Indication device

Abstract

A display device (100) according to the present disclosure comprises a display unit (1) that displays an image (A) showing an obstacle that could obstruct the travel of a vehicle (B). The display unit (1) can be installed such that a display screen (11) on which the image (A) is displayed faces the vehicle (B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] In road occupancy construction, an accident (hereinafter referred to as "intrusion accident") may occur where a general vehicle (a vehicle not for construction work (hereinafter simply referred to as "vehicle")) accidentally enters the construction work zone and workers or the like are affected. In order to prevent such intrusion accidents, signs are erected around the construction work zone or construction vehicles are parked to prompt the vehicle to pay attention. Also, a technique is known for absorbing the energy of a collision with the vehicle and stopping the vehicle when the vehicle enters the construction work zone (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] An example of the above technique, a vehicle forced stop device, lifts the front wheels due to the collision inertia of the vehicle and stops the vehicle with the frictional force with the road surface while moving backward. Another example of the above technique, a cushion drum, absorbs the impact by the rupture energy of the internal water bag due to the collision. Still another example of the above technique, a delta cushion, stops the vehicle by the friction between the cushion and the road surface due to the weight of the vehicle when the front wheels of the vehicle ride on the triangular cushion.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if a vehicle is stopped using the techniques described above, the vehicle may be damaged or the driver may be injured. Also, if the vehicle is traveling at an excessive speed, it may not be able to stop, potentially injuring workers performing tasks in the construction zone.

[0006] On the other hand, in recent years, there has been an increase in vehicles equipped with driver assistance functions, including autonomous driving capabilities. These vehicles use cameras, sensors, etc., to understand the situation outside the vehicle and change direction or apply the brakes to avoid collisions with obstacles such as people and objects.

[0007] In view of these circumstances, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a display device that can safely stop a vehicle equipped with driver assistance functions outside of restricted areas such as construction zones, thereby preventing accidents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the display device according to this disclosure includes a display unit that displays an image of an obstacle that may be an impediment to the driving of a vehicle, and the display unit can be installed such that the display surface for displaying the image faces the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the display device described herein, a vehicle equipped with a driver assistance function can be safely stopped outside of restricted areas such as construction zones, thereby preventing accidents. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a rear view of the display device shown. [Figure 3] This figure shows a modified version of the display unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of how the display device shown in Figure 1 is installed. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows the conditions used in a vehicle performance test using the display device shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This figure shows the results of a vehicle performance test conducted under the conditions shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This figure shows the results of a vehicle performance test when the display unit shown in Figure 1 is slackened. [Figure 9] This figure shows another example of the installation configuration of the display device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] Figure 9 shows the results of a performance test when the angle α is 30 degrees. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] <First Embodiment> The overall configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a display device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the display device 100 comprises a display unit 1 and a pair of jigs 2. As shown in Figure 2, the display device 100 may further include a mounting member 3.

[0013] Display unit 1 displays image A, which indicates an obstacle that may hinder the vehicle's operation. The obstacle is an obstacle that can be detected by the obstacle detection function of any driver assistance system (including an autonomous driving system), and may be, for example, a vehicle or a person. Therefore, image A, which indicates an obstacle, can be an image of a vehicle or a person.

[0014] The display unit 1 may be a sheet on which an obstacle is drawn. Note that "drawing" includes any method for indicating the image A, such as printing, handwriting, etc. Also, the display unit 1 may be a display interface of a computer. The display interface is an interface that represents the image A under the control of the computer, and can be, for example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), a liquid crystal panel, etc. Further, the display unit 1 may be a screen that displays the image A projected by a projection device (e.g., a projector). The screen may be a pop-up type as shown in FIG. 3 or a foldable type.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 4, the display unit 1 can be installed such that the display surface 11 for displaying the image A faces the vehicle B. The display unit 1 may be installed by any method. As an example, the display unit 1 may be installed by being supported by a jig 2 described later.

[0016] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the display device 100 is installed outside the restricted entry area (the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 4), which is the construction work zone including the manhole C1 where the worker is working, on the side where the vehicle B is coming. In this example, the restricted entry area includes the manhole C1, a barrier vehicle, a vehicle forced stop device C2 such as Hitomaru-kun (registered trademark), etc., and safety equipment C3 such as road cones is installed so as to surround the manhole C1, the vehicle forced stop device C2, etc. Also, in this example, the vehicle forced stop device C2 is installed inside the restricted entry area on the side where the vehicle B is coming, facing the worker. Further, outside the restricted entry area, along the outer edge of the road on the side where the vehicle B is traveling towards the restricted entry area, a signboard corresponding to the distance from the restricted entry area is provided. The distance from the restricted entry area is, for example, the distance from the boundary between the restricted entry area and the area where vehicle travel is permitted.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the jig 2 is a member that supports the display unit 1 and can be erected on the ground. For example, the first jig 21 of the pair of jigs 2 may support one end of the display unit 1, and the second jig 22 of the pair of jigs 2 may support the other end of the display unit 1. The first jig 21 and the second jig 22 may be columns and may be installed on the ground at a predetermined length apart in the horizontal direction. The predetermined length can be the length from one end to the other end of the display unit 1. In the configuration where the image A indicating an obstacle is an image indicating a vehicle, on one end side of the display unit 1, one side (for example, the right side) of the image indicating the vehicle is located, and on the other end side of the display unit 1, the other side (for example, the left side) of the image indicating the vehicle is located.

[0018] Note that the jig 2 is not limited to the member that can be erected on the ground as described above. For example, it may be a member that can be fixed or suspended to another device or member. Also, in such a configuration, the display device 100 may include a single jig 2 instead of a pair of jigs 2.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the erection member 3 is a stretchable member that connects a pair of jigs 2. That is, the pair of jigs 2 are connected by a stretchable erection member 3. As an example, the erection member 3 can be a foldable member. Specifically, the erection member 3 can be contracted by folding and extended by unfolding. The erection member 3 may be, for example, in a pantograph shape. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the erection member 3 is provided on the side opposite to the display surface 11.

[0020] As described above, in a configuration where the display unit 1 is a sheet on which obstacles are drawn, the erection member 3 can stretch the sheet. Specifically, as the erection member 3 contracts in the extending direction, the distance between the pair of jigs 2 becomes shorter, and as the erection member 3 extends in the extending direction, the distance between the pair of jigs 2 becomes longer. As a result, by extending the erection member 3 so that the distance between the pair of jigs 2 becomes the length of the sheet in a predetermined direction, sagging of the sheet can be suppressed. The predetermined direction of the sheet is the direction that is horizontal when the display device 100 is installed on the ground.

[0021] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the display device 100 includes a display unit 1 that displays an image A indicating an obstacle that may be an obstacle to the driving of vehicle B. The display unit 1 can be installed so that the display surface 11 that displays image A faces vehicle B. As a result, vehicle B, which has a driving assistance function that detects obstacles such as other vehicles and people based on images generated by a camera, can detect the image A indicating the obstacle displayed on the display device 100. Therefore, vehicle B can stop safely with high accuracy in front of the display device 100, that is, outside of a no-entry area such as a construction work zone. In this way, the display device 100 can safely stop vehicle B outside of a no-entry area such as a construction work zone, thereby increasing the probability of accident prevention.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the display device 100 may further include a pair of jigs 2 that support the display unit 1 and can be erected on the ground. This ensures that the display surface 11 of the display unit 1 is stably positioned to face the vehicle B. Therefore, the display device 100 can stably and safely stop the vehicle B.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the pair of jigs 2 may be connected by an expandable and contractible erection member 3. This makes the display device 100 easier to carry and store by contracting the erection member 3 when the display device 100 is not in use.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the display unit 1 may be a screen, and the screen may be a retractable or foldable type. This allows the display device 100 to be compactly folded when not in use, making it easier to carry and store.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the display unit 1 is a sheet on which an obstacle is drawn, and the erection member 3 may be stretched over the sheet. As a result, the display device 100 can detect the image A of the obstacle displayed on the display unit 1 on the vehicle B with higher accuracy compared to when the sheet is sagging. Consequently, the display device 100 can stop the vehicle B more safely.

[0026] Furthermore, in conventional systems, when the vehicle stop device C2 stops a vehicle, there is a high probability that the vehicle stop device C2 will be destroyed by a collision with the vehicle. As a result, the cost of repairing the vehicle stop device C2 or introducing a new vehicle stop device C2 has been high. In contrast, the display device 100 of the first embodiment can stop vehicle B without colliding with it, thus reducing the possibility of destruction, and consequently, the cost of repairing and introducing the display device 100 can be reduced.

[0027] <Second Embodiment> The overall configuration of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display device 100-1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the display device 100-1 comprises a display unit 1, a pair of jigs 2, a mounting member 3, and a reflector 4.

[0029] The reflector 4 reflects radio waves. The radio waves can be millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), etc. The reflector 4 is attached to at least a part of the display surface 11 or to the periphery of the display unit 1. It is preferable that the reflector 4 be attached to at least a part of the display surface 11, but it may also be attached to the periphery of the display unit 1. The periphery of the display unit 1 can be, for example, the range that radio waves emitted from a vehicle B facing the display surface 11 can reach. The range that radio waves can reach may be appropriately determined according to the intensity, angle, etc., of the radio waves emitted from vehicle B.

[0030] The reflector 4 may be made of any material capable of reflecting radio waves. For example, the reflector 4 may be made of metal or a metamaterial. The reflector 4 may also be attached by any method. For example, the reflector 4 may be directly attached to the display surface 11, or it may be attached to the display surface 11 or around the display unit 1 via any jig or mounting member.

[0031] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the display device 100-1 further includes a reflector 4 that reflects radio waves, which is attached to at least a part of the display surface 11 or around the display unit 1. As a result, vehicle B, which has a driving assistance function that emits radio waves and uses radio waves reflected by obstacles, can detect the display device 100-1 with high accuracy based on radio waves that are better reflected by the reflector 4 of the display device 100-1. Therefore, vehicle B can stop safely with high accuracy in front of the display device 100-1, that is, outside of a no-entry area such as a construction work zone. In this way, the display device 100-1 can safely stop vehicle B outside of a no-entry area such as a construction work zone, thereby increasing the probability of accident prevention.

[0032] <Performance Test> Here, the inventors will describe the performance tests they conducted. The inventors conducted performance tests to confirm whether vehicle B, which has a driver assistance function, can detect image A displayed on the display device 100-1 as an obstacle under the conditions shown in Figure 6. The conditions shown in Figure 6 are the road surface condition (dry or wet), the type of vehicle B (hatchback, van, or station wagon), and the sensor type (monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar, monocular camera, or stereo camera). In this performance test, the display device 100-1 displays an image showing the rear of the vehicle.

[0033] The inventors will explain the results of performance tests conducted under the conditions shown in Figure 6 with reference to Figure 7. As shown in the column corresponding to "Standard T" in Figure 7, it was confirmed that when Vehicle B travels toward the standard target, under all conditions, the standard target is detected as an obstacle in all travels, and the alarm is activated accordingly. The standard target is an obstacle used in tests of Vehicle B conducted by the manufacturer of Vehicle B, etc.

[0034] In contrast, it was confirmed that when vehicle B travels towards the display device 100-1 of this embodiment, it generally detects image A as an obstacle, and as a result the alarm is activated.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in the column corresponding to "Prototype T" in Figure 7, when a hatchback vehicle B (test categories "PT1" and "PT1(W)") equipped with a driver assistance function using a monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar sensor system was driven towards the aforementioned display device 100-1, it was confirmed that image A was detected as an obstacle in all driving situations, and that this triggered a warning. Similarly, when a vehicle B (test category "PT4") equipped with a driver assistance function using a stereo camera sensor system was driven towards the aforementioned display device 100-1, it was confirmed that image A was detected as an obstacle in all driving situations, and that this triggered a warning.

[0036] Furthermore, when vehicle B (test category "PT2"), a hatchback equipped with a driver assistance function using a monocular camera sensor, was driven towards the aforementioned display device 100-1 at a speed of 60 km / h, it was confirmed that image A was detected as an obstacle, and the warning was activated. Additionally, when vehicle B was driven towards the display device 100-1 at a speed of 40 km / h, it was confirmed that image A was detected as an obstacle 9 out of 10 times, and the warning was activated. Furthermore, when vehicle B was driven at 20 km / h, it was confirmed that image A was detected as an obstacle 6 out of 10 times, and the warning was activated.

[0037] Furthermore, when van vehicle B (test category "PT3"), which has a driving assistance function using a monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar sensor system, was driven towards display device 100-1, it was confirmed that at a speed of 20 km / h, image A was detected as an obstacle, and the alarm was activated. In addition, when vehicle B was driven towards the aforementioned display device 100-1 at a speed of 40 km / h, it was confirmed that image A was detected as an obstacle 8 out of 10 times, and when it was driven at a speed of 60 km / h, it was confirmed that image A was detected as an obstacle 9 out of 10 times, and the alarm was activated.

[0038] Furthermore, the results of the performance test conducted by the inventors when the sheet was slack will be explained. This performance test was conducted under the conditions shown in test category "PT1" in Figure 6. When the tension of the sheet was higher than 70%, vehicle B, which has a driving assistance function, was able to appropriately detect image A, which represents the vehicle displayed on the sheet, as an obstacle when driving towards the display device 100-1. The tension of the sheet is the straight-line distance from one end to the other in the horizontal direction when the sheet is installed, relative to the length of the sheet in a predetermined direction. As mentioned above, the predetermined direction of the sheet is the direction that is horizontal when the display device 100-1 is installed on the ground.

[0039] In contrast, when the sheet was slackened to a tension of 70%, as shown in Figure 8, vehicle B was able to properly detect image A as an obstacle when traveling towards the display device 100-1 at a speed of 20 km / h and at a speed of 40 km / h. However, vehicle B was unable to properly detect image A as an obstacle when traveling at a speed of 60 km / h. In Figure 8, "OK" in the alarm activation column indicates that the obstacle was properly detected, and "Not OK" indicates that the obstacle was not properly detected.

[0040] Furthermore, in performance tests conducted with vehicle B facing a display device 100-1 with a tension level higher than 70% under the conditions shown in the test categories "PT1(W)", "PT2", "PT3", "PT4", and "PT5" in Figure 6, the result was that image A was appropriately detected. In addition, in performance tests conducted with vehicle B facing a display device 100 of the first embodiment with a tension level higher than 70% under the conditions shown in the test categories "PT1", "PT1(W)", "PT2", "PT3", "PT4", and "PT5" in Figure 6, the result was that image A was appropriately detected.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the display surface 11 be positioned such that the angle α it makes with the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of vehicle B on the road (the x-axis direction in Figure 9) (the y-axis direction in Figure 9) is less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, 30 degrees.

[0042] In performance tests conducted by the inventors, when the display device 100-1 was installed so that the angle α was less than 30 degrees, vehicle B, which has a driver assistance function, was able to appropriately detect image A as an obstacle when driving towards the display device 100-1. This performance test was conducted under the conditions shown in test category "PT1" in Figure 6. In contrast, as shown in Figure 10, when the display device 100-1 was installed so that the angle α was 30 degrees, vehicle B was unable to appropriately detect image A as an obstacle when driving at 40 km / h and when driving at 60 km / h. Furthermore, when vehicle B was driving at 20 km / h with the display device 100-1 installed so that the angle α was 30 degrees, it was able to appropriately detect image A as an obstacle once, but failed to do so once.

[0043] Furthermore, in performance tests conducted with vehicle B facing the display device 100-1, which was installed so that the angle α was less than 30 degrees, under the conditions shown in test categories "PT1(W)", "PT2", "PT3", "PT4", and "PT5" in Figure 6, the result was that image A was appropriately detected. Moreover, in performance tests conducted with vehicle B facing the display device 100 of the first embodiment, which was installed so that the angle α was less than 30 degrees, under the conditions shown in test categories "PT1", "PT1(W)", "PT2", "PT3", "PT4", and "PT5" in Figure 6, the result was that image A was appropriately detected.

[0044] <Variation> In the embodiment described above, the display device 100 includes a jig 2 and a mounting member 3, but is not limited to this. For example, the display device 100 may not include the jig 2 and the mounting member 3, and the display unit 1 may be self-supporting. Here, "self-supporting" means that the display surface 11 is installed facing the vehicle B without the use of other members. The configuration for making the display unit 1 self-supporting may be arbitrary. The same applies to the display device 100-1.

[0045] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. [Additional note 1] It is equipped with a display unit that displays images of obstacles that may be impeding to the vehicle's movement, The display unit is a display device that can be installed so that the display surface for displaying the image faces the vehicle. [Additional note 2] The display device according to Appendix 1, further comprising a reflector that reflects radio waves, attached to at least a portion of the display surface or around the display unit. [Additional note 3] The aforementioned obstacle is a vehicle or a person, as specified in Appendix 1 or 2 of the display device. [Additional note 4] The display device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, further comprising a pair of jigs that support the display unit and can be erected on the ground. [Additional note 5] The display device according to Appendix 4, wherein the pair of jigs are connected by an extendable erection member. [Additional note 6] The display device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the display unit is a sheet on which the obstacle is drawn, a computer display interface, or a screen that displays an image projected by a projection device. [Additional note 7] The display unit is the screen, The display device according to Appendix 6, wherein the screen is of the upright or foldable type. [Additional note 8] The display unit is a sheet on which the obstacles are drawn. The erection member is the display device described in Appendix 5, on which the sheet is stretched.

[0046] All documents, patent applications, and technologies described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technology were specifically and individually described as being incorporated by reference.

[0047] Although the embodiments described above are representative examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and substitutions are possible within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described above, and various modifications or changes are possible without departing from the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1 Display 2. Jig 3. Erection Members 4 Reflector 21 First jig 22 Second jig 100, 100-1 display device

Claims

1. A display device for safely stopping a vehicle having a driving assistance function outside a no-entry zone in a construction work area, It is installed on the side from which vehicles approaching from outside the aforementioned no-entry zone, The vehicle is equipped with a display unit that displays images of obstacles that may be impeding the vehicle's movement. The display unit can be installed such that the display surface for displaying the image faces the vehicle. The aforementioned obstacle is an obstacle detectable by the obstacle detection function of the vehicle having a driving assistance function including an autonomous driving function, and is an obstacle that the vehicle is driven to avoid colliding with.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a reflector that reflects radio waves, attached to at least a portion of the display surface or around the display unit.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image showing the obstacle is an image showing a vehicle or a person.

4. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pair of jigs that support the display unit and can be erected on the ground.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the pair of jigs are connected by an extendable and retractable mounting member.

6. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit is a sheet on which the obstacles are drawn, a computer display interface, or a screen that displays an image projected by a projection device.

7. The display unit is the screen, The display device according to claim 6, wherein the screen is of the upright or foldable type.

8. The display unit is a sheet on which the obstacles are drawn. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the erection member is used to stretch the sheet.

Images