Vehicle sensor cleaning system, method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle sensor cleaning system, a method, and a storage medium. An in-vehicle sensor cleaning system installed in a vehicle includes a cleaning unit configured to automatically or manually perform cleaning of an in-vehicle sensor installed in the vehicle, a setting unit configured to set an automatic cleaning function, which causes the cleaning unit to automatically perform the cleaning of the in-vehicle sensor, to be turned on and off, and a notification unit configured to, when the setting unit sets the automatic cleaning function to be turned off, provide a notification regarding switching of a setting of the automatic cleaning function based on information about past cleaning of the in-vehicle sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle sensor cleaning systems for cleaning sensors, cameras, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "vehicle sensors") installed in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] When performing vehicle driving control (such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving (AD)), it is necessary to maintain the detection / sensing performance of the onboard sensors that acquire information for control with high accuracy.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-115929 (JP 2021-115929 A) discloses an on-board sensor cleaning device that has the function of automatically cleaning the detector of an on-board sensor using a cleaning solution. This on-board sensor cleaning device ensures high detection accuracy of the on-board sensor by cleaning the detector when automatic cleaning conditions (such as dirt on the detector) are met. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some vehicles, the operation of the onboard sensor cleaning system can be customized; for example, the automatic cleaning function of the onboard sensors can be set to be on / off. In such vehicles, when the vehicle owner, such as the driver and passengers (hereinafter collectively referred to as "vehicle users"), is unaware that the operation of the onboard sensor cleaning system can be customized, it cannot be expected that the vehicle users will actively switch the automatic cleaning function from off to on when it is set to off. Therefore, due to dirt and other contaminants on the onboard sensors, the detection / sensing performance of the onboard sensors may not be maintained with high accuracy.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an on-board sensor cleaning system, etc., which provides a notification regarding switching the setting of the automatic cleaning function when the automatic cleaning function of the on-board sensor is set to off.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, one solution of this disclosure relates to an on-board sensor cleaning system installed in a vehicle. The on-board sensor cleaning system includes: a cleaning unit configured to automatically or manually perform cleaning of on-board sensors installed in the vehicle; a setting unit configured to set an automatic cleaning function to be on and off, the automatic cleaning function causing the cleaning unit to automatically perform cleaning of the on-board sensors; and a notification unit configured to provide a notification regarding switching the setting of the automatic cleaning function, based on information about past cleaning of the on-board sensors, when the setting unit sets the automatic cleaning function to off.

[0007] By using the vehicle sensor cleaning system disclosed herein, when the automatic cleaning function of the vehicle sensor is set to off, a notification is provided regarding switching the automatic cleaning function setting, thereby suggesting the usefulness of the automatic cleaning function to the vehicle user and encouraging the vehicle user to switch the function to the on setting. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to this embodiment;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the cleaning execution information collection and control process;

[0011] Figure 3A This is a flowchart of the automatic cleaning function setting and control process; and

[0012] Figure 3B This is a flowchart of the automatic cleaning function setting and control process. Detailed Implementation

[0013] When the automatic cleaning function of the vehicle sensors is set to off, the vehicle sensor cleaning system of this disclosure, installed in the vehicle, provides the driver with a notification regarding switching the automatic cleaning function setting when it determines that cleaning should be performed based on information from past cleaning of the vehicle sensors. This encourages vehicle users to switch the automatic cleaning function to the on setting.

[0014] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Example

[0016] Configuration

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram showing an on-board sensor cleaning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The illustrated vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 includes a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, vehicle sensors 130, a driver monitoring camera 140, and a human-machine interface (HMI) device 150. The vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 is installed in the vehicle and connected to a data server 200 to enable communication with the data server 200, which is located outside the vehicle.

[0018] Communication device 120 is a communication interface for connecting the vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 to the data server 200. Communication device 120 enables communication between the vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 and the data server 200 based on the control of control device 110. In this embodiment, communication device 120 sends (uploads) information to the data server 200. This information (execution information) is output from control device 110 and relates to the cleaning currently being performed on vehicle sensor 130. Communication device 120 also requests the data server 200 to send information about cleaning previously performed on vehicle sensor 130 (past information). Then, communication device 120 receives (downloads) the past information sent from data server 200 in response to this request. The execution information and past information sent between communication device 120 and data server 200 will be described later.

[0019] The vehicle sensor 130 is a camera that captures images of the front of the vehicle or a radar sensor that detects objects in front of the vehicle. The camera and radar sensor are mounted on the windshield or other parts of the front of the vehicle, or a camera that captures images of the rear of the vehicle. The camera is mounted on the trunk lid or tailgate at the rear of the vehicle.

[0020] A cleaning device (not shown) is provided near the vehicle sensor 130 to clean the vehicle sensor 130 based on instructions from the control unit 110. A detection device (not shown) may also be provided near the vehicle sensor 130 to detect dirt on the vehicle sensor 130 and notify its control unit 110. The cleaning device and the detection device may be integrated with the vehicle sensor 130 or configured separately from it.

[0021] The driver monitoring camera 140 is, for example, a camera mounted on the windshield or similar surface at the front of the vehicle to capture images of the driver as an occupant sitting in the driver's seat. The images captured by the driver monitoring camera 140, including the driver, are output to the control unit 110.

[0022] HMI device 150 is a device capable of presenting various information about the vehicle. Various devices (not shown), such as a head-up display (HUD), navigation system monitor, instrument panel, and speakers, are used as HMI device 150. HMI device 150 can present various information to the vehicle user based on notifications, requests, etc., output from control device 110. When there are commands or operations from the vehicle user, HMI device 150 can also output information to control device 110 in response to commands or operations. HMI device 150 can provide voice guidance or voice recognition functions.

[0023] Data server 200 is a server used to collect various information from multiple vehicles and to manage and control the vehicles using the collected information. Data server 200 may be, for example, a cloud server located in the cloud. Data server 200 is connected directly or indirectly to communication device 120 of vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 via a predetermined network or the like, so as to be able to communicate with communication device 120.

[0024] The control device 110 automatically or manually controls the operation of the cleaning vehicle sensor 130. Furthermore, the control device 110 notifies the vehicle user of the settings for switching the automatic cleaning function and receives permission (agreement) from the vehicle user regarding the automatic cleaning function settings via the HMI device 150.

[0025] The control device 110 includes a cleaning function setting unit 111, a cleaning control unit 112, a driver identification unit 113, an area information acquisition unit 114, a notification control unit 115, and a receiving unit 116.

[0026] The cleaning function setting unit 111 is configured to set and control the operation of the customizable vehicle sensor cleaning system 100, which includes at least setting the automatic cleaning function to be turned on / off, through which the cleaning of the vehicle sensors 130 is automatically performed. Examples of other operations of the customizable vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 include setting to display a manual cleaning execution button on the display screen of the HMI device 150, and setting to notify the vehicle user of the cleaning time via the speaker of the HMI device 150.

[0027] The cleaning control unit 112 is configured to control the automatic or manual cleaning of the vehicle sensor 130 based on the settings of the cleaning function setting unit 111. The cleaning control unit 112 instructs a cleaning device (not shown), for example, an actuator, to perform the cleaning of the vehicle sensor 130. Furthermore, the cleaning control unit 112 determines whether cleaning is performed manually based on the vehicle user's operation or automatically by the system, providing information for controlling the cleaning process. Information regarding automatic / manual cleaning is provided to the data server 200 via the communication device 120.

[0028] The driver identification unit 113 is configured to identify the driver of the vehicle. Specifically, the driver identification unit 113 acquires an image including the driver from the driver monitoring camera 140 and identifies (designates) the driver by, for example, analyzing the acquired image. Information used to identify (designate) the driver is pre-stored in, for example, a storage unit (not shown). Information about the identified driver is provided to the data server 200 via the communication device 120.

[0029] The area information acquisition unit 114 is configured to acquire information about the area where the vehicle is traveling. Specifically, the area information acquisition unit 114 acquires information such as the area where the vehicle is traveling, information about the driving location (latitude and longitude, city / town / village classification, map data grid, etc.), information about the driving date and time (date, time, day of the week, etc.), and information about the driving environment (weather, speed, etc.). This information can be acquired through the functions of the Global Positioning System (GPS), car navigation, and clock functions installed in the vehicle. The acquired information about the driving area is provided to the data server 200 via the communication device 120.

[0030] When cleaning of the vehicle sensor 130 is performed, the notification control unit 115 provides the data server 200 with information regarding the automatic / manual cleaning determined by the cleaning control unit 112, the driver identified by the driver recognition unit 113, and the driving area acquired by the area information acquisition unit 114, as execution information regarding the cleaning currently being performed on the vehicle sensor 130, via the communication device 120. Additionally, the notification control unit 115 retrieves past information about cleaning operations previously performed on the vehicle sensor 130 from the data server 200, for example, when the ignition is turned on (IG-ON). When the cleaning function setting unit 111 sets the automatic cleaning function to off, the notification control unit 115 confirms the retrieved past information and provides a notification to the HMI device 150 regarding switching the automatic cleaning function setting.

[0031] The receiving unit 116 receives instructions and operations from the vehicle user input into the HMI device 150. In this embodiment, the receiving unit 116 can at least receive permission (agreement) from the HMI device 150 to switch the automatic cleaning function setting from off to on. The cleaning function setting unit 111 is notified of the permission (agreement) received by the receiving unit 116.

[0032] The control device 110 described above may typically consist of an electronic control unit (ECU) such as a microcomputer, including a processor, memory, input / output interface, etc. When the processor reads and executes the program stored in the memory, the ECU constituting the control device 110 (such as a driving control ECU) can perform some or all of the functions performed by the cleaning function setting unit 111, cleaning control unit 112, driver recognition unit 113, area information acquisition unit 114, notification control unit 115, and receiving unit 116.

[0033] control

[0034] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 ,3A Sections 3B and 3B describe the controls performed by the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system 100 according to this embodiment. The controls performed by the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system 100 include cleaning execution information collection control and automatic cleaning function setting control.

[0035] (1) Cleaning execution information collection and control

[0036] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the cleaning execution information collection and control process executed by the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system 100. The cleaning execution information collection and control involves collecting information about the actual cleaning of the vehicle-mounted sensor 130 and uploading this information to the data server 200. For example, when the cleaning control unit 112 of the control device 110 executes the cleaning control of the vehicle-mounted sensor 130, Figure 2 The process of collecting and controlling the cleaning execution information shown has begun.

[0037] Step S201

[0038] The cleaning control unit 112 of the control device 110 determines whether the cleaning control of the on-board sensor 130 is automatic cleaning based on system control or manual cleaning based on the operation of the vehicle user. When the cleaning control unit 112 makes a determination on whether the cleaning control is automatic or manual, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0039] Step S202

[0040] The driver identification unit 113 of the control device 110 identifies the driver sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle when the cleaning control of the vehicle sensor 130 is executed, based on the image acquired from the driver monitoring camera 140. Thus, the individual driver driving the vehicle is identified. When the driver identification unit 113 identifies the driver, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0041] Step S203

[0042] When the cleaning control of the vehicle sensor 130 is executed, the area information acquisition unit 114 of the control device 110 acquires information about the area where the vehicle is traveling. Examples of information about the travel area to be acquired include the vehicle's travel location (town XX), travel date and time (MM / DD, hh:mm), and travel environment (rainy weather). When the area information acquisition unit 114 acquires information about the travel area, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0043] Step S204

[0044] The notification control unit 115 of the control device 110 sends and provides information about automatic / manual cleaning (step S201), information about the identified driver (step S202), and information about the driving area (step S203) to the data server 200 via the communication device 120 as execution information for the cleaning currently being performed on the vehicle-mounted sensor 130. The cleaning execution information collection control ends when each piece of information is provided to the data server 200 via the notification control unit 115.

[0045] As described above, the various information provided by the vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 is collected, stored and managed by the data server 200, and this information is used not only in the vehicle providing the information, but also in other vehicles.

[0046] (2) Automatic cleaning function setting control

[0047] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a flowchart of the automatic cleaning function setting control executed by the vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system 100. Figure 3A processing and Figure 3B The processing is connected via connectors X and Y. The automatic cleaning function setting control is a control that, when the automatic cleaning function is set to off, suggests to the vehicle user that the automatic cleaning function be set to on, based on predetermined conditions. For example, when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned on (IG-ON), Figure 3A and Figure 3B The automatic cleaning function settings control process shown has begun.

[0048] Step S301

[0049] The cleaning function setting unit 111 of the control device 110 determines the setting state of the automatic cleaning function and automatically performs cleaning of the vehicle sensor 130 through the automatic cleaning function. This determination is made to determine whether the vehicle sensor 130 may be dirty if it has not been cleaned for a long time.

[0050] When the cleaning function setting unit 111 determines that the automatic cleaning function is set to off (step S301: off), the process proceeds to step S302. On the other hand, when the cleaning function setting unit 111 determines that the automatic cleaning function is set to on (step S301: on), the automatic cleaning function setting control ends.

[0051] Step S302

[0052] The control device 110 designates the driver sitting in the driver's seat and the area where the vehicle is traveling. The driver can be designated using recognition information performed by the driver recognition unit 113 of the control device 110 based on images acquired from the driver monitoring camera 140. For example, the vehicle's travel area can be designated using information acquired from GPS by the area information acquisition unit 114 of the control device 110. When the control device 110 designates the driver and the vehicle's travel area, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0053] Step S303

[0054] The notification control unit 115 of the control device 110 obtains information (past information) about past cleanings performed on the on-board sensors 130 in the driving area of ​​the designated driver and vehicle from the data server 200 via the communication device 120. When the notification control unit 115 obtains the past cleaning information from the data server 200, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0055] Step S304

[0056] The cleaning function setting unit 111 of the control device 110 determines whether the number of times the driver (designated driver) manually performed cleaning actions on the vehicle sensor 130 in the past was equal to or greater than a first threshold. This determination is made to estimate the dirt on the vehicle sensor 130. Therefore, for example, when the parameter used for determination is time, the time period from the current time to a predetermined time back can be "past", and when the parameter used for determination is distance, the distance backwards from the current travel distance (ODD value) by a predetermined distance can be "past". The first threshold can be appropriately set according to the length of "past" (predetermined time, predetermined distance) and with reference to whether the dirt on the vehicle sensor 130 has reached a level that requires cleaning (desiring to perform cleaning).

[0057] When the cleaning function setting unit 111 determines that the number of past cleanings manually performed by the designated driver is equal to or greater than the first threshold (step S304: Yes), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, when the cleaning function setting unit 111 determines that the number of past cleanings manually performed by the designated driver is less than the first threshold (step S304: No), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0058] Step S305

[0059] The cleaning function setting unit 111 of the control device 110 determines whether the number of times the system has automatically performed cleaning actions on the vehicle sensor 130 in the vehicle's driving area (specified driving area) specified in step S302 is equal to or greater than a second threshold. This determination is made to estimate the dirt on the vehicle sensor 130. Therefore, for example, when the parameter used for determination is time, the time period from the current time to a predetermined time back, or a specific time period such as a snowy winter or rainy season, can be considered "past". The second threshold can be appropriately set based on the length of "past" (predetermined time, winter, rainy season) and with reference to whether the dirt on the vehicle sensor 130 has reached a level requiring cleaning (desiring cleaning). The target number of cleaning actions can be specified only for the vehicle in the driving area, or multiple vehicles in the driving area, including the vehicle and other vehicles, can be the target number of cleaning actions. When multiple vehicles are the target, the number of cleaning actions can be the average, maximum, minimum, etc., of the multiple vehicles.

[0060] When the cleaning function setting unit 111 determines that the number of past cleanings automatically performed by the system in the designated driving area is equal to or greater than the second threshold (step S305: Yes), the process proceeds to step S306. On the other hand, when the cleaning function setting unit 111 determines that the number of past cleanings automatically performed by the system in the designated driving area is less than the second threshold (step S305: No), the automatic cleaning function setting control ends.

[0061] Step S306

[0062] The cleaning function setting unit 111 of the control device 110 determines whether a first time has elapsed since the automatic cleaning function was set to off. This determination is made to estimate how long the vehicle sensor 130 has not been cleaned. Therefore, the first time can be appropriately set based on whether the vehicle sensor 130 is dirty enough to require cleaning (desired cleaning).

[0063] When the cleaning function setting unit 111 determines that a first time has elapsed since the automatic cleaning function was set to off (step S306: Yes), the process proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, when the cleaning function setting unit 111 determines that a first time has not elapsed since the automatic cleaning function was set to off (step S306: No), the automatic cleaning function setting control ends.

[0064] Step S307

[0065] The notification control unit 115 of the control device 110 provides the vehicle user with information about the automatic cleaning function of the on-board sensor 130 installed in the vehicle and whether the automatic cleaning function is in the off state via the HMI device 150. The purpose of providing this information is to inform the vehicle user, who may not be aware that the automatic cleaning function is installed in the vehicle or that its settings can be customized. The information can be provided via text display only, audio output only, or both. When the notification control unit 115 provides information about the automatic cleaning function of the on-board sensor 130 and its settings, the process proceeds to step S308.

[0066] Step S308

[0067] The notification control unit 115 of the control device 110 suggests to the vehicle user via the HMI device 150 that the automatic cleaning function of the on-board sensor 130 be enabled. Considering that the vehicle user has already understood the automatic cleaning function and its settings through the explanation in step S307 above, the purpose of step S308 is to further encourage the vehicle user to change the settings. When the notification control unit 115 suggests enabling the automatic cleaning function, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0068] Step S309

[0069] The receiving unit 116 of the control device 110 determines, via the HMI device 150, whether permission (agreement) has been given to switch the setting of the automatic cleaning function from off to on, that is, whether the vehicle user, including the designated driver, has given an explicit instruction to set the automatic cleaning function of the on-board sensor 130 to on. This determination can be made after suggesting to turn on the automatic cleaning function in step S308 and waiting for a predetermined time.

[0070] When the receiving unit 116 determines that there is an instruction to set the automatic cleaning function to be turned on (step S309: Yes), the process proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, when the receiving unit 16 determines that there is no instruction to set the automatic cleaning function to be turned on, the automatic cleaning function setting control ends.

[0071] Step S310

[0072] The cleaning function setting unit 111 of the control device 110 sets the automatic cleaning function of the vehicle sensor 130 to be turned on. Therefore, when the vehicle sensor 130 becomes dirty, dirt is detected in the detection device (not shown), and the vehicle sensor 130 can be cleaned immediately. When the cleaning function setting unit 111 sets the automatic cleaning function to be turned on, the automatic cleaning function setting control ends.

[0073] In the above flowchart of the automatic cleaning function setting control, a determination is made regarding both the number of past cleanings manually performed by the designated driver (step S304) and the number of past cleanings automatically performed by the system in the designated driving area (step S305); however, a determination can be made regarding either one.

[0074] In the above flowchart of the automatic cleaning function setting control, the automatic cleaning function setting control ends when any of the following conditions are not met: the number of past cleanings manually performed by the designated driver (step S304); the number of past cleanings automatically performed by the system in the designated driving area (step S305); the time elapsed since the automatic cleaning function was set to off (step S306); and the existence of an instruction to set the automatic cleaning function to on (step S309). However, when these conditions are not met, the process can return to step S301, and the automatic cleaning function setting control can be repeated until the vehicle ignition is turned off (IG-OFF).

[0075] Operation and Effect

[0076] As described above, the vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a notification to a vehicle user, such as the driver, regarding the setting of switching the automatic cleaning function when the automatic cleaning function for cleaning the vehicle sensor 130 installed in the vehicle is set to off, and the dirt on the vehicle sensor 130 is estimated to be in a state of desired cleanliness based on information about past cleaning of the vehicle sensor 130 (number of times the driver manually cleans or the number of times the vehicle is automatically cleaned in the driving area).

[0077] Even when the automatic cleaning function is set to off without the vehicle user being aware that the operation of the vehicle sensor cleaning system 100 can be customized, the notification can still suggest the usefulness of the automatic cleaning function to the vehicle user and encourage the vehicle user to switch the function to the on setting. Therefore, it can be expected that the detection / sensing performance of the vehicle sensor 130 can be maintained with high accuracy.

[0078] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure can be applied to vehicle sensor cleaning systems, methods performed by vehicle sensor cleaning systems including processors and memory, control programs for performing the methods, computer-readable non-transitory storage media storing the control programs, and vehicles equipped with vehicle sensor cleaning systems.

[0079] For example, the vehicle sensor cleaning system according to this disclosure can be used in vehicles equipped with automatic cleaning devices for vehicle sensors.

Claims

1. An on-board sensor cleaning system installed in a vehicle, the on-board sensor cleaning system comprising: A cleaning unit configured to automatically or manually perform cleaning of onboard sensors installed in the vehicle; A setting unit is configured to set an automatic cleaning function to be turned on and off, the automatic cleaning function causing the cleaning unit to automatically perform the cleaning of the on-board sensors; A notification unit is configured to provide a notification regarding switching the setting of the automatic cleaning function when the setting unit sets the automatic cleaning function to off, based on information about past cleaning of the vehicle sensors; as well as An acquisition unit is configured to acquire information about past cleaning performed by another vehicle, wherein a notification unit provides a notification regarding switching the automatic cleaning function based on the number of past cleanings that have been automatically performed by the other vehicle in a predetermined driving area, the number of past cleanings being acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The information regarding past cleaning refers to the number of times the onboard sensors were manually cleaned in the past.

3. The vehicle sensor cleaning system of claim 2 further includes an identification unit configured to identify the driver of the vehicle, wherein the notification unit provides the driver with a notification regarding the setting of switching the automatic cleaning function based on the number of past cleanings manually performed by the driver as identified by the identification unit.

4. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The number of times the cleaning was performed in the past refers to the number of times the cleaning was performed within a predetermined time period or the number of times the cleaning was performed while traveling a predetermined distance.

5. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, When the number of past cleanings is equal to or greater than a first threshold, the notification unit provides the driver of the vehicle with a notification regarding the setting of switching the automatic cleaning function.

6. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The information regarding past cleaning refers to the number of times the onboard sensors automatically performed cleaning within the predetermined driving area.

7. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to claim 6, wherein, The number of times the cleaning was performed in the past refers to the number of times the cleaning was performed within a predetermined time period.

8. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, When the number of past cleanings is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the notification unit provides the driver of the vehicle with a notification regarding the setting of switching the automatic cleaning function.

9. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The notification unit does not provide the notification regarding the switching of the automatic cleaning function setting until a first time has elapsed after the setting unit switches the automatic cleaning function setting from on to off.

10. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The notification regarding the switching of the automatic cleaning function setting is a notification suggesting to the vehicle's driver that the automatic cleaning function setting be switched from off to on.

11. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The notification unit provides a notification via sound regarding the setting for switching the automatic cleaning function.

12. The vehicle sensor cleaning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive from the driver of the vehicle an instruction to switch the automatic cleaning function from off to on.

13. The vehicle-mounted sensor cleaning system according to claim 12, wherein, When the receiving unit receives an instruction from the driver of the vehicle to switch the automatic cleaning function from off to on, the setting unit sets the automatic cleaning function to on.

14. A method performed by a computer of a cleaning system, the cleaning system including a cleaning unit configured to automatically or manually perform cleaning of onboard sensors installed in a vehicle, the method comprising: The step of determining the switch setting state of the automatic cleaning function of the vehicle sensor that enables the cleaning unit to automatically perform the cleaning; When the automatic cleaning function is set to off, a step is provided to notify the user about switching the setting of the automatic cleaning function based on information about past cleaning of the vehicle sensors; as well as The step of obtaining information about past cleaning performed by another vehicle, wherein the notification regarding the setting of switching the automatic cleaning function is provided based on the number of past cleanings that have been automatically performed by the other vehicle in a predetermined driving area.

15. A storage medium storing a program executed by a computer of a cleaning system, the cleaning system including a cleaning unit configured to automatically or manually perform cleaning of onboard sensors installed in a vehicle, the program including: The step of determining the switch setting state of the automatic cleaning function of the vehicle sensor that enables the cleaning unit to automatically perform the cleaning; When the automatic cleaning function is set to off, a step is provided to notify the user about switching the setting of the automatic cleaning function based on information about past cleaning of the vehicle sensors; as well as The step of obtaining information about past cleaning performed by another vehicle, wherein the notification regarding the setting of switching the automatic cleaning function is provided based on the number of past cleanings that have been automatically performed by the other vehicle in a predetermined driving area.

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