JP5885852B2 - In-vehicle information processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an in-vehicle information processing apparatus that alerts a driver of a host vehicle or controls traveling of the host vehicle based on other vehicle information acquired from another vehicle.

  Conventionally, it communicates with another vehicle, acquires the profile of the driver of the other vehicle, for example, driver's license information and accident history, determines whether the other vehicle is a vehicle that should pay attention, and the result of the determination There is a vehicle control device that alerts the driver of the host vehicle by displaying the above on a display device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, it is determined whether or not the other vehicle is a vehicle that should pay attention based on information (static information) unique to the driver of the other vehicle, and there is a certain alerting effect. It was.

JP 2009-134334 A

  In general, when a passenger other than the driver is present in the vehicle and the driver is talking to the passenger, the driver's tasks (work) increase compared to normal driving, and driving There is a tendency for the time required for recognition and judgment to become longer. Thus, depending on the state in the vehicle, the vehicle may correspond to a vehicle to which attention should be paid.

  However, Patent Document 1 does not determine whether or not the other vehicle is a vehicle to which attention should be paid based on the state in the other vehicle including the passenger's state. Therefore, it cannot be said that the driver of the own vehicle is sufficiently alerted that the other vehicle is a vehicle to which attention should be paid.

  The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an in-vehicle information processing apparatus capable of sufficiently alerting the driver of the host vehicle.

  In order to solve the above problems, an in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an other vehicle position detection unit that detects the position of another vehicle existing around the host vehicle, and another detected by the other vehicle position detection unit. Based on the communication unit that acquires other vehicle information including other in-vehicle information indicating the state of the passenger or the vehicle other than the driver in the vehicle from the other vehicle by communication, and the other in-vehicle information acquired by the communication unit And a control unit that controls the driver of the host vehicle or controls the traveling of the host vehicle.

  According to the present invention, an other vehicle position detection unit that detects the position of another vehicle existing around the host vehicle, and a passenger or vehicle other than the driver in the other vehicle detected by the other vehicle position detection unit. Other vehicle information including other vehicle in-vehicle information indicating the state is acquired from the other vehicle by communication, and based on the other vehicle information acquired by the communication unit, alerting the driver of the host vehicle, or Since the control unit that controls the traveling of the host vehicle is provided, it is possible to sufficiently alert the driver of the host vehicle.

  Objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the example of application of the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between driver | operator dynamic information and level by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between driver | operator static information and level by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the passenger's state and level by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the load information and level by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the vehicle position and coefficient by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the attention level and alerting by Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the display in the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus by Embodiment 7 of this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
First, the configuration of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an application example of the in-vehicle information processing apparatuses 100 and 200 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle A and the vehicle B are traveling in the same direction, and the vehicle C is traveling in the oncoming lane. Moreover, the vehicle information processing apparatus 100 is mounted on the vehicle A, and the vehicle information processing apparatus 200 is mounted on the vehicle B, so that the vehicle A and the vehicle B can communicate with each other by inter-vehicle communication.

  Hereinafter, in the first embodiment, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100 will be described as a receiving-side apparatus that receives information transmitted from the vehicle B. The on-vehicle information processing apparatus 200 will be described as a transmission-side apparatus that transmits information to the vehicle A.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100. In the following description of FIG. 2, the host vehicle is described as vehicle A and the other vehicle is described as vehicle B.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100 includes an other vehicle position detection unit 101, a communication unit 102, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) unit 103, an attention level calculation unit 104, and a map DB (Data Base). 105, an in-vehicle sensor I / F (interface) unit 106, and a control unit 107.

  The other vehicle position detection unit 101 is connected to the ultrasonic sensor 108 and the image sensor 109. The other vehicle position detection unit 101 detects the relative position of the other vehicle (vehicle B) existing around the host vehicle (vehicle A) based on the detection result by the ultrasonic sensor 108 or the image sensor 109. An example of the image sensor 109 is a camera.

  The communication unit 102 performs inter-vehicle communication with the vehicle B, and acquires other vehicle information from the vehicle B. Here, the other vehicle information is information including all of the information related to the other vehicle (vehicle B). The communication means may be any means such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), or optical communication.

  The GUI unit 103 is connected to the touch panel 110, the liquid crystal monitor 111 (display unit), and the speaker 112. The GUI unit 103 inputs driver operation information acquired via the touch panel 110 to the control unit 107. In addition, display information input from the control unit 107 is output to the liquid crystal monitor 111, and audio information input from the control unit 107 is output to the speaker 112.

  The attention level calculation unit 104 calculates the attention level for the vehicle B based on the other vehicle information acquired from the vehicle B via the communication unit 102. Here, the attention level refers to the degree to which the driver of the vehicle A should pay attention to the vehicle B (the degree to which attention is paid), and the attention level calculation unit 104 has at least two attentions (two steps) or more. A level is calculated.

  The map DB 105 stores map data.

  The in-vehicle sensor I / F unit 106 is connected to a GPS (Global Positioning System) 113, a vehicle speed pulse 114, a gyro sensor 115, a vehicle control device 116, an engine control device 117, a body system control device 118, and the like via an in-vehicle LAN 119. Yes. The control unit 107 can receive and instruct various information via the in-vehicle LAN 119 and the in-vehicle sensor I / F unit 106.

  Information acquired by each of the GPS 113, the vehicle speed pulse 114, and the gyro sensor 115 is input to the control unit 107 via the in-vehicle sensor I / F unit 106, and the position of the host vehicle is detected by the control unit 107. That is, the control unit 107 has a function of detecting the position of the host vehicle.

  The vehicle control device 116 inputs an operation by a driver from a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, or a steering wheel, and controls traveling of the host vehicle. For example, the speed of the host vehicle is controlled by controlling the engine speed, the brake system, etc., or the traveling direction of the host vehicle is controlled by controlling the attitude of the shaft. It also controls semi-automatic driving functions such as auto cruise.

  The engine control device 117 performs fuel control and ignition timing control.

  The body system control device 118 controls operations that are not directly related to traveling in the host vehicle. For example, it controls wiper driving, lighting information transmission, blinker lighting, door opening and closing, window opening and closing.

  The control unit 107 controls each component of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 200. In the following description of FIG. 3, the host vehicle is described as vehicle B and the other vehicle is described as vehicle A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 200 includes an in-vehicle state detection unit 201, a communication unit 202, a GUI unit 203, a driver dynamic state detection unit 204, a map DB 205, and a position detection unit 206. The driver static information acquisition unit 207 and the control unit 208 are provided.

  The in-vehicle state detection unit 201 is connected to the in-vehicle detection sensor 209 and detects the state in the vehicle B based on the detection result by the in-vehicle detection sensor 209. For example, the presence or absence of a passenger, the state of the passenger, Detect vehicle status. The in-vehicle detection sensor 209 includes, for example, a camera that is an image sensor, a pressure sensor provided in each seat to detect whether or not a passenger is sitting in the seat, or a microphone that acquires sound in the vehicle B. is there. Information indicating the state in the vehicle B detected by the in-vehicle state detection unit 201 can be used as in-vehicle information, and the in-vehicle information can be included in the own vehicle information and transmitted to the vehicle A by the communication unit 202. In the first embodiment, the passenger means a person existing in the vehicle other than the driver, and the passenger means an object including a load or an animal (pet) existing in the vehicle. It shall be said.

  The communication unit 202 performs inter-vehicle communication with the vehicle A, and transmits own vehicle information to the vehicle A. Here, the host vehicle information is information including all information related to the host vehicle (vehicle B) transmitted to the other vehicle (vehicle A), and corresponds to the other vehicle information acquired by the communication unit 102 in FIG. . The communication means may be any means such as wireless LAN, UWB, or optical communication.

  The GUI unit 203 is connected to the touch panel 210 and the liquid crystal monitor 211. The GUI unit 203 inputs driver operation information acquired via the touch panel 210 to the control unit 208. In addition, the display information input from the control unit 208 is output to the liquid crystal monitor 211.

  The driver dynamic state detection unit 204 detects the current activity state of the driver of the vehicle B. Information indicating the current activity state of the driver detected by the driver dynamic state detection unit 204 is used as driver dynamic information, and the driver dynamic information is included in the own vehicle information, and the communication unit 202 uses the vehicle A. Can be sent to.

  The map DB 205 stores map data.

  The position detection unit 206 is connected to the GPS 212 and the vehicle speed pulse 213. The position detection unit 206 detects the position of the host vehicle based on information acquired from each of the GPS 212 and the vehicle speed pulse 213.

  The driver static information acquisition unit 207 acquires driver static information that is information unique to the driver of the vehicle B. Examples of the driver static information include information related to driver sign display (information such as beginners and elderly people), driver's license information, or accident history information. The driver static information acquired by the driver static information acquisition unit 207 can be included in the host vehicle information and transmitted to the vehicle A by the communication unit 202.

  The control unit 208 controls each component of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 200.

  An H / F (Hands Free) device 214 is a device for performing an H / F call (hands-free call), and is connected to the control unit 208.

  An AV (Audio Visual) device 215 is a device for reproducing audio or video such as radio or music, and is connected to the control unit 208.

  Next, the in-vehicle information detected by the in-vehicle state detection unit 201 will be described.

  The in-vehicle information detected by the in-vehicle state detection unit 201 includes passenger static information, which is information unique to the passenger, passenger dynamic information indicating the passenger's current activity state, and presence in the vehicle. The load information indicating the load state of the load to be loaded is included.

  Passenger static information includes, for example, information on the presence or absence of a passenger, information on the seating position of the passenger, or information on attributes of the passenger. The passenger attributes include age, sex, and presence / absence of handicap. The passenger's attribute or seating position may be acquired by image recognition.

  Passenger dynamic information is information indicating that the passenger is talking to the driver, information indicating that the passenger is alone, or that the infant baby is crying It contains information indicating. Passenger dynamic information may be acquired by image processing or voice recognition processing.

  The load information is information indicating the loading state of the load in the vehicle, and may be acquired by image processing using a camera.

  In addition to the above, information indicating the state of an animal such as a pet present in the vehicle may be included in the in-vehicle information.

  Next, the operation of the in-vehicle information processing devices 100 and 200 according to the first embodiment will be described. Below, the case where the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus 100 mounted in the vehicle A and the vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus 200 mounted in the vehicle B perform inter-vehicle communication will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100.

  In step S41, the control unit 107 detects the current position of the vehicle A, which is the host vehicle, based on the information acquired by the GPS 113, the vehicle speed pulse 114, and the gyro sensor 115. Next, based on the position detection result of the vehicle A and the map data stored in the map DB 105, the control unit 107 generates image data that displays the position of the host vehicle (the position of the vehicle A) on the map. The generated image data is input to the liquid crystal monitor 111 via the GUI unit 103, and an image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111.

  In step S42, it is determined whether or not a vehicle B that is another vehicle around the vehicle A is detected. When the vehicle B is detected, the process proceeds to step S43. On the other hand, if the vehicle B is not detected, the process proceeds to step S46. The vehicle B is detected by the other vehicle position detection unit 101 based on information from the ultrasonic sensor 108 or the image sensor 109.

  In step S43, the communication unit 102 acquires other vehicle information including the other in-vehicle information of the vehicle B through inter-vehicle communication. Other vehicle information is acquired every predetermined timing (for example, 0.1 second). The vehicle A may acquire other vehicle information from the vehicle B after making a communication request to the vehicle B. Further, when the vehicle B always transmits other vehicle information, the vehicle A may acquire other vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle B.

  In step S44, the attention level calculation unit 104 calculates the attention level based on the in-vehicle information in the vehicle B included in the other vehicle information. In the first embodiment, the caution level calculation unit 104 calculates two caution levels (whether or not attention is required) (two levels).

  Next, the control unit 107 determines a display method of the vehicle B on the map based on the attention level calculated by the attention level calculation unit 104.

  In step S <b> 45, the control unit 107 outputs the image data to the liquid crystal monitor 111 via the GUI unit 103 so as to display the display method determined in step S <b> 44. The liquid crystal monitor 111 displays the vehicle B on the map based on the image data input from the control unit 107.

  In step S46, it is determined whether or not the driving of the vehicle A has been completed. When the driving of the vehicle A is finished, the process is finished. On the other hand, when the driving | operation of the vehicle A is not complete | finished, it transfers to step S41.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the vehicle A when attention to the vehicle B is unnecessary.

  The attention level calculation unit 104 calculates the attention level based on the in-vehicle information included in the other vehicle information acquired from the vehicle B. When the control unit 107 determines that attention to the vehicle B is unnecessary based on the attention level calculated by the attention level calculation unit 104 (that is, the state in the vehicle B is good) The vehicle B reflecting the determination result is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle B is displayed as a white triangle.

  From the above, the driver of the vehicle A can easily recognize that the vehicle B is not a vehicle requiring attention.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the vehicle A when attention to the vehicle B is necessary.

  The attention level calculation unit 104 calculates the attention level based on the in-vehicle information included in the other vehicle information acquired from the vehicle B. When the control unit 107 determines that attention to the vehicle B is necessary based on the attention level calculated by the attention level calculation unit 104 (that is, it is necessary to pay attention to the state in the vehicle B). The vehicle B reflecting the determination result is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the vehicle B is displayed with a color different from that of the vehicle A (different hatching in FIG. 6).

  From the above, the driver of the vehicle A can easily recognize that the vehicle B is a vehicle requiring attention.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 200.

  In step S71, the control unit 208 detects the current position of the vehicle B, which is the host vehicle, based on the information acquired by the GPS 212 and the vehicle speed pulse 213. Next, the control unit 208 generates image data for displaying the own vehicle position (the position of the vehicle B) on the map based on the position detection result of the vehicle B and the map data stored in the map DB 205. The generated image data is input to the liquid crystal monitor 211 via the GUI unit 203, and an image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 211.

  In step S <b> 72, the vehicle interior state detection unit 201 detects the state in the vehicle B.

  In step S <b> 73, the control unit 208 determines whether there is a communication request from the vehicle A that is another vehicle via the communication unit 202. If there is a communication request from the vehicle A, the process proceeds to step S74. On the other hand, if there is no communication request from the vehicle A, the process proceeds to step S75. That is, when there is a communication request from the vehicle A, the control unit 208 controls the communication unit 202 to transmit the own vehicle information to the vehicle A.

  In step S74, information indicating the state in the vehicle B detected by the in-vehicle state detection unit 201 is used as in-vehicle information, and the in-vehicle information is included in the own vehicle information and transmitted from the communication unit 202 to the vehicle A. Note that the host vehicle information and host vehicle information transmitted in step S74 correspond to the other vehicle information and host vehicle information acquired in step S43 of FIG.

  In step S75, it is determined whether or not the driving of the vehicle B has been completed. When the driving of the vehicle B is finished, the process is finished. On the other hand, if the driving of the vehicle B has not ended, the process proceeds to step S71.

  From the above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the other vehicle is a vehicle to be careful by changing the display method of the other vehicle based on the state in the other vehicle. As a result, sufficient attention can be given to the driver of the host vehicle.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment, it has been described that the display method of the other vehicle is determined based on the attention level calculated by the attention level calculation unit 104 in step S44 of FIG. 4, but is not limited thereto. .

  For example, the traveling of the host vehicle may be controlled based on the attention level. Specifically, the control unit 107 controls the vehicle control device 116 that controls semi-automatic driving such as auto cruise based on the dynamic state of the driver of another vehicle. Based on control by the control unit 107, the vehicle control device 116 increases the inter-vehicle distance when attention to other vehicles is required, and sets the inter-vehicle distance to a normal length when attention to other vehicles is not required. .

  In addition, when the front collision warning device is attached, a warning earlier than usual may be notified to the driver when the attention level is high.

  As another example, a warning by voice or the like may be output to the driver of the host vehicle based on the attention level. Specifically, the control unit 107 controls to output an alarm from the speaker 112 when attention to another vehicle is required based on the attention level.

  From the above, it is possible to alert the driver of the host vehicle sufficiently as in the first embodiment by outputting the traveling control and warning of the host vehicle based on the attention level.

<Modification 2>
In the first embodiment, the calculation of the caution level by the caution level calculation unit 104 provided in the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100 of the vehicle A has been described.

  For example, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 200 of the vehicle B may include an attention level calculation unit (not shown), and the attention level calculation unit may calculate the attention level. In this case, the vehicle B includes information on the calculated attention level in its own vehicle information and transmits it to the vehicle A. In the vehicle A, based on the information on the attention level acquired from the vehicle B, the alerting to the driver of the vehicle A or the traveling of the vehicle A is controlled.

  From the above, by calculating the attention level in the vehicle B, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Modification 3>
In the first embodiment, information regarding passengers of the vehicle B may be set and stored in advance.

  For example, attributes such as the passenger's age and information on the seating position may be stored in advance after being set via an input unit such as the touch panel 210, and the setting stored at the time of departure may be selected.

  Further, the above information may be set when the vehicle B departs.

  Also, a plurality of patterns such as the passenger's age and seating positions set in advance may be prepared (stored), and the corresponding pattern may be selected when the vehicle is leaving.

  As described above, attributes such as the passenger's age and information related to the seating position can be stored and selected in advance, so that it is not necessary to detect the passenger's attribute and seating position by the in-vehicle detection sensor 209.

  Note that the information on the passenger is automatically the information on the passenger who is the owner of the communication terminal registered in advance in the communication terminal when receiving an inquiry from the vehicle information processing apparatus 200. It may be in the form of replying to. In this case, the passenger's trouble can be saved. Further, the seating position may be automatically detected by the communication terminal and an in-vehicle communication device installed near the seat. In addition, the vehicle side or the communication terminal detects the position of the passenger who is the owner of the communication terminal by touching the communication terminal such as FeliCa (registered trademark) on the reading device installed near the seat. Also good.

<Modification 4>
In this Embodiment 1, the information regarding the passenger of the vehicle B may be settable from a communication terminal (for example, a smartphone) possessed by the passenger.

  For example, an input interface (information input program) for inputting information related to passengers is acquired (downloaded) from an external server to a communication terminal, and information regarding passengers (such as attributes such as age and seating) is acquired using the acquired input interface. Enter and set the location information. The set information is transmitted from the communication terminal to the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 200.

  Note that the information related to the passenger may be in a form of replying to an inquiry from the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 200.

  From the above, attributes such as the passenger's age and information related to the seating position are acquired by communication with the communication terminal possessed by the passenger, so it is necessary to detect the passenger's attribute and seating position by the in-vehicle detection sensor 209. Disappear.

<Modification 5>
In the first embodiment, the detection of the position of the other vehicle by the other vehicle position detection unit 101 using the ultrasonic sensor 108 and the image sensor 109 has been described. However, the method for detecting the position of the other vehicle is limited to this. It is not a thing. For example, in addition to detecting the position of the other vehicle as in the first embodiment, the vehicle number that is unique information of the other vehicle is recognized by the image processing by the image sensor 109 and received via the communication unit 102. Vehicle number information of the other vehicle included in the vehicle information is acquired. Then, another vehicle may be specified by comparing the vehicle number recognized by the image sensor 109 with the vehicle number information acquired via the communication unit 102.

  From the above, the specific information of the other vehicle included in the position information of the other vehicle detected by the image sensor 109 connected to the other vehicle position detection unit 101 and the other vehicle information acquired from the other vehicle. When there are a plurality of other vehicles, it is possible to specify each other vehicle and the position of each other vehicle.

<Embodiment 2>
In the second embodiment of the present invention, a case where position information of another vehicle is acquired from another vehicle will be described. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment includes an other vehicle position detection unit 101, an ultrasonic sensor 108, and an image sensor 109 that are included in the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). Not equipped. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  In the own vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle A), if a communication request is issued to another vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle B) by inter-vehicle communication and a response is received from vehicle B (that is, communication with vehicle B is possible). If so, it is assumed that the vehicle B exists. Thereafter, the position information of the vehicle B is acquired from the vehicle B by inter-vehicle communication.

  From the above, according to the second embodiment, the on-vehicle information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment does not include the other vehicle position detection unit 101, the ultrasonic sensor 108, and the image sensor 109. The configuration can be simplified as compared with the first embodiment. In addition, the position detection method of the other vehicle in the other vehicle is arbitrary, but when the position detection method of the other vehicle using the quasi-zenith satellite is adopted, the position detection accuracy is good, and this is particularly effective.

<Embodiment 3>
In Embodiment 3 of the present invention, a case where communication between the own vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle A) and another vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle B) is performed through a predetermined communication network other than inter-vehicle communication will be described. To do. In the third embodiment, since the configuration and operation other than not performing inter-vehicle communication are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the description thereof is omitted here.

  For example, the vehicle A and the vehicle B may communicate via a wide area communication network such as a mobile phone.

  In addition, communication may be performed via DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) (registered trademark) or road-vehicle communication by wireless LAN.

  Further, when the vehicle A acquires the position information of the vehicle B, it may be acquired from an apparatus for detecting a vehicle installed on the road side.

  From the above, according to the third embodiment, the communication unit 102 of the vehicle A can acquire other vehicle information from the vehicle B via a predetermined communication network, and is the same as in the first and second embodiments. The effect is obtained.

<Embodiment 4>
In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, detection of the position of the host vehicle and the position of another vehicle traveling on a road where a plurality of lanes (traveling roads) exist will be described. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first to third embodiments, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the host vehicle (vehicle A) when traveling on a road having a plurality of lanes. Vehicles B, C, and D indicate other vehicles.

  As a method for detecting the position of each vehicle A to D, the lane information included in the map information of the map DB (for example, map DB 105, 205) provided for each vehicle A to D and the vehicle A to D are provided. It is possible to detect which lane the vehicle is traveling on the basis of information on white line recognition by a camera (for example, the image sensor 109 provided in the vehicle A).

  As another detection method, lane information included in the map information of the map DB (for example, map DB 105, 205) provided in each vehicle A to D and the quasi-zenith satellite in each vehicle A to D are used. Based on the position information of the host vehicle, it is possible to detect which lane the vehicle is traveling on.

  In FIG. 8, the vehicle A acquires information on the lane and the position on which the vehicles B to D travel from the vehicles B to D. That is, the positions of the vehicles B to D are specified based on the position information of the vehicles B to D included in the other vehicle information or the information specifying the traveling road. Then, based on the acquired information on the lane and the position where the vehicles B to D travel and the information on the lane and the position where the vehicle A travels, which position the vehicles B to D are traveling with respect to the vehicle A. It can be judged.

  9 (a) to 9 (d) show the position display of each own vehicle displayed on each vehicle. By performing communication, the vehicle A to D travels to which vehicle A by which lane. The position of the other vehicle (vehicles B to D) may be displayed based on the own vehicle (vehicle A) so that the driver can easily recognize it. At this time, the display content of the other vehicle is changed depending on whether or not the other vehicle is in a state of caution.

  From the above, according to the fourth embodiment, the positions of the vehicles B to D specify the position information of the vehicles B to D or the traveling road included in the other vehicle information acquired from the vehicles B to D. Since it is specified based on the information, it can be determined which position the vehicles B to D are traveling with respect to the vehicle A, and alerts the driver of the own vehicle based on the determination. It becomes possible.

<Embodiment 5>
In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, calculation of the attention level by the attention level calculation unit 104 included in the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 100 will be described. In the first embodiment, the attention level calculation unit 104 calculates two (two steps) attention levels based on the other in-vehicle information in the other vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle B). Based on the driver dynamic information of the vehicle B, driver static information, in-vehicle information, and position information, a plurality (a plurality of stages) of attention levels are calculated. Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first to fourth embodiments, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  In general, for example, when operating a device installed in a vehicle (for example, the AV apparatus 215 in FIG. 3), if the driver is a young person, an elderly person, or a driving beginner, the amount of each task (work) is large. Different. In the fifth embodiment, the attention level calculation unit 104 can calculate a more detailed attention level by acquiring information indicating the state of the driver in such another vehicle.

  A predetermined level or coefficient is set in the driver dynamic information, the driver static information, the in-vehicle information, and the position information according to the state of each information. Hereinafter, the levels set according to the state of each information will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the driver dynamic information and the level.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the level L1 is set according to the activity state (dynamic state) of the driver of the vehicle B.

  Here, “at the time of loud music” means that the driver is listening to music at a loud volume. Further, “when arousal is reduced” refers to a state in which the driver feels drowsy, for example.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the driver static information and the level.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the level L2 is set according to information unique to the driver of the vehicle B.

  Here, “Gold License” means a driver's license issued to a superior driver (no accident / no violation for 5 years before the date when the driver's license expires) A driver's license color is gold.

  “Normal license” means a driver's license issued to a driver other than a good driver, and the color of the driver's license is green or blue. Say.

  “Driver sign display vehicle” refers to a vehicle that particularly displays a driver's state, for example, an initial driver sign (beginner mark), an elderly driver sign (old driver mark). It means a vehicle displaying a handicapped person sign (handicapped person mark) or a hearing handicapped person sign (deaf person mark).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the passenger's state and the level including the pet state.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the fifth embodiment, the state in the vehicle B is assumed to be a passenger or pet state, and the level L3 is set according to the passenger or pet state.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the load information and the level.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the level L4 is set according to the state of the load.

  Here, “predetermined or higher” indicates that the load is loaded above a predetermined height, and “predetermined or lower” indicates that the load is loaded below a predetermined height. . For example, when the load is loaded more than a predetermined height, it becomes difficult for the driver to visually check the back with a rearview mirror or the like.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the vehicle position of the vehicle B and the coefficient R.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the coefficient R is set according to the vehicle position of the vehicle B.

  Next, calculation of the attention level by the attention level calculation unit 104 will be described.

The attention level calculation unit 104 acquires the driver dynamic information, driver static information, other in-vehicle information, and position information of the vehicle B included in the other vehicle information via the communication unit 102 (step in FIG. 4). Based on the levels L1 to L4 and the coefficient R corresponding to each acquired information, the attention level is calculated according to the following formula (1).
Caution level L = (dynamic characteristics + static characteristics + in-vehicle information + load information) x risk factor
= (L1 + L2 + L3 + L4) × R (1)

  The control unit 107 performs control for alerting the driver and control for semi-automatic driving (control of the inter-vehicle distance) based on the attention level calculated according to the equation (1).

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the attention level L and the attention calling method.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the control unit 107 performs alerting according to the plurality of attention levels L calculated by the attention level calculation unit 104.

  Here, the “display” column shows a display example of the vehicle B on the map of the liquid crystal monitor 111.

  The “voice” column shows an example of the voice output from the speaker 112.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, a plurality of attention levels are calculated based on the driver dynamic information, driver static information, other in-vehicle information, and position information of the other vehicle (vehicle B). Therefore, the control unit 107 can perform appropriate alerting and semi-automatic driving control according to the state (attention level) of the other vehicle. For example, when the driver of the other vehicle is in a state of reduced alertness, attention to the other vehicle is required, so that it is possible to alert the driver of the own vehicle to be more careful.

<Embodiment 6>
In Embodiment 6 of the present invention, another vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle B) that can communicate with the host vehicle (hereinafter referred to as vehicle A), and another vehicle that cannot communicate with vehicle A (hereinafter referred to as vehicle C). 16) will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the configuration and operation are the same as in Embodiments 1 to 5, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of display on the vehicle A.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the vehicle B travels in front of the vehicle A, and the vehicle C travels behind the vehicle A. Since the inter-vehicle communication is established between the vehicle A and the vehicle B (communication is possible), an antenna (a downward triangle added to the vehicle A and the vehicle B) is displayed on the vehicle A and the vehicle B. For example, the display of the vehicle B may be changed according to the attention level L shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, since the vehicle-to-vehicle communication is not established between the vehicle A and the vehicle C (communication is impossible), no antenna is displayed on the vehicle C. For example, the vehicle C has L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 = 2.5 in the equation (1), and if it exists ahead, the risk factor R = 1.0 is multiplied as shown in FIG. 14, and the attention level L shown in FIG. = 2 is displayed.

  In FIG. 17, the vehicle A and the vehicle B are displayed so as to be connected by a dashed arrow. Other displays are the same as in FIG.

  The display as shown in FIG. 17 makes it easier for the driver to visually recognize that communication between the vehicle A and the vehicle B is established.

  In addition, when the terminal is equipped with a communicable terminal but communication is not established, the display as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. When the communication is established and information can be input, the display is as shown in FIG. good.

  In FIG. 16, the display contents are determined by the value of L, but the states of L1, L2, L3, and L4 may be expressed. For example, the state of the driver may be displayed by changing the color of the triangle display, and the triangle display may be displayed according to the state of the passenger or the vehicle.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example of display on the vehicle A.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the vehicle B travels in front of the vehicle A, and the vehicle C travels behind the vehicle A. Further, vehicle-to-vehicle communication has been established between vehicle A and vehicle B (communication is possible). At this time, the vehicle B is in a state that does not require attention.

  On the other hand, since the inter-vehicle communication is not established between the vehicle A and the vehicle C (communication is impossible), the vehicle C is displayed in a three-dimensional manner.

  When the state shown in FIG. 18 requires attention to the vehicle B, the vehicle B is displayed more three-dimensionally than the vehicle C as shown in FIG.

  By performing the display as shown in FIG. 19, the driver of the vehicle A can easily recognize that the vehicle B is a vehicle to be aware of.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another example of display on the vehicle A.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a black square is displayed on the vehicle A, and a white square is displayed on the vehicles B and C. This indicates that the vehicle A and the vehicles B and C can communicate with each other. In addition, an initial driver sign (beginner mark) is displayed on the vehicle C.

  On the other hand, a square is not displayed on the vehicle D. This indicates that the vehicle D cannot communicate between vehicles. In addition, an elderly driver sign (an elderly person mark) is displayed on the vehicle D.

  It should be noted that the initial driver sign of the vehicle C (beginner mark) and the elderly driver sign of the vehicle D (elderly person mark) can be acquired by the image sensor 109 provided in the vehicle A. Moreover, as long as it can distinguish and display that communication between vehicles is possible, it is good also as not only a rectangle but arbitrary shapes.

  From the above, according to the sixth embodiment, the control unit 107 can control the vehicle B on the liquid crystal monitor 111 according to the case where the control unit 107 cannot communicate with the vehicle C and the other in-vehicle information when the control unit 107 can communicate with the vehicle B. , C is controlled so that the display relating to C is different, the driver of vehicle A can easily see the state of the other vehicle. Therefore, sufficient attention can be given to the driver. Further, the control unit 107 can also control the traveling of the vehicle A according to the case where communication with the vehicle C is impossible and the information within the other vehicle when communication with the vehicle B is possible.

<Embodiment 7>
In Embodiment 7 of the present invention, the in-vehicle information processing apparatus has both functions of a transmission side function for transmitting own vehicle information and a reception side function for receiving other vehicle information transmitted from another vehicle. The case where it has is demonstrated.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle information processing device 300 according to the seventh embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the in-vehicle information processing device 300 is configured by combining the in-vehicle information processing device 100 shown in FIG. 2 and the in-vehicle information processing device 200 shown in FIG. 3. Further, the configuration and operation of the in-vehicle information processing apparatus 300 are the same as those of the in-vehicle information processing apparatuses 100 and 200 according to the first to sixth embodiments, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  From the above, according to the seventh embodiment, the in-vehicle information processing device 300 has the function on the transmission side and the function on the reception side. Drivers can be careful.

  In FIG. 2, the control unit 107 has been described as detecting the vehicle position based on information acquired by the GPS 113, the vehicle speed pulse 114, and the gyro sensor 115, but the in-vehicle sensor I / F unit 106 is described. May have a function of detecting the position of the host vehicle.

  In the first embodiment, the detection of the relative position of the other vehicle existing around the own vehicle using the ultrasonic sensor 108 and the image sensor 109 has been described. However, the position detection method of the other vehicle is not limited to this. is not. For example, the absolute position of another vehicle can be detected by adding the position information obtained by the GPS 113 of the own vehicle to the detection results obtained by the ultrasonic sensor 108 and the image sensor 109.

  In Embodiment 1, although the case where one vehicle B is detected as the other vehicle in FIG. 4 has been described, a plurality of other vehicles may be detected. For example, when a plurality of other vehicles are detected in step S42 in FIG. 4, the detection priority order may be determined based on the coefficient R corresponding to the position of the other vehicle with respect to the own vehicle as shown in FIG. Good. Specifically, when there is another vehicle traveling before and after the own vehicle, the other vehicle existing in front of the own vehicle is detected first to obtain other vehicle information of the other vehicle, and then the own vehicle The other vehicle existing behind is detected and the other vehicle information of the other vehicle is acquired. That is, you may make it detect in order from the vehicle with the largest value of the coefficient R shown in FIG. Regardless of the above, the user may arbitrarily set the priority order, or the user may arbitrarily set the position at which the vehicle existing in priority is detected. Furthermore, the priority order may be set based on the attention level calculated by the attention level calculation unit 104 (for example, in descending order of attention level). The priority order may be set in the same manner as described above for semi-automatic operation control (travel control).

  In FIG. 6, the vehicle B is painted and displayed as an example of a display when attention to the vehicle B is necessary. However, the display is not limited to this. For example, it may be displayed three-dimensionally or displayed larger.

  In the fifth embodiment, the own vehicle (vehicle A) acquires the driver static information from the other vehicle (vehicle B), but once the driver static information is acquired, it is not acquired thereafter. May be.

  In the fifth embodiment, the calculation of the attention level is not limited to the equation (1). For example, the driver of the own vehicle (vehicle A) may be arbitrarily set.

  In Embodiment 5, the attention level calculation unit 104 calculates the attention level based on the driver dynamic information, the driver static information, the other in-vehicle information, and the position information of the other vehicle (vehicle B). The attention level may be calculated by combining arbitrary information among driver dynamic information, driver static information, other in-vehicle information, or position information. Further, the attention level may be calculated in consideration of the passenger's seating position. Further, the calculated attention level may be three or more stages as shown in FIG. 15, or may be two stages as in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 11, the driver's static information includes a gold license, a normal license, or a driver-signed vehicle. However, these pieces of information are explained based on traffic rules in Japan. In countries other than Japan, level L2 corresponding to information corresponding to the information shown in FIG. 11 is set.

  10 to 14, the values of the levels L1 to L4 or the coefficient R may be arbitrary values. For example, the driver of the own vehicle (vehicle A) may be arbitrarily set.

  In FIG. 15, the alerting method can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the driver of the own vehicle (vehicle A) may be arbitrarily set. Further, FIG. 15 shows a display example of another vehicle, but the color, the color density, the shape, and the degree of solid may be any. For example, a number indicating the attention level L may be displayed beside or inside the shape indicating the other vehicle. That is, the display may be different depending on the attention level L.

  In the sixth embodiment, the inter-vehicle communication has been described as an example of the communication means, but other communication means (for example, refer to the third embodiment) may be used.

  In each of the first to seventh embodiments, based on the attention level calculated by the attention level calculation unit 104, alerting the driver of the host vehicle and control of traveling (control of the inter-vehicle distance) are performed. May be notified. For example, an inter-vehicle distance from another vehicle may be detected by the ultrasonic sensor 108, and an alarm may be notified from the liquid crystal monitor 111 or the speaker 112 when the inter-vehicle distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. At this time, the inter-vehicle distance that serves as a threshold for alerting may be changed depending on the attention level. For example, when the value of the attention level is large, the inter-vehicle distance may be increased. Further, when there is another vehicle that cannot communicate, the inter-vehicle distance may be increased.

  In FIG. 20, a driver sign is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when an infant (baby), a pet, a sick person, or a person with a handicap exists in the vehicle, a mark indicating that there is an infant in the car may be displayed.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be freely combined with each other within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus, 101 Other vehicle position detection part, 102 Communication part, 103 GUI part, 104 Attention level calculation part, 105 Map DB, 106 In-vehicle sensor I / F part, 107 Control part, 108 Ultrasonic sensor, 109 Image Sensor, 110 Touch panel, 111 LCD monitor, 112 Speaker, 113 GPS, 114 Vehicle speed pulse, 115 Gyro sensor, 116 Vehicle control device, 117 Engine control device, 118 Body system control device, 119 In-vehicle LAN, 200 In-vehicle information processing device, 201 In-vehicle state detection unit, 202 communication unit, 203 GUI unit, 204 driver dynamic state detection unit, 205 map DB, 206 position detection unit, 207 driver static information acquisition unit, 208 control unit, 209 in-vehicle detection sensor, 210 Touch panel, 211 LCD Nita, 212 GPS, 213 vehicle speed pulse, 214 H / F device, 215 AV device, 300 in-vehicle information processing device, 301 in-vehicle state detection unit, 302 other vehicle position detection unit, 303 communication unit, 304 GUI unit, 305 driver movement State detection unit, 306 attention level calculation unit, 307 map DB, 308 in-vehicle sensor I / F unit, 309 driver static information acquisition unit, 310 control unit, 311 in-vehicle detection sensor, 312 ultrasonic sensor, 313 image sensor, 314 touch panel, 315 liquid crystal monitor, 316 speaker, 317 GPS, 318 vehicle speed pulse, 319 gyro sensor, 320 vehicle control device, 321 engine control device, 322 body system control device, 323 in-vehicle LAN, 324 H / F device, 325 AV device .

Claims (20)

An other vehicle position detection unit for detecting the position of another vehicle existing around the host vehicle;
A communication unit that acquires other vehicle information including other in-vehicle information indicating the state of a passenger or a vehicle other than the driver in the other vehicle detected by the other vehicle position detection unit from the other vehicle by communication. When,
Based on the information in the other vehicle acquired by the communication unit, alerting the driver of the host vehicle, or a control unit that controls the traveling of the host vehicle;
An in-vehicle information processing apparatus.   The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the in-vehicle information includes passenger static information that is unique to the passenger.   The in-vehicle information processing according to claim 2, wherein the passenger static information includes information on the presence or absence of the passenger, information on a seating position of the passenger, or information on attributes of the passenger. apparatus.   The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the attribute of the fellow passenger is age, sex, or presence / absence of a handicap of the fellow passenger.   The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the attribute of the fellow passenger is acquired by communication with a communication terminal possessed by the fellow passenger.   The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other vehicle information includes passenger dynamic information indicating a current activity state of the passenger.   The passenger dynamic information is information indicating that the passenger is talking to a driver of the other vehicle, information indicating that the passenger is alone, or an infant who is the passenger. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising information indicating that the person is crying. The position of the other vehicle is specified based on the position information of the other vehicle detected by the other vehicle position detection unit and the unique information of the other vehicle included in the other vehicle information acquired from the other vehicle. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The position of the other vehicle is specified based on position information of the other vehicle included in the other vehicle information or information specifying a traveling road, according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus described. A display unit;
  The display unit is configured to change a display regarding the other vehicle on the display unit according to a case where the control unit cannot communicate with the other vehicle and a case where the control unit communicates with the other vehicle. The vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein control is performed. The said control part controls driving | running | working of the said own vehicle according to the case where it cannot communicate with the said other vehicle, and the said other vehicle internal information in the case where it can communicate with the said other vehicle, The vehicle-mounted information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 10. The other vehicle information includes driver static information, which is information unique to the driver of the other vehicle, or driver dynamic information indicating a current activity state of the driver of the other vehicle. The on-vehicle information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The vehicle is a load of the other vehicle,
  The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the in-vehicle information includes load information indicating a load state of the load. The vehicle is a pet in the other vehicle,
  The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the in-vehicle information includes pet information indicating a current activity state of the pet. A caution level calculation unit for calculating a caution level for the other vehicle based on the other vehicle information;
  The control unit controls alerting a driver of the host vehicle or traveling of the host vehicle based on the caution level calculated by the caution level calculation unit. The on-vehicle information processing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 14. The controller is configured to drive the host vehicle based on the in-vehicle information acquired by the communication unit and a positional relationship between the host vehicle and the other vehicle obtained by the other vehicle position detector. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein alerting a person or controlling traveling of the host vehicle. An in-vehicle state detection unit for detecting a state in the host vehicle;
Information indicating the state of a passenger or vehicle other than the driver in the own vehicle detected by the in-vehicle state detection unit is used as in-vehicle information, and the own vehicle information including the in-vehicle information is obtained by communication. A communication unit for transmitting to the vehicle;
A control unit for controlling the communication unit;
An in-vehicle information processing apparatus.   The in-vehicle information processing according to claim 17, wherein the control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the host vehicle information to the other vehicle when a communication request is received from the other vehicle. apparatus.   The in-vehicle information includes passenger static information, which is information specific to the passenger of the own vehicle, or passenger dynamic information indicating a current activity state of the passenger of the own vehicle. The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to claim 17 or 18.   The in-vehicle information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the in-vehicle information includes loading information indicating a loading state of a load of the own vehicle.

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