Other vehicle behavior prediction method, other vehicle behavior prediction device, and driving support method

Abstract

In this method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle: the travel route of a host vehicle is calculated; the position of intersections present on the travel route of the host vehicle within a prescribed distance from the host vehicle is detected; and the position of other vehicles around the host vehicle are detected in advance of the intersections. In situations in which a first oncoming vehicle is present on the road ahead of where the travel route of the host vehicle will turn right or left at an intersection, computations are made of a host vehicle transit region through which the host vehicle transits when proceeding through the intersection and another vehicle transit region through which the first oncoming vehicle is predicted to transit when proceeding through the intersection, computations are made of the spacing between the host vehicle transit region and the other vehicle transit region, and computations are made of the distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection. On the basis of the spacing and the distance, the probability of the first oncoming vehicle proceeding through the intersection ahead of the host vehicle is predicted.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for predicting another vehicle's behavior, a device for predicting another vehicle's behavior, and a driving assistance method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an intersection mutual-giving support system that, when it is determined that a vehicle on a non-priority road has been stopped for a predetermined time or more before an intersection where a non-priority road and a priority road intersect, transmits information indicating that a vehicle on the non-priority road has been stopped to a driver of a vehicle on the priority road. When a vehicle on a non-priority road has been stopped for a predetermined time or more, this intersection mutual-giving support system transmits information to a driver of a vehicle on the priority road requesting that the vehicle stop before the intersection to give way. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-251759 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The intersection yielding support system described in Patent Document 1 does not transmit information requesting yielding to the driver of a vehicle on a priority road if a vehicle on a non-priority road has not stopped in front of the intersection for a predetermined period of time or more. Therefore, when the vehicle makes a right or left turn at an intersection, if an oncoming vehicle on the road to which the vehicle is turning proceeds through the intersection without stopping in front of the intersection, the vehicle cannot determine to yield to the oncoming vehicle before proceeding into the intersection. As a result, the driver may feel uncomfortable due to the close proximity between the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle.

[0005] To provide a method for predicting the behavior of other vehicles, capable of predicting the probability that an oncoming vehicle on a road to the right or left will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle when the vehicle turns right or left at the intersection, and determining whether to give way to the oncoming vehicle to proceed to the intersection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A behavior prediction method according to one aspect of the present invention calculates a driving route of a host vehicle, detects the position of an intersection on the driving route of the host vehicle and within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle, and detects the positions of other vehicles around the host vehicle before the intersection. When a first oncoming vehicle is present on a road beyond the driving route that turns right or left at the intersection, a host vehicle passing area through which the host vehicle passes when proceeding through the intersection and an other vehicle passing area that is predicted to pass through when the first oncoming vehicle passes through the intersection are calculated, an interval between the host vehicle passing area and the other vehicle passing area are calculated, and a distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection is calculated. Based on the interval and the distance, a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is predicted. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when a vehicle turns right or left at an intersection, the probability that an oncoming vehicle on the road to which the vehicle is to turn right or left will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle can be predicted, and a decision can be made as to whether or not to give way to the oncoming vehicle to proceed through the intersection. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an other-vehicle behavior prediction device and a driving support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene to which the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene to which the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene to which the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a scene to which the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the other vehicle behavior prediction device and the driving support device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of step S07 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a scene to which the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed procedure of step S07 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and the description will be omitted.

[0010] [Configuration of driving support device] The configuration of a driving support device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The driving support device includes an object detection device 1, a vehicle position estimation device 3, a map storage device 4, and a microcomputer 100.

[0011] The object detection device 1 is equipped with a plurality of different types of object detection sensors, such as a laser radar, a millimeter wave radar, and a camera, mounted on the host vehicle 31, for detecting objects around the host vehicle 31. The object detection device 1 detects objects around the host vehicle 31 using the plurality of object detection sensors. The object detection device 1 detects, for example, the position, attitude, size, speed, and the like of other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, obstacles, and the like relative to the host vehicle 31. The object detection device 1 outputs, as a detection result, the two-dimensional position, attitude, size, speed, and the like of the object in a zenith diagram (also called a plan view) viewed from the air above the host vehicle 31. Note that, in the case where the host vehicle 31 and other vehicles and vehicles such as motorcycles around the host vehicle are equipped with communication devices capable of communicating with each other, the object detection device 1 may acquire the position, attitude, size, speed, and the like of other vehicles and vehicles such as motorcycles around the host vehicle by communicating with the other vehicles and motorcycles around the host vehicle (vehicle-to-vehicle communication).

[0012] The vehicle position estimation device 3 includes a position detection sensor, such as a global positioning system (GPS) or odometry, mounted on the vehicle 31, that measures the absolute position of the vehicle 31. The vehicle position estimation device 3 uses the position detection sensor to measure the absolute position of the vehicle 31, that is, the position, attitude, and speed of the vehicle 31 relative to a predetermined reference point.

[0013] The map storage device 4 stores map information indicating the structure of the road on which the vehicle 31 travels. The map storage device 4 may have a map database that stores the map information, or may obtain the map information from an external map data server by cloud computing. The map information stored in the map storage device 4 includes information on the road structure, such as the absolute positions of roads and lanes on the roads, the connection relationships of lanes, and the relative positional relationships. Note that here, a road refers to a vehicle travel area including a single lane or multiple lanes with a common travel direction, and a lane refers to a travel area on a road that is divided by lane markers.

[0014] The microcomputer 100 (an example of a control unit) calculates a driving route for the host vehicle 31 and supports the host vehicle 31 in driving along the calculated driving route. The microcomputer 100 detects the positions of other vehicles around the host vehicle 31, and when a first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on a road beyond an intersection on the driving route of the host vehicle 31 where the host vehicle 31 turns right or left, the microcomputer 100 predicts the behavior of the first oncoming vehicle 32 and controls the driving of the host vehicle 31 based on the result of predicting the behavior of the first oncoming vehicle 32.

[0015] In the embodiment, the microcomputer 100 will be described as an example of a driving assistance device that controls the host vehicle 31. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the microcomputer 100 can also be implemented as an other vehicle behavior prediction device that predicts the behavior of the first oncoming vehicle 32. In other words, the microcomputer 100 may finally output the result of predicting the behavior of the first oncoming vehicle 32 without calculating the travel route of the host vehicle 31 and controlling the host vehicle 31 traveling along the travel route.

[0016] The microcomputer 100 is a general-purpose microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output unit. A computer program (driving assistance program) for functioning as a driving assistance device is installed in the microcomputer 100. By executing the computer program, the microcomputer 100 functions as a plurality of information processing circuits (2, 5, 6, 10, 21) equipped in the driving assistance device. Note that, here, an example is shown in which the plurality of information processing circuits (2, 5, 6, 10, 21) equipped in the driving assistance device are realized by software, but it is of course possible to prepare dedicated hardware for executing each information process shown below and configure the information processing circuits (2, 5, 6, 10, 21). In addition, the plurality of information processing circuits (2, 5, 6, 10, 21) may be configured by individual hardware. Furthermore, the information processing circuits (2, 5, 6, 10, 21) may also be used as an electronic control unit (ECU) used for other control related to the vehicle.

[0017] The microcomputer 100 includes, as a plurality of information processing circuits (2, 5, 6, 10, 21), an object detection integration and tracking unit 2, an in-map vehicle position estimation unit 5, a vehicle path calculation unit 6, an other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10, and a vehicle control unit 21. Furthermore, the other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 includes an intersection detection unit 11, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 12, a passing area interval calculation unit 13, an other vehicle-to-intersection distance calculation unit 14, and an other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15. When implemented as an other vehicle behavior prediction device that predicts the behavior of a first oncoming vehicle 32, the information processing circuit (vehicle control unit 21) is not required.

[0018] The object detection integration and tracking unit 2 integrates the multiple detection results obtained from the multiple object detection sensors included in the object detection device 1, and outputs one detection result for each object. Specifically, it calculates the most reasonable object position, orientation, size, and speed that will minimize error from the object position, orientation, size, and speed obtained from each object detection sensor, taking into account the error characteristics of each object detection sensor. Specifically, by using known sensor fusion technology, it comprehensively evaluates the detection results obtained from multiple types of sensors to obtain more accurate detection results.

[0019] The object detection integration and tracking unit 2 tracks the object detected by the object detection device 1. Specifically, the object identity between different times is verified (associated) from the object's position, posture, size, speed, etc. output at different times, and the object's speed information is estimated based on the association. The object's position, posture, size, speed, etc. output at different times are stored in a memory in the microcomputer 100 and used to detect other vehicles and calculate the other vehicle's travel route 51, which will be described later. If communication (vehicle-to-vehicle communication) is possible between the vehicle 31 and other vehicles around the vehicle or vehicles such as motorcycles, it is possible to receive IDs unique to each vehicle from the other vehicles and motorcycles around the vehicle and verify the object's identity based on the received IDs.

[0020] The intra-map vehicle position estimation unit 5 estimates the position and attitude of the host vehicle 31 on the map from the absolute position and attitude of the host vehicle 31 obtained by the host vehicle position estimation device 3 and the map data stored in the map storage device 4. The intra-map vehicle position estimation unit 5 then identifies the road on which the host vehicle 31 is traveling. Note that the intra-map vehicle position estimation unit 5 may further identify the lane on which the host vehicle 31 is traveling.

[0021] The vehicle path calculation unit 6 calculates a driving path (vehicle driving path 41) on a road basis along which the vehicle 31 will travel from the position of the vehicle 31 on the map obtained by the intra-map vehicle position estimation unit 5 to the destination of the vehicle 31 on the map. The vehicle path calculation unit 6 may also calculate a driving path on a lane basis along which the vehicle 31 will travel.

[0022] The other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 detects the position of an intersection on the vehicle travel path 41 and within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 31, detects the positions of other vehicles around the vehicle 31 before the intersection, and when a first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on a road beyond the vehicle travel path 41 after turning right or left at the intersection, predicts the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle 31. The other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 includes an intersection detection unit 11, a surrounding vehicle detection unit 12, a passing area interval calculation unit 13, an other vehicle-intersection distance calculation unit 14, and an other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15. A specific configuration of the other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 will be described below.

[0023] The intersection detection unit 11 detects the position of an intersection on the host vehicle travel route 41 and within a predetermined distance on the host vehicle travel route from the current position of the host vehicle 31 based on the information on the host vehicle travel route 41 obtained by the host vehicle route calculation unit 6. The intersection detection unit 11 determines whether the host vehicle travel route 41 turns right or left at the intersection.

[0024] The surrounding vehicle detection unit 12 detects the positions of other vehicles around the vehicle 31 before the intersection detected by the intersection detection unit 11. Specifically, when the vehicle travel route 41 turns right or left at the intersection detected by the intersection detection unit 11, the surrounding vehicle detection unit 12 acquires information on the detection result obtained from the object detection integration and tracking unit 2 before the intersection. Then, the surrounding vehicle detection unit 12 judges whether the object is another vehicle or not from the acquired position, attitude, size, and speed of the object. The surrounding vehicle detection unit 12 specifies the position of the other vehicle on the map from the positions of the other vehicles existing around the vehicle 31 and the position of the vehicle 31 on the map. Then, the surrounding vehicle detection unit 12 judges whether the first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on the road ahead of the vehicle travel route 41 turning right or left at the intersection.

[0025] When the first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on a road beyond an intersection where the host vehicle travel path 41 turns right or left, the passing area interval calculation unit 13 predicts the action intention of the first oncoming vehicle 32 based on the position, posture, speed and road structure of the first oncoming vehicle 32, and calculates the travel path of the first oncoming vehicle 32 at the intersection (other vehicle travel path 51). Then, the passing area interval calculation unit 13 calculates the host vehicle passing area 42 through which the host vehicle 31 passes when traveling through the intersection, and the other vehicle passing area 52 through which the first oncoming vehicle 32 is predicted to pass when traveling through the intersection, and calculates the interval between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52.

[0026] Specifically, the passing area interval calculation unit 13 calculates a host vehicle passing area 42, which is an area through which the host vehicle 31 passes when the host vehicle 31 travels on the host vehicle travel path 41 that turns right or left at the intersection, based on the road structure at the intersection on the map, the host vehicle travel path 41, and the vehicle width of the host vehicle 31. Furthermore, the passing area interval calculation unit 13 calculates a different vehicle passing area 52, which is an area through which the first oncoming vehicle 32 is predicted to pass when the first oncoming vehicle 32 travels on the different vehicle travel path 51 at the intersection, based on the road structure at the intersection on the map, the different vehicle travel path 51, and the size (vehicle width) of the first oncoming vehicle 32. Then, the passing area interval calculation unit 13 calculates the shortest interval between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the different vehicle passing area 52 as the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the different vehicle passing area 52.

[0027] When the first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on a road after the vehicle travel path 41 turns right or left at an intersection, the other vehicle intersection distance calculation unit 14 calculates the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection. The other vehicle intersection distance calculation unit 14 calculates the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection based on the position of the first oncoming vehicle 32 on the map and the road structure at the intersection on the map. The other vehicle intersection distance calculation unit 14 calculates the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection based on, for example, the distance between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the center of the intersection. In addition, the other vehicle intersection distance calculation unit 14 may detect, for example, the position of a stop line just before the intersection, and calculate the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection based on the distance between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the stop line. In this case, the other vehicle intersection distance calculation unit 14 may calculate the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection by subtracting the distance between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the stop line from the distance between the stop line and the center of the intersection. Note that instead of the stop line before the intersection, the position of a crosswalk before the intersection or the position of a curb at the entrance to the intersection may be detected, and the method of calculating the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection is not particularly limited.

[0028] The other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31, based on an interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52, and a distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection. When the interval 61 is less than a predetermined interval value set in advance and the distance 71 is less than a predetermined distance value set in advance, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 is higher than the probability that the host vehicle 31 will proceed through the intersection before the first oncoming vehicle 32. Hereinafter, an example of a method for predicting another vehicle's behavior by the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2B and 3A to 3B.

[0029] [Method of predicting other vehicle behavior] 2A and 2B, the host vehicle travel path 41 of the host vehicle 31 turns left at an intersection, and a first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on the road ahead of the host vehicle travel path 41. In FIG. 2A, the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is narrow, and the first oncoming vehicle 32 is present in a position close to the intersection. For this reason, if the host vehicle 31 continues to proceed through the intersection, the first oncoming vehicle 32 may proceed through the intersection ahead of the host vehicle 31 or at the same time as the host vehicle 31, causing the host vehicle 31 and the first oncoming vehicle 32 to come close to each other.

[0030] On the other hand, in Fig. 2B, the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is narrow, as in Fig. 2A. However, the first oncoming vehicle 32 is located farther from the intersection than in Fig. 2A. Therefore, even if the host vehicle 31 continues to proceed through the intersection, it is predicted that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection after the host vehicle 31, and the possibility that the host vehicle 31 and the first oncoming vehicle 32 will come close to each other is low.

[0031] Therefore, when both a condition that an interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the host vehicle passing area 52 is less than a predetermined interval value (hereinafter referred to as condition 1) and a condition that a distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection is less than a predetermined distance value (hereinafter referred to as condition 2) are satisfied, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that there is a high probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31. When at least one of condition 1 or condition 2 is not satisfied, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that there is a low probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31.

[0032] 2A, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines that the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is less than a predetermined interval value, and determines that the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection is less than a predetermined distance value. In this case, since both Condition 1 and Condition 2 are satisfied, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that there is a high probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31.

[0033] 2B, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines that the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is less than the predetermined interval value, and determines that the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance value. In this case, condition 1 is satisfied, but condition 2 is not satisfied, so that the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 is low.

[0034] 3A and 3B, the host vehicle travel route 41 of the host vehicle 31 turns right at an intersection, and a first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on the road after the right turn. In FIG. 3A, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines that Condition 1 and Condition 2 are satisfied, as in FIG. 2A. Then, it predicts that there is a high probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31.

[0035] On the other hand, in Fig. 3B, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines that the condition 1 is satisfied but the condition 2 is not satisfied, as in Fig. 2B. Then, it predicts that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will enter the intersection before the host vehicle 31 is low.

[0036] The vehicle control unit 21 controls the traveling of the host vehicle 31 based on the result of the other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 predicting the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31. When the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 is higher than the probability that the host vehicle 31 will proceed through the intersection before the first oncoming vehicle 32, the vehicle control unit 21 controls the actuator of the host vehicle 31 so that the host vehicle 31 stops in front of the intersection and gives way to the first oncoming vehicle 32. When the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 is lower than the probability that the host vehicle 31 will proceed through the intersection before the first oncoming vehicle 32, the vehicle control unit 21 controls the actuator of the host vehicle 31 so that the host vehicle 31 proceeds through the intersection without giving way to the first oncoming vehicle 32.

[0037] 5 midway, such as when the host vehicle travel path 41 does not turn right or left at the intersection, or when the first oncoming vehicle 32 does not exist on the road beyond the right or left turn of the host vehicle travel path 41, the vehicle control unit 21 controls the actuator of the host vehicle 31 so that the host vehicle 31 continues to proceed through the intersection along the host vehicle travel path 41. The actuator includes a brake actuator, an accelerator actuator, a steering actuator, etc.

[0038] [Driving assistance processing procedure] Next, an example of the procedure of the driving support process using the driving support device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 4 and 5. By using the microcomputer 100 of Figure 1 as an other vehicle behavior prediction device that predicts the behavior of the first oncoming vehicle 32, the result of the processing operation shown in step S07 of Figure 4 can be implemented as another vehicle behavior prediction process that is finally output.

[0039] 4, the object detection device 1 uses multiple object detection sensors to detect the behavior of objects around the vehicle 31. Then, in step S02, the object detection integration and tracking unit 2 integrates multiple detection results obtained from the multiple object detection sensors, and outputs one detection result for each object. Then, each detected and integrated object is tracked.

[0040] Proceeding to step S03, the vehicle position estimation device 3 uses a position detection sensor to measure the position, attitude, and speed of the vehicle 31 relative to a predetermined reference point. Proceeding to step S04, the map storage device 4 acquires map information indicating the structure of the road on which the vehicle 31 is traveling.

[0041] Proceeding to step S05, the in-map vehicle position estimating unit 5 estimates the position and attitude of the vehicle 31 on the map from the position of the vehicle 31 measured in step S03 and the map data acquired in step S04.

[0042] Proceeding to step S06, the vehicle route calculation unit 6 calculates the driving route (vehicle driving route 41) on a road-by-road basis that the vehicle 31 will travel from the position of the vehicle 31 on the map obtained by the vehicle position estimation unit 5 within the map to the destination of the vehicle 31 on the map.

[0043] Proceeding to step S07, the other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 detects the position of an intersection on the host vehicle travel path 41 and within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle 31, detects the positions of other vehicles around the host vehicle 31 before the intersection, and, if a first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on a road beyond the host vehicle travel path 41 after turning right or left at the intersection, predicts the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31. Details of step S07 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] First, in step S701, the intersection detection unit 11 detects the position of an intersection on the host vehicle travel route 41 and within a predetermined distance from the current position of the host vehicle 31 based on the information of the host vehicle travel route 41 obtained by the host vehicle route calculation unit 6. The intersection detection unit 11 determines whether the host vehicle travel route 41 turns right or left at the intersection. If the host vehicle travel route 41 turns right or left at the intersection (YES in step S702), the process proceeds to step S703. On the other hand, if the host vehicle travel route 41 does not turn right or left at the intersection (NO in step S702), the other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 ends the process of FIG. 5. This ends step S07 in FIG. 4.

[0045] In step S703, the surrounding vehicle detection unit 12 detects the positions of other vehicles around the host vehicle before the intersection detected by the intersection detection unit 11. The process proceeds to step S704, where the surrounding vehicle detection unit 12 determines whether or not the first oncoming vehicle 32 exists on the road ahead of the host vehicle travel route 41 turning right or left at the intersection. If the first oncoming vehicle 32 exists on the road ahead of the intersection turning right or left (YES in step S704), the process proceeds to step S705. On the other hand, if the first oncoming vehicle 32 does not exist on the road ahead of the intersection turning right or left (NO in step S704), the other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 ends the process of FIG. 5. This ends step S07 in FIG. 4.

[0046] In step S705, the passing area interval calculation unit 13 predicts the action intention of the first oncoming vehicle 32 based on the position, posture, speed and road structure of the first oncoming vehicle 32, and calculates the other vehicle driving path 51 at the intersection. The passing area interval calculation unit 13 calculates the host vehicle passing area 42 based on the road structure at the intersection on the map, the host vehicle driving path 41, and the vehicle width of the host vehicle 31. The process proceeds to step S706, where the passing area interval calculation unit 13 calculates the other vehicle passing area 52 based on the road structure at the intersection on the map, the other vehicle driving path 51, and the size (vehicle width) of the first oncoming vehicle 32. The process proceeds to step S707, where the passing area interval calculation unit 13 calculates the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52.

[0047] The process proceeds to step S708, where the other vehicle intersection distance calculation unit 14 calculates the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection based on the position of the first oncoming vehicle 32 on the map and the road structure at the intersection on the map.

[0048] The process proceeds to step S709, where the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines whether or not the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is less than the predetermined interval value set in advance. If the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is less than the predetermined interval value set in advance (YES in step S709), the process proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, if the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is equal to or greater than the predetermined interval value set in advance (NO in step S709), the process proceeds to step S712.

[0049] In step S710, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines whether the distance 71 between the intersection and the first oncoming vehicle 32 is less than the predetermined distance value set in advance. If the distance 71 between the intersection and the first oncoming vehicle 32 is less than the predetermined distance value set in advance (YES in step S710), the process proceeds to step S711. On the other hand, if the distance 71 between the intersection and the first oncoming vehicle 32 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance value set in advance (NO in step S710), the process proceeds to step S711.

[0050] In step S711, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 is higher than the probability that the host vehicle 31 will proceed through the intersection before the first oncoming vehicle 32, and ends the processing in Fig. 5. In step S712, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 predicts that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 is lower than the probability that the host vehicle 31 will proceed through the intersection before the first oncoming vehicle 32, and ends the processing in Fig. 5. This ends step S07 in Fig. 4.

[0051] 4, the vehicle control unit 21 controls the traveling of the host vehicle 31 based on the result of the other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 predicting the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31. In addition, when the other vehicle behavior prediction unit 10 ends the process of FIG. 5 midway, such as when the host vehicle traveling path 41 does not turn right or left at the intersection or when the first oncoming vehicle 32 is not present on the road after the host vehicle traveling path 41 turns right or left, the vehicle control unit 21 controls the actuator of the host vehicle 31 so that the host vehicle 31 continues to proceed through the intersection along the host vehicle traveling path 41.

[0052] The passing area interval calculation unit 13 may calculate all other vehicle driving paths and other vehicle passing areas along which the first oncoming vehicle 32 may possibly travel, such as when the first oncoming vehicle 32 turns right, turns left, or goes straight at an intersection, based on the position, posture, speed, and road structure of the first oncoming vehicle 32, and calculate the interval between the host vehicle passing area 42 and each of the multiple other vehicle passing areas. In this case, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 may determine whether or not any of the intervals between the host vehicle passing area 42 and each of the multiple other vehicle passing areas is less than a predetermined interval value set in advance.

[0053] [Effects of the first embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0054] The method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to this embodiment calculates a travel route of the host vehicle, detects the position of an intersection on the travel route of the host vehicle and within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle, and detects the positions of other vehicles around the host vehicle before the intersection. When a first oncoming vehicle is present on a road beyond an intersection on which the travel route of the host vehicle turns right or left, the method calculates a host vehicle passing area through which the host vehicle passes when proceeding through the intersection and a different vehicle passing area through which the first oncoming vehicle is predicted to pass when proceeding through the intersection, calculates an interval between the host vehicle passing area and the different vehicle passing area, and calculates a distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection. Then, based on the interval and the distance, the method predicts the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle.

[0055] This makes it possible to predict the probability that an oncoming vehicle will proceed to the intersection before the vehicle when the vehicle turns right or left at an intersection based on the interval between the vehicle passing area and the other vehicle passing area and the distance between the oncoming vehicle on the road to which the vehicle is to turn right or left and the intersection, and to determine whether the vehicle should yield to the oncoming vehicle to proceed to the intersection, thereby providing driving support for the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to prevent the vehicle and the oncoming vehicle from coming close to each other when turning right or left at an intersection, causing a sense of discomfort to the driver of the vehicle. In addition, by the vehicle yielding to the oncoming vehicle to proceed to the intersection, the time required for the oncoming vehicle to pass the intersection can be shortened. When the vehicle does not need to yield to the oncoming vehicle to proceed to the intersection, the vehicle can proceed smoothly to the intersection, and the time required for the vehicle to pass the intersection can be shortened.

[0056] In addition, the vehicle behavior prediction method according to the present embodiment predicts that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle is higher than the probability that the vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the first oncoming vehicle when the interval between the vehicle passing area and the other vehicle passing area is less than a predetermined interval value and the distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection is less than a predetermined distance value. This makes it possible to determine that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection and provide driving support for the vehicle when the interval between the vehicle passing area and the other vehicle passing area is less than a predetermined value and the distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection is less than a predetermined value, and to provide driving support for the vehicle. In addition, when the interval between the vehicle passing area and the other vehicle passing area is equal to or greater than a predetermined value or the distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is possible to determine that the first oncoming vehicle will not proceed through the intersection and provide driving support for the vehicle.

[0057] In addition, the method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to the present embodiment calculates the distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection based on the distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the center of the intersection. Alternatively, the method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to the present embodiment detects the position of a stop line just before the intersection, The distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection may be calculated based on the distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the stop line.

[0058] In addition, the driving assistance method using the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to the present embodiment controls the traveling of the host vehicle based on the result of predicting the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle. As a result, when the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is high, the traveling of the host vehicle can be controlled so as to yield to the first oncoming vehicle to proceed through the intersection.

[0059] Furthermore, the vehicle behavior prediction method according to the present embodiment may predict the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle, based on the interval and distance, when the priority of the road before the vehicle's travel route turns right or left at the intersection is higher than the priority of the road after the vehicle's travel route turns right or left. By predicting the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle, when the priority of the first oncoming vehicle is higher than that of the first oncoming vehicle, it is possible to determine to give way to the first oncoming vehicle to proceed through the intersection according to the behavior of the first oncoming vehicle, even if the first oncoming vehicle has entered the intersection before the vehicle, despite the high priority of the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to prevent the vehicle and the first oncoming vehicle from approaching each other when turning right or left at the intersection, causing a sense of discomfort to the driver of the vehicle.

[0060] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] The other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 of the driving support device according to the first embodiment predicted that there was a high probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 would proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31, when two conditions were satisfied: condition 1 that the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is less than a predetermined interval value, and condition 2 that the distance 71 between the first oncoming vehicle 32 and the intersection is less than a predetermined distance value. Then, the vehicle control unit 21 controlled the traveling of the host vehicle 31 based on the prediction result.

[0062] In contrast, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 of the driving support device according to the second embodiment adds the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 (hereinafter referred to as the other vehicle leading probability) when the above-mentioned two conditions, condition 1 and condition 2, are satisfied. Furthermore, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 may further set a condition that affects the other vehicle leading probability, which is different from condition 1 and condition 2. In this case, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle leading probability when one condition different from condition 1 and condition 2 is satisfied. Then, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines a control method for the host vehicle 31 according to the value of the other vehicle leading probability at the time when the determination of all conditions is completed. Note that the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 may determine a control method for the host vehicle 31 based on a combination of conditions that are determined to satisfy the conditions, rather than the value of the other vehicle leading probability.

[0063] Then, the vehicle control unit 21 controls the traveling of the host vehicle 31 based on the determination result of the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15. Note that other configurations of the driving support device are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0064] [Method of predicting other vehicle behavior] Hereinafter, an example of a method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle by the driving support device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In Fig. 6, the host vehicle travel path 41 of the host vehicle 31 turns left at an intersection, and a first oncoming vehicle 32 is present on the road ahead of the host vehicle travel path 41 which has turned left. Then, a second oncoming vehicle 33 is present approaching the intersection on the road before the host vehicle travel path 41 turns left at the intersection, and the second oncoming vehicle 33 is stopped just before the intersection.

[0065] 6, the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is narrow, and the first oncoming vehicle 32 is located near the intersection. The other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle ahead probability when, for example, Condition 1 and Condition 2 are satisfied. The other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 adds, for example, 60% to the other vehicle ahead probability.

[0066] In addition, in FIG. 6, since the second oncoming vehicle 33 approaching the intersection exists on the road before the host vehicle travel path 41 turns left at the intersection, the first oncoming vehicle 32 may decelerate or stop temporarily. In contrast, if the second oncoming vehicle 33 approaching the intersection does not exist on the road before the host vehicle travel path 41 turns left at the intersection, there is no obstacle for the first oncoming vehicle 32 to proceed through the intersection, so it can be predicted that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 increases. For this reason, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle ahead probability when the condition (hereinafter referred to as condition 3) that the second oncoming vehicle 33 approaching the intersection does not exist on the road before the host vehicle travel path 41 turns left at the intersection is satisfied. For example, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 adds 10% to the other vehicle ahead probability when condition 3 is satisfied.

[0067] Furthermore, the second oncoming vehicle 33 is stopped before the intersection. Therefore, it can be predicted that there is no obstacle for the first oncoming vehicle 32 to proceed through the intersection, and the probability that the first oncoming vehicle 32 will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle 31 increases. For this reason, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle ahead probability when a condition (hereinafter referred to as condition 4) is satisfied in which a second oncoming vehicle 33 approaching the intersection is present on a road before the host vehicle travel path 41 turns left at the intersection, and the second oncoming vehicle 33 has stopped before the intersection. For example, when condition 4 is satisfied, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 adds 10% to the other vehicle ahead probability.

[0068] As another condition, when the speed of the first oncoming vehicle 32 is fast, it is considered that the first oncoming vehicle is less likely to intend to stop before the intersection, and it can be predicted that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle itself increases. Therefore, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle ahead probability when the condition that the speed of the first oncoming vehicle 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed value set in advance (hereinafter, referred to as condition 5) is satisfied. For example, when condition 5 is satisfied, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 adds 10% to the other vehicle ahead probability.

[0069] The other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines a control method according to the other vehicle leading probability at the time when the determination of conditions 1 to 5 is completed. For example, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines to start decelerating the host vehicle 31 when the other vehicle leading probability is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value. For example, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 determines to start decelerating the host vehicle 31 when the other vehicle ahead probability is equal to or greater than 60% and less than 70%.

[0070] Moreover, when the other vehicle ahead probability is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value and less than a third predetermined value, it is determined to slow down the host vehicle 31. For example, when the other vehicle ahead probability is equal to or greater than 70% and less than 80%, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 determines to slow down the host vehicle 31.

[0071] Then, when the other vehicle ahead probability is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value, it is determined that the host vehicle 31 should be stopped before the intersection. For example, when the other vehicle ahead probability is equal to or greater than 80%, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 determines that the host vehicle 31 should be stopped before the intersection. The vehicle control unit 21 controls the traveling of the host vehicle 31 based on the determination result of the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15.

[0072] Next, an example of the driving assistance process of the driving assistance device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The driving assistance device according to this embodiment performs the same processes as steps S01 to S06 in Fig. 4. Then, in step S07 in Fig. 4, the same processes as steps S701 to S708 in Fig. 5 are performed, and then the processes of steps S720 to S729 in Fig. 7 are performed. Of the driving assistance process according to the second embodiment, a description of the same processes as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0073] 7, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines whether or not the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is less than the predetermined interval value set in advance. If the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is less than the predetermined interval value set in advance (YES in step S720), the process proceeds to step S721. On the other hand, if the interval 61 between the host vehicle passing area 42 and the other vehicle passing area 52 is equal to or greater than the predetermined interval value set in advance (NO in step S720), the process proceeds to step S723.

[0074] In step S721, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines whether the distance 71 between the intersection and the first oncoming vehicle 32 is less than the predetermined distance value set in advance. If the distance 71 between the intersection and the first oncoming vehicle 32 is less than the predetermined distance value set in advance (YES in step S721), the process proceeds to step S722. On the other hand, if the distance 71 between the intersection and the first oncoming vehicle 32 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance value set in advance (NO in step S721), the process proceeds to step S723.

[0075] In step S722, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle leading probability. For example, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds 60% to the initial value of the other vehicle leading probability, 0%. Then, the process proceeds to step S723.

[0076] In step S723, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines whether or not a second oncoming vehicle 33 approaching the intersection is present on the road before the host vehicle travel route 41 turns right or left at the intersection. If a second oncoming vehicle 33 approaching the intersection is present on the road before the host vehicle travel route 41 turns right or left at the intersection (YES in step S723), the process proceeds to step S725. On the other hand, if a second oncoming vehicle 33 approaching the intersection is not present on the road before the host vehicle travel route 41 turns right or left at the intersection (NO in step S723), the process proceeds to step S724.

[0077] In step S724, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle leading probability. For example, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds 10% to the other vehicle leading probability. Then, the process proceeds to step S727.

[0078] In step S725, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines whether the second oncoming vehicle 33 has stopped before the intersection. If the second oncoming vehicle 33 has stopped before the intersection (YES in step S725), the process proceeds to step S726. On the other hand, if the second oncoming vehicle 33 has not stopped before the intersection (NO in step S725), the process proceeds to step S727.

[0079] In step S726, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle leading probability. For example, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds 10% to the other vehicle leading probability. Then, the process proceeds to step S727.

[0080] In step S727, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 determines whether the speed of the first oncoming vehicle 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed value set in advance. If the speed of the first oncoming vehicle 32 is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed value set in advance (YES in step S727), the process proceeds to step S728. On the other hand, if the speed of the first oncoming vehicle 32 is less than the predetermined speed value set in advance (NO in step S727), the process proceeds to step S729.

[0081] In step S728, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds the other vehicle leading probability. For example, the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15 adds 10% to the other vehicle leading probability. Then, the process proceeds to step S729.

[0082] In step S729, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 determines a control method for the host vehicle 31 according to the value of the other vehicle ahead probability. For example, the other vehicle ahead probability prediction unit 15 determines to start decelerating the host vehicle 31 when the other vehicle ahead probability is 60% or more and less than 70%. When the other vehicle ahead probability is 70% or more and less than 80%, it determines to slow down the host vehicle 31. When the other vehicle ahead probability is 80% or more, it determines to stop the host vehicle 31 before the intersection. Then, the processing in FIG. 7 is ended, and step S07 in FIG. 4 is ended.

[0083] The process proceeds to step S08 in FIG. 4, where the vehicle control unit 21 controls the traveling of the host vehicle 31 based on the determination result of the other vehicle leading probability prediction unit 15.

[0084] [Effects of the second embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0085] The vehicle behavior prediction method according to this embodiment adds the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed to the intersection before the host vehicle when there is no second oncoming vehicle approaching the intersection on the road before the host vehicle turns right or left at the intersection. If there is no second oncoming vehicle on the road before the host vehicle turns right or left at the intersection, there is no obstacle for the first oncoming vehicle to proceed through the intersection, so it can be predicted that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle will be higher. This makes it possible to more accurately predict the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle.

[0086] In addition, the method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to this embodiment adds the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the own vehicle when a second oncoming vehicle approaching the intersection is present on a road before the traveling route of the own vehicle turns right or left at the intersection and the second oncoming vehicle stops before the intersection. When a second oncoming vehicle is present on a road before the traveling route of the own vehicle turns right or left at the intersection and the second oncoming vehicle stops before the intersection, there is no obstacle for the other vehicle to proceed through the intersection, so it can be predicted that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the own vehicle will be higher. This makes it possible to more accurately predict the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the own vehicle.

[0087] The vehicle behavior prediction method according to the present embodiment adds the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle when the speed of the first oncoming vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed value. If the speed of the first oncoming vehicle is fast, it is considered that the first oncoming vehicle is less likely to intend to stop before the intersection, and it is possible to predict that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle is higher. This makes it possible to more accurately predict the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle.

[0088] The driving assistance method using the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to the present embodiment starts deceleration of the host vehicle when the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value. When the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value, the host vehicle can start decelerating, and the first oncoming vehicle and the host vehicle can be prevented from approaching each other when proceeding to the intersection. The risk of the first oncoming vehicle and the host vehicle approaching each other can be reduced.

[0089] The driving assistance method using the vehicle behavior prediction method according to the present embodiment slows down the host vehicle when the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value and less than a third predetermined value. When the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value and less than a third predetermined value, the host vehicle can be slowed down, and the first oncoming vehicle and the host vehicle can be prevented from approaching each other when proceeding to the intersection. The risk of the first oncoming vehicle and the host vehicle approaching each other can be reduced.

[0090] The driving assistance method using the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to the present embodiment stops the host vehicle before the intersection when the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value. When the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than the third predetermined value, the host vehicle can be stopped before the intersection, and the first oncoming vehicle and the host vehicle can be prevented from approaching each other when proceeding to the intersection. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 31 Vehicle 41 Vehicle driving route (vehicle driving route) 100 Microcomputer (driving support device) 32 First oncoming vehicle 42 Vehicle passing area 52 Other vehicle passing area 61 interval 71 distance

Claims

1. An other vehicle behavior prediction method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle around a host vehicle, comprising: Calculate the vehicle's travel route, Detecting a position of an intersection on a travel route of the vehicle and within a predetermined distance from the vehicle; Detecting positions of other vehicles around the vehicle before the intersection; When a first oncoming vehicle is present on a road ahead of the vehicle that has turned right or left at the intersection on the travel route of the vehicle, calculating a vehicle passing area through which the vehicle passes when traveling through the intersection and a vehicle passing area through which the first oncoming vehicle is predicted to pass when traveling through the intersection; Calculating an interval between the subject vehicle passing area and the other vehicle passing area; Calculating a distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection; Based on the interval and the distance, a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is predicted. A method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle.

2. When the interval is less than a predetermined interval value and the distance is less than a predetermined distance value, it is predicted that the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is higher than the probability that the host vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the first oncoming vehicle. The method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. When there is no second oncoming vehicle approaching the intersection on a road before the vehicle's travel route turns right or left at the intersection, a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed to the intersection before the vehicle is added.

3. The method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When a second oncoming vehicle approaches the intersection on a road before the vehicle turns right or left at the intersection on its travel route, and the second oncoming vehicle stops before the intersection, a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the vehicle is added.

4. The method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to claim 1,

5. When the speed of the first oncoming vehicle is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed value, a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is added.

5. The method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to claim 1,

6. Calculating a distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection based on a distance between the first oncoming vehicle and a center of the intersection.

6. The method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to claim 1,

7. Detecting the position of a stop line before the intersection; Calculating a distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection based on a distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the stop line.

6. The method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to claim 1,

8. When a priority of a road before the vehicle's travel route turns right or left at the intersection is higher than a priority of a road after the vehicle's travel route turns right or left, a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will enter the intersection before the vehicle is predicted based on the interval and the distance.

8. The method for predicting the behavior of another vehicle according to claim 1,

9. A driving assistance method using the other vehicle behavior prediction method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The traveling of the host vehicle is controlled based on a result of predicting a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle. A driving assistance method comprising:

10. When the probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value, the host vehicle starts to decelerate. The driving assistance method according to claim 9 .

11. When a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value and less than a third predetermined value, the host vehicle is caused to move slowly. The driving assistance method according to claim 9 or 10.

12. When a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value, the host vehicle is stopped in front of the intersection. The driving assistance method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. Calculate the vehicle's travel route, Detecting a position of an intersection on a travel route of the vehicle and within a predetermined distance from the vehicle; Detecting the positions of other vehicles around the vehicle before the intersection; When a first oncoming vehicle is present on a road ahead of the vehicle that has turned right or left at the intersection on the travel route of the vehicle, calculating a vehicle passing area through which the vehicle passes when traveling through the intersection and a vehicle passing area through which the first oncoming vehicle is predicted to pass when traveling through the intersection; Calculating an interval between the subject vehicle passing area and the other vehicle passing area; Calculating a distance between the first oncoming vehicle and the intersection; Based on the interval and the distance, a probability that the first oncoming vehicle will proceed through the intersection before the host vehicle is predicted. A vehicle behavior prediction device comprising:

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