Vehicle surrounding situation notification method and vehicle surrounding situation notification device

Abstract

In a vehicle surrounding situation notification method for acquiring a surrounding situation of a vehicle (2) and notifying a user (3) of the vehicle about the surrounding situation of the vehicle, a controller (14) executes a process (S2) for determining whether or not the vehicle is obstructing traffic when the vehicle is parked on a road, and a process (S3) for notifying the user of a determination result as to whether or not the vehicle is obstructing the traffic.

Description

Vehicle surroundings notification method and vehicle surroundings notification device

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for notifying surrounding conditions of a vehicle.

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle monitoring device that determines the degree of danger from changes in the vehicle's condition that occur when the driver is absent, based on the output of an exterior monitoring unit, and notifies the driver.

[0003] JP 2005-227965 A

[0004] When a vehicle is parked on a road, there is a risk that the vehicle may obstruct traffic. An object of the present invention is to make it easier for a user to determine whether or not the vehicle is obstructing traffic when the vehicle is parked on a road.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle surroundings situation notification method for acquiring a situation around a vehicle and notifying a user of the vehicle of the situation around the vehicle, in which, when the vehicle is parked on a road, a controller executes a process of determining whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic or not, and a process of notifying the user of the determination result of whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic or not.

[0006] According to the present invention, when a vehicle is parked on a road, a user can easily know whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic. The objects and advantages of the present invention are realized and attained by using the elements and combinations set forth in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the invention as claimed.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of a vehicle surrounding situation notification system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example of a vehicle surrounding situation notification method according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example of a vehicle surrounding situation notification method according to a second embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of a vehicle surrounding situation notification system according to a modified example; FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of a vehicle surrounding situation notification system according to a third embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a vehicle surrounding situation notification method according to the third embodiment; FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of a vehicle surrounding situation notification system according to a fourth embodiment; and FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example of a vehicle surrounding situation notification method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0008] (First embodiment) (Configuration) Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of a vehicle surroundings situation notification system according to a first embodiment. The vehicle surroundings situation notification system 1 is a system that notifies a user 3 of the situation around a vehicle 2. For example, the vehicle surroundings situation notification system 1 may be a connected system that provides a connected car service to the vehicle 2 equipped with an ICT function.

[0009] The vehicle surroundings situation notification system 1 includes a vehicle surroundings situation notification device 10 mounted on the host vehicle 2 and a mobile terminal device 4 carried by a user 3 of the host vehicle 2. In this specification, the user 3 of the host vehicle 2 may be, for example, the owner or driver of the host vehicle 2. The user 3 of the host vehicle 2 may also be a member of an organization or company that owns the host vehicle 2.

[0010] The vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 acquires the surrounding conditions of the host vehicle 2 and notifies the user 3 of the acquired conditions. The vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 includes a surrounding condition sensor 11, a map database (map DB) 12, a communication device 13, and a controller 14. The surrounding condition sensor 11 detects the surrounding conditions (i.e., the surrounding environment) of the host vehicle 2. For example, the surrounding condition sensor 11 may detect objects present around the host vehicle 2 as the surrounding conditions of the host vehicle 2. The surrounding condition sensor 11 may include, for example, a camera that captures the surrounding conditions of the host vehicle 2. The surrounding condition sensor 11 may also include a ranging device such as a laser range finder (LRF), radar, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) laser radar, or sonar. The surrounding condition sensor 11 outputs surrounding condition information, which is information on the detected surrounding conditions of the host vehicle 2, to the controller 14.

[0011] The map DB 12 stores road map data. For example, the map DB 12 may store high-precision map data (hereinafter simply referred to as "high-precision map") suitable as map information for autonomous driving. For example, the road map data may include point cloud information representing the positions of road boundaries. The communication device 13 provides a communication function between the vehicle surroundings notification device 10 and an external device. The communication method used by the communication device 13 may be, for example, wireless communication via a public mobile communication network, satellite communication, road-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, or short-range wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi). The vehicle surroundings notification device 10 transmits and receives data to and from the mobile terminal device 4 via the communication device 13.

[0012] The controller 14 is an electronic control unit that controls the operation of the vehicle surroundings notification device 10. The controller 14 includes a processor 14a and peripheral components such as a storage device 14b. The processor 14a may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU). The storage device 14b may include a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or the like. The functions of the controller 14 described below are realized, for example, by the processor 14a executing a computer program stored in the storage device 14b. Note that the controller 14 may also be formed by dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below.

[0013] The mobile terminal device 4 includes a communication device 20, a human-machine interface (HMI) 21, a camera 22, and a controller 23. The communication device 20 provides a communication function between the mobile terminal device 4 and an external device. The communication method used by the communication device 20 may be, for example, wireless communication via a public mobile communication network or satellite communication. The mobile terminal device 4 transmits and receives data to and from the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 via the communication device 20. The HMI 21 is an interface device that exchanges information between the user 3 and the mobile terminal device 4. The HMI 21 includes a display device, a speaker for outputting auditory signals from the mobile terminal device 4, an audio input device (e.g., a microphone) for inputting audio signals from the user 3, and controls that accept user inputs to the mobile terminal device 4. The controls may be buttons, switches, levers, dials, keyboards, touch panels, etc.

[0014] The controller 23 is an electronic control unit that controls the operation of the mobile terminal device 4. The controller 23 includes a processor 23a and peripheral components such as a storage device 23b. The processor 23a may be, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The storage device 23b may include a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or the like. The functions of the controller 23 described below are realized, for example, by the processor 23a executing a computer program stored in the storage device 23b. Note that the controller 23 may also be formed by dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below.

[0015] Next, a vehicle surroundings situation notification method according to the first embodiment will be described. When the host vehicle 2 is parked on a road, there is a risk that the host vehicle 2 may obstruct traffic. In this specification, "obstructing traffic" refers to a state in which the host vehicle 2 parked on a road obstructs other road users (e.g., people, bicycles, automobiles, etc.), preventing the other road users from passing through the road. When the host vehicle 2 is parked on a road, the controller 23 executes a process for determining whether the host vehicle 2 obstructs traffic.

[0016] For example, the controller 23 may determine whether other vehicles traveling on the road on which the host vehicle 2 is parked can pass the host vehicle 2, and may determine that the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic if the other vehicles cannot pass the host vehicle 2. In this case, the controller 23 may detect other vehicles around the host vehicle 2 using the surrounding situation sensor 11 and recognize the vehicle width of the detected other vehicles. For example, the controller 23 may recognize the vehicle width of the other vehicles based on images of the other vehicles captured by the camera of the surrounding situation sensor 11 or point cloud information of the body surface of the other vehicles detected by a distance measuring device. The controller 23 may also recognize the vehicle width of the other vehicles by identifying the vehicle type of the other vehicles from the camera image. Furthermore, the controller 23 may determine that the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic if another vehicle traveling on the road on which the host vehicle 2 is parked is stopped behind the host vehicle 2 for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0017] The controller 23 may detect the position of a road boundary of the road on which the host vehicle 2 is parked based on the surrounding situation information output from the surrounding situation sensor 11, and calculate the distance from the body of the host vehicle 2 to the position of the road boundary. Alternatively, for example, the controller 23 may measure the current position of the host vehicle 2 based on a positioning device such as a GPS receiver or dead reckoning, and calculate the distance from the body of the host vehicle 2 to the position of the road boundary based on road width information and point cloud information of the road boundary included in the road map data in the map DB 12, and the current position of the host vehicle 2. The controller 23 may determine whether the other vehicle can travel on the road and pass the host vehicle 2, based on the vehicle width of the other vehicle and the distance from the body of the host vehicle 2 to the position of the road boundary.

[0018] The controller 23 executes a process of notifying the user 3 of the determination result as to whether or not the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic. For example, if it is determined that the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic, the controller 23 may transmit the determination result to the mobile terminal device 4 of the user 3 via the communication device 13. The mobile terminal device 4 may notify the user 3 of the determination result that the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 has determined that the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic via the HMI 21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the host vehicle 2 is not obstructing traffic, the controller 23 does not need to notify the user 3 of the determination result.

[0019] (Operation) FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example of a method for notifying surrounding conditions of a vehicle according to the first embodiment. In step S1, the controller 14 acquires the surrounding conditions of the host vehicle 2 parked on a road. For example, the controller 14 detects other vehicles traveling on the road and road boundaries using the surrounding condition sensor 11. In step S2, the controller 14 determines whether the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic. For example, it determines whether other vehicles traveling on the road can pass the host vehicle 2. If the host vehicle 2 is not obstructing traffic (step S2: N), the controller 14 ends the processing without notifying the user 3 of the determination result. If the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic (step S2: Y), the processing proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the controller 14 notifies the user 3 of the determination result that the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic. The processing then ends.

[0020] Second Embodiment The controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 of the second embodiment notifies the user 3 (i.e., the mobile terminal device 4) of additional information along with the determination result of whether or not the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic. For example, the controller 14 may notify the user 3 of the determination time at which it is determined whether or not the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic (i.e., the time at which it detects another road user traveling on the road on which the host vehicle 2 is parked) as the additional information. Furthermore, for example, the controller 14 may notify the user 3 of an image of the surrounding conditions of the host vehicle 2 captured by the camera of the surrounding condition sensor 11 at the determination time at which it is determined whether or not the host vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic as the additional information.

[0021] Furthermore, for example, the controller 14 may notify the user 3 of the urgency of addressing the traffic obstruction caused by the host vehicle 2 as additional information. For example, the controller 14 may determine the urgency based on whether or not another vehicle whose passage is blocked by the host vehicle 2 flashes its lights or issues an alarm. For example, the controller 14 may determine the urgency based on whether or not an occupant (e.g., the driver) of the other vehicle whose passage is blocked by the host vehicle 2 has exited and is moving toward the host vehicle 2. For example, the controller 14 may notify the user 3 of the attributes of the other vehicle whose passage is blocked by the host vehicle 2 as additional information. For example, the controller 14 may notify the user 3 of the attributes of whether or not the other vehicle is an emergency vehicle such as a police vehicle, an ambulance, or a fire engine as additional information. The controller 14 may also determine the urgency based on the attributes of the other vehicle whose passage is blocked by the host vehicle 2 (the attributes of whether or not the other vehicle is an emergency vehicle such as a police vehicle, an ambulance, or a fire engine).

[0022] 3 is a flowchart of an example of a method for notifying the user of a surrounding situation of a vehicle according to the second embodiment. The processes in steps S11 and S12 are the same as those in steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 2. In step S13, the controller 14 notifies the user 3 of the determination result that the vehicle 2 is obstructing traffic, as well as the additional information exemplified above. The process then ends.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a modified vehicle surrounding condition notification system 1. The modified vehicle surrounding condition notification system 1 provides a subscription service that allows a user to use a connected car service by periodically paying a fee. The vehicle surrounding condition notification system 1 enables the notification function of the additional information exemplified above depending on the billing status of the user 3. The modified vehicle surrounding condition notification system 1 includes a server device 5 for providing the connected car service. The modified vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 and the mobile terminal device 4 have the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 and the mobile terminal device 4 transmit and receive data to and from the server device 5 via communication devices 13 and 20, respectively.

[0024] The server device 5 includes a communication device 30 and a controller 31. The communication device 30 provides communication between the server device 5 and external devices. The communication method used by the communication device 30 may be, for example, wireless communication via a public mobile communication network or satellite communication. The server device 5 transmits and receives data between the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 and the mobile terminal device 4 via the communication device 30. The controller 31 includes a processor 31a and peripheral components such as a storage device 31b. The processor 31a may be, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The storage device 31b may be, for example, a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or the like. The functions of the controller 31 described below are realized, for example, by the processor 31a executing a computer program stored in the storage device 31b. Note that the controller 31 may also be formed by dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below.

[0025] The server device 5 functions as a billing server device and periodically (for example, once a month, every few months, or once a year) transmits billing notices to the mobile terminal device 4. Dedicated application software for using the services provided by the vehicle surroundings notification system 1 is installed in the mobile terminal device 4, and the user 3 can use the notification of the above-mentioned additional information as an additional service by operating the dedicated application software and performing the necessary billing process in response to the billing notice transmitted from the server device 5.

[0026] For example, the storage device 31b of the server device 5 may store a user information database that records the billing status of the user 3. The controller 31 transmits user information for enabling or disabling additional services based on the billing status of the user 3 to the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10. The controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 enables or disables additional services (for example, the notification of the additional information exemplified above) based on the user information received from the server device 5.

[0027] (Third embodiment) The controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 of the third embodiment notifies the occupant of the other vehicle of a message from the user 3 when it is determined that the other vehicle cannot pass the host vehicle 2. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example of the vehicle surrounding condition notification system 1 of the third embodiment. The configuration of the mobile terminal device 4 of the third embodiment is similar to that of Fig. 1.

[0028] The vehicle surroundings notification device 10 of the third embodiment includes a display device 15, a speaker 16, and a microphone 17 in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 1. The display device 15 is controlled by the controller 14 and outputs visual information output from the controller 14. The speaker 16 is controlled by the controller 14 and outputs auditory information output from the controller 14. The microphone 17 detects sounds around the vehicle 2, converts them into electrical signals, and inputs them to the controller 14.

[0029] Another vehicle 6 around the host vehicle 2 is equipped with an in-vehicle device 40. For example, the other vehicle 6 may be a vehicle whose road traffic is obstructed by the host vehicle 2 being parked on the road. The in-vehicle device 40 includes a communication device 41, a display device 42, a speaker 43, a microphone 44, and a controller 45. The communication device 41 provides a communication function between the in-vehicle device 40 and an external device. The communication method used by the communication device 41 may be, for example, wireless communication via a public mobile communication network, satellite communication, road-to-vehicle communication, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, short-range wireless communication, etc. The in-vehicle device 40 transmits and receives data to and from the vehicle surroundings notification device 10 and the mobile terminal device 4 via the communication device 41.

[0030] The display device 42 is controlled by the controller 45 and outputs visual information output from the controller 45. The speaker 43 is controlled by the controller 45 and outputs auditory information output from the controller 45. The microphone 44 detects sounds around the other vehicle 6, converts them into electrical signals, and inputs them to the controller 45. The controller 45 is an electronic control unit that controls the operation of the in-vehicle device 40. The controller 45 includes peripheral components such as a processor 45a and a storage device 45b. The processor 45a may be, for example, a CPU or an MPU. The storage device 45b may include a semiconductor storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or the like. The functions of the controller 45 described below are realized, for example, by the processor 45a executing a computer program stored in the storage device 45b. Note that the controller 45 may be formed by dedicated hardware for executing each of the information processes described below.

[0031] When it is determined that the other vehicle 6 cannot pass the host vehicle 2, for example, the controller 14 may establish indirect communication between the mobile terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 40 via the controller 14 in order to notify the occupant of the other vehicle 6 of a message from the user 3. For example, the controller 14 receives a message from the user 3 to the occupant of the other vehicle 6. The controller 23 of the mobile terminal device 4 may acquire voice information spoken by the user 3 or text information input by the user 3 as a message via the HMI 21 and send it to the vehicle surroundings situation notification device 10. In addition to the voice information and text message, the controller 23 may also acquire a video of the user 3 from the camera 22 and send it as a message to the vehicle surroundings situation notification device 10. The controller 14 transmits these messages received from the mobile terminal device 4 to the in-vehicle device 40 of the other vehicle 6. For example, the controller 14 transmits the message to the in-vehicle device 40 of the other vehicle 6 via short-range wireless communication, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, wireless communication via a public mobile communication network, or satellite communication.

[0032] The controller 45 of the other vehicle 6 outputs these messages received from the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 to at least one of the display device 42 or the speaker 43. For example, the controller 45 may output audio information spoken by the user 3 to the speaker 43. For example, the controller 45 may display a text message input by the user 3 or a video of the user 3 on the display device 42. For example, the controller 14 may output a message received from the mobile terminal device 4 to at least one of the display device 15 or the speaker 16 of the host vehicle 2. For example, the controller 14 may output audio information spoken by the user 3 to the speaker 16. For example, the controller 14 may display a text message input by the user 3 or a video of the user 3 on the display device 15. For example, when an occupant who has disembarked from the other vehicle 6 is near the host vehicle 2, the controller 14 may output these messages from the user 3 to at least one of the display device 15 or the speaker 16 of the host vehicle 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 may establish direct communication between the mobile terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 40 (or the mobile terminal device of the occupant of the other vehicle 6) so that a message from the user 3 acquired by the mobile terminal device 4 can be sent directly to the in-vehicle device 40 of the other vehicle 6 or to the mobile terminal device carried by the occupant of the other vehicle 6 without going through the controller 14. For example, if both the host vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 6 are using the same connected car service provided by the vehicle surrounding condition notification system 1, the controller 14 may transmit to the server device 5 ( FIG. 4 ) the location information of the other vehicle 6 detected by the surrounding condition sensor 11 or the license plate information of the other vehicle 6 recognized from the image captured by the camera in order to identify the connection destination of the mobile terminal device 4.

[0034] The server device 5 may identify identification information (e.g., IP address or email address) of the in-vehicle device 40 of the other vehicle 6 and identification information (telephone number or email address) of the mobile terminal device of the occupant of the other vehicle 6 based on the location information and license plate information of the other vehicle 6, and transmit these to the controller 14. The controller 14 may establish direct communication between the mobile terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 40 (or the mobile terminal device of the occupant of the other vehicle 6) by transmitting the identification information received from the server device 5 to the mobile terminal device 4. The server device 5 may directly transmit this identification information to the mobile terminal device 4.

[0035] When it is determined that the other vehicle cannot pass the host vehicle 2, the controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 may provide a call between the user and the occupant of the other vehicle 6. That is, in addition to notifying the occupant of the other vehicle 6 of a message from the user 3 as described above, the controller 14 may also notify the user 3 of a message from the occupant of the other vehicle 6. In this case, the controller 14 may provide a call between the user and the occupant of the other vehicle 6 by establishing indirect communication between the mobile terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 40 via the controller 14. For example, the controller 45 of the in-vehicle device 40 may acquire a voice message uttered by the occupant of the other vehicle 6 using the microphone 44. The controller 45 transmits the voice message of the occupant of the other vehicle 6 to the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10. For example, the controller 45 transmits the message to the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 via short-range wireless communication, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, wireless communication via a public mobile communication network, or satellite communication.

[0036] Furthermore, the controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 may acquire a voice message spoken by an occupant of the other vehicle 6 through the microphone 17 of the host vehicle 2 and the microphone 44. For example, when an occupant who has disembarked from the other vehicle 6 is near the host vehicle 2, the controller 14 may acquire the voice message of the occupant of the other vehicle 6 through the microphone 44. The controller 14 transmits the acquired voice message of the occupant of the other vehicle 6 to the mobile terminal device 4. The controller 23 of the mobile terminal device 4 outputs the voice message of the occupant of the other vehicle 6 from the HMI 21.

[0037] In addition, when direct communication between the mobile terminal device 4 and the in-vehicle device 40 (or the mobile terminal device of the occupant of the other vehicle 6) is established, a message from the occupant of the other vehicle 6 may be sent directly from the in-vehicle device 40 or the mobile terminal device of the occupant of the other vehicle 6 to the mobile terminal device 4 of the user 3. Furthermore, the vehicle surrounding situation notification system 1 may provide a call between the occupant of the other vehicle 6 and the user 3 of the host vehicle 2 based on a request from the occupant of the other vehicle 6. For example, based on a request from the occupant of the other vehicle 6, the in-vehicle device 40 of the other vehicle 6 may detect position information of the host vehicle 2 using a sensor (not shown) or recognize license plate information of the host vehicle 2 and transmit this information to the server device 5. The server device 5 may establish direct communication between the in-vehicle device 40 or the mobile terminal device of the occupant of the other vehicle 6 and the mobile terminal device 4 of the user 3 by transmitting identification information (telephone number or email address) of the mobile terminal device 4 registered as registration information of the user 3 of the host vehicle 2 to the in-vehicle device 40 or the mobile terminal device of the occupant of the other vehicle 6.

[0038] In addition, the vehicle surrounding situation notification system 1 may provide, in the subscription service, a service for notifying the occupants of other vehicles 6 of messages from the user 3 as described above, or a service for providing calls between the user 3 and the occupants of other vehicles 6, as additional services that are enabled or disabled based on the billing information of the user 3.

[0039] 6 is a flowchart of an example of a method for notifying a vehicle surrounding situation according to the third embodiment. The processes of steps S21 to S23 are the same as the processes of steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 2. In step S24, the controller 14 notifies the occupant of the other vehicle 6 of a message from the user 3, or provides a call between the user 3 and the occupant of the other vehicle 6. The process then ends.

[0040] (Fourth embodiment) When the controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding situation notification device 10 of the fourth embodiment determines that other vehicles cannot pass the vehicle 2, the controller 14 notifies the user 3 of the determination result, and then the user 3 remotely controls the vehicle 2 to correct the parking position of the vehicle 2, thereby driving the vehicle 2 and correcting the parking position of the vehicle 2.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example of a vehicle surroundings notification system 1 according to a fourth embodiment. The configuration of the mobile terminal device 4 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to that of Fig. 1. The vehicle surroundings notification device 10 according to the fourth embodiment includes an actuator 18 in addition to the configuration of Fig. 1. The actuator 18 operates the steering device, drive device, and braking device of the host vehicle 2 in response to control signals from the controller 14 to drive (make the host vehicle 2 travel). The actuator 18 includes a steering actuator, an accelerator opening actuator, and a brake control actuator.

[0042] The controller 23 of the mobile terminal device 4 notifies the user 3 by the HMI 21 of the determination result that the other vehicle cannot pass the host vehicle 2, and then accepts a selection input as to whether or not the user 3 wishes to correct the parking position of the host vehicle 2. For example, the user 3 may input to the mobile terminal device 4 whether or not the user 3 wishes to correct the parking position of the host vehicle 2 by operating an operator on the HMI 21. When the input of a desire to correct the parking position is accepted, the controller 23 transmits a correction request signal to the vehicle surroundings condition notification device 10, requesting that the parking position of the host vehicle 2 be corrected.

[0043] The controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10, which has received the correction request signal, detects a space in which the host vehicle 2 can be parked without interfering with traffic as the target parking position based on the surrounding condition information from the surrounding condition sensor 11. The controller 14 calculates a target driving trajectory for driving the host vehicle 2 from the current position of the host vehicle 2 to the target parking position. The controller 14 may select the target parking position so that a target driving trajectory that does not interfere with obstacles (e.g., other road users such as other vehicles) present around the host vehicle 2 can be calculated. The controller 14 may select a position obtained by changing only the width direction of the host vehicle 2 from the current position as the target parking position.

[0044] Furthermore, the controller 14 generates target parking position information for presenting the target parking position to the user 3. For example, the target parking position information may be an image in which an indication of the target parking position is superimposed on an image captured by the camera of the surrounding situation sensor 11. Furthermore, for example, the controller 14 may generate the target parking position information by synthesizing an overhead image seen from a virtual viewpoint set above the vehicle 2 using the images captured by the camera, and superimposing an indication of the target parking position on the overhead image.

[0045] The controller 14 transmits the target parking position information to the mobile terminal device 4. The controller 23 of the mobile terminal device 4 displays the target parking position information on the HMI 21. When the HMI 21 receives an approval operation from the user 3 for the target parking position, the controller 23 transmits an approval signal to the vehicle surroundings situation notification device 10.

[0046] Upon receiving the approval signal, the controller 14 controls the actuators 18 to operate the steering device, drive device, and braking device of the host vehicle 2 so that the host vehicle 2 travels along the target travel trajectory to the target parking position and stops at the target parking position. At this time, for example, the controller 14 may transmit images captured by the camera of the surrounding situation sensor 11 or an overhead image synthesized from the captured images to the mobile terminal device 4. The controller 23 of the mobile terminal device 4 may display the received captured images and overhead image on the HMI 21. This allows the user 3 to monitor the situation around the host vehicle 2 while correcting the parking position of the host vehicle 2 using the vehicle surrounding situation notification device 10.

[0047] Furthermore, for example, the controller 23 of the mobile terminal device 4 may determine whether the user 3 continues to perform a predetermined operation on the HMI 21 while the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 is correcting the parking position of the vehicle 2. For example, the controller 23 may determine whether the user 3 continues to press a specific button on the HMI 21. If the user 3 continues to perform the predetermined operation, the controller 23 may continue to transmit a travel permission signal to the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10, and may stop transmitting the travel permission signal when the predetermined operation stops.

[0048] The controller 14 of the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 drives the host vehicle 2 to the target parking position while the drive permission signal continues to be received, and stops the host vehicle 2 when the drive permission signal stops being received. The controller 14 may also determine, based on the surrounding condition information from the surrounding condition sensor 11, whether an obstacle exists near or is approaching the host vehicle 2 while the vehicle surrounding condition notification device 10 is correcting the parking position of the host vehicle 2. If an obstacle exists near or is approaching the host vehicle 2, the controller 14 may stop the host vehicle 2.

[0049] In addition, the vehicle surroundings situation notification system 1 may provide, as an additional subscription service, a service that allows the user 3 to remotely correct the parking position of the vehicle 2 using a mobile terminal device 4, which is set to be enabled or disabled based on the user 3's billing information.

[0050] 8 is a flowchart of an example of a method for notifying surrounding conditions of a vehicle according to the fourth embodiment. The processes of steps S31 to S33 are the same as the processes of steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 2. In step S34, the controller 14 corrects the parking position of the vehicle 2 by driving the vehicle 2 through remote control by the user 3 to correct the parking position of the vehicle 2. The process then ends.

[0051] (Effects of the Embodiments) (1) In a method for notifying a user of a vehicle of the surrounding conditions, which acquires the conditions around the vehicle and notifies the user of the vehicle of the conditions around the vehicle, a controller executes a process for determining whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic when the vehicle is parked on a road, and a process for notifying the user of the determination result of whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic. This allows the user to be notified of whether the vehicle parked on the road is obstructing traffic.

[0052] (2) When the controller determines that the host vehicle is obstructing traffic, the controller may notify the user of the determination result. This reduces unnecessary notifications. (3) The controller may detect other vehicles around the host vehicle, recognize the width of the detected other vehicles, and determine whether the other vehicles can travel on the road and pass the host vehicle based on the output of a sensor that detects the situation around the host vehicle or road map information and the width of the other vehicles. When the other vehicles cannot pass the host vehicle, the controller may determine that the host vehicle is obstructing traffic. This may determine whether the host vehicle is obstructing traffic.

[0053] (4) The controller may transmit the determination result of whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic and an image of the surroundings of the vehicle to the user's mobile terminal device. This allows the user to visually grasp the surroundings of the vehicle. (5) When another vehicle cannot pass the vehicle, the controller may notify the occupant of the other vehicle of a message from the user. This allows for quick communication with the occupant of the other vehicle.

[0054] (6) When another vehicle cannot pass the user's vehicle, the controller may provide a call between the user and the occupant of the other vehicle via the user's mobile terminal device and a speaker and microphone of the user's vehicle or the other vehicle. This allows for quick communication between the user and the occupant of the other vehicle. (7) The controller may notify the user of the urgency of addressing the traffic obstruction caused by the user's vehicle along with the determination result. This allows the user to take appropriate action based on the urgency.

[0055] (8) The controller may determine the urgency level based on at least one of the other vehicle's passing lights, an alarm from the other vehicle, or an occupant of the other vehicle getting out of the other vehicle. This allows the urgency level to be appropriately determined according to the situation of the other vehicle. (9) The controller may notify the user of the attributes of the other vehicle along with the determination result. This allows the user to make an appropriate decision based on the attributes of the other vehicle.

[0056] (10) After notifying the user of the determination result, the controller may cause the user to drive the vehicle by remotely controlling the vehicle to correct its parking position. This allows the user to correct the parking position without returning to the vehicle's location. (11) The controller may enable at least one of the following functions depending on the user's billing status: transmitting the determination time and captured image described in (4) above; transmitting a message described in (5) above; communicating between the user and the occupant described in (6) above; notifying the urgency level described in (7) above; notifying the attributes of the other vehicle described in (9) above; or remote control described in (10) above. This allows services to be provided at a fee according to the user's required services.

[0057] All examples and conditional terms described herein are intended for educational purposes to aid the reader in understanding the present invention and the concepts provided by the inventor for the advancement of technology, and should be construed without limitation to the specifically described examples and conditions above, and the configuration of examples herein for illustrating the advantages and disadvantages of the present invention. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0058] 1... Vehicle surroundings situation notification system, 2... Host vehicle, 4... Portable terminal device, 5... Server device, 6... Other vehicle, 10... Vehicle surroundings situation notification device, 11... Surroundings situation sensor, 12... Map database, 13, 20, 30, 41... Communication device, 14, 23, 31, 45... Controller, 14a, 23a, 31a, 45a... Processor, 14b, 23b, 31b, 45b... Storage device, 15, 42... Display device, 16, 43... Speaker, 17, 44... Microphone, 18... Actuator, 21... Human-machine interface, 22... Camera, 40... In-vehicle device

Claims

1. A method for notifying a user of a vehicle of the conditions surrounding the vehicle, which acquires the conditions surrounding the vehicle and notifies the user of the vehicle of the conditions surrounding the vehicle, characterized in that a controller executes the following processes: determining whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic when the vehicle is parked on a road; and notifying the user of the result of the determination of whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic.

2. The method for notifying the user of the surroundings of a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the controller determines that the vehicle is obstructing traffic, the controller notifies the user of the determination result.

3. The method for notifying the vehicle of the surrounding conditions described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller detects other vehicles around the vehicle and recognizes the width of the other vehicles detected, determines whether the other vehicles can travel on the road and pass the vehicle based on the output of a sensor detecting the surrounding conditions of the vehicle or road map information and the width of the other vehicles, and determines that the vehicle is obstructing traffic if the other vehicles cannot pass the vehicle.

4. A method for notifying the user of the surroundings of a vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the controller transmits to the user's portable terminal device the time at which it was determined whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic or not, and an image of the surroundings of the vehicle, together with the determination result.

5. The method for notifying a surrounding situation of a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the controller notifies an occupant of the other vehicle of a message from the user when the other vehicle cannot pass the vehicle.

6. The method for notifying of surrounding conditions of a vehicle as described in claim 3, characterized in that, when the other vehicle cannot pass the host vehicle, the controller provides a call between the user and an occupant of the other vehicle via the user's mobile terminal device and a speaker and microphone of the host vehicle or the other vehicle.

7. A method for notifying the user of the vehicle surroundings conditions described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the controller notifies the user of the urgency of dealing with the traffic disruption caused by the vehicle together with the judgment result.

8. The method for notifying the surroundings of a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the controller determines the urgency based on at least one of a passing light from another vehicle, an alarm from the other vehicle, or an occupant getting out of the other vehicle.

9. The method for notifying the user of the surrounding conditions of the vehicle according to claim 3, 5 or 6, wherein the controller notifies the user of the attributes of the other vehicle together with the determination result.

10. A method for notifying the user of the surrounding conditions of a vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that after the controller notifies the user of the judgment result, the user drives the vehicle by remotely controlling the vehicle to correct the parking position of the vehicle.

11. A method for notifying the surroundings of a vehicle, characterized in that the controller enables at least one of the following depending on the billing status of the user: the transmission of the determination time and the captured image as described in claim 4; the transmission of the message as described in claim 5; the call between the user and the occupant as described in claim 6; the notification of the urgency as described in claim 7; the notification of the attributes of the other vehicle as described in claim 9; or the remote control as described in claim 10.

12. A vehicle surroundings condition notification device that acquires the conditions around a vehicle and notifies a user of the vehicle of the conditions around the vehicle, the vehicle surroundings condition notification device comprising a controller that executes the following processes: a process of determining whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic when the vehicle is parked on a road; and a process of notifying the user of the result of the determination of whether the vehicle is obstructing traffic.

Images