Turn signal lamp and obstacle alert sound control system for vehicle

Abstract

A turn signal alert sound control system for a vehicle is provided. The turn signal alert sound control system for a vehicle comprises: an audio output unit for outputting a turn signal alert sound to the inside of the vehicle when a turn signal lamp of the vehicle is operated; and a control unit for controlling the audio output unit, wherein the control unit includes: a storage unit for storing a plurality of alert sounds; and a manual control device by which a user sets, as the turn signal alert sound, at least one alert sound from among the plurality of alert sounds and manually adjusts the volume of the turn signal alert sound.

Description

Vehicle turn signal and obstacle warning sound control system

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle turn signal notification sound and obstacle warning control system, and relates to a vehicle turn signal notification sound and obstacle warning control system that can set the type of the vehicle turn signal notification sound according to the user's (driver's) preference and control the volume of the notification sound according to the user's (driver's) hearing ability.

[0002]

[0003] A vehicle is a device capable of transporting people or goods to a destination while traveling on roads or tracks. According to traffic laws, when changing lanes while driving, the turn signal must be activated. Failure to do so or changing lanes without recognizing the turn signal can confuse following vehicles and lead to traffic accidents. Accordingly, vehicles are equipped with a unique turn signal alert sound that is output through the vehicle's internal speakers to audibly inform the driver whether the turn signal is activated.

[0004] However, most current turn signal alerts are provided by manufacturers at preset volumes, regardless of the driver's hearing ability or preferences. This can result in some drivers being overly loud, causing discomfort or irritation while driving. Conversely, some drivers may find the alerts inaudible, preventing them from recognizing that the turn signal is active. This can be particularly irritating for both those with hearing loss and those with hearing loss.

[0005] In cases like this, when drivers fail to properly recognize the use of turn signals, they may drive without using them when changing lanes, potentially misleading following vehicles and disrupting traffic flow. This not only increases the risk of accidents, but such actions can be reported via dashcam footage and considered a violation of traffic laws, potentially resulting in fines. Indeed, crackdowns and penalties for failing to use turn signals are increasingly stringent, and even violations resulting from unawareness, regardless of the driver's intent, can result in legal action.

[0006]

[0007] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problem, and can provide a vehicle turn signal sound control system capable of adjusting the type and volume of turn signal sound customized to the user's taste or hearing ability.

[0008] In addition, a vehicle turn signal notification sound control system can be provided that detects the size of noise inside the vehicle or the movement of the driver's eyes inside the vehicle, determines whether the user has recognized the operation of the turn signal while the turn signal is in operation, and automatically controls the size of the turn signal notification sound if it is determined that the user has not recognized the operation of the turn signal.

[0009] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0010]

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem, a vehicle turn signal notification sound control system comprises: an audio output unit for outputting a turn signal notification sound inside a vehicle when a turn signal of the vehicle is operated; and a control unit for controlling the audio output unit, wherein the control unit comprises a storage unit for storing a plurality of notification sounds; and a manual control device for allowing a user to set at least one of the plurality of notification sounds as the turn signal notification sound and manually adjust the volume of the turn signal notification sound.

[0012] In some embodiments, the vehicle may further include a monitoring unit that monitors the interior of the vehicle to obtain information about the interior of the vehicle, and the control unit may further include an automatic control unit that receives the information about the interior of the vehicle from the monitoring unit and adjusts the volume of the turn signal sound output through the audio output unit based on the received information about the interior of the vehicle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the monitoring unit includes a sensing unit that senses the driver's face including the driver's pupils; and a microphone that detects sounds inside the vehicle including noise inside the vehicle and the turn signal notification sound, and the automatic control unit may adjust the volume of the turn signal notification sound to be larger than the volume of the turn signal notification sound detected through the microphone when the operation of the turn signal is detected or the microphone detects the turn signal notification sound, but the user's intended driving direction is different from the direction of the operating turn signal based on the driver's pupils sensed through the sensing unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the monitoring unit includes a sensing unit that senses the driver's face including the driver's pupils; and a microphone that detects noise inside the vehicle and the turn signal notification sound, and the automatic control unit can adjust the volume of the turn signal notification sound to be larger than the volume of the turn signal notification sound detected through the microphone when the noise inside the vehicle detected through the microphone is greater than a preset value while the operation of the turn signal is detected or the turn signal notification sound is detected through the microphone.

[0015] In some embodiments, the automatic control unit may use a predictive model learned using a machine learning algorithm or a deep learning algorithm to determine whether the driver is aware of the operation of the turn signal.

[0016] In some embodiments, the volume of the turn signal sound may be maintained when the direction of the turn signal and the predicted driving direction based on the movement of the driver's eyes sensed through the sensing unit are the same.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the direction of the turn signal and the predicted driving direction based on the movement of the driver's eyes sensed through the sensing unit are different, the size of the turn signal notification sound may be adjusted to be larger than the size of the turn signal notification sound sensed through the microphone.

[0018] In some embodiments, the type of notification sound may be set differently depending on the direction of the turn signal.

[0019] In some embodiments, the frequency of the notification sound may be adjusted differently depending on the age of the driver (user).

[0020] In some embodiments, the monitoring unit includes a microphone that detects noise inside the vehicle and the turn signal notification sound, and the automatic control unit calculates a noise level within a frequency band of the turn signal notification sound among noise inside the vehicle detected through the microphone while the operation of the turn signal is detected or the turn signal notification sound is detected through the microphone according to the following mathematical expression 1, and calculates a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between a set output level of the turn signal notification sound and a noise level within the frequency band of the turn signal notification sound, and increases the set output level of the turn signal notification sound when the SNR is equal to or greater than a first reference value and less than a second reference value, but shifts the center frequency of the turn signal notification sound to a new frequency when the SNR is less than the first reference value.

[0021] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0022]

[0023] (Here, the L_avg represents the noise level [dB] within the frequency band of the turn signal sound, the delta_f represents the frequency bandwidth [Hz] of the turn signal sound, the f_blink represents the center frequency [Hz] of the turn signal sound, and the L_n(f) represents the noise level [dB] at a specific frequency f.)

[0024] If the signal-to-noise ratio is less than the first reference value, the direction indication notification sound is changed to a new direction indication notification sound having a center frequency farthest from the direction indication notification sound among the plurality of notification sounds.

[0025]

[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, by adjusting the type (tone, timbre, etc.) or sound pressure (volume) of the turn signal alert sound output when the turn signal is operated, taking into account the driver's hearing condition, individual hearing sensitivity, driving environment, etc., it is possible to help the driver clearly recognize whether the turn signal is being operated while driving. This reduces the possibility of malfunction due to failure to recognize the turn signal, and reduces the risk of accidents caused by the turn signal not being turned on when changing lanes.

[0027] Furthermore, the present invention can compensate for variable auditory perception depending on the environment by automatically adjusting the turn signal alert sound based on real-time noise levels inside the vehicle (e.g., air conditioning wind noise, audio output, passenger conversation, etc.). For example, when the vehicle interior is quiet, the alert sound can be output at a low volume, and when road noise or other sounds are loud during driving, the alert sound can be automatically amplified to clearly convey it to the driver.

[0028] Additionally, the system can predict the expected driving direction based on the user's gaze direction or eye movements. If the predicted direction differs from the actual turn signal operation direction, the turn signal sound can be amplified or repeated to intuitively notify the driver of any malfunction. This can prevent drivers from unintentionally failing to turn on the turn signal or, conversely, continuing to drive while mistakenly believing it to be on.

[0029] As a result, the present invention intelligently controls the turn signal sound by considering the driver's hearing characteristics and driving conditions, thereby enabling more accurate and reliable information to be delivered to the driver, and providing the effect of preventing accidents and legal disadvantages caused by the failure to turn on the turn signal in advance.

[0030] The effects according to the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle turn signal sound control system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033]

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the attached drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification.

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in their common sense to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0036] Additionally, the singular in this specification may also include the plural unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0037] In this specification, the turn signal warning sound is mainly described, but the warning sound includes a warning sound that detects obstacles in front and behind the vehicle and warns.

[0038] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle turn signal sound control system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle turn signal notification sound control system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an audio output unit (10) that outputs a turn signal notification sound inside a vehicle when the vehicle's turn signal is operated; a control unit (20) that controls the audio output unit (10); and a monitoring unit (30) that monitors the inside of the vehicle to obtain vehicle interior information.

[0040] In some embodiments, the control unit (20) may include a storage unit (210) that stores a plurality of notification sounds that can be set as turn signal notification sounds; a manual control device (220) that allows a user (driver) to set at least one of the plurality of notification sounds as the turn signal notification sound and manually adjust the volume of the turn signal notification sound; and an automatic control unit (230) that receives vehicle interior information from the monitoring unit (30) and adjusts the volume of the turn signal notification sound output through the audio output unit (10) based on the received vehicle interior information.

[0041] Specifically, the user (driver) can select at least one desired notification sound from among multiple notification sounds pre-stored in the storage unit (210) using the manual control device (220) and set it to be output when the operation of the turn signal is detected. In some embodiments, the user (driver) can set two different notification sounds corresponding to the left turn signal and the right turn signal, respectively, or can set one notification sound so that the left turn signal and the right turn signal are the same.

[0042] In some embodiments, the manual control device (220) may be implemented in a form that allows for adjusting the volume of the turn signal alert sound or selecting the type of turn signal alert sound. Although not limited thereto, the manual control device (220) may be implemented in a dial-type, rotary-type, button-type, or slide-type control.

[0043] In some embodiments, the automatic control unit (230) receives information inside the vehicle from the monitoring unit (30), and based on the received information inside the vehicle, uses a predictive model learned using a machine learning algorithm or a deep learning algorithm to determine whether the driver is aware of the operation of the turn signal, whether the driver hears a turn signal alert sound, or whether the driver is aware of the direction of the operated turn signal, and adjusts the volume of the turn signal alert sound based on the determination. A method for the automatic control unit (230) to automatically control the volume of the turn signal alert sound will be described later.

[0044] In some embodiments, the monitoring unit (30) may detect (sens) information inside the vehicle and transmit it to the automatic control unit (230). The information inside the vehicle may include the driver's eye movements, noise inside the vehicle, and sounds inside the vehicle, including the turn signal alert sound.

[0045] The monitoring unit (30) may include a sensing unit (310) that senses the driver's face, including the driver's pupils; and a microphone (320) that detects sounds inside the vehicle, including noise inside the vehicle and the turn signal sound, and transmits the detected sounds inside the vehicle to the automatic control unit (230).

[0046] In some embodiments, the sensing unit (310) may sense the movement of the driver's eye pupils by capturing the driver's face, including the driver's pupils. Although not limited thereto, the sensing unit (310) may be mounted at a location capable of capturing the driver's face.

[0047] In some embodiments, the automatic control unit (230) can predict the user's intended driving direction based on the eye movements sensed by the sensing unit (310) of the monitoring unit (30). The automatic control unit (230) can predict the intended driving direction by learning the eye movements of the user when making a left turn, a left lane change, a right turn, or a right lane change using a prediction model learned using a machine learning algorithm or a deep learning algorithm. For example, the automatic control unit (230) can predict the user's intended driving direction using the position, angle, time, movement pattern of the pupils, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, the automatic control unit (230) can determine the turn signal notification sound among the vehicle interior sounds sensed by the microphone (320) of the monitoring unit (30), and distinguish other sounds except the turn signal notification sound as vehicle interior noise. If the automatic control unit (230) determines that the vehicle interior sounds sensed by the microphone (320) include the turn signal notification sound, the automatic control unit (230) can calculate the size of the turn signal notification sound and the size of the vehicle interior noise, respectively.

[0049] In some embodiments, when the operation of the turn signal is detected or it is determined that the sound inside the vehicle sensed by the microphone (320) includes a turn signal notification sound, the automatic control unit (230) may determine whether the predicted driving direction of the user based on the driver's eye sensed by the sensing unit (310) matches the direction of the turn signal. Then, when the automatic control unit (230) determines that the predicted driving direction of the user based on the driver's eye sensed by the sensing unit (310) is different from the direction of the operated turn signal, the automatic control unit (230) may adjust the volume of the turn signal notification sound to be larger than the volume of the turn signal notification sound sensed by the microphone.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the automatic control unit (230) determines that the operation of the turn signal is detected or that the vehicle interior sound sensed by the microphone (320) includes a turn signal notification sound, the automatic control unit (230) may compare the level of the vehicle interior noise sensed by the microphone (320) with a preset value (threshold noise level), and when it is determined that the level is higher than the preset value (threshold noise level), adjust the level of the turn signal notification sound to be greater than the level of the turn signal notification sound sensed by the microphone.

[0051] According to the turn signal notification sound control system according to the present invention, the user can set the turn signal notification sound according to his / her preference and adjust the volume of the turn signal notification sound, so that the user can easily recognize whether the turn signal is operated while driving, and by detecting the volume of noise inside the vehicle or the movement of the driver's eyes inside the vehicle, it is determined whether the user recognized the operation of the turn signal while the turn signal is operated, and the volume of the turn signal notification sound can be automatically controlled, so that the turn signal notification sound is well delivered to the user (driver) while driving, so that the malfunction of the turn signal while driving is reduced and the risk of a vehicle accident can be reduced.

[0052] Preferably, the automatic control unit can adjust the volume (dB) and frequency (Hz) of the blinker in real time so that the blinker sound is always audible to the driver even amidst the noise inside the vehicle.

[0053] To this end, the monitoring unit includes a microphone that detects noise inside the vehicle and the turn signal notification sound, and the automatic control unit can calculate a noise level within the frequency band of the turn signal notification sound among the noise inside the vehicle detected through the microphone while the operation of the turn signal is detected or the turn signal notification sound is detected through the microphone, according to the following mathematical expression 1.

[0054] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0055]

[0056] (Here, the L_avg represents the noise level [dB] within the frequency band of the turn signal sound, the delta_f represents the frequency bandwidth [Hz] of the turn signal sound, the f_blink represents the center frequency [Hz] of the turn signal sound, and the L_n(f) represents the noise level [dB] at a specific frequency f.)

[0057] Thereafter, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) between the set output level (L_blink) of the turn signal alert sound and the noise level (L_avg) within the frequency band of the turn signal alert sound can be calculated.

[0058] The above SNR may be a value obtained by subtracting the above L_avg from the above L_blink.

[0059] When the above SNR value is between the first reference value [dB] and the second reference value [dB], that is, when the turn signal notification sound is different from the background noise within the corresponding frequency band but the difference is not large, the set output level of the turn signal notification sound can be increased.

[0060] In contrast, when the SNR value is lower than the first reference value [dB], for example, when background noise within the frequency band is dense and volume adjustment is expected to be limited, the center frequency of the turn signal alert sound may be shifted to a new frequency selected within the range of 150 Hz to 5,000 Hz. When a frequency lower than 150 Hz is selected, the turn signal alert sound is output at a frequency lower than twice the lowest resonant frequency (Fs) of some vehicle speaker units, which may result in the normal volume not being output or inducing a high load on the speaker, and when a frequency higher than 5,000 Hz is selected, the possibility of exceeding the audible frequency limit according to the driver's age increases.

[0061] For example, if the signal-to-noise ratio is less than the first reference value, the turn signal notification sound may be changed to a new turn signal notification sound having a center frequency farthest from the turn signal notification sound among the plurality of notification sounds.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the above-described description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, not the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

[0063]

[0064] The present invention relates to a technology that automatically adjusts the notification sound output when a vehicle's turn signal is activated based on the driver's hearing characteristics and the vehicle's interior noise environment, thereby improving the recognition of turn signals and preventing accidents. The present invention is applicable to various transportation methods, including automobiles, and can be usefully utilized in various industrial fields, including the automotive industry, vehicle electrical systems, and driver assistance systems. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. An audio output unit that outputs a turn signal alert sound inside the vehicle when the vehicle's turn signal is activated; and Including a control unit that controls the above audio output unit, The above control unit, a storage unit for storing multiple notification sounds; and A vehicle turn signal notification sound control system, comprising a manual control device for manually adjusting the volume of the turn signal notification sound and setting at least one of the plurality of notification sounds as the turn signal notification sound by a user.

2. In paragraph 1, It further includes a monitoring unit that monitors the interior of the vehicle to obtain information about the interior of the vehicle, The above control unit, A vehicle turn signal notification sound control system further comprising an automatic control unit that receives the vehicle interior information from the monitoring unit and adjusts the volume of the turn signal notification sound output through the audio output unit based on the received vehicle interior information.

Images