Vehicle starting support device, vehicle starting support method, and computer program

Abstract

The user is made aware that their actions are inappropriate for starting the vehicle. [Solution] The vehicle starting support device comprises a user operation detection unit 14 that detects the user's operation of the vehicle before the vehicle 1 is started, and a notification control unit 15 that controls notifications to the user. The notification control unit gives a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit detects an operation that is different from the vehicle starting method, which has been selectively set from among a plurality of operation methods, as an operation by the user a predetermined number of times.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle start assistance device, a vehicle start assistance method, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a typical method for starting a vehicle, an operation of pressing a push start switch while stepping on a brake pedal is known. Patent Document 1 describes that, in order to surely make the user of the vehicle recognize the start of the vehicle, when the above operation is performed by the user, control for releasing the brake pedal is executed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the user does not always perform the correct operation to start the vehicle. If the correct operation is not performed by the user, the vehicle cannot be started in the first place, and thus the technique described in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied. In such a case, it is desirable to assist the user in starting the vehicle by making the user recognize the operation error.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to make the user of the vehicle recognize that the user's operation is inappropriate as a method for starting the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] [[ID=?]] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0007] (1) A vehicle starting support device comprising: a user operation detection unit that detects user operations on the vehicle before the vehicle is started; and a notification control unit that controls notifications to the user, wherein the notification control unit gives a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit detects a predetermined number of operations that are different from the vehicle starting method selected from a plurality of operation methods as user operations.

[0008] (2) The vehicle starting support device according to (1) above, wherein the plurality of operating methods include a first operating method for starting the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal of the vehicle and pressing the push start switch of the vehicle, and a second operating method for starting the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal alone.

[0009] (3) The vehicle starting support device according to (2) above, wherein the notification control unit gives the user a predetermined notification when the user operation detection unit detects the pedaling operation as an operation by the user a predetermined number of times, when the vehicle starting method is set to the first operation method.

[0010] (4) The vehicle starting support device according to (3) above, wherein the prescribed notice includes a notice proposing to change the vehicle starting method to the second operating method.

[0011] (5) The vehicle starting support device described in (3) above, wherein the prescribed notification includes notification of information regarding the method of starting the vehicle.

[0012] (6) The vehicle starting support device described in (5) above, wherein notification of information regarding the method of starting the vehicle includes the illumination of the push-start switch.

[0013] (7) The vehicle starting support device according to (5) or (6) above, wherein the notification control unit displays information regarding the vehicle starting method on the vehicle's display device.

[0014] (8) The vehicle starting support device according to (7) above, wherein the display device is a meter display.

[0015] (9) The vehicle starting support device according to any one of (5) to (8) above, wherein the information regarding the method of starting the vehicle is the first operating method.

[0016] (10) The vehicle starting support device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the predetermined number of times is an integer of 2 or more.

[0017] (11) The vehicle starting support device described in any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the prescribed notification includes a warning notification.

[0018] (12) A vehicle starting support method performed by a computer, comprising detecting the user's operation of the vehicle before the vehicle is started, and giving a predetermined notification to the user when the user's operation is detected a predetermined number of times and is different from the vehicle starting method selected from a plurality of operation methods.

[0019] (13) A computer program that causes a computer to perform the following actions: to detect user operations on the vehicle before the vehicle is started; and to give a predetermined notification to the user when the computer detects an operation different from the vehicle starting method, which has been selectively set from among a plurality of operation methods, a predetermined number of times as an operation by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to this disclosure, the user of a vehicle can be made aware that their operation is inappropriate as a method for starting the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle starting support system including a vehicle starting support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of the vehicle in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle start support system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the processor of the ECU. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a visual notification of the first operation method displayed on the meter display. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control routine of the vehicle start support process in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a visual notification proposing to change the vehicle start method to the second operation method. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle start support system 100 including a vehicle start support device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle start support system 100 is mounted on a vehicle 1 and supports the start of the vehicle 1 by a user (for example, a driver) of the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 is a four-wheel automobile.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle start support system 100 includes a brake operation detection sensor 2, a push start switch 3, a human machine interface (HMI) 4, a vehicle start device 5, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 10. The brake operation detection sensor 2, the push start switch 3, the HMI 4, and the vehicle start device 5 are electrically connected to the ECU 10 via an in-vehicle network or the like conforming to a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network) or Ethernet.

[0025] The brake operation detection sensor 2 is installed on the brake pedal 21 of the vehicle 1 and detects the operation of the brake pedal 21 by the user of the vehicle 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "user"). For example, the brake operation detection sensor 2 can be configured as a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the brake pedal 21, an angle sensor that detects the rotation angle or displacement of the brake pedal 21, or an electrical switch that generates an on / off signal in response to the depressing operation of the brake pedal 21. The brake operation detection sensor 2 may also be configured as a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor. The output of the brake operation detection sensor 2 is transmitted to the ECU 10.

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of vehicle 1 in front of the driver's and passenger's seats. As shown in Figure 2, the push-start switch 3 is located on the dashboard 7 below the windshield 8. For example, the push-start switch 3 is located near the driver's seat so that it can be operated by the user, specifically near the steering wheel 6 (to the left of the steering wheel 6 in the example in Figure 2). When pressed by the user, the push-start switch 3 outputs a signal corresponding to the user's pressing operation. The output of the push-start switch 3 is transmitted to the ECU 10.

[0027] The HMI4 is installed inside the vehicle and facilitates the exchange of information between the vehicle 1 and the user. The HMI4 includes an input device 41 and an output device 42.

[0028] The input device 41 receives input from the occupants of vehicle 1. The input device 41 includes at least one of a touch panel, an operation button, an operation switch, and a microphone. The HMI 4 transmits the input information entered into the input device 41 by the user to the ECU 10.

[0029] The output device 42 provides notifications to the occupants of vehicle 1. The output device 42 includes at least one of a display device (e.g., a display), a warning light, a speaker, a buzzer, and a vibration unit. The HMI 4 notifies the user of information corresponding to the signal transmitted from the ECU 10 via the output device 42.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the HMI 4 includes an infotainment display 4a and a meter display 4b. The infotainment display 4a and the meter display 4b are each installed in the vehicle cabin so that they can be seen by the user, and they display various information to the user based on signals transmitted from the ECU 10.

[0031] In this embodiment, the infotainment display 4a is integrated into the center console, specifically the portion of the dashboard 7 between the driver's and passenger's seats. In this case, the infotainment display 4a is also referred to as the center display. The infotainment display 4a displays multimedia information, map information, screens for various settings of the vehicle 1, and the like. The infotainment display 4a is configured as a touch panel that can be operated by the user. Therefore, the infotainment display 4a functions as an input device 41 and an output device 42.

[0032] The meter display 4b is positioned to be more easily visible to the user (driver of vehicle 1) compared to the infotainment display 4a. Specifically, the meter display 4b is integrated as an instrument panel into the dashboard 7 in front of the steering wheel 6, i.e., the dashboard 7 in front of the driver's seat. The meter display 4b displays status information of vehicle 1, specifically information necessary for driving vehicle 1, such as vehicle speed, battery SOC (State of Charge), and warning lights. The meter display 4b is configured as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. Therefore, the meter display 4b functions as an output device 42. The meter display 4b may also be configured as a touch panel that can be operated by the user and may function as an input device 41 and an output device 42.

[0033] The vehicle starting device 5 puts the vehicle 1 into a starting state (a state where it can be driven) in response to a signal transmitted from the ECU 10. A specific example of the vehicle starting device 5 is described below.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of a vehicle 1 equipped with a vehicle starting support system 100. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 1 includes a motor 31, a reduction gear 32, an axle 33, wheels 34, a battery 35, and a power control unit (PCU) 5a.

[0035] In this embodiment, vehicle 1 is a so-called electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), and only the motor 31 functions as the drive system for vehicle 1. The motor 31 is connected to a reduction gear 32, and the output of the motor 31 is supplied to the reduction gear 32. The output of the motor 31 supplied to the reduction gear 32 is transmitted to the wheels 34 via the axle 33, driving the wheels 34. Therefore, the motor 31 can output power for the vehicle 1 to move.

[0036] The battery 35 is a rechargeable secondary battery, and is composed of, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a solid-state battery, or a sodium-ion battery. The battery 35 can be charged by power supplied from an external power source, regenerative power generated when the vehicle 1 is decelerated, etc. When the motor 31 outputs power for driving, the power stored in the battery 35 is supplied to the motor 31 via the PCU 5a.

[0037] The PCU5a includes an inverter, a DC-DC converter, etc., and is connected to the battery 35 and the motor 31. The inverter converts the DC power supplied from the battery 35 to AC power when supplying power from the battery 35 to the motor 31. The inverter controls the rotational speed and output torque of the motor 31 by adjusting the amount and frequency of the AC power supplied to the motor 31. The DC-DC converter converts the high-voltage power (e.g., 200V to 800V) supplied from the battery 35 to low-voltage power (e.g., 12V) and supplies the low-voltage power to the electronic equipment (e.g., HMI4) of the vehicle 1.

[0038] When the user performs an operation to start vehicle 1, ECU 10 sends a signal to PCU 5a instructing it to start vehicle 1. Upon receiving the signal, PCU 5a performs initialization processing, including system self-diagnosis and control of the main relay that connects battery 35 to the high-voltage circuit, and puts vehicle 1 into a starting state. In other words, in this embodiment, PCU 5a functions as a vehicle starting device 5.

[0039] The ECU 10 performs various controls on the vehicle 1. As shown in Figure 1, the ECU 10 includes a communication interface 11, a memory 12, and a processor 13. The communication interface 11 and the memory 12 are connected to the processor 13 via signal lines. In this embodiment, one ECU 10 is provided, but multiple ECUs may be provided for each function. Furthermore, the communication interface 11, the memory 12, and the processor 13 may be configured as a single integrated circuit, or they may be configured as separate circuits.

[0040] The communication interface 11 has an interface circuit for connecting the ECU 10 to the in-vehicle network. The ECU 10 is connected to other in-vehicle equipment via the communication interface 11. The communication interface 11 transmits signals received from the brake operation detection sensor 2, the push-start switch 3, and the input device 41 to the processor 13. The communication interface 11 also transmits signals output from the processor 13 to the output device 42 and the vehicle starting device 5.

[0041] Memory 12 includes, for example, volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), etc.) and non-volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc.). Memory 12 stores temporary data, computer programs used for various processes by the processor 13 (control programs for the ECU 10), ECU 10 setting data, log data, vehicle information, etc. Memory 12 is an example of a storage unit.

[0042] The processor 13 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuits. The processor 13 executes computer programs stored in the memory 12. The processor 13 may also have other arithmetic circuits such as a logical operation unit, a numerical operation unit, or a graphics processing unit.

[0043] In this embodiment, the ECU 10 functions as a vehicle starting support device that assists the user in starting the vehicle 1. In particular, the ECU 10 assists the user in starting the vehicle 1 by making the user aware that their operation is an inappropriate method for starting the vehicle 1. Note that the ECU 10 is just one example of a vehicle starting support device.

[0044] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the processor 13 of the ECU 10. As shown in Figure 4, the processor 13 includes a user operation detection unit 14, a notification control unit 15, and a vehicle start control unit 16. The user operation detection unit 14, the notification control unit 15, and the vehicle start control unit 16 are functional modules that are realized by the execution of a computer program stored in the memory 12 of the ECU 10 by the processor 13 of the ECU 10. These functional modules may also be realized by dedicated arithmetic circuits provided in the processor 13.

[0045] The user operation detection unit 14 detects user operations on the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is not started. In other words, the user operation detection unit 14 detects user operations on the vehicle 1 before the vehicle 1 is started (hereinafter referred to as "pre-start user operations"). In this embodiment, the user operation detection unit 14 detects user operations when a user who has boarded the vehicle 1 attempts to start the vehicle 1, and detects pre-start user operations based on the output of the brake operation detection sensor 2 and the push-start switch 3.

[0046] The notification control unit 15 controls notifications to the user. In this embodiment, the notification control unit 15 notifies the user via the output device 42 of the HMI4. For example, the notification control unit 15 displays the content of the notification to the user on the display device of the output device 42.

[0047] The vehicle start control unit 16 controls the starting of the vehicle 1. Specifically, when the user operation detection unit 14 detects a preset vehicle start method as a pre-start user operation, the vehicle start control unit 16 executes a process to start the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the vehicle start control unit 16 executes a process to start the vehicle 1 via the PCU 5a, which functions as a vehicle start device 5.

[0048] In this embodiment, the starting method for vehicle 1 can be selectively set from among multiple operating methods. The user selects the starting method for vehicle 1 from among multiple operating methods via the input device 41 of the HMI 4. For example, the multiple operating methods include a first operating method in which vehicle 1 is started by pressing the brake pedal 21 and pressing the push-start switch 3, and a second operating method in which vehicle 1 is started by pressing the brake pedal 21 alone. This makes it possible to set the starting method for vehicle 1 according to the user's preference, thereby improving the usability of vehicle 1. For example, a user who prefers a conventional starting method that they are familiar with can select the first operating method (a combined operation combining two operations), and a user who prefers a starting method with simple operations can select the second operating method (a single operation consisting of one operation).

[0049] When multiple operating methods, such as a first operating method and a second operating method, are available, the starting method for vehicle 1 is selectively selected from the first operating method and the second operating method. Therefore, in the initial state of vehicle 1 before the user sets the starting method (for example, vehicle 1 as shipped), the starting method for vehicle 1 is pre-set to either the first operating method or the second operating method. In this embodiment, in the initial state of vehicle 1, the starting method for vehicle 1 is set to the first operating method, and the user is required to depress the brake pedal 21 and press the push-start switch 3 to start vehicle 1. The setting information for the starting method of vehicle 1 is stored, for example, in the memory 12 of the ECU 12. If the user changes the starting method of vehicle 1 from the first operating method to the second operating method, the starting method of vehicle 1 stored in the memory 12 is changed from the first operating method to the second operating method.

[0050] If the starting method for vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method, the vehicle starting control unit 16 executes a process to start vehicle 1 when the user operation detection unit 14 detects the first operation method as a user operation before starting. That is, when the user presses the push start switch 3 while the brake pedal 21 is pressed down on vehicle 1 before starting, vehicle 1 transitions to the starting state.

[0051] On the other hand, if the starting method for vehicle 1 is set to the second operation method, the vehicle starting control unit 16 executes a process to start vehicle 1 when the user operation detection unit 14 detects the second operation method as a user operation before starting. In other words, when the user presses the brake pedal 21 in vehicle 1 before starting, vehicle 1 transitions to the starting state regardless of whether the push start switch 3 is pressed or not.

[0052] However, users do not always perform the correct operation to start vehicle 1. In particular, if the user is unfamiliar with operating vehicle 1, for example, because vehicle 1 is a rental car, or if the starting method for vehicle 1 has been set by someone other than the user, the user may perform an operation different from the pre-set starting method for vehicle 1. In such cases, the user may suspect that vehicle 1 is malfunctioning, or may be forced to go through the extra trouble of searching for the starting method for vehicle 1 via their mobile device (e.g., smartphone).

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, the notification control unit 15 issues a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit 14 detects a predetermined number of operations that are different from the vehicle 1 starting method, which has been selectively set from among a plurality of operation methods, as pre-start user operations. This makes the user aware that their operation is inappropriate as a method for starting the vehicle 1, and thereby effectively supports the user in starting the vehicle 1.

[0054] For example, if the starting method for vehicle 1 is set to the first operating method, that is, if both pressing the brake pedal 21 and pressing the push-start switch 3 are required to start vehicle 1, it is conceivable that the user might attempt to start vehicle 1 by pressing only the brake pedal 21. In this case, since the process for starting vehicle 1 will not begin, it is desirable to notify the user of the operational error. On the other hand, if the starting method for vehicle 1 is set to the second operating method, that is, if only pressing the brake pedal 21 is required to start vehicle 1, it is conceivable that the user might attempt to start vehicle 1 by pressing both the brake pedal 21 and pressing the push-start switch 3. However, in this case, since the process for starting vehicle 1 will begin by pressing the push-start switch 3, there is little need to notify the user of the operational error.

[0055] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the starting method of the vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method, the notification control unit 15 makes a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit 14 detects the brake pedal 21 being pressed a predetermined number of times as a pre-start user operation. This makes the user aware that the currently set starting method of the vehicle 1 is not limited to just pressing the brake pedal 21, and prompts the user to perform an additional operation, such as pressing the push start switch 3.

[0056] The predetermined number of times is set to an integer of 1 or more, preferably an integer of 2 or more. By setting the predetermined number of times to an integer of 2 or more, it is possible to prevent the user from being bothered by frequent notifications. In particular, when the starting method of the vehicle 1 is set to the first operating method, it is possible to prevent the user from being notified even though the user is about to press the push start switch 3 after pressing the brake pedal 21.

[0057] A predetermined notification to help the user recognize an error is, for example, a notification of information regarding the starting method of vehicle 1. This allows the user to be shown the correct operating method for starting vehicle 1. In this case, for example, the notification control unit 15 displays information regarding the starting method of vehicle 1 on the display device of the output device 42. This improves the visibility of such information and, consequently, facilitates the user's understanding of the correct starting method.

[0058] For example, the notification control unit 15 displays information regarding the starting method of vehicle 1 on the meter display 4b. The meter display 4b has higher visibility to a user facing forward (the driver of vehicle 1) compared to other in-vehicle displays (e.g., infotainment display 4a). Therefore, displaying such information on the meter display 4b can further enhance the visibility of such information.

[0059] If the first of the two operating methods is set as the starting method for vehicle 1, then the specific example of information regarding the starting method for vehicle 1 is the first operating method. In this case, for example, the notification control unit 15 displays the first operating method on the vehicle 1's display device (e.g., meter display 4b). This allows the user to be directly shown the correct starting method, thereby increasing the user's understanding of the correct starting method.

[0060] Figure 5 shows an example of a visual notification of the first operation method displayed on the meter display 4b. In the example in Figure 5, the notification control unit 15 displays on the meter display 4b an image showing the operation of pressing the brake pedal 21 (an image of a foot placed on the brake pedal 21) and an image showing the operation of pressing the push start switch 3 (an image of the push start switch 3 being pressed with fingers). By displaying images that show how to start the vehicle 1 in this way, an intuitive understanding of the starting method can be promoted.

[0061] Furthermore, the predetermined notifications given to the user may include warning notifications. That is, the notification control unit 15 may notify the user of a warning via the output device 42 when it detects a predetermined number of operations that differ from the vehicle 1 starting method as a pre-start user operation. This allows the user to quickly recognize that the operation to start the vehicle 1 is incorrect.

[0062] The following describes the processing flow when the above-described control is performed to assist the user in starting the vehicle 1, with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the control routine for the vehicle starting assistance process in this embodiment. This control routine is executed by the processor 13 of the ECU 10 according to a computer program stored in the memory 12 of the ECU 10. For example, this control routine is started when the door lock of the vehicle 1 is released and is executed repeatedly at predetermined execution intervals. In this case, the door lock of the vehicle 1 is used as a trigger to supply power from the battery 35 to the ECU 10 etc. via the PCU 5a.

[0063] First, in step S101, the notification control unit 15 determines whether or not vehicle 1 is in a pre-start state. If the operation set for starting vehicle 1 has not yet been detected by the user operation detection unit 14, it is determined that vehicle 1 is in a pre-start state. If it is determined that vehicle 1 is in a pre-start state, the control routine proceeds to step S102.

[0064] In step S102, the notification control unit 15 determines whether the starting method of vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method. For example, the notification control unit 15 makes this determination based on the setting information for the starting method of vehicle 1 stored in the memory 12 of the ECU 10. If it is determined that the starting method of vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method, the control routine proceeds to step S103.

[0065] In step S103, the notification control unit 15 determines whether or not the user operation detection unit 14 has detected a depressing operation of the brake pedal 21. The user operation detection unit 14 detects the depressing operation of the brake pedal 21 based on the output of the brake operation detection sensor 2. If it is determined that no depressing operation of the brake pedal 21 has been detected, this control routine terminates. On the other hand, if it is determined that a depressing operation of the brake pedal 21 has been detected, this control routine proceeds to step S104.

[0066] In step S104, the notification control unit 15 updates the detection count N by adding 1 to it. The detection count N indicates the number of times the brake pedal 21 has been detected as a user operation before starting, and the initial value of the detection count N is set to zero.

[0067] Next, in step S105, the notification control unit 15 determines whether the detection count N is equal to or greater than a predetermined number Nth. The predetermined number Nth is set to an integer within the range of 2 to 5, for example. If it is determined that the detection count N is less than the predetermined number, this control routine terminates. On the other hand, if it is determined that the detection count N is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, this control routine proceeds to step S106.

[0068] In step S106, the notification control unit 15 notifies the user of a visual or auditory warning via the output device 42. For example, as a visual warning, the notification control unit 15 notifies the user of a warning text or warning image via the display device of the output device 42 (e.g., infotainment display 4a or meter display 4b), or as an auditory warning, it notifies the user of a warning voice or warning sound via the speaker or buzzer of the output device 42. The notification control unit 15 may also illuminate a warning light on the output device 42 as a visual warning.

[0069] Next, in step S107, the notification control unit 15 displays the first operating method set for starting the vehicle 1 on the display device of the output device 42. In this case, for example, the notification control unit 15 displays an image as shown in Figure 5 on the meter display 4b. After step S107, this control routine ends.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that vehicle 1 is in a starting state, or if it is determined in step S102 that the starting method for vehicle 1 is set to the second operating method, this control routine proceeds to step S108.

[0071] In step S108, the notification control unit 15 resets the detection count N to zero. After step S108, this control routine terminates.

[0072] Various modifications and variations are possible to this control routine. For example, in step S103, the notification control unit 15 may determine whether or not an operation other than the first operation method (a combined operation of pressing the brake pedal 21 and pressing the push start switch 3) has been detected by the user operation detection unit 14. Operations other than the first operation method include single operations such as pressing the brake pedal 21 or pressing the push start switch 3, operating the shift lever of the vehicle 1, and pressing the accelerator pedal of the vehicle 1.

[0073] Furthermore, the predetermined number Nth in step S105 may be 1. That is, the notification control unit 15 may give a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit 14 detects an operation different from the vehicle 1 starting method as a user operation before starting.

[0074] Furthermore, the notification control unit 15 may, in addition to or instead of step S107, illuminate the push-start switch 3 via a light-emitting element provided on the push-start switch 3. That is, the notification control unit 15 may illuminate the push-start switch 3 as a notification of information regarding the starting method of the vehicle 1. This allows the user to be prompted to press the push-start switch 3 in addition to pressing the brake pedal 21, thereby guiding the user to the correct starting method.

[0075] Furthermore, in step S107, the notification control unit 15 may display characters indicating the first operation method on the display device of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, instead of step S107, the notification control unit 15 may notify the user of the first operation method by voice via the speaker of the output device 42. In these cases, for example, the notification control unit 15 may notify the user by text or voice such as "Please also press the push start switch."

[0076] Furthermore, instead of step S107, the notification control unit 15 may suggest to the user via the output device 42 that the starting method of the vehicle 1 be changed to the second operating method. That is, the notification control unit 15 may issue a notification as a predetermined notification suggesting that the starting method of the vehicle 1 be changed to the second operating method. This makes it easier to customize the starting method according to the user's characteristics, and in turn improves the usability of the vehicle 1.

[0077] Figure 7 shows an example of a visual notification suggesting a change in the starting method of vehicle 1 to a second operating method. In the example in Figure 7, the notification control unit 15 displays on the infotainment display 4a the text suggesting a change in the starting method of vehicle 1 to a second operating method, and an icon (Yes or No) for responding to the suggestion. This allows the user to quickly respond to the suggestion to change the starting method of vehicle 1 by pressing the desired icon.

[0078] The notification control unit 15 may also display only text on the infotainment display 4a or meter display 4b suggesting that the vehicle 1 be started using the second operating method. Alternatively, the notification control unit 15 may verbally suggest to the user that the vehicle 1 be started using the second operating method via the speaker of the output device 42. In these cases, for example, the user verbally inputs their response to the suggestion into the microphone of the input device 41. Furthermore, the meter display 4b may be configured as a user-operable touch panel, and a visual notification similar to that in Figure 7, including an icon for the response, may be displayed on the meter display 4b.

[0079] Furthermore, either step S106 or step S107 may be omitted.

[0080] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, the multiple operations that can be selected as a method for starting the vehicle 1 may include operating the shift lever of the vehicle 1, giving a start command by the user's voice, operating on the user's mobile terminal, etc. Furthermore, two or more operations may be set as methods for starting the vehicle 1, as long as not all of the multiple operations are set as methods for starting the vehicle 1.

[0081] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 on which the vehicle starting support system 100 is installed may be a gasoline engine or a diesel engine vehicle. In this case, the starter motor that starts the engine and puts the vehicle 1 into a starting state functions as the vehicle starting device 5. Also, the vehicle 1 may be a hybrid vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), etc. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 may be an autonomous driving vehicle in which at least a part of the acceleration, braking, and steering of the vehicle 1 is performed automatically.

[0082] Furthermore, a server or the like, located outside the vehicle 1 and capable of communicating with the vehicle 1, may function as a vehicle starting support device. In this case, information for detecting user operations, such as the outputs of the brake operation detection sensor 2 and the push-start switch 3, and setting information for the vehicle 1's starting method are transmitted from the vehicle 1 to the server, and the vehicle 1's ECU 10 notifies the user via the output device 42 in response to instructions from the server.

[0083] Furthermore, a computer program that enables a computer to implement the functions of each part of the processor 13 of the ECU 10 or the server's processor may be provided in the form of a recording medium readable by a computer, or as part of a computer program product. The recording medium readable by a computer may be, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 vehicle 10. Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 13 processors 14 User operation detection unit 15 Notification Control Unit

Claims

1. A user operation detection unit that detects user operations on the vehicle before the vehicle is started, A notification control unit that controls notifications to the user and Equipped with, The notification control unit is a vehicle starting support device that, when the user operation detection unit detects a predetermined number of operations by the user that are different from the vehicle starting method selected from a plurality of operation methods, the notification control unit gives a predetermined notification to the user.

2. The vehicle starting support device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating methods include a first operating method for starting the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal of the vehicle and pressing the push start switch of the vehicle, and a second operating method for starting the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal alone.

3. The vehicle starting support device according to claim 2, wherein the notification control unit provides the user with a predetermined notification when the user operation detection unit detects the pedaling operation as a user operation a predetermined number of times, when the vehicle starting method is set to the first operation method.

4. The vehicle starting support device according to claim 3, wherein the prescribed notification includes a notification proposing to change the vehicle starting method to the second operating method.

5. The vehicle starting support device according to claim 3, wherein the prescribed notification includes notification of information regarding the method of starting the vehicle.

6. The vehicle starting support device according to claim 5, wherein notification of information regarding the method of starting the vehicle includes lighting up the push-start switch.

7. The vehicle starting support device according to claim 5, wherein the notification control unit displays information regarding the vehicle starting method on the vehicle's display device.

8. The vehicle starting support device according to claim 7, wherein the display device is a meter display.

9. The vehicle starting support device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the information regarding the method of starting the vehicle is the first operating method.

10. The vehicle starting support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the predetermined number of times is an integer of 2 or more.

11. The vehicle starting support device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the prescribed notification includes a warning notification.

12. A vehicle starting assistance method performed by a computer, To detect the user's actions toward the vehicle before the vehicle is started, When the user performs an operation that differs from the vehicle starting method, which has been selectively set from among multiple operating methods, a predetermined number of times, the user is given a predetermined notification. A vehicle starting assistance method, including the above.

13. To detect the user's actions toward the vehicle before the vehicle is started, When the user performs an operation that differs from the vehicle starting method, which has been selectively set from among multiple operating methods, a predetermined number of times, the user is given a predetermined notification. A computer program that causes a computer to execute something.

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