Alarm system, update service system, and alarm management method

Abstract

To reduce an issuance of an unnecessary warning.SOLUTION: A warning system according to an embodiment is a warning system which is mounted on a vehicle, issues a warning to notify a driver of a risk of collision with another vehicle, and comprises: a sonar for measuring a distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle; a hand signal recognition unit that recognizes a hand signal shown by the driver of the vehicle; a passing detection unit for detecting a passing emitted from the vehicle; and a warning processing unit that issues or stops the warning by using a measurement result of the sonar, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit, and a detection result of the passing detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an alarm system, an update service system, and an alarm management method.

Background Art

[0002] At intersections without traffic lights, there may be give-and-take among drivers. In particular, drivers of non-priority vehicles (for example, vehicles attempting to enter from a narrow road to a wide road) are often made to wait until they can make a left turn, a right turn, etc. When they want to be given the right of way, they can indicate their intention to proceed to the drivers of other vehicles by passing or hand signals.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A vehicle that has been given the right of way enters the intersection. If the vehicle is equipped with an alarm system with a sonar, the alarm may be unnecessarily triggered because the distance to the vehicle that has given the right of way becomes close. If such unnecessary alarms are triggered every time, the driver's trust in the alarm system will decrease. When the trust decreases, the accident prevention effect will become smaller.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an alarm system, an update service system, and an alarm management method capable of reducing the occurrence of unnecessary alarms.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The warning system according to the first aspect of the present invention is a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning informing of the risk of collision with another vehicle, and includes a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, a hand signal recognition unit that recognizes a hand signal indicated by the driver of the vehicle, and the measurement result of the sonar and and a warning processing unit that uses the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit to issue or stop the issuance of the warning. and when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle shows a hand signal of a predetermined wrist form, the warning is not issued. The warning system according to the second aspect of the present invention is a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning to notify of a risk of collision with another vehicle, and includes a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, a passing detection unit that detects a passing emitted from the vehicle, and a warning processing unit that uses the measurement result of the sonar and the detection result of the passing detection unit to perform or stop the issuance of the warning. When the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and a passing with a predetermined blinking pattern is emitted from the vehicle, the warning is not issued. The warning system according to the third aspect of the present invention is a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning to notify of a risk of collision with another vehicle, and includes a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, a hand signal recognition unit that recognizes a hand signal shown by the driver of the vehicle, a passing detection unit that detects a passing emitted from the vehicle, a warning processing unit that uses the measurement result of the sonar, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit, and the detection result of the passing detection unit to perform or stop the issuance of the warning, and a warning cancellation operation unit that cancels the issuance of the warning according to an operation. The warning processing unit uses the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit or the detection result of the passing detection unit obtained each time the warning is issued, the distance, and information indicating whether the issuance of the warning has been canceled by the warning cancellation operation unit to update the determination criteria so that the operation frequency of the warning cancellation operation unit decreases, and based on the updated determination criteria, performs or stops the issuance of the warning.

[0007] The 4 warning management method according to the aspect of the present invention is a warning management method applied to a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning informing of the risk of collision with another vehicle, and measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle by a sonar and , recognizes a hand signal indicated by the driver of the vehicle by a hand signal recognition unit and , and uses the measurement result of the sonar and and the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit by a warning processing unit When the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle shows a hand signal of a predetermined wrist form, the warning is not issued. The warning management method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is a warning management method applied to a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning to notify of the risk of collision with another vehicle. The sonar measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, the passing detection unit detects the passing emitted from the vehicle, and the warning processing unit uses the measurement result of the sonar and the detection result of the passing detection unit to determine that the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and a passing with a predetermined blinking pattern is emitted from the vehicle. In this case, the warning is not issued. The warning management method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a warning management method applied to a warning system mounted on a vehicle that issues a warning to notify of the risk of collision with another vehicle. The sonar measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, the hand signal recognition unit recognizes the hand signal shown by the driver of the vehicle, the passing detection unit detects the passing emitted from the vehicle, and the warning processing unit uses the measurement result of the sonar, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit, and the detection result of the passing detection unit to perform or stop the issuance of the warning. The warning cancellation operation unit cancels the issuance of the warning according to the operation. Based on the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit or the detection result of the passing detection unit, the distance, and the information indicating whether the issuance of the warning has been cancelled by the warning cancellation operation unit, which are obtained every time the warning is issued, the determination criterion is updated so that the operation frequency of the warning cancellation operation unit decreases, and the issuance or stop of the warning is performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the issuance of unnecessary warnings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the warning system according to the embodiment. Details of the warning system will be described later.

[0012] The vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a headlight 11, a blinker 12, a sonar 13, a camera 14, etc.

[0013] The headlight 11, also known as a headlamp or a headlight, illuminates the front. The headlight 11 can be switched to high beam (upward lighting) or perform passing with high beam by the driver pulling a turn signal switch (not shown in FIG. 1) in the vehicle forward. Passing means sending some kind of signal to the driver of another vehicle by quickly flashing the high beam 2 to 3 times.

[0014] Generally, passing is used for various purposes such as (1) "when wanting to go ahead" (for example, when wanting to get the right of way from another vehicle at an intersection or when indicating the intention to proceed), (2) "when yielding the road" (for example, when yielding the road to an oncoming vehicle), (3) "when expressing gratitude" (for example, when expressing gratitude for being yielded the road), (4) "when warning" (when notifying that the headlight of an oncoming vehicle is dazzling with the high beam on, etc.). In this embodiment, an example of the case where the driver of vehicle 1 uses it in the above (1) "when wanting to go ahead" is shown.

[0015] The turn signal 12, also known as a turn signal lamp or a direction indicator, is arranged in plural on the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle.

[0016] The sonar 13 is a device that detects obstacles such as other vehicles or walls approaching vehicle 1 (the host vehicle), and is arranged in plural on the front, rear, left, and right of the vehicle. When the obstacle is another vehicle, the sonar 13 determines whether there is another vehicle within a predetermined range from the host vehicle through transmission of ultrasonic waves and reception of the reflected waves, calculates the distance between the host vehicle and the other vehicle, and generates and outputs information indicating whether there is another vehicle within a predetermined range from the host vehicle (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "information on the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle") and information indicating the distance between the host vehicle and the other vehicle (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "information on the distance to the oncoming vehicle").

[0017] In this embodiment, for example, in the front of the vehicle, the corner sonars 13 are arranged at the left and right corners respectively. These corner sonars 13 each transmit ultrasonic wave A1 and receive the reflected wave thereof. Also, in the rear of the vehicle, the corner sonars 13 are arranged at the left and right corners respectively. These corner sonars 13 each transmit ultrasonic wave A2 and receive the reflected wave thereof.

[0018] In this embodiment, an example in the case where the number of sonars 13 is four is shown. However, a front center sonar may be arranged at the center of the front of the vehicle, and a rear center sonar may be arranged at the center of the rear of the vehicle. In addition, sonars may be arranged at the top of the front of the vehicle or the top of the rear of the vehicle.

[0019] The camera 14 always or periodically captures an area near the outside of the window closest to the driver in the vehicle 1 within the shooting range A3. When the driver of the vehicle 1 puts out his / her wrist from the above window to show a hand signal, the camera 14 outputs an image including the wrist showing the hand signal.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows two examples of the hand signals represented by the wrists of the driver shown in the image of the camera 14. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of an image when the hand signal of the driver's wrist represents "turn right". FIG. 2(b) shows an example of an image when the hand signal of the driver's wrist represents "turn left".

[0021] Whether the hand signal indicates "turn right" or "turn left" can be recognized by image recognition processing. For example, as in the image of FIG. 2(a), when the positions P11 at the window edge of the arm, the position P12 of the fingertip, and the position P13 of the elbow are respectively specified, and the angle formed by the line segment connecting P11 and P13 and the line segment connecting P12 and P13 is approximately 180 degrees, it can be recognized that the hand signal represents "turn right". Also, as in the image of FIG. 2(b), when the positions P21 at the window edge of the arm, the position P22 of the fingertip, and the position P23 of the elbow are respectively specified, and the angle formed by the line segment connecting P21 and P23 and the line segment connecting P22 and P23 is approximately 90 degrees, it can be recognized that the hand signal represents "turn right".

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a situation where the driver of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 yields the right of way to another vehicle at an intersection without a traffic signal.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, at an intersection of a T-junction where road R1 intersects with road R2, the driver of his own vehicle 1 traveling on road R1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "own vehicle 1") approaches the intersection and attempts to make a left turn as indicated by arrow D1. At this time, another vehicle 2 traveling on road R2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "other vehicle 2") approaches the intersection as indicated by arrow D2.

[0024] Here, since the driver of own vehicle 1 wants the driver of other vehicle 2 to yield the right of way, it is assumed that the intention to proceed (make a left turn) is shown to the driver of other vehicle 2 by passing or a hand signal. In response to this, other vehicle 2 reduces its speed and proceeds slowly.

[0025] Own vehicle 1, which has been given the right of way, enters the intersection. However, since the distance from other vehicle 2 is within a predetermined range, sonar 13 detects other vehicle 2 as an obstacle based on the reflected wave of ultrasonic wave A1. At this time, since the driver of own vehicle 1 is paying attention to the surrounding situation and there is no risk of collision with other vehicle 2, it can be said that it is unnecessary to issue an alarm for the driver of own vehicle 1. In the case of a general alarm system, an alarm would be issued at this point. However, in the case of the alarm system according to this embodiment, no alarm is issued at this point. The mechanism will be described later.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration including the alarm system according to the embodiment.

[0027] The warning system 100 shown in FIG. 4 is mounted on the host vehicle 1. The warning system 100 has a function of issuing a warning to notify of the risk of collision with other vehicles. As components, it includes a sonar 13, a camera 14, a hand signal recognition device (hand signal recognition unit) 15, a turn signal switch 16, a passing detection device (passing detection unit) 17, a warning cancel switch (warning cancel operation unit) 18, a warning processing unit 19 (including a warning issuing unit 20, a warning on / off determination module 21, and a warning adjustment unit 22), an update processing unit 23, a temporary storage unit 24, and an input / output unit 25.

[0028] Among the individual elements included in the warning system 100, the sonar 13 and the camera 14 are installed outside the vehicle, while the other elements are installed inside the host vehicle 1.

[0029] Note that FIG. 4 shows an example where the camera 14 is provided in the hand signal recognition device 15. Alternatively, the hand signal recognition device 15 may be provided in the camera 14. Also, the camera 14 and the hand signal recognition device 15 may be provided independently. In that case, the hand signal recognition device 15 may be provided in the warning on / off determination module 21.

[0030] The warning system 200 is mounted on another vehicle other than the host vehicle 1. The warning system 200 includes the same components as the warning system 100.

[0031] The function of the sonar 13 is as described above. The information on the presence or absence of the other vehicle and the distance to the other vehicle generated by the sonar 13 is supplied to the warning on / off determination module 21.

[0032] The function of the camera 14 is as described above. The image captured by the camera 14 is supplied to the hand signal recognition device 15.

[0033] The hand signal recognition device 15 recognizes the hand signal shown by the driver of the host vehicle 1 by performing the above-described image recognition process based on the image captured by the camera 14. The information on the hand signal shown by the driver includes, in addition to the feature amount indicating the physical features such as the lengths of the driver's upper arm and forearm, the feature amount indicating the driver's peculiarities and tendencies such as the angle at which the elbow is bent and the inclination of the upper arm and forearm (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "hand signal feature amount"). The information on the hand signal including the hand signal feature amount is supplied to the alarm on / off determination module 21.

[0034] The turn signal switch 16 is used not only when making a left or right turn but also when performing passing by high beam as described above. Note that the turn signal switch is sometimes called the headlight switch.

[0035] The passing detection device 17 detects the passing when passing is performed by the turn signal switch 16. Specifically, the passing detection device 17 detects the blinking pattern of passing. The blinking pattern indicates the time series of the lighting / extinguishing (ON / OFF) of the high beam, and includes feature amounts (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "passing feature amounts" (or "headlight feature amounts")) that characterize the blinking pattern, such as the number of blinks, the duration of each lighting, and the duration of extinguishing between lightings. It can be said that the passing feature amounts show the driver's peculiarities and tendencies when the driver operates the turn signal switch 16. The information on the passing including the passing feature amounts is supplied to the alarm on / off determination module 21.

[0036] The alarm cancel switch 18 has a function of canceling (canceling) the issuance of an alarm in response to the operation of the driver of the host vehicle 1, that is, a function of preventing the alarm from being issued. The alarm cancel switch 18 is used when the driver of the host vehicle 1 wants to stop the issuance of the alarm when the alarm has been issued.

[0037] For example, when the own vehicle 1 enters an intersection after being given the right of way by another vehicle 2 at the intersection, if the sonar 13 detects the other vehicle 2 because the distance to the other vehicle 2 is within a predetermined range and an alarm is issued, the driver of the own vehicle 1 pays attention to the surrounding situation and feels that there is no risk of collision with the other vehicle 2. In such a case, the driver of the own vehicle 1 operates the alarm cancel switch 18 to cancel the alarm.

[0038] When the alarm cancel switch 18 is not operated, the signal (alarm cancel signal) output from the alarm cancel switch 18 maintains an ON state. However, when the alarm cancel switch 18 is operated, the signal (alarm cancel signal) output from the alarm cancel switch 18 becomes OFF for a certain period of time.

[0039] The alarm processing unit 19 is a function that performs or stops the issuance of an alarm using the measurement result of the sonar 13, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition device 15, and the detection result of the passing detection device 17. This function is realized by the alarm issuance unit 20, the alarm on / off determination module 21, and the alarm adjustment unit 22, which will be described later.

[0040] For example, when the distance between the own vehicle 1 and another vehicle (e.g., the other vehicle 2) is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the own vehicle 1 shows a hand signal in a predetermined wrist form (e.g., a hand signal indicating a left turn or a right turn), the alarm is not issued. This reduces the frequency of unnecessary alarms when the driver of the own vehicle 1 shows a hand signal at an intersection to yield the right of way to another vehicle.

[0041] Further, when the distance between the host vehicle 1 and another vehicle (e.g., the other vehicle 2) is less than a predetermined value and a passing with a blinking pattern including a predetermined passing feature amount from the host vehicle 1 is issued, the warning processing unit 19 does not issue a warning. As a result, when the driver of the host vehicle 1 makes a passing at an intersection and allows other vehicles to have the right of way, the frequency of unnecessary warnings being issued is reduced.

[0042] Hereinafter, the respective functions of the warning issuing unit 20, the warning on / off determination module 21, and the warning adjustment unit 22 will be described.

[0043] The warning issuing unit 20 issues a warning when the signal output from the warning adjustment unit 22 described later is in the on (ON) state. Specifically, when both the signal output from the warning on / off determination module 21 and the signal output from the warning cancel switch 18 are in the on (ON) state, the signal output from the warning adjustment unit 22 becomes in the on (ON) state, and the warning issuing unit 20 issues a warning.

[0044] On the other hand, the warning issuing unit 20 does not issue a warning when the signal output from the warning adjustment unit 22 is in the off (OFF) state. Specifically, when at least one of the signal output from the warning on / off determination module 21 and the signal output from the warning cancel switch 18 is in the off (OFF) state, the signal output from the warning adjustment unit 22 becomes in the off (OFF) state, and the warning issuing unit 20 does not issue a warning.

[0045] The issuance of a warning is realized by outputting a voice (such as a buzzer sound, a voice message, etc.) representing a warning from a speaker or displaying information (such as a message) representing a warning on a display.

[0046] The alarm on / off determination module 21 is realized as a program executed by a processor. By appropriately updating (renewing) the information on the hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria described later or updating (renewing) the program itself, the alarm on / off determination in the on / off determination module 21 can be performed more appropriately, and the frequency with which the driver operates the alarm cancel switch 18 can be further reduced.

[0047] Based on the information supplied from the sonar 13, the alarm on / off determination module 21 determines whether there is or is not an oncoming vehicle. "There is an oncoming vehicle" means that the distance between the host vehicle 1 and another vehicle (e.g., another vehicle 2) is less than a predetermined value. "There is no oncoming vehicle" means otherwise.

[0048] Also, based on the information supplied from the hand signal recognition device 15, the alarm on / off determination module 21 determines whether or not a hand signal is being made. For this determination, a determination criterion (hand signal determination criterion) for determining whether or not the driver of the host vehicle 1 has shown a hand signal in a predetermined wrist form (e.g., a hand signal indicating a left turn or a hand signal indicating a right turn) is used. When the hand signal feature amount included in the hand signal information supplied from the hand signal recognition device 15 conforms to the hand signal determination criterion, it is determined that a hand signal is being made. When it does not conform, it is determined that no hand signal is being made.

[0049] The hand signal determination criterion is repeatedly updated through the learning process described later so that the feature amount indicating the driver's specific habits and tendencies is reflected. As a result, the hand signal determination becomes more appropriate, the frequency with which the driver operates the alarm cancel switch 18 further decreases, and the reporting of unnecessary alarms further decreases.

[0050] In addition, the alarm on / off determination module 21 determines whether passing is "performed" or "not performed" based on the information supplied from the passing detection device 17. For this determination, a determination criterion (passing determination criterion) for determining whether a passing of a blinking pattern including a passing feature amount predetermined from the host vehicle 1 has been issued is used. When the passing feature amount included in the passing information supplied from the passing detection device 17 conforms to the passing determination criterion, it is determined that passing is "performed". When it does not conform, it is determined that passing is "not performed".

[0051] The passing determination criterion is repeatedly updated so that, through the learning process described later, it reflects the feature amounts indicating the idiosyncrasies and tendencies peculiar to the driver. As a result, the passing determination becomes more appropriate, the frequency with which the driver operates the alarm cancel switch 18 decreases more, and the issuance of unnecessary alarms decreases more.

[0052] Here, FIG. 5 shows an example of a table indicating the conditions for turning the output to the ON state and the conditions for turning it to the OFF state in the alarm on / off determination module 21.

[0053] The item "passing determination" in the table of FIG. 5 represents the determination result of either "performed" or "not performed" for passing described above. "ON (passing performed)" in the table represents the determination result of "performed" for passing, and "OFF (passing not performed)" represents the determination result of "not performed" for passing.

[0054] The item "hand signal execution determination" in the table of FIG. 5 represents the determination result of either "performed" or "not performed" for the hand signal described above. "ON (hand signal performed)" represents the determination result of "performed" for the hand signal. "OFF (hand signal not performed)" represents the determination result of "not performed" for the hand signal.

[0055] The item "presence / absence of the other vehicle" in the table of FIG. 5 indicates the determination result of either "present" or "absent" of the other vehicle described above. "ON (present)" represents the determination result that the other vehicle is "present". "OFF (absent)" represents the determination result that the other vehicle is "absent".

[0056] The item "alarm ON / OFF determination" in the table of FIG. 5 represents the determination result of whether to set the output to either the ON or OFF state. "ON" represents setting the output to the ON state (i.e., sounding the alarm). "OFF" represents setting the output to the OFF state (i.e., not sounding the alarm).

[0057] Among the eight combinations shown in FIG. 5, the condition for the alarm ON / OFF determination module 21 to set the output to "ON" is only one case indicated by the shaded area. That is, it is only when the determination result of "passing determination" indicates "OFF (performing passing)", and the determination result of "hand signal execution determination" indicates "OFF (not performing hand signal)", and moreover, "presence / absence of the other vehicle" indicates "ON (present)". Otherwise, the output of the alarm ON / OFF determination module 21 becomes "OFF".

[0058] For example, even when "presence / absence of the other vehicle" indicates "ON (present)", when at least one of the determination results of "passing determination" and "hand signal execution determination" indicates "ON", the output of the alarm ON / OFF determination module 21 becomes "OFF".

[0059] When "presence / absence of the other vehicle" indicates "OFF (absent)", regardless of the determination results of "passing determination" and "hand signal execution determination", the output of the alarm ON / OFF determination module 21 becomes "OFF".

[0060] The alarm adjustment unit 22 sets the output to the ON state and causes the alarm sounding unit 20 to sound the alarm when both the signal output from the alarm ON / OFF determination module 21 and the signal output from the alarm cancel switch 18 are in the ON state.

[0061] On the other hand, when at least one of the signals output from the warning on / off determination module 21 and the signal output from the warning cancel switch 18 is in the off state, the warning adjustment unit 22 sets the output to the off state and does not cause the warning transmission unit 20 to transmit a warning.

[0062] The update processing unit 23 has a function of updating the information on the hand signal determination criterion and the passing determination criterion used by the warning on / off determination module 21, or updating the program itself that realizes the warning on / off determination module 21. The information or program for updating is provided from the customer-specific update service system 30.

[0063] The update processing unit 23 temporarily stores the update information or program provided from the customer-specific update service system 30 in the temporary storage unit 24, and then inquires the driver about the necessity of the update through the display screen of the display provided in the input / output unit 25. When the driver inputs information indicating the need for update through the input device provided in the input / output unit 25, the update processing unit 23 performs the update desired by the driver according to the information or program temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 24.

[0064] The customer-specific update service system 30 provides an update service for information including the hand signal determination criterion and the passing determination criterion to each customer who owns an individual vehicle (the own vehicle 1 or other vehicles) equipped with a warning system. The customer-specific update service system 30 receives the information provided from the vehicles owned by each customer (the recognition result of the hand signal recognition device 15 obtained every time a hand signal is shown, the detection result of the passing detection device 17 obtained every time passing is issued, the distance to the other vehicle, and the information indicating whether or not the warning transmission has been aborted by the warning cancel switch 18), performs a predetermined learning process based on these information, and provides, for each customer, the hand signal determination criterion and the passing determination criterion in which the feature amounts indicating the driver-specific habits and tendencies are reflected, or the update data of the program including them.

[0065] The customer-specific update service system 30 includes a customer-specific information storage unit 31, a customer-specific learning processing unit 32, and a customer-specific update service unit 33.

[0066] Among the customer-specific information storage unit 31, the customer-specific learning processing unit 32, and the customer-specific update service unit 33 in the customer-specific update service system 30, since they are particularly responsible for managing update data for the alarm on / off determination module 21 for each customer, they may be collectively referred to as the "customer-specific module management unit".

[0067] The customer-specific information storage unit 31 collects various information provided from the vehicles owned by each customer, that is, the customer number, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition device 15 (information on the hand signal including the hand signal feature amount), the detection result of the passing detection device 17 (information on the passing including the passing feature amount), the distance to the other vehicle, and information indicating whether the alarm transmission has been cancelled by the alarm cancel switch 18 (information on the alarm cancel status indicating whether it has been cancelled), for each customer and stores them in a database. There are two types of databases, a "hand signal recognition database" and a "passing detection database".

[0068] FIG. 6 shows an example of the information stored in the hand signal recognition database. As shown in FIG. 6, in the hand signal recognition database, information on the customer number (1, 2,...), hand signal feature amounts (hand signal recognition result A, hand signal recognition result B,...), distance to the other vehicle (×× m,...), and alarm cancel status (cancelled, not cancelled,...) is stored separately for each customer.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows an example of the information stored in the passing detection database. As shown in FIG. 7, in the passing detection database, information on the customer number (1, 2,...), headlight switch feature amounts corresponding to the passing feature amount (ON / OFF time series result E, ON / OFF time series result F,...), distance to the other vehicle (×× m,...), and alarm cancel status (cancelled, not cancelled,...) is stored separately for each customer.

[0070] For each customer, the per-customer learning processing unit 32 performs predetermined learning processing using the information stored in the hand signal recognition database and the information stored in the passing detection database, thereby generating updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria that reflect the characteristics and tendencies unique to the driver for each customer, or a program including them.

[0071] For example, if the latest hand signal feature amount provided by the customer side has a larger elbow angle when indicating a left turn than the hand signal feature amount currently set in the hand signal determination criteria, the hand signal feature amount set in the hand signal determination criteria is also corrected so that the elbow angle when indicating a left turn becomes similarly larger.

[0072] Also, for example, if the latest passing feature amount provided by the customer side has a larger blinking interval than the passing feature amount currently set in the passing determination criteria, the passing feature amount set in the passing determination criteria is also corrected so that the blinking interval becomes similarly larger.

[0073] The per-customer update service unit 33 transmits update data indicating the updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria, or a program including them, to the update processing unit 23 in the vehicle of each customer in a timely manner.

[0074] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8, an example of the basic operation of the alarm on / off determination module 21 will be described.

[0075] The alarm on / off determination module 21 monitors various signals respectively supplied from the sonar 13, the passing detection device 17, and the hand signal recognition device 15 (step S11), and based on the various information indicated by them, determines the presence or absence of an oncoming vehicle (step S12), the presence or absence of passing execution (step S13), and the presence or absence of hand signal execution (step S14).

[0076] In step S12, when it is determined that there is no other vehicle (NO in step S12), the alarm transmission is turned off.

[0077] In step S12, when it is determined that there is another vehicle (YES in step S12) and in step S13, when it is determined that passing is to be carried out (YES in step S13), the alarm transmission is turned off.

[0078] In step S13, when it is determined that passing is not to be carried out (NO in step S13) and in step S14, when it is determined that a hand signal is to be given (YES in step S14), the alarm transmission is turned off.

[0079] In step S14, when it is determined that no hand signal is to be given (NO in step S14), the alarm transmission is turned on (step S15).

[0080] Thereafter, the processing from step S11 is repeated.

[0081] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, an example of the basic operation of the alarm adjustment unit 22 will be described.

[0082] The alarm adjustment unit 22 monitors the alarm cancel signal supplied from the alarm cancel switch 18 (step S21) and determines whether or not there is an alarm cancel (step S22).

[0083] In step S22, when it is determined that there is no alarm cancel (NO in step S22), the alarm transmission is turned on (step S23).

[0084] In step S22, when it is determined that there is an alarm cancel (YES in step S22), the alarm transmission is turned off (step S24).

[0085] Thereafter, the processing from step S21 is repeated.

[0086] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10, an example of the basic operation of the per-customer module management unit of the per-customer update service system 30 will be described.

[0087] The per-customer module management unit acquires, as information for each customer, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition device 15 (information on the hand signal including the hand signal feature amount), the detection result of the passing detection device 17 (information on passing including the passing feature amount), the distance to the other vehicle, and information indicating whether or not the alarm transmission has been canceled by the alarm cancel switch 18 (information on the alarm cancel status indicating whether or not cancellation has been performed), and stores and preserves them in a database (a database for hand signal recognition and a database for passing detection) (step S31).

[0088] Next, the per-customer module management unit performs a predetermined learning process for each customer using the information stored in the hand signal recognition database and the information stored in the passing detection database, thereby generating updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria reflecting the characteristics and tendencies specific to the driver for each customer, or a program including them (step S32).

[0089] Finally, the per-customer module management unit performs an update service of transmitting, in a timely manner, update data indicating the updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria, or a program including them, to the update processing unit 23 in the vehicle of each customer (step S33).

[0090] By configuring as described above, it is possible to reduce the transmission of unnecessary alarms.

[0091] In addition, since it is possible to update (update) the information on the updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria reflecting the characteristics and tendencies specific to the driver, or update (update) the program itself, the alarm on / off determination in the on / off determination module 21 can be performed more appropriately, and it becomes possible to further reduce the frequency with which the driver operates the alarm cancel switch 18.

[0092] Next, a first modification example of the configuration shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0093] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first modification example of the configuration shown in FIG. 4. Here, the description will focus on the differences from the configuration of FIG. 4.

[0094] The configuration of FIG. 11 differs from that of FIG. 4 in that a customer-specific information storage unit 31 is not provided in the customer-specific update service system 30. Instead, information storage units 31A are provided in the alarm systems of each customer. In the example of FIG. 11, the information storage unit 31A is arranged in the alarm system 100. In this case, the customer-specific learning processing unit 32 performs learning processing using the information stored in the information storage unit 31A.

[0095] As described above, the customer-specific information storage unit 31 stores, in a database, information provided from the vehicles of all customers corresponding to customer numbers 1, 2,.... However, the information storage unit 31A stores only information corresponding to the vehicle of one customer. For example, the information storage unit 31A in the alarm system 100 of the own vehicle 1 stores only information corresponding to the own vehicle 1.

[0096] By configuring in this way, it is not necessary to provide a large-capacity storage device in the customer-specific update service system 30, so the load on the customer-specific update service system 30 side can be reduced.

[0097] Next, a second modification example of the configuration shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second modification example of the configuration shown in FIG. 4. Here, the description will focus on the differences from the configuration of FIG. 4.

[0099] The difference in the configuration of FIG. 12 from that of FIG. 4 is that the functions previously performed by the customer-specific module management unit of the customer-specific update service system 30 are now performed by the warning systems of the vehicles of each customer. In the example of FIG. 12, an information storage unit 31A and a learning processing unit 32A are arranged within the warning system 100.

[0100] Similar to what was described in the first modification, the information storage unit 31A stores only information corresponding to the vehicle of one customer. For example, the information storage unit 31A within the warning system 100 of vehicle 1 stores only information corresponding to vehicle 1.

[0101] The learning processing unit 32A also performs only learning processing corresponding to the vehicle of one customer. For example, the learning processing unit 32A within the warning system 100 of vehicle 1 performs only learning processing corresponding to vehicle 1.

[0102] The learning processing unit 32A performs learning processing using the information stored in the information storage unit 31A, and generates updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria that reflect the characteristics indicating the driver's unique habits and tendencies, or a program including them. The update data indicating the updated hand signal determination criteria and passing determination criteria, or the program including them, is supplied to the update processing unit 23.

[0103] By configuring in this way, since the functions previously performed by the customer-specific module management unit of the customer-specific update service system 30 are now performed by the warning systems of the vehicles of each customer, the load on the customer-specific update service system 30 side can be further reduced.

[0104] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a warning system, an update service system, and a warning management method that can reduce the issuance of unnecessary warnings.

[0105] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. Also, the respective embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, and in such cases, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, if the problem can be solved and the effects can be obtained, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 1…Vehicle (own vehicle) 2…Other vehicle (other vehicle) 11…Headlight 12…Turn signal 13…Sonar (distance measuring unit) 14…Camera 15…Hand signal recognition device (hand signal recognition unit) 16…Turn signal switch 17…Passing detection device 18…Alarm cancel switch 19…Alarm processing unit 20…Alarm reporting unit 21…Alarm on / off determination module 22…Alarm adjustment unit 23…Update processing unit 24…Temporary storage unit 25…Input / output unit 30…Customer-specific update service system 31…Customer-specific information storage unit 32…Customer-specific learning processing unit 33…Customer-specific update service unit 100…Alarm system (inside the own vehicle) 200…Alarm system (inside the other vehicle)

Claims

1. An alarm system mounted on a vehicle that issues an alarm notifying of the risk of collision with another vehicle, comprising: a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle; a hand signal recognition unit that recognizes a hand signal indicated by the driver of the vehicle; an alarm processing unit that uses the measurement result of the sonar and the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit to perform or stop the issuance of the alarm; wherein the alarm processing unit prevents the alarm from being issued when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle indicates a hand signal in a predetermined wrist form. Alarm system.

2. An alarm system mounted on a vehicle that issues an alarm notifying of the risk of collision with another vehicle, comprising: a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle; a passing detection unit that detects passing emitted from the vehicle; an alarm processing unit that uses the measurement result of the sonar and the detection result of the passing detection unit to perform or stop the issuance of the alarm; wherein the alarm processing unit prevents the alarm from being issued when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and passing in a predetermined blinking pattern is emitted from the vehicle. Alarm system.

3. An alarm system mounted on a vehicle that issues an alarm notifying of the risk of collision with another vehicle, comprising: a sonar that measures the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle; a hand signal recognition unit that recognizes a hand signal indicated by the driver of the vehicle; a passing detection unit that detects passing emitted from the vehicle; an alarm processing unit that uses the measurement result of the sonar, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit, and the detection result of the passing detection unit to perform or stop the issuance of the alarm; an alarm cancel operation unit that cancels the issuance of the alarm according to an operation; wherein the alarm processing unit performs or stops the issuance of the alarm based on a determination criterion updated so that the operation frequency of the alarm cancel operation unit decreases, using the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit or the detection result of the passing detection unit, the distance, and information indicating whether the issuance of the alarm has been canceled by the alarm cancel operation unit, which are obtained each time the alarm is issued. Alarm system.

4. An update service system that performs an information update service including the determination criterion for each individual vehicle equipped with the alarm system according to Claim 3.

5. An alarm management method applied to an alarm system mounted on a vehicle that issues an alarm to notify of the risk of collision with another vehicle, using a sonar to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, using a hand signal recognition unit to recognize a hand signal indicated by the driver of the vehicle, and using the measurement result of the sonar and the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit by an alarm processing unit, when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and the driver of the vehicle indicates a hand signal in a predetermined wrist form, the alarm is not issued. Alarm management method.

6. An alarm management method applied to an alarm system mounted on a vehicle that issues an alarm to notify of the risk of collision with another vehicle, using a sonar to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, using a passing detection unit to detect a passing emitted from the vehicle, and using the measurement result of the sonar and the detection result of the passing detection unit by an alarm processing unit, when the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle is less than a predetermined value and a passing in a predetermined blinking pattern is emitted from the vehicle, the alarm is not issued. Alarm management method.

7. An alarm management method applied to an alarm system mounted on a vehicle that issues an alarm to notify of the risk of collision with another vehicle, using a sonar to measure the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle, using a hand signal recognition unit to recognize a hand signal indicated by the driver of the vehicle, using a passing detection unit to detect a passing emitted from the vehicle, using the measurement result of the sonar, the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit, and the detection result of the passing detection unit by an alarm processing unit to perform or stop the issuance of the alarm, using an alarm cancellation operation unit to cancel the issuance of the alarm according to an operation, and based on a determination criterion updated so that the operation frequency of the alarm cancellation operation unit decreases, using the recognition result of the hand signal recognition unit or the detection result of the passing detection unit obtained each time the alarm is issued, the distance, and information indicating whether the issuance of the alarm has been cancelled by the alarm cancellation operation unit, perform or stop the issuance of the alarm. Alarm management method.

Images