Vehicle Warning Output Device Adaptive Alert Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warning systems for vehicles struggle to balance the need for alerting occupants of obstacles behind the vehicle without causing unnecessary disturbance, particularly in scenarios where obstacles are far away, leading to potential misunderstandings about the presence of obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A warning output device with a sensor unit and electronic control unit that adjusts warning displays and sounds based on the proximity of obstacles, providing different levels of alerts depending on the distance and vehicle state, and incorporating additional sensors for prioritizing pedestrian safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If warning sound is continuously output when an obstacle is present far behind the host vehicle, then the warning function is secured, but troublesomeness is given to the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The warning sound is output periodically rather than continuously. Specifically, the warning sound is output for a predetermined time period and then stopped, while the visual warning display continues. This periodic acoustic warning reduces troublesomeness to the occupant while maintaining the essential warning function through the combination of intermittent sound and continuous visual display.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If warning sound or warning display is not output when an obstacle is present far behind the host vehicle, then troublesomeness is reduced, but the occupant may misunderstand that no obstacle is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges visual and acoustic warning modalities. The visual warning display is output continuously to ensure the occupant is informed of the obstacle's presence, while the acoustic warning is output periodically to provide additional alertness without causing excessive troublesomeness. This combination ensures reliable warning function while minimizing negative impact on the occupant.
Solution Approach 2:
Different warning modalities are applied based on the specific situation. The visual warning display is used as the primary continuous warning method, while the acoustic warning is used selectively for a predetermined time period. This localized application of different warning qualities ensures adequate notification without excessive disturbance.
3Device complexity
If the same warning level is output regardless of obstacle distance, then the warning function is simplified, but unnecessary disturbance is caused when obstacles are far away
Solution Approach 1:
The warning system changes parameters based on obstacle distance. When an obstacle is detected far behind the host vehicle, the system outputs the visual warning display continuously and the acoustic warning for a predetermined time period, rather than maintaining a constant high-level warning. This parameter adjustment reduces unnecessary disturbance while maintaining adequate warning function.
Data Source
AI summary
A warning output device includes a rear sensor unit and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to, when a shift position is an R range, based on information from the sensor unit indicating that a first obstacle is detected, output a warning for informing an occupant of the presence of the first obstacle, in a first state, output first predetermined warning display and first predetermined warning sound; and in a second state, output second predetermined warning display and second predetermined warning sound. The ECU is configured to, in the second state, output the second predetermined warning sound for a predetermined time, then stop the output of the second predetermined warning sound, and output the second predetermined warning display for a longer time than the second predetermined warning sound.