Vehicle notification device

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle notification device capable of suppressing forgetting of a setting change of an associated device accompanying a setting change of a specific device (21). A vehicle notification device (100) is provided with: a changing unit (111) that changes the setting of specific equipment (21), which is predetermined specific equipment among equipment provided in a vehicle (1); and a notification unit (116) that, when the setting of the specific equipment (21) has been changed, notifies an occupant (P) of the vehicle (1) that a change in the setting of associated equipment, which is the equipment associated with the specific equipment (21), is made.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle notification device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, initiatives to provide sustainable transportation systems that take into account vulnerable groups among transportation participants such as the elderly, disabled, and children have become increasingly active. To achieve this goal, research and development efforts are focused on further improving the safety and convenience of transportation through developments related to vehicle habitability.

[0003] As one of the developments related to the habitability of vehicles, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle comprising: a seat disposed inside the vehicle and configured to be at least partially movable; a projection device capable of projecting images onto the walls inside the vehicle; and a control unit that acquires the state of the seat and controls the projection position of the projection device, changing the projection position of the projection device in accordance with the state of the seat.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-083204 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] As described in Patent Document 1 regarding the seat and projection device, a vehicle may be equipped with specific equipment and related equipment whose settings may need to be changed in conjunction with changes to the settings of the specific equipment. However, occupants may forget to change the settings of the related equipment in accordance with changes to the settings of the specific equipment.

[0010] This application aims to solve the aforementioned problems by preventing the forgetting of settings changes for associated equipment that accompany settings changes for specific equipment. Furthermore, it contributes to the development of sustainable transport systems.

[0011] means for solving problems

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle notification device is provided, comprising: a modification unit that modifies the setting of a predetermined specific piece of equipment, i.e., a specific piece of equipment, installed in the vehicle's equipment; and a notification unit that, when the setting of the specific piece of equipment is changed, notifies the occupants of the vehicle to urge them to modify the setting of the equipment associated with the specific piece of equipment, i.e., an associated piece of equipment.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the forgetting of setting changes of associated equipment that accompany setting changes of specific equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the vehicle.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of a vehicle notification device equipped in a vehicle.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the occupant information database (DB).

[0018] Figure 4 This is an example of a user interface.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an example of a screen showing a change in recommendations.

[0020] Figure 6 This is an example of the second change recommendation screen.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle notification device. Detailed Implementation

[0022] (Implementation Method)

[0023] [1. Structure]

[0024] Reference Figure 1 The structure of vehicle 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of vehicle 1.

[0026] Figure 1 The vehicle 1 shown is a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0027] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a driver's seat 21, a passenger seat 13, and a rear seat 14. Figure 1 In vehicle 1, the occupant P, who is the driver, is shown sitting in the driver's seat.

[0028] Vehicle 1 has a right front door 15, a left front door 16 and two rear doors 17. By opening the right front door 15, the left front door 16 and the two rear doors 17, one can enter and exit the vehicle's interior space.

[0029] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle notification device 100, which notifies when the settings of the driver's seat 21 are changed, prompting a change in the settings of the equipment associated with the driver's seat 21.

[0030] The driver's seat 21 is configured to allow for adjustments to the seat's vertical position, fore-aft position, and backrest angle. The driver's seat 21 is a seating area for the occupant P of the vehicle 1, and may also be referred to as an electric seat or driver's seat. The driver's seat 21 corresponds to an example of "specific equipment."

[0031] The driver's seat 21 has a seat control element 21A for the occupant P to operate in order to change the settings of the driver's seat 21. The seat control element 21A can be a switch or a lever. The seat control element 21A corresponds to an example of an "operation element".

[0032] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a steering wheel 22, side mirrors 23, a head-up display (HUD) 24, an interior rearview mirror 29, louvers 12, and an instrument cluster 27, as an example of related equipment that reduces the functionality of the occupant P when the settings of the driver's seat 21 are changed. The steering wheel 22, side mirrors 23, HUD 24, interior rearview mirror 29, louvers 12, and instrument cluster 27 correspond to an example of "related equipment".

[0033] When the positional relationship between the steering wheel 22 and the driver's seat 21 is not appropriate, the operability of the steering wheel 22 by the occupant P decreases. In particular, the steering wheel 22 is equipment used for steering the vehicle 1 while it is in motion. The steering wheel 22 corresponds to an example of a "specific associated equipment" associated with the driving of the vehicle 1 based on the occupant P.

[0034] When the positional relationship between the side mirror 23 and the driver's seat 21 is not appropriate, the occupant P's visual confirmation of the situation outside the vehicle decreases. In particular, the side mirror 23 is equipment used to confirm the situation outside the vehicle while the vehicle 1 is in motion. The side mirror 23 corresponds to an example of a specific piece of equipment, namely a "specific associated equipment," that is associated with the movement of the vehicle 1 based on the occupant P.

[0035] In addition, when the positional relationship between HUD24 and driver's seat 21 is not appropriate, it is difficult for occupant P to observe the display.

[0036] Furthermore, when the positional relationship between the interior rearview mirror 29 and the driver's seat 21 is not appropriate, the visual confirmation of the rear side of the cabin and the rear outside the vehicle decreases.

[0037] Furthermore, when the louver 12 is not positioned properly relative to the driver's seat 21, wind will blow onto unwanted body parts of the occupant P, reducing comfort.

[0038] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a speaker 26 and a touch panel 25 for display audio (DA). The speaker 26 corresponds to an example of a "notification unit". The touch panel 25 corresponds to an example of a "display unit".

[0039] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the vehicle notification device 100.

[0040] The vehicle notification device 100 is connected to a communication device 40, a driver's seat 21, a side mirror 23, a head-up display (HUD) 24, a touch panel 25, a speaker 26, an instrument cluster 27, an in-vehicle camera 28, and an air conditioning unit 41. Furthermore, the devices connected to the vehicle notification device 100 are not limited to these; other types of devices can also be connected.

[0041] Communication device 40 is a communication unit that has a transmitter and a receiver and a control unit for communication control. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the communication device 40 performs communication with the portable communication terminal 90 held by the occupant P.

[0042] The HUD24 and touch panel25 display various information under the control of the vehicle notification device 100.

[0043] Speaker 26 outputs various voices under the control of vehicle notification device 100.

[0044] The in-vehicle camera 28, under the control of the vehicle notification device 100, captures images of at least a portion of the passenger compartment P and outputs the captured images to the vehicle notification device 100.

[0045] The air conditioning unit 41 is a device that includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a four-way valve, and a control unit for controlling the air conditioning of the air conditioning unit 41, and that provides air conditioning for the vehicle cabin space. Air that has undergone heat exchange by the air conditioning unit 41 flows into the vehicle cabin space through the aforementioned louvers 12.

[0046] The vehicle notification device 100 includes a processor 110 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a memory 120, and interface circuitry for connecting other devices and sensors. The memory 120 corresponds to an example of a "storage unit".

[0047] Memory 120 is a storage device for storing programs and data. Memory 120 stores control program 121, occupant information database 122, and data processed by processor 110. Memory 120 has non-volatile storage areas. Alternatively, memory 120 may also have volatile storage areas, constituting the working area of ​​processor 110. Memory 120 may be composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0048] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the occupant information DB122.

[0049] In the occupant information DB122, driver's position information 123 and occupant information 124 are recorded for each specific occupant P registered in vehicle 1. A specific occupant P refers to the owner of vehicle 1, a sharer who uses vehicle 1 with that owner, etc. A specific occupant P corresponds to an example of "specific occupant".

[0050] The driver position information 123 contains information on the settings of the driver's seat 21 and steering wheel 22, each uniquely identifying a specific occupant P according to their respective occupant ID (identifier). The settings of the driver's seat 21 and steering wheel 22 are predetermined by the occupant P.

[0051] The occupant information 124 includes interest information 125 representing the interests of occupant P, and characteristic information 126 representing the physical characteristics of occupant P.

[0052] Occupant P's preferences include, for example, whether he frequently observes the HUD 24 while the vehicle 1 is in motion, whether he is concerned about the air conditioning 41 blowing on his face, whether he is concerned about the flashing of the instrument panel 27, and whether he frequently adjusts the rearview mirror 29, etc. Occupant P's preferences information 125 is pre-recorded in occupant information DB 122 based on occupant P's preset settings. In this embodiment, based on occupant P's aforementioned preferences, occupant information DB 122 records, for each piece of equipment, whether a change in the settings of the driver's seat 21 will be notified and urged via the notification unit 116 (described later) as preference information 125.

[0053] The physical characteristics of occupant P refer to the physique of occupant P. For example, the physique of occupant P refers to its sitting height. Characteristic information 126 includes the sitting height value of occupant P as information about its physique. This information about occupant P's physique is pre-recorded in occupant information DB122, for example, by pre-determining based on images captured by the in-vehicle camera 28 and by pre-setting occupant P.

[0054] The processor 110 reads and executes the control program 121 stored in the memory 120, and functions as the seat change unit 111, steering wheel change unit 112, rearview mirror change unit 113, HUD change unit 114, setting confirmation unit 115, notification unit 116, occupant identification unit 117, update unit 118, and display control unit 119.

[0055] The seat change unit 111 changes the position setting of the driver's seat 21 by operating the seat operation member 21A, which is operated by the occupant P, to change the setting of the driver's seat 21, or by inputting through the touch panel 25.

[0056] The seat changing unit 111 controls the drive of an electric motor (not shown) provided with the driver's seat 21 to change the setting of the backrest angle and the fore-and-aft position of the seat surface of the driver's seat 21.

[0057] The seat change unit 111 also functions as a unit that detects occupant P's operation when the setting of the driver's seat 21 has been changed. The seat change unit 111 corresponds to an example of a "change unit".

[0058] The steering wheel change unit 112 changes the position setting of the steering wheel 22 according to the input of the touch panel 25 operated by the occupant P for changing the setting of the steering wheel 22.

[0059] The steering wheel adjustment unit 112 controls the driving of an adjustment mechanism (not shown) on the steering wheel 22 to change the fore-and-aft position and height settings of the steering wheel 22. The adjustment mechanism can be a tilting mechanism or a telescopic mechanism.

[0060] When an instruction is received to change the settings to correspond to the driver's position information 123, the seat changing unit 111 and the steering wheel changing unit 112 change the settings of the driver's seat 21 and the steering wheel 22 to correspond to the driver's position information 123 according to the instruction. The settings corresponding to the driver's position information 123 refer to, for example... Figure 3 The positions of the driver's seat 21 and steering wheel 22 are predetermined in relation to a specific occupant P.

[0061] The instructions corresponding to the driver's position information 123 are then described in detail. When the occupant identification unit 117 identifies a specific occupant P and enters the vehicle 1, the instructions are sent from the occupant identification unit 117.

[0062] The rearview mirror adjustment unit 113 changes the position setting of the side rearview mirror 23 according to the input from the touch panel 25 operated by the occupant P for changing the setting of the side rearview mirror 23. The rearview mirror adjustment unit 113 changes the up-down, left-right, and forward-backward angle settings of the side rearview mirror 23 by controlling the drive of an electric motor (not shown) connected to the side rearview mirror 23.

[0063] The HUD adjustment unit 114 changes the settings of HUD 24 according to input from the touch panel 25 operated by the occupant P for changing the settings of HUD 24. The HUD adjustment unit 114 changes the height and illumination angle settings of HUD 24 by controlling the drive of an electric motor (not shown) provided with HUD 24. Furthermore, the HUD adjustment unit 114 changes the brightness setting of the display of HUD 24 by controlling the brightness of a light-emitting part (not shown) provided with HUD 24.

[0064] The setting determination unit 115 determines recommended settings and a second recommended setting for the steering wheel 22 and side mirror 23 corresponding to the setting of the driver's seat 21 based on the occupant information 124 related to the occupant P determined by the occupant identification unit 117 and the degree of setting changes made to the driver's seat 21 by the seat changing unit 111. The recommended settings and the second recommended settings are pre-stored in the memory 120.

[0065] The degree to which the seat changing unit 111 changes the settings of the driver's seat 21 is, for example, the following change value, which indicates how much the angle of the backrest of the driver's seat 21 has been changed, or how much the position of the seat surface has been changed in terms of fore-aft or height, by the seat changing unit 111.

[0066] Recommended settings refer to the settings of specific associated equipment related to the driving of vehicle 1 based on occupant P, which are recommended in conjunction with changes to the settings of driver's seat 21.

[0067] For example, consider a scenario where the driver's seat 21 is tilted back. In this case, the distance between the occupant P and the steering wheel 22 increases. Therefore, lowering the steering wheel 22 to bring it closer to the occupant P is the recommended setting.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, in this case, the position of the occupant P's eyes is shifted downwards, so the setting of changing the angle of the side mirror 23 on the driver's seat 21 to the downward side is a recommended setting.

[0069] Thus, from the viewpoint of avoiding a decrease in the functionality of the associated equipment for occupant P due to changes in the position setting of the driver's seat 21, a recommended setting is appropriately determined in advance based on the relationship between the occupant P's physical information shown in the feature information 126 included in the occupant information 124 and the degree of change in the setting of the driver's seat 21.

[0070] Furthermore, if passenger P is a specific passenger P recorded in passenger information DB122, and the HUD24 is configured to notify via notification unit 116 based on passenger P's interest information shown in interest information 125 included in passenger information 124, the setting determination unit 115 determines a second recommended setting for HUD24. The second recommended setting corresponds to an example of "recommended setting".

[0071] For example, if there is a change in the setting such that the backrest of the driver's seat 21 is tilted backward, the position of the occupant P's eyes will shift downward. Therefore, the setting of raising the illumination angle of the HUD 24 upward or raising the height of the HUD 24 becomes the second recommended setting.

[0072] When the setting determination unit 115 determines the recommended setting and the second recommended setting, it generates recommended setting information representing the determined recommended setting and the second recommended setting, and outputs it to the notification unit 116.

[0073] When the seat change unit 111 detects a change in the setting of the driver's seat 21, the notification unit 116 causes the display control unit 119 to display the change recommendation screen G2 and the second change recommendation screen G3, which will be described later. In this way, the occupant P is notified to change the setting of the associated equipment whose function has been reduced due to the change in the setting of the driver's seat 21.

[0074] Furthermore, if the driver's seat 21 settings are changed via a unit other than the main notification touch panel 25, the notification unit 116 will make the notification content different from the case where the driver's seat 21 settings are changed via the touch panel 25.

[0075] Specifically, when the settings of the driver's seat 21 are changed via the seat operation 21A provided on the driver's seat 21, the notification unit 116 prompts the occupant P to look at the touch panel 25 via the speaker 26, and outputs a voice prompt to change the settings of the associated equipment. This voice prompt may be, for example, a reading of the phrase "Look at the touch panel and change other settings." Therefore, even though it is highly likely that the occupant P will not be looking at the touch panel 25 when changing the settings of the driver's seat 21 via the seat operation 21A, notification via voice output easily conveys the notification based on the screen display described later to the occupant P.

[0076] The occupant identification unit 117 identifies and authenticates whether the occupant is a specific occupant P based on key information sent from the portable communication terminal 90 held by occupant P. The key information refers to information indicating that the portable communication terminal 90 is associated with a specific occupant ID.

[0077] like Figure 1As shown, the occupant identification unit 117 identifies a specific occupant P and allows them to board the vehicle 1 through communication between the communication device 40 and the portable communication terminal 90. Figure 1 In the diagram, a specific occupant P is shown approaching vehicle 1 with the intention of carrying a portable communication terminal 90, indicated by a double-dotted line. For example, when vehicle 1 is locked, the occupant identification unit 117 identifies that a specific occupant P intends to board the vehicle. After identifying and authenticating occupant P, the ECU (engine control unit) (not shown) of vehicle 1 unlocks vehicle 1.

[0078] Examples of portable communication terminals include smart keys, FOB (Free On Board) keys, smartphones, and smartwatches.

[0079] After identifying a specific occupant P, the occupant identification unit 117 determines the driving position information 123 and occupant information 124 of the corresponding occupant P from the occupant information DB122.

[0080] The occupant identification unit 117 corresponds to an example of the "occupant information determination unit".

[0081] After obtaining the driver position information 123, the occupant identification unit 117 sends instructions to the seat change unit 111 and the steering wheel change unit 112 to set the driver's seat 21 and steering wheel 22 as shown in the driver position information 123.

[0082] The update unit 118 updates the settings of the driver's seat 21 and steering wheel 22 in the occupant information DB122 to the current settings of the driver's seat 21 and steering wheel 22 according to the input via the touch panel 25, which will be described in detail later.

[0083] The display control unit 119 displays images or receives input from the occupant P via the touch panel 25.

[0084] The display control unit 119 displays an operation screen G1 that allows for changing the settings of the driver's seat 21, steering wheel 22, side mirror 23, and HUD 24.

[0085] Figure 4 This diagram shows an example of an operation screen G1 displayed by the display control unit 119 via the touch panel 25. The vertical and horizontal directions of the operation screen G1 on the touch panel 25 correspond to the vertical and horizontal directions in the diagram.

[0086] The operation screen G1 is a screen that accepts input from the occupant P to change the settings of the driver's seat 21, steering wheel 22, side mirror 23 and HUD 24.

[0087] The operation screen G1 displays a software button with the string "1" (Setting Button B1) and a software button with the string "2" (Setting Button B2) in the upper left corner. For example, after changing the settings of the driver's seat 21, if Setting Button B1 is pressed, and then Setting Button B2 is pressed within a specified time (e.g., 5 seconds), the update unit 118 updates the driver's position information 123 to the changed settings of the driver's seat 21. Setting Buttons B1 and B2 are setting buttons and memory buttons used in the so-called driver's position system for saving the settings of the driver's seat 21.

[0088] On the left side of the G1 screen, from top to bottom, the following software buttons are displayed in sequence: seat selection button B3 with the string "driver's seat", rearview mirror selection button B4 with the string "side mirror", steering wheel selection button B5 with the string "steering wheel", and HUD selection button B6 with the string "HUD".

[0089] The seat selection button B3 is a button that switches to a screen displaying control icons, which are software buttons that allow the settings of the driver's seat 21 to be changed through prescribed operations (e.g., swipe or swipe).

[0090] Steering wheel selection button B5 is a button that switches to a screen displaying control icons, which are software buttons that allow the settings of steering wheel 22 to be changed through prescribed operations (e.g., sliding or swiping).

[0091] HUD selection button B6 is a button that switches to a screen displaying control icons, which are software buttons that allow users to change the settings of HUD24 through specified operations (such as swiping or swiping).

[0092] The rearview mirror selection button B4 is a button that switches to displaying the operation icon IC1, which is a software button that allows the settings of the side rearview mirror 23 to be changed through a specified operation (e.g., a sliding operation or a swiping operation).

[0093] exist Figure 4 The operation screen G1 shown indicates that the rearview mirror selection button B4 is selected. In this state, the frame of the rearview mirror selection button B4 is larger than that of the other seat selection buttons B3, steering wheel selection buttons B5, and HUD selection buttons B6, and is displayed with a solid line. Therefore, the occupant P can easily identify that this is the operation screen G1 for changing the settings of the side rearview mirror 23.

[0094] In addition, the operation screen G1 displays the left rearview mirror selection button B7 and the right rearview mirror selection button B8. The left rearview mirror selection button B7 is a software button that selects the operation of the left side rearview mirror 23L and has the string "L". The right rearview mirror selection button B8 is a software button that selects the operation of the right side rearview mirror 23R and has the string "R".

[0095] exist Figure 4 The operation screen G1 shown indicates that the right rearview mirror selection button B8 is selected. In this state, the frame of the right rearview mirror selection button B8 is larger than that of the left rearview mirror selection button B7, and it is displayed with a solid line. Thus, the occupant P can easily identify that the operation screen G1 is for changing the settings of the right side rearview mirror 23.

[0096] In addition, on the right side of the operation icon IC1, the operation screen G1 displays guidance information J1 indicating how to operate the operation icon IC1. The guidance information J1 contains the string "Please slide the touch panel to adjust".

[0097] The operation screen G1 displays a software button, namely the end button B9, with the string "End" in the lower right corner. When the end button B9 is pressed, the display control unit 119 ends the display of the operation screen G1.

[0098] Next, the screen displayed by the display control unit 119 when the seat change unit 111 detects a change in the setting of the driver's seat 21 will be described.

[0099] The display control unit 119 displays a change recommendation screen G2 that prompts changes to the settings of the driving side rearview mirror 23 and the steering wheel 22. The display control unit 119 generates the change recommendation screen G2 based on the recommended settings, especially the recommended settings, in the recommended settings information.

[0100] Figure 5 This diagram shows an example of a change recommendation screen G2 displayed by the display control unit 119 via the touch panel 25. The vertical and horizontal directions of the change recommendation screen G2 on the touch panel 25 correspond to the vertical and horizontal directions in the diagram.

[0101] Change recommended screen G2 and Figure 4 The operation screen G1 similarly displays settings button B1, settings button B2, rearview mirror selection button B4, and steering wheel selection button B5. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the example of the change recommendation screen G2 shown, the rearview mirror selection button B4 is selected, and the left rearview mirror selection button B7, the right rearview mirror selection button B8, and the operation icon IC1 are displayed.

[0102] The change recommendation screen G2 displays detection information J2 to the right of the operation icon IC1. This detection information J2 indicates that a change in the setting of the driver's seat 21 has been detected. The detection information J2 contains the string "The change in the driver's seat position setting has been confirmed".

[0103] The change recommendation screen G2, located to the right of the operation icon IC1, displays recommendation information J3, which includes the recommended settings for the side mirror 23 and steering wheel 22 generated by the setting determination unit 115. Recommendation information J3 includes the string "It is best to lower the angle of the side mirror and move the steering wheel downwards."

[0104] The recommended screen G2 changes to display a software button with the string "End" in the lower right corner, which is the end button B23.

[0105] If there is no input from passenger P in the change recommendation screen G2 within a specified time, or if passenger P presses the end button B9, the notification unit 116 causes the display of the change recommendation screen G2 based on the display control unit 119 to end.

[0106] The change recommendation screen G2 is displayed when the settings of the driver's seat 21 are changed. Therefore, by displaying the change recommendation screen G2, the occupant P is urged to change the settings of the side mirrors 23 and the steering wheel 22, which are particularly related to the driving of the vehicle 1 and whose functions are reduced with the change of the settings of the driver's seat 21.

[0107] The display control unit 119 displays a second change recommendation screen G3, which urges users to change the settings of equipment that, although not related to the driving of the vehicle 1, will have reduced functionality due to changes in the settings of the driver's seat 21. The display control unit 119 generates the second change recommendation screen G3 based on the interest information 125 and the second recommended setting in the recommended setting information.

[0108] Figure 6 This diagram shows an example of a second change recommendation screen G3 displayed by the display control unit 119 via the touch panel 25. The second change recommendation screen G3 is a screen that is displayed for a predetermined time when a predetermined trigger occurs. The predetermined trigger means that the display of the change recommendation screen G2 ends when the end button B23 is pressed or when the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0109] The second recommended screen G3 displays the recommended setting information generated by the setting determination unit 115, which includes the second recommended setting for HUD24, namely recommendation information J11. Recommendation information J11 contains the string "Adjust the head-up display angle for easier viewing."

[0110] When the second change recommendation screen G3 is set to send notifications related to the air conditioning unit 41 based on the interest information 125 contained in the occupant information 124 recorded in the occupant information DB122, it displays a prompt message J12 urging users to change the setting of the louvers 12. The prompt message J12 contains the string "Adjust the air conditioning to an angle where the air doesn't blow on your face." When the setting is not to send notifications related to the air conditioning unit 41, the second change recommendation screen G3 does not display the prompt message J12.

[0111] When the system is set to send notifications related to the instrument cluster 27 based on the occupant information 124 recorded in the occupant information DB122, the second change recommendation screen G3 displays a prompt message J13 urging users to change the settings of the instrument cluster 27. The prompt message J13 contains the string "Adjust the brightness of the instrument cluster 27". When the system is set not to send notifications related to the instrument cluster 27, the second change recommendation screen G3 does not display the prompt message J13.

[0112] When the occupant information 124 recorded in the occupant information DB122 is set to send notifications related to the interior rearview mirror 29, the second change recommendation screen G3 displays a prompt message J14 urging users to change the settings of the interior rearview mirror 29. The prompt message J14 contains the string "Adjust the angle of the interior rearview mirror." When the setting is to not send notifications related to the interior rearview mirror 29, the second change recommendation screen G3 does not display the prompt message J14.

[0113] In addition, the information used to generate the promotion information J12, J13, J14 based on the interest information 125 is pre-stored in the memory 120.

[0114] [2. Action]

[0115] Next, use Figure 7 This section explains the processing related to the notification of changes to the settings of equipment associated with the driver's seat 21 when the settings of the driver's seat 21 are changed via the vehicle notification device 100.

[0116] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the vehicle notification device 100.

[0117] exist Figure 7 Before the indicated action, the occupant recognition unit 117 identifies that a specific occupant P has entered the vehicle and obtains occupant information 124 associated with the occupant P. Then, the seat changing unit 111 and the steering wheel changing unit 112 change the settings of the driver's seat 21 and the steering wheel 22 based on the driving position information 123 associated with the occupant P obtained by the occupant recognition unit 117.

[0118] First, the seat changing unit 111 changes the setting of the driver's seat 21 through the operation of the occupant P (step S1). Next, the setting determination unit 115 determines the recommended setting and the second recommended setting based on the change value of the driver's seat 21 setting change made by the seat changing unit 111 in step S1 and the occupant information 124 (step S2).

[0119] Next, the seat change unit 111 determines whether the settings of the driver's seat 21 have been changed by the seat operation member 21A provided on the driver's seat 21 (step S3).

[0120] If the seat change unit 111 determines that the setting of the driver's seat 21 has not been changed through the seat operation member 21A (step S3: No), the notification unit 116 displays a message through the display control unit 119. Figure 5 The change recommendation screen G2 (step S4) is shown.

[0121] Next, the notification unit 116 determines whether to end the display of the change recommendation screen G2 (step S5). If the display of the change recommendation screen G2 is not ended (step S5: no), the determination in step S5 is repeated, and the display of the change recommendation screen G2 continues. As described above, the conditions for ending the display of the change recommendation screen G2 are that there is no input from the occupant P in the change recommendation screen G2 within a specified time or the end button B23 is pressed.

[0122] When the notification unit 116 ends the display of the change recommendation screen G2 (step S5: Yes), it switches from displaying the change recommendation screen G2 to displaying the second change recommendation screen G3 via the display control unit 119 (step S6). Furthermore, the second change recommendation screen G3 disappears after being displayed for a predetermined time, and a predetermined screen is displayed instead.

[0123] Thus, after the settings of the driver's seat 21 are changed, a notification is sent via the display of a change recommendation screen G2, which urges a change in the settings of the side mirrors 23 and the steering wheel 22, which are associated with the driving of the vehicle 1 based on occupant P. Following the change recommendation screen G2, a second change recommendation screen G3 disappears after being displayed for a predetermined time. Through these actions, notifications urging changes to the settings of the side mirrors 23 and the steering wheel 22, exemplified as specific equipment, are sent with higher priority than other equipment.

[0124] Returning to the explanation of step S3, if the seat change unit 111 determines that the setting of the driver's seat 21 has been changed by the seat operation member 21A (step S3: Yes), the notification unit 116 outputs a voice prompt through the speaker 26 urging the occupant P to observe the touch panel 25 (step S7). After step S7, proceed to step S4.

[0125] (Other implementation methods)

[0126] The above implementation method is merely one approach, which can be arbitrarily modified and applied.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the driver position information 123 includes, but is not limited to, information regarding the settings of the driver's seat 21 and steering wheel 22 according to each occupant ID. The driver position information 123 may also include settings for the position and angle of the side mirrors 23, the brightness, height, and angle of the HUD 24, the brightness of the instrument cluster 27, the temperature of the air conditioning unit 41, and the volume of the speaker 26. In this case, when a specific occupant P enters the vehicle, based on the driver position information 123, the seat changing unit 111 changes the settings of the driver's seat 21, the steering wheel changing unit 112 changes the settings of the steering wheel 22, the rearview mirror changing unit 113 changes the settings of the side mirrors 23, and the HUD changing unit 114 changes the settings of the HUD 24. Furthermore, an ECU (not shown) in the vehicle 1 performs control to change the settings of the instrument cluster 27, the temperature of the air conditioning unit 41, and the volume of the speaker 26.

[0128] The occupant recognition unit 117 can also function as a facial authentication unit, which compares the facial image of a person extracted from the image captured by the in-vehicle camera 28 with the facial image pre-recorded in the occupant information DB122 for each occupant P to identify the occupant P. Alternatively, the facial image may be captured by an external camera located on the outside of the vehicle 1, instead of the in-vehicle camera 28. Furthermore, the occupant recognition unit 117 can also be configured to identify the occupant P based on a username selected through operation via the touch panel 25, or based on a comparison between a password recorded corresponding to the selected username and the entered password.

[0129] The occupant identification unit 117 can also be configured to determine occupant information 124, i.e., physique information that serves as a characteristic example of occupant P, based on the photographic image captured by the in-vehicle camera 28, and calculate seating height, etc. In this case, even if occupant P is not recorded in occupant information DB122, the setting determination unit 115 can determine a recommended setting or a second recommended setting based on the occupant information 124 associated with occupant P. Such an occupant identification unit 117 corresponds to an example of an "occupant information determination unit" that determines occupant information 124 of occupant P that is not limited to a specific occupant P.

[0130] The driver's seat 21 can also be configured to not have seat operation components 21A, and the settings can only be changed by the occupant P via the operation screen G1. In this case, the notification unit 116 may not need to provide voice-based notifications.

[0131] Furthermore, the driver's seat 21 can also be configured such that changes to settings made by the occupant P are not received from the operation screen G1, but only from the seat operation unit 21A.

[0132] In the above-described embodiment, the steering wheel 22 is configured to have an adjustment mechanism capable of changing the position and angle of the steering wheel 22, but is not limited thereto. For example, the steering wheel 22 may not have such an adjustment mechanism, and the vehicle notification device 100 may not have a steering wheel adjustment section 112.

[0133] Vehicle 1 may also be without the HUD24 structure.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the second change recommendation screen G3 is set to disappear after a predetermined time has been displayed after the end button B23 of the change recommendation screen G2 is pressed, but it is not limited to this. For example, the change recommendation screen G2 may also display the HUD selection button B6 for changing the settings of HUD 24. In this case, the HUD selection button B6 is displayed smaller than the other rearview mirror selection button B4 and steering wheel selection button B5. As a result, the notification prompting the change of settings of the driving side rearview mirror 23 and steering wheel 22 has a higher priority.

[0135] Processor 110 can be composed of multiple processors or a single processor. Processor 110 can also be hardware programmed to implement the functions described above. In this case, these processors are, for example, composed of ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0136] also, Figure 2 The structure of each component of the vehicle notification device 100 shown is an example, and the specific installation method is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessary to install hardware corresponding to each component separately; of course, it is also possible to configure the device so that the functions of each component are implemented by a processor executing a program. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, some functions implemented by software can be implemented by hardware, or some functions implemented by hardware can be implemented by software.

[0137] also, Figure 7 The steps shown are divided based on the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited to the method or name of the division of processing units. It is also possible to divide the process into more step units based on the processing content. Furthermore, it is also possible to divide the process into units containing more processes within a single step unit. Moreover, the order of these steps can be appropriately changed without hindering the spirit of the present invention.

[0138] [3. Structure supported by the above embodiments]

[0139] The above implementation supports the following structures.

[0140] (Structure 1)

[0141] A vehicle notification device includes: a modification unit that modifies the setting of a predetermined specific piece of equipment, i.e., a specific piece of equipment, installed in the vehicle's equipment; and a notification unit that, when the setting of the specific piece of equipment is changed, notifies the occupants of the vehicle to urge them to modify the setting of the equipment associated with the specific piece of equipment, i.e., an associated piece of equipment.

[0142] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 1, it is possible to suppress the forgetting of setting changes of associated equipment that accompany setting changes of specific equipment.

[0143] (Structure 2)

[0144] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 1, the associated equipment is the equipment whose function for the occupant decreases with changes in the settings of the specific equipment.

[0145] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 2, by notifying the occupants of changes to the settings of related equipment whose functionality has been reduced due to changes in the settings of specific equipment, the environment of the vehicle compartment space can be changed to the occupants' expectations, and the forgetting of the settings changes of related equipment can be prevented.

[0146] (Structure 3)

[0147] According to structure 1 or 2, the vehicle notification device includes a setting determination unit that determines a recommended setting for the associated equipment corresponding to the degree of change of the setting of the specific equipment by the modification unit, and the notification unit notifies the information of the recommended setting determined by the setting determination unit.

[0148] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 3, based on the degree of change in the settings of specific equipment, the recommended settings in the associated equipment are determined and notified, thereby enabling the understanding of the environment of the passenger compartment space desired by the occupants.

[0149] (Structure 4)

[0150] The vehicle notification device according to any one of structures 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle notification device includes an occupant information determination unit that determines occupant information related to the occupant, and the setting determination unit determines the recommended setting of the associated equipment based on the degree of change of the setting of the specific equipment by the modification unit and the occupant information related to the occupant using the specific equipment determined by the occupant information determination unit.

[0151] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 4, the recommended settings in the associated equipment are determined and notified in accordance with the different occupant information for each occupant, thereby making it easier to grasp the occupant's desired environment in the cabin space.

[0152] (Structure 5)

[0153] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 4, the vehicle notification device includes a storage unit that stores occupant information for each specific occupant, wherein the specific occupant is a pre-determined specific occupant, and the occupant information determination unit identifies the pre-determined specific occupant, i.e., the specific occupant, and determines the occupant information of the specific occupant by referring to the storage unit.

[0154] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 5, it is possible to determine the recommended settings for specific occupants pre-recorded in the vehicle, thereby improving the accuracy of understanding the occupant's desired environment in the cabin space.

[0155] (Structure 6)

[0156] According to any one of structures 1 to 5, in the case where the change unit detects that the setting of the specific equipment has been changed by an operating member provided on the specific equipment, the notification unit notifies the occupant via a display unit provided in the vehicle and a notification unit different from the display unit to urge the occupant to change the setting of the associated equipment.

[0157] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 6, even if the settings are changed via an operating element located in a different part from the display unit, it is easy to convey a notification to the occupants urging the change of settings of the travel-related equipment.

[0158] (Structure 7)

[0159] The vehicle notification device according to any one of structures 1 to 6, wherein the vehicle notification device includes a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit and displays an operation screen for changing the settings of the specific equipment and the settings of the associated equipment.

[0160] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 7, it is possible to make settings changes for specific equipment and related equipment that are recommended to be changed along with the settings changes for specific equipment in one screen, which is easy to operate.

[0161] (Structure 8)

[0162] According to any one of structures 1 to 7, the vehicle notification device, wherein the notification unit notifies of a change in the setting of a specific associated equipment that urges the implementation of such a change in the associated equipment, with a higher priority than notification of a change in the setting of any other associated equipment, wherein the specific associated equipment is a specific associated equipment associated with the driving of the vehicle based on the occupant.

[0163] According to the vehicle notification device of structure 8, when notification of associated equipment is given, notification of equipment associated with the driving of the vehicle based on the occupants is given priority. Thus, especially from the viewpoint of the ease of driving the vehicle, the occupants can easily grasp the environment of the cabin space suitable for the occupants.

[0164] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0165] 1…Vehicle, 12…Vibrator (related equipment), 21…Driver's seat (specific equipment), 21A…Seat controls (controls), 22…Steering wheel (related equipment, specific related equipment), 23…Side mirror (related equipment, specific related equipment), 24…HUD (related equipment), 25…Touch panel (display unit), 26…Speaker (notification unit), 27…Instrument panel (related equipment), 28…Interior camera, 29…Rearview mirror (related equipment), 40…Communication device, 41…Air conditioning device, 90…Portable communication terminal, 100…Vehicle notification device, 110 …Processor, 111…Seat changing unit (changing unit), 112…Steering wheel changing unit, 113…Rearview mirror changing unit, 114…HUD changing unit, 115…Setting confirmation unit, 116…Notification unit, 117…Occupant recognition unit (occupant information confirmation unit), 118…Update unit, 120…Memory (storage unit), 121…Control program, 122…Occupant information DB, 123…Driver's position information, 124…Occupant information, 125…Interest information, 126…Feature information, G1…Operation screen, G2…Change recommendation screen, G3…Second change recommendation screen, P…Occupant.

Claims

1. A vehicle notification apparatus, wherein the vehicle notification apparatus includes: a change portion that changes a setting of a specific piece of equipment, which is a specific equipment, among pieces of equipment provided in a vehicle; and a notification portion that, in a case where the setting of the specific equipment is changed, urges a passenger of the vehicle to perform notification of a change in a setting of a piece of equipment associated with the specific equipment, which is an associated equipment.

2. The vehicle notification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the associated equipment is a piece of equipment for which a function for the passenger decreases in conjunction with the change in the setting of the specific equipment.

3. The vehicle notification apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle notification apparatus includes a setting determination portion that determines a recommended setting of the associated equipment corresponding to a degree of change in the setting of the specific equipment, based on the degree of change in the setting of the specific equipment by the change portion, the notification portion notifies information of the recommended setting determined by the setting determination portion.

4. The vehicle notification apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle notification apparatus includes a passenger information determination portion that determines passenger information related to the passenger, the setting determination portion determines the recommended setting of the associated equipment, based on the degree of change in the setting of the specific equipment by the change portion and the passenger information related to the passenger using the specific equipment determined by the passenger information determination portion.

5. The vehicle notification apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the vehicle notification apparatus includes a storage portion that stores the passenger information for each specific passenger, which is a specific passenger, that is a specific passenger determined in advance, the passenger information determination portion identifies the specific passenger, and determines the passenger information of the specific passenger with reference to the storage portion.

6. The vehicle notification apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in a case where the change portion detects that the setting of the specific equipment is changed by an operation member provided in the specific equipment, the notification portion urges the passenger to perform notification of a change in the setting of the associated equipment, via a display unit provided in the vehicle and a notification unit different from the display unit.

7. The vehicle notification apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the vehicle notification apparatus includes a display control portion that controls display of the display unit, and displays an operation screen that changes the setting of the specific equipment and the setting of the associated equipment.

8. The vehicle notification apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification portion notifies, with respect to the notification urging a change in a setting of a specific associated equipment among the associated equipment, in a manner in which a priority is higher than a priority of the notification urging a change in a setting other than the specific associated equipment, the specific associated equipment being a specific piece of the associated equipment associated with travel of the vehicle based on the passenger.

Images