JP2019140529A - Communication device and lighting device - Google Patents

Abstract

A human-powered vehicle capable of communicating between its own vehicle and another vehicle in a traveling environment.
At least one of a light emitter that outputs light including information in a traveling environment, a light receiver that receives light including information in the traveling environment, and at least one of the light emitter and the light receiver is attached to a manpowered vehicle. And a mount for the communication device.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a lighting device used in a human-powered vehicle.

  Inter-vehicle communication between automobiles is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-129937 A

  However, vehicle-to-vehicle communication using human-powered vehicles has not been known. The inventor of the present application has found that there is a need for a manually driven vehicle to perform inter-vehicle communication. The present disclosure describes a human-powered vehicle that can communicate between the vehicle and another vehicle in a traveling environment.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the communication device includes at least one of a light emitter that outputs light including information in a traveling environment, a light receiver that receives light including information in the traveling environment, the light emitter, and the light receiving device. A mount configured to attach at least one of the vessels to the manpowered vehicle.

  According to the communication device according to the first aspect, a human-powered vehicle capable of performing communication between the own vehicle and another vehicle in a traveling environment is provided.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the light emitter according to the first aspect can change at least one of light intensity, light irradiation direction, and light irradiation range.

  According to the communication device according to the second aspect, it is possible to more effectively communicate between the own vehicle and the other vehicle.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the light receiver according to the first aspect or the second aspect includes a cover for reducing light from the light emitter.

  According to the communication device according to the third aspect, the light receiver is less likely to receive unnecessary light from the light emitter, and can receive light including information output from a surrounding vehicle more efficiently.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects converts an electrical signal into light containing information, or converts light containing information into an electrical signal. A converter is further provided.

  According to the communication device of the fourth aspect, information can be exchanged using light as a medium.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the mount has at least one of the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device as the human-powered vehicle. It is configured to be detachably attached to.

  The communication device according to the fifth aspect can prevent theft or mischief.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the fifth aspect, the communication device further includes a housing that houses at least one of the light emitter and the light receiver, and the mount removably supports the housing. To do.

  According to the communication device of the sixth aspect, weather resistance can be improved.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the mount is detachably provided on the main body of the human-powered vehicle.

  According to the communication device according to the seventh aspect, the mount position can be easily changed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the mount is provided on the front side in the traveling direction of the main body of the human-powered vehicle.

  According to the communication device according to the eighth aspect, it is possible to selectively communicate with another vehicle on the front side in the traveling direction of the main body of the human-powered vehicle.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the mount is provided on the rear side in the traveling direction of the main body of the human-powered vehicle.

  According to the communication device of the ninth aspect, it is possible to selectively communicate with another vehicle on the rear side in the traveling direction of the main body of the manpowered vehicle.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the main body of the manpowered vehicle includes a frame, a front fork, a handlebar, and a seat. Includes at least one of the posts.

  According to the communication device according to the tenth aspect, at least one of the frame, the front fork, the handle bar, and the seat post can improve its rigidity.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the information is at least one of information on the manpowered vehicle, traffic information, and environmental information. Including one.

  According to the communication device according to the eleventh aspect, the safety of traveling of the own vehicle or another vehicle can be improved.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the eleventh aspect, the information on the manpowered vehicle includes identification information on the manpowered vehicle, vehicle information on the manpowered vehicle, and travel of the manpowered vehicle. At least one of a state, vehicle information of a vehicle following the manpowered vehicle, and vehicle information of a preceding vehicle of the manpowered vehicle.

  According to the communication apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, it is possible to improve the safety of traveling of the own vehicle or another vehicle.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the light emitter outputs visible light including information.

  According to the communication device of the thirteenth aspect, communication is possible with visible light.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the light receiver receives visible light including information.

  The communication device according to the fourteenth aspect can communicate with visible light.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the light emitter outputs infrared light including information.

  The communication device according to the fifteenth aspect can communicate with infrared light.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects and the fifteenth aspect, the light receiver receives infrared light including information.

  According to the communication device of the sixteenth aspect, communication can be performed with infrared light.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the lighting device includes a communication device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects.

  According to the illumination device according to the seventeenth aspect, illumination can be provided not only in communication but also in the vicinity of the own vehicle.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the illumination device according to the seventeenth aspect, the communication device includes the light emitter, and the communication device further includes a sensor that detects ambient brightness, and the light emission. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the device is turned off when the surroundings are brighter than a predetermined level and is turned on when the surroundings are darker than the predetermined level.

  According to the illumination device according to the eighteenth aspect, the efficiency of the illumination device can be increased.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the illumination device according to the eighteenth aspect, the communication device further includes a shielding unit that selectively shields light incident on the sensor.

  According to the illuminating device of the nineteenth aspect, when the shielding portion is in a state where the entrance of the sensor is closed, the light emitter can be turned on regardless of the surrounding brightness.

  Provided is a human-powered vehicle capable of communicating between its own vehicle and another vehicle in a traveling environment.

It is a figure which shows the man-powered vehicle provided with the communication apparatus by a certain embodiment. It is a figure which shows the attachment to the man-powered vehicle of a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of a communication apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of a converter. It is a figure which shows the condition where a communication apparatus can be used. It is a figure which shows the condition where a communication apparatus can be used. It is a figure which shows the condition where a communication apparatus can be used.

  Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals indicate the same components.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a manpowered vehicle 100 including a communication device 150 according to an embodiment. The manpowered vehicle 100 generally refers to a bicycle having a front wheel 120 and a rear wheel 122, and includes an electrically assisted bicycle.

  In some embodiments, the manpowered vehicle 100 includes a main controller 130 configured to control electrical components mounted on the manpowered vehicle 100. The main controller 130 is configured to be able to control electric components including an actuator (for example, an electric transmission, an electric brake, an electric suspension, an electric adjustable seat post, and an electric travel assist device). The main controller 130 is configured to be able to acquire information from an electrical component including a detection unit, that is, a sensor (for example, a speed sensor, a brake sensor, and an acceleration sensor). In some embodiments, the communication device 150 is controlled by the main controller 130.

  In the traveling environment, the communication device 150 sends information to a bicycle, automobile, or an ITS (intelligent transportation system) sensor or the like that exists around the human-powered vehicle 100, or the bicycle, automobile, or ITS. Receive information from sensors. Here, the traveling environment includes a state during traveling and a state where traveling is about to start or end.

  The information includes, for example, own vehicle travel information and traffic jam information. For example, the traveling information of the host vehicle indicates that the rider is operating a brake. The traffic jam information indicates, for example, that an accident has occurred in front of the host vehicle or that construction is being performed in front of the host vehicle. By exchanging information between the human-powered vehicle 100 and a bicycle, an automobile, an ITS sensor, or the like, the safety of traveling of the human-powered vehicle 100 and surrounding vehicles can be improved. For example, rear-end collision can be prevented by transmitting information indicating that the vehicle has suddenly braked to a subsequent vehicle. In the present specification, the “vehicle” is not limited to a bicycle, but includes an automobile and the like.

  The main body 110 of the manpowered vehicle 100 includes at least one of a frame 112, a front fork 114, a handle bar 116, and a seat post 118.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating attachment of the communication device 150 to the human-powered vehicle 100. The communication device 150 includes a housing 210 and a mount 220. The housing 210 accommodates at least one of a light emitter and a light receiver. The mount 220 is configured to attach at least one of a light emitter 310 to be described later and a light receiver 320 to be described later to a human-powered vehicle. Mount 220 is configured to attach housing 210 to manpowered vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the communication device 150 is attached to the tubular member 110 included in the manpowered vehicle 100 by a mount 220. The tubular member 110 includes at least one of a frame 112, a front fork 114, a handle bar 116, and a seat post 118. Specifically, the communication device 150 is attached to the handle bar 116 by the mount 220. For example, the communication device 150 may be attached to the frame 112, the front fork 114, or the seat post 118.

  In some embodiments, the mount 220 supports the housing 210 in a removable manner. For example, the mount 220 supports the housing 210 in a detachable manner by inserting a slide rail or sandwiching it.

  In an embodiment, the mount 220 is detachably provided on the main body 110 of the human-powered vehicle 100. For example, the mount 220 is detachably attached to the manpowered vehicle 100 by a screw or lever-type clamp 222. That is, the mount 220 is configured to detachably attach at least one of a light emitter 310 described later and a light receiver 320 described later to the manual driving vehicle 100.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the communication device 150. The communication device 150 includes at least one of a light emitter 310 and a light receiver 320 in the housing 210. The light emitter 310 outputs light including information in the traveling environment. The light receiver 320 receives light including information in the traveling environment. In some embodiments, the light receiver 320 includes a cover 330 that reduces light from the light emitter 310. As used herein, “reduce” includes both reducing and eliminating. The cover 330 makes it difficult for the light receiver 320 to receive unnecessary light from the light emitter 310, and can more efficiently receive light including information output from a surrounding vehicle.

  The communication device 150 may include a display 370. The display 370 shows information corresponding to the light received by the light receiver 320 to the rider. For example, the display 370 issues a warning to the rider with light in response to information that the other vehicle running ahead is operating the brake. In this case, the indicator 370 is, for example, a high brightness light emitting diode.

  In some embodiments, the communication device 150 includes a converter 340 that converts electrical signals into light containing information or light containing information into electrical signals. The structure of the converter 340 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In an embodiment, an illumination device including the communication device 150 can be realized. At this time, the communication device 150 includes a light emitter 310. The communication device 150 further includes a sensor 350 that detects ambient brightness. Based on the detection result of the sensor 350, the light emitter 310 is turned off when the surroundings are brighter than a predetermined level and is turned on when the surroundings are darker than the predetermined level. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the lighting device by avoiding lighting when the surroundings are bright.

  In some embodiments, the communication device 150 may include a shielding unit 360. The shielding unit 360 selectively shields light incident on the sensor 350. Specifically, the light entrance to the sensor 350 can be opened and closed by the hinge. Thus, when the entrance is closed, the light emitter 310 can be turned on regardless of the surrounding brightness.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the converter 340. The converter 340 includes a processor 410, drivers 412 and 472, a memory 420, and interfaces 422 and 452. The driver 412 drives the light emitter 310 based on information (for example, digital data) output from the processor 410. The interface 422 generates information (for example, digital data) based on the intensity of light output from the light receiver 320 and outputs the information to the processor 410.

  The processor 410 uses at least one of the light emitter 310 and the light receiver 320 to realize optical communication between the own vehicle and another vehicle. For example, information to be transmitted can be represented by a change in light intensity. In optical communication, for example, a modulation frequency of several tens of kHz to several MHz can be used. A modulation frequency of this order is preferable because flickering of light is not perceived by human eyes. The light intensity does not have to be completely zero as in the case of turning on and off. That is, if the light intensity changes to some extent, the interface 422 can generate the original information based on the output of the light receiver 320.

  Information exchanged between the own vehicle and the other vehicle includes at least one of information related to the human-powered vehicle 100, traffic information, and environmental information. The traffic information may include, for example, information related to an adjacent intersection or information related to a road on which the user has run. The environmental information may include information regarding the weather, the condition of the driving path, or nearby commercial facilities.

  Information related to the manpowered vehicle 100 includes identification information of the manpowered vehicle 100, vehicle information of the manpowered vehicle 100, a running state of the manpowered vehicle 100, vehicle information of a succeeding vehicle of the manpowered vehicle 100, and preceding of the manpowered vehicle 100. It includes at least one vehicle information of the vehicle. Here, the vehicle information includes at least one of a vehicle type, a size, a traveling state, and a failure state.

  In an embodiment, the main controller 130 outputs information based on the detection result of an arbitrary sensor attached to the human-powered vehicle 100 to the processor 410 via the interface 432. Specifically, the main controller 130 outputs a signal representing the operation of the brake to the processor 410 based on the detection result of the sensor attached to the braking operation device. By sending information indicating that the brake is being operated to the other vehicle, the intention of the rider of the human-powered vehicle 100 can be transmitted to the rider or driver of the other vehicle.

  The main controller 130 outputs an electrical signal representing information exchanged between the host vehicle and the other vehicle to the processor 410 via the interface 432. The main controller 130 may include a memory that stores identification information of the human-powered vehicle 100.

  Display 370 gives a warning to the rider of human-powered vehicle 100 in response to information received from another vehicle. The display 370 is, for example, a light emitting diode, but is not limited thereto, and may be a liquid crystal display panel or the like. In some embodiments, instead of the indicator 370, a speaker may be used to alert the rider with sound or the like. In another embodiment, instead of the display 370, a vibration element may be used to alert the rider with vibration or the like.

  In some embodiments, the light emitter 310 outputs visible light containing information, and the light receiver 320 receives visible light containing information. The light emitter 310 may include, for example, a light emitting diode that emits visible light. The light receiver 320 may include, for example, a photodiode that outputs a current in response to irradiated visible light. Alternatively, in some embodiments, light emitter 310 outputs infrared light that includes information, and light receiver 320 receives infrared light that includes information. The light emitter 310 may include, for example, a light emitting diode that emits infrared light. The light receiver 320 may include, for example, a photodiode that outputs a current in response to irradiated infrared light.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a situation 500 in which the communication device 150 may be used. The own vehicle 510 can transmit the various information described above to nearby vehicles 520, 530 and 560. In the present specification, the “own vehicle” represents a human-powered vehicle including the communication device of the present invention.

  In the situation 500, the own vehicle 510 may not be able to convey information to the vehicle 550. This is due to the light irradiation direction of the light emitter 310, but it is not a problem in practice. This is because the vehicle 550 is in the oncoming lane and has already passed away, so the importance of exchanging information is low.

  Depending on which vehicle the information is selectively sent to or from which vehicle the information is selectively received, the arrangement of the light emitter 310 or the light receiver 320 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the light emitter 310 can change at least one of light intensity, light irradiation direction, and light irradiation range. As a result, light can be sent only to the desired vehicle, and interference with other vehicles can be reduced.

In an embodiment, the mount 220 is provided on the front side in the traveling direction of the main body 110 of the human-powered vehicle 100. As a result, it is possible to irradiate the vehicle existing on the front side in the traveling direction of the human-powered vehicle 100.
Alternatively, the mount 220 may be provided on the rear side in the traveling direction of the main body 110 of the human-powered vehicle 100. As a result, it is possible to irradiate the vehicle existing behind the direction of travel of the human-powered vehicle 100 with light.

  For example, consider a case where the mount 220 is provided on the rear side in the traveling direction of the main body 110 of the human-powered vehicle 100. At this time, the own vehicle 510 can send information to the following bicycle 530. For example, the own vehicle 510 can send information indicating that the brake is being operated to the bicycle 530. Thereby, the bicycle 530 can predict that the own vehicle 510 will decelerate. Therefore, the communication between the rider of the own vehicle 510 and the driver of the bicycle 530 is improved.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a situation 600 in which the communication device 150 may be used. The own vehicle 610 can send information to the oncoming vehicle 620 about to turn right. For example, the host vehicle 610 can send information indicating that the brake operation is being performed to the oncoming vehicle 620. Thereby, the oncoming vehicle 620 can predict that the own vehicle 610 will decelerate. Conversely, the host vehicle 610 can send information indicating that the brake operation is not being performed to the oncoming vehicle 620. In this case, the oncoming vehicle 620 can predict that the host vehicle 610 will not decelerate. In either case, communication between the rider of the own vehicle 610 and the driver of the oncoming vehicle 620 is improved.

  The own vehicle 610 can send information indicating that the brake is being operated to the subsequent bicycle 630. Thereby, the bicycle 630 can predict that the own vehicle 610 will decelerate. Also in this case, communication between the rider of the own vehicle 610 and the rider of the bicycle 630 is improved.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a situation 700 in which the communication device 150 may be used. In the situation 700, the own vehicle 710 and the automobile 720 are about to enter the intersection. An ITS sensor 770 is provided at the intersection. For example, the ITS sensor 770 receives information sent by the own vehicle 710 and sends the information to the automobile 720. In this case, the own vehicle 710 can send information indicating that the brake operation is not performed to the automobile 720. Accordingly, the driver of the automobile 720 can predict that the own vehicle 710 will enter the intersection without decelerating. Therefore, communication between the rider of the own vehicle 710 and the driver of the vehicle 720 is improved.

  The ITS sensor 770 may receive information sent by the automobile 720 and send it to the own vehicle 710. In this case, the automobile 720 can send information indicating that the brake operation is not performed to the own vehicle 710. Thereby, the rider of the own vehicle 710 can predict that the automobile 720 will enter the intersection without decelerating. Also in this case, communication between the rider of the own vehicle 710 and the driver of the automobile 720 is improved.

  The ITS sensor 770 may be a mirror. That is, communication may be established by reflecting the light from the host vehicle 710 and irradiating the vehicle 720.

110 Main body 112 Frame 114 Front fork 116 Handle bar 118 Seat post 150 Communication device 210 Housing 220 Mount 222 Clamp

Claims (19)

At least one of a light emitter that outputs light containing information in a driving environment and a light receiver that receives light containing information in the driving environment;
A mount configured to attach at least one of the light emitter and the light receiver to a manpowered vehicle;
A communication device comprising:   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitter can change at least one of light intensity, light irradiation direction, and light irradiation range.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the light receiver includes a cover that reduces light from the light emitter.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a converter that converts an electrical signal into light containing information or a light containing information into an electrical signal.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mount is configured to detachably attach at least one of the light emitter and the light receiver to the human-powered vehicle. A housing that houses at least one of the light emitter and the light receiver;
The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the mount detachably supports the housing.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the mount is detachably provided on a main body of the human-powered vehicle.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mount is provided on a front side in a traveling direction of a main body of the human-powered vehicle.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the mount is provided on a rear side in a traveling direction of a main body of the human-powered vehicle.   The communication device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the main body of the human-powered vehicle includes at least one of a frame, a front fork, a handlebar, and a seat post.   The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the information includes at least one of information on the manpowered vehicle, traffic information, and environmental information.   The information related to the manpowered vehicle includes identification information of the manpowered vehicle, vehicle information of the manpowered vehicle, travel state of the manpowered vehicle, vehicle information of a succeeding vehicle of the manpowered vehicle, and preceding of the manpowered vehicle. The communication device according to claim 11, comprising at least one of vehicle information of the vehicle.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitter outputs visible light including information.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the light receiver receives visible light including information.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitter outputs infrared light including information.   The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the light receiver receives infrared light including information.   The illuminating device containing the communication apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-14. The communication device includes the light emitter,
The communication device further includes a sensor that detects ambient brightness,
The lighting device according to claim 17, wherein, based on a detection result of the sensor, the light emitter is turned off when the surroundings are brighter than a predetermined level and is turned on when the surroundings are darker than the predetermined level during non-communication.   The illumination device according to claim 18, further comprising a shielding unit that selectively shields light incident on the sensor.

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