Traffic blind spot hazard warning device

Abstract

This invention relates to a traffic blind spot danger warning device that alerts drivers or pedestrians approaching from one direction to danger by indicating the direction of approach from another direction, in a road where a blind spot occurs where it is difficult for a driver approaching from one direction to perceive the approach of a vehicle approaching from another direction.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic blind spot danger warning device, and more specifically, to a traffic blind spot danger warning device that alerts a driver or pedestrian approaching from one direction to danger by indicating the direction of approach of a vehicle approaching from another direction on a road where a blind spot occurs in which it is difficult for a driver approaching from one direction to perceive the approach of a vehicle approaching from another direction. Background Technology

[0003] A road is a path constructed for the passage of vehicles or people, and it is installed in various forms such as straight roads, curved roads, ramps, and intersections depending on surrounding conditions or the purpose of installation.

[0004] Roads are generally equipped with road facilities such as traffic lights to indicate traffic signals, such as whether vehicles or people are passing or the direction of travel, and guide signs to provide various traffic information. In particular, road reflectors are installed in sections where the road bends at steep inclines, such as intersections or curved roads, to allow for the identification of vehicles coming from other directions.

[0005] However, relying solely on road mirrors to identify vehicles from other directions had limitations, and since it was difficult to detect approaching vehicles on roads without mirrors, notification devices have recently been developed, such as the “Smart Integrated Traffic System” (Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2631943), which alert drivers to approaching vehicles by displaying information such as approach speeds via electronic traffic boards.

[0006] However, the aforementioned smart integrated traffic system is an expensive system that incurs tens of millions of won in costs even when implementing only simple functions such as detecting vehicle speed and distance, and doubles the cost when implemented with additional camera detection or network-related equipment. Therefore, it is inefficient and unsuitable to be used as a supplement or replacement to overcome the limitations of using road mirrors, which are used simply to check for vehicles coming from other directions.

[0007] In particular, the aforementioned smart integrated transportation system is specialized in notifying pedestrians of vehicle approach, but has a problem in that it can only provide drivers with vehicle speed, which means they can only know whether a vehicle is approaching. The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a traffic blind spot danger alert device that can be installed at a low cost by being detachable from existing road facilities or structures, and is equipped with an alert function that informs drivers or pedestrians approaching from one direction of danger by indicating the direction of approach of a vehicle approaching from another direction on roads where blind spots occur where it is difficult for a driver approaching from one direction to perceive the approach of a vehicle approaching from another direction, and is equipped with an alert function that alerts drivers or pedestrians approaching from one direction. means of solving the problem

[0011] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a traffic blind spot danger alert device comprising: a frame that can be fixed to a road structure where a blind spot occurs in which it is difficult for a driver or pedestrian approaching from one direction to perceive a vehicle approaching from another direction; a vehicle approach detection sensor fixed to the frame and detecting a vehicle approaching from another direction toward the driver or pedestrian; a controller that transmits an alert signal when a vehicle approach is detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor; and a vehicle approach direction indicator means fixed to the frame and performing an alert by indicating the direction of approach to the driver or pedestrian that a vehicle is approaching from another direction according to the alert signal of the controller.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the frame is arranged in multiple different directions or in several different directions, and each frame is provided with at least one vehicle approach detection sensor and a vehicle approach direction indicator, and is configured such that when vehicle approach is detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor provided in one direction of the frame, the vehicle approach direction indicator provided in another direction is displayed.

[0013] In addition, when a road reflector is provided as a structure of the road, the frame is attached to the road reflector, so that the driver or pedestrian can confirm a vehicle approaching from another direction together with the vehicle approach direction indicator and the road reflector.

[0014] In addition, the above-described traffic blind spot danger alert device further comprises: a camera capable of capturing a vehicle approaching from another direction toward the driver or pedestrian in real time to acquire multiple images and transmitting the acquired images to a controller capable of video processing; and a display provided alongside the vehicle approach direction indicator means and capable of outputting the video processed by the controller in real time; and is characterized in that the driver or pedestrian can confirm a vehicle approaching from another direction toward them together with the vehicle approach direction indicator means and the display.

[0015] In addition, the camera is equipped with a plurality of lenses to divide and photograph a shooting area with each lens, and the controller synthesizes the divided images captured by each lens to generate a panoramic image, performs the imaging processing on the panoramic image, and the display outputs the panoramic image processed with the panoramic image.

[0016] In addition, the vehicle approach detection sensor is configured to detect the speed of a vehicle approaching the driver or pedestrian from another direction, and a vehicle speed display means for displaying the speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor is provided alongside the vehicle approach direction display means, so that the driver or pedestrian can also check the speed of the vehicle approaching the driver or pedestrian from another direction. Effects of the invention

[0018] The traffic blind spot danger warning device of the present invention can reduce the risk of accidents caused by blind spots on roads where blind spots occur, making it difficult for a driver approaching from one direction to perceive the approach of a vehicle approaching from another direction, by indicating the direction of approach of a vehicle approaching from another direction to a driver or pedestrian approaching from one direction to warn of the danger.

[0019] Here, the traffic blind spot danger alert device of the present invention is in a form that can be attached to and detached from existing road facilities or structures such as buildings, and has the advantage of being installable at a low cost.

[0020] In addition, the traffic blind spot danger alert device of the present invention may be formed with a structure that allows drivers or pedestrians to simultaneously check road reflectors, images of the approaching road, and the speed of approaching vehicles, thereby enhancing safety.

[0021] Meanwhile, the effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the problems of conventional roads where traffic blind spots occur. FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of a traffic blind spot danger alert device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the connection structure between each component of the traffic blind spot danger alert device of Figure 2. FIGS. 4 (a) and (b) are drawings illustrating various forms in which a traffic blind spot can be modified according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a traffic blind spot danger alert device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a traffic blind spot danger alert device with various components added according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the process of the traffic blind spot danger alert device of Figure 6 outputting a panoramic image. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the use of the panoramic image output in Figure 7. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] The terms used in this invention have been selected to be as widely used as possible; however, in specific cases, terms have been arbitrarily selected by the applicant. In such cases, the meaning should be understood by considering the meaning described or used in the detailed description of the invention, rather than merely the name of the term.

[0025] Hereinafter, the technical configuration of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings.

[0026] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and may be embodied in other forms. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0027] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the problems of conventional roads where traffic blind spots occur.

[0028] Looking at FIG. 1, when there are three vehicles (30a, 30b, 30c) approaching from each direction at an intersection of T-shaped roads extending in three directions (10a, 10b, 10c), the first vehicle (30a) approaching the intersection from one direction is positioned perpendicular to the second vehicle (30b) and the third vehicle (30c) approaching the intersection from directions different from the first vehicle (30a).

[0029] Here, when the first vehicle (30a) and the second vehicle (30b) or the first vehicle (30a) and the third vehicle (30c) are positioned in a perpendicular direction, if there is a roadside tree or structure, or an object such as a bicycle or a pedestrian located between the vehicles, a blind spot (15) is created by obscuring the roadside tree or structure, or the object or pedestrian, and thus the risk of an accident is high.

[0030] In particular, the risk of accidents is even higher when there are no traffic lights at an intersection or when flashing traffic lights (not shown) are installed.

[0031] For this reason, at intersections where a blind spot (15) may occur as described above, a road reflector (20) is installed as shown in the drawing so that drivers of each vehicle can see vehicles going in different directions.

[0032] Nevertheless, many drivers are accustomed to the road environment or become distracted, causing them to overlook the use of the road mirror (20), or are unable to use it properly due to incorrect installation of the road mirror (20), so the risk of accidents remains high and accidents occur frequently.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram of a traffic blind spot danger alert device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the connection structure between each component of the traffic blind spot danger alert device of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating various forms in which a traffic blind spot can be modified according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a traffic blind spot danger notification device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that enables drivers approaching from various directions to more intuitively recognize a vehicle from another direction in a road where a blind spot (15) occurs between vehicles, and is configured to include a frame (110), a vehicle approach detection sensor (120), a controller (130), and a vehicle approach direction indicator means (140).

[0035] Specifically, the frame (110) can be fixed to a road structure (20) where a blind spot occurs in which a driver or pedestrian approaching from one direction has difficulty perceiving a vehicle approaching from another direction.

[0036] Here, the structure may be a road facility such as a road sign, traffic light, or road reflector, or a building for a specific purpose such as a bus stop or smoking booth.

[0037] The above frame (110) may preferably be provided in the form of a bracket, but is not necessarily limited to any form that can fix any means such as a plate or a bar.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of frames (110) may be arranged in different directions so as to be positioned toward vehicles approaching from at least two directions. Furthermore, this is not limited thereto, and depending on the number or shape of the roads that vehicles can approach, a plurality of frames (110) may be arranged in various different directions as shown in FIG. 4 (a) or (b). Also, a plurality of frames (110) may be arranged in one direction as shown in FIG. 4 (b).

[0039] The vehicle approach detection sensor (120) is fixed to the frame (110) and detects a vehicle approaching from another direction toward a driver or pedestrian. Here, the vehicle approach detection sensor (120) may preferably be a radar sensor capable of measuring not only the approach of a vehicle but also its speed, but this is merely an example, and any other sensor capable of detecting the approach of a vehicle, such as an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a laser sensor, may also be used.

[0040] The controller (130) is linked with the vehicle approach detection sensor (120) and transmits a notification signal when vehicle approach is detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor (120).

[0041] And, the vehicle approach direction indicator means (140) is fixed to the frame (110) and linked with the controller (130) to provide a notification to a driver or pedestrian approaching from one direction according to a notification signal transmitted from the controller (130), indicating the approach direction that a vehicle is approaching from another direction.

[0042] In other words, if the approach direction indicates that a vehicle is approaching from another direction, a driver or pedestrian approaching from any of the aforementioned directions can recognize the approach of the vehicle along with its approach direction while looking at the approach direction indicator.

[0043] The above vehicle approach direction indicator means (140) is preferably an arrow-shaped LED module that can continuously emit light for a certain period of time or be turned on / off and flash at a certain period by a notification signal from the controller (130).

[0044] However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the vehicle approach direction indicator means (140) may be equipped with a display or the like capable of outputting a direction indicator.

[0045] Meanwhile, as described above, when a plurality of frames (110) are arranged in different directions or in various different directions, each frame (110) may be equipped with at least one vehicle approach detection sensor (120) and a vehicle approach direction indicator means (140).

[0046] That is, while at least one vehicle approach detection sensor (120) and a vehicle approach direction indicator (140) are essentially provided for each frame (110), two or more vehicle approach detection sensors (120) and vehicle approach direction indicators (140) may also be configured as shown in FIG. 4 (a).

[0047] And, when a vehicle approach is detected by a vehicle approach detection sensor (120) provided on one side of a frame (110), a vehicle approach direction indicator means (140) provided on the other side is configured to be displayed.

[0048] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when two frames (110a, 110b) are positioned in different directions, if a vehicle approach is detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor (120a) of the frame (110a) positioned facing one direction, the vehicle approach direction indicator (140b) of the frame (110b) positioned facing the other direction is displayed, and if a vehicle approach is detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor (120b) of the frame (110b) positioned facing the other direction, the vehicle approach direction indicator (140a) of the frame (110a) positioned facing the other direction is displayed.

[0049] In addition, when three frames (110a, 110b, 110c) are arranged in different directions as in FIG. 4 (a), or when four frames (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) are arranged in different directions as in FIG. 4 (b), if a vehicle approach detection sensor (120a) of one of the frames (110a) detects a vehicle approach, one or more of the vehicle approach direction indicator means (140b, 140c, 140d) of the frames (110b, 110c, 110d) arranged facing different directions are displayed.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a traffic blind spot danger alert device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Looking at FIG. 5, assuming that the traffic blind spot danger warning device (100) of the present invention is installed at an intersection where the road is a T-shaped road and approaches from three directions (10a, 10b, 10c), a plurality of frames (110a, 110b, 1110c) can be arranged facing each of the three directions (10a, 10b, 10c).

[0052] In addition, the first frame (110a) positioned toward the second and third roads (10b, 10c) and the first road (10a) where a blind spot occurs may be equipped with two vehicle approach direction indicator means (140a-1, 140a-2) to enable the indication of vehicles approaching from the second and third roads (10b, 10c), respectively, and a vehicle approach detection sensor (120a) for detecting vehicles approaching from the first road (10a).

[0053] In addition, the second frame (110b) positioned toward the first road (10a) and the second road (10b) on the other side may be equipped with a vehicle approach detection sensor (120b) for detecting a vehicle approaching from the second road (10b) and a vehicle approach direction indicator means (140b) for indicating the approach direction of a vehicle (30a) approaching from the first road (10a).

[0054] And, the third frame (110c) positioned toward the first road (10a) and another third road (10c) may be equipped with a vehicle approach detection sensor (120c) for detecting a vehicle approaching from the third road (10c) and a vehicle approach direction indicator means (140c) for indicating the approach direction of a vehicle (30a) approaching from the first road (10a).

[0055] Accordingly, when vehicles (30a, 30b) approach each other on the first road (10a) and the second road (10b) as shown in the drawing, the vehicle approach direction indicator means (140a-1, 140b) provided on the first frame (110a) and the second frame (110b) is displayed so that the first vehicle (30a) can know the approach of the second vehicle (30b) along with the approach direction, and the second vehicle (30b) can know the approach of the first vehicle (30a) along with the approach direction.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a traffic blind spot danger alert device with various components added according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the process of the traffic blind spot danger alert device of FIG. 6 outputting a panoramic image, and FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of the use of the panoramic image output in FIG. 7.

[0057] First, looking at FIG. 6, the traffic blind spot danger alert device (100) of the present invention is equipped with a road reflector (20) as a road structure to which the frame (110) is fixed. In this case, the frame (110) is attached to the road reflector (20) so that a driver or pedestrian can check a vehicle approaching from another direction with the vehicle approach direction indicator (140) and the road reflector (20).

[0058] However, if a road reflector (20) is not provided, the frame (110) can also be fixed to various structures such as traffic lights or road signs.

[0059] Additionally, the traffic blind spot danger alert device (100) of the present invention may further include a camera (150) and a display (160), and the camera (150) and the display (160) may be connected to the controller (130) described above.

[0060] The above camera (150) captures a vehicle approaching a driver or pedestrian from another direction in real time to acquire multiple images and transmits the image frames to the controller (130).

[0061] Then, the controller (130) processes the image frame received from the camera (150) into a video and transmits it to the display (160).

[0062] And, the display (160) is provided alongside the vehicle approach direction indicator means (140) and outputs the image processed and transmitted by the controller (130) in real time.

[0063] Accordingly, even if there is a blind spot, the driver or pedestrian can safely drive or walk by confirming a vehicle approaching from another direction using a vehicle approach direction indicator (140) and a display (160) arranged side by side.

[0064] Meanwhile, looking at FIG. 7, the camera (150) may be a single lens, but preferably is equipped with multiple lenses to divide the shooting area with each lens and to generate multiple image frames for each divided shooting area.

[0065] For example, assuming there are two lenses of the camera (150), the first lens (155a) can photograph a first area of ​​a set range, and the second lens (155b) can photograph a second area of ​​a set range that partially overlaps with the first area or does not overlap at all.

[0066] Here, the first lens (155a) continues to generate a first segmented image frame (210a) that captures a first area as shown in the upper left of FIG. 7, passing through Aa to Az, and the second lens (155b) continues to generate a second segmented image frame (210b) that captures a second area as shown in the lower left of FIG. 7, passing through Ba to Bz.

[0067] A controller (130) that receives an image frame from a camera (150) is configured to synthesize the segmented images captured by each lens (155a, 155b). That is, the controller (130) synthesizes the second segmented image frame (210b) of Ba, which is captured and generated by the second lens (155b), at the time when the first lens (155a) captures and generates the first segmented image frame (210a) of Aa.

[0068] Accordingly, the controller (130) can generate a panoramic image (220a) in which the first region and the second region are combined, and generates multiple panoramic images by continuously combining (220b) the first divided image frame (210a) and the second divided image frame (210b), and then performs image processing with the generated panoramic images.

[0069] The display (160) outputs a panoramic image (230) that has been processed into panoramic images by the controller (130), and thus the driver or pedestrian can view a wider area captured in real time on the display (160).

[0070] In the present invention, two lenses were used as an example for ease of understanding, but a panoramic image can be generated by capturing multiple areas with more lenses.

[0071] As described above, the traffic blind spot danger alert device of the present invention, which can output a panoramic image, can be usefully used in curved road sections such as the one shown in FIG. 8.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8, a blind spot occurs even on a curved road where the road slope is steep and it is difficult to see vehicles coming from opposite directions, so the traffic blind spot danger alert device (100) of the present invention can be installed.

[0073] At this time, the camera that captures a single area with a single lens has a narrow shooting width and a small range that can be shown, so the usefulness of the display (160) that shows a vehicle approaching from another direction is low.

[0074] Therefore, for such curved roads, etc., it is desirable to photograph multiple areas with a camera (150) equipped with multiple lenses (155a, 155b) and output a wider range as a panoramic image on a display (160).

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 8, each lens (155a, 155b) of the camera (150) captures area A and area B respectively, and when the panoramic image is displayed on the display (160) in the order described in FIG. 7, both the vehicle (30d) coming from one side road (10d) and the vehicle (30e) coming from the other side road (10e) can easily identify the vehicle approaching from a different direction from a distance.

[0076] In addition, the traffic blind spot danger alert device according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a vehicle speed display means (170) placed side by side with a vehicle approach direction display means (140) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0077] At this time, the vehicle approach detection sensor (120) is configured to detect the speed of the vehicle detecting the approach, and transmits the detected vehicle speed information to the vehicle speed display means (170) so that it is output.

[0078] As a result, drivers or pedestrians can check the vehicle approach direction indicator (140) and the vehicle speed indicator (170) together regarding a vehicle approaching from another direction, thereby enabling them to know the approach direction and speed of the vehicle together.

[0079] Here, the vehicle approach direction indicator (140) indicating the approach direction of the vehicle may be formed to be displayed in different colors according to the vehicle speed, so that the approach speed of the vehicle can also be more easily known.

[0080] In addition, the traffic blind spot danger alert device according to an embodiment of the present invention may operate by receiving power through a solar module (180) as shown in FIG. 6, or it may operate by having a battery or the like inside.

[0082] As described above, the present invention has been illustrated and explained with reference to preferred embodiments, but it is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0084] 10 : Road 15 : Blind spot 20 : Structure (Road mirror) 30 : Vehicle 100: Traffic Blind Spot Danger Alert Device 110 : Frame 120: Vehicle approach detection sensor 130 : Controller 140: Means of indicating the direction of vehicle approach 150 : Camera 160 : Display 170: Vehicle speed display means 180 : Solar module

Claims

Claim 1 A traffic blind spot danger alert device comprising: a frame that can be fixed to a road structure where a blind spot occurs in which it is difficult for a driver or pedestrian approaching from one direction to perceive a vehicle approaching from another direction; a vehicle approach detection sensor fixed to the frame and detecting a vehicle approaching from another direction toward the driver or pedestrian; a controller that transmits an alert signal when a vehicle approach is detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor; and a vehicle approach direction display means fixed to the frame and performing an alert to the driver or pedestrian by indicating the approach direction that a vehicle is approaching from another direction according to the alert signal of the controller. Claim 2 A traffic blind spot danger alert device according to claim 1, wherein the frame is arranged in multiple different directions or in several different directions, and each frame is provided with at least one vehicle approach detection sensor and a vehicle approach direction indicator, and when a vehicle approach is detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor provided in one direction of the frame, the vehicle approach direction indicator provided in another direction is configured to be displayed. Claim 3 A traffic blind spot danger warning device according to claim 1, wherein, when a road reflector is provided as a structure of the road, the frame is attached to the road reflector so that the driver or pedestrian can confirm a vehicle approaching from another direction toward them together with the vehicle approach direction indicator means and the road reflector. Claim 4 A traffic blind spot danger alert device according to claim 1, further comprising: a camera capable of capturing a vehicle approaching from another direction toward the driver or pedestrian in real time to acquire a plurality of images and transmitting the acquired images to a controller capable of video processing; and a display provided alongside the vehicle approach direction indicator means and capable of outputting the video processed by the controller in real time; wherein the driver or pedestrian can confirm the vehicle approaching from another direction toward them together with the vehicle approach direction indicator means and the display. Claim 5 A traffic blind spot danger alert device according to claim 4, wherein the camera comprises a plurality of lenses to divide and photograph a shooting area with each lens, the controller synthesizes the divided images captured by each lens to generate a panoramic image and performs imaging processing on the panoramic image, and the display outputs the panoramic image processed with the panoramic image. Claim 6 In claim 4, the vehicle approach detection sensor is configured to detect the speed of a vehicle approaching the driver or pedestrian from another direction, and a vehicle speed display means for displaying the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle approach detection sensor is provided alongside the vehicle approach direction display means, so that the driver or pedestrian can also check the speed of a vehicle approaching them from another direction, characterized by a traffic blind spot danger alert device.

Images