Speeding notification device

Abstract

The present invention reduces the burden on a driver when using, as the set speed of a vehicle, a designated maximum speed of a road which has been acquired by image recognition or the like. In the present invention, when a designated maximum speed has been reflected as a set speed, if the speed of travel exceeds the set speed due to the set speed being decreased by said reflection, operation of a speeding warning unit is suspended for a prescribed time, and when the exceeding of the set speed continues after the set speed is exceeded, the suspension is canceled and the speeding warning unit operates.

Description

Overspeed notification device

[0001] This invention relates to devices and operations for controlling motor vehicle speeding.

[0002] While checking road signs is essential when driving, drivers cannot completely check all road signs and may miss some. To address this issue, mechanisms for safe driving that read road sign information using a vehicle-side mechanism and reflect it in driving have been studied. For example, Patent Literature 1 proposes a technology that uses LiDAR to identify displayed objects within the imaging range of a camera that captures an image of the area ahead of the vehicle, and recognizes road information through image recognition. The recognized road information, such as speed limits, is then reported to the occupants.

[0003] Meanwhile, vehicles are already being controlled according to a control speed set by the driver (Non-Patent Document 1). When the vehicle speed is about to exceed the set speed, for example, wheel torque is limited to prevent the vehicle from exceeding the set speed. In addition, maximum speed information is presented to the driver, and the driver is also notified when the maximum speed information has changed (2.2 in Non-Patent Document 1). Shortly after the presented speed limit is changed, the driver is asked for approval and recommended to change the upper limit (2.3.2.2 in Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-188532

[0005] Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Road Transport Bureau, Advanced Safety Vehicle Promotion Study Group, Automatic Speed ​​Control Device (ISA) Basic Design Document, [online], December 2019, [Retrieved October 13, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / www.mlit.go.jp / report / press / content / 001320703.pdf>

[0006] However, in "2.2.5 Presentation of Information When the Speed ​​Limit Changes" of Non-Patent Document 1, it is stated that "If a beep sounds every time the speed limit changes, the driver may find it annoying and disable the function, or may become confused because they do not know what the warning sound is. It is necessary to consider the HMI design according to the system and driving situation, such as clearly displaying that the new speed limit has been set." In some cases, the warning sound may be annoying to the driver.

[0007] Specifically, if the driver temporarily exceeds the speed limit due to their actions, the warning sound announcing the speed limit will be a reminder to the driver of something they already know, which is a concern as it will increase the annoyance and burden on the driver.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the driver when the designated maximum speed of a road obtained by image recognition or the like is used as the set speed of the vehicle.

[0009] The above problem has been solved by a first solution means which is an overspeed notification device comprising: a maximum speed acquisition unit which acquires a designated maximum speed for the road on which the vehicle is traveling; a vehicle control unit which controls the vehicle in accordance with a set speed; a vehicle speed reflection unit which reflects the acquired designated maximum speed in the set speed; a vehicle speed reflection notification unit which notifies by voice when the designated maximum speed is reflected in the set speed; and an overspeed warning unit which notifies by a warning sound when the vehicle's traveling speed exceeds the set speed, wherein when the designated maximum speed is reflected in the set speed, if the traveling speed exceeds the reflected set speed, the overspeed warning unit suspends execution for a first predetermined time, and if the exceeding state continues beyond the first predetermined time, the suspension is released.

[0010] In addition to the first solution, the speed limit notification device of the present invention can also employ a second solution, characterized in that a sound that is quieter than the warning sound is emitted during the reservation.

[0011] In addition to the first solution, the speed limit notification device of the present invention can also employ a third solution, characterized in that a sound with a lower pitch than the warning sound is emitted during the reservation.

[0012] Furthermore, in addition to the first to third solution means, the speed limit notification device of the present invention can adopt a fourth solution means, which is characterized in that after the reservation is released, the warning sound is restored using a second predetermined time.

[0013] Furthermore, in addition to the first to fourth solutions, the speeding notification device of the present invention can adopt a fifth solution, which has a speeding display unit that provides an optical notification when the driving speed exceeds the set speed, and is characterized by providing an optical notification while execution of the speeding warning unit is suspended.

[0014] In a vehicle equipped with the speed limit notification device of the present invention, the audible warning is temporarily suspended in situations where the driver's operation to approve a reduction in the set speed naturally causes the vehicle speed to exceed the set speed. In other words, by suppressing the notification, which is obvious to the driver, the annoyance felt by the driver is reduced. On the other hand, if the vehicle continues to exceed the set speed, this should be notified as a warning, so the suspension is lifted and the audible warning is issued. Furthermore, if the notification was issued in a less annoyance-inducing manner by a sound that was lower in volume or pitch than the original warning sound before the suspension was lifted, the suspension can be lifted and the original warning sound restored, ensuring the driver receives the necessary warning.

[0015] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the speeding notification device of the present invention and the surrounding circumstances; 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display form displayed on the optical display unit; 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display form on the optical display unit when speeding is exceeded; 4 is a diagram showing an example of sound transition when the warning sound is resumed in a non-stepwise manner using a second predetermined time after a first predetermined time; 5 is a diagram showing an example of sound transition when the warning sound is resumed in a stepwise manner using a second predetermined time after a first predetermined time, while repeating high and low frequencies, using a second predetermined time; 6 is a diagram showing an example of a flow chart for one embodiment of the speeding notification device of the present invention; 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flow chart for another embodiment of the speeding notification device of the present invention; 8 is a diagram showing an example of a flow chart for a mode in which the functions of the speeding notification device of the present invention are executed in parallel; 9 is a continuation of the part relating to speeding in FIG. 6

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 1 . A speeding notification device 10 according to the present invention is mounted on an automobile 1. The automobile 1 may be an engine-driven vehicle or an electric vehicle. If the automobile 1 is an electric vehicle, it may be a hybrid vehicle having an engine. If the automobile 1 is a hybrid vehicle, it may be a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) that is not only charged with power generated by the engine but also has an external charging function that allows charging from an external source or an external power supply that allows power to be supplied to the outside. In other words, the type of automobile 1 is essentially irrelevant. However, in accordance with the present invention, whether the automobile 1 is engine-driven or motor-driven, it is necessary for the automobile 1 to have a vehicle control unit 20 that limits acceleration according to a set speed.

[0017] The vehicle control unit 20 has a semiconductor arithmetic device and memory, and receives output requests from operating devices such as the accelerator, sends commands such as operation instructions and output requests for the engine and motor, and acquires data from each component. The vehicle control unit 20 realizes each component, described below, as functions realized by executing stored programs or functions using dedicated circuits. In particular, rather than providing a separate arithmetic device solely for the vehicle control unit 20, it is preferable to install and execute a program realizing the present invention in an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) installed in the automobile 1 for driving control, thereby implementing the program as an additional function.

[0018] The speed limit notification device 10 according to the present invention has a maximum speed acquisition unit 21 that acquires the designated maximum speed of the road on which the automobile 1 is traveling. The means for acquiring the designated maximum speed of the road on which the automobile 1 is traveling is not limited, and data acquired by various functions of the automobile 1 may be selectively employed.

[0019] One method for acquiring the designated maximum speed is to acquire an image of the scene ahead of the vehicle from a camera 31 attached to the front of the automobile 1, and then acquire speed limit information from maximum speed signs and road markings included in the image using the image recognition unit 32. The image recognition unit 32 may be one that recognizes the speed limit by executing an image recognition AI program itself in the vehicle control unit 20, or the vehicle control unit 20 may acquire the speed limit information via dedicated hardware for image recognition.

[0020] Another method for acquiring the designated maximum speed is, for example, to acquire location information from an antenna (not shown) compatible with a satellite positioning system such as GPS (location information acquisition unit 33), and then acquire the designated maximum speed for the road on which the vehicle is currently traveling, recorded in a map information database 34 held as car navigation software in the vehicle 1, by the road information unit 35. Note that instead of the map information database 34 in the vehicle 1, a map information database 34 on a network connected via a mobile communication network or the like may be referenced. In this case, the vehicle 1 has a network connection unit for connecting to a network such as a mobile communication network.

[0021] In either method, the acquired designated maximum speed is stored in the memory of the vehicle control unit 20.

[0022] The speed limit notification device 10 of the present invention has an interface unit that notifies the driver of necessary information, displays the information, and accepts operations. The interface unit includes an input unit 41 that accepts operations such as setting reflection by the driver, an optical display unit 42 that provides optical display, and an audio unit 43 that outputs audio and warning sounds.

[0023] The input unit 41 may be a physical device such as a switch or a lever, or may be a touchpad integrated with the optical display unit 42. In particular, it is preferable from the viewpoint of safety and reliability during operation if a dedicated switch that allows easy input while driving is provided in the steering wheel or near the steering wheel or shift lever. This input unit 41 operates the vehicle speed reflection unit 40, which will be described later.

[0024] The optical display unit 42 is formed in a configuration that is easily understandable to the driver, such as a monitor made of liquid crystal or organic electroluminescence (EL), a lighting unit that displays digital numbers or meters using light points such as LEDs, an analog meter, etc., and notifies the driver visually. It has at least a designated maximum speed display unit 22 that displays the designated maximum speed acquired by the maximum speed acquisition unit 21, an effective speed limit display unit 23 that displays a set speed that is a numerical value at which the vehicle control unit 20 imposes restrictions on the vehicle's engine or motor so as not to permit acceleration to a speed higher than that at the current time, and a speed display unit 24 that displays the current speed of the automobile 1 obtained by the vehicle speed sensor 37. Examples of displays in which the designated maximum speed display unit 22, the speed display unit 24, and the speed limit display unit 27 (described later) are arranged on the optical display unit 42 are shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In the situation shown in Fig. 2A, the designated maximum speed (designated maximum speed display unit 22) acquired from a traffic sign or the like is 50 km / h, the set speed currently set for the automobile 1 (enforced speed limit display unit 23) is 80 km / h, and the current traveling speed (speed display unit 24) is 74 km / h. In this case, when the designated maximum speed is reflected in the set speed as shown in Fig. 2B, the vehicle speed exceeds the set speed, resulting in an overspeeding.

[0025] The optical display unit 42 also has an overspeed display unit 27 that provides an optical notification when the actual traveling speed exceeds the set speed. This overspeed display unit 27 is easy for the driver to understand if it is provided close to the speed display unit 24 or is realized by adding an additional display method to the speed display unit 24. For example, a bright light spot 29 is arranged around the numerical portion of the traveling speed shown on the speed display unit 24 to draw attention to the numerical portion, and the light spot 29 is turned on when the traveling speed exceeds the set speed to attract attention, or the numerical portion of the traveling speed shown on the speed display unit 24 itself is made to flash.

[0026] The audio unit 43 mainly notifies the driver's hearing by notification sounds and warning sounds. Specifically, it is composed of an in-vehicle speaker and a sound source that outputs a predetermined sound to the in-vehicle speaker. The notification sound includes at least a short sound that notifies the driver that an operation to reflect the set speed has been accepted and has actually been reflected in the set speed. The warning sound includes a sound that may be sustained that indicates that the driving speed is exceeding the set speed.

[0027] The vehicle control unit 20 operates a vehicle speed reflection notification unit 25 that notifies by voice when the set speed is reflected, and an excess speed warning unit 26 that notifies by a warning sound when the actual traveling speed of the automobile 1 exceeds the set speed, by sounding a predetermined sound from the audio unit 43.

[0028] The normal behavior of this automobile 1 while traveling is as follows: The optical display unit 42 constantly displays the vehicle speed obtained from the vehicle speed sensor 37 in the speed display unit 24. In addition, the designated maximum speed for the road on which the vehicle is currently traveling, obtained from the maximum speed acquisition unit 21, is displayed in the designated maximum speed display unit 22. This designated maximum speed is not automatically reflected in the set speed, but is reflected by the vehicle speed reflection unit 40, which receives a confirmation operation from the driver via the input unit 41. Once the operation to reflect the designated maximum speed in the set speed is confirmed, or once the designated maximum speed has been reflected in the set speed, the vehicle speed reflection notification unit 25 notifies the driver by emitting a sound to that effect, or by displaying a visually discernible display, such as blinking a numerical display or temporarily changing the display color, in the effective speed limit display unit 23 in the optical display unit 42, to notify the driver.

[0029] When the traveling speed exceeds the set speed, the vehicle control unit 20 does not operate mechanisms that accelerate the vehicle, such as the engine or motor, or suppresses acceleration to prevent further speeding. When traveling on flat ground under normal conditions, if the accelerator is depressed at a time when the traveling speed would exceed the set speed, the vehicle control unit 20 suppresses acceleration, allowing the vehicle to travel within the set speed range. However, if the vehicle accelerates without relying on the engine or motor, for example, on a downhill slope, the traveling speed may exceed the set speed even if the vehicle control unit 20 suppresses acceleration. In such a case, the speed limit warning unit 26 emits a warning sound to notify the driver of this.

[0030] On the other hand, if the designated maximum speed becomes lower when the vehicle exits a highway onto a local road or turns onto a side road while driving, the vehicle's traveling speed may unintentionally exceed the designated maximum speed. A driver may miss a traffic sign on a general road and not realize that the designated maximum speed has been reduced, causing the vehicle's traveling speed to exceed the designated maximum speed. Even in such cases, the maximum speed acquisition unit 21 acquires the designated maximum speed and displays the numerical value on the designated maximum speed display unit 22. When the driver operates the input unit 41 to reflect the designated maximum speed into the set speed, the traveling speed displayed on the speed display unit 24 may exceed the designated maximum speed. In this case, the driver naturally understands that the speed exceedance notification device will determine that the vehicle is speeding when the set speed is reflected by the vehicle speed reflection unit 40. In this situation, a loud warning indicating that the vehicle is speeding is not only meaningless but also annoying to the driver.

[0031] In the speeding notification device according to the present invention, when the travel speed exceeds the set speed due to a reduction in the set speed caused by reflecting the designated maximum speed in the set speed, the vehicle control unit 20 suspends execution of the speeding warning unit 26 for a first predetermined time. Here, the first predetermined time may be set to a value of approximately 5 to 30 seconds, depending on the speed, and is stored in the memory of the vehicle control unit 20. If the speeding state continues after the first predetermined time has elapsed, it is necessary to once again warn the driver and promptly decelerate, so the suspension of the speeding warning unit 26 is canceled and a warning sound is sounded to warn the driver.

[0032] In addition, the speed limit display unit 27 may also display a warning message for notifying the driver of excessive speed, similar to the warning sound, or may hold off for a shorter period of time than the warning sound. Similarly, immediately after the setting is reflected, it is assumed that the driver understands that the speed limit will be exceeded, and if the excessive speed limit continues thereafter, a message indicating that the speed limit has been exceeded may be displayed.

[0033] In another embodiment of the speeding notification device of the present invention, when the vehicle control unit 20 postpones the notification by warning when the driving speed exceeds the set speed due to a reduction in the set speed caused by reflecting the designated maximum speed in the set speed, the speeding warning unit 26 executes the speeding warning so as to emit a sound lower than the normal warning sound during the postponement. A low-pitched warning sound is less annoying to a driver who knows that they will be speeding, and can serve as a notification when the driver is unaware. Here, a low-pitched sound may be, for example, a sound lower in volume than the normal warning sound, a sound with a low pitch, or a sound with both a low volume and a low pitch. Note that a low pitch refers to a sound with a low frequency.

[0034] If the speeding state continues for a first predetermined time, the speeding warning unit 26 returns to the original warning sound from the low sound using a second predetermined time. The speeding state should be resolved as soon as possible, and the speeding state is returned to the original warning sound by increasing the urgency of the continued speeding state.

[0035] When returning from a low level to a high level warning sound, the change may be a gradual increase or a continuous increase. If the change is continuous, the warning sound can be made very quiet at the initial stage, sufficiently reducing the annoyance felt by the driver at the initial stage. On the other hand, if the change is gradual, it is easier for the driver to grasp the urgency as the level increases, making it easier for the driver to take action.

[0036] The change in sound intensity when the warning sound is restored to its original level using a second predetermined time period after the first predetermined time period has elapsed is described with reference to the example diagrams in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C. The vertical axis represents the level of the sound, such as volume and pitch, and the horizontal axis represents the passage of time. Figure 3A shows an example of a case where the sound is restored in a non-step manner using the second predetermined time period. The sound gradually increases in volume and pitch from a low or soft level, eventually restoring to the original warning sound and informing the driver that the speeding situation is being resolved. Figure 3B shows an example of a case where the sound intensity is gradually increased using the second predetermined time period. In this case, the increase in the level at each stage and the elapsed time at which the speed limit is reached may be adjusted as appropriate. Figure 3C shows an example of a case where the sound intensity is increased, then decreased, and then increased again repeatedly to restore the sound intensity. The large change in the level as it increases conveys a sense of urgency to the driver, urging them to immediately resolve the speeding situation.

[0037] The speeding warning displayed by the speeding indicator 27 and the speeding warning sound emitted by the speeding warning unit 26 may be combined in a more gradual manner. Examples of this embodiment are shown in Tables 1 to 3. In each case, Level 1 occurs immediately after the vehicle speed is detected as being overspeeding due to the vehicle speed reflection unit 40. At this point, neither the speeding warning nor the speeding warning sound is emitted. If the speeding state continues for a certain period of time, the state transitions to Level 2, and the speeding indicator 27 displays a speeding warning. The speeding sound is finally restored at Level 3, after the speeding state has continued. In this case, the interval between Level 1 and Level 2 corresponds to a first predetermined time. In the embodiment of Table 1, the warning sound is set to a sufficient volume. On the other hand, in the embodiments of Tables 2 and 3, a low-level warning sound is emitted at Level 3. As the speeding continues, the level increases to Level 4 and Level 5, and the volume or frequency of the warning sound increases. In this case, the interval between Level 3 and Level 4 corresponds to a second predetermined time, during which the warning sound is restored in a gradual manner.

[0038]

[0039]

[0040]

[0041] An example flow of an embodiment of an automobile 1 equipped with a speeding notification device according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. This example flow is an embodiment in which only a warning display is issued at the initial point in time when speeding occurs (Level 1), and when speeding continues for a first predetermined time (Level 2), the suspension is released and a warning sound is issued.

[0042] First (S101), when the automobile 1 starts traveling (S102), the vehicle control unit 20 executes the maximum speed acquisition unit 21, which acquires the designated maximum speed for the road on which the automobile 1 is traveling from the car navigation system's map information database 34, the camera 31, etc. (S103). The vehicle control unit 20 then displays the acquired designated maximum speed on the designated maximum speed display unit 22 (S104) to inform the driver. If a switch or button that reflects the set speed is input as the input unit 41 (S105 → Yes), the vehicle speed reflection unit 40 is executed, and the acquired designated maximum speed is reflected in the set speed (S106). At this time, it is determined whether the traveling speed exceeds the reflected set speed (S111). If the speed is not exceeded (S111 → No), the situation continues to be monitored while traveling without issuing any warning display or warning sound. If the designated maximum speed is not reflected (S112 → No), the set speed remains unchanged, and the determination of whether the speed will exceed the set speed continues (S111). If the specified maximum speed is reflected (S112→Yes), the flow continues in the same manner from S103.

[0043] If the speed limit is exceeded (S111 → Yes), it is determined whether a first predetermined time has elapsed since the set speed was updated (S121). If the first predetermined time has elapsed (S121 → Yes), the speed limit is considered to be due to the subsequent acceleration, not the reflected speed limit, and the overspeed warning unit 26 issues a warning sound (S125). The predetermined time here is preferably about 1 to 3 seconds. The reason why the speed limit is considered to be exceeded after this time has elapsed is because the acceleration after the vehicle speed limit is updated.

[0044] On the other hand, if the first predetermined time has not elapsed since the reflection (S121 → No), it is assumed that the speeding is due to the reflection of the set speed and is expected by the driver, and the issuance of the warning sound is suspended until the first predetermined time continues, and only the warning display by the speeding indicator 27 is displayed (S122). If the speeding is subsequently resolved (S123 → No), the speeding indication is canceled (S124), and it is monitored whether the speeding continues. On the other hand, if the speeding has not been resolved and has continued for the specified first predetermined time (S123 → Yes), it is determined that a warning to the driver is necessary, and the speeding warning unit 26 issues a warning sound (S125). Here, the specified time for which the speeding continues is approximately 4 to 5 seconds for each Level, and it is preferable that the time it takes to reach Level 1 from Level Max be approximately 20 to 30 seconds.

[0045] In either case, the warning sound (S125) continues to sound as long as the speed limit continues (S126→No), and when the speed limit is resolved (S126→Yes), the warning display is cleared and the sound stops (S127).

[0046] An example flow of yet another embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In this example flow, at the initial point of speeding (Level 1), the warning sound is suspended and a sound with a lower volume than the warning sound is emitted, and as the speeding continues to Level 2 and Level 3, the volume is increased, the suspension is lifted, and the warning sound is restored.

[0047] The steps from S101 to S111 are the same as those in the flow shown in Fig. 4. When the speed is exceeded (S111 → Yes), if a first predetermined time has elapsed since the set speed was reflected (S141 → Yes), the warning sound is not suspended but is sounded at the original loud volume setting (S146).

[0048] On the other hand, if the first predetermined time has not elapsed since the reflection (S141 → No), the speeding is due to the reflection of the set speed and is assumed to be the driver's expectation. The warning sound is suspended, and a softer sound is emitted to notify the driver that the speeding continues (S142). If the speeding subsequently resolves (S143 → No), the soft sound stops to notify the driver that the speeding has resolved (S148). If the speeding continues for a specified time (part of the second predetermined time) (S143 → Yes), the warning level is raised even if the driver expected it, and the sound volume is increased to gradually return to the warning sound (S144). If the speeding then resolves (S145 → No), the sound stops to notify the driver that the speeding has resolved (S148). The specified time during which speeding continues is preferably about 6 to 7 seconds for each Level, and the time it takes to go from Level 1 to the maximum Level is preferably about 20 to 30 seconds.

[0049] Furthermore, if the speeding continues for a specified time (the remainder of the second predetermined time) (S145 → Yes), the volume of the sound is increased to the maximum and the warning sound is restored (S146). That is, this state of S143 and S145 continues until the speeding stops (S147 → Yes), and when the speeding stops (S147 → No), the warning sound is stopped to notify the driver that the speeding has stopped (S148).

[0050] In the flow of Figure 5, the volume of the warning sound may be changed from low to medium to high, or the frequency of the warning sound may be changed from low to medium to high along with the change in the volume of the warning sound.

[0051] 4 and 5, the speed limit may be resolved not only by deceleration but also when the set speed exceeds the traveling speed when new maximum speed information is acquired and reflected in the set speed. In other words, the steps of S103 to S106 may be inserted at any time, thereby resolving the speed limit.

[0052] When the vehicle control unit 20 of the speed limit notification device according to the present invention processes each of the functional units, it may not only control the overall time lapse as shown in the flow charts of Figures 4 and 5, but may also process each of the individual functions in parallel to realize the overall function. An example of such a processing flow will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0053] First (S201), when the automobile 1 starts moving (S202), the vehicle control unit 20 executes in parallel, in a multitasking manner, functions related to the effective speed limit display unit 23 (S210 group), functions related to the input unit 41 and the vehicle speed reflection unit 40 (S220 group), and functions related to speeding by the speeding warning unit 26 and the speeding display unit 27 (S230 group).

[0054] Of these, the function related to the effective speed limit display unit 23 (S210 group) executes the maximum speed acquisition unit 21, which acquires the designated maximum speed for the road being traveled on from the car navigation system's map information database 34, camera 31, etc., as in S103 (S211). It is determined whether the acquired designated maximum speed differs from the designated maximum speed currently held by the vehicle control unit 20 and displayed in the designated maximum speed display unit 22 (S212). If they differ (S212 → Yes), the designated maximum speed display is updated (S213, corresponding to S104). This process is continuously executed.

[0055] The functions related to the input unit 41 and the vehicle speed reflecting unit 40 (S220 group) executed in parallel execute functions corresponding to S105 and S106. The process continuously waits for the input unit 41 (referred to as a switch in the flow as an example) that reflects the set speed to be turned on (S221 → No, corresponding to S105). When the input unit 41 is turned on (S221 → Yes), the currently set vehicle speed is compared with the maximum speed information acquired in S210 group to determine whether it should be reflected and updated (S222). If the comparison reveals the same results, the speed is not reflected in the set speed (S222 → No). If they are not the same, the speed is reflected in the set vehicle speed (S222 → Yes → S223), and the process continues to wait for the input unit 41 to be turned on (S221).

[0056] Furthermore, the speeding-related functions (S230 group) of the speeding warning unit 26 and the speeding display unit 27, which are executed in parallel, continue to monitor whether the traveling speed exceeds the set vehicle speed (S231 → No, corresponding to S111 and S112). If the traveling speed exceeds the set vehicle speed (S111 → Yes), the response is switched depending on whether a first predetermined time has passed since the set vehicle speed was reflected (S232, corresponding to S121). If the first predetermined time has not passed (S232 → No), it is determined that the speeding is due to the reflection of the set vehicle speed. Therefore, the warning sound is not emitted and only the speeding display unit 27 displays a warning (S233, corresponding to S122). This visual display continues until a certain time has passed (S234 → No → S235 → Yes). If the speeding state is resolved during that time (S235 → No, corresponding to S123), the warning display is canceled (S238, corresponding to S124). On the other hand, if the speeding continues for a certain period of time (S234 → Yes), it is necessary to raise the level of warning to the driver, so the reservation is released and a warning sound is emitted from the speeding warning unit 26 (S236, corresponding to S125).

[0057] On the other hand, if the driving speed exceeds the set vehicle speed and the first predetermined time has already passed since the set vehicle speed was reflected (S232 → Yes), it is determined that this exceedance was not intentional due to the reflection of the set vehicle speed, and an alarm is emitted from the speed limit warning unit 26 without reservation (corresponding to S236 and S125).

[0058] In either case, once the warning sound is generated, it continues as long as the speeding state continues (S237→Yes, corresponding to S126). When the speeding state is resolved (S237→No), the warning sound is stopped (S238, corresponding to S127). If the warning display on the speeding display unit 27 has been ongoing up to this point, the warning display is also canceled.

[0059] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Automobile 10 Speeding notification device 20 Vehicle control unit 21 Maximum speed acquisition unit 22 Designated maximum speed display unit 23 Effective speed limit display unit 24 Speed ​​display unit 25 Vehicle speed change notification unit 26 Speeding warning unit 27 Speeding display unit 29 Light spot 31 Camera 32 Image recognition unit 33 Position information acquisition unit 34 Map information database 35 Road information unit 37 Vehicle speed sensor 40 Vehicle speed reflection unit 41 Input unit 42 Optical display unit 43 Audio unit

Claims

1. An overspeed notification device comprising: a maximum speed acquisition unit that acquires a designated maximum speed for a road on which a vehicle is traveling; a vehicle control unit that controls the vehicle in accordance with a set speed that has been set; a vehicle speed reflection unit that reflects the acquired designated maximum speed in the set speed; a vehicle speed reflection notification unit that notifies by audio when the designated maximum speed has been reflected in the set speed; and an overspeed warning unit that notifies by audio when the vehicle's traveling speed exceeds the set speed, wherein when the designated maximum speed is reflected in the set speed, and the traveling speed exceeds the reflected set speed after the designated maximum speed has been reflected, the device suspends execution of the overspeed warning unit for a first predetermined time, and releases the suspension if the exceeding state continues beyond the first predetermined time.

2. The speed limit notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, during the reserved period, a sound is emitted that is lower in volume than the warning sound.

3. The speed limit notification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, during the reservation, a sound with a lower pitch than the warning sound is emitted.

4. The speed limit notification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that after the reservation is released, the warning sound is restored using a second predetermined time.

5. The speed limit notification device according to claim 1, further comprising an excess speed display unit that provides an optical notification when the driving speed exceeds the set speed, and that provides the optical notification while the execution of the excess speed warning unit is suspended.

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