Vehicle system and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle system and a vehicle that travel with suitable vehicle characteristics regardless of whether the vehicle changes. In a vehicle system including a first vehicle and a second vehicle different from the first vehicle, the first vehicle includes: an information storage unit that stores vehicle characteristic information representing vehicle characteristics; and an information output unit that outputs the stored vehicle characteristic information to a predetermined storage medium. In addition, the second vehicle includes: an information input unit that inputs vehicle characteristic information from the storage medium; and a vehicle characteristic setting unit that sets the vehicle characteristics represented by the input vehicle characteristic information in the second vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle system including a plurality of vehicles and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in vehicles, there has been a technology for providing vehicle characteristics that conform to the driving habits and preferences of a driver. In addition, in order to reduce the burden on the driver, there has also been disclosed a technology for classifying vehicle characteristics, learning a model representing the vehicle characteristics for each type, and performing driving control according to the model of each type (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017 / 213064 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] As described above, the driver can change the vehicle characteristics according to his or her own habits and preferences. In addition, there are also cases where the driver readjusts the vehicle characteristics as he or she gets used to driving the vehicle or resets the vehicle characteristics in order to change his or her mood.

[0008] However, even if the vehicle characteristics are established through repeated driving, the vehicle characteristics are only effective for that vehicle. Therefore, when the driver newly purchases a vehicle or changes to another vehicle, the driver must set the vehicle characteristics again. As a result, it takes time until the vehicle characteristics that the driver approves are achieved. In addition, since the method of setting the vehicle characteristics varies depending on the vehicle, there may be a case where the previously established vehicle characteristics cannot be manually reproduced.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle system that can travel with suitable vehicle characteristics regardless of whether the vehicle changes.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, in a vehicle system including a first vehicle and a second vehicle, the first vehicle includes: an information storage unit that stores vehicle characteristic information representing vehicle characteristics; and an information output unit that outputs the stored vehicle characteristic information to a predetermined storage medium, and the second vehicle includes: an information input unit that inputs the vehicle characteristic information from the storage medium; and a vehicle characteristic setting unit that sets the vehicle characteristics represented by the input vehicle characteristic information in the second vehicle.

[0012] The vehicle characteristics may include one or more selected from the group consisting of acceleration performance, fuel consumption performance, steering wheel operation performance, and braking operation performance.

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle of the present invention includes: an information storage unit that stores vehicle characteristic information indicating vehicle characteristics; and an information output unit that outputs the stored vehicle characteristic information to a predetermined storage medium.

[0014] In order to solve the above problems, the vehicle of the present invention includes: an information input unit that inputs vehicle characteristic information from an arbitrary storage medium; and a vehicle characteristic setting unit that sets the vehicle characteristics indicated by the input vehicle characteristic information in the own vehicle.

[0015] Technical effects

[0016] According to the present invention, regardless of whether the vehicle changes or not, it is possible to travel with suitable vehicle characteristics. Description of the drawings

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle.

[0018] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the process of vehicle characteristic setting processing.

[0019] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the vehicle characteristic setting processing.

[0020] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the method of determining vehicle characteristics.

[0021] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the method of determining vehicle characteristics.

[0022] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the method of determining vehicle characteristics.

[0023] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process of vehicle characteristic transfer processing.

[0024] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the vehicle characteristic transfer processing.

[0025] Symbol description

[0026] 1 vehicle, 150 vehicle control device, 152 travel control unit, 154 information storage unit, 156 information notification unit, 158 response acquisition unit, 160 vehicle characteristic determination unit, 162 vehicle characteristic setting unit, 164 information output unit, 166 information input unit Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values, etc. shown in these embodiments are merely examples for easy understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention except in special cases. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus redundant descriptions are omitted. In addition, elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0028] <Vehicle 1>

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of Vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 is configured to include a driving state recognition device 110, an operation device 120, a driving mechanism 130, an interface device 140, and a vehicle control device (ECU: Electronic Control Unit) 150. It should be noted that the state in which there are multiple such Vehicles 1 is sometimes referred to as a vehicle system.

[0030] The driving state recognition device 110 obtains the driving state of Vehicle 1 through, for example, a camera device (including an external vehicle camera and an in-vehicle camera), a navigation system, a GPS (Global Positioning System), an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), various sensors, etc.

[0031] The operation device 120 receives the operation input from the driver through a steering wheel 122, an accelerator pedal 124, a brake pedal 126, etc. The driving mechanism 130 assists the driving of Vehicle 1 through a steering mechanism 132, a driving mechanism 134, a braking mechanism 136, etc.

[0032] For example, the steering mechanism 132 mainly controls the steering angle of the wheels according to the operation input of the steering wheel 122. The driving mechanism 134 mainly controls the engine speed according to the operation input of the accelerator pedal 124. The braking mechanism 136 mainly controls the braking force of Vehicle 1 according to the operation input of the brake pedal 126.

[0033] The interface device 140 is electrically connected to external devices (peripheral devices) such as a storage medium, a portable terminal, a computer, and a communication device through communication ports such as USB and LAN, and transmits and receives data to and from the external devices. The path for transmitting and receiving this data is not limited to wired, but can also be wireless. It should be noted that the storage medium is a medium that uses a semiconductor memory to electrically store data (information), is configured to be detachable from the interface device 140, and can be carried by a person. In addition, the semiconductor memory of a server provided on the cloud can also be used as the storage medium through the interface device 140. The vehicle control device 150 is composed of a semiconductor integrated circuit including a central processing unit (CPU), a ROM that stores programs, etc., and a RAM that serves as a working area. The vehicle control device 150 functions as a travel control unit 152, an information storage unit 154, an information notification unit 156, a response acquisition unit 158, a vehicle characteristic determination unit 160, a vehicle characteristic setting unit 162, an information output unit 164, and an information input unit 166 in cooperation with the program.

[0034] Based on an image captured by, for example, a camera as the travel state recognition device 110, the travel control unit 152 determines a three-dimensional object such as a preceding vehicle in front of the vehicle 1. Then, the travel control unit 152 controls the travel mechanism 130 based on the position, speed of such a three-dimensional object, and the operation input of the driver to the operation device 120. The travel control unit 152 can also control the host vehicle (Adaptive Cruise Control) to avoid collisions with three-dimensional objects (collision avoidance control) and maintain a safe distance from the preceding vehicle.

[0035] In addition, the driver can change the vehicle characteristics of the host vehicle according to his or her own habits and preferences. However, if the number of types of vehicle characteristics that can be changed is small, the range of the driver's configuration is also limited. On the other hand, even if the number of types of vehicle characteristics that can be changed is large, if the driver does not notice this function, it will also become a useless function.

[0036] In addition, if the discrimination ability for the same type of vehicle characteristics is low, the setting becomes rough, and the driver will feel discomfort due to the difference at the time of setting change. On the other hand, even if the discrimination ability for the same type of vehicle characteristics is high, it is too detailed, and a family not accustomed to driving cannot determine the most suitable setting and it is difficult to obtain an approved vehicle characteristic. Therefore, the aim is to enable the driver to drive with suitable vehicle characteristics by accurately reflecting the vehicle characteristics desired by the driver.

[0037] Specifically, the information storage unit 154 stores problem information, which includes a plurality of problems for deriving vehicle characteristics corresponding to the driving habits and preferences of the driver. The information notification unit 156 extracts problems from the problem information stored in the information storage unit 154 according to a predetermined rule, and notifies them through a notification device such as a navigation system. Here, the predetermined rule stipulates the order, quantity, etc. of notifying a plurality of pre-prepared problems. The answer acquisition unit 158 obtains answers to the notified problems through the user interface. The vehicle characteristic determination unit 160 determines the vehicle characteristics based on the answers. The vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 sets the determined vehicle characteristics to the own vehicle.

[0038] Hereinafter, a vehicle characteristic setting process for setting vehicle characteristics by the information storage unit 154, the information notification unit 156, the answer acquisition unit 158, the vehicle characteristic determination unit 160, and the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 will be described in detail. Here, the setting method of the vehicle characteristics that are the features in this embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the components that have nothing to do with the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

[0039] <Vehicle Characteristic Setting Process>

[0040] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the process of the vehicle characteristic setting process, Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the vehicle characteristic setting process. Such a vehicle characteristic setting process is executed, for example, when the vehicle 1 is newly purchased.

[0041] Here, as the driving modes of the vehicle 1, it is assumed that there are an ECO mode with fuel consumption priority and an SPO (sport) mode with acceleration priority. And detailed vehicle characteristics are set when each mode is selected. It should be noted that the driving modes are of course not limited to the ECO mode, the SPO mode, etc. In addition, the number of driving modes is not limited to 2, and three or more can be set.

[0042] As vehicle characteristics, acceleration performance, fuel consumption performance, steering wheel operation performance, and braking operation performance will be described. Acceleration performance is an index indicating the acceleration of the vehicle 1 in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal 124. Fuel consumption performance indicates an index of the driving distance per unit volume. Steering wheel operation performance is an index indicating the force applied to the steering wheel to perform the same angle of steering. Braking operation performance is the force applied to the brake pedal 126 to obtain the same braking.

[0043] It should be noted that here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, acceleration performance, fuel consumption performance, steering wheel operation performance, and braking operation performance are described as vehicle characteristics, but in addition to these, various characteristics of the vehicle 1 that can be adjusted, such as suspension strength, transmission performance, and air conditioning strength, can also be adopted.

[0044] First, the information notification unit 156 determines whether to execute the vehicle characteristic setting process (S200). As a result, if it is not determined to execute the vehicle characteristic setting process (No in S200), no processing is performed and the vehicle characteristic setting process ends. The execution of this vehicle characteristic setting process is determined, for example, based on the driver's manual operation or by automatically recognizing a change in the driver (new driver) by an in-vehicle camera.

[0045] If it is determined to execute the vehicle characteristic setting process (Yes in S200), the information notification unit 156 extracts one question from the question information stored in the information storage unit 154 according to a predetermined rule and notifies the content thereof through a notification device such as a navigation system (S202).

[0046] It should be noted that the notification device is not limited to the navigation system, and a mobile terminal such as a smart phone linked to the vehicle 1 or a speaker that outputs the question by voice can also be used.

[0047] Here, as in Figure 3 (1) of, the question "When in ECO mode, do you want to prioritize fuel consumption performance even if it reduces acceleration performance?" is notified through the notification device.

[0048] After the question is notified through the notification device, the answer acquisition unit 158 waits for the driver's operation input (No in S204). Here, if a driver's operation input is received through the touch panel function of the navigation system (Yes in S204), the answer acquisition unit 158 acquires the driver's answer to the notified question (S206). For example, in Figure 3 (1) of, if the driver touches one of "Very much want to do so", "Want to do so", "Don't really want to do so", "Completely don't want to do so" as a candidate answer, the touched object is acquired by the answer acquisition unit 158 as the answer. It should be noted that the device for receiving the answer is not limited to the navigation system, and a mobile terminal such as a smart phone linked to the vehicle 1 or a microphone for inputting voice can also be used.

[0049] The information notification unit 156 determines whether the question in the question information has ended (S208). As a result, if the question has not ended (No in S208), the process starting from step S202 is repeated. At this time, in Figure 3 as in (1) → (2) → (3) → (4) → (5) → (6), the question and candidate answers are changed.

[0050] If the question in the question information has ended, that is, if Figure 3If the answer to (6) is "yes" (yes in S208), the vehicle characteristic determination unit 160 determines the vehicle characteristics based on the answer (S210). Finally, the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 sets the determined vehicle characteristics for the own vehicle (S212).

[0051] Figures 4 to 6 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the determination method of vehicle characteristics. For example, in the answer example to the question "When in ECO mode, do you want to prioritize fuel consumption performance even if it reduces acceleration performance?" shown in (1) of Figure 4 if the driver answers "very much so", the acceleration performance in ECO mode is set to 1 point and the fuel consumption performance is set to 8 points. In addition, if the answer is "want to do so", the acceleration performance in ECO mode is set to 2 points and the fuel consumption performance is set to 7 points. In addition, if the answer is "not very much so", the acceleration performance in ECO mode is set to 3 points and the fuel consumption performance is set to 6 points. In addition, if the answer is "definitely not want to do so", the acceleration performance in ECO mode is set to 4 points and the fuel consumption performance is set to 5 points.

[0052] It should be noted that the higher the point of acceleration performance, the higher the acceleration of the vehicle 1 in response to the operation of the accelerator pedal 124. The higher the point of fuel consumption performance, the longer the driving distance per unit volume. The higher the point of steering wheel operation performance, the greater the force applied to the steering wheel to perform the same angle of steering. The higher the point of braking operation performance, the greater the force applied to the brake pedal 126 to obtain the same braking. In addition, since acceleration performance and fuel consumption performance generally have a trade-off relationship, if the acceleration performance is improved, the fuel consumption performance will decrease.

[0053] In addition, in Figure 4 the answer example to the question "When in ECO mode, do you want to prioritize a lighter feel for the steering wheel operation performance compared to [feeling]?" shown in (2) of

[0054] In addition, in Figure 4In the example of the answer to the question "When in ECO mode, do you want to prioritize lightness over braking operation performance in terms of feeling?" shown in (3), when the driver answers "Very much so", the braking operation performance in ECO mode is set to 1 point. In addition, when the answer is "So", the braking operation performance in ECO mode is set to 2 points. In addition, when the answer is "Not really", the braking operation performance in ECO mode is set to 3 points. In addition, when the answer is "Absolutely not", the braking operation performance in ECO mode is set to 4 points.

[0055] In addition, in Figure 4 the example of the answer to the question "When in SPO mode, do you want to prioritize acceleration performance over fuel consumption performance even if it means reducing fuel consumption performance?" shown in (4), when the driver answers "Very much so", the acceleration performance in SPO mode is set to 8 points and the fuel consumption performance is set to 1 point. In addition, when the answer is "So", the acceleration performance in SPO mode is set to 7 points and the fuel consumption performance is set to 2 points. In addition, when the answer is "Not really", the acceleration performance in SPO mode is set to 6 points and the fuel consumption performance is set to 3 points. In addition, when the answer is "Absolutely not", the acceleration performance in SPO mode is set to 5 points and the fuel consumption performance is set to 4 points.

[0056] In addition, in Figure 4 the example of the answer to the question "When in SPO mode, do you want to prioritize feeling over lightness in terms of steering wheel operation performance?" shown in (5), when the driver answers "Very much so", the steering wheel operation performance in SPO mode is set to 4 points. In addition, when the answer is "So", the steering wheel operation performance in SPO mode is set to 3 points. In addition, when the answer is "Not really", the steering wheel operation performance in SPO mode is set to 2 points. In addition, when the answer is "Absolutely not", the steering wheel operation performance in SPO mode is set to 1 point.

[0057] In addition, in Figure 4 the example of the answer to the question "When in SPO mode, do you want to prioritize feeling over lightness in terms of braking operation performance?" shown in (6), when the driver answers "Very much so", the braking operation performance in SPO mode is set to 4 points. In addition, when the answer is "So", the braking operation performance in SPO mode is set to 3 points. In addition, when the answer is "Not really", the braking operation performance in SPO mode is set to 2 points. In addition, when the answer is "Absolutely not", the braking operation performance in SPO mode is set to 1 point.

[0058] For example, regarding the ECO mode, if the acceleration performance is set to 2 points, the fuel consumption performance is set to 7 points, the steering wheel operation performance is set to 2 points, and the braking operation performance is set to 1 point, then as Figure 5 shown, the performance radar chart in the ECO mode is determined.

[0059] In addition, regarding the SPO mode, if the acceleration performance is set to 8 points, the fuel consumption performance is set to 1 point, the steering wheel operation performance is set to 4 points, and the braking operation performance is set to 4 points, then as Figure 6 shown, the performance radar chart in the SPO mode is determined.

[0060] It should be noted that here, in order not to reverse the priority relationship between the fuel consumption - priority ECO mode and the acceleration - priority SPO mode as driving modes, the maximum value of the acceleration performance in the ECO mode is set to 4 points, the minimum value of the fuel consumption performance is set to 5 points, the minimum value of the acceleration performance in the SPO mode is set to 5 points, and the maximum value of the fuel consumption performance is set to 4 points.

[0061] With such a configuration, the driver can not only switch between the ECO mode and the SPO mode, but also further set detailed vehicle characteristics within the mode with high resolution. In this way, the driver can drive with suitable vehicle characteristics.

[0062] It should be noted that here, examples were given to obtain absolute answers for acceleration performance, fuel consumption performance, steering wheel operation performance, and braking operation performance. However, in the case of wanting to change the existing vehicle characteristics, relative answers for the existing acceleration performance, fuel consumption performance, steering wheel operation performance, and braking operation performance can also be obtained.

[0063] For example, in an example of the answer to the question "In the ECO mode, even if the acceleration performance is reduced, do you want to prioritize fuel consumption performance?", when the driver answers "Very much want to do so", the acceleration performance in the ECO mode is decreased by 2 points, and the fuel consumption performance is increased by 2 points. In addition, when the answer is "Want to do so", the acceleration performance in the ECO mode is decreased by 1 point, and the fuel consumption performance is increased by 1 point. In addition, when the answer is "Not very much want to do so", the acceleration performance in the ECO mode is increased by 1 point, and the fuel consumption performance is decreased by 1 point. In addition, when the answer is "Completely don't want to do so", the acceleration performance in the ECO mode is increased by 2 points, and the fuel consumption performance is decreased by 2 points.

[0064] The vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 sets the thus determined vehicle characteristics for this vehicle. For example, regarding the acceleration performance and the fuel consumption performance, it can be achieved by changing the target propulsion of the engine speed for the operation of the accelerator pedal 124 in the ECU. Generally, if the target propulsion of the speed rises rapidly, the acceleration performance increases, and if the rise is restricted, the fuel consumption performance increases.

[0065] Regarding the steering wheel operation performance, it can be achieved by changing the control amount of the electric power steering device. Regarding the braking operation performance, it can be achieved by changing the control amount of the electric negative pressure pump that assists the stepping force of the brake pedal 126.

[0066] It should be noted that the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 can forcibly set the determined vehicle characteristics for this vehicle, but it can also, in order to avoid discomfort caused by a sharp change in vehicle characteristics, set them after obtaining the driver's confirmation.

[0067] Specifically, the information notification unit 156 first notifies, through the notification device, the vehicle characteristics determined by the vehicle characteristic determination unit, such as Figure 5 、 Figure 6 the two performance radar charts shown and the question "Do you want to change the vehicle characteristics?". The vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 sets the determined vehicle characteristics for this vehicle based on an operation input indicating the driver's permission for the vehicle characteristics, such as an operation input answering "Yes".

[0068] With this configuration, the driver can visually recognize the changed vehicle characteristics and can permit the change of the vehicle characteristics only when the driver approves of the vehicle characteristics.

[0069] In this way, in addition to setting the driving mode, the driver can also set the detailed vehicle characteristics within the driving mode with high resolution.

[0070] However, even if it is assumed that such vehicle characteristics are established, the vehicle characteristics are only valid for that vehicle. Therefore, when the driver newly purchases a vehicle or changes to another vehicle, the driver must set the vehicle characteristics again. As a result, it takes time until the vehicle characteristics approved by the driver are reached. In addition, since the method of setting the vehicle characteristics varies depending on the vehicle, it is possible that the previously established vehicle characteristics cannot be manually reproduced.

[0071] Therefore, the aim is to also transfer the established vehicle characteristics to other vehicles so that the driver can drive with suitable vehicle characteristics regardless of whether the vehicle has changed or not.

[0072] First, in vehicle 1 (the first vehicle) for which vehicle characteristics have already been set, the information storage unit 154 stores vehicle characteristic information representing the vehicle characteristics. The information output unit 164 outputs the stored vehicle characteristic information to a predetermined storage medium. Further, in another vehicle 1 (the second vehicle) that newly inherits the vehicle characteristics, the information input unit 166 inputs the vehicle characteristic information from the storage medium. The vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 sets the vehicle characteristics represented by the input vehicle characteristic information in the other vehicle 1.

[0073] Hereinafter, a vehicle characteristic transfer process for transferring vehicle characteristics by the information storage unit 154, the information output unit 164, the information input unit 166, and the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 will be described in detail. Here, the transfer method of the vehicle characteristics that is a feature in the present embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of configurations not related to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted.

[0074] <Vehicle Characteristic Transition Process>

[0075] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the vehicle characteristic transfer process, Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the vehicle characteristic transfer process. Such a vehicle characteristic transfer process is executed, for example, when changing vehicles 1.

[0076] The information storage unit 154 stores vehicle characteristic information representing the vehicle characteristics set by the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 (S300). However, here, the vehicle characteristic information is stored in a form common or standardized for multiple types of vehicles 1. For example, regarding the acceleration performance, fuel consumption performance, steering wheel operation performance, and braking operation performance, each value is converted into a value when the maximum value is 100. It should be noted that when the vehicle characteristics are not set using the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162, the initial values preset for the vehicle 1 are converted into vehicle characteristic information.

[0077] For example, regarding the ECO mode, when the acceleration performance is set to 2 points, the fuel consumption performance is set to 7 points, the steering wheel operation performance is set to 2 points, and the braking operation performance is set to 1 point, the acceleration performance of the vehicle characteristic information is 25 (100×2 / 8), the fuel consumption performance is 88 (100×7 / 8), the steering wheel operation performance is 50 (100×2 / 4), and the braking operation performance is 25 (100×1 / 4).

[0078] In addition, regarding the SPO mode, when the acceleration performance is set to 8 points, the fuel consumption performance is set to 1 point, the steering wheel operation performance is set to 4 points, and the braking operation performance is set to 4 points, the acceleration performance of the vehicle characteristic information is 100 (100×8 / 8), the fuel consumption performance is 13 (100×1 / 8), the steering wheel operation performance is 100 (100×4 / 4), and the braking operation performance is 100 (100×4 / 4).

[0079] As Figure 8 shown by the white arrow in the figure, the information output unit 164 outputs the stored vehicle characteristic information to a predetermined storage medium (S302). Here, as the storage medium, an external storage such as a USB memory or an SD card can be used. The information output unit 164 outputs the vehicle characteristic information to the external storage in a wired connection manner. It should be noted that the output of the vehicle characteristic information is not limited by time, number of times, etc. That is, at any time, the vehicle characteristic information at that moment can be output.

[0080] In addition, an application program for obtaining such vehicle characteristic information can also be downloaded to a mobile terminal owned by the driver, such as a smart phone, etc., and the information output unit 164 outputs the vehicle characteristic information to the mobile terminal in a wired connection or wireless connection manner.

[0081] In addition, a storage medium can also be provided in an operation key capable of remotely operating the unlocking and locking of the vehicle 1, and the information output unit 164 outputs the vehicle characteristic information to the operation key in a wireless connection manner.

[0082] In addition, when the vehicle 1 can perform wireless communication with other vehicles 1, an arbitrary server (not shown), etc., the information output unit 164 can also output the vehicle characteristic information to other vehicles 1 or an arbitrary server in a wireless connection manner.

[0083] It should be noted that the server can be either a single computer or a cloud computer formed by virtualizing multiple computers interconnected through a network into a single computer.

[0084] In this way, the vehicle characteristics can be extracted as information from the vehicle 1 that the driver has been used to riding and driving before.

[0085] And, if the storage medium is connected to a new other vehicle 1, then as Figure 8 shown by the blackened arrow in the figure, the information input unit 166 inputs the vehicle characteristic information from the storage medium (S304).

[0086] The vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 sets the vehicle characteristics indicated by the vehicle characteristic information input from the storage medium to the other vehicle 1 (S306).

[0087] In this way, since the vehicle characteristics recognized by the driver at that moment can be passed on to other vehicles 1, the driver can drive with suitable vehicle characteristics regardless of whether the vehicle changes or not.

[0088] For example, in a car-sharing service, once the driver sets suitable vehicle characteristics in vehicle 1, by simply copying the vehicle characteristic information later, the same vehicle characteristics as those of the vehicle 1 previously ridden can be reproduced in other shared vehicles 1.

[0089] In addition, here, an example of passing on vehicle characteristic information through the combination of the information output unit 164 and the information input unit 166 has been described, but this configuration can be applied to various technologies.

[0090] For example, various vehicle characteristic information can be generated separately to obtain the vehicle characteristics of others. As an example, by copying the vehicle characteristics of vehicle 1 owned by a racing driver and storing them in a storage medium (driving method card), the information input unit 166 can read the vehicle characteristic information into the present vehicle, and the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 can set the vehicle characteristics used by the racing driver in the present vehicle.

[0091] In addition, by restoring the average vehicle characteristics of the vehicle type previously owned by the driver and storing them in a storage medium, the information input unit 166 can read the vehicle characteristic information into the present vehicle, and the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162 can set the vehicle characteristics in the present vehicle. Thus, although only vehicle 1 is different, the driver can drive with these vehicle characteristics while reminiscing about the past.

[0092] Based on the assumption of such utilization, in order to temporarily save the vehicle characteristics at that moment, the information output unit 164 outputs the stored vehicle characteristic information to a storage medium. For example, every time the driver changes the vehicle characteristics or at a predetermined interval such as once a year, the vehicle characteristics are output to the storage medium, and in the future, according to the mood, it is possible to return to the vehicle characteristics at any past moment in the same vehicle 1 or reproduce the past vehicle characteristics in other vehicles 1.

[0093] For example, in a case where the family always goes on trips using one vehicle 1, when a child becomes independent from the parents and the child newly purchases a vehicle 1, the vehicle characteristics of the accustomed family can be reproduced for driving.

[0094] In addition, a program for causing a computer to function as vehicle 1, and storage media such as a floppy disk, an optical disk, a ROM, a CD, a DVD, a BD, etc. that are computer-readable and record the program are also provided. Here, the program refers to a data processing means described in any language and description method.

[0095] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is of course not limited to these embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or variations within the scope described in the claims. It should be understood that these modifications or variations also of course belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0096] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the information storage unit 154 stores vehicle characteristic information indicating the vehicle characteristics set by the vehicle characteristic setting unit 162, that is, the vehicle characteristics derived through the vehicle characteristic setting process. However, the vehicle characteristics stored in the information storage unit 154 are not limited to this, and any vehicle characteristics set in the vehicle 1 may be used. For example, vehicle characteristics appropriately set based on the driving position, driving environment, etc. by a machine learning model may also be used. In this case, the information storage unit 154 may store the vehicle characteristics themselves as vehicle characteristic information, or may store the machine learning model thus formed as vehicle characteristic information. In this case, the machine learning model is passed on to other vehicles 1.

[0097] It should be noted that the steps of the vehicle characteristic setting process and the vehicle characteristic transfer process in this specification are not necessarily processed in chronological order as described in the flowchart, and may also include parallel processes or processes implemented by subroutines.

[0098] Industrial Applicability

[0099] The present invention can be used in a vehicle system and a vehicle including a plurality of vehicles.

Claims

1. A vehicle system, characterized in that, including a first vehicle and a second vehicle, the first vehicle includes: an information storage unit that stores problem information including a plurality of questions for deriving vehicle characteristics corresponding to the driving habits and preferences of the driver; an information notification unit that extracts questions from the problem information stored in the information storage unit according to a predetermined rule and notifies them through a notification device; an answer acquisition unit that acquires answers to the notified questions; a vehicle characteristic determination unit that determines vehicle characteristics based on the answers; and a vehicle characteristic setting unit that sets the determined vehicle characteristics in the first vehicle, the information storage unit further stores vehicle characteristic information indicating the set vehicle characteristics, the first vehicle further includes: an information output unit that outputs the stored vehicle characteristic information to a predetermined storage medium, the second vehicle includes: an information input unit that inputs the vehicle characteristic information from the storage medium; and a vehicle characteristic setting unit that sets the vehicle characteristics indicated by the input vehicle characteristic information in the second vehicle, the vehicle characteristics include one or more selected from the group consisting of acceleration performance, fuel consumption performance, steering wheel operation performance, and braking operation performance.

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