Disembarking assistance device

Abstract

To provide a getting-off assistance device capable of issuing an alarm according to types or the like of alarm devices.SOLUTION: When a predetermined warning condition is met, a getting-off assistance device 10 issues a warning to occupants of a vehicle by an alarm device 20 of a vehicle to inform the occupants of the presence of a moving object 200 that is approaching the vehicle 100 and may come into contact with a door of the vehicle when it is opened. The getting-off assistance device sets a form of alarm by the alarm device according to at least one of alarm device type information which is information about the type of an alarm device installed in the vehicle, vehicle destination information which is information about a destination of the vehicle, and control device specification information which is information about the specifications of a control device 11 for activating the alarm device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a disembarkation assistance device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a disembarkation assistance device that alerts a vehicle occupant by an alarm device to notify the occupant of the presence of a moving body approaching the vehicle that may come into contact with the vehicle door when the vehicle door is opened (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] As the above-described alarm device, various devices such as a mirror indicator mounted on a side mirror of a vehicle and a door indicator mounted on a vehicle door can be used. However, since the characteristics of the alarm device differ depending on its type, in order to give an appropriate alarm to the vehicle occupant, it is preferable to give an alarm according to the type of the alarm device mounted on the vehicle. Also, since the preferred form of the alarm differs depending on the destination of the vehicle, in order to give an appropriate alarm to the occupant, it is preferable to give an alarm according to the destination of the vehicle.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a disembarkation assistance device capable of giving an alarm according to the type of an alarm device or the like.

[0006] The vehicle exit assistance device according to the present invention includes a control device that, when predetermined alarm conditions are met, alerts the occupants of the vehicle using the vehicle's alarm device to the presence of a moving object approaching the vehicle that may come into contact with the vehicle's door when the door is opened. The control device also includes alarm device type information, which is information relating to the type of alarm device installed in the vehicle. And, Vehicle destination information, which is information regarding the destination of the aforementioned vehicle. Report The alarm device is configured to set the type of alarm accordingly.

[0007] According to the vehicle disembarkation support device of the present invention, the type of warning device and Vehicle destination on land A corresponding warning is issued. Therefore, appropriate warnings can be given to the vehicle's occupants.

[0008] Furthermore, in the vehicle exit assistance device according to the present invention, the warning device comprises, for example, at least one of a mirror indicator mounted on the side mirror of the vehicle, a door indicator mounted on the door, and a door illuminator mounted on the door. In this case, the warning device type information includes information that the warning device is equipped with the mirror indicator, the door indicator, and the door illuminator.

[0009] According to the vehicle exit assistance device of the present invention, an alarm can be issued by a mirror indicator, a door indicator, and a door illuminator.

[0010] Furthermore, in the vehicle disembarkation support device according to the present invention, the warning device includes, for example, a mirror indicator mounted on the side mirror of the vehicle. In this case, the warning device type information includes information that the mirror indicator is mounted as the warning device. Furthermore, the vehicle destination information includes, for example, information about a specific region where only a specific form of warning by the mirror indicator is permitted. In such a case, the control device may be configured to activate the mirror indicator to issue the warning if the warning device type information indicates that the mirror indicator is mounted as the warning device, and the vehicle destination information indicates that the destination of the vehicle is a region other than the specific region.

[0011] According to the vehicle disembarkation support device of the present invention, warnings are issued according to the type of warning device and the destination of the vehicle. Therefore, appropriate warnings can be issued to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, in the vehicle disembarkation support device according to the present invention, the control device indicates that the mirror indicator is installed as the warning device, and that the destination of the vehicle is the specified region. Vehicle destination information If this is indicated, the system may be configured to activate the mirror indicator to issue the alarm only if the form of the alarm by the mirror indicator is one that is permitted in the specific area.

[0013] According to the vehicle disembarkation support device of the present invention, warnings are issued according to the type of warning device and the destination of the vehicle. Therefore, appropriate warnings can be issued to the occupants of the vehicle.

[0016] Furthermore, in the vehicle exit assistance device according to the present invention, the warning device includes, for example, a mirror indicator mounted on the side mirror of the vehicle and a door illuminator mounted on the door of the vehicle. In this case, the warning device type information includes information that the mirror indicator and the door illuminator are installed as the warning device. In such a case, the control device may be configured to set a first warning condition as the warning condition for activating the mirror indicator to trigger the warning, and a second warning condition that is less likely to be met than the first warning condition as the warning condition for activating the door illuminator to trigger the warning.

[0017] According to the vehicle disembarkation support device of the present invention, by setting alarm conditions according to the type of alarm device, an alarm corresponding to the type of alarm device can be issued.

[0018] Furthermore, in the vehicle exit assistance device according to the present invention, the alarm device comprises, for example, at least one of a door indicator mounted on the door of the vehicle and a door illuminator mounted on the door. In this case, the alarm device type information includes information that at least one of the door indicator and the door illuminator is mounted as the alarm device. In such a case, the control device may be configured to set a first alarm condition as the alarm condition for activating the door indicator to trigger the alarm when the alarm device type information indicates that the door illuminator is not mounted as the alarm device but the door indicator is mounted, and to set a second alarm condition that is less likely to be met than the first alarm condition as the alarm condition for activating the door indicator to trigger the alarm when the alarm device type information indicates that both the door indicator and the door illuminator are mounted as the alarm device.

[0019] According to the alighting assistance device of the present invention, by setting warning conditions according to the type of warning device, a warning corresponding to the type of warning device can be given.

[0020] The components of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments of the present invention described below with reference to the drawings. Other objects, other features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the description of the embodiments of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an alighting assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] (A) of FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a vehicle equipped with an alighting assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) of FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a scene where a moving object is approaching the vehicle. [Figure 3] (A) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing one form of a warning device, (B) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another form of the warning device, (C) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing yet another form of the warning device, and (D) of FIG. 3 is a diagram showing yet another form of the warning device. [Figure 4] (A) of FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a mirror indicator, (B) of FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a door indicator, and (C) of FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a door illuminator. [Figure 5] (A) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one form of a door indicator, (B) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another form of the door indicator, (C) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing yet another form of the door indicator, (D) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one form of a door illuminator, (E) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another form of the door illuminator, and (F) of FIG. 5 is a diagram showing yet another form of the door illuminator. [Figure 6] (A) of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one form of a control device, and (B) of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another form of the control device. [Figure 7]FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing one form of the control device, and FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing another form of the control device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a routine executed by the getting-off assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a routine executed by the getting-off assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a routine executed by the getting-off assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a routine executed by the getting-off assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the getting-off assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The getting-off assistance device 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The getting-off assistance device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the getting-off assistance device 10 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 90 as a control device. The ECU 90 includes a microcomputer as a main part. The microcomputer includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage medium such as a non-volatile memory, and an interface, etc. The CPU is configured to realize various functions by executing instructions, programs, or routines stored in the storage medium. In particular, in this example, the getting-off assistance device 10 stores a program for realizing various controls executed by the getting-off assistance device 10 in the storage medium. Note that the getting-off assistance device 10 may be configured to be able to update (update) the program stored in the recording medium by wireless communication (for example, Internet communication) with an external device.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to autonomous vehicles. Here, an autonomous vehicle is a vehicle that is driven automatically or autonomously by a control device such as an ECU, without the user having to perform any driving operations on the vehicle.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2(A), in this example, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a door 100D. The door 100D includes a front seat door 100F and a rear seat door 100R. The front seat door 100F includes a right front seat door 100FR and a left front seat door 100FL, and the rear seat door 100R includes a right rear seat door 100RR and a left rear seat door 100RL. The right front seat door 100FR is a door located on the right front side of the vehicle 100, the left front seat door 100FL is a door located on the left front side of the vehicle 100, the right rear seat door 100RR is a door located on the right rear side of the vehicle 100, and the left rear seat door 100RL is a door located on the left rear side of the vehicle 100.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2(B), the disembarkation support device 10 is configured to alert the occupants of the vehicle 100 via the vehicle's warning device 20 to the presence of a moving object 200 approaching the vehicle 100 that may come into contact with the door 100D when the door 100D of the vehicle 100 is opened. The moving object 200 may be, for example, another vehicle, a motorcycle, or a bicycle.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a surrounding information detection device 30. The surrounding information detection device 30 includes an image sensor 31 such as a camera sensor and an electromagnetic wave sensor 32 such as a radar sensor. The image sensor 31 and the electromagnetic wave sensor 32 are electrically connected to the ECU 90. The disembarking support device 10 acquires surrounding image data including the rear of the vehicle 100 as surrounding information IS using the image sensor 31, and acquires surrounding target data including the rear of the vehicle 100 as surrounding information IS using the electromagnetic wave sensor 32. The disembarking support device 10 detects moving objects 200, etc., based on the surrounding information IS. Furthermore, the disembarking support device 10 determines whether or not there is a possibility that the moving object 200 will come into contact with the door 100D based on the surrounding information IS.

[0028] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 is equipped with an alarm device 20. The alarm device 20 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The exit assistance device 10 can control the operation of the alarm device 20. As shown in Figures 3(A) to (D), the alarm device 20 includes at least one of a mirror indicator 21, a door indicator 22, and a door illuminator 23.

[0029] The alarm device 20 may include a mirror indicator 21, a door indicator 22, and a door illuminator 23, as shown in Figure 3(A); it may include only the mirror indicator 21 and the door indicator 22, as shown in Figure 3(B); it may include only the mirror indicator 21 and the door illuminator 23, as shown in Figure 3(C); or it may include only the mirror indicator 21, as shown in Figure 3(D).

[0030] The mirror indicator 21 is a display device mounted on the side mirror of the vehicle 100. In particular, as shown in Figure 4(A), the mirror indicator 21 is a display device mounted on the part of the side mirror 105 that displays the view behind the vehicle 100. When activated, the mirror indicator 21 displays a predetermined design image on the part of the side mirror 105 that displays the view behind the vehicle 100. The predetermined design image is relatively small in size so as not to interfere with the function of the side mirror 105.

[0031] Furthermore, the door indicator 22 is a lighting device mounted on the door 100D. In particular, as shown in Figure 4(B), the door indicator 22 is a lighting device mounted near the inner door handle 110 of the door 100D. The door indicator 22 lights up when activated. In this example, a relatively small door indicator 22 is used.

[0032] Furthermore, the door illuminator 23 is a lighting device mounted on the door 100D. In particular, as shown in Figure 4(C), the door illuminator 23 is a lighting device mounted on the interior trim portion 120 of the door 100D. The door illuminator 23 lights up when activated. In this example, a relatively long door illuminator 23 is used. Also, the illumination range of the door illuminator 23 is wider than the illumination range of the door indicator 22.

[0033] Furthermore, the mirror indicator 21 includes a right mirror indicator 21R and a left mirror indicator 21L, as shown in Figures 3(A) to (D). The right mirror indicator 21R is the mirror indicator 21 mounted on the right side mirror 105R of the vehicle 100 (see Figure 2(A)). The left mirror indicator 21L is the mirror indicator 21 mounted on the left side mirror 105L of the vehicle 100 (see Figure 2(A)).

[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5(A) to (C), the door indicator 22 includes at least one of a front door indicator 22F and a rear door indicator 22R. The front door indicator 22F is a door indicator 22 mounted on the front door 100F. The rear door indicator 22R is a door indicator 22 mounted on the rear door 100R.

[0035] The front door indicator 22F is equipped with a right front door indicator 22FR and a left front door indicator 22FL. The right front door indicator 22FR is a door indicator 22 mounted on the right front door 100FR. The left front door indicator 22FL is a door indicator 22 mounted on the left front door 100FL.

[0036] The rear door indicator 22R is equipped with a right rear door indicator 22RR and a left rear door indicator 22RL. The right rear door indicator 22RR is a door indicator 22 mounted on the right rear door 100RR. The left rear door indicator 22RL is a door indicator 22 mounted on the left rear door 100RL.

[0037] For example, the door indicator 22 may include a front door indicator 22F and a rear door indicator 22R, as shown in Figure 5(A); it may include only the front door indicator 22F, as shown in Figure 5(B); or it may include only the rear door indicator 22R, as shown in Figure 5(C).

[0038] Furthermore, the door illuminator 23 includes at least one of a front door illuminator 23F and a rear door illuminator 23R, as shown in Figures 5(D) to (F). The front door illuminator 23F is the door illuminator 23 mounted on the front door 100F. The rear door illuminator 23R is the door illuminator 23 mounted on the rear door 100R.

[0039] The front door illuminator 23F is equipped with a right front door illuminator 23FR and a left front door illuminator 23FL. The right front door illuminator 23FR is the door illuminator 23 mounted on the right front door 100FR. The left front door illuminator 23FL is the door illuminator 23 mounted on the left front door 100FL.

[0040] The rear door illuminator 23R is equipped with a right rear door illuminator 23RR and a left rear door illuminator 23RL. The right rear door illuminator 23RR is the door illuminator 23 installed in the right rear door 100RR. The left rear door illuminator 23RL is the door illuminator 23 installed in the left rear door 100RL.

[0041] For example, the door illuminator 23 may include a front door illuminator 23F and a rear door illuminator 23R, as shown in Figure 5(D); it may include only the front door illuminator 23F, as shown in Figure 5(E); or it may include only the rear door illuminator 23R, as shown in Figure 5(F).

[0042] Furthermore, if the door indicator 22 has the configuration shown in Figure 5(A), the control device 11 including the ECU 90 may be configured as shown in Figure 6(A) or as shown in Figure 6(B).

[0043] The control device 11 shown in Figure 6(A) includes drive circuits 12FR, 12RR, 12FL, and 12RL, which operate the right front door indicator 22FR, the right rear door indicator 22RR, the left front door indicator 22FL, and the left rear door indicator 22RL, respectively. Each of the drive circuits 12FR, 12RR, 12FL, and 12RL is electrically connected to the ECU 90.

[0044] Therefore, the control device 11 shown in Figure 6(A) is equipped with a number of drive circuits that can individually operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R, and is configured to operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R individually.

[0045] The disembarking assistance device 10 is configured to determine the operating mode of the door indicator 22 according to the control device specification information.

[0046] The control device specification information is information relating to the specifications of the control device 11, and in this example, it includes information relating to the number of drive circuits that operate the door indicator 22, information relating to the number of drive circuits that operate the door illuminator 23, information relating to whether the drive circuits are configured to operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R individually or simultaneously, and information relating to whether the drive circuits are configured to operate the front door illuminator 23F and the rear door illuminator 23R individually or simultaneously.

[0047] Furthermore, when the control device specification information indicates that the control device 11 is equipped with a number of drive circuits capable of individually operating the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R, and is configured to operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R individually, the exit assistance device 10 will issue a warning by activating the front door indicator 22F when one of the warning conditions, the front seat warning condition, is met, and will issue a warning by activating the rear seat door indicator 22R when another of the warning conditions, the rear seat warning condition, is met.

[0048] In particular, when the control device 11 is configured as shown in Figure 6(A), the exit assistance device 10 will issue a warning by activating the right front door indicator 22FR when one of the warning conditions, the right front seat warning condition, is met; when another of the warning conditions, the left front seat warning condition, is met, it will issue a warning by activating the left front door indicator 22FL; when yet another of the warning conditions, the right rear seat warning condition, is met, it will issue a warning by activating the right rear seat door indicator 22RR; and when yet another of the warning conditions, the left rear seat warning condition, is met, it will issue a warning by activating the left rear seat door indicator 22RL.

[0049] On the other hand, the control device 11 shown in Figure 6(B) includes a drive circuit 12R that activates the right front door indicator 22FR and the right rear door indicator 22RR, and a drive circuit 12L that activates the left front door indicator 22FL and the left rear door indicator 22RL. Each of the drive circuits 12R and 12L is electrically connected to the ECU 90.

[0050] Therefore, the control device 11 shown in Figure 6(B) does not have enough drive circuits to individually illuminate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R, and is configured to operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R simultaneously.

[0051] Furthermore, when the control device specification information indicates that the control device 11 does not have enough drive circuits to individually illuminate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R, and is configured to operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R simultaneously, the exit assistance device 10 will issue a warning by simultaneously operating the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R when the above-mentioned front seat warning conditions are met, and will also issue a warning by simultaneously operating the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R when the above-mentioned rear seat warning conditions are met.

[0052] In particular, when the control device 11 is configured as shown in Figure 6(B), the alighting assistance device 10 will issue a warning by simultaneously activating the right front door indicator 22FR and the right rear door indicator 22RR when the above-mentioned right front seat warning condition is met, and will also issue a warning by simultaneously activating the right front door indicator 22FR and the right rear door indicator 22RR when the above-mentioned right rear seat warning condition is met, and will also issue a warning by simultaneously activating the left front door indicator 22FL and the left rear door indicator 22RL when the above-mentioned left rear seat warning condition is met, and will also issue a warning by simultaneously activating the left front door indicator 22FL and the left rear door indicator 22RL when the above-mentioned left rear seat warning condition is met.

[0053] Furthermore, if the door illuminator 23 has the configuration shown in Figure 5(D), the control device 11 including the ECU 90 may be configured as shown in Figure 7(A) or as shown in Figure 7(B).

[0054] The control device 11 shown in Figure 7(A) includes drive circuits 13FR, 13RR, 13FL, and 13RL, which operate the right front door illuminator 23FR, the right rear door illuminator 23RR, the left front door illuminator 23FL, and the left rear door illuminator 23RL, respectively. Each of the drive circuits 13FR, 13RR, 13FL, and 13RL is electrically connected to the ECU 90.

[0055] Therefore, the control device 11 shown in Figure 7(A) is equipped with a number of drive circuits that can individually operate the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R, and is configured to operate the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R individually.

[0056] The vehicle exit assistance device 10 is configured to determine the operating mode of the door illuminator 23 according to the control device specification information.

[0057] When the control device specification information indicates that the control device 11 is equipped with a number of drive circuits that can individually operate the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R, and is configured to operate the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R individually, the exit assistance device 10 will issue a warning by activating the front door illuminator 23F when one of the warning conditions, the front seat warning condition, is met, and will issue a warning by activating the rear seat door illuminator 23R when another of the warning conditions, the rear seat warning condition, is met.

[0058] In particular, when the control device 11 is configured as shown in Figure 7(A), the exit assistance device 10 will sound an alarm by activating the right front door illuminator 23FR when one of the alarm conditions, the right front seat alarm condition, is met; when another alarm condition, the left front seat alarm condition, is met, the left front door illuminator 23FL will sound an alarm; when yet another alarm condition, the right rear seat alarm condition, is met, the right rear seat door illuminator 23RR will sound an alarm; and when yet another alarm condition, the left rear seat alarm condition, is met, the left rear seat door illuminator 23RL will sound an alarm.

[0059] On the other hand, the control device 11 shown in Figure 7(B) includes a drive circuit 13R that operates the right front door illuminator 23FR and the right rear door illuminator 23RR, and a drive circuit 13L that operates the left front door illuminator 23FL and the left rear door illuminator 23RL. Each of the drive circuits 13R and 13L is electrically connected to the ECU 90.

[0060] Therefore, the control device 11 shown in Figure 7(B) does not have enough drive circuits to individually illuminate the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R, and is configured to operate the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R simultaneously.

[0061] Furthermore, when the control device specification information indicates that the control device 11 does not have enough drive circuits to individually illuminate the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R, and is configured to operate the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R simultaneously, the exit assistance device 10 will issue a warning by simultaneously operating the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R when the above-mentioned front seat warning conditions are met, and will also issue a warning by simultaneously operating the front door illuminators 23F and the rear door illuminators 23R when the above-mentioned rear seat warning conditions are met.

[0062] In particular, when the control device 11 is configured as shown in Figure 7(B), the alighting assistance device 10 will issue a warning by simultaneously activating the right front door illuminator 23FR and the right rear door illuminator 23RR when the above-mentioned right front seat warning condition is met, and will also issue a warning by simultaneously activating the right front door illuminator 23FR and the right rear door illuminator 23RR when the above-mentioned right rear seat warning condition is met, and will also issue a warning by simultaneously activating the left front door illuminator 23FL and the left rear door illuminator 23RL when the above-mentioned left rear seat warning condition is met, and will also issue a warning by simultaneously activating the left front door illuminator 23FL and the left rear door illuminator 23RL when the above-mentioned left rear seat warning condition is met.

[0063] Furthermore, whether or not to install the mirror indicator 21, front door indicator 22F, rear door indicator 22R, front door illuminator 23F, and rear door illuminator 23R on the vehicle 100 is at the discretion of the manufacturer, and can be determined, for example, according to the following guidelines.

[0064] Guideline 1: The mirror indicator 21 shall, in principle, be installed on the vehicle 100, but may not be installed on the vehicle 100 depending on the destination of the vehicle 100, the type of vehicle 100, and other circumstances.

[0065] Guideline 2: When a mirror indicator 21 is installed, if the destination of the vehicle 100 is a designated region, at least one of the front door indicator 22F and the front door illuminator 23F shall be installed on the vehicle 100, and at least one of the rear door indicator 22R and the rear door illuminator 23R shall also be installed on the vehicle 100. A designated region is a region in which only a specific form (specific design) of warning by the mirror indicator is permitted, and the form (design) of the warning by the mirror indicator 21 installed on the vehicle 100 does not conform to the above-mentioned specific form (specific design).

[0066] Guideline 3: If the mirror indicator 21 is not installed, regardless of whether the destination of the vehicle 100 is a specific region, at least one of the front door indicator 22F and the front door illuminator 23F shall be installed on the vehicle 100, and at least one of the rear door indicator 22R and the rear door illuminator 23R shall be installed on the vehicle 100.

[0067] Guideline 4: When a mirror indicator 21 is installed, if the destination of the vehicle 100 is a region other than a designated region, the installation of the front door indicator 22F, front door illuminator 23F, rear door indicator 22R, and rear door illuminator 23R on the vehicle 100 is optional.

[0068] <Activation of the disembarking assistance device> Next, the operation of the disembarking support device 10 will be described. The disembarking support device 10 is configured to execute the routine shown in Figure 8 at a predetermined calculation cycle. Therefore, when a predetermined timing arrives, the disembarking support device 10 starts processing from step S800 of the routine shown in Figure 8.

[0069] Furthermore, the disembarkation support device 10 is configured to set the type of alarm provided by the alarm device 20 according to at least one of the alarm device type information, vehicle destination information, and control device specification information.

[0070] The alarm device type information is information about the type of alarm device 20. For example, if the alarm device 20 is equipped with a mirror indicator 21, a door indicator 22, and a door illuminator 23 as shown in Figure 3(A), the alarm device type information includes information that the alarm device 20 is equipped with a mirror indicator 21, a door indicator 22, and a door illuminator 23.

[0071] Furthermore, the vehicle destination information is information regarding the destination of vehicle 100. In this example, the vehicle destination information includes the information regarding the specific region mentioned above.

[0072] Furthermore, the control device specifications are the same as those described above.

[0073] Furthermore, the disembarking support device 10 provides a first alarm condition C1 and a second alarm condition C2 as conditions (alarm conditions) for activating the alarm device 20.

[0074] The first alarm condition C1 is that when vehicle 100 is stopped and door 100D is closed, there is a moving object 200 approaching vehicle 100 that could potentially come into contact with door 100D if it were opened.

[0075] Therefore, for example, if a moving object 200 approaches the vehicle 100 while the vehicle 100 is stopped and the right front passenger door 100FR is closed, and there is a possibility that the moving object 200 will come into contact with the right front passenger door 100FR when the right front passenger door 100FR is opened, then the first right front passenger alarm condition, which is the first alarm condition C1, is met. This first right front passenger alarm condition is one of the front passenger alarm conditions described above.

[0076] The second alarm condition C2 is that when vehicle 100 is stopped, door 100D is closed, the seat belt buckle for an occupant exiting through door 100D is released, and the lock that locks door 100D is unlocked, there is a moving object 200 approaching vehicle 100 that could potentially come into contact with door 100D if it is opened.

[0077] Therefore, for example, if vehicle 100 is stopped, the right front passenger door 100FR is closed, the seat belt buckle for an occupant exiting through the right front passenger door 100FR is released, and the lock on the right front passenger door 100FR is unlocked, and there is a moving object 200 approaching vehicle 100 that could potentially come into contact with the right front passenger door 100FR if it is opened, then the second right front passenger alarm condition, as the second alarm condition C2, is met. This second right front passenger alarm condition is one of the front passenger alarm conditions described above.

[0078] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 is equipped with a buckle sensor 40 and a door lock sensor 50. The buckle sensor 40 and the door lock sensor 50 are electrically connected to the ECU 90. The exit assistance device 10 detects that the seat belt buckle has been released by the buckle sensor 40 and that the lock on the door 100D has been released by the door lock sensor 50.

[0079] When the alighting support device 10 starts processing from step S800, it proceeds to step S805 and determines whether the value of the mirror indicator usage flag X_M_IND is set to "1". The value of the mirror indicator usage flag X_M_IND is set based on the vehicle destination information. If the vehicle destination information indicates that the destination of the vehicle 100 is a region other than the specified region described above, it is set to "1". If the vehicle destination information indicates that the destination of the vehicle 100 is one of the specified regions described above, it is set to "0". Therefore, in step S805, the alighting support device 10 determines whether the mirror indicator 21 can be used as a warning device 20.

[0080] If the exit assistance device 10 determines "Yes" in step S805, it proceeds to step S810 to determine whether the value of the door indicator installation flag X_D_IND is "1". The value of the door indicator installation flag X_D_IND is set based on the alarm device type information. If the alarm device type information indicates that the door indicator 22 is installed in the vehicle 100 as an alarm device 20, it is set to "1". If the alarm device type information indicates that the door indicator 22 is not installed in the vehicle 100 as an alarm device 20, it is set to "0". Therefore, in step S810, the exit assistance device 10 determines whether the door indicator 22 is installed in the vehicle 100.

[0081] If the exit assistance device 10 determines "Yes" in step S810, it proceeds to step S815 to determine whether the value of the door illuminator installation flag X_D_ILM is "1". The value of the door illuminator installation flag X_D_ILM is set based on the alarm device type information. If the alarm device type information indicates that the door illuminator 23 is installed in the vehicle 100 as the alarm device 20, it is set to "1". If the alarm device type information indicates that the door illuminator 23 is not installed in the vehicle 100 as the alarm device 20, it is set to "0". Therefore, in step S815, the exit assistance device 10 determines whether the door illuminator 23 is installed in the vehicle 100.

[0082] If the exit assistance device 10 determines "Yes" in step S815, it proceeds to step S820, where it sets the alarm condition for activating the mirror indicator 21 (mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND) as the first alarm condition C1, the alarm condition for activating the door indicator 22 (door indicator alarm condition D_IND) as the second alarm condition C2, and the alarm condition for activating the door illuminator 23 (door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM) as the second alarm condition C2. Next, the exit assistance device 10 proceeds to step S895, where it terminates the processing of this routine.

[0083] According to this, if the first alarm condition C1 is met, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND is met, so the mirror indicator 21 is activated and an alarm is issued to the occupant. If the second alarm condition C2 is met, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND and the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM are met, so the door indicator 22 and the door illuminator 23 are activated and an alarm is issued to the occupant.

[0084] Therefore, for example, if the first alarm condition C1 is met for the right front seat door 100FR, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND is met for the right front seat door 100FR, and the right mirror indicator 21R is activated, thereby issuing an alarm to the occupant sitting in the right front seat of vehicle 100. If the second alarm condition C2 is met for the right front seat door 100FR, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND and the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM are met for the right front seat door 100FR, and the right front door indicator 22FR and the right front door illuminator 23FR are activated, thereby issuing an alarm to the occupant sitting in the right front seat of vehicle 100.

[0085] Furthermore, if the first alarm condition C1 is met for the right rear door 100RR, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND will be met for the right rear door 100RR, and the right mirror indicator 21R will be activated.

[0086] On the other hand, if the exit assistance device 10 determines "No" in step S815, it proceeds to step S825, sets the alarm condition for activating the mirror indicator 21 (mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND) as the first alarm condition C1, and sets the alarm condition for activating the door indicator 22 (door indicator alarm condition D_IND) as the second alarm condition C2. Next, the exit assistance device 10 proceeds to step S895, and the processing of this routine is temporarily terminated.

[0087] According to this, when the first alarm condition C1 is met, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND and the door indicator alarm condition D_IND are met, so the mirror indicator 21 and the door illuminator 23 are activated, and an alarm is issued to the occupant. Therefore, when the first alarm condition C1 is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND and the door indicator alarm condition D_IND are met for the right front passenger door 100FR, so the right mirror indicator 21R and the right front passenger door illuminator 23FR are activated, and an alarm is issued to the occupant.

[0088] Furthermore, if the exit assistance device 10 determines "No" in step S810, it proceeds to step S905 shown in Figure 9, where it determines whether the value of the door illuminator installation flag X_D_ILM is "1". That is, in step S815, the exit assistance device 10 determines whether the door illuminator 23 is installed in the vehicle 100.

[0089] If the exit assistance device 10 determines "Yes" in step S905, it proceeds to step S910, sets the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND to the first alarm condition C1, and sets the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM to the second alarm condition C2. Next, the exit assistance device 10 proceeds to step S995, and the processing of this routine is temporarily terminated.

[0090] According to this, when the first alarm condition C1 is met, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND is met, so the mirror indicator 21 is activated and an alarm is issued to the occupant. When the second alarm condition C2 is met, the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM is met, so the door illuminator 23 is activated and an alarm is issued to the occupant. Therefore, when the first alarm condition C1 is met for the right front door 100FR, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND is met for the right front door 100FR, so the right mirror indicator 21R is activated and an alarm is issued to the occupant sitting in the right front seat of vehicle 100. When the second alarm condition C2 is met for the right front door 100FR, the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM is met for the right front door 100FR, so the right front door illuminator 23FR is activated and an alarm is issued to the occupant sitting in the right front seat of vehicle 100.

[0091] On the other hand, if the disembarking support device 10 determines "No" in step S905, it proceeds to step S915 and sets the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND to the first alarm condition C1. Next, the disembarking support device 10 proceeds to step S995 and terminates the processing of this routine.

[0092] According to this, when the first alarm condition C1 is met, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND is met, and the mirror indicator 21 is activated, thereby issuing an alarm to the occupant. Therefore, when the first alarm condition C1 is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, the mirror indicator alarm condition M_IND is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, and the right mirror indicator 21R is activated, thereby issuing an alarm to the occupant sitting in the right front seat of the vehicle 100.

[0093] Furthermore, if the disembarking support device 10 determines "No" in step S805 shown in Figure 8, it proceeds to step S1005 shown in Figure 10, where it determines whether the value of the front / rear door indicator interlocking flag X_S is "1".

[0094] The value of the door indicator front / rear linked flag X_S is set based on the control device specification information. It is set to "1" if the control device specification information indicates that the control device 11 does not have enough drive circuits to individually illuminate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R, and is configured to operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R simultaneously. It is set to "0" if the control device specification information indicates that the control device 11 has enough drive circuits to individually illuminate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R, and is configured to operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R individually. Therefore, in step S1005, the exit assistance device 10 determines whether the control device 11 is configured to operate the front door indicator 22F and the rear door indicator 22R simultaneously or individually.

[0095] If the exit assistance device 10 determines "Yes" in step S1005, it proceeds to step S1010 to determine whether the value of the door illuminator installation flag X_D_ILM is "1". That is, in step S1010, the exit assistance device 10 determines whether the door illuminator 23 is installed in the vehicle 100.

[0096] If the exit assistance device 10 determines "Yes" in step S1010, it proceeds to step S1015, sets the door indicator alarm condition D_IND to the second alarm condition C2, and sets the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM to the second alarm condition C2. Next, the exit assistance device 10 proceeds to step S1095, and the processing of this routine is temporarily terminated.

[0097] According to this, when the second alarm condition C2 is met, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND and the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM are met, so the door indicator 22 and the door illuminator 23 are activated, and an alarm is issued to the occupant. Therefore, when the second alarm condition C2 is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND and the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM are met for the right front passenger door 100FR, so the right front passenger door indicator 22FR and the right front passenger door illuminator 23FR are activated, and an alarm is issued to the occupant.

[0098] On the other hand, if the alighting support device 10 determines "No" in step S1010, it proceeds to step S1020 and sets the door indicator alarm condition D_IND to the first alarm condition C1. Next, the alighting support device 10 proceeds to step S1095 and terminates the processing of this routine.

[0099] According to this, when the first alarm condition C1 is met, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND is met, and the door indicator 22 is activated, thereby issuing an alarm to the occupant. Therefore, when the first alarm condition C1 is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, and the right front passenger door indicator 22FR is activated, thereby issuing an alarm to the occupant.

[0100] Furthermore, if the exit support device 10 determines "No" in step S1005, it proceeds to step S1105 shown in Figure 11, where it determines whether the value of the door illuminator installation flag X_D_ILM is "1". That is, in step S1105, the exit support device 10 determines whether the door illuminator 23 is installed in the vehicle 100.

[0101] If the exit assistance device 10 determines "Yes" in step S1105, it proceeds to step S1110, sets the door indicator alarm condition D_IND to the second alarm condition C2, and sets the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM to the second alarm condition C2. Next, the exit assistance device 10 proceeds to step S1195, and the processing of this routine is temporarily terminated.

[0102] According to this, when the second alarm condition C2 is met, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND and the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM are met, so the door indicator 22 and the door illuminator 23 are activated, and an alarm is issued to the occupant. Therefore, when the second alarm condition C2 is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND and the door illuminator alarm condition D_ILM are met for the right front passenger door 100FR, so the right front passenger door indicator 22FR and the right front passenger door illuminator 23FR are activated, and an alarm is issued to the occupant.

[0103] On the other hand, if the alighting support device 10 determines "No" in step S1105, it proceeds to step S1115 and sets the door indicator alarm condition D_IND to the first alarm condition C1. Next, the alighting support device 10 proceeds to step S1195 and terminates the processing of this routine.

[0104] According to this, when the first alarm condition C1 is met, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND is met, and the door indicator 22 is activated, thereby issuing an alarm to the occupant. Therefore, when the first alarm condition C1 is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, the door indicator alarm condition D_IND is met for the right front passenger door 100FR, and the right front passenger door indicator 22FR is activated, thereby issuing an alarm to the occupant.

[0105] The above describes the operation of the disembarkation support device 10. The disembarkation support device 10 provides warnings according to the type of warning device 20, the destination of the vehicle 100, and the specifications of the control device 11. Therefore, appropriate warnings can be provided to the occupants of the vehicle 100.

[0106] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 10...Exit assistance device, 11...Control device, 20...Warning device, 21...Mirror indicator, 22...Door indicator, 23...Door illuminator, 90...ECU, 100...Vehicle, 100D...Door, 200...Moving body

Claims

1. In a disembarkation assistance device equipped with a control device that, when predetermined alarm conditions are met, alerts the occupants of the vehicle via the vehicle's alarm device to the presence of a moving object approaching the vehicle that may come into contact with the vehicle's door when the door is opened, The control device is configured to set the type of alarm provided by the alarm device according to alarm device type information, which is information regarding the type of alarm device installed in the vehicle, and vehicle destination information, which is information regarding the destination of the vehicle. A vehicle exit assistance device.

2. In the vehicle disembarkation support device according to claim 1, The warning device comprises at least one of the following: a mirror indicator mounted on the side mirror of the vehicle, a door indicator mounted on the door, and a door illuminator mounted on the door. The alarm device type information includes information that the alarm device is equipped with the mirror indicator, the door indicator, and the door illuminator. A vehicle exit assistance device.

3. In the vehicle disembarkation support device according to claim 1, The aforementioned warning device includes a mirror indicator mounted on the side mirror of the vehicle. The alarm device type information includes information that the mirror indicator is installed as the alarm device. The vehicle destination information includes information about specific regions where only the warnings in a specific form by the mirror indicator are permitted. The control device is configured to activate the mirror indicator to issue the alarm when the alarm device type information indicates that the mirror indicator is installed as the alarm device, and the vehicle destination information indicates that the destination of the vehicle is a region other than the specified region. A vehicle exit assistance device.

4. In the vehicle disembarkation support device according to claim 3, The control device is configured to activate the mirror indicator to issue the alarm only when the alarm device type information indicates that the mirror indicator is installed as the alarm device, and the vehicle destination information indicates that the destination of the vehicle is the specified region, and the form of the alarm by the mirror indicator is one that is permitted in the specified region. A vehicle exit assistance device.

5. In the disembarking assistance device according to Claim 1, The warning device includes a mirror indicator mounted on the side mirror of the vehicle and a door illuminator mounted on the door of the vehicle. The alarm device type information includes information that the alarm device is equipped with the mirror indicator and the door illuminator. The control device is configured such that, when the alarm device type information indicates that the mirror indicator and the door illuminator are installed as the alarm device, a first alarm condition is set as the alarm condition for activating the mirror indicator, and a second alarm condition is set as the alarm condition for activating the door illuminator, which is less likely to be met than the first alarm condition. A vehicle exit assistance device.

6. In the disembarkation support device according to Claim 1, The alarm device comprises at least one of a door indicator mounted on the door of the vehicle and a door illuminator mounted on the door. The alarm device type information includes information that at least one of the door indicator and the door illuminator is installed as the alarm device. The control device is configured to set a first alarm condition as the alarm condition for activating the door indicator when the alarm device type information indicates that the door illuminator is not installed as the alarm device but the door indicator is installed, and to set a second alarm condition that is less likely to be met than the first alarm condition as the alarm condition for activating the door indicator when the alarm device type information indicates that both the door indicator and the door illuminator are installed as the alarm device. A vehicle exit assistance device.

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