Abnormality diagnosis device

Abstract

To provide an abnormality diagnostic device which allows a driver to recognize whether notification lamps operate normally or not.SOLUTION: An abnormality diagnostic device according to an aspect comprises: a diagnostic unit configured to perform an initial diagnosis for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality in a vehicle when the vehicle is started; a warning lamp configured to be turned on when an abnormality in the vehicle is detected to notify a driver of the abnormality of the vehicle; an object detection unit configured to detect objects around the vehicle; notification lamps configured to be turned on upon detection of objects around the vehicle to notify the driver of the presence of objects; and a display control unit configured to turn on the warning lamp and the notification lamps during the initial diagnosis and turn off the warning lamp and the notification lamps when no abnormality in the vehicle is detected in the initial diagnosis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an abnormality diagnosis device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles equipped with warning lights that notify the driver of vehicle abnormalities are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a device that simultaneously turns on multiple warning lights on an instrument panel when the ignition is turned on, diagnoses whether these warning lights are lit normally, and turns off these warning lights simultaneously after a predetermined time.

[0003] Also, there is known a vehicle that is provided with a notification lamp outside the meter panel to notify the driver of the approach of another vehicle. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a vehicle that is equipped with a sensor that detects the approach of another vehicle and a pair of left and right display areas arranged on the instrument panel, and that illuminates the pair of left and right display areas according to the detected approaching direction of the other vehicle.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a system that determines the degree of caution required for current and future lane changes, and notifies the driver of the degree of caution required for current and future lane changes on the right side of the vehicle by illuminating a display notifier mounted on the right front pillar, and notifies the driver of the degree of caution required for current and future lane changes on the left side of the vehicle by illuminating a display notifier mounted on the left front pillar. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-066645 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-189808 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6415507 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The device described in Patent Document 1 notifies the driver that an initial diagnosis is being performed by simultaneously turning on a warning lamp when the vehicle is started. On the other hand, the notification lamps described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 turn on when another vehicle approaches the vehicle, and the driver cannot determine whether the notification lamp is operating normally before starting to drive the vehicle.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an abnormality diagnosis device that can let the driver know whether or not the notification lamp is operating normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An abnormality diagnosis device according to one embodiment includes a diagnosis unit that performs an initial diagnosis to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle when the vehicle is started, a warning lamp that lights up when an abnormality is detected in the vehicle to notify the driver of the abnormality, an object detection unit that detects objects around the vehicle, a notification lamp that lights up when an object is detected around the vehicle to notify the driver of the presence of the object, and a display control unit that turns on the warning lamp and notification lamp while the initial diagnosis is being performed and turns off the warning lamp and notification lamp when no abnormality in the vehicle is detected in the initial diagnosis.

[0009] In the abnormality diagnosis device according to this aspect, the warning lamp and the notification lamp are turned on during the initial diagnosis, and are turned off after the initial diagnosis is completed, so that the driver of the vehicle can confirm that the notification lamps are operating normally before starting to drive the vehicle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the display control unit may turn on a warning lamp and turn off a notification lamp when a vehicle abnormality is detected in the initial diagnosis. In this embodiment, the warning lamp is turned on when a vehicle abnormality is detected, so that the driver can be made aware of the vehicle abnormality.

[0011] In one embodiment, the warning lamp may notify the driver of an abnormality in the object detection function of the object detection unit. In this embodiment, turning on the warning lamp can make the driver aware of the abnormality in the object detection function.

[0012] In one embodiment, the diagnosis unit determines whether the notification lamp is on during the execution of the initial diagnosis, and the display control unit may turn on the warning lamp when it is determined that the notification lamp is not on during the execution of the initial diagnosis. In this embodiment, the warning lamp is turned on when the notification lamp does not light up normally, so that the driver can be made aware of the malfunction of the notification lamp.

[0013] In one embodiment, the notification lamp can emit light in two or more colors including a first color and a second color, and the display control unit may turn on the notification lamp in the first color and then the second color during execution of the initial diagnosis. By turning on the notification lamp in the first color and then the second color during the initial diagnosis, the driver can recognize that the notification lamp is lit normally in each color before starting driving.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sum of the lighting time of the first color and the lighting time of the second color during the initial diagnosis may be the same as the lighting time of the warning lamp during the initial diagnosis. By matching the lighting time of the notification lamp with the lighting time of the warning lamp, the driver can be made aware that the initial diagnosis of the notification lamp is being performed. The notification lamp may be provided on a front pillar of the vehicle.

[0015] The abnormality diagnosis device according to one embodiment further includes a display device that displays a message regarding the abnormality of the vehicle, and the display control unit may cause the display device to display a message including information indicating the location of the abnormality and information indicating the level of the abnormality. In this embodiment, information useful for resolving the abnormality can be provided. For example, based on the information indicating the location of the abnormality and the level of the abnormality displayed on the display device, the driver can determine whether to request repairs from a repair shop or whether the abnormality can be resolved through general maintenance, thereby improving the maintainability of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect and various embodiments of the present invention, the driver can be made aware of whether the notification lamp is operating normally. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an abnormality diagnosis device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle equipped with multiple radars. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a meter panel. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning lamp. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of notification lamps. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormality diagnosis method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an abnormality diagnosis device according to one embodiment. The abnormality diagnosis device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle 1. The abnormality diagnosis device 10 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in various devices mounted on the vehicle 1, and if there is an abnormality, turns on a warning lamp corresponding to that device. The driver of the vehicle 1 recognizes the abnormality in the vehicle 1 when the warning lamp turns on, and repairs or maintains the vehicle 1. In the following description, "abnormality" includes a malfunction, and "turning on" includes flashing.

[0020] A vehicle 1 equipped with an abnormality diagnosis device 10 is a truck, trailer, bus, or passenger car. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 is equipped with the abnormality diagnosis device 10 and a detection unit 20. The detection unit 20 includes various sensors that acquire vehicle information and surrounding information of the vehicle 1. The vehicle information includes, for example, speed information, position information, yaw rate information, and information on the status of various devices installed in the vehicle 1. Examples of the various devices installed in the vehicle 1 include an engine, an engine cooling device, a service brake, a parking brake, a vehicle door, a fuel supply device, a hybrid system, a seat belt, a wiper drive unit, and an object detection device. The surrounding information includes, for example, information on the position, shape, speed, and traveling direction of objects around the vehicle 1.

[0021] In one embodiment, the detection unit 20 includes a radar device 21, a camera 22, an engine oil sensor 23, a coolant sensor 24, a parking brake sensor 25, a door sensor 26, and a fuel sensor 27. Note that the detection unit 20 may further include other sensors that detect the states of various devices mounted on the vehicle 1.

[0022] The radar device 21 transmits radio waves or light to the vicinity of the vehicle 1 and receives the radio waves or light reflected by the objects to detect objects around the vehicle 1. For example, a millimeter wave radar or a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) is used as the radar device 21. Examples of objects detected by the radar device 21 include other vehicles, obstacles, and pedestrians.

[0023] The radar device 21 may include multiple radars. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 1 includes a front radar 21a, a left front radar 21b, a right front radar 21c, a left side view radar 21d, and a right side view radar 21e. The front radar 21a detects objects in front of the vehicle 1. The left front radar 21b detects objects in front of the left of the vehicle 1. The right front radar 21c detects objects in front of the right of the vehicle 1. The left side view radar 21d detects objects to the left of the vehicle 1. The right side view radar 21e detects objects to the right of the vehicle 1.

[0024] The camera 22 is mounted on the windshield of the vehicle 1 and captures an image of the area ahead of the vehicle 1. The camera may be a monocular camera or a stereo camera. The stereo camera has two image capturing units arranged to reproduce binocular parallax. The imaging information of the stereo camera also includes information in the depth direction.

[0025] The engine oil sensor 23 measures the remaining amount of engine oil. The coolant sensor 24 measures the temperature of the engine coolant. The parking brake sensor 25 detects the operation state of the parking brake. The door sensor 26 detects the open / close state of the doors of the vehicle 1. The fuel sensor 27 measures the remaining amount of fuel.

[0026] The various sensors of the detection unit 20 output data indicating the detection results to the abnormality diagnosis device 10 via an in-vehicle network (for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network)). Note that one or more of the various sensors may be connected to the abnormality diagnosis device 10 via a dedicated line.

[0027] The abnormality diagnosis device 10 includes a control device 30 and a notification device 40. The control device 30 is an electronic control unit (ECU) having a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a controller area network (CAN) communication circuit, etc. The control device 30 is connected to a network that communicates using, for example, the CAN communication circuit, and is communicatively connected to each component of the vehicle 1. The control device 30, for example, operates the CAN communication circuit based on a signal output from the CPU to input and output data, stores the data in RAM, loads a program stored in the ROM into the RAM, and executes the program loaded into the RAM, thereby realizing various functions described below. The control device 30 may be composed of multiple electronic control units.

[0028] The control device 30 has, as its functional configuration, an object detection unit 31, a display control unit 32, and a diagnosis unit 33. The object detection unit 31 detects objects around the vehicle 1 based on the output data of the radar device 21 and the camera 22. The display control unit 32 controls the lighting state of warning lamps and notification lamps to notify the driver of an abnormality in the vehicle 1 or the approach of an object. The diagnosis unit 33 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in various devices of the vehicle 1. The functions of the object detection unit 31, the display control unit 32, and the diagnosis unit 33 will be described in detail below.

[0029] The notification device 40 notifies the driver of an abnormality in the vehicle 1 or the approach of an object. The notification device 40 is equipped with a warning lamp 41, a message display unit 42, and notification lamps 43, 44, and 45. The warning lamp 41 is a so-called tell-tale lamp that notifies the driver of the presence or absence of an abnormality in the vehicle 1. The message display unit 42 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and displays a message regarding the abnormality in the vehicle 1.

[0030] In one embodiment, the warning lamp 41 and the message display unit 42 are arranged in a meter panel 51 provided in front of the driver's seat of the vehicle 1. Fig. 3 shows an example of the meter panel 51. As shown in Fig. 3, the meter panel 51 includes a speedometer M1 that indicates the speed of the vehicle 1, a tachometer M2 that indicates the engine speed, the warning lamp 41, and the message display unit 42.

[0031] The warning lamp 41 notifies the driver of abnormalities in various devices mounted on the vehicle 1. The warning lamp 41 may emit light in different colors depending on the urgency of the abnormality. For example, if an abnormality of high urgency occurs, the warning lamp 41 lights up in red, if an abnormality of medium urgency occurs, the warning lamp 41 lights up in yellow, and if an abnormality of low urgency occurs, the warning lamp 41 lights up in green. The warning lamp 41 has a shape corresponding to the device so that the device in which the abnormality occurs can be identified.

[0032] Fig. 4 shows an example of warning lamps 41 arranged on the meter panel 51. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the warning lamps 41 include a brake warning lamp 41a, an oil pressure warning lamp 41b, a water temperature warning lamp 41c, a charging warning lamp 41d, a hybrid system warning lamp 41e, a door warning lamp 41f, a seat belt warning lamp 41g, a remaining fuel warning lamp 41h, an object detection warning lamp 41i, and a washer fluid warning lamp 41j.

[0033] The brake warning lamp 41a lights up when the operation of the parking brake is detected. The oil pressure warning lamp 41b lights up when a lack of engine oil pressure is detected. The water temperature warning lamp 41c lights up when the temperature of the engine coolant is above a reference value. The charging warning lamp 41d lights up when the voltage of the battery installed in the vehicle 1 is below a reference value.

[0034] The hybrid system warning lamp 41e lights up when an abnormality is detected in the hybrid system. The door warning lamp 41f lights up when a door of the vehicle 1 is open. The seat belt warning lamp 41g lights up when a seat belt is not fastened. The remaining fuel warning lamp 41h lights up when the remaining fuel level is below a reference level.

[0035] The object detection warning lamp 41i is illuminated when there is an abnormality in the object detection function of the object detection unit 31, which will be described later. The washer fluid warning lamp 41j is illuminated when the remaining amount of washer fluid is below a reference value.

[0036] Notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are light-emitting devices such as LEDs, and notify the driver that an object is present around vehicle 1. FIG. 5 shows an example of the arrangement of notification lamps. As shown in FIG. 5, notification lamp 43 is provided on left front pillar 52 of vehicle 1. Notification lamp 43 lights up when an object is detected on the left side of vehicle 1, notifying the driver that an object is approaching from the left side of vehicle 1. Notification lamp 44 is provided on right front pillar 53 of vehicle 1. Notification lamp 44 lights up when an object is detected on the right side of vehicle 1, notifying the driver that an object is approaching from the right side of vehicle 1. For example, the driver determines whether to change course (such as changing lanes or turning right or left) based on the lighting status of notification lamps 43 and 44.

[0037] The notification lamp 45 is provided on the instrument panel 54 in front of the driver's seat. The notification lamp 45 lights up when an object is detected in front of the vehicle 1, thereby notifying the driver of the approach of an object from the front of the vehicle 1.

[0038] The notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 may be capable of emitting light in two or more colors. For example, the lighting color of the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 changes depending on the distance between the vehicle 1 and the detected object. For example, the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 light up in yellow (first color) when the distance to the object is greater than a reference value, and light up in red (second color) when the distance to the object is equal to or less than the reference value. Changing the lighting color of the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 depending on the distance to the object allows the driver to recognize the degree of danger of the object.

[0039] Next, the object detection unit 31, the display control unit 32, and the diagnosis unit 33 of the control device 30 will be described in more detail. The object detection unit 31 detects objects present around the vehicle 1 based on the outputs of the radar device 21 and the camera 22. For example, the object detection unit 31 receives output data from the front radar 21a, the left front radar 21b, the right front radar 21c, the left side radar 21d, and the right side radar 21e, detects objects present in front of, in front of left, in front of right, on the left side, and on the right side of the vehicle 1, and obtains the direction of the detected object relative to the vehicle 1. For example, when an object is detected by the right side radar 21e, the object detection unit 31 recognizes that the object is present on the right side of the vehicle 1.

[0040] Furthermore, the object detection unit 31 acquires the distance from the vehicle 1 to the detected object. If the object is located ahead of the vehicle 1, the object detection unit 31 may acquire the distance to the object by performing image recognition processing on the forward image captured by the camera 22. Then, the object detection unit 31 calculates the risk of collision between the vehicle 1 and the object based on the distance from the vehicle 1 to the object.

[0041] For example, if the distance to the object is smaller than a first threshold, the object detection unit 31 sets the risk level to "high." If the distance to the object is equal to or larger than the first threshold and equal to or smaller than a second threshold, the object detection unit 31 sets the risk level to "medium." Here, the second threshold is a value larger than the first threshold. If the distance to the object is larger than the second threshold, the object detection unit 31 sets the risk level to "low." In other words, the closer the distance from the vehicle 1 to the object, the higher the risk level set by the object detection unit 31. The object detection unit 31 outputs information indicating the direction of the object and information indicating the risk level to the display control unit 32.

[0042] The display control unit 32 controls the lighting state of the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 based on the information output from the object detection unit 31. For example, when an object is detected to the left of the vehicle 1, the display control unit 32 lights up the notification lamp 43 provided on the left front pillar 52. When an object is detected to the right of the vehicle 1, the display control unit 32 lights up the notification lamp 44 provided on the right front pillar 53. When an object is detected in front, to the left front, or to the right front of the vehicle 1, the display control unit 32 lights up the notification lamp 45 provided on the instrument panel 54. As described above, by controlling the lighting of the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 according to the direction of the detected object, it is possible to make the driver aware of the direction in which the object is approaching.

[0043] Furthermore, the display control unit 32 may control the lighting color of the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 according to the risk level of a collision with an object. When the risk level of an object set by the object detection unit 31 is "high," the display control unit 32 lights up the corresponding notification lamp among the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 in red. When the risk level of an object set by the object detection unit 31 is "medium," the display control unit 32 lights up the corresponding notification lamp among the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 in yellow. When the risk level of an object set by the object detection unit 31 is "low," the display control unit 32 turns off the corresponding notification lamp among the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45. As described above, by changing the lighting color of the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 according to the risk level, the driver of the vehicle 1 can be made aware of the risk level of the object.

[0044] The diagnosis unit 33 performs an initial diagnosis to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is started. The initial diagnosis is performed every time the vehicle 1 is started. In the initial diagnosis, it is checked whether or not various devices mounted on the vehicle 1 are operating normally.

[0045] For example, the diagnosis unit 33 detects an abnormality in the vehicle 1 based on the outputs of the various sensors of the detection unit 20. If an abnormality is detected in the vehicle 1, the diagnosis unit 33 outputs information indicating the device in which the abnormality occurred to the display control unit 32. For example, in order to determine whether or not an abnormality exists in the radar device 21 and the camera 22, the diagnosis unit 33 transmits control signals to the radar device 21 and the camera 22 to cause the radar device 21 and the camera 22 to execute self-diagnosis control. If an abnormality is detected in the radar device 21 or the camera 22 by the self-diagnosis control, the diagnosis unit 33 receives an error code from the radar device 21 or the camera 22. If an abnormality exists in the radar device 21 or the camera 22, the accuracy of object detection by the object detection unit 31 decreases. Therefore, if the diagnosis unit 33 receives an error code from the radar device 21 or the camera 22, the diagnosis unit 33 outputs information indicating an abnormality in the object detection function to the display control unit 32.

[0046] Furthermore, in the initial diagnosis, the diagnosis unit 33 determines whether the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are lit normally. For example, the diagnosis unit 33 measures the current value supplied to the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45, and determines that there is an abnormality in the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 if the measured current value is equal to or less than a reference value.

[0047] The diagnostic unit 33 also acquires information indicating the remaining amount of engine oil measured by the engine oil sensor 23, and determines that there is an abnormality in the remaining amount of engine oil if the remaining amount of engine oil is equal to or less than a reference value. The diagnostic unit 33 also acquires information indicating the temperature of the engine coolant measured by the coolant sensor 24, and determines that there is an abnormality in the temperature of the coolant if the temperature of the coolant is equal to or less than a reference value.

[0048] Furthermore, when the parking brake sensor 25 detects that the parking brake is activated, the diagnosis unit 33 determines that the parking brake is activated. When the door sensor 26 detects that a door of the vehicle 1 is open, the diagnosis unit 33 determines that the door is open. When the remaining fuel amount measured by the fuel sensor 27 is equal to or less than a reference value, the diagnosis unit 33 determines that there is an abnormality in the remaining fuel amount. After performing the initial diagnosis, the diagnosis unit 33 may inspect various devices of the vehicle 1 at predetermined intervals.

[0049] The display control unit 32 controls the lighting state of the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 while the diagnosis unit 33 is performing an initial diagnosis. Specifically, the display control unit 32 simultaneously lights up the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 while the initial diagnosis is being performed. At this time, the lighting time of the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 is set to a time long enough for the driver to notice that they are on. By lighting up the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 simultaneously, the driver can be made aware that the initial diagnosis is being performed. If no abnormalities are found in the various devices mounted on the vehicle 1 during the initial diagnosis, the display control unit 32 simultaneously turns off the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45.

[0050] Here, the display control unit 32 may turn on the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 in yellow and red in turn during the execution of the initial diagnosis. In this case, the total time that the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are turned on in yellow and red during the execution of the initial diagnosis is set to match the time that the warning lamp 41 is turned on during the execution of the initial diagnosis. In other words, the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 turn on and off at the same timing as the warning lamp 41. In this way, turning on the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 in conjunction with the warning lamp 41 during the execution of the initial diagnosis allows the driver to recognize that the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are operating normally.

[0051] On the other hand, if an abnormality in the vehicle 1 is detected in the initial diagnosis, the display control unit 32 turns off the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 and turns on the warning lamp 41 corresponding to the device in which the abnormality was detected. For example, if operation of the parking brake is detected in the initial diagnosis, the display control unit 32 turns on the brake warning lamp 41a. Furthermore, if it is determined in the initial diagnosis that there is an abnormality in the remaining amount of engine oil, the display control unit 32 turns on the oil pressure warning lamp 41b. If it is determined in the initial diagnosis that there is an abnormality in the temperature of the engine coolant, the display control unit 32 turns on the water temperature warning lamp 41c.

[0052] Furthermore, if the initial diagnosis determines that a door of the vehicle 1 is open, the display control unit 32 turns on the door warning lamp 41f. If the initial diagnosis determines that there is an abnormality in the remaining fuel amount, the display control unit 32 turns on the remaining fuel warning lamp 41h. By turning on these warning lamps 41, the driver can recognize that there is an abnormality in the various devices of the vehicle 1.

[0053] Furthermore, if the initial diagnosis determines that there is an abnormality in the radar device 21 or the camera 22, the display control unit 32 turns on the object detection warning lamp 41i. As described above, the diagnosis unit 33 determines whether the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are lighting up normally while the initial diagnosis is being performed. If the initial diagnosis determines that the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are not lighting up, the display control unit 32 turns on the object detection warning lamp 41i. This is because if the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 do not light up normally due to a broken wire or the like, the driver cannot be notified of an approaching object. The lighting of the object detection warning lamp 41i allows the driver to recognize that the object detection function of the object detection unit 31 is not operating normally.

[0054] Furthermore, the display control unit 32 displays on the message display unit 42 a message including information indicating the location of the abnormality in the vehicle 1 and information indicating the level of the abnormality. For example, the information indicating the location of the abnormality is a message identifying the device in which the abnormality is occurring. The information indicating the level of the abnormality is information indicating the seriousness of the abnormality. For example, the display control unit 32 displays information indicating whether the abnormality can be resolved by simple maintenance or whether repair by a specialized repair company is required to resolve the abnormality, as information indicating the level of the abnormality. The display control unit 32 identifies the level of the abnormality based on, for example, an error code received from the radar device 21 or the camera 22.

[0055] For example, if it is determined based on the error code that a serious problem has occurred in the right front radar 21c, the display control unit 32 displays a warning message such as "A serious problem has occurred in the right front radar. Please have it inspected at your dealer as soon as possible" on the message display unit 42. Also, if it is determined that a problem has occurred in the camera 22 but that the problem can be improved by cleaning the lens, the display control unit 32 displays a warning message such as "Please clean the camera" on the message display unit 42.

[0056] By displaying the above-mentioned messages on the message display unit 42, the driver can grasp the location of the abnormality and easily understand how to deal with the abnormality. For example, the driver can determine whether to have the vehicle 1 repaired by a specialized repair company or to resolve the abnormality through general maintenance, depending on the level of the abnormality displayed on the message display unit 42. Therefore, the maintainability of the vehicle 1 is improved.

[0057] An abnormality diagnosis method executed by the abnormality diagnosis device 10 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an abnormality diagnosis method according to one embodiment. In this method, first, the engine of the vehicle 1 is started (step ST1). Once the engine is started, the diagnosis unit 33 executes an initial diagnosis to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle 1 (step ST2). While the initial diagnosis is being executed by the diagnosis unit 33, the display control unit 32 turns on the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 (step ST3). At this time, the display control unit 32 turns on the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 in yellow and red, in that order.

[0058] During this initial diagnosis, the diagnosis unit 33 determines whether the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are lit normally. If it is determined that the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are not lit normally, it determines that there is an abnormality in the object detection function of the object detection unit 31.

[0059] Next, the display control unit 32 determines whether an abnormality of the vehicle 1 is found in the initial diagnosis (step ST4). If no abnormality of the vehicle 1 is found, the display control unit 32 turns off the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 (step ST5). On the other hand, if an abnormality of the vehicle 1 is found, the display control unit 32 turns on the warning lamp 41 and turns off the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 (step ST6). Here, if the vehicle 1 has multiple warning lamps 41, the display control unit 32 turns on only the warning lamp 41 corresponding to the specific device in which an abnormality is found and turns off the other warning lamps 41 in which no abnormality is found. For example, if at least one of the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 does not light up normally during the initial diagnosis, the display control unit 32 turns on the object detection warning lamp 41i and turns off the other warning lamps 41. In addition, the display control unit 32 displays a message on the message display unit 42, including information indicating the location of the abnormality in the vehicle 1 and information indicating the level of the abnormality.

[0060] After the initial diagnosis is performed, the diagnosis unit 33 performs an abnormality diagnosis to determine whether or not an abnormality exists in the vehicle 1 (step ST7). In the abnormality diagnosis, for example, the same items as in the initial diagnosis are inspected. Next, the display control unit 32 determines whether or not an abnormality in the vehicle 1 is found in the abnormality diagnosis (step ST8). If no abnormality in the vehicle 1 is found in the abnormality diagnosis, the display control unit 32 keeps the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 off (step ST9). On the other hand, if an abnormality in the vehicle 1 is found in the abnormality diagnosis, the display control unit 32 turns on the warning lamp 41 (step ST10). For example, if it is determined that the fuel in the vehicle 1 is below a reference value, the display control unit 32 turns on the remaining fuel warning lamp 41h. This abnormality diagnosis is repeatedly performed at a predetermined interval while the engine is running.

[0061] As described above, in the abnormality diagnosis device 10 of one embodiment, the warning lamp 41 and the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are turned on while the initial diagnosis is being performed, and are turned off after the initial diagnosis is performed. In this way, by turning on and off the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 in conjunction with the warning lamp 41 when the vehicle 1 is started, the driver can be aware that the notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are operating normally before starting to drive.

[0062] The above has described the abnormality diagnosis device 10 according to various embodiments, but the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiments, notification lamps 43, 44, and 45 are provided on the left front pillar 52, the right front pillar 53, and the instrument panel 54, but the abnormality diagnosis device 10 only needs to be provided with at least one notification lamp. Similarly, the abnormality diagnosis device 10 only needs to be provided with at least one warning lamp 41. The various embodiments described above can be combined to the extent that no contradictions arise.

[0063] The present invention will be described with reference to the following enumerated clauses. Note that the present invention may include the following clauses in any combination even if they are not specifically enumerated.

[0064] 1. A diagnostic unit that performs an initial diagnosis to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle when the vehicle is started; a warning lamp that lights up when an abnormality is detected in the vehicle to notify the driver of the abnormality; an object detection unit that detects objects around the vehicle; a notification lamp that turns on when the object is detected around the vehicle to notify the driver of the presence of the object; a display control unit that turns on the warning lamp and the notification lamp while the initial diagnosis is being performed, and turns off the warning lamp and the notification lamp when no abnormality in the vehicle is detected in the initial diagnosis; An abnormality diagnosis device comprising:

[0065] 2. The abnormality diagnosis device described in clause 1, wherein the display control unit turns on the warning lamp and turns off the notification lamp when an abnormality in the vehicle is detected in the initial diagnosis.

[0066] 3. The abnormality diagnosis device according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the warning lamp notifies of an abnormality in the object detection function of the object detection unit.

[0067] 4. The diagnosis unit determines whether the notification lamp is on during the execution of the initial diagnosis; The abnormality diagnosis device according to clause 3, wherein the display control unit turns on the warning lamp when it is determined that the notification lamp is not turned on during execution of the initial diagnosis.

[0068] 5. The notification lamp can emit light in two or more colors, including a first color and a second color; 5. The abnormality diagnosis device according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the display control unit turns on the notification lamp in the first color and then the second color during execution of the initial diagnosis.

[0069] 6. An abnormality diagnosis device as described in clause 5, wherein the sum of the lighting time of the first color and the lighting time of the second color during execution of the initial diagnosis matches the lighting time of the warning lamp during execution of the initial diagnosis.

[0070] 7. The abnormality diagnosis device according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the notification lamp is provided on a front pillar of the vehicle.

[0071] 8. The vehicle further includes a display device for displaying a message regarding an abnormality in the vehicle. The abnormality diagnosis device according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display a message including information indicating the location of the abnormality and information indicating the level of the abnormality. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...vehicle, 10...abnormality diagnosis device, 31...object detection unit, 32...display control unit, 33...diagnosis unit, 41...warning lamp, 41i...object detection warning lamp, 43, 44, 45...notification lamp

Claims

1. a diagnostic unit that performs an initial diagnosis to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the vehicle when the vehicle is started; a warning lamp that lights up when an abnormality is detected in the vehicle to notify the driver of the abnormality; an object detection unit that detects objects around the vehicle; a notification lamp that turns on when the object is detected around the vehicle to notify the driver of the presence of the object; a display control unit that turns on the warning lamp and the notification lamp while the initial diagnosis is being performed, and turns off the warning lamp and the notification lamp when no abnormality in the vehicle is detected in the initial diagnosis; An abnormality diagnosis device comprising:

2. The abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit turns on the warning lamp and turns off the notification lamp when an abnormality in the vehicle is detected in the initial diagnosis.

3. The abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 2 , wherein the warning lamp notifies the driver of an abnormality in the object detection function of the object detection unit.

4. The diagnosis unit determines whether the notification lamp is lit during execution of the initial diagnosis, The abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 3 , wherein the display control unit turns on the warning lamp when it is determined that the notification lamp is not turned on during execution of the initial diagnosis.

5. The notification lamp may emit light in two or more colors including a first color and a second color; The abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the notification lamp to light up in the first color and then the second color during execution of the initial diagnosis.

6. 6. The abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 5, wherein a total of a lighting time of the first color and a lighting time of the second color during execution of the initial diagnosis is equal to a lighting time of the warning lamp during execution of the initial diagnosis.

7. The abnormality diagnosis device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification lamp is provided on a front pillar of the vehicle.

8. a display device that displays a message regarding an abnormality in the vehicle; The abnormality diagnosis device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display control unit causes the display device to display a message including information indicating the location of the abnormality and information indicating the level of the abnormality.

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