Peripheral Warning Device and Peripheral Warning Method

Abstract

To reduce a discomfort given to a driver by suppressing an issuance of an unnecessary warning in a bad weather when a visibility of a surrounding from the driver is poor.SOLUTION: An inattentiveness warning device 1 comprises an inattentiveness detection unit 10, a weather detection unit 40, an alarm issuance time calculation unit 20, and an alarm unit 30. The alarm issuance time calculation unit 20 calculates an alarm issuance time t1 by calculation according to a predetermined condition at a timing when an inattentiveness of a driver D is detected, and the calculation according to the predetermined condition includes calculation for delaying the alarm issuance time t1 when the weather detection unit 40 detects the bad weather. The alarm unit 30 issues an alarm against the inattentiveness when the inattentiveness continues until the alarm issuance time t1 has elapsed, and does not issue the alarm against the inattentiveness when the inattentiveness does not continue until the alarm issuance time t1 elapses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a peripheral vision warning device and a peripheral vision warning method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a face orientation warning device is known that detects the face orientation degree of a driver, detects the peripheral vision of the driver when the face orientation degree of the driver satisfies a predetermined determination criterion, and warns the driver when the peripheral vision of the driver is detected. The conventional face orientation warning device recognizes the lane dividing line that divides the driving lane, and makes the peripheral vision determination criterion of the driver variable according to whether the normal lane dividing line is recognized (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Conventionally, an obstacle warning system is known that processes road conditions obtained by a locator and sensor information such as an obstacle sensor and a vehicle speed sensor with an information processing device to accurately issue a warning against the risk of collision. The conventional obstacle warning system changes the warning algorithm for obtaining the distance to an object to avoid collision and the set value of the warning condition according to the road conditions, the driving time zone, the continuous driving time, etc., in addition to the sensor information. The sensor information is obtained from, in addition to the obstacle sensor and the vehicle speed sensor, drowsiness sensor fusion, peripheral vision sensor fusion, weather sensor fusion, etc. (see Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 makes the driver's blind spot determination criteria variable according to whether the lane dividing line is recognized or not, and it is a technology that issues a warning to the driver without changing the blind spot determination criteria depending on whether the driver's peripheral vision is good or bad. Therefore, when the driver's vision is poor and the driver is carefully checking the surroundings, a warning is issued to the driver at the same timing as when the driver's vision is good. For this reason, when a blind spot warning is issued due to the necessary action of carefully checking the surroundings, it gives the driver an uncomfortable feeling. Note that Patent Document 1 states that the operating state of the wiper is excluded from "unrecognized information". However, this is to consider that the operation of the wiper interferes with the recognition of the lane dividing line in the recognition of the lane dividing line.

[0006] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 is a technology that issues a warning earlier in an obstacle warning system based on blind spot recognition and weather recognition by wiper operation. Therefore, when the obstacle warning technology disclosed in Patent Document 2 is applied to the blind spot warning technology, when the driver's vision is poor and the driver is carefully checking the surroundings, a warning is issued to the driver at an earlier timing than when the driver's vision is good. For this reason, when a blind spot warning is issued due to the necessary action of carefully checking the surroundings, it gives the driver an uncomfortable feeling. Note that the blind spot recognition and weather recognition in Patent Document 2 are performed separately, and the wiper operation does not affect the blind spot recognition itself.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a blind spot warning device and a blind spot warning method that reduce the discomfort given to the driver by suppressing the issuance of unnecessary warnings in bad weather when the driver's peripheral vision becomes poor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The blind spot warning device of the present invention is a blind spot warning device that warns the driver of the host vehicle about blind spots, and includes a blind spot detection unit, a weather detection unit, an alarm issuance time calculation unit, and an alarm unit. The blind spot detection unit detects the blind spots of the driver of the host vehicle. The weather detection unit detects the weather outside the host vehicle. The alarm issuance time calculation unit obtains the alarm issuance time by calculation according to predetermined conditions at the timing when the driver's blind spot is detected, and the calculation according to the predetermined conditions includes a calculation for delaying the alarm issuance time when the weather detection unit detects bad weather. The alarm unit issues an alarm for the blind spot when the blind spot continues until the alarm issuance time has elapsed, and does not issue an alarm for the blind spot when the blind spot does not continue until the alarm issuance time has elapsed.

[0009] The blind spot warning method of the present invention is a blind spot warning method that warns the driver of the host vehicle about blind spots, and includes detecting the blind spots of the driver of the host vehicle, detecting the weather outside the host vehicle, obtaining the alarm issuance time by calculation according to predetermined conditions at the timing when the driver's blind spot is detected, and the calculation according to the predetermined conditions includes a calculation for delaying the alarm issuance time when bad weather is detected. An alarm is issued for the blind spot when the blind spot continues until the alarm issuance time has elapsed, and an alarm is not issued for the blind spot when the blind spot does not continue until the alarm issuance time has elapsed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the blind spot warning device and the blind spot warning method of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the discomfort given to the driver by suppressing the issuance of unnecessary alarms in bad weather when the driver's view of the surroundings becomes poor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, modes for implementing the peripheral vision warning device and the peripheral vision warning method according to the present invention will be described based on the first to third embodiments shown in the drawings.

Examples

[0013] The peripheral vision warning device and the peripheral vision warning method of the first embodiment are applied to the driver monitoring system A1. The driver monitoring system A1 is a system that, when it determines that there is a possibility that safe driving cannot be continued when detecting a peripheral vision in which the driver is looking at a direction other than the front, gives a notification to prompt the driver to pay attention. Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the configuration of the driver monitoring system A1 will be described.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral vision warning device 1 of the driver monitoring system A1 includes a peripheral vision detection unit 10, a warning issuance time arithmetic unit 20, a warning unit 30, and a weather detection unit 40.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the side glance detection unit 10 detects whether the driver D of the host vehicle 100 is making a side glance based on the face image of the driver D input from the driver monitor camera 110 that captures the face of the driver D of the host vehicle 100. Specifically, the side glance detection unit 10 detects the movement of the driver D's line of sight by image processing based on the face image of the driver D, and detects whether a side glance is being made based on the movement of the driver D's line of sight. For example, if the driver D's line of sight goes in a direction other than the front and continues for a certain period of time or more, it is detected as a "side glance". Also, if the driver D's line of sight is directed in various directions and the time of not looking at the front continues, it is detected as a "side glance".

[0016] The warning issuance time calculation unit 20 obtains and outputs the warning issuance time t1 at the timing when the side glance of the driver D is detected. Specifically, the warning issuance time calculation unit 20 includes a reception unit 21 and an arrival prediction time calculation unit 22. The reception unit 21 receives the side glance detection information input from the side glance detection unit 10, the speed information of the host vehicle 100 input from the speed detection device 120, the obstacle detection information input from the obstacle detection device 130, and the weather detection information input from the weather detection unit 40.

[0017] The speed detection device 120 is provided in the host vehicle 100, and detects the traveling speed V1 of the host vehicle 100 by, for example, detecting the wheel speed of the host vehicle 100.

[0018] The obstacle detection device 130 detects an obstacle 200 (for example, a preceding vehicle or a road obstacle, etc.) existing within a predetermined range around the host vehicle 100. The obstacle detection device 130 according to the first embodiment is configured by a camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that calculates necessary information based on the front image of the host vehicle 100 captured by the front camera 140 as shown in FIG. 3. Then, when the camera ECU detects the obstacle 200, it calculates the distance L from the host vehicle 100 to the obstacle 200 and the moving speed V2 of the obstacle 200. Therefore, the reception unit 21 receives the distance L from the host vehicle 100 to the obstacle 200 and the moving speed V2 of the obstacle 200 as obstacle detection information from the obstacle detection device 130. Note that instead of the moving speed V2 of the obstacle 200, the relative speed between the host vehicle 100 and the obstacle 200 may be calculated and received.

[0019] The weather detection unit 40 detects the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the wiper operation information from the wiper device 150. Specifically, when the wiper device 150 is a device that can steplessly adjust the wiper operation speed, it is detected that the stronger the rain, the higher the wiper speed. Also, when the wiper device 150 is a device that can stepwise adjust the wiper operation speed, it is detected that the stronger the rain, the higher the wiper speed step. Further, when the wiper device 150 is an intermittent wiper that can steplessly or stepwise adjust the wiper operation cycle, it is detected that the stronger the rain, the shorter the intermittent time. Therefore, the reception unit 21 receives, as weather detection information WS from the weather detection unit 40, the clear weather information due to wiper stop, the rainy weather information due to wiper operation, and the information on the intensity level of rain according to the wiper speed.

[0020] The arrival prediction time calculation unit 22 obtains the alarm issuance time t1 by calculation according to predetermined conditions at the timing when the peripheral vision of the driver D is detected. The calculation according to the predetermined conditions includes a calculation for delaying the alarm issuance time t1 when the weather detection unit 40 detects bad weather compared to when the weather detection unit 40 detects good weather.

[0021] The calculation according to the predetermined conditions in the arrival prediction time calculation unit 22 obtains the arrival prediction time t0 at which the host vehicle 100 is predicted to reach the obstacle 200 based on the traveling speed V1, the distance L, and the moving speed V2 by the following calculation formula (1). When a predetermined margin time Δt is subtracted from the arrival prediction time t0 and the weather detection unit 40 detects bad weather, the alarm issuance time t1 shorter than the arrival prediction time t0 is obtained by the following calculation formula (2) (see FIG. 3). t0 = L / (V1 - V2) ……(1) t1 = t0 - Δt + ta ……(2) However, in the calculation formula (1), (V1 - V2) is the relative speed between the host vehicle 100 and the obstacle 200. Also, in the calculation formula (2), the margin time Δt is a time preset as the time from when the alarm unit 30 issues an alarm until the driver D recognizes the alarm. For example, an appropriate value is obtained by experiments.

[0022] In the calculation formula (2), the predetermined time ta (<margin time Δt) is an alarm issuance delay adjustment time that delays the alarm issuance time t1 according to the driver D's surrounding visibility. When the weather detection unit 40 detects clear weather or the like due to the wiper stop as the weather detection information WS, it is presumed that the surrounding visibility is good and ta = 0 (no delay due to weather). On the other hand, when the weather detection unit 40 detects rainy weather due to the wiper operation as the weather detection information WS, it is presumed that the surrounding visibility is poor and ta > 0 (there is a delay due to weather). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when rainy weather due to the wiper operation is detected, the predetermined time ta is set to a longer time with a stepless characteristic (solid line) or a stepped characteristic (dashed line) as the wiper speed (= rain intensity) is faster. That is, the predetermined time ta added when bad weather is detected is set to a longer time as the weather information detected by the weather detection unit 40 indicates that the surrounding visibility from the driver D is poor.

[0023] When the surveillance continues until the alarm - issuing time has elapsed, the alarm unit 30 issues an alarm by outputting an activation signal to the alarm device 300 for the surveillance. When the surveillance does not continue until the alarm - issuing time has elapsed, the alarm unit 30 does not issue an alarm for the surveillance. Whether the surveillance continues or not can be determined by the reception unit 21 continuously receiving the input of the detection of the surveillance by the surveillance detection unit 10 and inputting it from the reception unit 21 to the alarm unit 30. Here, note that "issuing a surveillance alarm" is synonymous with "issuing a surveillance warning", and it is one of the issuances that appeal to the driver's hearing by an alarm sound, an announcement sound, etc., an issuance that appeals to the driver's vision by a display, an issuance that appeals to the driver's sense of touch by vibration, etc., or a combination of two or more of them.

[0024] Next, the operation of the surveillance alarm device 1 of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the surveillance alarm operation executed in the surveillance alarm device 1. Note that the operation of the surveillance alarm device 1 is an embodiment of the surveillance alarm method according to the present invention.

[0025] First, the driver - monitoring camera 110 constantly photographs the face of the driver D, and the photographed face image of the driver D is input to the surveillance detection unit 10. The surveillance detection unit 10 monitors the driver based on the input face image of the driver D (S1 in FIG. 5) and detects the driver's surveillance (S2).

[0026] When the surveillance detection unit 10 does not detect the surveillance, it repeats the monitoring of the driver D (S1) and the detection of the surveillance. When the surveillance detection unit 10 detects the surveillance, the surveillance detection unit 10 outputs that the surveillance has occurred. The reception unit 21 receives the input that the surveillance has occurred from the surveillance detection unit 10 (S2).

[0027] During the period when the surveillance continues, this operation continues. When the surveillance ends, the output of the occurrence of the surveillance from the surveillance detection unit 10 to the reception unit 21 stops, and the reception unit 21 does not receive the input that the surveillance has occurred.

[0028] Regardless of whether the reception unit 21 has received an input indicating that a side glance has occurred, it always receives an input of the traveling speed V1 of the host vehicle 100 from the speed detection device 120. Further, it receives an input of the distance L from the host vehicle 100 to the obstacle 200 detected in front of the host vehicle 100 and the moving speed V2 of the obstacle 200 from the obstacle detection device 130. When the obstacle detection device 130 has not detected the obstacle 200 in front of the host vehicle 100, the distance L from the obstacle detection device 130 to the obstacle 200 and the moving speed V2 are not input. When the obstacle 200 is a stationary vehicle, a stationary object, or the like, the moving speed V2 is set to zero.

[0029] The reception unit 21 outputs the traveling speed V1 of the host vehicle 100, the distance L to the obstacle 200, the moving speed V2 of the obstacle 200, and the weather detection information WS to the arrival prediction time calculation unit 22. When the reception unit 21 has received an input indicating that a side glance has occurred (S2), it outputs to the arrival prediction time calculation unit 22 that a side glance has occurred.

[0030] When the arrival prediction time calculation unit 22 receives an input from the reception unit 21 indicating that a side glance has occurred, at the timing of this input, it obtains an arrival prediction time t0 at which the host vehicle 100 is predicted to reach the obstacle 200. Then, it subtracts a predetermined margin time Δt from the arrival prediction time t0, and further adds a predetermined time ta to obtain an alarm issuance time t1 (S3).

[0031] The arrival prediction time calculation unit 22 outputs the calculated alarm issuance time t1 to the alarm unit 30. When the side glance of the driver D continues, the reception unit 21 outputs to the alarm unit 30 that the side glance continues (S4).

[0032] When the alarm unit 30 receives an input from the reception unit 21 indicating that the side glance continues, it measures the time during which the side glance continues (side glance time), and waits for this side glance time to reach the alarm issuance time t1 input from the arrival prediction time calculation unit 22 (S5).

[0033] Before the side glance time reaches the warning issuance time t1 (NO in S5), the warning unit 30 does not issue a warning for the side glance to the driver D (S7), recalculates the arrival prediction time t0 and the warning issuance time t1, and further determines whether the side glance continues (S4).

[0034] Also, when the side glance ends before the side glance time reaches the warning issuance time t1, that is, when there is no longer an input from the reception unit 21 indicating that the side glance continues, the side glance time does not reach the warning issuance time t1 (NO in S5). Therefore, the warning unit 30 does not issue a warning for the side glance to the driver D (S7), determines whether the side glance continues (S4), and returns to monitoring the driver D (S1).

[0035] On the other hand, when the side glance time reaches the warning issuance time t1, assuming that the side glance continues further, it is predicted that the host vehicle 100 will reach the obstacle 200 and collide. Therefore, the warning unit 30 issues a warning to the driver D for the side glance (S6). Thereby, it is possible to prompt the driver to stop the side glance and appropriately prevent the host vehicle 100 from colliding with the obstacle 200.

[0036] Here, when obtaining the warning issuance time t1, a predetermined margin time Δt is subtracted from the arrival prediction time t0, and further, a predetermined time ta due to the weather is added. Explain the reason for delaying the warning issuance time t1 by adding the predetermined time ta due to the weather.

[0037] The weather is considered as an element for the driver D to check the surroundings. For example, in the case of rain, the visibility is poor, and in order to maintain safe driving in rainy weather, the driver D needs to carefully check the surrounding situation. Examples of the surrounding check behavior include (a) Since the front cannot be seen clearly, only looking at the reference guardrail or the like (b) Since it cannot be judged only by the object in one direction, the behavior of moving the line of sight in various directions However, when the driver D performs such a surrounding confirmation action, the line of sight is in a direction other than the front, and it is detected as a sidelong glance due to the line of sight direction and the movement of the line of sight, and a sidelong glance alarm is issued, which gives the driver D an uncomfortable feeling. Therefore, when the forward view from the driver D becomes poor, it is desired to set the threshold for sidelong glances to be loose and make it difficult to emit an alarm sound or the like due to the issuance of the sidelong glance alarm.

[0038] As described above, in the sidelong glance alarm device 1 and the sidelong glance alarm method of the first embodiment, the effects listed below can be obtained.

[0039] (1) A sidelong glance alarm device 1 that alarms the driver D of the sidelong glances of the host vehicle 100, comprising a sidelong glance detection unit 10, a weather detection unit 40, an alarm emission time calculation unit 20, and an alarm unit 30. The sidelong glance detection unit 10 detects the sidelong glances of the driver D of the host vehicle 100. The weather detection unit 40 detects the weather outside the host vehicle 100. The alarm emission time calculation unit 20 obtains an alarm emission time t1 by calculation according to a predetermined condition at the timing when the sidelong glance of the driver D is detected. The calculation according to the predetermined condition includes a calculation for delaying the alarm emission time t1 when the weather detection unit 40 detects bad weather. The alarm unit 30 issues an alarm for the sidelong glance when the sidelong glance continues until the alarm emission time t1 has elapsed, and does not issue an alarm for the sidelong glance when the sidelong glance does not continue until the alarm emission time t1 has elapsed.

[0040] That is, when the weather detection unit 40 detects bad weather, the calculation for obtaining the warning issuance time t1 includes a calculation that delays the warning issuance time t1. Therefore, when the weather is bad and the visibility around the driver D deteriorates, it is possible to provide the peripheral vision warning device 1 that reduces the discomfort given to the driver D by suppressing the issuance of unnecessary warnings. In addition, the warning unit 30 dynamically determines whether to issue a warning by comparing the continuation of the peripheral vision with the warning issuance time t1. That is, even when the peripheral vision time exceeds a predetermined fixed time, the peripheral vision warning device 1 does not issue a warning until it is determined that there is no risk of the host vehicle 100 colliding with the obstacle 200. Therefore, compared with a peripheral vision warning device that determines whether to issue a warning only based on the peripheral vision time, that is, whether the peripheral vision time has exceeded a certain time, the peripheral vision warning device 1 can prevent or suppress the occurrence of unnecessary warnings.

[0041] (2) The warning issuance time calculation unit 20 performs a calculation according to a predetermined condition to obtain the arrival prediction time t0 at which the host vehicle 100 is predicted to reach the obstacle 200, and subtracts a predetermined margin time Δt from the arrival prediction time t0. Further, when the weather detection unit 40 detects bad weather, the warning issuance time t1 is obtained by adding a predetermined time ta.

[0042] That is, based on obtaining the warning issuance time t1 that issues a warning when there is a risk of the host vehicle 100 colliding with the obstacle 200 even when the peripheral vision time is shorter than a predetermined fixed time, using the arrival prediction time t0 and the margin time Δt. When bad weather is detected, a predetermined time ta is added to the obtained warning issuance time t1 to delay the issuance of the warning. Therefore, compared with a peripheral vision warning device that determines whether to issue a warning only based on the peripheral vision time, that is, whether the peripheral vision time has exceeded a certain time, it is possible to reflect the weather detection result in the warning generation timing while preventing or suppressing the occurrence of unnecessary warnings.

[0043] (3) When the bad weather detection unit 20 detects bad weather, it sets a predetermined time ta to be added to a time that is as long as the weather information detected by the weather detection unit 40 indicates that the driver D has poor peripheral visibility.

[0044] That is, the poorer the peripheral visibility from the driver D, the higher the necessity for the driver D to perform a peripheral confirmation action of carefully checking the surroundings. Therefore, in accordance with the degree of necessity of the peripheral confirmation action, the predetermined time ta is set to a longer time as the peripheral visibility from the driver D indicates poorer visibility. For this reason, compared with the case of lengthening the alarm issuance time for a fixed period regardless of the degree of poor visibility when the peripheral visibility is poor, the alarm issuance timing is an appropriate timing that is neither too early nor too late, and the discomfort given to the driver D can be suppressed.

[0045] (4) The weather detection unit 40 detects the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the wiper operation information from the wiper device 150.

[0046] For this reason, by utilizing the existing wiper device 150 in the host vehicle 100, it is possible to estimate and detect whether the weather outside the host vehicle 100 is sunny or rainy, as well as the intensity of the rain, based on the wiper operation information.

[0047] (5) A side glance warning method for warning the driver D of the host vehicle 100 about a side glance, which detects the side glance of the driver D of the host vehicle 100, detects the weather outside the host vehicle 100, obtains an alarm issuance time t1 by calculation according to a predetermined condition at the timing when the side glance of the driver D is detected, and the calculation according to the predetermined condition includes a calculation for delaying the alarm issuance time t1 when bad weather is detected. When the side glance continues until the alarm issuance time t1 has elapsed, an alarm is issued for the side glance, and when the side glance does not continue until the alarm issuance time t1 has elapsed, no alarm is issued for the side glance.

[0048] Therefore, when the weather is bad and the driver D has a poor view of the surroundings, it is possible to provide a side vision warning method that reduces the discomfort given to the driver D by suppressing the issuance of unnecessary warnings. In addition, compared with a side vision warning method that determines whether to issue a warning only based on the side vision time, i.e., whether the side vision time has exceeded a certain time, the occurrence of unnecessary warnings can be prevented or suppressed.

[0049] (6) The calculation according to a predetermined condition obtains a predicted arrival time t0 at which the host vehicle 100 is predicted to reach the obstacle 200, and subtracts a predetermined margin time Δt from the predicted arrival time t0. Further, when bad weather is detected, a warning issuance time t1 is obtained by adding a predetermined time ta.

[0050] Therefore, compared with a side vision warning method that determines whether to issue a warning only based on the side vision time, i.e., whether the side vision time has exceeded a certain time, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of unnecessary warnings while reflecting the weather detection result in the warning occurrence timing.

Example

[0051] Example 2 is an example in which, instead of the wiper device 150 of Example 1, a raindrop detection device 160 is used to detect the weather outside the host vehicle 100.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a driver monitoring system A2 to which the side vision warning device 1 and the side vision warning method of Example 2 are applied. Hereinafter, the configuration of the side vision warning device 1 of Example 2 will be described. Since the configurations other than the weather detection unit 50 are the same as those in Example 1, the corresponding configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. In addition, since the operation of the side vision warning device 1 of Example 2 is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of Example 1, the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0053] The weather detection unit 50 detects the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the raindrop detection information from the raindrop detection device 160 that detects raindrops on the windshield. A specific raindrop detection device 160 is a sensor for an automatic wiper that does not require a switch operation. When the automatic wiper senses raindrops in the detection area of the windshield, it outputs a wiper drive control signal adjusted according to the amount of raindrops to a computer. The principle of detecting raindrops by the raindrop detection device 160 is to emit infrared rays outward. When there are no raindrops on the windshield, the infrared rays are reflected by the glass, and when there are raindrops, the infrared rays pass through the raindrops and transmit outside the glass, and the amount of rain is detected by this mechanism.

[0054] The reception unit 21 receives, as the weather detection information WS from the weather detection unit 50, the clear weather information due to non-detection of raindrops, the rainy weather information due to detection of raindrops, and the information on the intensity level of rain according to the amount of raindrops.

[0055] The blind spot warning device 1 and the blind spot warning method according to the second embodiment can obtain the following effects in addition to the effects of (1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) of the first embodiment.

[0056] (7) The weather detection unit 50 detects the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the raindrop detection information from the raindrop detection device 160 that detects raindrops on the windshield.

[0057] Therefore, by utilizing the existing raindrop detection device 160 as a sensor for the automatic wiper, based on the raindrop detection information, it is possible to estimate and detect whether the weather outside the host vehicle 100 is clear or rainy, as well as the intensity level of the rain.

Embodiment

[0058] The third embodiment is an example in which, instead of the wiper device 150 of the first embodiment and the raindrop detection device 160 of the second embodiment, the weather outside the host vehicle 100 is detected using the wireless communication information from the information providing device 170 outside the host vehicle.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a driver monitoring system A3 to which the side glance warning device 1 and the side glance warning method according to Embodiment 3 are applied. Hereinafter, the configuration of the side glance warning device 1 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Since the configurations other than the weather detection unit 60 are the same as those in Embodiment 1, the corresponding configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, since the operation of the side glance warning device 1 according to Embodiment 3 is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 of Embodiment 1, the illustration and description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] The weather detection unit 60 detects the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the weather information acquired by wireless communication from an information providing device 170 outside the host vehicle, which has a communicator 60a that transmits a weather information request and receives weather information. Here, the information providing device 170 outside the host vehicle refers to infrastructure facilities such as a weather information center or a traffic information center that transmits weather information such as clear, cloudy, rainy, windy, snowy, foggy, and temperature, which are updated at any time, from the communicator 170a in response to a request. Note that a "cloud", which is a mechanism that can use an information providing service as needed on the Internet, may be used as the information providing device 170 to acquire weather information through a cloud service. Further, another vehicle that has received weather information may be used as the information providing device 170 outside the host vehicle, and weather information may be acquired through vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0061] The reception unit 21 receives, as the weather detection information WS from the weather detection unit 60, good visibility information due to clear or cloudy weather, poor visibility information due to rain, snow, fog, etc., and estimated information on the visibility level due to the degree of rain, snow, fog, etc.

[0062] The side glance warning device 1 and the side glance warning method according to Embodiment 3 can obtain the following effects in addition to the effects of (1), (2), (3), (5), and (6) of Embodiment 1.

[0063] (8) The weather detection unit 60 detects the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the weather information acquired by wireless communication from an information providing device 170 outside the host vehicle.

[0064] Therefore, by utilizing the information providing device 170 outside the host vehicle existing in the driving environment of the host vehicle 100, it is possible to accurately estimate and detect good visibility information, poor visibility information, and visibility level information based on the detailed weather information obtained by wireless communication.

[0065] As described above, the peripheral warning device 1 and the peripheral warning method of the present invention have been described based on Examples 1 to 3. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these examples. Design changes, additions, etc. are allowed as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim of the claims.

[0066] In Example 1, as the weather detection unit 40, an example of detecting the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the wiper operation information from the wiper device 150 was shown. In Example 2, as the weather detection unit 50, an example of detecting the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the raindrop detection information from the raindrop detection device 160 that detects raindrops on the windshield was shown. In Example 3, as the weather detection unit 60, an example of detecting the weather outside the host vehicle 100 based on the weather information obtained by wireless communication from the information providing device 170 outside the host vehicle was shown. However, the weather detection unit is not limited to the examples of Examples 1 to 3. For example, it may be an example of detecting the weather outside the host vehicle based on the lamp operation information from a fog lamp device used in bad weather conditions where visibility deteriorates, such as in fog, heavy rain, or snowfall. Also, an example of detecting the weather outside the host vehicle by appropriately combining the device examples shown in Examples 1 to 3 and the example of the fog lamp device may be used.

[0067] In Examples 1 to 3, as the arrival prediction time calculation unit 22, an example was shown in which the alarm issuance time t1 is obtained by subtracting a predetermined margin time Δt from the arrival prediction time t0 and adding a predetermined time ta when the weather detection unit 40 detects bad weather. However, the arrival prediction time calculation unit is not limited to the examples shown in Examples 1 to 3. For example, focusing on the arrival prediction time t0, when the weather detection unit detects bad weather, a predetermined time ta is added to the actual arrival prediction time t0 to obtain an arrival prediction time t0', and the alarm issuance time t1 is obtained by subtracting the predetermined margin time Δt from the arrival prediction time t0'. Also, for example, focusing on the margin time Δt, when the weather detection unit detects bad weather, a predetermined time ta is subtracted to obtain a margin time Δt', and the alarm issuance time t1 is obtained by subtracting the margin time Δt' from the arrival prediction time t0. The alarm issuance time t1 calculated in this way substantially incorporates the arrival prediction time t0, the margin time Δt, and the predetermined time ta, and includes a calculation for delaying the alarm issuance time t1 by the predetermined time ta when bad weather is detected.

[0068] In Examples 1 to 3, as the alarm issuance time calculation unit 20, a preferable example was shown in which the predetermined time ta added when bad weather is detected is set to a time as long as the weather information detected by the weather detection unit 40 indicates that the driver D's surrounding visibility is poor. However, as the alarm issuance time calculation unit, an example in which the predetermined time added when bad weather is detected is given by a fixed time may also be used.

[0069] In Examples 1 to 3, as the obstacle detection device 130, an example of a device configured by a camera ECU that calculates necessary information based on an image in front of the host vehicle 100 captured by the front camera 140 was shown. However, the obstacle detection device is not limited to this example. For example, a distance measuring sensor such as a laser or a lidar may be used to obtain recognition of an obstacle existing in front of the host vehicle, the distance to the obstacle, the moving speed of the obstacle, the relative speed between the host vehicle and the obstacle, etc. Also, necessary information may be obtained by sensor fusion of a camera and a distance measuring sensor.

[0070] In Examples 1 to 3, examples of applying the peripheral vision warning device 1 and the peripheral vision warning method of the present invention to driver monitoring systems A1, A2, and A3 were shown. The peripheral vision warning device and the peripheral vision warning method of the present invention can also be applied to a driving support system or an autonomous driving system incorporating driver monitoring technology.

Explanation of Signs

[0071] 1 Peripheral vision warning device 10 Peripheral vision detection unit 20 Warning issuance time calculation unit 21 Reception unit 22 Arrival prediction time calculation unit 30 Warning unit 40 Weather detection unit

Claims

1. A blind spot warning device that gives a warning to the side view of the driver of the host vehicle, a blind spot detection unit that detects the side view of the driver of the host vehicle, a weather detection unit that detects the weather outside the host vehicle, at the timing when the side view of the driver is detected, calculates a warning issuance time by calculation according to a predetermined condition, and the calculation according to the predetermined condition includes a calculation for delaying the warning issuance time when the weather detection unit detects bad weather. A warning issuance time calculation unit, a warning unit that issues a warning for the side view when the side view continues until the warning issuance time has elapsed, and does not issue a warning for the side view when the side view does not continue until the warning issuance time has elapsed, A blind spot warning device, characterized by comprising the above.

2. In the blind spot warning device according to Claim 1, the warning issuance time calculation unit calculates the calculation according to the predetermined condition, obtains an arrival prediction time at which the host vehicle is predicted to reach an obstacle, subtracts a predetermined margin time from the arrival prediction time, and further, when the weather detection unit detects bad weather, adds a predetermined time to obtain the warning issuance time. A blind spot warning device, characterized by the above.

3. In the blind spot warning device according to Claim 2, the warning issuance time calculation unit sets the predetermined time to be added when bad weather is detected to a time as long as the weather information detected by the weather detection unit indicates that the peripheral vision from the driver is poor. A blind spot warning device, characterized by the above.

4. In the blind spot warning device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, the weather detection unit detects the weather outside the host vehicle based on the wiper operation information from the wiper device. A blind spot warning device, characterized by the above.

5. In the blind spot warning device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, the weather detection unit detects the weather outside the host vehicle based on the raindrop detection information from a raindrop detection device that detects raindrops on the windshield. A blind spot warning device, characterized by the above.

6. In the blind spot warning device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, the weather detection unit detects the weather outside the host vehicle based on the weather information acquired by wireless communication from an information providing device outside the host vehicle. A blind spot warning device, characterized by the above.

7. A side view warning method for warning the driver of a host vehicle about a side view, comprising: detecting a side view of the driver of the host vehicle; detecting the weather outside the host vehicle; at the timing when the side view of the driver is detected, obtaining an alarm issuance time by calculation according to a predetermined condition, and the calculation according to the predetermined condition includes a calculation for delaying the alarm issuance time when bad weather is detected; issuing an alarm for the side view when the side view continues until the alarm issuance time has elapsed, and not issuing an alarm for the side view when the side view does not continue until the alarm issuance time has elapsed; A side view warning method characterized by the above.

8. In the side view warning method according to Claim 7, the calculation according to the predetermined condition is a calculation for obtaining an arrival prediction time at which the host vehicle is predicted to reach an obstacle, subtracting a predetermined margin time from the arrival prediction time, and further adding a predetermined time when bad weather is detected, thereby obtaining the alarm issuance time; A side view warning method characterized by the above.

Images