JP2006195638A - Vehicle alarm system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate annoyance caused by an alarm sound when a driver is performing an appropriate avoidance operation for an alarm.
An alarm system for a vehicle issues an alarm from an alarm means according to a detection result by a monitoring means for monitoring a state of the moving direction of the vehicle. The operation detection means 16 detects the driver's operation timing and operation amount for the alarm issued from the alarm means 14, and the determination means 18 determines whether or not the driver's operation conforms to a predetermined operation standard. . Then, the evaluation point setting unit 20 sets an evaluation point according to the determination result of the determination unit 18, and an alarm is output by the alarm level changing unit 22 based on the difference between the evaluation point setting value and a preset threshold value. Change the level. Therefore, when the driver performs an appropriate avoidance operation for the alarm, an alarm without an alarm sound is issued, and the driver may issue an alarm so as not to feel discomfort or annoyance due to the alarm sound. Yes [selection figure] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm system for a vehicle, and in particular, a vehicle configured to issue an alarm to a driver when an abnormality is detected due to the state of a running vehicle, an obstacle in a moving direction, approach of a preceding vehicle, or the like. It relates to alarm system.

  In vehicles such as automobiles, development of a vehicle alarm system that issues an alarm by detecting the state of a running vehicle and the state of the moving direction of the vehicle (the presence of an obstacle, a preceding vehicle, or an oncoming vehicle, etc.) is underway. ing.

In this system, the level of urgency is determined based on the state quantity of the vehicle, an alarm pattern corresponding to the level is selected, and an alarm sound of the selected alarm pattern is emitted from the speaker. The reference level used when determining the level according to the driver's operation amount (brake operation, steering operation) with respect to the vehicle state amount is learned and corrected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-40131 A

  However, in the system described in the above-mentioned patent document, since the purpose is to make the driver surely recognize that an alarm sound has been generated, a relatively high-frequency buzzer sound is used as the alarm sound, and the volume is also high. Largely set. For this reason, when the distance from the preceding vehicle rapidly decreases due to the radar while the vehicle is running and a warning sound is emitted, the driver immediately performs an avoidance operation such as a brake operation or a steering operation, thereby causing a collision with the preceding vehicle. Can be avoided.

  However, when the approach of the vehicle and the preceding vehicle is repeated, a warning sound is generated each time, and there is a problem that the warning sound becomes troublesome for the driver.

  Further, when the driver predicts a brake operation or a steering operation of the preceding vehicle, an avoidance operation may be performed before an alarm sound is generated, and an alarm sound is generated even during such an avoidance operation. The driver may feel uncomfortable.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicular alarm system that solves the above-described problems by changing the output level of an alarm according to the operation timing and the operation amount of the driver with respect to the alarm.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following means.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an alarm system for a vehicle having an alarm means for monitoring the state of the moving direction of the vehicle and issuing an alarm when an abnormality is detected. Determining means for determining whether or not the operation standard defined in advance is satisfied, evaluation point setting means for setting an evaluation point according to the determination result of the determination means, and evaluation set by the evaluation point setting means And an alarm level changing means for changing an alarm output level based on a difference between the point set value and a preset threshold value.

  The invention according to claim 2 has a behavior code database in which various data relating to the behavior code corresponding to the operation of the driver is stored, and the determination unit includes the behavior code data acquired from the behavior code database. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the driver's operation timing and operation amount for the warning are suitable.

  The invention described in claim 3 has a behavior learning database in which behavior learning data relating to operations performed by the driver in the past is stored, and the determination means includes the behavior learning data acquired from the behavior learning database. The behavior code data is corrected on the basis of the behavior code data.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the evaluation point setting means updates the evaluation point setting value by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to or from the evaluation point setting value based on behavioral norm data acquired from the behavioral norm database. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the evaluation point setting means corrects the behavioral norm data by the behavioral learning data acquired from the behavioral learning database, and sets a predetermined value to the evaluation point corresponding to the corrected behavioral norm data. The evaluation point set value is updated by addition or subtraction.

  The invention according to claim 6 is characterized in that the warning level changing means changes the output level from the warning means based on a difference from the threshold value accompanying the update of the evaluation point set value.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when the alarm level changing means is updated to a value where the evaluation point set value exceeds the threshold value, at least the output level of the alarm by voice is zero among the alarm means. It is characterized by changing to.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, when the alarm level changing means is updated to a value smaller than the threshold value, the alarm level changing means at least outputs an alarm output level by voice among the alarm means. It is characterized by changing so that it may increase.

  According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the driver's operation timing and operation amount with respect to the alarm conform to a predetermined operation standard, and an evaluation score is set according to the determination result, and this evaluation score setting Because the alarm output level is changed based on the difference between the value and the preset threshold value, if the driver's operation timing or operation amount meets the operation standards, the alarm output level is weakened. Therefore, if the driver's operation timing or operation amount does not meet the operation standards, the driver can avoid the driver by increasing the alarm output level. It is possible to warn to take action.

  Further, according to the present invention, in order to determine whether or not the operation timing and operation amount of the driver with respect to the alarm are suitable based on the behavior code data acquired from the behavior code database, the driver's operation with respect to the alarm is correct. It becomes possible to evaluate more appropriately whether it is done.

  Further, according to the present invention, in order to correct the behavioral norm data based on the behavioral learning data acquired from the behavioral learning database, the determination process is performed by adding the driver's own personality to the driver's operation determination element for the alarm. This makes it possible to make a determination suitable for the operability of each individual.

  Further, according to the present invention, since the evaluation point set value is updated by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to the evaluation point set value based on the code of behavior data obtained from the code of behavior database, the driver's operation for the alarm is correct. It becomes possible to evaluate more appropriately whether it is done.

  Further, according to the present invention, the behavioral norm data is corrected by the behavioral learning data acquired from the behavioral learning database, and a predetermined value is added to or subtracted from the evaluation point corresponding to the corrected behavioral norm data to obtain the evaluation point set value. Therefore, when the driver's operation determination for the alarm is performed, it is possible to perform a determination process in consideration of the individuality of the driver himself, and a determination suitable for the operability of each individual can be performed.

  Further, according to the present invention, the output level from the alarm means is changed based on the difference from the threshold value accompanying the update of the evaluation point set value. When the driver is performing an appropriate operation when an alarm is generated, the output level can be lowered so that the driver does not feel bothered by the alarm.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the evaluation point set value is updated to a value exceeding the threshold value, at least the output level of the alarm by voice is changed to zero among the alarm means. Can be resolved.

  Also, according to the present invention, when the evaluation point set value is updated to a value smaller than the threshold value, at least the warning means of the warning means is changed so as to increase the output level in a stepwise manner. When the driver's operation with respect to the alarm is delayed or the operation amount is not sufficient in a state where the output level is lowered, the voice output level can be increased to further increase the driver's recognition of the alarm.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle alarm system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle alarm system 10 includes a monitoring unit 12 that monitors a state of the moving direction of the vehicle, an alarm unit 14 that issues an alarm according to a detection result by the monitoring unit 12, and an alarm unit 14. Operation detection means 16 for detecting the operation timing and operation amount of the driver with respect to the issued alarm, determination means 18 for determining whether or not the driver's operation meets a predetermined operation standard, and determination means 18 The evaluation point setting means 20 for setting the evaluation point according to the determination result of the above, and the alarm output level is changed based on the difference between the evaluation point setting value set by the evaluation point setting means and a preset threshold value Alarm level changing means 22 for performing

  FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a specific example of the vehicle alarm system 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle alarm system 10 includes, for example, a radar device 30 as the monitoring unit 12, and the radar device 30 detects a target object (vehicle or obstacle) ahead (moving direction). The relative distance is detected, and when the possibility of collision with the target object becomes high, various warning means 14 are activated to issue a warning to the driver.

  Further, the radar device 30 is one of the automobile driving support systems, transmits a radar wave toward the front (moving direction), and when a front target object (vehicle or obstacle) exists, The radar wave reflected from the target object can be received, and the relative distance and relative speed with the target object can be detected. Further, as a driving support system other than the radar device 30, for example, a lane keeping system that monitors the traveling position of the vehicle with respect to the road so that the vehicle travels along the traveling line on the road surface is provided.

  As the warning means 14, a warning pattern or warning message is displayed as a hologram on a buzzer 32 that emits a warning sound, a speaker 34 that emits a warning by sound or a pseudo sound close to a collision sound, a warning light 38 of a meter box 36, and a windshield 40. A head-up display 42, a seat belt tension mechanism 46 for increasing the tension of the seat belt of the driver seat 44, a driver seat vibrator 48 provided in the driver seat 44, and the like are provided.

  The buzzer 32 and the speaker 34 are auditory alarm means for giving a warning to the driver's hearing, and issue an alarm or a voice message at a volume corresponding to the level of urgency.

  The warning lamp 38 and the head-up display 42 are visual warning means for giving a warning to the driver's vision, and emit a warning with blinking (frequency) or warning pattern according to the level of urgency.

  The seat belt tension mechanism 46 and the driver's seat vibration exciter 48 are sensation alarm means for giving a warning to the driver's sensation, and issue an alarm with a tension or vibration frequency according to the level of urgency.

  As the operation detecting means, a steering sensor 52 for detecting the rotation angle of the steering wheel 50, a brake sensor 56 for detecting the depression amount of the brake pedal 54, and the like are provided.

  The memory 58 stores control programs corresponding to the determining means 18, the evaluation point setting means 20, and the alarm level changing means 22, and whether or not the driver's operation conforms to a predetermined operation standard. It has a behavioral norm database 60 in which behavioral norm data serving as a reference for determination is stored and a behavioral learning database 62 in which behavioral learning data relating to operations performed by the driver in response to alarms in the past are stored. The behavioral rules stored in the behavioral norm database 60 include, for example, a subsystem that issues an alarm, a type of alarm, a reaction time for the alarm (the detection signals of the steering sensor 52 and the brake sensor 56 reach a predetermined value after the alarm is issued) Items such as the time taken until) and the judgment time.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, parameters of behavior codes of a lane keeping system that is one of driving support systems are set. When this lane keeping system is in operation, after the lane departure warning is generated, the steering wheel 50 is turned within 0.6 seconds and the speed on the opposite side of the lane departure side is 30 deg./sec or more. In the case where the traveling direction of the vehicle is corrected for 0.2 seconds or more, it is determined that the action code conforms.

  In addition, for the values that can be changed in the values set in the code of conduct, the reference value and range are set. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, by setting the Reaction Time as 0.6 s ± 0.2 s, the reference value is set to 0.6 seconds and the range is set to 0.4 seconds to 0.8 seconds. The behavioral code may be incorporated as a predetermined determination logic, or the behavioral code itself may be individually rewritten online or offline.

  In addition, the behavior learning database 62 stores the average value of past avoidance operation data (parameters) each time and stores it as learning data. Examples of parameters for performing behavior learning include, for example, (a) whether the operation timing of the brake pedal 54 is early or late (average value, mode value, etc.) after the alarm is generated, and (b) the steering wheel 50 after the alarm is generated. (C) The operation speed of the steering wheel 50 during the avoiding operation is fast or slow (average value, mode value, etc.).

  In addition, it is possible to specify the correct operation by learning in a state in which a plurality of alarm systems as described above are operating or a combination of a plurality of alarm systems.

  As will be described later, the in-vehicle computer 64 includes a control unit that executes a control program corresponding to the determination unit 18, the evaluation point setting unit 20, and the alarm level changing unit 22, and a preceding vehicle and an obstacle detected by the radar device 30. Computation means for computing the level of urgency based on the relative distance and relative speed is provided. The in-vehicle computer 64 activates each device of the alarm means at an output level corresponding to the degree of urgency and issues an alarm, and the steering sensor indicates how much the driver has operated the steering wheel 50 in response to the alarm. 52, and the brake sensor 56 detects how much the brake pedal 54 is depressed.

  Further, the in-vehicle computer 64 includes a control program (determination means) for determining whether or not the operation timing and operation amount of the driver's steering operation and brake operation with respect to the alarm conform to a predetermined operation standard, and a determination result A control program (evaluation point setting means) for setting an evaluation point according to the control program, and a control program (alarm for changing an alarm output level based on a difference between the set evaluation point set value and a preset threshold value) Level change means).

  The determination of the driver's behavior by the determination unit 18 is performed based on behavioral norm data (parameters) stored in the behavioral norm database 60. This behavior determination includes determination items such as a subsystem that issues an alarm, a type of alarm, a response time of the driver to the alarm (for example, a time from when the alarm is generated until the output of the steering sensor 52 exceeds a certain value), and a determination time. Set as.

  Moreover, the alarm generation conditions of each alarm means are individually set, and the determination process is continuously performed even when the alarm sound is finished. For example, in the case of the lane keeping system, even if the driver immediately performs the steering operation and the warning sound is stopped within 1 second, the behavior determination is performed and it is determined that the behavior determination is appropriate.

  Here, the behavioral evaluation points set by the evaluation point setting means 20 will be described. For example, in this embodiment, the evaluation score value is set in the range of 0-6. Then, when adding an evaluation score, +1 is added, and when an action evaluation score is subtracted, -3 is subtracted. Further, the threshold value of the behavior evaluation point is Pth = 3. An example of a change in the alarm output level under this condition is shown in FIG. Note that the upper limit value of the action evaluation point can be set to a numerical value of 6 or more, and an arbitrary numerical value can be set.

  The alarm level changing means 22 switches the alarm level to either an alarm with an alarm sound or an alarm without an alarm sound by comparing the set value of the behavior evaluation point with a threshold value. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the driver performs an appropriate operation every time an alarm is generated, an alarm with three alarm sounds (an alarm including an audible alarm, a visual alarm, and a bodily sensation alarm) Since the value of the behavioral evaluation score becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value (Pth), a warning without a warning sound (a visual warning or a warning only with a bodily sensation warning) is output thereafter.

  If the driver performs the correct operation even after the next warning without warning sound (fourth warning) occurs, the behavior evaluation score is added. Further, when the behavioral evaluation points are added step by step and the upper limit value 6 is reached, no further addition is performed. Therefore, when the driver is performing an appropriate operation for the alarm, an alarm without an alarm sound is issued, and an alarm other than the alarm sound is given so that the driver does not feel discomfort or annoyance due to the alarm sound. A warning will be issued from the means.

  In addition, even when the previous alarm is without an alarm sound, if the avoidance action (operation) is delayed with respect to the alarm or if an incorrect operation is performed, the action evaluation score is subtracted (−3) and the threshold value is set. Since (Pth) or less, an alarm with an alarm sound will be issued from the next time. Therefore, in this embodiment, since the subtraction value (−3) is larger than the addition value (+1), even if the previous action evaluation score is 6, if the wrong avoidance action (operation) is performed once, the next time Can be switched to an alarm with an alarm sound, and an alarm according to the operation of the driver can be issued.

  Moreover, as a setting method of evaluation points other than the above, for example, the behavior evaluation score can be set in the range of 0 to 9, and if the behavior evaluation score is in the range of 6 to 9, the alarm sound is set as no warning, The range of 0 to 5 may be divided into a plurality of areas, and the combination of alarm means may be switched between only the sensation alarm and the combined use of the sensation alarm and the visual alarm.

  In addition, as an action evaluation point setting method, when items such as the number of alarms and alarm duration are input, the evaluation points may be calculated using these items as parameters.

  Here, the control process executed by the in-vehicle computer 64 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the in-vehicle computer 64 detects that the target object existing in the moving direction approaches the radar apparatus 30 at a predetermined relative speed or higher, the alarm level is set to an alarm corresponding to the relative distance and relative speed with respect to the target object. Change gradually to level. Then, when it is determined that the possibility of a collision has increased due to the alarm level, the control process in the alarm generation mode shown in FIG. 5 is executed.

  The in-vehicle computer 64 checks whether or not the alarm level is equal to or higher than the emergency level (Wth) in step S11 (hereinafter, “step” is omitted) shown in FIG. In S11, when the alarm level is equal to or higher than the emergency level (Wth), the possibility of a collision is high, so the process proceeds to S12 and an emergency alarm is output.

  In this emergency warning, the output of each warning means is set to the highest level so that the driver performs an avoidance operation (brake operation, steering operation) for avoiding a collision with the target object. In particular, since the alarm sound, the alarm message and the simulated sound of the collision emitted from the buzzer 32 and the speaker 34 are set to a high level and a high volume, the driver can use the brake pedal 54 by the emergency level alarm sound and the voice of the alarm message. Is strongly decelerated and the steering wheel 50 is rotated to avoid a collision. Further, as an emergency warning, a visual warning may be used in combination with the above-mentioned voice warning by flashing the warning lamp 38 or displaying an emergency message with the head-up display 42. Alternatively, a sensible alarm that gives the driver a warning by pulling the seat belt intermittently with the seat belt tension mechanism 46 or applying vibration to the driver seat 44 with the driver seat vibrator 48 may be used.

  In S11, when the warning level is less than the emergency level (Wth), an emergency warning is not necessary, so the process proceeds to S13 and the set value of the action evaluation point for the operation performed by the previous driver is the threshold. Check if it is greater than or equal to the value (Pth). In S13, when the set value of the action evaluation point is equal to or greater than the threshold value (Pth), the process proceeds to S14, where it is determined that the driver's operation for the previous alarm is appropriate, and the driving is performed even without an alarm sound. The alarm sound output level is set to zero so that the person can perform the avoidance operation. In S13, it is possible to divide into a plurality of regions to determine which stage the behavior evaluation score is in, and to lower the output level of the alarm sound step by step according to the value of the behavior evaluation score.

  In S13, if the action evaluation score is less than the threshold value (Pth), the process proceeds to S15, and the driver's avoidance operation for the previous warning is not appropriate (for example, steering operation and brake operation). Is delayed or the operation amount is insufficient), the alarm sound output level is set to the normal level. In S14 and S15, an optimal alarm means may be selected according to each alarm system, or the type of alarm sound, display content, and the like are switched stepwise according to the value of the action evaluation point. You may do it. S13 to S15 function as an alarm level changing unit.

  Subsequently, in S16, the detection signals of the steering sensor 52 and the brake sensor 56 as the operation detecting means are read, and it is determined whether or not the driver's operation timing and the operation amount with respect to the alarm are appropriate (determination means). In this determination process, it is determined whether or not the driver's operation with respect to the alarm is appropriate based on the parameters (see FIG. 3) of the behavior rules (operations) read from the behavior criteria database 60 stored in the memory 58. Further, the parameters of the behavior code read from the behavior code database 60 are corrected by the parameters learned by the behavior learning database 62. Therefore, behavior determination can be performed as a behavioral standard that takes into account the individuality of the driver with respect to the operation of the driver.

  In next S17, it is checked whether or not the action determination result in S16 conforms to the action code. In S17, if the action determination result conforms to the action code, the process proceeds to S18 to check whether or not the set value of the action evaluation score is equal to or less than the upper limit value (= 6). In S18, when the set value of the action evaluation point is equal to or lower than the upper limit value (= 6), the process proceeds to S19, and is added (+1) to the set value of the action evaluation point.

  In S18, when the set value of the action evaluation point has reached the upper limit (= 6), the process of S19 is omitted and the process proceeds to S20 to stop the alarm. This completes the current control process. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the behavioral evaluation score is set to 6 (see FIG. 4), and when the behavioral evaluation score has reached the upper limit value (= 6), the addition process of S19 is Not performed.

  If the action determination result does not conform to the action code in S17, the process proceeds to S21, and the set value of the action evaluation point is subtracted (−3). S17, S18, S19, and S21 function as evaluation point setting means.

  Then, it progresses to S22 and switches the next alarm mode to the alarm mode with an alarm sound. And it progresses to S19 and stops an alarm. This completes the current control process.

  In this way, when the action determination result conforms to the action code, it is possible to switch to the alarm mode without an alarm sound by adding (+1) the action evaluation point, and the action determination result becomes the action determination result. When not conforming to the norm, it is possible to switch to an alarm mode with an alarm sound by subtracting (-3) the behavioral evaluation score (see FIG. 4).

  Therefore, when the driver performs an appropriate avoidance operation for the alarm, an alarm without an alarm sound (alarm only with a visual alarm or a sensation alarm) is issued, and the driver feels uncomfortable or annoyed by the alarm sound. If the driver performs an incorrect operation with respect to the alarm, an alarm with an alarm sound (alarm, visual alarm and sensory alarm) will be issued from the next time. It is possible to increase the driver's awareness of the warning and to promptly perform the danger avoidance operation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the radar device is taken as an example of the monitoring unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle traveling state or moving direction state (preceding vehicle or A system for monitoring the presence or absence of obstacles may be used.

  Further, as warning means other than the warning means described in the above embodiment, for example, a means for applying vibration to the steering wheel so that it can be experienced with the palm of the driver may be combined.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows one Example of the alarm system for vehicles which becomes this invention. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a specific example of a vehicle alarm system 10. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of parameter setting of a code of conduct. It is a figure which shows an example of the change of an alarm output level by addition and subtraction of an action evaluation point. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the control processing which the vehicle-mounted computer 64 performs.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Vehicle warning system 12 Monitoring means 14 Alarm means 16 Operation detection means 18 Determination means 20 Evaluation point setting means 22 Alarm level changing means 30 Radar device 32 Buzzer 34 Speaker 38 Warning light 42 Head-up display 46 Seat belt tension mechanism 48 Driver's seat Exciter 52 Steering sensor 56 Brake sensor 58 Memory 60 Code of conduct database 62 Behavior learning database 64 In-vehicle computer

Claims (8)

In the vehicle alarm system having an alarm means for monitoring the state of the moving direction of the vehicle and issuing an alarm when an abnormality is detected,
A determination means for determining whether or not the operation timing and the operation amount of the driver with respect to the alarm conform to a predetermined operation standard;
Evaluation point setting means for setting an evaluation point according to the determination result of the determination means;
Alarm level changing means for changing the output level of the alarm based on the difference between the evaluation point setting value set by the evaluation point setting means and a preset threshold value;
A vehicle alarm system characterized by comprising: Having a code of conduct database storing various data related to the code of conduct corresponding to the operation of the driver;
2. The determination unit according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not an operation timing and an operation amount of a driver with respect to the warning are adapted based on behavior code data acquired from the behavior code database. Vehicle alarm system. Having an action learning database storing action learning data related to operations performed by the driver in the past;
The vehicle warning system according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit corrects the behavior code data based on behavior learning data acquired from the behavior learning database.   3. The evaluation point setting means updates the evaluation point setting value by adding or subtracting a predetermined value to or from the evaluation point setting value based on behavioral norm data acquired from the behavioral norm database. The vehicle alarm system described in 1.   The evaluation point setting means corrects the behavioral norm data by behavioral learning data acquired from the behavioral learning database, and adds or subtracts a predetermined value to or from the evaluation point corresponding to the corrected behavioral norm data. The vehicle alarm system according to claim 3, wherein the set value is updated.   6. The alarm level changing unit changes an output level from the alarm unit based on a difference from the threshold value accompanying the update of the evaluation point set value. The vehicle alarm system described.   The alarm level changing means, when the evaluation point set value is updated to a value exceeding the threshold value, changes at least the output level of the alarm by voice among the alarm means to zero. The vehicle alarm system according to claim 6.   The alarm level changing means, when the evaluation point set value is updated to a value smaller than the threshold value, changes the alarm means so as to increase at least the output level of an alarm by sound stepwise. The vehicle alarm system according to claim 6.

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