Control device

Abstract

The present invention provides a control device that can promote the execution of functions related to automatic movement, thereby achieving smooth operation of a mobile body and improving usability. A vehicle (100) is provided with a database (24a) and an ECU (20). The database (24a) obtains historical information of past operations of the vehicle (100). Based on the historical information obtained from the database (24a), the ECU (20) performs the following control: among the functions related to automatic movement that can be executed by the vehicle (100) in the past operation, the functions that have not been executed in the past operation are notified to the driver of the vehicle (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known mobile bodies (e.g., vehicles) having multiple functions related to automatic movement, such as automatic driving, driving assistance, etc. In such mobile bodies, each function is executed while the mobile body is in operation based on the operation of the user (e.g., the driver) of the mobile body.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 167257 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Even if there are functions available during the operation of the mobile object, these functions are executed based on user operations. Therefore, without user operation, these functions are not effective. In particular, it is difficult to execute functions that the user is unaware of or has forgotten. This reduces the opportunities for executing functions related to automatic movement, resulting in an inability to smoothly operate the mobile object and reduced usability.

[0008] Patent document 1 describes the following structure: after the end of automatic driving or driving assistance, information such as the duration of automatic driving, the duration of automatic following during automatic driving, the distance traveled through automatic driving, the number of times danger was detected and avoided during automatic driving, and the amount of carbon dioxide reduced through automatic driving are notified.

[0009] However, Patent Document 1 does not explicitly mention that the execution opportunities of the automatic movement-related functions are reduced. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the processing to cope with the reduction in the execution opportunities of the automatic movement-related functions.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a control device that can facilitate execution of functions related to automatic movement, thereby achieving smooth operation of a moving body and improved usability.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] The present invention provides a control device comprising: an acquisition unit for acquiring historical information of past operations of a moving object; and

[0013] The control unit controls, based on the history information, to notify a user of the moving object of a function that was not executed in the past operation, among functions related to automatic movement that the moving object could execute in the past operation.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the control device of the present invention, it is possible to promote the execution of functions related to automatic movement, thereby achieving smooth operation of the moving body and improved usability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a control device mounted on a vehicle according to the present embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of notification content displayed on a display device of a vehicle.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the configuration of a network system according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware of the server.

[0021] Explanation of symbols:

[0022] 24a Database (Acquisition Unit)

[0023] 20 ECU (control unit). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the control device of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the embodiments, a vehicle 100 such as an automobile is used as an example of a mobile object in the present invention.

[0025] (First embodiment)

[0026] <Vehicle Structure>

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle control device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 1 controls various parts of a vehicle 100. Figure 1 1 shows a schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 in a top view and a side view. The vehicle 100 is a four-wheeled passenger car, for example, that can move autonomously through automatic driving. Automatic driving may include assisted driving using an advanced driving assistance system.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, control device 1 includes control unit 2. Control unit 2 includes multiple ECUs 20 to 29, which are communicatively connected via an in-vehicle network. Each ECU includes a processor, typically a CPU, storage devices such as semiconductor memory, and interfaces for external devices. The storage devices store programs executed by the processors and data used by the processors during processing. Each ECU 20 to 29 may also include multiple processors, storage devices, and interfaces.

[0029] The following describes the functions and the like of the ECUs 20 to 29. It should be noted that the vehicle 100 can be appropriately designed to subdivide or consolidate the number of ECUs and the functions and the like compared to the present embodiment.

[0030] The ECU 20 executes controls related to autonomous driving of the vehicle 100. During autonomous driving, at least one of the steering and acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle 100 is automatically controlled. In the control example described below, both steering and acceleration / deceleration are automatically controlled. Furthermore, the ECU 20 can access a database 24a and store information related to the vehicle 100's driving functions and driving history in the database 24a. The database 24a is an example of a unit that acquires historical information about the past operation of the vehicle.

[0031] The ECU 21 controls the electric power steering system 3. The electric power steering system 3 includes a mechanism that steers the front wheels based on the driver's driving operation (steering operation) of the steering wheel 31. The electric power steering system 3 also includes a motor that applies driving force to assist the steering operation or automatically steer the front wheels, and a sensor that detects the steering angle. When the vehicle 100 is in automatic driving mode, the ECU 21 automatically controls the electric power steering system 3 in response to instructions from the ECU 20, thereby controlling the direction of travel of the vehicle 100.

[0032] The ECU 22 and the ECU 23 control the detection units 41 to 43 that detect the surrounding conditions of the vehicle, and perform information processing on the detection results.

[0033] The detection unit 41 is a camera (hereinafter referred to as camera 41) that captures images of the front of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, two such cameras are installed on the front roof of the vehicle 100. By analyzing the images captured by the cameras 41, the outlines of landmarks and lane dividing lines (such as white lines) on the road can be extracted.

[0034] The detection unit 42 is a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) (hereinafter referred to as optical radar 42) that detects objects around the vehicle 100 and measures the distance to the objects. In this embodiment, five optical radars 42 are installed: one at each corner of the front of the vehicle 100, one at the center of the rear, and one on each side of the rear.

[0035] The detection unit 43 is a millimeter-wave radar (hereinafter referred to as radar 43) that detects objects around the vehicle 100 and measures the distance to the objects. In this embodiment, five radars 43 are provided: one at the center of the front of the vehicle 100, one at each front corner, and one at each rear corner.

[0036] ECU 22 controls the camera 41 and optical radars 42 on one side and processes the detection results. ECU 23 controls the camera 41 and radars 43 on the other side and processes the detection results. Having two sets of devices for detecting the vehicle's surroundings improves the reliability of the detection results. Furthermore, the inclusion of different types of detection units—cameras, optical radars, and radars—enables comprehensive analysis of the vehicle's surroundings.

[0037] The ECU 24 controls the gyro sensor 5 , the GPS sensor 24 b , and the communication device 24 c , and performs information processing on detection results or communication results.

[0038] The gyro sensor 5 detects the rotational movement of the vehicle 100. The route of the vehicle 100 can be determined based on the detection results of the gyro sensor 5, the rotation speed of the wheel, etc. The GPS sensor 24b detects the current position of the vehicle 100. The communication device 24c wirelessly communicates with the server that provides map information and traffic information to obtain this information. The ECU 24 can access the database 24a of map information constructed in the storage device and search for routes from the current location to the destination, etc. In addition, the database 24a maintains information detected by various sensors, information related to the driving function of the vehicle 100, information related to the driving history, etc. It should be noted that the communication device 24c can communicate not only with servers that provide map information and traffic information, but also with servers that provide other services.

[0039] The ECU 25 includes a communication device 25a for inter-vehicle communication. The communication device 25a wirelessly communicates with other surrounding vehicles to exchange information between the vehicles.

[0040] ECU 26 controls power unit 6. Power unit 6 is a mechanism that outputs driving force to rotate the drive wheels of vehicle 100 and includes, for example, an engine and a transmission. For example, ECU 26 controls the engine output in response to the driver's driving operation (accelerator operation or accelerator operation) detected by the operation detection sensor 7a provided on the accelerator pedal 7A, or switches the transmission gear based on information such as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 7c. When vehicle 100 is in automatic driving mode, ECU 26 automatically controls the movement of power unit 6 in response to instructions from ECU 20, controlling the acceleration and deceleration of vehicle 100.

[0041] The ECU 27 controls lighting devices (headlights, taillights, etc.) including the direction indicator 8. In the present embodiment, the direction indicator 8 is provided at the front portion, door mirrors, and rear portion of the vehicle 100.

[0042] The ECU 28 controls the input / output device 9. The input / output device 9 outputs information to the driver and receives information input from the driver.

[0043] The sound output device 91 notifies the driver of information by sound. The display device 92 notifies the driver of information by displaying an image. The display device 92 is, for example, arranged in front of the driver's seat, constituting a dashboard, etc. The display device 92 here may also be a touch panel display that integrates a user interface for accepting user operations and a display for displaying a screen. It should be noted that, although sound and display are illustrated here, information may also be notified by vibration or light. In addition, multiple of sound, display, vibration and light may be combined to notify information. Furthermore, different combinations or different notification methods may be used depending on the level of information to be notified (e.g., urgency). The input device 93 is a switch group that is arranged in a position that the driver can operate and that issues instructions to the vehicle 100, and it may also include a sound input device.

[0044] ECU29 controls the braking device 10 and the parking brake (not shown). The braking device 10 is, for example, a disc brake device, which is provided on each wheel of the vehicle 100 and decelerates or stops the vehicle 100 by applying resistance to the rotation of the wheel. ECU29 controls the operation of the braking device 10 in accordance with the driver's driving operation (brake operation) detected by the operation detection sensor 7b provided on the brake pedal 7B. When the driving state of the vehicle 100 is automatic driving, ECU29 automatically controls the movement of the braking device 10 in response to instructions from ECU20 to control the deceleration and stopping of the vehicle 100. The braking device 10 and the parking brake can also work to maintain the stopped state of the vehicle 100. In addition, when the transmission of the power unit 6 is equipped with a parking lock mechanism, the mechanism can also be operated to maintain the stopped state of the vehicle 100.

[0045] <Control>

[0046] Reference Figure 2 An example of the control process of the control device 1 will be described. In this example, the vehicle 100 switches from automatic driving to manual driving, or from manual driving to automatic driving, in response to a user instruction or the like.

[0047] When the ignition switch of the vehicle 100 is pressed to start the engine, the control device 1 starts the vehicle 100 running according to the driver's instruction (step S21).

[0048] The driver may, for example, provide an instruction for automatic or manual driving via input device 93. The content of the control during automatic driving is not particularly limited. For example, the system may be configured to have multiple driving levels (levels 0 to 5) in automatic driving, with the levels being switched as appropriate based on the surrounding environment, the driver's state, and the like. Furthermore, the system may be configured to switch to manual driving in stages based on the surrounding environment, the driver's state, and the like.

[0049] Next, the control device 1 determines which of the driving functions of the vehicle 100 is actually executed during the driving of the vehicle 100 , and accumulates the executed functions in the database 24 a (step S22 ).

[0050] The driving functions possessed by the vehicle 100 are functions related to the automatic driving and assisted driving of the vehicle 100. The driving functions may include all functions related to the automatic driving and assisted driving of the vehicle 100. For example, the automatic driving function and the assisted driving function of the vehicle 100 may each be set as a driving function. In addition, the driving levels 0 to 5 of the vehicle 100 may each be set as a driving function. In addition, the automatic following function (Adaptive Cruise Control System), the lane keeping function (Lane Keeping Assist System), the constant speed driving function, the lane change function, the overtaking function, the branch function, the merging function, the obstacle avoidance function, the takeover function, etc. may each be set as a driving function.

[0051] Next, the control device 1 measures historical information such as the driving condition and the driving route of the vehicle 100 during travel, and accumulates information related to the measured driving condition and the driving route in the database 24 a (step S23 ).

[0052] The driving conditions may include, for example, the degree of congestion on the driving road, the driving speed in a predetermined driving section, the curvature of the driving road, the state of the driving road surface, the continuous driving time, the fuel consumption (remaining amount), the state of the passengers (expression, behavior, etc.), the driving distance, etc. For example, the driving route is measured based on the map information stored in the database 24a and the collected position information of the vehicle 100.

[0053] Next, the control device 1 determines whether the vehicle 100 has completed its journey (step S24). In this example, the vehicle 100 determines whether it has reached its destination. For example, if the driver turns off the ignition (stops the engine) in an attempt to exit the vehicle 100, the vehicle 100 is considered to have reached its destination. Furthermore, in this example, the vehicle 100 is traveling to visit a designated tourist attraction and uses a highway en route to the destination.

[0054] If it is determined in step S24 that the driving has not ended (step S24: No), the control device 1 returns to step S21 and repeats each process.

[0055] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that driving has ended (step S24 is yes), the control device 1 refers to the executed driving functions accumulated in the database 24a (step S22) and determines the driving functions of the vehicle 100 that were not executed in the operation that ended this time (step S25).

[0056] Next, the control device 1 selects a target driving function to be notified to the driver of the vehicle 100 from among the driving functions determined in step S25 (step S26 ).

[0057] For example, the control device 1 selects a driving function to be notified to the driver from among the unexecuted driving functions based on the attribute information of the currently completed route. The attribute information of the route is information that can be obtained from map information, and includes, for example, information such as road type (general road or highway), whether it is an urban road or a suburban road, whether the road has many curves, and whether the road has many inclines (uphill or downhill).

[0058] As described above, vehicle 100 is traveling to a designated tourist attraction and uses a highway during the travel. Therefore, if the driver of vehicle 100 is not using the automatic driving function while traveling on the highway, for example, they can select "automatic driving function" as the driving function to be notified.

[0059] Next, the control device 1 estimates the effect of the automatic driving function if the driving function (for example, “automatic driving function”) selected as the notification target in step S26 is executed in this operation (step S27 ).

[0060] For example, the execution effect of the driving function can be estimated based on the driving distance, driving time, fuel consumption, switching between automatic driving and manual driving, the timing of switching driving levels, the surrounding information of the vehicle 100 (the presence of other vehicles, the state of the road, etc.), the state of the passengers (expressions, actions, etc.), etc.

[0061] Next, the control device 1 notifies the driver of the vehicle 100 of the driving function selected as the notification target in step S26 and the performance of the driving function estimated in step S27 (step S28). This notification is made to the driver, for example, by displaying an image on the display device 92. In this example, the display device 92 displays "autonomous driving function" as the notification target driving function, and "performance when the autonomous driving function is executed" as the performance of the driving function.

[0062] It should be noted that while in the above example, arrival at the destination is determined based on whether the ignition switch is turned off, this is not limiting. For example, arrival at the destination may be determined based on the driver's ingress and egress actions (seat belt unfastening, window closing, door opening), driver's movements (line of sight, gaze, voice), etc. Furthermore, a combination of these may be used for determination.

[0063] Furthermore, while in the above example, the timing for notifying the driving function and the execution effect, i.e., the end of driving, is when the vehicle 100 arrives at the destination, this is not limited to this. For example, the driving function and the execution effect may be notified when the vehicle 100 has traveled a predetermined distance, traveled for a predetermined time, stopped temporarily at a traffic light, changed the road type (from a highway to a regular road), or when the driving function to be notified changes from an executable state to an inexecutable state (becomes inactive).

[0064] <Display example>

[0065] Reference Figure 3 An example of "travel function and execution effect" displayed on the display device 92 will be described. Figure 2 The “autonomous driving function” listed in the description is described as the driving function of the notification object, and the execution effect is described as the execution effect when the “autonomous driving function” is executed.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, a screen 300 of the display device 92 includes a function notification bar 301 that displays notification contents related to the driving function and an effect notification bar 302 that displays the execution effect of the driving function.

[0067] Function notification column 301 displays a message notifying of which driving functions are currently unimplemented among the available driving functions, such as a message stating, "Autopilot was executable during the previous expressway trip." Furthermore, effect notification column 302 displays a message notifying of the effects of the driving functions if executed during the current trip, such as a message stating, "Estimated effects of executing 'Autopilot'."

[0068] Furthermore, a driving information column 303 is provided below the function notification column 301, displaying information related to the overall current driving process. For example, driving information column 303 displays information such as "Total driving time: 4 hours" notifying that the driving time to the destination is 4 hours, and "Total driving distance: 120 kilometers" notifying that the current driving distance is 120 kilometers.

[0069] Below effect notification column 302 is an effect information column 304 that displays the specific effects of "autonomous driving." For example, when autonomous driving is in effect, column 304 displays information such as "Autonomous Driving Duration: 1 Hour" notifying that autonomous driving on the highway has lasted for one hour, "Autonomous Following Duration: 40 Minutes" notifying that automatic following has lasted for 40 minutes, and "Autonomous Driving Distance: 30 km" notifying that the distance traveled by autonomous driving is 30 kilometers. Furthermore, information such as "Number of Danger Avoidances: 5" notifying that dangers were detected and avoided five times during autonomous driving, and "CO2 Reduction: 1.5 kg" notifying that the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 1.5 kg due to autonomous driving, is also displayed. Furthermore, information such as "User Burden Reduction: 25%" notifying that the driver's burden has been reduced by 25% due to autonomous driving is also displayed.

[0070] As described above, the control device 1 can notify the driver of driving functions related to automated driving or assisted driving that were not executed due to the driver's knowledge or forgetfulness, after the driving function becomes operational. This allows the driver to understand in detail the circumstances under which the driving function can be used, by correlating it with their past driving experience. This encourages the driver to execute the automated driving or assisted driving functions of the vehicle 100, thereby improving the smooth operation and usability of the vehicle 100.

[0071] Furthermore, the control device 1 can not only notify drivers of driving functions that were not executed during past operations, but also the effects that would have been achieved had the unexecuted driving functions been executed during those past operations. This allows the driver to gain a more detailed understanding of the effects of the driving functions by associating them with their own past operations. This can further encourage the driver to execute driving functions related to automated and assisted driving.

[0072] It should be noted that although the Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the control example and display example of the control device 1 in , when selecting a driving function to be notified to the driver from driving functions that have not been executed, the case where the selection is made based on the attribute information of the path of the completed operation (past operation) is described, but it is not limited to this, and the selection can also be made as described below.

[0073] For example, the control device 1 may select a driving function to be notified to the driver from among the unexecuted driving functions based on the number of execution opportunities in past operations. The number of execution opportunities refers to the length of time, distance, or number of times the function could be executed in past operations.

[0074] For example, if it is determined that there are many opportunities to use the lane change function in past driving, Figure 2 In step S26, the "lane change function" is selected as the driving function to be notified to the driver. In this case, Figure 3 In the function notification column 301, for example, a message such as "The 'Lane Change Function' can be executed during this driving" is displayed. Furthermore, in the effect notification column 302, a message such as "Estimated effect of executing the 'Lane Change Function'" is displayed. Furthermore, in the effect information column 304, for example, "Number of lane changes: 5" is displayed.

[0075] For example, if it is determined that there are many opportunities to use the automatic follow function (ACC) while driving on a highway in the past, Figure 2 In step S26, the "automatic following function" is selected as the driving function of the object to be notified to the driver. In this case, Figure 3In the function notification column 301, for example, a message such as "The automatic follow function can be executed on the highway just now. Executing the automatic follow function enables following driving while automatically maintaining an appropriate distance from the vehicle." Furthermore, in the effect notification column 302, a message such as "Estimated effect of executing the 'automatic follow function'" is displayed. Furthermore, in the effect information column 304, for example, "Automatic follow duration: 40 minutes" is displayed. In this way, by prioritizing notification to the driver of driving functions that are more likely to be executed in actual driving, the driver is encouraged to execute useful driving functions.

[0076] In addition, for example, the control device 1 may also prioritize notifying the driver of driving functions that are not executed and for which the driver does not have permission to execute. The driving functions possessed by the vehicle 100 include standard driving functions that the driver can freely execute and optional driving functions for which the driver needs to obtain permission to execute. For example, functions related to safety are standard driving functions, and functions related to comfort, etc. are optional driving functions. It is necessary to pay a fee to obtain permission to execute. Optional driving functions are functions that are subject to charges. In this way, by prioritizing the notification of driving functions for which the driver does not have permission to execute, the driver can be prompted to obtain permission for the driving function, and the execution opportunities of driving functions related to automatic driving and assisted driving can be increased.

[0077] Furthermore, for example, the control device 1 may prioritize notifying the driver of unexecuted driving functions for which the driver has permission. Driving functions for which the driver does not need to obtain new permission, such as standard driving functions that the driver can freely execute or optional driving functions for which the driver has already obtained permission, are prioritized for notification to the driver. This further increases the opportunity for executing driving functions related to automated driving and assisted driving.

[0078] Furthermore, for example, the control device 1 may select a driving function to be notified to the driver from among the driving functions that have not been executed based on past driving conditions. The driving conditions refer to actual driving conditions, including, for example, road congestion, driving speed, road curvature, and continuous driving time.

[0079] For example, if it is determined that there is an opportunity to use the lane keeping function (LKAS) in the past congestion situation, Figure 2 In step S26, the "lane keeping function" is selected as the driving function to be notified to the driver. Figure 3In the function notification column 301, for example, a message such as "The lane keeping function can be activated in the congested situation just now. Activating the lane keeping function allows driving with your hands off the steering wheel." Furthermore, in the effect notification column 302, a message such as "Estimated effect of activating the 'lane keeping function'" is displayed. Furthermore, in the effect information column 304, for example, "Lane keeping duration: 20 minutes" is displayed. In this way, the driver is prioritized for notification of driving functions that are useful in their actual driving situation, allowing them to understand useful driving functions for each driving situation, in relation to their own past driving situations.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, the control device 1 may select a target driving function to be notified to the driver from among the driving functions not executed based on the driver's attribute information. The driver's attribute information includes, for example, the driver's address, gender, age, hobbies, and schedule.

[0081] For example, based on the driver's age, the function that notifies you of surrounding dangers can be prioritized for older drivers. Furthermore, the function that prevents speeding can be prioritized for younger drivers. By selecting the "danger notification function," the driver can be notified of messages such as "A pedestrian who may be crossing the road has been detected ahead, please be careful." or "The car ahead is shaking, please be careful." Furthermore, by selecting the "speeding prevention function," a speeding warning message can be issued when the driver's accelerator pedal pressure increases. Furthermore, the speeding warning message can be issued when the number of other vehicles on the road is low and their speed is increasing.

[0082] Alternatively, for example, the most frequently used driving functions or the most highly rated driving functions can be statistically determined for each attribute, and the driving functions that match the driver's attributes can be selected for notification. This allows notification of useful driving functions to be prioritized based on each driver's attributes.

[0083] (Second embodiment)

[0084] In the first embodiment described above, the control device 1 is configured to identify, estimate, and notify the driving function in the vehicle 100. In the second embodiment, a mode as a network system including the vehicle 100 will be described.

[0085] <System Structure>

[0086] Figure 46 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network system according to the present embodiment. The network system according to the present embodiment includes a vehicle 100, a mobile terminal 400, and a server 500. The vehicle 100, the mobile terminal 400, and the server 500 are communicatively connected to each other via a network 600.

[0087] The portable terminal 400 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a mobile terminal, etc. The portable terminal 400 is configured to include a communication unit for communicating with an external device, a display unit for displaying various information, and an input unit for accepting the driver's operation. The server 500 is an information processing device that performs various processes and provides information based on requests from the vehicle 100 and the portable terminal 400. The network 600 is, for example, the Internet, and there are no special restrictions on its communication standards, whether it is wired or wireless, etc. It should be noted that although Figure 4 Although one of each device is shown, the present invention is not limited to this and may include a plurality of devices.

[0088] In this embodiment, Figure 4 In the system structure shown, the load is shared among the devices. Figure 2 processing. Figure 2 The determination, selection, and estimation processes in steps S25 to S27 are performed by the server 500. At this time, the vehicle 100 provides the information accumulated in steps S22 and S23 to the server 500. This provision can be performed periodically, or when a predetermined amount of information is accumulated.

[0089] In addition, the portable terminal 400 performs Figure 2 The notification process in step S28 is performed. The information notified by the portable terminal 400 is transmitted from the server 500. The server 500 transmits the selected and estimated information to the portable terminal 400 via the network 600. It should be noted that as a notification method, the server 500 can be accessed and displayed from a web browser (not shown) included in the portable terminal 400, or the server 500 can notify and display the information to an application (not shown) installed in the portable terminal 400.

[0090] Alternatively, a PC (Personal Computer) serving as an information processing device may be configured to request the server 500, and the selection and estimation results may be confirmed on the PC. In this case, the results may be displayed via a web browser (not shown) installed on the PC, or a dedicated application may be installed on the PC for confirmation.

[0091] Figure 5 FIG is a diagram showing the hardware structure of the server 500. Figure 5As shown, the server 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, and a communication interface 503. The processor 501, the memory 502, and the communication interface 503 are connected via a bus 505, for example.

[0092] Processor 501 is a circuit that performs signal processing, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) responsible for overall control of server 500. Processor 501 may also be implemented using other digital circuits, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, processor 501 may be implemented by combining multiple digital circuits.

[0093] The memory 502 includes, for example, a main memory and an auxiliary memory. The main memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main memory is used as a working area for the processor 501. The auxiliary memory is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a magnetic disk or a flash memory. Various programs that enable the server 500 to operate are stored in the auxiliary memory. The programs stored in the auxiliary memory are loaded into the main memory and executed by the processor 501. In addition, the auxiliary memory may also include a removable memory that can be removed from the server 500. The removable memory is a memory card such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drive, an SD (Secure Digital) memory card, an external hard disk drive, and the like.

[0094] The communication interface 503 is a communication interface for communicating with the outside of the server 500 (eg, the vehicle 100 and the mobile terminal 400 ). The communication interface 503 communicates with the vehicle 100 and the mobile terminal 400 via the network 600 . The communication interface 503 is controlled by the processor 501 .

[0095] When the network system has the above structure, it can also prompt the driver to execute the driving functions related to automatic driving or assisted driving of the vehicle 100 in the same way as the first embodiment, thereby achieving smooth operation and improved usability of the vehicle 100.

[0096] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, and it can make deformation|transformation, improvement, etc. as needed.

[0097] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiments, a vehicle is used as an example of a movable body, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The concept of the present invention is not limited to vehicles, but can also be applied to robots, ships, aircraft, etc. that have a driving source and can move by the power of the driving source.

[0098] In addition, at least the following matters are described in this specification: It should be noted that, although corresponding components and the like in the above-mentioned embodiment are shown in parentheses, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0099] (1) A control device comprising: an acquisition unit (database 24a) that acquires historical information on past operations of a moving object; and

[0100] The control unit (ECU 20 ) controls, based on the history information, to notify a user of the mobile body of a function not executed in the past operation, among functions related to automatic movement that the mobile body could execute in the past operation.

[0101] According to (1), by notifying the user of a function related to automatic movement that was not executed due to the user's ignorance or forgetfulness after the function becomes executable, the user can specifically understand the situation in which the function can be used in association with their past operations. This can encourage the user to execute the function related to automatic movement, thereby achieving smooth operation of the mobile object and improved usability.

[0102] (2) The control device according to (1), wherein

[0103] The control unit performs control to notify the user of an effect obtained by the unexecuted function when the unexecuted function was assumed to have been executed in the past operation, together with the unexecuted function.

[0104] According to (2), the effect obtained when a function that was not executed in the past operation is executed in the past operation is also notified, so the user can specifically grasp the effect of the function in association with his or her own past operation, thereby more strongly prompting the user to execute the function related to automatic movement.

[0105] (3) The control device according to (1) or (2), wherein:

[0106] The control unit controls to notify the user of a function selected from among the unexecuted functions based on the number of execution opportunities in the past operation.

[0107] According to (3), by preferentially notifying the user of functions that are more likely to be executed in the user's actual operation, the user can be encouraged to execute more useful functions.

[0108] (4) The control device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0109] The control unit performs control so as to preferentially notify the user of a function that the user does not have permission to execute, among the unexecuted functions.

[0110] According to (4), the user can be prompted to obtain permission for the function related to automatic movement, thereby increasing the chances of executing the function related to automatic movement, thereby achieving smooth operation of the mobile body and improved usability.

[0111] (5) The control device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0112] The control unit performs control so as to preferentially notify the user of a function for which the user has permission to execute, among the unexecuted functions.

[0113] According to (5), the user can be urged to execute the function related to automatic movement that can be executed even without obtaining a new license, so the user can be urged to execute the function related to automatic movement more strongly, thereby achieving smooth operation of the mobile body and improved usability.

[0114] (6) The control device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein

[0115] The control unit performs control to notify the user of a function selected based on the past operating status among the unexecuted functions.

[0116] According to (6), the user can be notified preferentially of functions that are useful in the user's actual operating status, and the user can understand useful functions for each operating status in association with his or her own past operating status.

[0117] (7) The control device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0118] The control unit controls to notify the user of a function selected based on attribute information of the past operation route among the unexecuted functions.

[0119] According to (7), the user can be notified preferentially of functions useful for the attributes of the user's actual operation route, and the user can understand useful functions for each attribute of the operation route by associating the attributes of the user's past operation routes.

[0120] (8) The control device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein:

[0121] The control unit performs control to notify the user of a function selected based on the attribute information of the user among the unexecuted functions.

[0122] According to (8), the user can be notified preferentially of functions that are useful for the user's attributes.

Claims

1. A control device, wherein: The control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires past operation history information of the moving object; and a control unit configured to control, based on the history information, notifying a user of the mobile body of a function that was not executed in the past operation, among functions related to automatic movement that the mobile body could execute in the past operation; The control unit issues a notification after the execution of the unexecuted function becomes executable.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit performs control to notify the user of an effect obtained by the unexecuted function when the unexecuted function was assumed to have been executed in the past operation, together with the unexecuted function.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit controls to notify the user of a function selected from among the unexecuted functions based on the number of execution opportunities in the past operation.

4. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit performs control so as to preferentially notify the user of a function that the user does not have permission to execute, among the unexecuted functions.

5. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit performs control so as to preferentially notify the user of a function for which the user has permission to execute, among the unexecuted functions.

6. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit performs control to notify the user of a function selected based on the past operating status among the unexecuted functions.

7. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit performs control to notify the user of a function selected based on attribute information of the past operation route among the unexecuted functions.

8. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit performs control to notify the user of a function selected based on the attribute information of the user among the unexecuted functions.

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