JP2019086354A - Occupant detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an occupant detection device capable of detecting a biological signal to determine the presence/absence of an occupant and controlling an electric device at the intention of the occupant. An occupant detection device is provided in a vehicle, and transmits and receives one or a plurality of detection waves to output detection information including biological information related to a detected biological signal; and a detection device based on the detection information. A processing device that determines the presence or absence of the occupant based on the biological signal and the limb state that is at least one of the hand and the foot of the occupant, and that controls the electric equipment provided in the vehicle. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an occupant detection device.

  There is known an apparatus for detecting an occupant in a vehicle by means of a biomedical signal to control an electric device in the vehicle. Such a device executes control to output a seat belt warning or the like when it is determined from the biomedical signal that the occupant is present in the vehicle.

WO2015 / 022358

  However, in the above-mentioned device, since the occupant is detected only by the biological signal to control the electric device, there is a problem that the electric device can not be controlled by the intention of the occupant.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an occupant detection device capable of controlling an electric device according to the occupant's intention while detecting a living body signal to determine the presence or absence of the occupant. I assume.

  In order to solve the problems described above and achieve the object, the occupant detection device according to the present invention is provided in a vehicle, and transmits detection information including one or more detection waves and outputs detection information including biological information on a detected biological signal. The presence or absence of the occupant is determined based on the transmitting / receiving device, the living body signal detected based on the detection information, and the limb state which is at least one of the occupant's hand or foot, And a processing device for controlling the electric device.

  As described above, the occupant detection device according to the present invention detects the biosignal based on the biological information to determine the presence or absence of the occupant, and controls the electric device in the state of at least one of the occupant's hand or foot. The control of the electric device by the intention of the occupant can be realized.

  In the above-described occupant detection system of the present invention, the transmission / reception device outputs the detection information including intensity information on the intensity of the detection wave, and the processing device compares the intensity of the detection wave with the threshold intensity. The state of the hand and foot of the occupant may be determined based on the on-state and the off-state of the electric device.

  Thus, the occupant detection device of the present invention controls the on state and the off state of the electric device by comparing the intensity of the detection wave, which changes depending on the position of at least one of the hand or foot of the occupant, with the threshold intensity. ing. Thus, the occupant detection device can realize both the determination of the presence of an occupant and the control of the electric device by one detection wave, and the configuration of the transmission / reception device can be simplified.

  In the above-mentioned occupant detection device of the present invention, the transmission / reception device outputs the detection information including intensity information on the intensity of the detection wave, and the processing device generates the occupant based on a change in the intensity of the detection wave. The level of the electrical device may be adjusted by determining the limb condition of

  Thus, the occupant detection device of the present invention controls the level of the electric device by the change in the intensity of the detection wave which changes depending on the position of at least one of the hand and the foot of the occupant. Thus, the occupant detection device can realize both the determination of the presence of an occupant and the control of the level of the electric device by one detection wave, and the configuration can be simplified.

  In the above-described occupant detection system according to the present invention, the transmission / reception unit outputs the detection information including distance information on a detection distance which is a distance to at least one of the hand or the foot of the occupant. The control unit may control the on state and the off state of the electric device by determining the hand and foot state of the occupant based on a comparison between the detected distance indicated by the distance information and a threshold distance.

  Thus, the occupant detection device of the present invention controls the on state and the off state of the electric device by comparing the detection distance to at least one of the hand or foot of the occupant with the threshold distance. Thus, the occupant detection device can realize control of the on state and the off state of the electric device based on the detection distance to the hand or foot of the occupant that can be changed according to the intention of the occupant.

  In the above-described occupant detection system according to the present invention, the transmission / reception unit outputs the detection information including distance information on a detection distance which is a distance to at least one of the hand or the foot of the occupant. The level of the electric device may be adjusted by determining the hand and foot state of the occupant based on a change in the detected distance indicated by the distance information.

  Thus, the occupant detection device of the present invention controls the level of the electrical device by changing the detection distance to the occupant's hand and / or foot. Thus, the occupant detection device can control the level of the electric device by the change in the detection distance to the hand or foot of the occupant, which can be changed according to the intention of the occupant.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle equipped with the occupant detection device of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the occupant detection system according to the first embodiment mounted on a vehicle. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of generating biological information by the first transmission / reception unit. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the limb state of the occupant in the case of outputting an output instruction which does not switch the state of the electric device. FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the state of the occupant's hands and feet when outputting an output instruction to switch the state of the electrical device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an occupant detection process performed by the calculation unit of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the occupant detection process of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the occupant detection system of the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the occupant detection process of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the occupant detection process of the fourth embodiment.

  The same components as those in the following exemplary embodiments and the like will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions will be appropriately omitted.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle 10 equipped with the occupant detection device of the embodiment. The vehicle 10 may be, for example, an automobile (internal combustion engine automobile) having an internal combustion engine (engine, not shown) as a drive source, and an automobile (electric vehicle, electric motor, etc.) having an electric motor (motor, not shown) as a drive source. It may be a fuel cell vehicle or the like, and may be a vehicle (hybrid vehicle) that uses both of them as a driving source. In addition, the vehicle 10 may be mounted with various transmissions, and may be mounted with various devices (systems, parts, etc.) necessary to drive an internal combustion engine and a motor. In addition, the method, number, layout, and the like of devices related to driving of the wheels in the vehicle 10 may be set variously.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12, a plurality of seats 14, a dashboard 16, one or more room lights 17, an air conditioner 18, a monitor device 19, a sunroof 20, The seat belt 21 and the one or more transmission / reception devices 22 are provided.

  The vehicle body 12 constitutes a compartment in which the occupant 90 rides. The vehicle body 12 accommodates or holds the configuration of the vehicle 10 such as the seat 14, the dashboard 16, the interior light 17, the air conditioner 18, the monitor device 19, the sunroof 20, the seat belt 21, and the transmitting and receiving device 22.

  The plurality of seats 14 are provided in the vehicle compartment. The plurality of sheets 14 are arranged, for example, in three rows. The seat 14 is configured to be attachable to a child seat 24 for a child.

  The dashboard 16 is provided at the front end of the cabin. The dashboard 16 holds instruments such as a speedometer.

  The indoor light 17 is a lighting device such as a light emitting diode (LED) that emits light to the inside of the passenger compartment. The indoor light 17 is provided, for example, inside the top plate of the vehicle body 12. The indoor light 17 is an example of an electrical device.

  The air conditioner 18 is a device that adjusts the temperature and the like of the vehicle compartment in accordance with the operation of the occupant. The main body of the air conditioner 18 is provided, for example, at a central portion of the dashboard 16.

  The monitor device 19 outputs an image such as a map of the navigation system, a voice of guidance, an image around the vehicle 10 and the like. The monitor device 19 also functions as an audio device that outputs music and the like. The monitor device 19 has a touch panel, a switch, and the like, and receives an instruction from the occupant 90.

  The sunroof 20 is provided on the top plate of the vehicle body 12. The sunroof 20 is configured to be electrically openable and closable.

  The seat belt 21 is provided so as to be expandable and contractible on the side wall of the vehicle interior. The seat belt 21 prevents the occupant 90 from moving in the direction of travel when the vehicle 10 receives an impact by attaching the strap to the buckle.

  The transmission / reception device 22 is provided in the vehicle 10, transmits / receives a first detection wave for detecting a biological signal, and outputs detection information including biological information on the detected biological signal. The number of transmission / reception devices 22 may be set as appropriate, and may be set, for example, according to the number of electric devices to be controlled.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the occupant detection device 30 of the first embodiment mounted on the vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. The occupant detection device 30 is mounted on the vehicle 10, determines the presence or absence of the occupant 90 in the vehicle compartment, and the limb state which is the state of at least one of the hand or foot of the occupant 90, and controls the interior light 17 etc. Control the object. Usually, since the indoor light 17 operated by hand is a control target, in the embodiment, the hand and foot state is mainly described as the hand state. As shown in FIG. 2, the occupant detection device 30 has a power supply 32, a transmission / reception device 22, a processing device 34, and an input / output interface 36.

  The power supply 32 is connected to the transmission / reception device 22 and the processing device 34 so as to supply power. For example, when the ignition key (or the start button) of the vehicle 10 is turned on and the vehicle 10 is activated and the activation signal is acquired, the power supply 32 starts supplying power.

  The transmission / reception device 22 has a first transmission / reception unit 26.

  The first transmission / reception unit 26 transmits and receives a first detection wave, which is an example of a detection wave, to detect and output detection information including biological information and intensity information indicating the intensity of the received detection wave. The intensity information of the detection wave may be the value of the intensity itself of the detection wave or may be a value obtained by amplifying the intensity of the detection wave. The strength of the detection wave varies with the position of the hand or foot of the occupant 90. The first transmission / reception unit 26 is, for example, a Doppler sensor or a radar sensor using the Doppler effect of radio waves. The first transmission / reception unit 26 is provided in the vicinity of the electric device (for example, the indoor light 17) to be controlled by the detection information. The first transmission / reception unit 26 may be provided integrally with the room light 17. The first transmission / reception unit 26 transmits, for example, a radio wave of 24 GHz as a first detection wave into the vehicle interior in which the occupant 90 is present. The first transmission / reception unit 26 transmits a first detection wave capable of detecting the biological signals of all the occupants 90 in the vehicle compartment including the occupant 90 on the seat 14 and the occupant 90 on the child seat 24. The first detection wave transmits a substance having a low dielectric constant such as resin that constitutes the seat 14 and the child seat 24 and the like, and is reflected to the occupant 90 or metal or the like. The first transmission / reception unit 26 receives the first detection wave reflected by the occupant 90 in the vehicle compartment. Thereby, the first transmission / reception unit 26 detects the biological information on the biological signals of all the occupants including the occupant 90 seated directly on the seat 14 and the occupant 90 on the child seat 24. The first transmission / reception unit 26 is connected to the processing device 34 so as to be able to transmit and receive an electrical signal or an optical signal such as information. The first transmission / reception unit 26 outputs the biological information of the occupant 90 detected in the vehicle compartment and the intensity information of the detection wave to the processing device 34. The first transmission / reception unit 26 may output the biological information to the processing device 34 via an amplifier or the like.

  Based on the detection information output from the first transmission / reception unit 26, the processing device 34 detects a limb state which is a state of at least one of the biological signal of the occupant 90 and the hand or foot of the occupant 90 (for example, a hand). While determining the presence or absence of the passenger | crew 90, the electric equipment (for example, interior light 17) provided in the vehicle 10 is controlled. The processing device 34 is, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) having an integrated circuit in which a hardware processor, a memory, and the like are mounted. The processing device 34 includes an AD converter 40, an arithmetic unit 42, and a storage unit 44.

  The AD converter 40 is connected to the first transmission / reception unit 26 and the calculation unit 42. The AD converter 40 acquires biological information of an analog signal from the first transmission / reception unit 26. The AD converter 40 digitizes the biological information of the analog signal and outputs it to the calculation unit 42.

  The calculation unit 42 is, for example, a hardware processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The calculation unit 42 reads a program stored in the storage unit 44 and executes calculation processing. The calculation unit 42 includes a setting unit 48, a device information acquisition unit 50, a signal processing unit 52, a determination unit 54, and an output unit 56. The calculation unit 42 may read the occupant detection program 60, for example, to realize the functions of the setting unit 48, the device information acquisition unit 50, the signal processing unit 52, the determination unit 54, and the output unit 56. A part or all of the signal processing unit 52, the setting unit 48, the device information acquisition unit 50, the signal processing unit 52, the determination unit 54, and the output unit 56 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate It may be configured by hardware such as a circuit including Array).

  The setting unit 48 outputs a start instruction to the transmission / reception device 22 and executes initialization of a memory or the like of the storage unit 44 at the start of execution of the occupant detection program 60.

  The device information acquisition unit 50 acquires, via the input / output interface 36, device information which is information of the electric device to be controlled. For example, the device information acquisition unit 50 acquires device information indicating whether the indoor light 17 is on or off. Further, the device information acquisition unit 50 acquires the mounting condition of the seat belt 21 as device information. The device information acquisition unit 50 outputs the acquired device information to the output unit 56.

  The signal processing unit 52 acquires the digitized biological information from the AD converter 40. The signal processing unit 52 is based on the detection information including the biological information and the intensity information of the detection wave, the biological signal of the occupant 90 in the vehicle compartment, and the intensity of the detection wave (for example, the maximum value or the amplitude of the received detection wave) To detect The signal processing unit 52 may detect the strength of the biological signal and the detection wave after performing filtering processing such as noise removal on the biological information. The signal processing unit 52 outputs the strengths of the biological signal and the detection wave to the determination unit 54.

  The determination unit 54 determines the presence or absence of the occupant 90 based on the strength of the biological signal and the detection wave acquired from the signal processing unit 52, and controls the electric equipment such as the indoor light 17 to control the hand and foot state of the occupant 90. judge. For example, the determination unit 54 determines whether the biological signal acquired from the signal processing unit 52 is the biological signal of the occupant 90, and determines the presence or absence of the occupant 90 in the vehicle compartment based on the determination result. Specifically, the determination unit 54 may determine the presence or absence of the biological signal of the occupant 90 based on the frequency of the biological signal and a predetermined frequency range. The frequency range may be appropriately set according to, for example, the frequency of respiration of a person, and may be stored in the storage unit 44 as a part of the numerical data 62. For example, when the biological signal is in the frequency range, the determination unit 54 determines that the biological signal of the occupant 90 is present.

  Further, the determination unit 54 determines the limb state of the occupant 90 based on the comparison between the intensity of the detected wave and the threshold intensity. The threshold strength may be predetermined according to the setting range in the vicinity of the first transmission / reception unit 26 and may be stored in the storage unit 44 as a part of the numerical data 62. The setting range may be a range of several centimeters to several tens of centimeters from the first transmission / reception unit 26 including the electric device to be controlled (here, the indoor light 17). The determination unit 54 determines whether the intensity of the detection wave is larger than the threshold intensity as the limb state of the occupant 90. In other words, the determination unit 54 determines whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are within the set range as the limb state of the occupant 90 based on the intensity of the detection wave. Here, the determination unit 54 may determine that the strength of the detection wave is greater than the threshold strength if the determination time in which the strength of the detection wave is determined to be greater than the threshold strength passes a preset threshold time. . The determination unit 54 outputs the determination result of the presence or absence of the occupant 90 and the limb state of the occupant 90 to the output unit 56.

  The output unit 56 generates and outputs an output instruction based on the device information acquired from the device information acquisition unit 50 and the determination result acquired from the determination unit 54. For example, the output unit 56 turns on the indoor light 17, which is an electric device to be controlled, based on the determination result of the hand and foot state of the occupant 90 determined by the determination unit 54 comparing the intensity of the detected wave with the threshold intensity. And an output instruction to control the off state and the off state. Specifically, the output unit 56 acquires the determination result that the intensity of the detected wave is larger than the threshold intensity, and if the device information indicates that the indoor light 17 is in the on state, the indoor light 17 is obtained. Is generated, and if the device information indicates that the interior light 17 is in the off state, the output instruction is generated. The output unit 56 does not generate an output instruction when acquiring the determination result that the intensity of the detection wave is not larger than the threshold intensity. In addition, when the output unit 56 acquires the determination result indicating that the occupant 90 is present, the output unit 56 may output an output instruction for instructing a warning or a reminder according to the content of the device information. For example, when the output unit 56 acquires device information indicating that the seat belt 21 is not attached despite the presence of the occupant 90, an output for causing the monitor device 19 or the like to output a warning sound or a reminder An instruction may be output. In addition, even if there is a child occupant 90, the device information to the effect that the door is locked is acquired, and when the temperature in the passenger compartment rises, a warning sound or reminder is sent to the monitor device 19 etc. An output instruction for output may be output. The output unit 56 outputs the generated output instruction to the input / output interface 36 together with the device identification information of the electrical device which is the output target of the output instruction.

  The storage unit 44 includes storage devices such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a solid state drive (SSD), and a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage unit 44 is connected to the computing unit 42 so as to be able to input and output information. The storage unit 44 may be an external storage device connected to the computing unit 42 via a network or the like. The storage unit 44 stores a program executed by the operation unit 42, data necessary for the execution of the program, and data generated by the execution of the program. For example, the storage unit 44 stores an occupant detection program 60 that the computing unit 42 executes. The storage unit 44 includes a frequency range for determining whether or not the biological signal of the occupant 90, a threshold strength for determining whether or not within the set range, and a threshold time for comparison with a determination time determined to be greater than the threshold strength. The numerical data 62 necessary for the execution of the occupant detection program 60 is stored. The storage unit 44 temporarily stores data such as the biological information generated by the execution of the occupant detection program 60 and the intensity of the detection wave.

  The input / output interface 36 acquires the state of the electric device such as the room light 17 and outputs the state to the device information acquisition unit 50. The input / output interface 36 outputs the output instruction output from the output unit 56 to an electric device such as the indoor light 17 and the monitor device 19 indicated by the device identification information.

  The indoor light 17 switches from the on state to the off state when the output instruction acquired from the output unit 56 via the input / output interface 36 indicates the off state, and from the off state to the on state when the output instruction indicates the on state. Switch.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method of generating biological information by the first transmission / reception unit 26. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, since the occupant 90 is breathing, the human body (for example, near the chest) of the occupant 90 vibrates in accordance with breathing in a range indicated by an alternate long and short dash line, for example. Let this vibration be the biosignal x (t) shown in Formula (1).

  The first transmission / reception unit 26 includes a first detection wave generation unit 70, a transmission antenna 72, a reception antenna 74, and a receiver 76.

The first detection wave generation unit 70 generates a first detection wave that is a radio wave, transmits the first detection wave to the occupant 90 via the transmission antenna 72, and outputs the first detection wave to the receiver 76. The first detection wave transmitted by the transmission antenna 72 is assumed to be a transmission wave Tx (t) represented by the following equation (2).

The receiver 76 receives the first detection wave reflected by the occupant 90 via the receiving antenna 74. The first detection wave received by the receiving antenna 74 is set as a reception wave Rx (t) represented by the following equation (3). Here, since the occupant 90 that has reflected the first detection wave vibrates, the positions of the limbs of the occupant 90 that reflects the first detection wave change with time in the traveling direction of the first detection wave (thick dotted line And thin dotted lines). Therefore, the reception wave Rx (t) includes the biological signal x (t) as a component, unlike the transmission wave Tx (t), due to the Doppler effect.

The receiver 76 generates a baseband signal B (t) shown in the equation (5) based on the equation (4) including the transmission wave Tx (t) and the reception wave Rx (t). As shown in Equation (5), the baseband signal B (t) includes the biosignal x (t) shown in Equation (1). Therefore, the first transmission / reception unit 26 outputs the baseband signal B (t) generated by the receiver 76 to the processing device 34 as biological information including the biological signal x (t). Further, the first transmission / reception unit 26 may output information on the intensity of the baseband signal B (t) related to the intensity of the detection wave as intensity information indicating the intensity of the detection wave. The first transmission / reception unit 26 may output the I signal and the Q signal obtained by IQ-modulating the baseband signal B (t) as biological information. Here, ω is also the Doppler frequency.

  FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the hand and foot state of the occupant 90 in the case of outputting an output instruction that does not switch the state of the electrical device. As shown in FIG. 4, when the limbs of the occupant 90 do not exist in the setting range 92, the determination unit 54 determines that the intensity of the detection wave is smaller than the threshold intensity. In this case, since the output unit 56 does not generate an output instruction to switch the state including the on state and the off state, the room light 17 maintains the current state.

  FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the hand and foot state of the occupant 90 in the case of outputting an output instruction to switch the state of the electric device. As shown in FIG. 5, when the limbs (hands here) of the occupant 90 exist in the setting range 92, the determination unit 54 determines that the intensity of the detection wave is larger than the threshold intensity. In this case, since the output unit 56 generates an output instruction to switch, the room light 17 is switched to the off state if in the on state, and to the on state if the off state.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an occupant detection process performed by the calculation unit 42 according to the first embodiment. The calculation unit 42 executes an occupant detection process by reading the occupant detection program 60 of the storage unit 44.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the occupant detection process, the setting unit 48 performs initial setting (S102). The setting unit 48 executes, for example, activation of the first transmission / reception unit 26, reset of the determination time, initialization of the memory of the storage unit 44, and the like. When acquiring the activation instruction, the first transmission / reception unit 26 transmits the first detection wave and receives the first detection wave reflected by the occupant 90. When the first transmission / reception unit 26 receives the first detection wave, the first transmission / reception unit 26 outputs, to the processing device 34, detection information including, for example, biological information that is the baseband signal B (t) and the intensity of the detection wave. When the AD converter 40 of the processing device 34 acquires detection information including the analog biological information and the intensity of the detection wave from the first transmission / reception unit 26, it converts the biological information and the intensity of the detection wave into digital, and transmits / receives identification information And to the computing unit 42.

  The device information acquisition unit 50 acquires information on the electrical devices of the vehicle 10 to be controlled and outputs the information to the output unit 56 (S104). For example, the device information acquisition unit 50 acquires device information indicating whether the indoor light 17 is in the on state or the off state. Further, the device information acquisition unit 50 acquires device information as to whether or not the seat belt 21 is attached.

  The signal processing unit 52 acquires the biological information detected by the first transmission / reception unit 26 and the digitization of the AD converter 40 and the intensity information of the detection wave (S106). After filtering the biological information to remove noise (S108), the signal processing unit 52 detects the strengths of the biological signal and the detection wave from the biological information and the strength information of the detection wave, and outputs them to the determination unit 54 ( S110).

  The determination unit 54 determines whether the intensity of the detection wave acquired from the signal processing unit 52 is larger than the threshold intensity (S112). For example, when the occupant 90 shakes his / her hand within the set range 92 near the interior light 17 and the first transmission / reception unit 26, the determination unit 54 determines that the intensity of the detection wave is larger than the threshold intensity (S112) : Yes) It is determined whether the determination time in which the determination that the intensity of the detected wave is larger than the threshold intensity continues has exceeded the threshold time (S114). If the determination unit 54 determines that the determination time has not exceeded the threshold time (S114: No), it repeats step S106 and subsequent steps to acquire the biological information and the intensity of the detection wave. If the determination unit 54 determines that the determination time in which the strength of the detection wave is greater than the threshold strength has exceeded the threshold time (S114: Yes), the determination time is reset and the strength of the detection wave is a threshold The determination result to the effect that it is larger than the intensity is output to the output unit 56.

  When acquiring the determination result that the intensity of the detection wave is larger than the threshold intensity, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction to switch the state of the room light 17 based on the device information acquired from the device information acquisition unit 50. , And output to the indoor light 17 (S116). For example, when the device information indicates that the interior light 17 is in the on state, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction that instructs switching to the off state, and outputs the output instruction to the interior light 17. When the device information indicates that the interior light 17 is in the off state, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction that instructs switching to the on state, and outputs the output instruction to the interior light 17. Thereby, the room light 17 is switched to the off state if in the on state, and is switched to the on state if in the off state.

  If the determination unit 54 determines that the intensity of the detection wave is not larger than the threshold intensity (S112: No), whether or not there is a biological signal of the occupant 90 based on the biological signal acquired from the signal processing unit 52 judge. For example, based on whether the biological signal acquired from the signal processing unit 52 is within the frequency range included in the numerical data 62, the determination unit 54 determines whether the biological signal of the occupant 90 is present. If the biological signal acquired from the signal processing unit 52 is within the frequency range, the determination unit 54 determines that the biological signal of the occupant 90 is present (S118: Yes), and the determination result that the occupant 90 exists in the vehicle compartment Are output to the output unit 56 (S120). When the output unit 56 acquires the determination result indicating that the occupant 90 is present, the output unit 56 outputs an output instruction for instructing a warning based on the device information (S122). For example, in a situation where the output unit 56 acquires device information indicating that the seat belt 21 is in the non-wearing state, the output unit 56 instructs the warning when a determination result indicating that the occupant 90 exists is acquired. Output to Thereby, the monitor device 19 outputs a warning that the seat belt 21 is not attached as an image or a sound.

  When the biological signal acquired from the signal processing unit 52 is within the frequency range, the determination unit 54 determines that there is no biological signal of the occupant 90 (S118: No), and the determination result that the occupant 90 is not present in the vehicle compartment Are output to the output unit 56 (S124).

  When one of the steps S116, S122, and S124 is executed, the calculation unit 42 repeats step S104 and the subsequent steps.

  As described above, in the occupant detection device 30 according to the first embodiment, the processing device 34 detects a biological signal to determine the presence or absence of the occupant 90 based on the detection information of the first detection wave transmitted by the transmission / reception device 22. Do. In addition, the occupant detection device 30 detects the limb state of the occupant 90 based on the intensity information of the detection wave corresponding to the intensity of the first detection wave that changes according to the position of the limbs of the occupant 90, and a room light which is an electric device. It controls the switching between the on state and the off state of 17. Thus, the occupant detection device 30 can realize control of the electric device according to the intention of the occupant 90 while detecting the presence or absence of the occupant 90.

  In the occupant detection device 30 according to the first embodiment, both the presence or absence of the occupant 90 and the limb state of the occupant 90 are detected based on the first detection wave transmitted by the first transmission / reception unit 26 of the transmission / reception device 22. Can be simplified, and parts cost can be reduced. In addition, since the occupant detection device 30 detects the limb state of the occupant 90 based on the comparison between the threshold information and the intensity information of the detection wave corresponding to the intensity of the first detection wave which changes depending on the position of the occupant 90 The arithmetic processing required to detect the hand and foot state can be simplified.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment in which a part of the above-described first embodiment is modified will be described. The processing device 34 of the second embodiment adjusts the level of the electrical device based on the hand and foot state of the occupant 90. An example of the level of the electrical device is the level of brightness of the room light 17 including turning off. The configuration of the occupant detection device 30 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the occupant detection device 30 according to the first embodiment, and thus the description will be simplified.

  In the occupant detection device 30 according to the second embodiment, the first transmission / reception unit 26 outputs strength information indicating the strength of the detection wave to the determination unit 54 together with the biological information.

  Based on the change in the intensity indicated by the intensity information of the detection wave, the determination unit 54 determines whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are away from or approaching the first transmission / reception unit 26 as the limbs state of the occupant 90. Specifically, the determination unit 54 stores the strength of the detection wave in the storage unit 44 until the determination time in which the strength of the detection wave is determined to be larger than the threshold strength passes the threshold time. When the intensity of the detection wave stored in the storage unit 44 decreases during the determination time, the determination unit 54 determines that the limbs of the occupant 90 are away. When the intensity of the detection wave stored in the storage unit 44 increases during the determination time, the determination unit 54 determines that the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching. The determination unit 54 outputs, to the output unit 56, the determination result as to whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are away or approaching.

  The output unit 56 adjusts the level of the room light 17 based on the determination result of whether the limbs of the occupant 90 which are determined based on the change in the intensity of the detection wave are away from or approaching the transmission / reception device 22. Generate and output an output instruction. For example, when the output unit 56 acquires a determination result indicating that the limbs of the occupant 90 move away from the transmission / reception device 22, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction to decrease the level of the brightness of the room light 17 to darken. When the output unit 56 acquires the determination result that the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching from the transmitting and receiving device 22, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction to raise the level of the brightness of the room light 17 to make it bright. Note that the output unit 56 may set an increase width or a decrease width of the level according to the distance that the occupant 90 moves away or the distance from which the occupant 90 is moved.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the occupant detection process of the second embodiment. Among the steps of the occupant detection process of the second embodiment, the description of the same steps as those of the first embodiment will be simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the occupant detection process of the second embodiment, the computing unit 42 executes steps S102 to S110. If the determination unit 54 determines that the intensity of the detection wave indicated by the intensity information is larger than the threshold intensity (S112: Yes), after storing the intensity of the detection wave in the storage unit 44 (S213), the determination time is the threshold It is determined whether time has passed (S114). The determination unit 54 repeats step S106 and subsequent steps until the determination time determined that the intensity of the detection wave is larger than the threshold time passes the threshold time.

  If the determination time determined that the intensity of the detection wave is larger than the threshold intensity passes the threshold time (S114: Yes), the determination unit 54 determines whether the limbs of the occupant 90 move away based on the change in the intensity of the detection wave It is determined whether or not (S216). When the intensity of the detection wave stored in the storage unit 44 gradually decreases during the determination time, the determination unit 54 determines that the limbs of the occupant 90 are away (S216: Yes), and the determination The result is output to the output unit 56. The output unit 56 generates an output instruction to lower the level of the brightness of the room light 17 when obtaining the determination result that the limbs of the occupant 90 are moving away, and outputs the output instruction to the room light 17 via the input / output interface 36 (S218). Thereby, the room light 17 lowers the brightness level.

  If it is determined that the limbs of the occupant 90 are not moving away (S216: No), the determination unit 54 determines whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching (S220). When the intensity of the detection wave stored in the storage unit 44 gradually increases during the determination time, the determination unit 54 determines that the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching (S220: Yes), and the determination The result is output to the output unit 56. The output unit 56 generates an output instruction to raise the level of the brightness of the room light 17 upon obtaining the determination result that the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching, and outputs the output instruction to the room light 17 via the input / output interface 36 (S222). Thereby, the room light 17 raises the level of brightness.

  If it is determined that the limbs of the occupant 90 are not approaching (S220: No), the determination unit 54 repeats step S104 and subsequent steps. In addition, when any one of steps S122, S124, S218, and S222 is executed, the determination unit 54 repeats step S104 and subsequent steps.

  As described above, in the occupant detection device 30 according to the second embodiment, the first transmission / reception unit 26 of the transmission / reception device 22 transmits the occupant 90 based on the change in the intensity of the first detection wave that changes with the position of the occupant 90 The hand and foot state is detected, and the brightness level of the room light 17 which is an electric device is adjusted. Thus, the occupant detection device 30 can adjust the level as well as the on state and the off state (i.e., extinguished) of the electric device according to the intention of the occupant 90.

  Since the occupant detection device 30 detects both the presence or absence of the occupant 90 and the limb state of the occupant 90 based on the first detection wave transmitted by the first transmission / reception unit 26 of the transmission / reception device 22, the configuration of the transmission / reception device 22 is simplified. Parts cost can be reduced.

Third Embodiment
In the third embodiment, the distance to the limbs of the occupant 90 (hereinafter referred to as a detection distance) is detected together with the presence or absence of the biological signal, and the electric device is controlled based on the biological signal and the detection distance. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the occupant detection system 30A of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the transmission / reception device 22 </ b> A of the occupant detection device 30 </ b> A of the third embodiment further includes a second transmission / reception unit 28.

  The second transmitting / receiving unit 28 transmits / receives the second detection wave, and outputs distance information on the detected distance which is the distance to the hand and foot of the occupant 90 to the processing device 34. The second detection wave is an example of the detection wave. That is, in the present embodiment, the detection wave includes the first detection wave and the second detection wave. The second transmission / reception unit 28 is provided in the vicinity of the indoor light 17 to be controlled and the first transmission / reception unit 26. The second transmission / reception unit 28 may be provided integrally with the indoor light 17 and the first transmission / reception unit 26. For example, the second transmission / reception unit 28 transmits a second detection wave capable of reaching the limbs of the occupant 90 in the setting range 92, receives a second detection wave reflected by the limbs of the occupant 90, and reaches the occupant 90. The distance information capable of calculating the detected distance of is output to the processing device 34. The second transmission / reception unit 28 is, for example, an FM-CW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar. In this case, the second transmission / reception unit 28 transmits the frequency-modulated continuous radio wave as a second detection wave. The second detection wave transmits a substance having a low dielectric constant such as a resin constituting the seat 14 and the child seat 24 and the like, and is reflected to the occupant 90 or metal or the like. When transmitting and receiving the second detection wave, the second transmission / reception unit 28 makes a difference between the frequency of the second detection wave transmitted while frequency modulation and the frequency of the second detection wave received after being reflected by the occupant 90, The distance to the occupant 90 is generated as calculable distance information. The second transmission / reception unit 28 may calculate the detection distance from the difference in frequency and generate the detection distance as distance information. The second transmission / reception unit 28 is connected to the processing device 34 so as to be able to transmit and receive an electrical signal or an optical signal such as information. The second transmission / reception unit 28 outputs the distance information generated by transmission / reception of the second detection wave to the processing device 34.

  The signal processing unit 52 calculates a detection distance to the hand and foot of the occupant 90 indicated by the distance information, based on the distance information including the frequency difference acquired from the second transmitting and receiving unit 28. For example, the detection distance is calculated from the frequency difference. The signal processing unit 52 outputs the detection distance to the determination unit 54 together with the biological signal detected from the biological information. In the present embodiment, the signal processing unit 52 does not output the intensity of the detection wave because it does not acquire the intensity information of the detection wave.

  The determination unit 54 determines the hand and foot state of the occupant 90 for controlling the electric device such as the indoor light 17 based on the comparison between the detection distance and the threshold distance. The threshold distance may be predetermined according to the setting range 92 near the second transmission / reception unit 28 and may be stored in the storage unit 44 as a part of the numerical data 62. Specifically, the determination unit 54 determines whether the detected distance is smaller than the threshold distance as a limb state of the occupant 90. In other words, based on the detected distance, the determination unit 54 determines whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are within the set range 92 as the limb state of the occupant 90. Here, the determination unit 54 may determine that the detection distance is smaller than the threshold distance if a determination time in which the detection distance is determined to be smaller than the threshold distance passes a preset threshold time. The determination unit 54 outputs, to the output unit 56, the determination result as to whether or not the occupant 90 has been determined based on the biological signal, and whether the detection distance determined as the hand and foot state of the occupant 90 is smaller than the threshold distance.

  The output unit 56 compares the detected distance with the threshold distance and determines the on / off state of the indoor light 17 which is the electric device to be controlled, based on the determination result of the hand and foot state of the occupant 90 determined by the determination unit 54. Generate output instructions to control Specifically, the output unit 56 acquires the determination result that the detected distance is larger than the threshold distance, and if the device information indicating that the indoor light 17 is in the on state is acquired, the indoor light 17 is used. An output instruction to switch to the off state is generated, and if the room light 17 acquires device information indicating the off state, an output instruction to switch to the on state is generated. The output unit 56 does not generate an output instruction when acquiring the determination result that the detected distance is smaller than the threshold distance.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the occupant detection process of the third embodiment. Among the steps of the occupant detection process of the third embodiment, the description of the same steps as those of the above-described embodiment will be simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the occupant detection process of the third embodiment, the calculation unit 42 executes steps S102 and S104. The signal processing unit 52 acquires distance information from the second transmission / reception unit 28 (S305), and detects the first transmission / reception unit 26 and acquires biological information digitized by the AD converter 40 (S306).

  After the signal processing unit 52 filters the distance information and the biological information to remove noise (S308), the signal processing unit 52 calculates a detection distance from the distance information and detects a biological signal from the biological information, It is output to the determination unit 54 (S310).

  The determination unit 54 determines whether the detected distance acquired from the signal processing unit 52 is smaller than the threshold distance (S312). For example, when the occupant 90 shakes his / her hand within the set range 92 near the interior light 17 and the first transmission / reception unit 26, the determination unit 54 determines that the detection distance is smaller than the threshold distance (S312: Yes ), It is determined whether or not the determination time which is the time during which the determination that the detection distance is smaller than the threshold distance continues has passed the threshold time (S314). If the determination unit 54 determines that the determination time has not exceeded the threshold time (S314: No), it repeats step S305 and subsequent steps to acquire distance information and biological information. If the determination unit 54 determines that the determination time in which the detection distance is smaller than the threshold distance has elapsed (S 314: Yes), the determination time is reset and the detection distance is smaller than the threshold distance The determination result is output to the output unit 56.

  Upon acquiring the determination result that the detection distance is smaller than the threshold distance, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction to switch the state of the indoor light 17 based on the device information acquired from the device information acquisition unit 50, It outputs to the light 17 (S316). For example, when the device information indicating that the interior light 17 is in the on state is acquired, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction that instructs switching to the off state, and outputs the output instruction to the interior light 17. When the device information indicating that the indoor light 17 is in the off state is acquired, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction that instructs switching to the on state, and outputs the output instruction to the indoor light 17. Thereby, the room light 17 is switched to the off state if in the on state, and is switched to the on state if in the off state.

  If the determination unit 54 determines that the detected distance is not smaller than the threshold distance (S312: No), it executes step S118 and subsequent steps.

  When one of the steps S316, S122, and S124 is executed, the calculation unit 42 repeats step S104 and subsequent steps.

  As described above, the occupant detection device 30A according to the third embodiment detects up to the limbs of the occupant 90 that can be changed by the intention of the occupant 90 based on the second detection wave transmitted by the second transmission / reception unit 28 of the transmission / reception device 22A. The distance is detected as the hand-foot condition of the occupant 90. The occupant detection device 30A detects the limb state of the occupant 90 based on the comparison between the detection distance and the threshold distance, and controls switching between the on state and the off state of the indoor light 17 which is an electric device. Thus, the occupant detection device 30A detects the presence or absence of the occupant 90 based on the biological signal from the first detection wave of the first transmission / reception unit 26, and detects the distance between the hand and foot which is changed by the occupant 90's intention. Control can be realized. Further, since the occupant detection device 30A calculates the detection distance to the limb based on the frequency difference, the position of the limb relative to the transmission / reception device 22A can be detected more accurately.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment in which a portion of the third embodiment described above is modified will be described. The processing device 34 of the fourth embodiment adjusts the state of the electrical device based on the hand and foot state of the occupant 90. An example of the state of the electrical device is the level of brightness of the room light 17. The configuration of the occupant detection device 30A of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the occupant detection device 30A of the third embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be simplified.

  In the occupant detection device 30A according to the fourth embodiment, the second transmission / reception unit 28 outputs distance information indicating the detected distance to the determination unit 54.

  In the occupant detection device 30A of the fourth embodiment, the determination unit 54 determines the limb state of the occupant 90 based on the change in the detected distance indicated by the distance information. For example, the determination unit 54 determines whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are away from or approaching the transmission / reception device 22A as the limbs state of the occupant 90 based on the change in the detection distance. Specifically, the determination unit 54 stores the detection distance in the storage unit 44 until the determination time in which the detection distance is determined to be smaller than the threshold distance passes the threshold time. When the detection distance stored in the storage unit 44 increases during the determination time, the determination unit 54 determines that the limbs of the occupant 90 are away. If the detection distance stored in the storage unit 44 is smaller during the determination time, the determination unit 54 determines that the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching. The determination unit 54 outputs, to the output unit 56, the determination result as to whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are away or approaching.

  The output unit 56 is an output that adjusts the level of the room light 17 based on the determination result of whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are away from or approaching the transmission / reception device 22A, which is determined based on the change of the detection distance. Generate and output instructions. For example, when the output unit 56 acquires the determination result that the limbs of the occupant 90 move away from the transmission / reception device 22A, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction to decrease the brightness level of the room light 17 to darken. When the output unit 56 obtains the determination result that the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching from the transmitting and receiving device 22A, the output unit 56 generates an output instruction to increase the brightness level of the room light 17 to make it bright. Note that the output unit 56 may set an increase width or a decrease width of the level according to the distance that the occupant 90 moves away or the distance from which the occupant 90 is moved.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the occupant detection process of the fourth embodiment. Among the steps of the occupant detection process of the fourth embodiment, the description of the same steps as those of the above-described embodiment will be simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the occupant detection process of the fourth embodiment, the computing unit 42 executes steps S102 to S310.

  If the determination unit 54 determines that the detection distance is smaller than the threshold distance (S312: Yes), after storing the detection distance in the storage unit 44 (S413), whether the determination time has passed the threshold time or not It determines (S314). The determination unit 54 repeats step S305 and subsequent steps until the determination time determined that the detected distance is smaller than the threshold distance passes the threshold time.

  When the determination time determined that the detection distance is smaller than the threshold distance passes the threshold time (S314: Yes), the determination unit 54 determines whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are away (S416). If the detection distance stored in the storage unit 44 gradually decreases during the determination time, the determination unit 54 determines that the limbs of the occupant 90 are away (S416: Yes), and the determination result is Output to the output unit 56. The output unit 56 generates an output instruction to lower the level of the brightness of the room light 17 when obtaining the determination result that the limbs of the occupant 90 are moving away, and outputs the output instruction to the room light 17 via the input / output interface 36 (S218). Thereby, the room light 17 lowers the brightness level.

  If it is determined that the limbs of the occupant 90 are not moving away (S416: No), the determination unit 54 determines whether the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching (S420). If the detection distance stored in the storage unit 44 gradually increases during the determination time, the determination unit 54 determines that the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching (S420: Yes), and the determination result is Output to the output unit 56. The output unit 56 generates an output instruction to raise the level of the brightness of the room light 17 upon obtaining the determination result that the limbs of the occupant 90 are approaching, and outputs the output instruction to the room light 17 via the input / output interface 36 (S222). Thereby, the room light 17 raises the level of brightness.

  When determining that the hand and foot of the occupant 90 are not approaching based on the detection distance (S420: No), the determination unit 54 repeats step S104 and subsequent steps. In addition, when any one of steps S122, S124, S218, and S222 is executed, the determination unit 54 repeats step S104 and subsequent steps.

  As described above, in the occupant detection device 30A of the fourth embodiment, the change in the detection distance to the limbs of the occupant 90 calculated from the second detection wave transmitted by the second transmission / reception unit 28 of the transmission / reception device 22A It detects as a state and adjusts the level of the brightness of the indoor light 17 which is an electric device. As a result, the occupant detection device 30A can adjust the level as well as the on state and the off state (that is, extinguished) of the electric device according to the detection distance that can be changed by the intention of the occupant 90.

  The functions, connection relationships, number, arrangement, and the like of the configurations of the respective embodiments described above may be appropriately changed or deleted within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and the equivalent scope. You may combine each embodiment suitably. The order of each step of each embodiment may be changed as appropriate.

  In the above embodiment, the output unit 56 outputs an output instruction to switch on and off the indoor light 17 or an output instruction to adjust the level of the indoor light 17 and an output instruction to issue a warning regarding the seat belt 21. Although examples have been given, the output instruction of the output unit 56 is not limited to these. For example, the output unit 56 may output an output instruction to switch between the on state and the off state of the air conditioner 18 or an output instruction to adjust the temperature level. The output unit 56 may output an output instruction to switch between the on state and the off state of the monitor device 19 or an output instruction to adjust the audio level of the monitor device 19 as an audio device or a navigation device. The output unit 56 may output an output instruction to switch between the open state and the closed state of the sunroof 20 or an output instruction to adjust the level of the opening degree. In these cases, the device information acquisition unit 50 acquires information of the control target electrical device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first transmission / reception unit 26 for detecting a biological signal and the second transmission / reception unit 28 for detecting distance information indicating the distance to the occupant 90 are separately configured. The transmission / reception unit 26 and the second transmission / reception unit 28 may be realized by one device. In this case, the biological information and the distance information are obtained by transmitting and receiving one by shifting the time when the first transmission / reception unit 26 transmits the first detection wave and the time when the second transmission / reception unit 28 transmits the second detection wave. It may be realized by In addition, the occupant detection device may include three or more transmission / reception units to transmit a plurality of detection waves.

  In the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment described above, an example is given in which the output unit 56 adjusts the level of the electric device based on changes in the intensity indicated by the intensity information of the detected wave and the distance to the limbs of the occupant 90. However, the output unit 56 may adjust the level of the electrical device by other methods. For example, the output unit 56 may adjust the level of the electrical device based on the number of times of determination that the state in which the intensity of the detection wave is larger than the threshold intensity and the state in which the intensity of the detection wave has decreased. In other words, the output unit 56 may adjust the level of the electrical device by counting the number of times the occupant 90 moves the hands and feet close to or away from the transmission / reception device 22 as the number of determinations. In this case, for example, the output unit 56 raises the brightness level of the room light 17 by the number of judgments, and returns it to the lowest level when the brightness reaches the maximum level, and adjusts the brightness level of the room light 17 again. You may In addition, the output unit 56 may adjust the level of the electrical device based on the number of times of determination that the distance to the hand and foot of the occupant 90 is smaller and larger than the threshold distance.

  In the above embodiment, the hand state is mainly described as the hand and foot state, but the hand and foot state is not limited to the hand state. For example, the limb condition may be the condition of only the foot, or may be the condition of both limbs.

  10: vehicle, 17: room light (electric equipment), 22 and 22A: transmission and reception device, 26: first transmission and reception unit, 28: second transmission and reception unit, 30, 30A: occupant detection device, 42: calculation unit, 44: storage Unit 50: Device information acquisition unit 52: Signal processing unit 54: Determination unit 56: Output unit 60: Occupant detection program 90: Occupant.

Claims (5)

A transmitting / receiving apparatus provided in a vehicle, which transmits / receives one or a plurality of detection waves and outputs detection information including biological information on a detected biological signal;
Based on the detected biological information and the hand and foot state of at least one of the hand and foot of the passenger, the presence or absence of the passenger is determined, and the electric device provided in the vehicle is controlled. A processing unit that
Occupant detection device comprising: The transmitting and receiving apparatus outputs the detection information including intensity information on the intensity of the detection wave;
The processing device determines the hand and foot state of the occupant based on comparison between the intensity of the detection wave and a threshold intensity, and controls the on state and the off state of the electric device.
The occupant detection device according to claim 1. The transmitting and receiving apparatus outputs the detection information including intensity information on the intensity of the detection wave;
The processing device determines the hand and foot state of the occupant based on the change in the intensity of the detection wave, and adjusts the level of the electric device.
The occupant detection device according to claim 1. The transmission / reception device outputs the detection information including distance information on a detection distance which is a distance to at least one of the hand or the foot of the occupant.
The processing device determines the limb state of the occupant based on a comparison between the detection distance indicated by the distance information and a threshold distance, and controls the on state and the off state of the electric device.
The occupant detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The transmission / reception device outputs the detection information including distance information on a detection distance which is a distance to at least one of the hand or the foot of the occupant.
The processing device determines the hand and foot state of the occupant based on a change in the detected distance indicated by the distance information, and adjusts the level of the electric device.
The occupant detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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