Grip detection system

Abstract

This grip detection system is mounted on a motorcycle and includes: a pair of left and right grips that is held by a driver; a grip sensor that is provided to each of the pair of right and left grips and detects whether or not the driver is gripping the grip; and a control unit that controls a function of the motorcycle on the basis of the detection result by a grip sensor. When the grip sensor detects that at least one hand of the driver is not gripping a grip, the control unit changes the control of a preceding vehicle-following function of the motorcycle according to the detection result.

Description

Grasp Detection System

[0001] The present invention relates to a grasp detection system.

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a sensor provided on the grip of a two-wheeled motor vehicle detects a driver's finger gestures and controls the functions of the two-wheeled motor vehicle according to the pattern of the detected finger gestures.

[0003] JP 2014-19442 A

[0004] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not allow the forward vehicle following function of a motorcycle to be suitably controlled in accordance with the grip state of the rider's hands.

[0005] One embodiment of the grip detection system is a grip detection system mounted on a motorcycle, and includes a pair of left and right grips that are gripped by the rider, grip sensors provided on each of the pair of left and right grips that detect whether the rider is gripping the grip, and a control unit that controls the functions of the motorcycle based on the detection results of the grip sensors.When the grip sensors detect that at least one of the rider's hands is not gripping a grip, the control unit changes the control of the motorcycle's following function in accordance with the detection result.

[0006] According to the grip detection system of one embodiment, the forward vehicle following function of a motorcycle can be suitably controlled according to the grip state of the rider's hands.

[0007] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a handle section provided in a motorcycle according to one embodiment. FIG. Illustrates the configuration of a control system provided in a motorcycle according to one embodiment. Flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure by a grip detection control unit provided in a grip detection system according to one embodiment. Flowchart showing a second example of a processing procedure by a grip detection control unit provided in a grip detection system according to one embodiment. FIG. Illustrates an example of a display on a display controlled by a grip detection control unit provided in a grip detection system according to one embodiment. FIG. Illustrates an example of a display on a display controlled by a grip detection control unit provided in a grip detection system according to one embodiment. FIG. Illustrates an example of a display on a display controlled by a grip detection control unit provided in a grip detection system according to one embodiment.

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (Configuration of Motorcycle 10) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a handle portion 10A provided on a motorcycle 10 (not shown in its entirety) according to one embodiment.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle section 10A of the motorcycle 10 includes a handle 11, an operating section 22, a display 23, a pair of left and right grips 110 (grips 110L, 110R), and a pair of left and right grip sensors 120 (grips 120L, 120R).

[0011] The handlebar 11 is a round bar-shaped member extending in the left-right direction and provided on top of a front wheel steering mechanism (not shown) for steering the front wheel of the motorcycle 10. The handlebar 11 is held by the driver's hands and steers with the driver's hands. The handlebar 11 may be an integrated left and right handlebar as shown in Figure 1, or may be a separate left and right handlebar.

[0012] The operation unit 22 constitutes the adaptive cruise control system 20 and is provided near the grip 110L on the steering wheel 11. The operation unit 22 is operated by the driver's left hand to receive various operational inputs related to the adaptive cruise control function. For example, the operation unit 22 is configured to have a push switch, a slide switch, etc. The operation unit 22 may be provided in a location other than near the grip 110L (for example, near the grip 110R, in the center of the steering wheel 11, etc.). The operation unit 22 may also be integrated with the display 23.

[0013] The display 23 is part of the adaptive cruise control system 20 and is provided in front of the center of the handlebars 11. The display 23 displays various information related to the adaptive cruise control function. The display 23 may be integrated with a meter provided on the motorcycle 10, or may be provided separately from the meter provided on the motorcycle 10.

[0014] The pair of left and right grips 110L, 110R (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as grips 110) are cylindrical members mounted on the motorcycle 10, provided at the left and right ends of the handlebars 11, and gripped by the rider's left and right hands. The grip 110L is installed at the left end of the handlebars 11 by inserting the left end of the handlebars 11 into the cylinder. The grip 110L is gripped by the rider's left hand. The grip 110R is installed at the right end of the handlebars 11 by inserting the right end of the handlebars 11 into the cylinder. The grip 110R is gripped by the rider's right hand. The grip 110 is formed using an elastic material (e.g., rubber, etc.).

[0015] 1, a throttle 12 is provided on the right end of the handlebar 11 in a state where it can rotate around a rotation axis, and a grip 110R is attached to the throttle 12. The rider can perform a throttle operation by rotating the throttle 12 around the rotation axis while holding the grip 110R.

[0016] The pair of left and right grip sensors 120 constitute the grip detection system 100 (see FIG. 2 ) and are provided on the pair of left and right grips 110. Grip sensor 120L is provided on grip 110L and detects whether the driver's left hand is gripping grip 110L. Grip sensor 120R is provided on grip 110R and detects whether the driver's right hand is gripping grip 110R.

[0017] In this embodiment, the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 are electrostatic sensors that use detection electrodes provided on the pair of left and right grips 110. In this embodiment, the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 alternately supply a heater driving current and a capacitance detection current to the heating wire (not shown) of a heater device provided on the pair of left and right grips 110, thereby using the heating wire of the heater device also as the detection electrode of the electrostatic sensor.

[0018] As a result, in the grip detection system 100 according to one embodiment, the heating wire of the heater device can be used as the detection electrode of the grip sensor 120, eliminating the need to provide a dedicated detection electrode for the grip sensor 120 on the grip 110, thereby achieving lower cost and space savings. Note that the grip sensor 120 may be a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, or the like, other than an electrostatic sensor.

[0019] (Configuration of Control System of Motorcycle 10) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system provided in the motorcycle 10 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the motorcycle 10 includes a forward vehicle following system 20 and a grip detection system 100.

[0020] The preceding vehicle following system 20 is a system that provides a preceding vehicle following function, and includes a preceding vehicle following control unit 21, the above-mentioned operation unit 22, the above-mentioned display 23, and an inter-vehicle distance sensor 24.

[0021] The inter-vehicle distance sensor 24 detects the distance between the motorcycle 10 and a vehicle ahead of the motorcycle 10. The inter-vehicle distance sensor 24 may be, for example, an infrared sensor, a radar, or the like.

[0022] The vehicle following control unit 21 controls the entire vehicle following function. For example, the vehicle following control unit 21 automatically controls the function of the throttle 12 and the function of the brake 13 provided on the motorcycle 10 so as to maintain a constant distance from the vehicle ahead based on the distance between the vehicles detected by the vehicle-to-vehicle distance sensor 24.

[0023] The preceding vehicle following control unit 21 holds various settings related to the preceding vehicle following function, and the various settings include those that can be changed by the driver operating the operation unit 22. For example, the changeable settings include a setting as to whether or not to enable the preceding vehicle following function. The driver can change the setting as to whether or not to enable the preceding vehicle following function by operating the operation unit 22.

[0024] In addition, the vehicle following control unit 21 can display on the display 23 various information related to the vehicle following function (for example, information indicating that the vehicle following function is enabled).

[0025] The grip detection system 100 is a system that can detect whether or not a driver is gripping each of the pair of left and right grips 110. As shown in Fig. 2, the grip detection system 100 includes the pair of left and right grip sensors 120L and 120R (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as grip sensors 120) and a grip detection control unit 130.

[0026] The grip detection control unit 130 is an example of a “control unit.” The grip detection control unit 130 can control the functions of the motorcycle 10 based on the detection results of whether or not the grip 110 is being gripped by the pair of left and right grip sensors 120.

[0027] For example, the grip detection control unit 130 supplies current to each of the pair of left and right grip sensors 120, so that each of the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 can detect the grip of the grip 110 by the driver's hands through a change in capacitance.

[0028] Then, the grip detection control unit 130 detects whether the grip 110 is being gripped by the driver's hands based on the change in the capacitance value detected by each of the pair of left and right grip sensors 120.

[0029] For example, each of the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 is capacitively coupled with the driver's hands when the driver's hands grip grips 110. Therefore, the capacitance value detected by each of the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 changes depending on whether the driver's hands are gripping grips 110 or not.

[0030] Therefore, the grip detection control unit 130 can detect whether each of the pair of left and right grips 110 is being gripped by the driver's hands based on the change in capacitance value detected by the pair of left and right grip sensors 120.

[0031] In addition, the grip detection control unit 130 can change the control of the vehicle following function provided by the vehicle following system 20 based on the detection result of whether each of the pair of left and right grips 110 is being gripped by the driver.

[0032] For example, if the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 detects that at least one of the driver's hands is not gripping the grip 110, the grip detection control unit 130 can change the control of the vehicle following function provided by the vehicle following system 20 in accordance with the detection result.

[0033] As a result, the grip detection system 100 according to one embodiment can suitably control the forward vehicle following function of the motorcycle 10 in accordance with the state of grip of the grip 110 by the rider's hand.

[0034] The vehicle following function is a function that reduces the burden on the driver by automatically controlling the throttle function and the brake function so that a constant distance from the vehicle in front can be maintained without the driver having to operate the throttle or the brake. However, while following the vehicle in front using the vehicle following function, dangers that cannot be avoided by the vehicle following function (e.g., obstacles suddenly appearing, sudden changes in road conditions, etc.) and dangers that arise from the vehicle following function (e.g., sudden acceleration, sudden stops, etc.) may occur, and compared to automobiles, motorcycles may fall over or may be unable to avoid danger if they fall. Therefore, even while following the vehicle in front using the vehicle following function, it is preferable that the driver hold the grips 110 with both hands to prevent falling, so that the driver can always avoid falling or the danger associated with falling through their own driving operations (steering, throttle, and brake operations).

[0035] Therefore, as an example of the control unit changing the control of the vehicle following function in accordance with the detection results of the grip sensors, for example, when the vehicle following function is enabled, the grip detection control unit 130, which is the control unit, may display an alert on the display 23 of the motorcycle 10 to call attention to the situation when the pair of grip sensors 120 on the left and right detect that at least one of the driver's hands is not gripping the grip 110.

[0036] As a result, the grip detection system 100 of one embodiment can prompt the driver to grip the grip 110 with both hands if the driver removes one or both hands from the grip 110 when the following vehicle ahead function is enabled, allowing the driver to avoid danger when following the vehicle ahead by operating the vehicle with both hands.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, when the preceding vehicle following function is enabled, the grip detection control unit 130 may disable the preceding vehicle following function if a pair of left and right grip sensors 120 detects that at least one of the driver's hands is not gripping the grip 110.

[0038] As a result, in one embodiment of the grip detection system 100, when the vehicle following function is enabled and the driver removes one or both hands from the grip 110, the grip detection system 100 disables the vehicle following function in front, allowing the driver to perform driving operations themselves, and preventing the vehicle from following the vehicle in front in a state where danger cannot be avoided (i.e., when both hands are not holding the grip 110).

[0039] Furthermore, for example, when the following vehicle in front function is enabled, if the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 detects that at least one of the driver's hands is not gripping the grip 110, the grip detection control unit 130 may display an alert on the display 23 of the motorcycle 10 to call attention to the driver's attention, and further disable the following vehicle in front function after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

[0040] As a result, when the vehicle-following function is enabled and the driver removes one or both hands from the grip 110, the grip detection system 100 according to one embodiment can prompt the driver to grip the grip 110 with both hands, and furthermore, by disabling the vehicle-following function, the driver can perform driving operations themselves and can prevent the vehicle from following the vehicle in front in a state where danger cannot be avoided (i.e., a state where both hands are not gripping the grip 110). However, if the driver removes their hands from the grip 110 for a relatively short time (i.e., less than the predetermined time T1), not disabling the vehicle-following function can prevent the vehicle-following function from being unnecessarily disabled.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, when the vehicle-following function is enabled, if the grip sensor 120R detects that the grip 110R (an example of "one of the pair of left and right grips") on the throttle 12 is not being gripped by the driver's hand, the grip detection control unit 130 may maintain the vehicle-following function in an enabled state, and if the grip sensor 120L detects that the grip 110L (an example of "the other of the pair of left and right grips") on the side not on the throttle 12 is not being gripped by the driver's hand, the grip detection control unit 130 may display an alert on the display 23 of the motorcycle 10 to call attention to the situation, and may further disable the vehicle-following function after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

[0042] As a result, grip detection system 100 according to one embodiment can continue following the vehicle ahead when the vehicle following function is enabled, even if the driver releases his / her right hand from grip 110R attached to throttle 12. On the other hand, if the driver releases his / her left hand from grip 110L not attached to throttle 12, the vehicle following function is disabled, allowing the driver to perform driving operations by himself / herself, and preventing the vehicle from following the vehicle ahead in a state where danger cannot be avoided (i.e., a state where both hands are not gripping grip 110).

[0043] The grip detection control unit 130 is realized by, for example, a computer (for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit)) equipped with a processor (for example, a CPU), a storage medium (for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.), an external interface, etc. For example, each function of the grip detection control unit 130 described above is realized by the processor executing a program stored in a storage medium in the grip detection control unit 130.

[0044] (Example of Processing Procedure by Grip Detection Control Unit 130) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing procedure by the grip detection control unit 130 included in the grip detection system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0045] First, the grip detection control unit 130 determines whether or not there is a request to start an adaptive cruise control (ACC) function (hereinafter abbreviated as the ACC function in the flowchart) (step S301). For example, when the driver operates the operation unit 22 to input a setting to start the ACC function, the grip detection control unit 130 determines that there is a request to start the ACC function.

[0046] In step S301, if it is determined that there is no request to start the ACC function (step S301: NO), the grip detection control unit 130 executes step S301 again.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that there is a request to start the ACC function (step S301: YES), the grip detection control unit 130 determines whether the motorcycle 10 is traveling (step S302). For example, if the vehicle speed information of the motorcycle 10 indicates 0 km / h, the grip detection control unit 130 determines that the motorcycle 10 is not traveling, and if the vehicle speed information of the motorcycle 10 indicates 1 km / h or higher, the grip detection control unit 130 determines that the motorcycle 10 is traveling.

[0048] If it is determined in step S302 that the motorcycle 10 is not in motion (step S302: NO), the grip detection control unit 130 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the motorcycle 10 is in motion (step S302: YES), the grip detection control unit 130 determines whether the rider is gripping the grip 110 with both hands based on the detection results of the pair of grip sensors 120 on the left and right (step S303).

[0050] In step S303, if it is determined that the driver is holding the grip 110 with both hands (step S303: YES), the grip detection control unit 130 displays information indicating that the preceding vehicle following function is enabled on the display 23 and causes the preceding vehicle following control unit 21 to start the preceding vehicle following function (step S304).

[0051] Thereafter, the gripping detection control unit 130 determines whether or not there is a request to terminate the ACC function (step S305). For example, the gripping detection control unit 130 determines that there is a request to terminate the ACC function when the driver operates the operation unit 22 to input a setting to terminate the adaptive cruise control function.

[0052] In step S305, if it is determined that there is no request to terminate the ACC function (step S305: NO), the grip detection control unit 130 executes step S303 again.

[0053] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that there is a request to terminate the ACC function (step S305: YES), the grip detection control unit 130 erases the information indicating that the preceding vehicle following function is enabled from the display 23, and causes the preceding vehicle following control unit 21 to terminate the preceding vehicle following function (step S310). Thereafter, the grip detection control unit 130 terminates the series of processes shown in FIG. 3.

[0054] In step S303, if it is determined that the driver is not holding the grip 110 with both hands (step S303: NO), the grip detection control unit 130 displays an alert on the display 23 to warn the driver to hold the grip 110 (step S306).

[0055] Then, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the grip detection control unit 130 determines whether the driver is gripping the grip 110 with both hands based on the detection results of the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 (step S307).

[0056] In step S307, if it is determined that the driver is gripping the grip 110 with both hands (step S307: YES), the grip detection control unit 130 executes the processing from step S304 onwards.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307 that the driver is not gripping the grip 110 with both hands (step S307: NO), the grip detection control unit 130 causes the display 23 to hide the alert message urging the driver to grip the grip 110 (step S308). The grip detection control unit 130 then causes the display 23 to display an alert message urging the driver to automatically disable the ACC function (step S309). Furthermore, the grip detection control unit 130 causes the display 23 to hide the message indicating that the adaptive cruise control function is enabled, and causes the adaptive cruise control unit 21 to terminate the ACC function (step S310). The grip detection control unit 130 then terminates the series of processes shown in FIG. 3 .

[0058] 3, when the pair of left and right grip sensors 120 detect that at least one of the driver's hands is not gripping the grip 110 while the vehicle following function is enabled, the grip detection control unit 130 displays an alert on the display 23 calling for the driver to grip the grip 110. Furthermore, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed, the grip detection control unit 130 displays an alert on the display 23 calling for the driver to automatically cancel the vehicle following function, thereby disabling the vehicle following function. The predetermined time T1 is preferably approximately 1 to 5 seconds. The time T1 may also be varied according to the vehicle speed, e.g., the faster the vehicle speed, the shorter the time.

[0059] (Second Example of Processing Procedure by Grip Detection Control Unit 130) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second example of processing procedure by the grip detection control unit 130 included in the grip detection system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0060] The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 differs from the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 in that step S307-2 is executed if the result of step S307 is NO, but is otherwise the same as the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0061] In step S307-2, the grip detection control unit 130 determines whether the driver is not gripping only the grip 110R provided on the throttle 12 with his right hand (i.e., the driver is in a one-handed driving state where he is gripping only the grip 110L with his left hand) (step S307-2).

[0062] In step S307-2, if it is determined that the driver is not gripping only the grip 110R on the throttle 12 with his right hand (i.e., the driver is driving with one hand, gripping only the grip 110L with his left hand) (step S307-2: YES), the grip detection control unit 130 executes the processing from step S304 onwards.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S307-2 that the driver is not gripping only the grip 110R on the throttle 12 with his / her right hand (step S307-2: NO), the grip detection control unit 130 causes the display 23 to hide the alert message urging the driver to grip the grip 110 (step S308). The grip detection control unit 130 then causes the display 23 to display an alert message urging the driver to automatically disable the ACC function (step S309). Furthermore, the grip detection control unit 130 causes the display 23 to hide the message indicating that the ACC function is enabled, and causes the leading vehicle following control unit 21 to terminate the leading vehicle following function (step S310). The grip detection control unit 130 then terminates the series of processes shown in FIG. 4.

[0064] 4, when the ACC function is enabled, if the grip sensor 120 detects that the throttle 12 is not being gripped with both hands and the grip sensor 120R detects that the grip 110R provided on the throttle 12 is not being gripped with the rider's right hand after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the grip sensor 120 detected that the throttle 12 is not being gripped with both hands, the grip detection control unit 130 maintains the enabled state of the ACC function, and on the other hand, if the grip sensor 120L detects that the grip 110L not provided on the throttle 12 is not being gripped with the rider's left hand, the grip detection control unit 130 can erase the alert calling for attention from the display 23 of the motorcycle 10 and further display an alert calling for attention to automatically canceling the ACC function on the display 23, thereby disabling the ACC function. This allows the rider to continue riding without stopping only when it becomes necessary to release the throttle while riding. That is, when the throttle of a motorcycle is released, the throttle returns to the direction of closing the throttle valve, but if there is an unavoidable need to release the throttle and the throttle returns to its original position after release, the ACC function allows the vehicle to continue traveling.

[0065] 5 to 8 are diagrams showing examples of what is displayed on the display 23 under the control of the grip detection control unit 130 included in the grip detection system 100 according to one embodiment.

[0066] For example, when the grip detection control unit 130 detects that the driver is gripping the grip 110 with both hands, it can activate the vehicle following function and display a message on the display 23 saying "ACC is being executed" as shown in Figure 5, as an example of "information indicating that the vehicle following function is activated" (see step S304 in Figures 3 and 4).

[0067] Furthermore, when the grip detection control unit 130 detects that the driver is not gripping the grips 110 with both hands, it can display a message on the display 23 saying "Please grip the grips!" as shown in Figure 6, which is an example of an "alert to call attention to grip the grips 110" (see step S306 in Figures 3 and 4).

[0068] Furthermore, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since it was detected that the driver is not gripping the grip 110 with both hands, the grip detection control unit 130 can display a message on the display 23 saying "ACC will be cancelled!" as shown in Figure 7, as an example of an "alert to call attention to the automatic cancellation of the adaptive cruise control function" (see step S309 in Figures 3 and 4).

[0069] Then, the grip detection control unit 130 can disable the preceding vehicle following function and can hide the message "ACC in progress" on the display 23 as shown in Figure 8 (see step S310 in Figures 3 and 4).

[0070] The "alert to call attention" displayed on the display 23 is not limited to a message, but may be an icon, a lamp, or the like.

[0071] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0072] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-168409, filed on September 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Motorcycle 10A Handlebar section 11 Handle 12 Throttle 13 Brake 20 Front vehicle following system 21 Front vehicle following control section 22 Operation section 23 Display 24 Inter-vehicle distance sensor 100 Grasp detection system 110, 110L, 110R Grip 120, 120L, 120R Grasp sensor 130 Grasp detection control section T1 Predetermined time

Claims

1. A grip detection system mounted on a motorcycle comprising: a pair of left and right grips gripped by a rider; grip sensors provided on each of the pair of left and right grips for detecting whether the rider is gripping the grip; and a control unit for controlling functions of the motorcycle based on the detection result by the grip sensors, wherein when the grip sensor detects that at least one of the rider's hands is not gripping the grip, the control unit changes control of the motorcycle's vehicle following function in accordance with the detection result.

2. The grip detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the grip sensor is an electrostatic sensor that uses a detection electrode provided on the grip.

3. The grip detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that the grip sensor uses an electric heating wire of a heater device provided in the grip as the detection electrode of the electrostatic sensor.

4. The grip detection system of claim 1, further characterized in that, when the grip sensor detects that at least one of the driver's hands is not gripping the grip while the vehicle following function is enabled, the control unit displays an alert on a display of the motorcycle to call attention to the driver.

5. The grip detection system of claim 1, characterized in that the control unit disables the preceding vehicle following function when the grip sensor detects that at least one of the driver's hands is not gripping the grip when the preceding vehicle following function is enabled.

6. The grip detection system described in claim 1, characterized in that when the grip sensor detects that at least one of the driver's hands is not gripping the grip while the vehicle following function is enabled, the control unit displays an alert on a display of the motorcycle to call attention to the driver, and further disables the vehicle following function after a predetermined time has elapsed.

7. The grip detection system described in claim 1, characterized in that one of the pair of left and right grips is provided on a throttle of the motorcycle, and the control unit, when the preceding vehicle following function is enabled, maintains the preceding vehicle following function in an enabled state if the grip sensor detects that one of the pair of left and right grips is not being gripped by the rider's hands, displays an alert on a display of the motorcycle to call attention to the driver's attention if the grip sensor detects that the other of the pair of left and right grips is not being gripped by the rider's hands, and further disables the preceding vehicle following function after a predetermined time has elapsed.

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