JP7567842B2 - In-vehicle system and function learning and presentation program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an in-vehicle system and a function learning and presentation program.

A configuration has been disclosed that provides learning support to drivers by presenting learning content suited to the driver while on the move (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2021-26400 A

In recent years, vehicles available on the market are equipped with a wide variety of functions. In order to fully utilize the functions installed in a vehicle, complex operations and knowledge may be required. However, drivers who have little interest in driving or who drive infrequently are reluctant to learn complex operations and knowledge, making it difficult for them to fully utilize the functions. Meanwhile, vehicle manufacturers are trying to communicate how to use the functions in a variety of ways, not only through instruction manuals but also through a wide variety of media, but drivers who have no interest in the functions in the first place have little motivation to learn about them, so in the end the functions go unused.

In light of this, it is desirable to have the driver learn about the functions installed in the vehicle. The method disclosed in Patent Document 1 presents learning content that is unrelated to the functions installed in the vehicle, and is not able to allow the driver to learn about the functions installed in the vehicle.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an in-vehicle system and a function learning presentation program that can allow a driver to appropriately learn the functions installed in the vehicle.

According to the invention described in claim 1, the driving proficiency acquisition unit (8a) acquires the driver's driving proficiency. The driving proficiency determination unit (8b) determines the driver's driving proficiency. The function learning presentation unit (8c) presents the driver with function learning in stages according to the driving proficiency determination result.

The driver's driving proficiency is acquired and judged, and function learning is presented to the driver in stages according to the results of the driving proficiency assessment. By presenting function learning to the driver in stages, it is expected that the driver will gradually master the functions, and the driver can have a sense of accomplishment as they gradually level up. This allows the driver to properly learn the functions installed in the vehicle.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a data communication system according to a first embodiment. Functional block diagram showing the configuration of the in-vehicle system Functional block diagram of the central ECU Diagram illustrating step-by-step learning of features Flowchart showing function learning presentation processing FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a central ECU according to a second embodiment. Flowchart showing function suppression processing 13 is a flowchart illustrating a function advance learning presentation process according to the third embodiment. A functional block diagram of a central ECU according to a fourth embodiment. Flowchart showing vehicle setting information change processing

Hereinafter, a number of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the embodiments described below, descriptions of parts that overlap with the preceding embodiments may be omitted.
First Embodiment
The first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. As shown in Fig. 1, the data communication system 1 includes a non-vehicle system 2 outside the vehicle and an in-vehicle system 3 mounted on the vehicle. The non-vehicle system 2 includes a map generation server 4, a function management server 5, and a mobile information terminal 6. The mobile information terminal 6 is, for example, a smartphone. The map generation server 4, the function management server 5, and the mobile information terminal 6 can each communicate data with the in-vehicle system 3 via a communication network including, for example, a digital communication line. In addition, the mobile information terminal 6 can communicate data with the in-vehicle system 3 when brought into the vehicle. The in-vehicle system 3, the map generation server 4, and the function management server 5 are each in a multiple-to-one relationship. That is, a plurality of in-vehicle systems 3 can be connected to one map generation server 4 so as to be able to communicate data, and a plurality of in-vehicle systems 3 can be connected to one function management server 5 so as to be able to communicate data.

The map generation server 4 is a server managed by an OEM, a data supplier, etc., and has the function of integrating multiple pieces of probe data to generate a probe data map. When the map generation server 4 receives and acquires probe data transmitted from the in-vehicle system 3, it integrates the multiple pieces of probe data to generate a probe data map. For example, each time the map generation server 4 receives and acquires probe data transmitted from the in-vehicle system 3, it sequentially updates the probe data map by sequentially reflecting the feature information contained in the acquired probe data in the latest probe data map stored at that time.

When the conditions for transmitting the probe data map are met, the map generation server 4 transmits the latest probe data map stored at that time to the in-vehicle system 3. The map generation server 4, for example, manages the probe data map in units of segments for each block, and when it receives and acquires the vehicle position transmitted from the in-vehicle system 3, it identifies the probe data map of the segment corresponding to the acquired vehicle position, and transmits the identified probe data map via the communication network to the in-vehicle system 3 that is the source of the vehicle position.

The function management server 5 is a server managed by an OEM, a data supplier, etc., and has a function of managing functions related to the vehicle. When the function management server 5 receives and acquires personal authentication data transmitted from the mobile information terminal 6, it performs personal authentication based on the acquired personal authentication data. When the function management server 5 receives and acquires the driving data of the driver transmitted from the in-vehicle system 3, it identifies recommended functions suitable for the driver based on the acquired driving data of the driver. The function management server 5 analyzes the driver's driving technique from the driver's driving data, and when it determines that the technique of keeping the driving lane is unstable, for example, it determines that driving assistance functions such as lane keeping assist (hereinafter referred to as LKA (Lane Keeping Assist)) and lane tracing assist (hereinafter referred to as LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)) are effective for the driver's driving, and identifies the LKA or LTA function determined to be effective as a recommended function. When the function management server 5 identifies a recommended function, it transmits recommended function information about the identified recommended function to the in-vehicle system 3 and the mobile information terminal 6.

When the in-vehicle system 3 or the mobile information terminal 6 receives and acquires the recommended function information transmitted from the function management server 5, it notifies the driver of the acquired recommended function information and presents the recommended functions to the driver. That is, the driver can recognize the recommended functions identified by the function management server 5 when the recommended functions are presented by the in-vehicle system 3 inside the vehicle, and can recognize the recommended functions identified by the function management server 5 when the recommended functions are presented by the mobile information terminal 6 outside the vehicle. Note that the recommended functions are not limited to LKA and LTA, and may be any functions that are effective for the driver's driving.

As shown in FIG. 2, the in-vehicle system 3 includes a data communication module (hereinafter referred to as DCM (Data Communication Module)) 7, a central ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 8, an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) domain ECU 9, a cockpit domain ECU 10, a body ECU 11, and a powertrain domain ECU 12.

The DCM 7 and each of the ECUs 8-12 are each equipped with a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and I/O (Input/Output). The microcomputer executes a computer program stored in a non-transient physical storage medium, thereby executing processing corresponding to the computer program and controlling the overall operation of the DCM 7 and each of the ECUs 8-12. The term "microcomputer" is synonymous with "processor." The non-transient physical storage medium may share hardware with other computer resources. The DCM 7 and each of the ECUs 8-12 work together to control the overall operation of the in-vehicle system 3.

The DCM 7 is an in-vehicle communication device that has a V2X (Vehicle to X) communication function and performs communication control on the vehicle side in data communication between the vehicle and infrastructure facilities including the map generation server 4 and the function management server 5 described above.

The central ECU 8 manages the ADAS domain ECU 9, the cockpit domain ECU 10, and the powertrain domain ECU 12. The ADAS domain ECU 9 includes a vehicle position estimation unit 9a, a vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b, a caution area identification unit 9c, a driver state recognition unit 9d, a map quality determination unit 9e, a safety confirmation determination unit 9f, and a driving intervention implementation unit 9g. The cockpit domain ECU 10 includes a notification control unit 10a.

The locator 13 calculates position coordinates using various parameters included in GNSS satellite signals received from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites, corrects the calculated position coordinates using detection results from a gyro sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, etc., and outputs the corrected position coordinates to the vehicle position estimation unit 9a. Note that GNSS is a general term for global positioning and navigation satellite systems, and various systems such as GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System), Galileo, BeiDou, and IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System) have been realized. When the vehicle position estimation unit 9a receives the position coordinates from the locator 13, it estimates the vehicle position using the input position coordinates and outputs the estimated vehicle position to the DCM 7.

The millimeter wave radar 14 irradiates millimeter waves around the vehicle to sense the surroundings of the vehicle, and outputs the detection results to the vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b. The millimeter wave radar 14 has the advantages of being highly linear, allowing for miniaturization of the circuit and antenna design, high distance resolution and high angular resolution due to a wide bandwidth, and being resistant to environmental changes such as weather. The sonar 15 irradiates ultrasonic waves, for example, around the vehicle to sense the surroundings of the vehicle, and outputs the detection results to the vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b. The sonar 15 has the advantage of being able to reflect off glass and water surfaces.

The LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 16 irradiates laser light around the vehicle to sense the surroundings of the vehicle and outputs the detection result to the vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b. The LiDAR 16 has advantages such as reflecting on non-metallic objects and being able to detect at night or during rain. The camera 17 includes an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), captures an image of the surroundings of the vehicle, and outputs the captured camera image to the vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b. The millimeter wave radar 14, the sonar 15, the LiDAR 16, and the camera 17 are autonomous sensors. It is not necessary to include all of the millimeter wave radar 14, the sonar 15, the LiDAR 16, and the camera 17, and a configuration including at least one of the autonomous sensors may be used. Additionally, the system may be configured to include autonomous sensors other than the millimeter wave radar 14, sonar 15, LiDAR 16, and camera 17.

The vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b receives detection results from the millimeter wave radar 14, sonar 15, LiDAR 16, and camera images from the camera 17, and recognizes the surroundings of the vehicle using the received detection results and camera images, and outputs the recognized surroundings information of the vehicle to the DCM 7, map quality determination unit 9e, safety confirmation determination unit 9f, and driving intervention implementation unit 9g. The surroundings information includes static information such as the positions and types of markings, stop lines, and crosswalks painted on the road surface, the positions and types of traffic lights and road signs erected above the road surface, road width, road type, number of lanes, and other feature information. The surroundings information also includes dynamic and static information such as the positions of pedestrians, bicycles, and oncoming vehicles.

When the DCM 7 inputs the vehicle position from the vehicle position estimation unit 9a and the surrounding information around the vehicle from the vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b, the DCM 7 transmits probe data in which the input vehicle position, surrounding information around the vehicle, and time are associated with each other to the map generation server 4 via the communication network. In this case, the DCM 7 transmits the probe data to the map generation server 4 via the communication network, for example, when the traveled distance reaches a certain distance, when the elapsed time reaches a certain time, etc.

In the DCM 7, when the probe data map acquisition unit 2a receives the probe data map transmitted from the map generation server 4, it outputs the received probe data map to the caution area identification unit 9c and the map quality determination unit 9e.

When the map quality determination unit 9e receives the surrounding information of the vehicle from the vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b and the probe data map from the DCM 7, it compares the probe data map with the surrounding information of the vehicle and determines whether the quality of the probe data map is good or bad. For example, the map quality determination unit 9e determines whether the feature information shown by the probe data map matches the surrounding information of the vehicle shown by the detection results of the autonomous sensor, and determines whether the quality of the probe data map is good or bad. Specifically, the map quality determination unit 9e determines whether the positions and types of features shown by the probe data map match the positions and types of features included in the surrounding information of the vehicle shown by the detection results of the autonomous sensor, and determines whether the quality of the probe data map is good or bad.

The map quality determination unit 9e quantifies the degree of coincidence between the feature information shown by the probe data map and the surrounding information around the vehicle shown by the detection result of the autonomous sensor, for example, and compares the quantified value with a threshold value. When the map quality determination unit 9e determines that the deviation between the feature information shown by the probe data map and the surrounding information around the vehicle shown by the detection result of the autonomous sensor is small and the value indicating the degree of coincidence is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it determines that the quality of the probe data map is good. When the map quality determination unit 9e determines that the quality of the probe data map is good, it outputs the probe data map determined to be of good quality to the caution area identification unit 9c. On the other hand, when the map quality determination unit 9e determines that the deviation between the feature information shown by the probe data map and the surrounding information around the vehicle shown by the detection result of the autonomous sensor is large and the value indicating the degree of coincidence is less than the threshold value, it determines that the quality of the probe data map is poor.

The external array microphone 18 outputs audio information collected around the vehicle to the caution area identification unit 9c. The external array microphone 18 is also an autonomous sensor, like the millimeter wave radar 14, sonar 15, LiDAR 16, and camera 17 described above. When the caution area identification unit 9c receives a probe data map from the map quality determination unit 9e, it identifies caution areas and outputs the identification result to the safety confirmation determination unit 9f. A caution area is, for example, a blind spot at an intersection, and is a location where the driver needs to confirm safety while driving. In this case, when the caution area identification unit 9c receives audio information from the external array microphone 18, it also refers to the input audio information to identify caution areas. Note that when the caution area identification unit 9c does not receive a probe data map from the map quality determination unit 9e, it identifies caution areas using the detection results of the autonomous sensor and outputs the identification result to the safety confirmation determination unit 9f.

The Driver Status Monitor (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as DSM (Driver Status Monitor)) 19, which monitors the driver's condition, captures an image of the driver's face using a driver monitor camera, determines the driver's facial direction, line of sight, head movement, etc. from the facial image, and outputs the determination results to the driver condition recognition unit 9d.

When the driver state recognition unit 9d receives the judgment result from the DSM 19, it recognizes the driver state using the judgment result and outputs driver state information indicating the recognized driver state to the DCM 7, the safety confirmation judgment unit 9f, and the driving intervention implementation unit 9g.

The safety confirmation determination unit 9f inputs surrounding information about the vehicle from the vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b and driver state information from the driver state recognition unit 9d, and uses the input surrounding information about the vehicle and the driver state information to determine whether or not an alert needs to be issued. The safety confirmation determination unit 9f determines whether or not the driver's line of sight is directed toward a caution point in a situation where a caution point has occurred, determines whether or not the driver is performing a safety check based on the driver state, and determines whether or not an alert needs to be issued.

When the safety confirmation determination unit 9f determines that the driver's line of sight is directed toward the caution area, it determines that there is no need to issue an alert. On the other hand, when the safety confirmation determination unit 9f determines that the driver's line of sight is not directed toward the caution area, it determines that there is a need to issue an alert, and outputs a notification instruction to the notification control unit 10a.

When the notification control unit 10a receives a notification command from the safety confirmation determination unit 9f, it outputs a drive command to the head-up display (hereinafter referred to as HUD (Head-Up Display)) 20, the center information display (hereinafter referred to as CID (Center Information Display)) 21, the speaker 22, and the ambient light 23, and also outputs a notification command to the body ECU 11. The notification control unit 10a issues an alert to the HUD 20, the CID 21, the speaker 22, the ambient light 23, and the side electronic mirror 24 at locations close to the driver's line of sight, and notifies the driver of incomplete safety confirmation information indicating that the driver has not performed a safety confirmation.

The alert is, for example, a message or icon that prompts the driver to check for safety at a caution point. If the driver's line of sight is directly ahead in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the notification control unit 10a displays, for example, a message or icon in front of the driver on the HUD 20. If the driver's line of sight is ahead to the right in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the notification control unit 10a displays, for example, a message or icon on the HUD 20 to the right in front of the driver. If the driver's line of sight is ahead to the left in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the notification control unit 10a displays, for example, a message or icon on the HUD 20 to the left in front of the driver. The notification control unit 10a may also display, for example, a message or icon on the CID 21 that prompts the driver to check for safety at a caution point. The notification control unit 10a may also output, for example, a message that prompts the driver to check for safety at a caution point from the speaker 22. By issuing an alert in this manner, the driver can be made aware that he or she is not paying attention to the caution points.

In addition, when the recommended function information transmitted from the function management server 5 as described above is received by the in-vehicle system 3, the notification control unit 10a displays the received recommended function information on the HUD 20 or CID 21, or outputs the recommended function information as sound from the speaker 22, thereby presenting the recommended functions identified by the recommended function information to the driver.

The fingerprint authentication sensor 25 senses the driver's fingerprint and outputs the detection result to the cockpit domain ECU 10. The palm print authentication sensor 26 senses the driver's palm print and outputs the detection result to the cockpit domain ECU 10. When the cockpit domain ECU 10 receives the detection results from the fingerprint authentication sensor 25 or the palm print authentication sensor 26, it performs personal authentication of the driver using the input detection results and outputs the authentication result to the central ECU 8.

The sensor group 28 attached to the airbag 27 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a yaw rate sensor, which detect the vehicle speed, acceleration, and yaw rate, respectively, and output the detection results to the driving intervention execution unit 9g. The sensor group 28 may be attached to the ADAS domain ECU 9 or the central ECU 8.

The driving intervention unit 9g inputs surrounding information about the vehicle from the vehicle surroundings recognition unit 9b, driver state information from the driver state recognition unit 9d, and detection results from the sensor group 28 attached to the airbag 27, and then uses the input surrounding information about the vehicle, driver state information, and detection results to determine whether or not it is necessary to intervene in the driver's driving operation. The driving intervention unit 9g determines, for example, whether the driver's line of sight is facing the vehicle's travel direction, whether the vehicle's travel direction is dangerous, and whether the vehicle speed, acceleration, and yaw rate are normal, and determines whether or not it is necessary to intervene in the driver's driving operation.

The driving intervention unit 9g, for example, determines that the driver's line of sight is directed in the direction of travel of the vehicle, that the direction of travel of the vehicle is not dangerous, and that the vehicle speed, acceleration, and yaw rate are normal, and if it determines that the driver's driving is appropriate, it determines that there is no need to intervene in the driver's driving operation. On the other hand, if the driving intervention unit 9g determines that the driver's line of sight is not directed in the direction of travel of the vehicle, that the direction of travel of the vehicle is dangerous, or that the vehicle speed, acceleration, and yaw rate are not normal, and if it determines that the driver's driving is not appropriate, it determines that there is a need to intervene in the driver's driving operation, and outputs a driving intervention instruction to the powertrain domain ECU 12.

When the powertrain domain ECU 12 receives a driving intervention command from the driving intervention execution unit 9g, it outputs the driving intervention command to the brake device 29. The sensor group 30 attached to the brake device 29 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a yaw rate sensor, which detect the vehicle speed, acceleration, and yaw rate, respectively, and output the detection results to the brake device 29. The sensor group 30 may be attached to the powertrain domain ECU 12 or the central ECU 8. When the brake device 29 receives a driving intervention command from the powertrain domain ECU 12, it performs collision damage mitigation braking (hereinafter referred to as AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking)) control using, for example, the detection results of the sensor group 30. In addition to AEB control, steering control, attitude control, etc. may be performed as an intervention in the driving operation, and for example, skid prevention control (hereinafter referred to as ESC (Electronic Stability Control) may be performed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the central ECU 8 is connected to a wiper control unit 31, an auto light control unit 32, an auto door control unit 33, an auto high beam control unit 34, and a raindrop sensor 35. The wiper control unit 31 is connected to a wiper unit 36. The wiper unit 36 includes a speed control unit 36a, an angle control unit 36b, a washer control unit 36c, a position control unit 36d, and a switch 36e. The wiper control unit 31 outputs wiper control instructions to the wiper unit 36 and controls the operation of the wiper unit 36.

Similarly, the auto light control unit 32 outputs an auto light control command to the auto light unit (not shown) and controls the operation of the auto light unit. The auto door control unit 33 outputs an auto door control command to the auto door unit (not shown) and controls the operation of the auto door unit. The auto high beam control unit 34 outputs an auto high beam control command to the auto high beam unit (not shown) and controls the operation of the auto high beam unit. When the raindrop sensor 35 detects rainfall, it outputs a detection signal to the central ECU 8.

The central ECU 8 includes a driving proficiency acquisition unit 8a, a driving proficiency assessment unit 8b, a function learning presentation unit 8c, a learning status acquisition unit 8d, a learning status assessment unit 8e, and a learning assessment result notification unit 8f. These units 8a to 8f realize the function learning presentation program executed by the central ECU 8.

The driving proficiency acquisition unit 8a acquires vehicle data such as the frequency of acceleration/deceleration control corrections, the frequency of steering control corrections, the frequency of lane departure alerts (hereinafter referred to as LDA (Lane Departure Alert)), and the frequency of collision damage mitigation braking (hereinafter referred to as AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking)). The driving proficiency acquisition unit 8a acquires driving ability data such as the degree of distraction while driving and the presence or absence of composure from the judgment results of a facial image of the driver. The driving proficiency acquisition unit 8a acquires these vehicle data and driving ability data over a certain period of time. In this case, the certain period of time may be any period such as the period since the driver purchased the vehicle or the period of the last few days.

When the driving proficiency of the driver is acquired by the driving proficiency acquisition unit 8a, the driving proficiency determination unit 8b determines the acquired driving proficiency of the driver. For example, if the driving proficiency determination unit 8b determines that the driver's driving proficiency is relatively high if it determines that the frequency of correction of acceleration/deceleration control or steering control is relatively low, or that the driver is relatively inattentive or calm while driving. In addition, the driving proficiency determination unit 8b determines the functions used by the driver while driving, and if it determines that the driver is using appropriate functions according to the surrounding conditions, it determines that the driver's driving proficiency is relatively high. For example, in the case of an intermittent wiper function, if the driver appropriately sets the on/off of the wiper switch, the wiper speed, etc. according to the rainfall conditions, the driving proficiency determination unit 8b determines that the driver's driving proficiency is relatively high.

On the other hand, if the driving proficiency determination unit 8b determines that the driver's driving proficiency is relatively low, for example, if the driver makes relatively frequent corrections to acceleration/deceleration control or steering control, or if the driver is relatively distracted or restless while driving, the driving proficiency determination unit 8b determines that the driver's driving proficiency is relatively low if it determines that the driver is not using an appropriate function in accordance with the surrounding conditions. For example, in the case of an intermittent wiper function, if the driver has not set the on/off of the wiper switch or the wiper speed in accordance with the rainfall conditions, the driving proficiency determination unit 8b determines that the driver's driving proficiency is relatively low.

The driving proficiency determination unit 8b also performs the same for functions other than the intermittent wiper function. For example, for the light function, if the driver sets the light on/off appropriately according to the brightness of the surrounding environment, the driving proficiency of the driver is determined to be relatively high, and if the light is not set appropriately, the driving proficiency of the driver is determined to be relatively low. The driving proficiency determination unit 8b also performs the same for the on/off of the light switch for entering and exiting a tunnel, and if the light switch is set appropriately according to the timing of entering and exiting a tunnel, the driving proficiency of the driver is determined to be relatively high, and if the light switch is not set appropriately, the driving proficiency of the driver is determined to be relatively low.

When the driving proficiency of the driver is judged by the driving proficiency judgment unit 8b, the function learning presentation unit 8c presents the learning of functions to the driver in stages according to the judgment result of the driving proficiency. The function learning presentation unit 8c compares the driving proficiency of the driver with a predetermined level set in advance, and if the predetermined level is not reached, presents the learning of functions to the driver in stages. In this case, presenting the learning of functions in stages means presenting the learning of functions to the driver in a gamified manner, and means presenting multiple functions to be learned from a bird's-eye view, and presenting the learning of the next function each time one function is acquired. In other words, the driver can obtain a sense of accomplishment by gradually leveling up by acquiring functions in stages.

The function learning presentation unit 8c gradually presents function learning to the driver in a situation where driving safety is ensured, such as when the vehicle is stopped. The function learning presentation unit 8c also determines the driver's schedule by acquiring calendar information, and does not present function learning to the driver when the driver is busy, and presents function learning to the driver when the driver has time. The function learning presentation unit 8c also determines the driver's physical condition by acquiring the driver's biometric information, and does not present function learning to the driver when the driver's physical condition is unstable, and presents function learning to the driver when the driver's physical condition is stable.

The function learning presentation unit 8c may present the driver with a specific method of presenting the learning of a function, for example, by displaying a message on the CID 21 inquiring about the implementation of learning when the ignition or motor is turned on, and by displaying a "YES" button and a "NO" button that allow the driver to select whether or not to implement learning. That is, the driver can consent to the implementation of learning by pressing the "YES" button, and can reject the implementation of learning by pressing the "NO" button. In addition to displaying a message inquiring about the implementation of learning on the CID 21, the function learning presentation unit 8c may output the message from the speaker to enable selection by voice recognition, or may enable the driver to select whether or not to implement learning by chatbot-like voice recognition based on everyday conversations in the car.

The learning status acquisition unit 8d acquires the learning status of the function. When the learning status of the function is acquired by the learning status acquisition unit 8d, the learning status determination unit 8e determines the acquired learning status of the function. For example, in the case of an intermittent wiper function, the learning status determination unit 8e stores an ideal intermittent wiper operation model according to the rainfall conditions in advance. The learning status determination unit 8e determines the rainfall conditions based on the detection results of the raindrop sensor 35 and weather information from outside the vehicle, and compares the intermittent wiper operation state set by the driver with the operation model according to the rainfall conditions to determine whether the driver is using the intermittent wiper function appropriately.

When the learning status determination unit 8e determines that the deviation between the operation state of the intermittent wipers set by the driver and the operation model is relatively small, it determines that the driver is using the intermittent wiper function appropriately according to the rainfall conditions, and determines that the driver has mastered the intermittent wiper function and the learning status of the function has reached a predetermined level. On the other hand, when the learning status determination unit 8e determines that the deviation between the operation state of the intermittent wipers set by the driver and the operation model is relatively large, it determines that the driver is not using the intermittent wiper function appropriately according to the rainfall conditions, and determines that the driver has not yet mastered the intermittent wiper function and the learning status of the function has not reached a predetermined level.

When the learning status of a function is determined by the learning status determination unit 8e, the learning determination result notification unit 8f notifies the driver of the determination result. For example, in the case of an intermittent wiper function, the learning determination result notification unit 8f notifies the driver that the driver has acquired the intermittent wiper function or that the driver has not yet acquired it. In other words, the learning determination result notification unit 8f notifies the driver of the determination result of the learning status of the function, thereby making the driver aware that the function has been acquired or has not yet been acquired.

When the function learning presentation unit 8c determines that the learning status of a function has reached a predetermined level, it presents the driver with the learning of the next function. As shown in FIG. 4, if the function learning presentation unit 8c sets level 1 as "intermittent wiper", level 2 as "auto light", level 3 as "auto door", level 4 as "auto high beam", level 5 as "automatic parking", and level 6 as "adaptive cruise control (hereinafter referred to as ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control))", when it is determined that the learning status of level 1 "intermittent wiper" has reached a predetermined level, it presents the driver with the learning of the next function, level 2 "auto light". The same applies below, and when it is determined that the learning status of level 2 "auto light" has reached a predetermined level, the function learning presentation unit 8c presents the driver with the learning of the next function, level 3 "auto door". That is, the driver learns each of the functions "intermittent wipers," "auto lights," "auto doors," "auto high beams," "auto parking," and "ACC" in sequence, and each time the learning situation reaches a certain level, the driver moves up a level and learns the next level of functions.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The in-vehicle system 3 performs the function learning presentation process by the function learning presentation program. The timing for performing the function learning presentation process is, for example, when a certain period of time has passed since the vehicle was purchased, or at the time of the vehicle purchase. When the function learning presentation process is performed when a certain period of time has passed since the vehicle was purchased, the driver's driving proficiency is acquired during that certain period of time, but when the function learning presentation process is performed at the time of the vehicle purchase, the driver's driving proficiency is not acquired, and it is determined that the driver's driving proficiency has not reached a predetermined level.

When the start condition of the function learning presentation process is satisfied, the in-vehicle system 3 starts the function learning presentation process. When the in-vehicle system 3 starts the function learning presentation process, it acquires vehicle data and the driver's driving ability data, and acquires the driver's driving proficiency (A1, corresponding to the driving proficiency acquisition procedure). When the in-vehicle system 3 acquires the driver's driving proficiency, it compares the acquired driver's driving proficiency with a predetermined level that has been set in advance (A2, corresponding to the driving proficiency determination procedure).

When the in-vehicle system 3 determines that the driver's driving proficiency has reached a predetermined level (A2: YES), it ends the function learning presentation process. On the other hand, when the in-vehicle system 3 determines that the driver's driving proficiency has not reached a predetermined level (A2: NO), it determines whether there is a function that should be presented for learning (A3). If the learning of all functions from "intermittent wiper" at level 1 to "ACC" at level 6 shown in FIG. 4 has been presented, the in-vehicle system 3 determines that there is no function that should be presented for learning, but if the learning of all functions from "intermittent wiper" at level 1 to "ACC" at level 6 has not been presented, in other words, if the presentation of learning is in progress, it determines that there is a function that should be presented for learning.

When the in-vehicle system 3 determines that there is no function that should be presented for learning (A3: NO), it ends the function learning presentation process. On the other hand, when the in-vehicle system 3 determines that there is a function that should be presented for learning (A3: YES), it presents the learning of the function that should be presented for learning (A4, corresponding to the learning presentation procedure). For example, if the in-vehicle system 3 has not presented learning of the level 1 "intermittent wiper" function, it presents learning of the level 1 "intermittent wiper" function. For example, if the in-vehicle system 3 has presented learning of the level 1 "intermittent wiper" function and the learning status of the level 1 "intermittent wiper" function has reached a predetermined level, it presents learning of the level 2 "auto light" function.

The in-vehicle system 3 acquires the learning status by acquiring the usage status of the function that has been presented for learning (A5), and compares the acquired learning status of the function with a predetermined level that has been set in advance (A6). For example, if the in-vehicle system 3 presents the "intermittent wiper" function at level 1, it compares the intermittent wiper operation state set by the driver as described above with an operation model corresponding to the rainfall conditions to determine whether the driver is using the intermittent wiper function appropriately.

When the in-vehicle system 3 determines that the driver is using the intermittent wiper function appropriately according to the rainfall conditions, it determines that the driver has mastered the level 1 "intermittent wiper" function and that the learning status of the function has reached a predetermined level (A6: YES). On the other hand, when the learning status determination unit 8e determines that the driver has not used the intermittent wiper function appropriately according to the rainfall conditions, it determines that the driver has not yet mastered the intermittent wiper function and that the learning status of the function has not reached a predetermined level (A6: NO).

When the in-vehicle system 3 determines that the learning status of the function has reached a predetermined level, it presents the driver with the learning of the next function (A7). In this case, the in-vehicle system 3 displays a message on the CID 21 or outputs a sound from the speaker 22, such as "Level 1 intermittent wiper learning has been completed. Next is learning level 2 auto lights."

The in-vehicle system 3 determines whether the end condition of the function learning presentation process is satisfied (A8), and if it determines that the end condition of the function learning presentation process is not satisfied (A8: NO), it returns to the above-mentioned step A5 and repeats step A5 and subsequent steps. That is, if the driver has acquired the level 1 "intermittent wiper" function, the in-vehicle system 3 presents the learning of level 2 "auto light" and determines whether the driver is using the "auto light" function appropriately. Thereafter, similarly, if the driver has acquired the level 2 "auto light" function, the in-vehicle system 3 presents the learning of level 3 "auto door", and if the driver has acquired the level 3 "auto door" function, the in-vehicle system 3 presents the learning of level 4 "auto high beam". If the in-vehicle system 3 determines that the end condition of the function learning presentation process is satisfied (A8: YES), it ends the function learning presentation process.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.
In the in-vehicle system 3, the driving proficiency of the driver is acquired and judged, and the learning of functions is presented to the driver in stages according to the judgment result of the driving proficiency. By presenting the learning of functions to the driver in stages according to the judgment result of the driving proficiency, it is expected that the driver will gradually master the functions, and the driver can have a sense of accomplishment as he or she gradually improves in level. This allows the driver to appropriately learn the functions installed in the vehicle.

In the in-vehicle system 3, function learning is presented to the driver in stages when driving safety is ensured. By not presenting function learning to the driver in situations that threaten driving safety, and by presenting function learning to the driver only in situations where driving safety is ensured, function learning can be presented to the driver in stages while appropriately ensuring driving safety.

The in-vehicle system 3 acquires and judges the learning status of a function, and notifies the driver of the result of the judgment of the learning status of the function. The learning status of the function can be appropriately recognized by the driver as to whether or not the driver has acquired the function.

When the in-vehicle system 3 determines that the learning status of the function has reached a predetermined level, the in-vehicle system 3 presents the driver with the next function to be learned.
The learning of a wide variety of functions can be presented to the driver in a step-by-step manner.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The second embodiment is configured to deal with cases where the driver does not drive for a long period of time or where the driver's driving proficiency has declined. In this case, the central ECU 8 includes a function suppression unit 8g in addition to the units 8a to 8f described in the first embodiment.

The function suppression unit 8g monitors the time elapsed since the driver's last driving operation, and suppresses the functions available to the driver when it determines that a predetermined period has elapsed since the driver's last driving operation. In this case, the predetermined period may be set uniformly, or may be set according to the driver's past driving proficiency, for example. If the driver's past driving proficiency is relatively high, the driver may be relatively likely to have been familiar with the use of the function, so the predetermined period may be set relatively long, and if the driver's past driving proficiency is relatively low, the driver may be relatively likely to have been familiar with the use of the function, so the predetermined period may be set relatively short. In addition, the function suppression unit 8g suppresses the function when the driving proficiency determination unit 8b determines that the driver's driving proficiency has fallen to a preset reference level.

The function suppression unit 8g suppresses a function by, for example, reducing the number of displays on the meter device or resetting the home screen on the CID 21, thereby simplifying the information presented to the driver and simplifying the operation. When a function is suppressed by the function suppression unit 8g, the function learning presentation unit 8c presents the suppression of the function to the driver.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 7. When the start condition of the function suppression process is satisfied, the in-vehicle system 3 starts the function suppression process. When the in-vehicle system 3 starts the function suppression process, it determines whether a predetermined period has passed since the driver's last driving operation (A11), and determines whether the driver's driving proficiency has declined to a reference level (A12). When the in-vehicle system 3 determines that a predetermined period has passed since the driver's last driving operation (A11: YES), or that the driver's driving proficiency has declined to a reference level (A12: YES), it suppresses the function (A13), notifies the driver of the function suppression (A14), and ends the function suppression process.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.
In the in-vehicle system 3, when a predetermined period of time has passed since the last driving operation of the driver, or when the driving proficiency of the driver has fallen to a reference level, the function is suppressed and the suppression of the function is notified to the driver. When a predetermined period of time has passed since the last driving operation of the driver, or when the driving proficiency of the driver has fallen, it is assumed that the driver is unlikely to be able to use the function well. Therefore, by suppressing the function, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a function that the driver cannot use well is unnecessarily provided. In addition, by notifying the driver of the suppression of the function, it is possible to notify the driver that an unnecessary function has been suppressed.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The third embodiment is configured to present advance learning of a function to the driver when it is determined that the function can be learned according to the driving proficiency determination result.

The function suppression unit 8g judges whether or not the function can be learned according to the driving proficiency judgment result. If the function suppression unit 8g judges that the function can be learned, it presents the driver with pre-learning of the function. For example, the function suppression unit 8g specifies that the route to the destination is to be driven on a motorway in the navigation function, and if it judges that the ACC function can be learned according to the driver's driving proficiency judgment result, it presents the driver with pre-learning of the ACC function. The function suppression unit 8g presents the driver with pre-learning of the function by using a simulation during driving operation, for example by displaying a video of the ACC function on the CID 21 or a graphic of the steering switch on the meter device.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 8. When the start condition of the function pre-learning presentation process is satisfied, the in-vehicle system 3 starts the function pre-learning presentation process. When the in-vehicle system 3 starts the function pre-learning presentation process, it determines whether or not the function can be learned according to the driving proficiency assessment result (A21). When the in-vehicle system 3 determines that the function can be learned (A21: YES), it presents the driver with the pre-learning of the function (A22) and ends the function pre-learning presentation process.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.
In the in-vehicle system 3, it is determined whether or not the function can be learned according to the determination result of the driving proficiency, and when it is determined that the function can be learned, the pre-learning of the function is presented to the driver. Before the learning of the function is presented to the driver, the pre-learning of the function can be presented to the driver, and the driver can appropriately learn the function by pre-learning the function.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The fourth embodiment is configured to acquire vehicle setting information of another driver from the driving operation history of the other driver, and change the vehicle setting information of the driver in accordance with the acquired vehicle setting information of the other driver. In this case, the central ECU 8 includes a driving operation history acquisition unit 8h, a vehicle setting information acquisition unit 8i, and a vehicle setting information change unit 8j in addition to the units 8a to 8f described in the first embodiment.

The driving operation history acquisition unit 8h acquires the driving operation history of other drivers. Other drivers are people who have driven the vehicle and performed driving operations, or people who have driven a vehicle of the same model and type as the vehicle and performed driving operations.

When the driving operation history of another driver is acquired by the driving operation history acquisition unit 8h, the vehicle setting information acquisition unit 8i acquires the vehicle setting information of the other driver from the acquired driving operation history of the other driver. The vehicle setting information acquisition unit 8i acquires, as the vehicle setting information of the other driver, for example, the following distance during automatic driving, the strength and timing of deceleration control, the strength and timing of acceleration control, etc.

When the vehicle setting information of another driver is acquired by the vehicle setting information acquisition unit 8i, the vehicle setting information change unit 8j changes the driver's vehicle setting information in accordance with the acquired vehicle setting information of the other driver. In this case, the vehicle setting information change unit 8j changes the driver's vehicle setting information according to at least one of the driver's driving proficiency, the driver's preferences, and the driver's viewpoint direction. When the vehicle setting information change unit 8j changes the driver's vehicle setting information according to the driver's driving proficiency, for example, if the driver is a beginner driver, it sets a specific safety-related function to on to ensure safety. When the vehicle setting information change unit 8j changes the driver's vehicle setting information according to the driver's preferences, for example, if the driver prefers an earlier timing for deceleration control, it sets the timing of deceleration control earlier. When changing the vehicle setting information of the driver according to the driver's viewpoint direction, the vehicle setting information change unit 8j sets the information to match the driver's own driving style when the driver is looking ahead, and to match the driving style of another person when the driver is looking at one side of the front seat. For example, when wearing AR goggles, it is set so that it looks as if another person is sitting in the seat next to you, and when you look ahead, the driving style switches to your own driving style, and when you look at the seat next to you, the driving style switches to the other person's driving style along with a virtual image of the other person.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 10. When the start condition for the vehicle setting information change process is satisfied, the in-vehicle system 3 starts the vehicle setting information change process. When the in-vehicle system 3 starts the vehicle setting information change process, it acquires the driving operation history of the other driver (A31), and acquires the vehicle setting information of the other driver from the acquired driving operation history of the other driver (A32). The in-vehicle system 3 changes the driver's vehicle setting information to match the acquired vehicle setting information of the other driver (A32), and ends the vehicle setting information change process.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.
In the in-vehicle system 3, the driving operation history of the other driver is acquired, the vehicle setting information of the other driver is acquired from the acquired driving operation history of the other driver, and the vehicle setting information of the driver is changed in accordance with the acquired vehicle setting information of the other driver. The vehicle setting information of the driver can be made to follow the vehicle setting information of the other driver.

Other Embodiments
Although the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiment, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or structure. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and modifications within the equivalent range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more than one element, or less than one element, are also within the scope and concept of the present disclosure.

The control unit and the method described in the present disclosure may be realized by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and the method described in the present disclosure may be realized by a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and the method described in the present disclosure may be realized by one or more dedicated computers configured by combining a processor and memory programmed to execute one or more functions with a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transient tangible recording medium as instructions executed by the computer.

The timing for performing the function learning presentation process is, for example, when a certain period of time has passed since the purchase of the vehicle, or it is not limited to the time of vehicle purchase, but may also be during a test drive before purchasing the vehicle. If the function learning presentation process is performed during a test drive, the learning status judgment result can be obtained before purchasing the vehicle, and depending on the judgment result, it is possible to respond flexibly, such as changing the vehicle to be purchased. In other words, if it is difficult to master the function even after learning, it is possible to assume that the vehicle to be purchased will be changed. Furthermore, when a vehicle is replaced, the judgment result of the learning status of the previous vehicle may be inherited by the replacement vehicle.

In the drawing, 1 is an in-vehicle system, 8 is a central ECU, 8a is a driving proficiency acquisition unit, 8b is a driving proficiency judgment unit, 8c is a function learning presentation unit, 8d is a learning status acquisition unit, 8e is a learning status judgment unit, 8f is a learning judgment result notification unit, 8g is a function suppression unit, 8h is a driving operation history acquisition unit, 8i is a vehicle setting information acquisition unit, and 8j is a vehicle setting information change unit.

Claims (12)

A driving proficiency acquisition unit (8a) for acquiring a driving proficiency of a driver;
A driving proficiency determination unit (8b) for determining the driving proficiency of a driver;
and a function learning presentation unit (8c) that presents function learning to the driver in stages according to the result of the driving proficiency determination. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the driving proficiency acquisition unit acquires vehicle data and driver driving ability data to acquire the driver's driving proficiency. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the function learning presentation unit presents the driver with function learning in stages when driving safety is ensured. A learning status acquisition unit (8d) for acquiring a learning status of a function;
A learning status determination unit (8e) for determining a learning status of a function;
2. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, further comprising a learning determination result notifying unit (8f) for notifying a result of a learning status of the function. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the function learning presentation unit presents the driver with the next function to be learned when it is determined that the function learning status has reached a predetermined level. a function suppressing unit (8g) that suppresses a function when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the last driving operation of the driver;
2. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the function learning presentation unit presents a notification to a driver when a function is suppressed by the function suppression unit. The function learning presentation unit includes a function suppression unit (8g) that suppresses a function when the driving proficiency level drops to a reference level,
2. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the function learning presentation unit presents a notification to a driver when a function is suppressed by the function suppression unit. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein the function learning presentation unit determines whether or not the function can be learned based on the driving proficiency assessment result, and if it determines that the function can be learned, presents the driver with pre-learning of the function. The in-vehicle system according to claim 8, wherein the function learning presentation unit presents advance learning of functions to the driver using a simulation during driving operations. A driving operation history acquisition unit (8h) for acquiring driving operation histories of other drivers;
a vehicle setting information acquisition unit (8i) for acquiring vehicle setting information of another driver from a driving operation history of the other driver;
2. The in-vehicle system according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle setting information changing unit (8j) for changing the vehicle setting information of the driver in accordance with the vehicle setting information of another driver. The vehicle-mounted system according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle setting information change unit changes the vehicle setting information of the driver according to at least one of the driver's driving proficiency, the driver's preferences, and the driver's viewpoint direction. The in-vehicle system (3)
A driving proficiency acquisition procedure for acquiring the driving proficiency of the driver;
A driving proficiency determination procedure for determining a driving proficiency of a driver;
a learning presentation procedure for gradually presenting function learning to the driver in accordance with the result of the driving proficiency determination; and a function learning presentation program for executing the procedure.

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