Control device

Abstract

A control device is a control device for a vehicle, the control device including a control unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit, the control unit executing an operation including: setting, in the vehicle, a token-related pattern relating to the transmission and reception of tokens; and communicating with the other vehicle or other device via the communication unit according to the token association mode, and transmitting and receiving tokens between the vehicle and the other vehicle or other device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for ceding a road for oneself through vehicle-to-vehicle communication has been known (for example, refer to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0082590). Specifically, the present vehicle uses a mechanism such as CMMP tokens, and cedes a road for itself by delivering tokens of blockchain technology to a slow vehicle ahead. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the above background art, there is room for improvement in terms of smoothly promoting the ceding behavior.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure completed in view of these circumstances is to smoothly promote the ceding behavior.

[0005] A control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a control device for a vehicle, the control device includes a control unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit, the control unit performs an operation including the following: setting a token association mode related to the reception and transmission of tokens in the vehicle; and communicating with other vehicles or other devices via the communication unit according to the token association mode, and performing the reception and transmission of tokens between the vehicle and the other vehicles or the other devices.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ceding behavior can be smoothly promoted. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same components, where: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of a table of the number of tokens held. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of a ceding behavior table. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the information processing system in the case of setting the first token association mode. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation performed by the information processing system in the case of setting the second token association mode. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the information processing system S of the present embodiment. The information processing system S includes information processing devices 1, vehicles 2, and other vehicles 3 that can communicate with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, a mobile communication network, a fixed communication network, or the Internet.

[0009] In Figure 1 for ease of explanation, one information processing device 1, one vehicle 2, and one other vehicle 3 are each illustrated. However, the number of each of the information processing device 1, the vehicle 2, and the other vehicles 3 is not limited thereto. For example, the processing performed by the information processing device 1 of the present embodiment can be performed by a plurality of information processing devices 1 that are distributedly arranged. In the present embodiment, vehicle-to-vehicle communication CM can be directly or indirectly performed between the vehicle 2 and the other vehicles 3.

[0010] The information processing device 1 is provided in a facility such as a data center. The information processing device 1 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing systems.

[0011] The vehicle 2 and the other vehicles 3 include, for example, any type of automobile such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 2 and the other vehicles 3 are driven by a driver.

[0012] Refer to Figure 2 The internal configuration of the vehicle 2 will be described in detail. The vehicle 2 includes a control device 2A, an output unit 24, and an input unit 25. The control device 2A includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a storage unit 23. Each component of the vehicle 2 is communicatively connected to each other.

[0013] The control unit 21 includes, for example, one or more general-purpose processors, and the one or more general-purpose processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The controller 21 may include one or more dedicated processors for specific processing. The control unit 21 may also include one or more dedicated circuits instead of including processors. The dedicated circuit may be, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 21 may also include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control unit 21 transmits and receives arbitrary information via the communication unit 22.

[0014] The communication unit 22 includes a communication module for connecting to the network NW. The communication unit 22 may include modules corresponding to one or more mobile communication standards including LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 22 may include communication modules corresponding to one or more short-range communication standards or specifications including Bluetooth (registered trademark), Air Drop (registered trademark), IrDA, ZigBee (registered trademark), Felica (registered trademark), or RFID. The communication unit 22 transmits and receives arbitrary information via the network NW.

[0015] The storage unit 23 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or a combination of at least two of them, but is not limited thereto. The storage unit 23 may also function as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a buffer memory, for example. The storage unit 23 may store information on the results analyzed or processed by the control unit 21. The storage unit 23 may store various information related to the operation or control of the vehicle 2. The storage unit 23 is provided outside the vehicle 2 and can be accessed from the vehicle 2.

[0016] The output unit 24 is, for example, a display. The output unit 24 may also be connected to the vehicle 2 as an external output device instead of being provided by the vehicle 2. As a connection method, for example, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. The output unit 24 may be a touch panel. The output unit 24 may also be a speaker that outputs information by sound, etc.

[0017] The input unit 25 is, for example, a microphone, a physical keyboard, a capacitive keyboard, a pointing device, or a touch screen provided integrally with the display. The input unit 25 accepts operations for inputting information used in the operation of the vehicle 2. The input unit 25 may also be connected to the vehicle 2 as an external input device instead of being provided by the vehicle 2.

[0018] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 may be the same as the hardware configuration of the control device 2A. The hardware configuration of the other vehicle 3 may be the same as the hardware configuration of the vehicle 2.

[0019] Hereinafter, an outline of the information processing method executed in the information processing system S will be described. 1. Conditions for obtaining incentives

[0020] When communication or transfer behavior is performed using vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the vehicle 2 or the user of the vehicle 2 will obtain an incentive. Specifically, an incentive is obtained in the following cases. (1) Transfer behavior via vehicle-to-vehicle communication · When making a judgment to cede the road by receiving a request from another vehicle 3 through communication during lane change, merging, passing, or turning left or right, etc. · When stopping and ceding when the presence of another vehicle 3 entering the crossroad from off-road facilities is received through communication. · When sending a clear ceding intention message during passing on a narrow road, etc. (2) Hazard avoidance through vehicle-to-vehicle communication · When requesting ceding and contributing to avoiding forced cutting in. · When notifying the presence of the vehicle 2 to another vehicle 3 outside the line of sight. (3) Thanks via vehicle-to-vehicle communication (4) Apology through vehicle-to-vehicle communication (5) Contribution to energy saving through vehicle-to-vehicle communication (6) Communication with traffic vulnerable groups (7) Encouragement via vehicle-to-vehicle communication

[0021] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the case of vehicle-to-vehicle communication is described. However, as an alternative example, communication can also be performed between vehicle 2 and a device operated by a non-motor vehicle or a pedestrian. 2. Conditions for Imposing Penalties

[0022] When an act that is adverse to safe driving or the development of traffic culture occurs, a penalty can be imposed on the user of vehicle 2. 3. Types of Incentives and Means of Provision

[0023] The incentives given to the user include tokens. The embodiments in the case of giving tokens are described in detail below. 4. Contents of Data Stored in Information Processing Device 1 or Storage Unit 23

[0024] The contents of the data stored in information processing device 1 or storage unit 23 are as follows. (1) Vehicle detection data collected in the existing DCM (2) Basic information of the communication partner (e.g., the other vehicle ID, vehicle speed, location information, etc.) (3) Contents of the communication (4) Ceding behavior-related information (e.g., ceding vehicle ID, ceding behavior category ID, behavior occurrence location information (location, intersection information), ceding behavior occurrence time, metrics corresponding to the communication service ID) Examples of the metrics corresponding to the communication service ID are as follows. · In the case of ceding during lane change or merging, the vehicle distance, deceleration, lane change completion time, etc. · In the case of oncoming approach notification, the braking reaction time, stop position, deceleration, etc. 5. Communication Methods in Information Processing System S

[0025] The communication methods in information processing system S are as follows. (1) Use a mobile operation line or the like mounted on vehicle 2 or other vehicle 3 to indirectly transmit and receive information between vehicle 2 and other vehicle 3 via information processing device 1. (2) Use the Internet line of a mobile terminal connected to vehicle 2 or other vehicle 3. (3) Send information to roadside equipment through vehicle-road communication, and indirectly send the information to other vehicle 3 via the roadside equipment and the Internet, etc. The frequency band of vehicle-road communication is the same frequency band as vehicle-to-vehicle communication or a different frequency band from vehicle-to-vehicle communication. (4) Directly transmit and receive information between vehicle 2 and other vehicle 3 in the vehicle-to-vehicle communication frequency band. 6. Association between Vehicle Information and User Information

[0026] The association between vehicle information and user information is as follows. (1) When the user terminal (such as a smartphone) is connected to vehicle 2, the vehicle ID is associated with the user information within a dedicated application. (2) A QR code representing the vehicle ID is displayed on the output unit 24 of vehicle 2, and the dedicated application of the user terminal is used to read the QR code, thereby making the association. (3) When boarding vehicle 2, the user's unique user ID is input into the input unit 25 of vehicle 2. 7. Types of communication

[0027] The types of communication are as follows. (1) Attracting attention: Head-on attention attraction, assistance for left and right turns, approach notification for vulnerable road users (2) Information provision: Notification of approach or presence (XX approaching, XX entering standby, etc.), request for yielding (Please let my vehicle drive in front of your vehicle, etc.), yielding signal (Please go ahead, etc.). 8. Communication interface

[0028] The communication interface is as follows. (1) Messages such as thanks, apology, greeting, or like are displayed on the output unit 24. (2) Sound expression (3) Highlighting of the message recipient 9. Details of the information processing method related to tokens

[0029] The information processing method in the case of receiving and sending tokens will be described in detail. Here, by communicating and sending and receiving electronic tokens between multiple vehicles, it promotes users of driving vehicle 2 or other vehicle 3 to make yielding behaviors. The tokens received and sent can be electronically distributed from an enterprise side or service providing side such as a vehicle manufacturer or an insurance company. As an alternative example, the tokens can be purchased by users or generated through mining, etc. When the user of vehicle 2 holds tokens, in order to convey thanks or request yielding driving during driving, the user can send the tokens to the other user. Since the tokens received from the user of other vehicle 3 will become their own tokens, the user of vehicle 2 can use the received tokens to further request yielding from other users.

[0030] As Figure 3 shown, the number of tokens held is stored in association with the vehicle ID of each vehicle. As an additional example or alternative example, the number of tokens held can be stored in association with the user ID of each user. The driver of vehicle 2 is user P01. The driver of other vehicle 3 is user P02.

[0031] The user of vehicle 2 can set any one of the next token association modes related to the receipt and transmission of tokens via the input unit 25 of vehicle 2 before or during driving.

[0032] First token association mode: It represents a mode in which, on the condition of sending tokens to other vehicle 3, it is hoped to give priority to ceding the road for oneself. Second token association mode: It represents a mode in which, on the condition of sending tokens to oneself, the road is ceded first. Third token association mode: It represents a mode in which it is difficult to cede the road even if tokens are sent to oneself. Fourth token association mode: It represents a mode in which when the road is ceded for oneself and a token is requested, tokens are sent, or if tokens are sent to oneself, the road is ceded.

[0033] The token association mode only needs to show the driver's mental state, driving skills, etc., and can be set arbitrarily. The set content is stored in the storage unit 23 or the information processing device 1.

[0034] For example, the first token association mode indicates that the user P01 of vehicle 2 is in a hurry. When vehicle 2 that has set the first token association mode requests other surrounding vehicles 3 to cede through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, by conveying the meaning that it will send the tokens it holds and hopes the other party will cede, it can promote the ceding driving of other vehicle 3. In this case, whether other vehicle 3 cedes the road for vehicle 2 depends on the driver of other vehicle 3.

[0035] The second token association mode indicates that the user P01 is driving leisurely. When vehicle 2 that has set the second token association mode requests ceding from surrounding vehicles through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, it will surely cede the road on the condition of token receipt and transmission. In the case of receiving a ceding request from other vehicle 3 that has set the first token association mode, vehicle 2 automatically agrees to the request. In the case of receiving a ceding request from other vehicle 3 that has not set the first token association mode, vehicle 2 can send a message requesting tokens to other vehicle 3. When vehicle 2 agrees to the request from other vehicle 3, it will surely perform the ceding behavior. In the case where vehicle 2 receives tokens from other vehicle 3 and agrees to the request but does not perform the ceding behavior, vehicle 2 will be given a penalty (i.e., punishment). As an alternative example, vehicle 2 can also perform the ceding behavior automatically according to the surrounding conditions through autonomous driving.

[0036] The third token association mode indicates that the user P01 is a beginner and has no spare capacity for driving, or the user P01 is unhappy and does not want to cede the road, etc.

[0037] The fourth token association mode indicates that one does not strongly request the sending of tokens, but if tokens can be obtained, then obtain them.

[0038] The set token association mode is stored in the storage unit 23 of the vehicle 2. As an additional example or an alternative example, the token association mode may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with the vehicle 2.

[0039] When the vehicle 2 requests another vehicle 3 to perform a transfer behavior for it, the vehicle 2 sends tokens to the other vehicle 3 via the communication unit 22. The sent tokens are stored in the other vehicle 3. As an additional example or an alternative example, the tokens may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with the other vehicle 3.

[0040] As Figure 4 shown, in the case where a transfer behavior has been performed, at least one of the following information may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association. · Transferring vehicle ID · Transferred vehicle ID · Category of transfer behavior · Location where the transfer behavior occurs (location information, intersection information, etc.) · Time when the transfer behavior occurs · Number of tokens received and sent

[0041] The vehicle 2 may set a minimum level for the amount of tokens received and sent, but may not set an upper limit. Tokens in an amount set in advance on the user side may be sent. The setting content is stored in the vehicle 2. As an additional example or an alternative example, the setting content may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with the vehicle 2.

[0042] The number of tokens held by each vehicle is stored in the storage unit of each vehicle. As an alternative example, the number of tokens held by each vehicle may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with each vehicle.

[0043] After determining the number of tokens held by Vehicle 2, Vehicle 2 can restrict the configurable token association modes among multiple token association modes according to the number of tokens held. For example, when the number of tokens held is lower than a preset reference value or Vehicle 2 does not hold any tokens, Vehicle 2 cannot perform the entrustment of transfer and the setting of at least some token association modes. As an additional example or an alternative example, when Vehicle 2 detects that the number of tokens held by Vehicle 2 is lower than the reference value during driving, it can cancel the setting of the set token association mode. In this case, the token association mode will not be set again until the user makes a re-setting after the next stop of Vehicle 2 (i.e., the IG-OFF state). As an alternative example, the token association mode can be changed to a state where only tokens can be received, and when the tokens exceed the preset value again during driving through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, it will automatically change to the first token association mode. In this case, Vehicle 2 can send tokens again and send an entrustment of transfer. According to this configuration, Vehicle 2 can prevent the contradiction that Vehicle 2 has promised to send tokens but has no tokens to send.

[0044] Vehicle 2 can report to user P01 the situation of receiving or sending tokens via the output unit 24 in the form of a notification sound or a screen display. Vehicle 2 can perform a cut-in process for token reception and transmission in the service sequence of normal vehicle-to-vehicle communication when receiving a request for token transmission from another vehicle 3 that has set the second token association mode. When Vehicle 2 performs the reception and transmission of tokens, if the tokens have the nature of virtual currency, it sends a message to other vehicle 3 requesting not only the vehicle ID but also the wallet ID, etc. This cut-in process is set with a lower priority than the notification with a higher urgency such as an emergency warning that is closer to the surrounding vehicles.

[0045] Vehicle 2 can visualize the token holding status of other surrounding vehicles 3 for user P01 through a screen display or the like in the output unit 24.

[0046] There may be situations where, due to abnormal vehicle-to-vehicle communication, although token reception and transmission are agreed upon, the tokens do not arrive, or the reply indicating the intention of transfer does not reach the other party, etc. In this case, when vehicle 2 performs vehicle-to-vehicle communication via network communication on a cellular line, since the vehicle ID of the communication partner can be maintained at the moment of communication handshake, when the communication state is restored, communication is restarted with the vehicle ID again. With this configuration, vehicle 2 can prevent omissions in token reception and transmission. On the other hand, when vehicle 2 performs vehicle-to-vehicle communication using direct communication between vehicles, it is sometimes difficult to restore the communication state. However, vehicle 2 can send tokens via the Internet when connected to a vehicle-road communication infrastructure that can be connected to the network. As an additional example or alternative example, vehicle 2 can record in storage unit 23 the situation where tokens should be sent through direct communication between vehicles but this cannot be achieved well, and send this record to information processing device 1 via the Internet. With this configuration, vehicle 2 can receive subsequent countermeasures such as guarantees from the manufacturer, etc. later.

[0047] In Figure 5 it, a flowchart showing the actions performed by information processing system S when the first token association mode is set in vehicle 2 is described.

[0048] In S1, vehicle 2 sets the first token association mode. In S2, vehicle 2 requests a transfer action from other vehicle 3 via communication unit 22. In S3, other vehicle 3 receives from user P02 the selection of whether to grant the requested transfer action. When it is "yes" in S3, other vehicle 3 notifies vehicle 2 of the grant in S4. In S5, other vehicle 3 performs the transfer action. On the other hand, when it is "no" in S3, other vehicle 3 does not perform S4.

[0049] In S6, vehicle 2 sends tokens to other vehicle 3 via communication unit 22. In S7, other vehicle 3 receives the tokens from vehicle 2 and stores them in the storage unit or information processing device 1.

[0050] In Figure 6 it, a flowchart showing the actions performed by information processing system S when the second token association mode is set in vehicle 2 is described.

[0051] In S11, vehicle 2 sets the second token association mode. In S12, other vehicle 3 requests a transfer action from vehicle 2 via the communication unit. Vehicle 2 notifies other vehicle 3 of the grant in S13 and performs the transfer action in S14. In S15, other vehicle 3 sends tokens to vehicle 2 via the communication unit. In S16, vehicle 2 receives the tokens via communication unit 22 and stores them in storage unit 23 or information processing device 1.

[0052] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operation execution of the control unit 21 includes operations including: setting a token association mode related to the receipt and transmission of tokens for the vehicle 2. In addition, the operation execution of the control unit 21 includes operations including: communicating with other vehicles 3 or other devices via the communication unit 22 according to the token association mode, and executing the receipt and transmission of tokens between the vehicle 2 and other vehicles 3 or other devices. According to this configuration, the control device 2A can send tokens as an incentive to the participants in the communication. Therefore, the transfer behavior can be smoothly promoted, thereby providing impetus for the development of traffic culture and the reduction of driver stress, etc.

[0053] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the token association mode includes at least one of the following modes: a mode indicating that, on the condition of sending tokens to other vehicles 3, it is desired to give priority to ceding the road for oneself; a mode indicating that, on the condition of sending tokens to oneself, the road is ceded first; a mode indicating that it is difficult to cede the road even if tokens are sent to oneself; a mode indicating that if tokens are requested, tokens are sent, or if tokens are sent to oneself, the road is ceded. With this configuration, the control device 2A can show the intention of the vehicle 2, so smooth communication can be achieved.

[0054] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the operation of the control unit 21 includes: determining the number of tokens held by the vehicle 2; and restricting the token association modes that can be set among the multiple token association modes according to the number of tokens held. With this configuration, the control device 2A limits the modes that can be selected by the vehicle, so the communication can be made smoother.

[0055] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the communication between the vehicle 2 and other vehicles 3 or other devices is directly executed, or indirectly executed via roadside equipment or the information processing device 1. With this configuration, the control device 2A can reliably execute the communication.

[0056] Although the present disclosure has been described based on the respective drawings and embodiments, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can also make various deformations and changes according to the present disclosure. In addition, changes within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure are possible. For example, the functions included in each means or each step can be reconfigured in a logically non-contradictory manner, and multiple means or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0057] For example, in the above-described embodiment, a program that executes all or part of the functions or processes of the information processing apparatus 1 may be pre-recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The distribution of the program is performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a removable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) that records the program. In addition, the distribution of the program may also be performed by pre-storing the program in a storage of an arbitrary server and sending the program from an arbitrary server to other computers. In addition, the program may also be provided as a program product. The present disclosure may also be implemented as a program executable by a processor.

Claims

1. A control device, which is a control device of a vehicle, The control device comprises a control unit, a communication unit and a storage unit. The control unit performs actions including the following: Setting a token association mode related to sending and receiving tokens in the vehicle; and In the token-related mode, the vehicle communicates with another vehicle or another device via the communication unit, and tokens are sent and received between the vehicle and the other vehicle or the other device.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The token association mode includes at least one of the following modes: Indicates a mode where the user wishes to give priority to the other vehicle by sending tokens to the other vehicle; Indicates a mode where the road is given priority in exchange for sending tokens to oneself; A mode that indicates that it is difficult to give up the road even if you send tokens to yourself; and Indicates the mode of sending tokens if requested, or giving up the way if sending tokens to oneself.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The actions include the following: Determining the number of tokens held by the vehicle; and According to the number of tokens held, the configurable token association modes among the plurality of token association modes are limited.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein: The communication between the vehicle and the other vehicles or the other devices is performed directly or indirectly via roadside equipment or an information processing device.

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