Vehicle driving assistance system

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention addresses the problem of providing a vehicle driving assistance system that, when a driver depresses an accelerator pedal beyond a prescribed amount of depression, simultaneously generates a braking force on the vehicle and issues an alert. [Solution] A vehicle driving assistance system 1 comprises a depression amount detection unit 2 that detects an electric signal corresponding to the amount of depression of an accelerator pedal AP and outputs the electric signal, a control determination unit 3 that receives the electric signal from the depression amount detection unit 2 and determines the generation and issuance of a braking force and an alert which are based on the electric signal, a braking force generation unit 4 that generates a braking force based on the determination result of the control determination unit 3, and an alert issuance unit 5 that issues an alert based on the determination result of the control determination unit 3. The control determination unit 3 is provided with a braking force generation determination unit 31 which, when the electric signal from the depression amount detection unit 2 is greater than a threshold value, determines that a braking force should be generated, and an alert issuance determination unit 32 which determines that an alert should be issued using the alert issuance unit 5.

Description

Automobile driving assistance systems

[0001] This relates to an automobile driving assistance system linked to the movement of the accelerator pedal of a car.

[0002] In recent years, there has been a rise in automobile accidents caused by drivers, primarily elderly drivers, mistaking the accelerator pedal for the brake pedal. Furthermore, sudden accelerator pedal operation while driving a vehicle increases the risk of collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles. Various technologies have been disclosed to prevent drivers from mistaking the accelerator pedal for the brake pedal.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for activating a vehicle's braking system in conjunction with the operation of the accelerator pedal, and is equipped with a function that automatically activates the brake system when the driver presses the accelerator pedal hard.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes technology related to an automobile safety system, and the system that detects an erroneous operation of the accelerator pedal and issues a warning to the driver is equipped with a function to alert the driver through an audio warning and a visual warning.Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses an emergency braking device that immediately stops the automobile when the driver accidentally presses the accelerator pedal, and is equipped with a function to detect an erroneous operation by the driver and automatically apply the brakes.

[0005] JP 2021-183430 A JP 2022-68446 A Utility Model Registration No. 3244308 A

[0006] However, the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 provide a warning to the driver when the driver accidentally presses the accelerator pedal and also provide a braking function against sudden accelerator operation, but have the problem that the warning function for people around the driver other than the driver is insufficient.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automobile driving support system that generates a braking force on the automobile when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a predetermined amount, and immediately issues warnings to people around the automobile in various ways, thereby preventing accidents resulting in personal injury.

[0008] The present invention provides a vehicle driving assistance system that includes a depression amount detection unit that detects an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal of a vehicle by the driver and outputs the electrical signal; a control judgment unit that receives the electrical signal output from the depression amount detection unit and determines, based on the electrical signal, whether to generate a braking force for the vehicle and whether to generate a warning to those around the vehicle; a braking force generation unit that stops the acceleration of the vehicle and generates a braking force to stop the vehicle based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit; and a warning generation unit that generates a warning to those around the vehicle based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit.The control judgment unit includes a braking force generation judgment unit that determines to stop the acceleration of the vehicle and generate a braking force for the vehicle when the electrical signal output from the depression amount detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a warning generation judgment unit that determines to generate a warning using the warning generation unit when the electrical signal output from the depression amount detection unit exceeds the predetermined threshold, and the system transmits the judgment result by the braking force generation judgment unit to the braking force generation unit and also transmits the judgment result by the warning generation judgment unit to the warning generation unit.

[0009] The threshold values ​​include a first threshold value that serves as a criterion for the braking force generation judgment unit to stop the acceleration of the vehicle and then judge whether to generate braking force for the vehicle, and a second threshold value that serves as a criterion for the warning generation judgment unit to judge whether to generate a warning using the warning generation unit, and the second threshold value can also be smaller than the first threshold value.

[0010] The warning generating means may also include horn control means for activating the vehicle's horn, light control means for turning on or flashing the vehicle's lights, and lamp control means for turning on or flashing either the vehicle's brake lights or hazard lights.

[0011] The automobile driving assistance system according to the present invention generates a braking force (applies the brakes) on the automobile when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a predetermined amount, and simultaneously issues an immediate warning to people around the automobile. Therefore, the automobile driving assistance system according to the present invention has the effect of suppressing sudden acceleration of the automobile due to driver error and issuing a warning to people around the automobile, thereby reducing the risk of automobile accidents.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an automobile driving assistance system 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a depression amount detection unit 2A using a potentiometer system. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a depression amount detection unit 2B using an angle sensor system. FIG. 4 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between depression amount and voltage value using a potentiometer system. FIG. 5 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between depression amount and rotation angle using an angle sensor system. FIG. 6 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between depression force L of an accelerator pedal AP and an arbitrary variable Y. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram when the automobile driving assistance system 1 is activated (first embodiment). FIG. 8 is a flow diagram when the automobile driving assistance system 1 is activated (second embodiment).

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, similar elements in all drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, in the description below, previously described reference numerals will be used as necessary.

[0014] An overall configuration diagram of an automobile driving assistance system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the automobile driving assistance system 1 of the present invention is broadly composed of a depression amount detection unit 2 that detects the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal AP of the automobile by the driver, a control judgment unit 3 that receives an electrical signal corresponding to the depression amount output from the depression amount detection unit 2, a braking force generation unit 4 that stops the acceleration of the automobile and generates a braking force to stop the automobile, and a warning generation unit 5 that issues a warning to people around the automobile.

[0015] The control judgment unit 3 also includes a braking force generation judgment section 31 that judges whether or not to generate a braking force for the vehicle based on the electrical signal received from the depression amount detection section 2, and a warning generation judgment section 32 that judges whether or not to generate a warning using the warning generation means 5 based on the electrical signal received from the depression amount detection section 2. Details of the depression amount detection section 2, the control judgment unit 3, the braking force generation section 4, the warning generation section 5, the braking force generation judgment section 31, and the warning generation judgment section 32 will be described below.

[0016] <Depression Amount Detector 2> The depression amount detector 2 is an important part for quantitatively measuring how much the driver of the automobile depresses the accelerator pedal. This part has the function of quantitatively detecting changes in the movement of the accelerator pedal in real time via sensors installed on the accelerator pedal.

[0017] In particular, to ensure safety when the driver suddenly accelerates the vehicle, the accelerator pedal detects a sudden operation and sends a warning signal to the control judgment unit 3, which will be described later. The sensors can detect the degree of depression (depression amount) of the accelerator pedal by using, for example, a potentiometer or an angle sensor. Methods for detecting the depression amount of the accelerator pedal include, for example, a potentiometer method using a variable resistor and an angle sensor method. A configuration diagram of the depression amount detection unit 2A using the potentiometer method is shown in FIG. 2, and a configuration diagram of the depression amount detection unit 2B using the angle sensor method is shown in FIG. 3.

[0018] The potentiometer method is a method of detecting the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal AP using a potentiometer (an electronic component whose resistance value can be changed through rotational or linear movement) 21, as shown in Figure 2. The potentiometer 21 is a type of variable resistor that can divide an input voltage and extract an output voltage. In other words, the resistance value of the potentiometer 21 changes depending on the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal AP, and this change is output as a voltage value to detect the amount of depression.

[0019] In this system, a potentiometer 21 is attached to the rotary shaft of the accelerator pedal AP, and with a constant voltage applied to one end, the voltage value (obtained from the other end) corresponding to the amount of rotation of the rotary shaft of the accelerator pedal AP is converted into an electrical signal by an AD converter 22. Furthermore, a microcontroller 23 receives the electrical signal from the AD converter 22 and calculates the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal AP.

[0020] The angle sensor method is a method of measuring the rotation angle of the accelerator pedal AP using an angle sensor 24 (a sensor that is attached to machinery to detect the rotation angle of a shaft or the like and converts the amount of rotation into an electrical signal) that directly measures the angle of the accelerator pedal AP, as shown in Figure 3. The angle sensor 24 is attached to the rotation shaft of the accelerator pedal AP and directly measures the rotation angle of the accelerator pedal AP. In this method, a microcontroller 25 reads the electrical signal of the rotation angle obtained by the angle sensor 24 and calculates the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal AP based on the rotation angle.

[0021] Data (electrical signals) corresponding to the accelerator pedal depression amount calculated by the above detection methods such as the potentiometer method and angle sensor method are output to the control judgment unit 3 (braking force generation judgment section 31, warning generation judgment section 32) described below. Note that filtering processing can be performed to minimize noise in the electrical signals detected by the depression amount detection section 2 and prevent malfunctions.

[0022] <Control Judgment Unit 3> The control judgment unit 3 is the core of the automobile driving assistance system 1 of the present invention, and plays an important role in receiving an electrical signal corresponding to the depression amount output from the depression amount detection unit 2 and controlling the movement of the automobile based on that signal. The control judgment unit 3 includes a braking force generation judgment unit 31 and a warning generation judgment unit 32.

[0023] The braking force generation determination unit 31 can determine, based on a predetermined reference value (threshold value), whether or not it is necessary to generate braking force for the vehicle, based on the electrical signal corresponding to the depression amount from the depression amount detection unit 2. This determination is made by comparing the electrical signal corresponding to the depression amount of the accelerator pedal with a preset threshold value, and instantly determining whether or not a situation requires emergency braking.

[0024] For example, if the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal suddenly increases and the electrical signal output from the depression amount detection unit 2 exceeds a preset threshold, the braking force generation determination unit 31 instructs the braking force generation unit 4, described below, to automatically apply the brakes to ensure the safety of the vehicle.

[0025] Furthermore, the braking force generation determination unit 31 sends a command to the system that controls the engine and motor to cut off the electric signal from the accelerator pedal as a preliminary step to applying the brakes. This command causes the system that controls the engine and motor of the vehicle to disable the acceleration command, thereby preventing a situation in which the driver suddenly accelerates unintentionally.

[0026] The "threshold" of the accelerator pedal depression amount can be set arbitrarily to suppress sudden acceleration unintentional by the driver. For example, when the accelerator pedal depression amount detection method is a potentiometer method, the accelerator pedal position is detected as a voltage value, and the output voltage of the potentiometer is usually assumed to vary within a range of 0 to 5 V, with 0 V representing the accelerator pedal's fully released state (zero depression amount) and 5 V representing its fully depressed state. Figure 4 shows an example of a graph showing the relationship between depression amount and the corresponding voltage value using the potentiometer method.

[0027] If the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal during normal driving is assumed to have a voltage range of 2.5 to 3.5 V corresponding to the range from h1 to h2 as shown in Figure 4, then the "threshold" is assumed to be 3.8 V based on this range. Under this assumption, when the accelerator pedal reaches a voltage value of 3.8 V or higher, the control force generation determination unit 31 determines from the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal that this is an unintended sudden acceleration by the driver, and transmits the determination result to the control force generation unit 4 to generate a braking force, which stops the acceleration of the vehicle and then generates a braking force on the vehicle.

[0028] The warning generation determination unit 32 activates the warning generation unit 5 when the accelerator pedal depression amount exceeds a predetermined reference value (threshold value), thereby issuing a warning to people in the vicinity. This warning is used to alert nearby pedestrians and other drivers to the vehicle's operation. This function makes it possible to notify others of danger even in unexpected situations, thereby preventing the occurrence of personal injury accidents.

[0029] Furthermore, the "threshold" of the accelerator pedal depression amount can be set arbitrarily to prevent sudden acceleration unintentional by the driver. For example, if the accelerator pedal depression amount detection method is an angle sensor method, it is assumed that the accelerator pedal angle when the driver performs normal driving operations is normally in the range of 0° (initial position of the accelerator pedal) to 60°. Figure 5 shows an example of a graph showing the relationship between the depression amount (h) using the angle sensor method and the corresponding accelerator pedal rotation angle (θ).

[0030] As described above, it is assumed that the accelerator pedal depression amount during normal driving is in the range of 0° to 60°, where the rotation angle θ corresponds to 0 to h11 as shown in Figure 5. In this case, by setting the threshold value to 65° based on this range, if the accelerator pedal depression amount exceeds h12, i.e., if the accelerator pedal reaches a rotation angle of 65° or more, the warning generation determination unit 32 determines that the driver may be unintentionally accelerating suddenly. The determination result is then transmitted to the warning generation unit 5, which then issues a warning such as honking the horn or flashing the lights.

[0031] <Braking Force Generator 4> The braking force generator 4 receives the judgment result from the control judgment unit 3 and is responsible for activating the vehicle's braking system. When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a predetermined depression amount, the braking force generator 4 receives the judgment result from the control judgment unit 3 that "braking force needs to be generated." The braking force generator 4 then quickly activates the brake system to generate braking force. The braking force generator 4 also has a function to cut off the accelerator pedal acceleration signal based on instructions from the braking force generation judgment unit 31, thereby stopping the vehicle's acceleration before activating the brake system and ensuring the safety of the vehicle. Note that this brake system activates the brakes using control devices such as an electric actuator or hydraulic control system, just as when the brake pedal is depressed in a typical vehicle.

[0032] <Warning Generation Unit 5> The warning generation unit 5 plays an important role in quickly issuing a warning to nearby pedestrians and other vehicles when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal excessively. This warning generation unit 5 is equipped with multiple visual and auditory control means, which enable it to issue appropriate warnings according to a variety of situations.

[0033] First, upon receiving the judgment result from the control judgment unit 3, the warning generation unit 5 immediately activates an appropriate warning means. The generation of a warning is important to prevent danger that may be caused by sudden acceleration unintentional by the driver. Specifically, the warning can be issued by honking the horn, flashing the headlights, turning on the lamps, etc.

[0034] The control means for the above warnings include horn control means 51 for sounding the horn, light control means 52 for turning on or blinking the lights, and lamp control means 53 for turning on the brake lights and hazard lights. Each of these control means will be described in detail below.

[0035] (Horn control means 51) The horn control means 51 plays a role in automatically activating the horn as part of the warning generation unit 5. This means is mainly intended to alert nearby pedestrians and other vehicles, and is particularly effective in situations where visual warnings are difficult, such as during the day in summer.

[0036] The horn control means 51 immediately honks the horn upon receiving the judgment result from the control judgment unit 3. This allows pedestrians and other drivers to immediately pay attention and avoid the risk of collision. The volume and duration of the horn can be adjusted according to the surrounding environment and situation, thereby minimizing the disruption to those around due to excessive sound.

[0037] Furthermore, if the horn control means 51 is provided with a sensor that detects the ambient noise level, it can be operated in conjunction with the sensor. For example, in urban areas where the noise level is high, it is possible to increase the warning effect by automatically increasing the volume of the horn.

[0038] (Light Control Means 52) The light control means 52, as part of the warning generation unit 5, has a function of issuing a visual warning to the surroundings. It is used as an effective warning means mainly at night or in conditions with poor visibility, and plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the driver and those around.

[0039] The light control means 52 issues a warning to nearby pedestrians and other drivers by automatically flashing or turning on the headlights or taillights in response to a command from the control judgment unit 3. The flashing pattern and frequency of the lights are adjusted according to the situation and are designed to maximize the effect of attracting attention.

[0040] The light control means 52 can also use an LED light to improve visibility, especially at night, so that it can be easily recognized from a distance and can quickly warn people in the vicinity.

[0041] <Lamp control means 53> The lamp control means 53 is a means for issuing a visual warning using the lamps of the vehicle, and is intended to draw attention particularly at night or in conditions of poor visibility. The lamp control means 53 issues a warning using either the brake lamp or the hazard lamp, thereby immediately drawing the attention of vehicles behind and surrounding pedestrians.

[0042] The lamp control means 53 receives the judgment result from the control judgment unit 3 and turns on or blinks the lamps optimally according to the situation. For example, when an emergency stop is required, the brake lamps can be blinked to increase the warning effect to following vehicles.

[0043] Furthermore, the lamp control means 53 can detect the movement of the vehicle with a sensor and select the most appropriate warning method based on that information. For example, if sudden acceleration of the vehicle is detected, it can immediately flash or light either the brake lamps or the hazard lamps to quickly warn following vehicles.

[0044] In this embodiment, it is desirable to set the "threshold value" of the accelerator pedal depression amount in the braking force generation determination unit 31 and the warning generation determination unit 32 to the same value, but the threshold value of the accelerator pedal depression amount in the braking force generation determination unit 31 and the threshold value of the accelerator pedal depression amount in the warning generation determination unit 32 may be set separately.

[0045] For example, the threshold value at which the braking force generation determination unit determines whether to stop the acceleration of the vehicle and then generate braking force for the vehicle can be set as a “first threshold value,” and the threshold value at which the warning generation determination unit determines whether to generate a warning using the warning generation unit can be set as a “second threshold value.” In this case, if the first threshold value is greater than the second threshold value, i.e., if the second threshold value is smaller than the first threshold value, braking force for the vehicle is generated after the warning is generated, so that surrounding pedestrians and following vehicles can sense an abnormality (reckless driving of the vehicle due to sudden acceleration unintended by the driver) and can quickly avoid various dangers.

[0046] Conversely, if the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold, i.e., if the second threshold is greater than the first threshold, a warning will be issued after the vehicle's braking force is generated. In this setting, by issuing a warning to the driver after the vehicle's braking force is generated, the driver can quickly realize their operational error and continue driving more safely. For example, if the driver accidentally presses the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal, the vehicle driving assistance system of the present invention automatically generates a braking force and then issues a warning, allowing the driver to realize their operational error and take appropriate action, such as calmly pressing the brake pedal again.

[0047] Furthermore, the braking force generation unit 4 can generate a braking force and the warning generation unit 5 can generate a warning according to the depression force of the accelerator pedal AP applied by the driver. An example of a graph showing the relationship between the depression force L of the accelerator pedal AP and an arbitrary variable Y is shown in Figure 6. The depression force L of the accelerator pedal AP and the arbitrary variable Y have a linear function relationship as shown in Figure 6, and this relationship is shown in the graph. In the example shown in Figure 6, the threshold value of the depression force L is L0, and the variable Y at that time is Y0.

[0048] This variable Y can be made to correspond to the magnitude of the braking force generated by the braking force generation unit 4. In other words, when the depression force L of the accelerator pedal AP is smaller than the threshold value L0, the variable Y becomes smaller than Y0, and the braking force generation unit 4 does not generate a braking force. On the other hand, when a strong depression force is applied so that the depression force L is equal to or greater than the threshold value L0, the variable Y becomes equal to or greater than Y0, and the braking force generation unit 4 generates a large braking force. Furthermore, the braking force generation unit 4 can be arbitrarily set to generate a braking force even when the depression force L reaches 95% of the threshold value L0.

[0049] Similarly, this variable Y can also be used to generate a warning by the warning generation unit 5. When the depression force L of the accelerator pedal AP is smaller than the threshold value L0, the variable Y becomes smaller than Y0, and the warning generation unit 5 does not generate a warning. Conversely, when a strong depression force L is applied so that the depression force L exceeds the threshold value L0, the variable Y exceeds Y0, and the warning generation unit 5 generates a warning. In addition, the warning generation unit 5 can be arbitrarily set to generate a warning even when the depression force L reaches 95% of the threshold value L0.

[0050] In this way, by gradually changing the generation of braking force and the issuance of warnings according to the depression force L of the accelerator pedal AP, more precise control becomes possible, and sudden acceleration unintended by the driver can be more effectively suppressed.

[0051] Next, a series of steps (first embodiment) from step 1, in which the depression amount of the accelerator pedal is detected, to step 8, in which both the braking force of the vehicle and the warning are released, when the accelerator pedal of the vehicle is excessively depressed using the vehicle driving assistance system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the steps when the vehicle driving assistance system of the present invention is activated (first embodiment).

[0052] <Detecting Accelerator Pedal Depression Amount: First Step S001> The first step is to measure how much the driver of the automobile depresses the accelerator pedal AP. In this step, the depression amount detection unit 2 shown in FIG. 1 plays an important role. The depression amount detection unit 2 is equipped with sensors for detecting changes in the movement of the accelerator pedal AP in real time. These sensors, for example, can use a potentiometer or an angle sensor to quantitatively measure the degree of depression of the accelerator pedal AP.

[0053] For example, in the potentiometer method, the resistance value changes according to the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal AP, and this change is output as a voltage value to detect the amount of depression. In the angle sensor method, the amount of depression can be detected by directly measuring the angle of the accelerator pedal AP. Detection data from either of these methods is filtered to minimize noise, and can be sent to the control judgment unit 3 as an accurate electrical signal.

[0054] <Control Judgment Unit Receiving Electrical Signal: Second Step S002> The second step is a step in which the control judgment unit 3 receives the electrical signal transmitted from the depression amount detection unit 2. The control judgment unit 3 is the core of the automobile driving assistance system 1, and is responsible for controlling the operation of the automobile based on the received electrical signal. The control judgment unit 3 is mainly equipped with a braking force generation judgment unit 31 and a warning generation judgment unit 32, which work together to perform appropriate control in accordance with the driver's operation. The received electrical signal indicates how much the driver has depressed the accelerator pedal, and a judgment for the next step is made based on this information. The control judgment unit 3 quickly analyzes the electrical signal and uses it as data required for subsequent processing.

[0055] <Determination of Braking Force Generation and Warning Generation: Third Step S003> In the third step, the control determination unit 3 determines whether to generate braking force for the vehicle or to generate a warning, based on the electrical signal received from the depression amount detection unit 2. The braking force generation determination unit 31 and the warning generation determination unit 32 work together to make an appropriate determination.

[0056] The braking force generation determination unit 31 determines whether to generate braking force to ensure the safety of the vehicle when the driver suddenly depresses the accelerator pedal. For example, if the amount of depression suddenly increases and exceeds a preset threshold, it issues an instruction to the braking force generation unit 4 to generate braking force, i.e., to apply the brakes.

[0057] At the same time, the warning generation determination unit 32 determines whether to issue a warning to nearby pedestrians and other vehicles. For example, if the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal exceeds a preset threshold, the warning generation unit 5 is instructed to issue a warning such as a horn or flashing lights.

[0058] <Comparison with Set Threshold: Fourth Step S004> In the fourth step, the control judgment unit 3 compares the electrical signal received from the depression amount detection unit 2 with a preset threshold. This threshold can be set arbitrarily to suppress sudden acceleration unintended by the driver. For example, in the case of an angle sensor system, the threshold can be set to 65°, assuming that the accelerator pedal angle range when the driver performs normal driving operations is approximately 0° to 60°. With this setting, sudden acceleration is determined when the accelerator pedal reaches an angle of 65° or more.

[0059] In the case of the potentiometer system, by assuming that the voltage range during normal driving is 2.5 to 3.5 V and setting the threshold to 3.8 V, a measured voltage of 3.8 V or higher is determined to be sudden acceleration. In this way, by comparing the electrical signal received from depression amount detection unit 2 with the preset threshold, control judgment unit 3 instantly judges whether the driver's operation is within the normal range or whether the driver is accelerating suddenly and unintentionally.

[0060] <Generating Braking Force: Fifth Step S005> In the fifth step, if the driver suddenly depresses the accelerator pedal, resulting in a preset threshold being exceeded, the braking force generation determination unit 31 determines that it is necessary to stop the acceleration of the vehicle and generate braking force in order to ensure the safety of the vehicle. In this case, the braking force generation determination unit 31 cuts off an electrical signal to the system that controls the engine and motor to accelerate the vehicle, and then transmits an electrical signal to the braking force generation unit 4 to generate braking force, thereby activating the brake system.

[0061] The braking force generating unit 4 generates braking force to stop the vehicle using an electric actuator, a hydraulic control system, etc., just as when the vehicle stops from normal driving. In this step, the generation of braking force prevents sudden acceleration unintended by the driver and stabilizes control of the vehicle. Note that if the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal does not exceed the threshold, the vehicle will accelerate normally.

[0062] <Generating a Warning: Sixth Step S006> In the sixth step, similarly to the fifth step described above, if the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal exceeds a set threshold (the same value as the threshold value previously set for generating a braking force in the fifth step), the warning generation determination unit 32 determines that it is necessary to issue a warning to nearby pedestrians and other vehicles. In this case, the warning generation determination unit 32 transmits an electrical signal indicating that it is necessary to issue a warning to the warning generation unit 5, and simultaneously with the generation of a braking force in the fifth step described above, warning means such as honking the horn, flashing the headlights, turning on the brake lights or hazard lights are activated.

[0063] In this sixth step, a warning is issued to alert those around the vehicle of a potential danger caused by sudden unintended acceleration by the driver. The warning issuing unit 5 includes a plurality of visual and audio warning control means, which enable appropriate warnings to be issued in accordance with a variety of situations. For example, the horn issuing means 51 audio-visually alerts nearby pedestrians and other drivers, and the light control means 52 and lamp control means 53 visually warn the driver, thereby ensuring the safety of those around the vehicle.

[0064] <Vehicle Comes to a Complete Stop: Seventh Step S007> In the seventh step, braking force is applied to the vehicle while it is in motion, a warning is issued, and then the vehicle gradually decelerates until it finally comes to a complete stop. In this step, the braking force generation unit 4 generates an appropriate braking force to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. The control judgment unit 3 continuously monitors the operation of the braking force generation unit 4 and adjusts the braking force as necessary, continuously controlling the vehicle until it comes to a complete stop. At the same time, the warning generation unit 5 also continues to operate, continuously issuing warnings to surrounding pedestrians and other vehicles. By bringing the vehicle to a complete stop, danger caused by sudden acceleration is completely avoided.

[0065] <Manual Release of Brakes and Warning: Eighth Step S008> In the final eighth step, after confirming that the vehicle has completely stopped, the driver presses a release button inside the vehicle, causing the control judgment unit 3 to instruct the braking force generation unit 4 and the warning generation unit 5 to release the brakes and warning. The braking force generation unit 4 releases brake control in response to the instruction from the control judgment unit 3, and the vehicle returns to its normal driving state. Similarly, the warning generation unit 5 also stops the horn, flashing lights, and illumination of brake lamps and hazard lights. With this eighth step, warnings to nearby pedestrians and other vehicles are terminated, and the vehicle returns to its normal driving state.

[0066] Next, a flow chart showing a flow (second embodiment) of the automobile driving assistance system of the present invention when the accelerator pedal of the automobile is excessively depressed and the automobile driving assistance system is activated is shown in Fig. 8. Hereinafter, the seventh step (S017) and the eighth step (S018) of the second embodiment will be described.

[0067] In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the series of steps from the first step (S011) of detecting the accelerator pedal depression amount to the sixth step (S016) of issuing a warning are the same as the first step to the sixth step of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. Similarly, the ninth step (S019) and tenth step (S020) of the second embodiment correspond to the seventh step (S007) and eighth step (S008) of the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] <Whether or not the accelerator pedal has been released and depressed again: Seventh Step S017> In the seventh step, the control judgment unit 3 judges whether or not the driver has completely released his / her foot from the accelerator pedal AP (released the accelerator pedal) while the vehicle is decelerating, and then depressed the accelerator pedal again. In this seventh step, the depression amount detection unit 2 detects the release of the accelerator pedal AP, and sends a signal to the control judgment unit 3. When the control judgment unit 3 receives this signal, it continues to decelerate the vehicle by causing the braking force generation unit 4 to continuously apply braking force. Thereafter, the driver depresses the accelerator pedal again.

[0069] In other words, when the driver releases his / her foot from the accelerator pedal and then depresses it again, the control judgment unit 3 instructs the braking force generation unit 4 and the warning generation unit 5 to cancel the braking force (brake) and the warning. This seventh step corresponds to an operation that is provided to cancel the braking force (brake) and the warning based on the driver's clear intention, rather than a system erroneous operation. Note that if the driver continues to depress the accelerator pedal without releasing his / her foot, or if the driver releases his / her foot from the accelerator pedal but does not depress it again, the same step flow as the seventh and eighth steps in the first embodiment described above will occur.

[0070] <Automatic Release of Brake and Warning: Eighth Step S018> This step indicates that the braking force and warning are automatically released when the control judgment unit 3 determines in the seventh step that the driver has completely released the accelerator pedal AP and then depressed the accelerator pedal again. Therefore, in this eighth step, the vehicle's braking action based on the instruction of the braking judgment unit 3 is released, and the horn, flashing lights, brake lights, and hazard lights are also stopped. After the vehicle has completely stopped, the system operation is terminated, and the driver can return to normal driving. This eighth step completes the series of operations performed by the vehicle driving assistance system of the present invention.

[0071] In the series of flows shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 described above, the "threshold" applied in steps 4 to 6 is described as the same value for both the "threshold" for generating braking force and the "threshold" for issuing a warning. However, the threshold for the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal in the braking force generation determination unit and the threshold for the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal in the warning generation determination unit may be set separately.

[0072] For example, the threshold value at which the braking force generation determination unit determines whether to generate a braking force for the vehicle after stopping the acceleration of the vehicle can be set as a “first threshold value,” and the threshold value at which the warning generation determination unit determines whether to generate a warning using the warning generation unit can be set as a “second threshold value.” In this case, the subsequent flow changes depending on the magnitude relationship between the threshold value for generating a braking force (first threshold value) and the threshold value for issuing a warning (second threshold value).

[0073] (When the first threshold (generation of braking force) > the second threshold (generation of warning)) When the first threshold (generation of braking force) is greater than the second threshold (generation of warning), when the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal first exceeds the second threshold, a warning is issued to notify nearby pedestrians and other vehicles of the danger. If the amount of depression then increases further and exceeds the first threshold, braking force is generated for the vehicle. In this case, because the warning is issued first, nearby pedestrians can notice the driver's unintended acceleration early and can quickly avoid the danger.

[0074] (When the first threshold (generation of braking force) < the second threshold (generation of warning)) When the first threshold (generation of braking force) is smaller than the second threshold (generation of warning), if the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal exceeds the first threshold, the vehicle's braking force is generated first to avoid a dangerous situation early, and then a warning is issued. In this case, because the braking force is generated first, the driver is more likely to notice their own operational error and can respond more quickly. In either case, once the vehicle has come to a complete stop and safety has been confirmed, the brakes and warning are released and the vehicle returns to normal driving conditions.

[0075] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Automobile driving assistance system 2 (2A, 2B) Depression amount detection unit 3 Control judgment unit 4 Braking force generation unit 5 Warning generation unit 21 Potentiometer (variable resistor) 22 AD converter 23, 25 Microcontroller 24 Angle sensor 31 Braking force generation judgment unit 32 Warning generation judgment unit 51 Horn control means 52 Light control means 53 Lamp control means AP Accelerator pedal

Claims

1. A vehicle driving assistance system comprising: a depression amount detection unit that detects an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of depression of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle by a driver and outputs the electrical signal; a control judgment unit that receives the electrical signal output from the depression amount detection unit and determines, based on the electrical signal, whether to apply braking force to the vehicle and issue a warning to those around the vehicle; a braking force generation unit that stops the acceleration of the vehicle and generates braking force to stop the vehicle based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit; and a warning generation unit that generates a warning to those around the vehicle based on the judgment result of the control judgment unit, wherein the control judgment unit comprises: a braking force generation judgment unit that, when the electrical signal output from the depression amount detection unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, makes a judgment to stop the acceleration of the vehicle and generate braking force for the vehicle, and a warning generation judgment unit that, when the electrical signal output from the depression amount detection unit exceeds the threshold, makes a judgment using the warning generation unit to generate the warning, and the control judgment unit transmits the judgment result of the braking force generation judgment unit to the braking force generation unit, and transmits the judgment result of the warning generation judgment unit to the warning generation unit.

2. In the automobile driving assistance system described in claim 1, the threshold values ​​include a first threshold value that serves as a criterion for the braking force generation judgment unit to make a decision to stop the acceleration of the automobile and then generate braking force for the automobile, and a second threshold value that serves as a criterion for the warning generation judgment unit to make a decision to generate the warning using the warning generation unit, and the second threshold value is smaller than the first threshold value.

3. An automobile driving assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said warning issuing means has horn control means for activating the automobile's horn.

4. An automobile driving assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said warning issuing means has light control means for turning on or blinking the lights of said automobile.

5. An automobile driving assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the warning generating means has a lamp control means for turning on or flashing either the brake lamps or hazard lamps of the automobile.

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