JP5310201B2 - Alarm device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an alarm device that issues an alarm to a user.

  Conventionally, as an alarm device, for example, as described in Japanese Patent No. 3390289, an alarm device for alarming the situation on the right and left sides of a vehicle, an alarm lamp that emits light and a speaker that generates an alarm sound are provided. What is integrally formed is known. In this device, when the lane departure is on the left side, the alarm is given by the left alarm device, and when the lane departure is on the right side, the right alarm device warns the user so that the user can know the direction of the lane departure instantly.

Japanese Patent No. 3390289

  However, since the alarm sound and the light are generated at the same time in the above-described device, when the number of alarms increases, the user's reaction to the alarm represented by the sound and the light is slowed down, and the accuracy of attention guidance is reduced. .

  The present invention has been made to solve such a technical problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an alarm device capable of increasing the accuracy of attention guidance to a user.

  The alarm device according to the present invention includes a control unit that controls an audio alarm unit that issues an audio alarm to a user and a visual alarm unit that is provided in the vicinity of the audio alarm unit and generates a visual alarm to the user. One alarm of the auditory alarm means and the visual alarm means is generated with a delay from the other alarm.

  According to the present invention, since the control means generates one of the auditory alarm means and the visual alarm means with a delay from the other alarm, the auditory alarm and the visual alarm are generated with a time difference. Thereby, the user can recognize an audible alarm or a visual alarm, respectively, and can more accurately grasp a sense of direction to the alarm. As a result, it is possible to increase the accuracy of attention guidance to the user.

In the alarm device according to the present invention, the alarm device further includes an auditory alarm detecting unit for detecting an auditory alarm issued by the auditory alarm unit, and the control unit is configured to detect the visual alarm based on the result of the auditory alarm detected by the auditory alarm detecting unit. A visual alarm is generated on the means.

  In this case, since the visual alarm is generated after the audio alarm is detected by the audio alarm means, the audio alarm and the visual alarm can be generated with a time difference. Therefore, the user can recognize an audible alarm or a visual alarm, respectively, and can grasp the sense of direction to the alarm more accurately.

The alarm device further comprises a visual alarm detection means for detecting a visual alarm issued by the visual alarm means, and the control means is configured to detect the audio alarm on the audio alarm means based on the result of the visual alarm detected by the visual alarm means. Can be generated.

  In this case, since the visual alarm is detected by the visual alarm means and then the audio alarm is generated by the audio alarm means, the audio alarm and the visual alarm can be generated with a time difference. Therefore, the user can recognize an audible alarm or a visual alarm, respectively, and can grasp the sense of direction to the alarm more accurately.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the alarm device which can raise the accuracy of the guidance guidance with respect to a user is provided.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an alarm device according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the attachment position of the alarm device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing of the alarm device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is a schematic block diagram of the alarm device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing of the alarm device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of an alarm device.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an alarm device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a mounting position of the alarm device according to the first embodiment. The alarm device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and generates an alarm sound and an alarm light to notify a driver (user) of a dangerous direction. The radar 2, the alarm control ECU 3, the sound generator 4, and the light generator The unit 5 is provided.

  The radar 2 transmits a detection wave such as a millimeter wave band radio wave or a laser beam to the surroundings of the own vehicle while scanning in a horizontal direction or a vertical direction, and receives a reflected wave reflected on the surface of another vehicle or a pedestrian Thus, it is for detecting the distance / direction and approach speed with other vehicles, pedestrians and the like. The direction of the other vehicle or pedestrian is the angle of the reflected wave, the distance is the time from when the radio wave is emitted until the reflected wave returns, the speed of the other vehicle or pedestrian is the frequency change of the reflected wave (Doppler effect) Use to detect. Moreover, you may monitor another vehicle and a pedestrian with the image image | photographed with the infrared camera. Monitoring may be performed by a combination of the radar 2 and an infrared image.

  The alarm control ECU 3 controls the entire apparatus, and is composed mainly of a computer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, for example. The sound generator 4 is connected to the alarm control ECU 3, receives a control signal from the alarm control ECU 3, and outputs an alarm sound via the speaker (auditory alarm means) 6.

  The voice generation unit 4 extracts corresponding voice data from a voice database (not shown) connected thereto based on a control signal from the alarm control ECU 3, and outputs the extracted voice data via the speaker 6. It has a function to do. For example, when the voice generation unit 4 receives a control signal that emits a voice “please be careful to the right” from the alarm control ECU 3, the voice generation unit 4 extracts the voice data “note the right front” from the voice database. The driver is notified through the speaker 6.

  The light generator 5 is provided in the vicinity of the sound generator 4 and is integrated with the sound generator 4. The light generator 5 includes an alarm lamp (visual alarm means) 7, a sound collection sensor (auditory alarm detection means) 8, a filter 9 surrounding the sound collection sensor 8, and a light emission controller 10. The alarm lamp 7 is composed of, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The sound collection sensor 8 detects an alarm sound emitted from the sound generation unit 4 and outputs data of the detected alarm sound to the light emission control unit 10.

  The filter 9 is composed of a band-pass filter that passes only frequencies in a specific range, and transmits only frequencies in the range emitted from the alarm lamp 7 and reflects other frequencies. The light emission control unit 10 controls lighting or blinking of the alarm lamp 7 based on the data detected by the sound collection sensor 8. The light emission control unit 10 compares the frequency, sound pressure, and the like of the input alarm sound with a threshold value, and transmits a control signal for lighting or blinking the alarm lamp 7 if the threshold value or more is exceeded.

  The sound collecting sensor 8 is installed in the vicinity of the sound generating unit 4 so that the light generating unit 5 operates with high sensitivity and prevents malfunction due to disturbance such as noise. The sound generation unit 4 and the light generation unit 5 are surrounded by a sound insulation wall 11 that blocks external noise.

  The alarm device 1 configured as described above is arranged near the boundary between the front pillar 12 and the dashboard 13 of the vehicle so that the driver M can easily see and does not obstruct the driver's line of sight (see FIG. 2). Then, a warning light is emitted to inform the driver M of the dangerous direction.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control process of the alarm device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, when an alarm scene is detected (S11), an alarm sound is emitted (S12). At this time, the alarm control ECU 3 identifies the direction or position where the other vehicle or pedestrian approaches the vehicle based on the position or speed of the other vehicle or pedestrian detected by the radar 2, and there is a danger to the driver. A control signal notifying the direction is transmitted to the sound generator 4. The sound generator 4 receives the control signal and emits an alarm sound and a guidance sound.

  For example, in a scene as shown in FIG. 2, when the driver M performs a driving operation while paying attention to the front (line-of-sight direction F), and the pedestrian approaches the vehicle from the right front direction of the vehicle, the alarm control ECU 3 performs the sound generation unit 4. A control signal that emits a sound is transmitted to the sound generator 4, and the sound generating unit 4 issues an alarm sound and simultaneously announces “Please pay attention to the right front”.

  In the process of S13 following S12, it is determined whether or not the detected alarm sound is greater than or equal to a threshold value. At this time, the sound collection sensor 8 detects an alarm sound generated from the sound generation unit 4 and outputs data of the detected alarm sound to the light emission control unit 10. The light emission control unit 10 compares the sound pressure, frequency, and intermittent time of the input alarm sound with threshold values, and determines whether or not it is equal to or greater than the threshold values.

  If it is determined that the detected alarm sound is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the control process proceeds to S14, and the alarm lamp 7 is turned on. At this time, the light emission control unit 10 transmits a control signal for lighting the alarm lamp 7 to the alarm lamp 7. The alarm lamp 7 is turned on in response to the control signal. In addition, at this time, it is preferable that the light emission control part 10 controls the brightness | luminance of the light emitted from the alarm lamp 7, a luminescent color, a blinking period, etc.

  The lighting of the alarm lamp 7 is continued while the detected alarm sound is equal to or higher than the threshold value. On the other hand, when it is determined that the detected alarm sound is not equal to or higher than the threshold value, the alarm lamp 7 is not turned on (S15), and the control process ends.

  According to the alarm device 1 configured as described above, an alarm sound is emitted first, and the alarm lamp 7 is turned on based on the alarm sound detected by the sound emission sensor 8 by the light emission control unit 10, which is dangerous to the driver. Tell the direction. In this way, the alarm sound and the alarm light are not generated at the same time, but are generated with a time difference, so that the driver can recognize the alarm sound and the alarm light, respectively, and more accurately grasp the sense of direction to the alarm. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the user's reaction from becoming dull due to the simultaneous generation of the alarm sound and the alarm light as in the prior art, and to increase the accuracy of attention guidance to the driver.

  Hereinafter, modified examples of the alarm device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 4, the light generation unit 5 includes a plurality of alarm lamps 15a, 15b, 15c, and 15d. These alarm lamps 15 a to 15 d are LEDs that emit light of different specific wavelengths, and the lighting timing, time, and the like are controlled by the light emission control unit 10.

  The alarm device 14 configured in this way has the same effect as the first embodiment described above, and has a plurality of alarm lamps 15a to 15d that emit light of different specific wavelengths. Correspondingly, light of a specific wavelength (for example, color) can be emitted.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 5, instead of the sound collection sensor 8 according to the first embodiment, the vibration of the sound generation unit 4 is measured using a vibration sensor (auditory alarm detection means) 16, and the operating state of the speaker 6 is changed. To detect. The vibration sensor 16 outputs data such as the specific frequency and sound pressure of the detected alarm sound to the light emission control unit 10. Specifically, the vibration sensor 16 is directly installed on the speaker 6 to measure the vibration of the cone portion of the speaker 6, and at the same time, the vehicle vibration is measured using the vehicle vibration sensor 17 of the fixed portion on the vehicle such as the speaker mounting portion. To do. Based on the results measured by the vibration sensor 16 and the vehicle vibration sensor 17, the light emission control unit 10 calculates the vibration difference between the two, cancels the disturbance such as the vehicle vibration, measures the vibration of the speaker 6, and based on the measurement result. Control of lighting or blinking of the alarm lamp 7 is performed.

  The alarm device 18 configured as described above can obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and also measures the vibration of the speaker 6 using the vibration sensor 16 and the vehicle vibration sensor 17, so that the transmission in the air is performed. Measurement can be performed stably and accurately regardless of the characteristics.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 6, it is detected that the sound generator 4 is excited using a magnetic field sensor (auditory alarm detection means) 19 instead of the sound collection sensor 8 according to the first embodiment. Then, the light emission control unit 10 controls lighting or blinking of the alarm lamp 7 based on the detected result.

  The alarm device 20 configured as described above can obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and can measure the vibration of the speaker 6 using the magnetic field sensor 19 to be stable regardless of the vehicle vibration. And can be measured with high accuracy.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 7, the sound collection sensor 8 is used to detect the operating state of the sound generator 4, and the alarm lamp 7 irradiates the sound generator 4 with light. The alarm device 21 configured as described above can obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and can irradiate the light and report the direction in which the sound is generated by the indirect light, so that the driver is not bothered and noticed. be able to.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 8, the sound generation unit 4 includes two speakers 6, and the light generation unit 5 includes two sound collection sensors 8 corresponding to the two speakers 6, respectively. These sound collection sensors 8 are connected to the light emission control unit 10 and output detected alarm sound data to the light emission control unit 10. The alarm lamp 7 of the light generating unit 5 is movable between the two speakers 6 by the driving unit 22.

  The alarm device 23 configured as described above can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment, and can be connected via the drive unit 22 based on the result detected by the light emission control unit 10 using the two sound collection sensors 8. By moving the position of the alarm lamp 7 and turning on or blinking the alarm lamp 7, one alarm lamp 7 can correspond to a plurality of speakers 6.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 9, the light generator 5 has a plurality of warning lamps 24, and these warning lamps 24 are arranged around the speaker 6. The alarm device 25 configured as described above can obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and since a plurality of alarm lamps 24 are installed around the speaker 6, the attraction efficiency can be increased. The driver is more likely to notice the light.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 10, the sound collection sensor 8 and the alarm lamp 7 are arranged in series on the center front of the speaker 6. The alarm device 26 configured as described above can obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and the sound collection sensor 8 and the alarm lamp 7 are arranged in series in the center front of the speaker 6 to collect the sound. Sound efficiency and accuracy can be ensured, and the sound collection sensor 8 and the alarm lamp 7 are easily integrated.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 11, the vibration sensor 28 is directly connected to the cone portion of the speaker 6, and detects an alarm sound emitted from the speaker 6. The alarm device 27 configured as described above can obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and can detect the vibration of the speaker 6 with high accuracy by using the vibration sensor 28.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 12, a magnetic field sensor 29 is provided on the back surface of the speaker 6, and an alarm sound is detected using the magnetic field sensor 29. The alarm device 30 configured as described above can obtain the same effect as that of the first embodiment, and can detect the vibration of the speaker 6 with high accuracy by using the magnetic field sensor 29.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 13, the speaker 6 is formed of a material that transmits light, and the alarm lamp 7 is disposed on the back surface of the speaker 6. The alarm device 31 configured as described above can obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment, and the alarm lamp 7 is disposed on the back of the speaker 6, so that the entire device can be made compact.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of an alarm device according to the second embodiment. The alarm device 32 includes a radar 2, an alarm control ECU 3, a light generator 33, and a sound generator 34. The light generator 33 is connected to the alarm control ECU 3, receives a control signal from the alarm control ECU 3, and turns on the alarm lamp 7. The sound generation unit 34 includes a speaker 6, a light sensor (visual alarm detection means) 35 that detects light emitted from the alarm lamp 7, a hood 36 that is installed around the light sensor 35 and blocks ambient light, and a sound control unit 37. And.

  The optical sensor 35 is connected to the audio control unit 37 and outputs detected light data to the audio control unit 37. The voice control unit 37 controls the speaker 6 based on the data detected by the optical sensor 35. For example, the voice control unit 37 compares the luminance, wavelength, lighting time, and the like of the input light with a threshold value, and outputs an alarm sound and voice guidance via the speaker 6 when the threshold value is exceeded.

  In order for the sound generation unit 34 to operate with high sensitivity and prevent malfunction due to ambient light such as external light, the optical sensor 35 is located in the vicinity of the alarm lamp 7 and is disposed toward the alarm lamp 7. Is preferred. The light generating unit 33 and the sound generating unit 34 are integrated and surrounded by a light shielding wall 38 that blocks disturbance light.

  The alarm device 32 configured in this manner is arranged near the boundary between the front pillar 12 and the dashboard 13 of the vehicle (see FIG. 2), as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2), and emits an alarm sound and an alarm light to the driver M. Inform the direction of danger to.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing control processing of the alarm device according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, when an alarm scene is detected (S21), the alarm lamp 7 is turned on (S22). At this time, the alarm control ECU 3 identifies the direction or position where the other vehicle or pedestrian approaches the vehicle based on the position or speed of the other vehicle or pedestrian detected by the radar 2, and there is a danger to the driver. A control signal for informing the direction is transmitted to the light generator 33. The alarm lamp 7 is turned on in response to the control signal.

  In the process of S23 following S22, it is determined whether or not the detected warning light is greater than or equal to a threshold value. At this time, the light sensor 35 detects the warning light generated from the warning lamp 7 and outputs data of the detected warning light to the voice control unit 37. The voice control unit 37 compares the luminance, wavelength, lighting time, and the like of the input warning light with a threshold value, and determines whether or not it is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

  If it is determined that the detected warning light is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the control process proceeds to S24 and a warning sound is emitted. At this time, the voice control unit 37 transmits a control signal to the speaker 6. The speaker 6 receives the control signal and emits sound. For example, in a scene as shown in FIG. 2, when the driver M performs a driving operation while paying attention to the front (line-of-sight direction F), and the pedestrian approaches the vehicle from the right front direction of the vehicle, the voice control unit 37 emits a voice. A control signal is transmitted to the speaker 6, and an alarm sound is emitted through the speaker 6, and at the same time, an announcement “Please be careful to the right” is made.

  At this time, the voice control unit 37 controls the sound pressure, frequency, intermittent time, and the like of the alarm sound. The alarm sound continues to sound while the detected alarm light is above the threshold value. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detected warning light is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, no warning sound is generated (S25), and the control process ends.

  According to the alarm device 32 configured as described above, the alarm lamp 7 is turned on first, the alarm control unit 37 outputs an alarm sound via the speaker 6 based on the light detected by the optical sensor 35, and is sent to the driver. Tell the danger direction. In this way, the warning light and the warning sound are not generated at the same time, but are generated with a time difference, so that the driver can recognize the warning light and the warning sound, respectively, and can more accurately grasp the sense of direction to the warning. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the user's reaction from becoming dull due to the simultaneous generation of the alarm sound and the alarm light as in the prior art, and to increase the accuracy of attention guidance to the driver.

  Hereinafter, modified examples of the alarm device 32 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 16, the sound generator 34 further includes a power generator 49. The power generation device 49 performs power generation by light excitation, and is formed of, for example, a solar cell element. The power generation device 49 supplies the generated power to the speaker 6 and drives the speaker 6. The alarm device 50 configured as described above can obtain the same effect as that of the second embodiment, and since it includes the power generation device 49, can independently extract power and contribute to power saving of the vehicle. It becomes possible.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 17, the light generating unit 33 includes a plurality of warning lamps 40a, 40b, and 40c. These alarm lamps 40a to 40c are LEDs that emit light having different specific wavelengths, and the lighting timing, time, and the like are controlled by the alarm control ECU 3. The sound generator 34 is provided with optical sensors 41a, 41b, and 41c that detect alarm light emitted from the alarm lamps 40a to 40c, respectively. These optical sensors 41 a to 41 c are connected to the voice control unit 37, and output detected alarm sound data to the voice control unit 37.

  The alarm device 39 configured in this way has the same effect as that of the second embodiment, and has a plurality of alarm lamps 40a to 40c that emit light of different specific wavelengths. Correspondingly, light of a specific wavelength can be emitted. In this case, the number of alarm lamps can be increased or decreased as necessary.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of warning lamps 43 are arranged around the speaker 6, the optical sensor 35 is directed downward so as not to be affected by direct sunlight, and is not affected by external light. Thus, it is arranged toward the alarm lamp 43. The optical sensor 35 is surrounded by a hood 44. The alarm device 39 configured as described above can obtain the same effects as those of the second embodiment, can suppress the influence of external light such as direct sunlight, and can increase the accuracy of the device.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of warning lamps 43 are arranged around the speaker 6, and the light generator 33 and the sound generator 34 are accommodated in a case 46 having an opening. The optical sensor 35 is disposed downward so as not to be affected by direct sunlight and is surrounded by the hood 44. The alarm device 45 includes a plurality of mirrors 47 that reflect the alarm light emitted from the alarm lamp 43 to the optical sensor 35. The alarm device 39 configured as described above can obtain the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above, and reflects the alarm light of the alarm lamp 43 to the optical sensor 35 using the mirror 47, thereby allowing external light. The influence can be suppressed and the accuracy of the apparatus can be increased.

  In the modification shown in FIG. 20, the speaker 6 is formed of a material that transmits light, and the alarm lamp 7 is disposed on the back surface of the speaker 6. The optical sensor 35 and the alarm lamp 7 are accommodated in a case 46 having an opening. Warning light emitted from the warning lamp 7 passes through the speaker 6 and irradiates the driver. The alarm device 48 configured as described above can obtain the same effects as those of the second embodiment, and the alarm lamp 7 is disposed on the back of the speaker 6, so that the entire device can be made compact.

  The embodiment described above is an example of the alarm device according to the present invention, and the alarm device according to the present invention is not limited to the one described in the embodiment. The alarm device according to the present invention may be modified from the alarm device according to the embodiment or applied to other devices so as not to change the gist described in each claim.

1, 14, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 39, 42, 45, 48, 50 ... alarm device, 3 ... alarm control ECU, 6 ... speaker (audible alarm means) ), 7, 24, 43 ... alarm lamp (visual alarm means), 8 ... sound collecting sensor (auditory alarm detection means), 10 ... light emission control unit, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d ... alarm lamp, 16, 28 ... vibration Sensor (auditory alarm detecting means) 19, 29 ... Magnetic field sensor (auditory alarm detecting means), 35 ... Optical sensor (visual alarm detecting means), 37 ... Audio control unit, 40a, 40b, 40c ... Alarm lamp, 41a, 41b , 41c... Optical sensor (visual alarm detection means).

Claims (1)

A control means for controlling an audible alarm means for issuing an audible alarm to a user and a visual alarm means provided in the vicinity of the audible alarm means for issuing a visual alarm to the user ;
An auditory alarm detecting means for detecting an auditory alarm issued by the auditory alarm means ,
Mounted on the vehicle,
Said control means, based on the aural alarm detector results in audible alarms detected by, by generating a visual alarm on the visual alarm means, an alarm of said visual alarm means than the alarm of the auditory warning means Generated with a delay,
The hearing warning means is a speaker ,
The visual alarm means is a plurality of alarm lamps arranged around the speaker .
An alarm device characterized by that.

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