Patent ID: 7348876
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
1. An obstacle detection device for a vehicle, comprising: a distance determination means for determining a distance between the vehicle and an obstacle; a velocity obtainment means for obtaining velocity-related information related to velocity of the vehicle; and a notification means for notifying of the obstacle in a first method if the distance is shorter than a threshold distance, and notifying of the obstacle in a second method according to rapidness of approach of the obstacle to the vehicle which is indicated by the velocity-related information if the distance is longer than the threshold distance, wherein the notification means includes a display means and a sound means, which are configured, in the second method, to operate such that when the velocity-related information indicates a relative speed of more than a rapidness threshold, the display means displays an image indicating that the obstacle is approaching rapidly, and the sound means generates a sound in a first pattern indicating the rapid approach of the obstacle only in a case that the rapid approach is determined for the first time, and when the velocity-related information indicates a relative speed of less than the rapidness threshold, the display means displays an image indicating that the obstacle is away from the vehicle, and the sound means generates a sound in a second pattern indicating that the obstacle is away only in a case that the obstacle is detected for the first time, the second pattern being different from the first pattern.