Imaging device for straddled vehicle and driving support system for straddled vehicle

Abstract

An imaging device (10A) comprises: a fixed part (11) that is fixed to a handlebar (2a); and a camera (12) that is supported by the fixed part (11). The fixed part (11) is provided to an outer end part of the handlebar (2a) in the vehicle width direction. The camera (12) can capture images of rearward of the vehicle and at least a portion of the driver. With this configuration, it is possible to capture images of rearward of the vehicle as well as the driver while also keeping manufacturing costs low.

Description

Imaging device for saddle-ride type vehicle and driving assistance system for saddle-ride type vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging device and a driving assistance system for a saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art An in-vehicle imaging device for capturing images of the area behind a motorcycle (saddle-ride type vehicle) includes a device in which a camera is housed in a mirror housing of a rearview mirror (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 7276952

[0004] The imaging device described above uses a one-way mirror so that the camera can capture an image of the area behind the vehicle through the mirror from within the mirror housing, which results in a problem of high manufacturing costs for the rearview mirror.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an imaging device for a saddle-type vehicle that can capture images of the area behind the vehicle while reducing manufacturing costs, and a driving assistance system that uses the imaging device.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a first invention is an imaging device for a saddle-riding type vehicle, which includes a fixed part fixed to a handlebar of the saddle-riding type vehicle and a camera supported by the fixed part. The fixed part is provided at an outer end of the handlebar in the vehicle width direction. The camera is capable of capturing images of at least a portion of the driver and an area behind the saddle-riding type vehicle.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a second invention is a driving assistance system for a saddle-riding type vehicle, comprising the imaging device for the saddle-riding type vehicle, a notification device that notifies the driver of a predetermined condition, and a control device to which image data from the camera is input. When the control device detects the predetermined condition from the image data, it activates the notification device.

[0008] The imaging device for a saddle-type vehicle of the present invention simplifies the camera mounting structure, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the driving assistance system for a saddle-type vehicle of the present invention can assist safe driving based on images of the area behind the vehicle and the driver.

[0009] It is a plan view showing a vehicle equipped with an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an overall configuration diagram showing a driving assistance system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing an imaging device ... second embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the description of each embodiment, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which an imaging device and a driving assistance system of the present invention are applied to a motorcycle, which is a straddle-type vehicle.

[0011] [First Embodiment] A driving assistance system 1 according to a first embodiment is mounted on a motorcycle 2 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the driving assistance system 1 includes left and right image capture devices 10A, 10A, a notification device 20, a control device 30, and a speed control device 40. As shown in Fig. 1, the motorcycle 2 according to the first embodiment includes separate left and right handlebars 2a, 2a. The image capture devices 10A are provided on the left and right handlebars 2a, 2a, respectively. As shown in Fig. 3, the image capture device 10A includes a fixing portion 11 fixed to the handlebars 2a and a camera 12 supported by the fixing portion 11.

[0012] The fixing portion 11 is provided on the outer end of the handlebar 2a in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 1). The fixing portion 11 is located further forward than the handle grip 2b (throttle grip) that is held by the rider. The fixing portion 11 is a tubular member made of steel. The fixing portion 11 is fixed to the end surface of the handlebar 2a by fixing means such as a bolt.

[0013] The fixed portion 11 also serves as a bar end weight to reduce vibrations generated in the handlebar 2a due to engine operation and vehicle travel. An opening 11a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion 11, opening toward the rear of the vehicle. That is, the opening 11a is located on the handlebar 2a, closer to the tip of the handle grip 2b and more inward than the most distal end. The opening 11a is also formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed portion 11 in an area opposite the direction of travel of the vehicle. The opening 11a is connected to the internal space of the fixed portion 11. That is, the fixed portion 11 includes a truncated cone-shaped main body portion fixed to the tip of the handlebar 2a and a tubular portion having the opening 11a. The tubular portion protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the main body portion.

[0014] The lens 12a of the camera 12 is fitted into the opening 11a of the fixed part 11. The imaging element (not shown) of the camera 12 is housed in the fixed part 11. In this way, the camera 12 is mounted on the outer end of the handlebar 2a in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 1). In the camera 12, the imaging element converts light that passes through the lens 12a into image data. The image data is input to the control device 30 (described below) via a connection cord 12b shown in FIG. 2. The camera 12 is also supplied with power from a battery via a power cord (not shown). The power cord and connection cord 12b are routed through the cylindrical handlebar 2a.

[0015] 1 , the lens 12a of the camera 12 is disposed facing the rear of the vehicle, and the camera 12 is capable of capturing images of the area behind the motorcycle 2. In the first embodiment, the angle of view and the shooting direction of the camera 12 are set so that the image captured by the camera 12 includes an area directly behind the driver. In the present embodiment, the angle of view and the shooting direction of the camera 12 are set so that the image captured by the camera 12 includes at least the lower part of the head and the torso of the driver riding the motorcycle 2.

[0016] The left and right imaging devices 10A, 10A are configured symmetrically. The driving assistance system 1 of the first embodiment is configured to capture images for stereoscopic vision using the left and right cameras 12, 12.

[0017] The notification device 20 shown in Fig. 2 is provided on the meter panel 2c. The notification device 20 notifies the driver of predetermined conditions (warnings), such as lane departure or not wearing a helmet. Examples of the notification device 20 include a device that turns on a lamp for each warning content, a device that displays a message on a monitor, and a device that displays an image of an area that is in the driver's blind spot.

[0018] The speed control device 40 operates the accelerator and brake of the motorcycle 2 based on a signal from the control device 30, thereby changing the traveling speed of the motorcycle 2.

[0019] The control device 30 is a computer configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), I / F (Interface), etc. Each means of the control device 30 is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined control program stored in storage means such as the ROM or HDD.

[0020] Image data is input to the control device 30 from the left and right cameras 12, 12. The control device 30 includes an image processing means 31 that detects predetermined conditions from the image data, a notification means 32 that activates the notification device 20 in accordance with the predetermined conditions, and a speed control means 33 that activates the speed control device 40 in accordance with the predetermined conditions.

[0021] The image processing means 31 detects predetermined conditions from image data acquired from the left and right cameras 12, 12. For example, the image processing means 31 can detect lane departure conditions by image recognition of white lines on the road. The image processing means 31 can also detect a condition where the driver is not wearing a helmet by image recognition of the driver's head. The notification means 32 activates the notification device 20 in accordance with the predetermined conditions detected from the image data.

[0022] The speed control means 33 operates the speed control device 40 in accordance with predetermined conditions detected from the image data to change the traveling speed of the motorcycle 2. For example, when a lane departure condition is detected from the image data, the speed control means 33 operates the speed control device 40 to reduce the speed of the motorcycle 2. Furthermore, when a helmet not being worn condition is detected from the image data, the speed control means 33 operates the speed control device 40 to stop the motorcycle 2.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the imaging device 10A described above is capable of capturing images of the area behind the vehicle by providing the camera 12 at the tip of the handlebar 2a, and the mounting structure of the camera 12 is simplified, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0024] In the imaging device 10A of the first embodiment, an opening 11a facing rearward of the vehicle is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 11, which is located inside the outermost end of the handlebar 2a. The lens 12a of the camera 12 is fitted into the opening 11a. This configuration protects the camera 12 because the lens 12a of the camera 12 is less likely to come into contact with the ground or other components when the motorcycle 2 (see FIG. 1) falls over or during storage. For example, if the camera 12 is fixed to the very tip of the handlebar 2a, the camera 12 will come into direct contact with the ground when the motorcycle 2 (see FIG. 1) falls over. This impact will cause the camera 12's angle of view and imaging direction to change, necessitating adjustment of the camera 12. In contrast, the imaging device 10A of the first embodiment can prevent the camera 12's angle of view and imaging direction from changing when the motorcycle 2 (see FIG. 1) falls over or comes into contact with other components, thereby preventing the camera 12 from affecting the capture of the area behind the vehicle or part of the driver.

[0025] 1 can capture images including the area directly behind the driver, so the left and right cameras 12, 12 can capture images of a wide area behind the vehicle. In the imaging device 10A of the first embodiment, the camera 12 captures images of the lower part of the driver's head and torso, so the image data acquired from the camera 12 can be used to determine the driver's condition, such as whether or not a helmet is being worn. In the imaging device 10A of the first embodiment, the left and right cameras 12, 12 capture images for stereoscopic vision, so the situation behind the vehicle can be accurately determined.

[0026] The camera 12 of the imaging device 10A of the first embodiment is mounted on the fixed part 11, which also serves as a bar end weight, so the camera 12 is less susceptible to vibrations that occur in the handlebar 2a when the engine is running or the vehicle is traveling. This reduces blurring of the images captured by the camera 12.

[0027] In the driving assistance system 1 of the first embodiment, when the control device 30 shown in Fig. 2 detects a predetermined condition from image data, it activates the notification device 20 and the speed control device 40. In this way, the driving assistance system 1 assists safe driving based on the state of the rear of the vehicle and the driver captured by the left and right cameras 12, 12 of the imaging device 10A.

[0028] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , left and right image capture devices 10A are provided on the left and right handlebars 2a, respectively. However, the image capture device 10A may be provided on only one of the left and right handlebars 2a to reduce manufacturing costs. For example, if the motorcycle 2 is designed to drive on the left side of the road, the fixing unit 11 and the camera 12 are provided on the right end of the right handlebar 2a on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Also, if the motorcycle 2 is designed to drive on the right side of the road, the fixing unit 11 and the camera 12 are provided on the left end of the left handlebar 2a on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In this manner, white lines on the road surface can be reliably captured even when the image capture device 10A is provided on only one of the left and right handlebars 2a, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0029] In the first embodiment, the left and right imaging devices 10A, 10A are provided on the separate left and right handlebars 2a, 2a, respectively. However, the left and right imaging devices 10A, 10A may also be provided on the left and right ends of a handlebar of a bar handle type.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the imaging device 10A and the driving assistance system 1 are described for the motorcycle 2, but the imaging device and the driving assistance system of the present invention are not limited to saddle-ride type vehicles to which they can be applied. For example, they can be applied to various types of saddle-ride type vehicles such as motor tricycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

[0031] Second Embodiment Next, an imaging device 10B according to a second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4 , the imaging device 10B according to the second embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the imaging device 10A according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 3 ), but differs in the structure of how the camera 12 is attached to the fixed portion 11. The camera 12 of the imaging device 10B according to the second embodiment is fixed to a flat portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the fixed portion 11. In this manner, the entire camera 12 of the imaging device 10B according to the second embodiment is exposed to the outside, making it easy to adjust the imaging direction of the camera 12. This makes it easy to adjust the angle of view and imaging direction of the camera 12 after the motorcycle 2 (see FIG. 1 ) has fallen over or come into contact with another component. Furthermore, in a conventional structure in which a camera for capturing images in front of the vehicle and a camera for capturing images behind the vehicle are connected, it is difficult to adjust the angle of view of only one of the cameras. However, the imaging device 10B according to the second embodiment allows the angle of view of the camera 12 to be adjusted independently. This allows the angle of view of the camera 12 to be adjusted to suit the physique of the driver, thereby enabling accurate imaging of a portion of the driver.

[0032] Furthermore, in the imaging device 10B of the second embodiment, an elastic vibration-isolating member 13 is interposed between the fixed part 11 and the camera 12. This makes it possible to suppress transmission of vibrations generated in the handlebar 2a due to the driving of the engine or the running of the vehicle to the camera 12.

[0033] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the second embodiment, and similar to the first embodiment, it can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the spirit thereof.

[0034] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Driving assistance system 2 Motorcycle 2a Handlebar 2b Handle grip 2c Meter panel 10A Imaging device (first embodiment) 10B Imaging device (second embodiment) 11 Fixing portion 11a Opening 12 Camera 12a Lens 12b Connection cord 13 Vibration-proof member 20 Notification device 30 Control device 31 Image processing means 32 Notification means 33 Speed ​​control means 40 Speed ​​control device

Claims

1. An imaging device for a saddle-riding vehicle, comprising: a fixed part fixed to the handlebar of the saddle-riding vehicle; and a camera supported on the fixed part, wherein the fixed part is provided at the outer end of the handlebar in the vehicle width direction, and the camera is capable of capturing images of at least a portion of the driver and the area behind the saddle-riding vehicle.

2. An imaging device for a saddle-riding type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the camera is capable of capturing images of the area behind the saddle-riding type vehicle, including the area directly behind the driver.

3. An imaging device for a saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the camera is capable of capturing images of at least the lower part of the head and the torso of the driver.

4. An imaging device for a saddle-riding type vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein the fixed part is arranged on the handlebars further outward in the vehicle width direction than the handle grips, the lens of the camera is fitted into an opening formed in the fixed part, and the opening is formed in an area on the outer circumferential surface of the fixed part towards the rear of the saddle-riding type vehicle.

5. An imaging device for a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion is arranged on the handlebars on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the handle grips, and the camera is arranged on the inside of the most outermost part of the handlebars on the outside in the vehicle width direction.

6. An imaging device for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion also serves as a bar end weight for reducing vibrations occurring in the handlebar.

7. An imaging device for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the camera is fixed to a flat surface formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixing part.

8. An imaging device for a straddle-type vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the camera has an adjustable angle of view.

9. An imaging device for a saddle-riding vehicle as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that when the saddle-riding vehicle is designed to drive on the left side of the road, the fixed part and the camera are provided at the right end of the handlebar on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and when the saddle-riding vehicle is designed to drive on the right side of the road, the fixed part and the camera are provided at the left end of the handlebar on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

10. An imaging device for a saddle-riding vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left fixing part and the camera are provided at the left end of the handlebar on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the right fixing part and the camera are provided at the right end of the handlebar on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the left and right cameras are capable of capturing images for stereoscopic viewing.

11. An imaging device for a saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that a vibration-isolating member is interposed between the fixed part and the camera.

12. A driving assistance system for a saddle-riding vehicle comprising: an imaging device for a saddle-riding vehicle as described in claim 1; a notification device that notifies the driver of a predetermined condition; and a control device to which image data from the camera is input, wherein the control device activates the notification device when the predetermined condition is detected from the image data.

13. A driving assistance system for a saddle-riding type vehicle as described in claim 12, comprising a speed control device capable of changing the traveling speed of the saddle-riding type vehicle, wherein the control device activates the notification device and the speed control device when the predetermined condition is detected from the image data.

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