation means 210 can be directly driven by the output of the detected movement (speed) of the moving vehicle.

[0020] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the power supply 2 of the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention. Figure 1 shows an example of power supply 2. In this example, the AC power supply from a generator (hub dynamo generator 410) attached to the wheel is rectified by a rectifier unit 420 to obtain a DC power supply voltage of a predetermined voltage, the secondary battery 440 is charged by a charging circuit 430, the voltage detection circuit 450 determines whether the DC voltage is a predetermined voltage (when the vehicle is running), and if the DC voltage is a predetermined voltage, the DC voltage is output; if the DC voltage is less than a predetermined voltage, the output is from the secondary battery 440. Furthermore, a power supply test result notification means 470 is provided that detects the voltage at the test points VTP1, VTP2, and VTP3 with a power supply tester 460 and notifies if there is an abnormality, making it easy to identify faulty parts of the circuit. [Industrial applicability]

[0021] As described above, the vehicle detection assistance system according to the present invention provides a system in which, when a pedestrian wishes to detect the presence of a vehicle such as a bicycle behind them in order to avoid danger, the vehicle emits an inaudible detection assistance signal that the pedestrian receives, thereby avoiding the risk of collision and making it extremely convenient for industrial use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0022] 100 Signal reception notification device 110 Detection auxiliary signal receiving means 120 Notification methods 130 Power supply 1 200 Detection Assist Signal Generator 210 Detection assist signal generation means 220 Vehicle movement detection means 221A Speed ​​detection means 221B Speed ​​judgment means 230 Power supply 2 310 Vehicle speed detector 311 Pulse Counter 410 Hub Dynamo Generator 420 Rectifier 430 Charging circuit 440 Secondary battery 450 Voltage detection circuit 460 Power Supply Tester 470 Power supply inspection result notification means 1000 Vehicle detection assistance system

Claims

1. It comprises a signal receiving and notification device carried by pedestrians and a detection auxiliary signal generating device attached to a moving vehicle. The signal receiving and notification device comprises a power supply 1, a detection auxiliary signal receiving means driven by the power supply 1 for receiving a detection auxiliary signal transmitted from the detection auxiliary signal generator, and a notification means that receives the received output and outputs a notification to the pedestrian. The vehicle detection assistance system is characterized in that the detection assistance signal generating device comprises a power supply 2 and a detection assistance signal generating means driven by the power supply 2, which generates an inaudible detection assistance signal that reaches only a desired limited distance, thereby enabling the pedestrian to detect the presence of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a vehicle motion detection means for detecting the movement of the vehicle, the vehicle motion detection means drives the detection assistance signal generating means, and enables the generation of the detection assistance signal in response to the movement of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 2, characterized in that the vehicle motion detection means includes a speed detection means for detecting the speed of the vehicle or the speed of the rotating wheels of the vehicle, and a speed determination means for determining whether the speed is above a desired threshold.

4. The vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that it uses weak radio waves or ultrasound as the inaudible detection assistance signal that reaches only a desired limited distance.

5. The vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that a mobile phone is used as the signal receiving notification device, the detection assistance signal generated by the detection assistance signal generator conforms to the specifications of the signals received by the mobile phone, and includes identification means that can distinguish and separate it from the normal received signals of the mobile phone, and further includes means in the mobile phone for receiving the detection assistance signal and outputting the notification.

6. The vehicle detection assistance system according to claim 1, characterized in that a mobile phone is used as the signal receiving notification device, the detection assistance signal generated by the detection assistance signal generator is different from the specifications of the signal received by the mobile phone, and the mobile phone is equipped with a receiver for receiving the detection assistance signal.

7. A detection assist signal generating device for use with a vehicle, as described in claim 1, comprising a power supply 2 and a detection assist signal generating means driven by the power supply 2, which generates an inaudible detection assist signal that reaches only a desired limited distance.

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