Vehicle start-up assistance device, vehicle start-up assistance method, and computer program

Abstract

A vehicle starting assistance device, a vehicle starting assistance method, and a computer program are disclosed to enable a vehicle user to recognize that their operation is unsuitable as a vehicle starting method. The vehicle starting assistance device includes a user operation detection unit (14) and a notification control unit (15). The user operation detection unit (14) detects user operations on the vehicle before starting the vehicle (1), and the notification control unit (15) controls notifications to the user. The notification control unit sends a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit detects a predetermined number of user operations that differ from a vehicle starting method selectively set from multiple operation methods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle starting assistance device, a vehicle starting assistance method, and a computer program. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, a typical method for starting a vehicle is to press a push-start switch while the brake pedal is depressed. Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which, in order to reliably identify the start of the vehicle by the user, the brake pedal is pushed back when the user performs the aforementioned operation.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-132501 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, users do not always perform the correct operation to start the vehicle. In cases where the user does not perform the correct operation, the vehicle would not be startable in the first place, thus the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot be applied. In such situations, it is desirable to assist the user in starting the vehicle by making the user aware of the operational error.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned issues, the object of the present invention is to make the vehicle user aware that the user's operation is not suitable as a method of starting the vehicle.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] The main points of this disclosure are as follows.

[0011] (1) A vehicle starting assistance device, comprising a user operation detection unit and a notification control unit, wherein the user operation detection unit detects operations performed by a user on the vehicle before the vehicle is started, and the notification control unit controls notifications to the user, wherein the notification control unit sends a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit detects a predetermined number of operations performed by the user that are different from a vehicle starting method selectively set from a plurality of operation methods.

[0012] (2) According to the vehicle starting assist device described in (1) above, the plurality of operating methods include a first operating method of starting the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal of the vehicle and pressing the button start switch of the vehicle, and a second operating method of starting the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal alone.

[0013] (3) According to the vehicle starting assist device described in (2) above, when the vehicle starting method is set to the first operation method, the notification control unit sends the predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit detects the predetermined number of pedaling operations as the user's operation.

[0014] (4) According to the vehicle starting assistance device described in (3) above, the predetermined notification includes a notification suggesting that the vehicle starting method be changed to the second operation method.

[0015] (5) According to the vehicle starting assistance device described in (3) above, the predetermined notification includes a notification of information related to the vehicle starting method.

[0016] (6) According to the vehicle starting assistance device described in (5) above, the notification of information related to the vehicle starting method includes the illumination of the button start switch.

[0017] (7) According to the vehicle starting assistance device described in (5) or (6) above, the notification control unit displays information related to the vehicle starting method on the vehicle's display device.

[0018] (8) According to the vehicle starting assistance device described in (7) above, the display device is an instrument display.

[0019] (9) The vehicle starting assist device according to any one of (5) to (8) above, the information related to the vehicle starting method is the first operation method.

[0020] (10) The vehicle starting assistance device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the predetermined number of times is an integer of 2 or more.

[0021] (11) The vehicle starting assistance device according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein the predetermined notification includes a warning notification.

[0022] (12) A vehicle start-up assistance method executed by a computer, the vehicle start-up assistance method comprising: detecting user operations on the vehicle prior to vehicle start-up; and, upon detecting a predetermined number of operations performed by the user that differ from a vehicle start-up method selectively set from a plurality of operation methods, providing a predetermined notification to the user.

[0023] (13) A computer program product comprising a computer program that causes a computer to perform the following processing: detecting user operations on the vehicle prior to vehicle startup; and, upon detecting a predetermined number of operations performed by the user that differ from a vehicle startup method selectively set from a plurality of operation methods, providing a predetermined notification to the user.

[0024] The effects of the invention

[0025] According to this disclosure, it is possible to make the vehicle user aware that the user's operation is inappropriate as a method of starting the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a general configuration diagram of a vehicle starting assistance system including the vehicle starting assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a diagram that roughly shows the interior of the vehicle in front of the driver's seat and the front passenger seat.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle start-up assistance system.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a functional block diagram of the ECU's processor.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a visual notification of the first operating method displayed on an instrument display.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control routine for the vehicle start-up assistance process in this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is an example of a visual notification suggesting a change in the vehicle's starting method to the second operating method.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 1: Vehicle; 10: Electronic Control Unit (ECU); 13: Processor; 14: User Operation Detection Unit; 15: Notification Control Unit. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same constituent elements.

[0036] Figure 1This is a general configuration diagram of a vehicle start-up assistance system 100 that includes the vehicle start-up assistance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle start-up assistance system 100 is mounted on a vehicle 1 and assists the user of the vehicle 1 (e.g., the driver) in starting the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the vehicle 1 is a four-wheeled motor vehicle.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle start assist system 100 includes a brake operation detection sensor 2, a push-button start switch 3, a human-machine interface (HMI) 4, a vehicle start device 5, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 10. The brake operation detection sensor 2, the push-button start switch 3, the HMI 4, and the vehicle start device 5 are electrically connected to the ECU 10 via an in-vehicle network conforming to standards such as Controller Area Network (CAN) or Ethernet.

[0038] A brake operation detection sensor 2 is installed on the brake pedal 21 of vehicle 1 to detect the operation of the brake pedal 21 by the user of vehicle 1 (hereinafter referred to as "user"). For example, the brake operation detection sensor 2 may be configured as a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the brake pedal 21, an angle sensor that detects the rotation angle or displacement of the brake pedal 21, or an electrical switch that generates an on / off signal based on the pressing operation of the brake pedal 21. Furthermore, the brake operation detection sensor 2 may also be configured as a non-contact sensor such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor. The output of the brake operation detection sensor 2 is sent to ECU 10.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a diagram that roughly shows the interior of vehicle 1 in front of the driver's and passenger's seats. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the push-button start switch 3 is located on the front dashboard 7 below the windshield 8. For example, the push-button start switch 3 is positioned near the driver's seat for user operation; specifically, it is located near the steering wheel 6 (in...). Figure 2 In this example, the left side of the steering wheel 6 is used. The push-button start switch 3 outputs a signal corresponding to the user's press operation when pressed. The output of the push-button start switch 3 is sent to the ECU 10.

[0040] HMI4 is located inside the vehicle and facilitates the exchange (granting and receiving) of information between the vehicle 1 and the user. HMI4 includes input device 41 and output device 42.

[0041] Input device 41 accepts input from occupants of vehicle 1. Input device 41 includes at least one of a touch panel, operation buttons, operation switches, and a microphone. HMI4 sends the input information entered by the user into input device 41 to ECU 10.

[0042] Output device 42 notifies the occupants of vehicle 1. Output device 42 includes at least one of a display device (e.g., a monitor), a warning light, a speaker, a buzzer, and a vibration unit. HMI4 notifies the user of information corresponding to the signal sent from ECU 10 via output device 42.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the HMI4 includes an infotainment display 4a and an instrument display 4b. The infotainment display 4a and the instrument display 4b are respectively disposed in the vehicle interior for visual confirmation by the user, and display various information to the user based on signals sent from the ECU 10.

[0044] In this embodiment, the infotainment display 4a is mounted on the center console, which is the portion of the front bulkhead 7 between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat. In this case, the infotainment display 4a is also referred to as the central display. The infotainment display 4a displays multimedia information, map information, and various settings for the vehicle 1. The infotainment display 4a is configured as a touch panel that can be operated by the user. Therefore, the infotainment display 4a functions as both an input device 41 and an output device 42.

[0045] Compared to the infotainment display 4a, the instrument cluster display 4b is positioned in a location easily visible to the user (the driver of vehicle 1). Specifically, the instrument cluster display 4b is mounted as an instrument panel on the front panel 7 in front of the steering wheel 6, i.e., the front panel 7 in front of the driver's seat. The instrument cluster display 4b displays vehicle 1 status information, specifically, information necessary for driving vehicle 1 such as vehicle speed, battery SOC (State of Charge), and warning lights. The instrument cluster display 4b can be configured as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. Therefore, the instrument cluster display 4b functions as an output device 42. Alternatively, the instrument cluster display 4b can also be configured as a user-operable touch panel, functioning as both an input device 41 and an output device 42.

[0046] The vehicle starting device 5 starts the vehicle 1 into a drivable state based on the signal sent from the ECU 10. A specific example of the vehicle starting device 5 will be described below.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 1 equipped with a vehicle start-up assistance system 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 includes a motor 31, a reducer 32, an axle 33, wheels 34, a battery 35, and a power control unit (PCU) 5a.

[0048] In this embodiment, vehicle 1 is a so-called battery electric vehicle (BEV), where only motor 31 functions as the drive unit. Motor 31 is connected to reducer 32, and the output of motor 31 is supplied to reducer 32. The output of motor 31 supplied to reducer 32 is transmitted to wheels 34 via axle 33, driving wheels 34. Therefore, motor 31 is able to output power for driving vehicle 1.

[0049] Battery 35 is a rechargeable secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, solid-state battery, or sodium-ion battery. Battery 35 can be charged using electricity supplied from an external power source or regenerative power generated when vehicle 1 decelerates. When motor 31 outputs power for driving, the power stored in battery 35 is supplied to motor 31 via PCU5a.

[0050] PCU5a includes an inverter, a DC-DC converter, etc., and is connected to the battery 35 and the motor 31. When supplying power from the battery 35 to the motor 31, the inverter converts the DC power supplied from the battery 35 into AC power. The inverter controls the speed and output torque of the motor 31 by adjusting the voltage and frequency of the AC power supplied to the motor 31. The DC-DC converter converts the high-voltage (e.g., 200V~800V) power supplied from the battery 35 into low-voltage (e.g., 12V) power, and supplies the low-voltage power to the electronic equipment (e.g., HMI4) of the vehicle 1.

[0051] When the user performs an operation to start the vehicle 1, the ECU 10 sends a signal to the PCU 5a instructing the vehicle 1 to start. Upon receiving the signal, the PCU 5a performs initialization processes, including system self-diagnosis and control of the main relay connecting the battery 35 to the high-voltage circuit, thus putting the vehicle 1 into the starting state. That is, in this embodiment, the PCU 5a functions as the vehicle starting device 5.

[0052] ECU10 performs various controls on vehicle 1. For example... Figure 1As shown, ECU 10 includes a communication interface (I / F) 11, a memory 12, and a processor 13. The communication interface 11 and the memory 12 are connected to the processor 13 via signal lines. Furthermore, in this embodiment, only one ECU 10 is provided, but multiple ECUs may be provided for each function. Additionally, the communication interface 11, the memory 12, and the processor 13 may be configured as a single integrated circuit, or each may be configured as an independent circuit.

[0053] The communication interface 11 has an interface circuit for connecting the ECU 10 to the in-vehicle network. The ECU 10 is connected to other in-vehicle devices via the communication interface 11. The communication interface 11 sends signals received from the brake operation detection sensor 2, the push-button start switch 3, and the input device 41 to the processor 13. In addition, the communication interface 11 sends signals output from the processor 13 to the output device 42 and the vehicle starting device 5.

[0054] The memory 12 includes, for example, volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), etc.) and non-volatile semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc.). The memory 12 stores temporary data, computer programs (control programs for ECU 10) used for various processes performed by the processor 13, ECU 10 setting data, log data, vehicle information, etc. The memory 12 is an example of a storage unit.

[0055] Processor 13 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuitry. Processor 13 executes computer programs stored in memory 12. In addition, processor 13 may also have other arithmetic circuitry such as logic units, numerical processing units, or graphics processing units.

[0056] In this embodiment, ECU 10 functions as a vehicle starting assistance device to assist the user in starting the vehicle 1. Specifically, ECU 10 assists the user in starting the vehicle 1 by recognizing that the user's operation is unsuitable as a starting method for the vehicle 1. Furthermore, ECU 10 is an example of a vehicle starting assistance device.

[0057] Figure 4This is a functional block diagram of processor 13 in ECU10. (Example) Figure 4 As shown, the processor 13 includes a user operation detection unit 14, a notification control unit 15, and a vehicle start control unit 16. The user operation detection unit 14, the notification control unit 15, and the vehicle start control unit 16 are functional modules implemented by the processor 13 of the ECU 10 executing computer programs stored in the memory 12 of the ECU 10. Furthermore, these functional modules can also be implemented using dedicated arithmetic circuits provided in the processor 13.

[0058] The user operation detection unit 14 detects user operations on the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is not started. In other words, the user operation detection unit 14 detects user operations on the vehicle 1 before the vehicle 1 is started (hereinafter referred to as "pre-start user operations"). In this embodiment, the user operation detection unit 14 detects the user's operation when the user riding in the vehicle 1 wants to start the vehicle 1, and detects pre-start user operations based on the output of the brake operation detection sensor 2 and the push-button start switch 3.

[0059] The notification control unit 15 controls notifications to the user. In this embodiment, the notification control unit 15 notifies the user via the output device 42 of the HMI4. For example, the notification control unit 15 displays the notification content to the user on the display device of the output device 42.

[0060] The vehicle start control unit 16 controls the starting of the vehicle 1. Specifically, when the user operation detection unit 14 detects a pre-set starting method for the vehicle 1 as a pre-start user operation (when a pre-set starting method for the vehicle 1 is detected as a pre-start user operation), the vehicle start control unit 16 executes processing for starting the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the vehicle start control unit 16 executes the processing for starting the vehicle 1 through the PCU5a, which functions as the vehicle start device 5.

[0061] In this embodiment, the starting method of vehicle 1 can be selectively set from multiple operating methods. The user selects the starting method of vehicle 1 from multiple operating methods via the input device 41 of the HMI4. For example, the multiple operating methods include a first operating method that starts vehicle 1 by pressing the brake pedal 21 and pressing the push-button start switch 3, and a second operating method that starts vehicle 1 by pressing the brake pedal 21 alone. Thus, the starting method of vehicle 1 can be set according to the user's preference, thereby improving the usability of vehicle 1. For example, a user who prefers a familiar starting method can choose the first operating method (a composite operation combining two operations), while a user who prefers a simple starting method can choose the second operating method (a single operation consisting of one operation).

[0062] When a first operation method and a second operation method are prepared as multiple operation methods, one of the first operation method and the second operation method is selected as the starting method of vehicle 1. Therefore, in the initial state of vehicle 1 before the user sets the starting method of vehicle 1 (e.g., vehicle 1 at the factory), the starting method of vehicle 1 is preset to either the first operation method or the second operation method. In this embodiment, in the initial state of vehicle 1, the starting method of vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method, and in order to start vehicle 1, the user is required to depress the brake pedal 21 and press the push-button start switch 3. The setting information of the starting method of vehicle 1 is stored, for example, in the memory 12 of ECU 10. When the user changes the starting method of vehicle 1 from the first operation method to the second operation method, the starting method of vehicle 1 stored in memory 12 changes from the first operation method to the second operation method.

[0063] When the starting method of vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method, the vehicle starting control unit 16 executes the process for starting vehicle 1 when the user operation detection unit 14 detects the first operation method as a user operation before starting (when the first operation method is detected as a user operation before starting). That is, in vehicle 1 before starting, when the user presses the button start switch 3 while the brake pedal 21 is depressed, vehicle 1 enters the starting state.

[0064] On the other hand, when the starting method of vehicle 1 is set to the second operation method, the vehicle starting control unit 16 executes the process for starting vehicle 1 when the user operation detection unit 14 detects the second operation method as a user operation before starting (when the second operation method is detected as a user operation before starting). That is, when the user presses the brake pedal 21 in vehicle 1 before starting, vehicle 1 will switch to the starting state regardless of whether the button start switch 3 is pressed.

[0065] However, users may not always perform the correct operation to start vehicle 1. In particular, if the user is unfamiliar with the operation of vehicle 1 due to reasons such as it being a rental car, or if the starting method of vehicle 1 has been set by someone other than the user, the user may perform an operation different from the preset starting method. In such cases, the user may suspect a malfunction of vehicle 1, or may be forced to take unnecessary steps such as searching for the starting method of vehicle 1 through their portable device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, the notification control unit 15 sends a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit 14 detects a predetermined number of operations that are different from the vehicle 1 starting method selectively set from multiple operation methods (when a predetermined number of operations that are different from the vehicle 1 starting method selectively set from multiple operation methods are detected as user operations before startup), thereby making the user aware that the user's operation is unsuitable as a vehicle 1 starting method, and thus effectively assisting the user in starting the vehicle 1.

[0067] For example, consider the following situation: when the starting method of vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method, that is, when both pressing the brake pedal 21 and pressing the push-button start switch 3 are required to start vehicle 1, the user attempts to start vehicle 1 only by pressing the brake pedal 21. In this case, since no processing for starting vehicle 1 has started, it is preferable to notify the user of an operational error. On the other hand, consider the following situation: when the starting method of vehicle 1 is set to the second operation method, that is, when only pressing the brake pedal 21 is required to start vehicle 1, the user attempts to start vehicle 1 by both pressing the brake pedal 21 and pressing the push-button start switch 3. However, in this case, since pressing the push-button start switch 3 starts the processing for starting vehicle 1, the necessity of notifying the user of an operational error is low.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the vehicle 1 starting method is set to the first operation method, the notification control unit 15 notifies the user when the user operation detection unit 14 detects that the brake pedal 21 has been pressed a predetermined number of times as a pre-start operation. This allows the user to recognize that the currently set vehicle 1 starting method is not only the braking pedal 21 pressing operation, but also prompts the user to press the push-button start switch 3 as an additional operation.

[0069] The predetermined number of times is set to an integer of 1 or more, preferably an integer of 2 or more. By setting the predetermined number of times to an integer of 2 or more, it is possible to suppress the situation where the user becomes annoyed by the frequent notifications. In particular, it is possible to suppress the situation where "when the vehicle 1's starting method is set to the first operation method, even though the user intends to press the button start switch 3 after pressing the brake pedal 21, a notification is still sent to the user."

[0070] A pre-determined notification intended to alert the user to erroneous operation is, for example, a notification of information related to the starting method of vehicle 1. This allows the user to be prompted with the correct operating method for starting vehicle 1. In this case, for example, the notification control unit 15 displays information related to the starting method of vehicle 1 on the display device of the output device 42. This improves the visibility of the information and even helps the user understand the correct starting method.

[0071] For example, the notification control unit 15 displays information related to the starting method of the vehicle 1 on the instrument display 4b. Compared with other in-vehicle displays (such as the infotainment display 4a), the instrument display 4b has higher visibility for the user facing forward (the driver of the vehicle 1). Therefore, by displaying this information on the instrument display 4b, the visibility of the information can be further improved.

[0072] When the first operation method in both the first and second operation methods is set to be the starting method of vehicle 1, a specific example of information related to the starting method of vehicle 1 is the first operation method. In this case, for example, the notification control unit 15 displays the first operation method on the display device of vehicle 1 (e.g., instrument display 4b). This allows the correct starting method to be directly shown to the user, improving the user's understanding of the correct starting method.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a visual notification of the first operating method displayed on the instrument display 4b. Figure 5 In this example, the notification control unit 15 displays images on the instrument display 4b indicating the operation of pressing the brake pedal 21 (an image of the foot being placed on the brake pedal 21) and images indicating the operation of pressing the push-button start switch 3 (an image of pressing the push-button start switch 3 with a finger). By displaying images representing the starting method of the vehicle 1 in this way, a more intuitive understanding of the starting method can be facilitated.

[0074] Furthermore, the pre-defined notifications provided to the user may also include warning notifications. That is, the notification control unit 15 may also notify the user via the output device 42 of a warning when it detects a predetermined number of user operations performed before starting that differ from the starting method of vehicle 1. This allows the user to quickly recognize that the operation used to start vehicle 1 is incorrect.

[0075] The following is for reference Figure 6 The process flow for executing the above-mentioned control for assisting the user in starting vehicle 1 will be explained. Figure 6This is a flowchart illustrating the control routine of the vehicle start-up assistance process in this embodiment. The processor 13 of the ECU 10 executes this control routine according to a computer program stored in the memory 12 of the ECU 10. For example, this control routine begins when the door lock of the vehicle 1 is unlocked and is repeatedly executed at predetermined execution intervals. In this case, power is supplied from the battery 35 to the ECU 10 via the PCU 5a, triggered by the unlocking of the door lock of the vehicle 1.

[0076] First, in step S101, the control unit 15 is notified to determine whether vehicle 1 is in a pre-start state. If the user operation detection unit 14 has not yet detected an operation set as the starting method for vehicle 1, it is determined that vehicle 1 is in a pre-start state. If it is determined that vehicle 1 is in a pre-start state, the control routine proceeds to step S102.

[0077] In step S102, the control unit 15 is notified to determine whether the starting method of the vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method. For example, the control unit 15 is notified to make this determination based on the setting information of the starting method of the vehicle 1 stored in the memory 12 of the ECU 10. If it is determined that the starting method of the vehicle 1 is set to the first operation method, the control routine proceeds to step S103.

[0078] In step S103, the control unit 15 is notified to determine whether the user operation detection unit 14 has detected a braking operation on the brake pedal 21. The user operation detection unit 14 detects the braking operation on the brake pedal 21 based on the output of the brake operation detection sensor 2. If it is determined that no braking operation on the brake pedal 21 has been detected, the control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that a braking operation on the brake pedal 21 has been detected, the control routine proceeds to step S104.

[0079] In step S104, the control unit 15 is notified to update the detection count N by incrementing the detection count N by 1. The detection count N represents the number of times the brake pedal 21, which is a user operation before startup, has been detected. The initial value of the detection count N is set to zero.

[0080] Next, in step S105, the control unit 15 is notified to determine whether the number of detections N is greater than or equal to a predetermined number Nth. The predetermined number Nth is, for example, set to an integer in the range of 2 to 5. If it is determined that the number of detections N is less than the predetermined number Nth, the control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of detections N is greater than or equal to the predetermined number Nth, the control routine proceeds to step S106.

[0081] In step S106, the notification control unit 15 notifies the user of a visual or auditory warning via the output device 42. For example, the notification control unit 15 notifies the user of warning text or warning images as a visual warning via the display device of the output device 42 (e.g., infotainment display 4a or instrument display 4b), or notifies the user of warning voice or warning sound as an auditory warning via the speaker or buzzer of the output device 42. Alternatively, the notification control unit 15 may also illuminate a warning light on the output device 42 as a visual warning.

[0082] Next, in step S107, the control unit 15 is notified to display the first operation method set as the vehicle 1 starting method on the display device of the output device 42. In this case, for example, the control unit 15 displays on the instrument display 4b. Figure 5 The image shown is shown. After step S107, this control routine ends.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that vehicle 1 is in the starting state, or if it is determined in step S102 that the starting method of vehicle 1 is set to the second operation method, this control routine proceeds to step S108.

[0084] In step S108, the control unit 15 is notified to reset the detection count N to zero. After step S108, this control routine ends.

[0085] Furthermore, various modifications and variations can be made to this control routine. For example, in step S103, the notification control unit 15 can also determine whether the user operation detection unit 14 has detected an operation other than the first operation method (a combined operation of pressing the brake pedal 21 and pressing the button start switch 3). Operations other than the first operation method include single operations performed by pressing the brake pedal 21 or pressing the button start switch 3, operation of the gear shift lever of the vehicle 1, and operation of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle 1.

[0086] Alternatively, the predetermined number Nth in step S105 can also be 1. That is, the notification control unit 15 can also send a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit 14 detects an operation that is different from the starting method of the vehicle 1, which is a user operation before startup.

[0087] Alternatively, the notification control unit 15 can illuminate the push-button start switch 3 using a light-emitting element provided on the push-button start switch 3, either based on or as an alternative to step S107. That is, the notification control unit 15 can also illuminate the push-button start switch 3 as a notification of information related to the starting method of the vehicle 1. Thus, in addition to pressing the brake pedal 21, the user can be prompted to press the push-button start switch 3, guiding the user to perform the correct starting method.

[0088] Alternatively, in step S107, the notification control unit 15 may also display text indicating the first operation method on the display device of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, the notification control unit 15 may notify the user of the first operation method via voice through the speaker of the output device 42, instead of step S107. In these cases, for example, the notification control unit 15 may notify the user with text or voice such as "Please also press the button to start the switch."

[0089] Alternatively, the notification control unit 15 can suggest to the user via the output device 42, "change the starting method of vehicle 1 to the second operating method," instead of step S107. That is, the notification control unit 15 can also send a pre-defined notification suggesting that the starting method of vehicle 1 be changed to the second operating method. This allows for easy customization of the starting method according to the user's characteristics, and even improves the usability of vehicle 1.

[0090] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an example of a visual notification suggesting a change in the starting method of vehicle 1 to a second operating method. Figure 7 In this example, the notification control unit 15 displays the text "Change the starting method of vehicle 1 to the second operating method" and an icon (yes or no) for responding to the suggestion on the infotainment display 4a. Thus, the user can quickly respond to the suggestion to change the starting method of vehicle 1 by pressing the desired icon.

[0091] Furthermore, the notification control unit 15 may also display only the text suggesting "change the starting method of vehicle 1 to the second operating method" on the infotainment display 4a or the instrument cluster display 4b. Alternatively, the notification control unit 15 may also suggest the change to "change the starting method of vehicle 1 to the second operating method" to the user via the speaker of the output device 42. In these cases, for example, the user may input a response to the suggestion via voice into the microphone of the input device 41. Additionally, the instrument cluster display 4b may be configured as a user-operable touch panel, displaying icons for responding. Figure 7 The same visual notification.

[0092] Therefore, either step S106 or step S107 can be omitted.

[0093] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be implemented within the scope of the claims. For example, among the multiple operations that can be selected as the starting method of vehicle 1, the operation of the gear shift lever of vehicle 1, the start instruction based on user voice, and the user's operation on the portable terminal may also be included. In addition, as long as not all of the multiple operations are set as the starting method of vehicle 1, two or more operations may be set as the starting method of vehicle 1.

[0094] Alternatively, the vehicle 1 equipped with the vehicle start-up assist system 100 can also be a vehicle with a gasoline engine or a diesel engine. In this case, the starter motor that starts the engine and puts the vehicle 1 into a starting state functions as the vehicle starter 5. Alternatively, the vehicle 1 can also be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), etc. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 can also be an autonomous driving vehicle that automatically performs at least some of the acceleration, braking, and steering functions of the vehicle 1.

[0095] Additionally, a server located outside the vehicle 1 and capable of communicating with the vehicle 1 can also function as a vehicle starting assistance device. In this case, information used to detect user operations, such as the outputs of the brake operation detection sensor 2 and the push-button start switch 3, and the setting information of the vehicle 1's starting method, are sent from the vehicle 1 to the server. The vehicle 1's ECU 10 then notifies the user via the output device 42 based on the instructions from the server.

[0096] Furthermore, the computer program that enables the computer to perform the functions of the processor 13 of the ECU 10 or the processor of the server may also be provided in the form of a recording medium that can be read by a computer, or in the form of a computer program product. The recording medium that can be read by a computer is, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

Claims

1. A vehicle starting assistance device, comprising: The user operation detection unit detects user operations on the vehicle before the vehicle is started; and The notification control department is instructed to control notifications to the user. The notification control unit sends a predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit detects a predetermined number of operations performed by the user that differ from the vehicle start-up method selectively set from a plurality of operation methods.

2. The vehicle starting assistance device according to claim 1, The multiple operating methods include a first operating method that starts the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal and the push-button start switch, and a second operating method that starts the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal alone.

3. The vehicle starting assistance device according to claim 2, When the vehicle starting method is set to the first operation method, the notification control unit sends the predetermined notification to the user when the user operation detection unit detects the predetermined number of pedaling operations as the user's operation.

4. The vehicle starting assistance device according to claim 3, The predetermined notification includes a notification suggesting a change in the vehicle's starting method to the second operating method.

5. The vehicle starting assistance device according to claim 3, The planned notifications include notifications of information related to the vehicle's starting method.

6. The vehicle starting assistance device according to claim 5, Notifications related to the vehicle's starting method include the illumination of the push-button start switch.

7. The vehicle starting assistance device according to claim 5 or 6, The notification control unit displays information related to the vehicle's starting method on the vehicle's display device.

8. The vehicle starting assistance device according to claim 7, The display device is an instrument display.

9. The vehicle starting assistance device according to any one of claims 5 to 8 The information related to the vehicle starting method is the first operation method.

10. The vehicle starting assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The predetermined number of times is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

11. The vehicle starting assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The scheduled notifications include warning notifications.

12. A vehicle starting assistance method, executed by a computer, The vehicle starting assistance method includes: Detect user actions on the vehicle before the vehicle is started; and When a predetermined number of user operations are detected that differ from the vehicle start-up method selectively set from a plurality of operation methods, a predetermined notification is sent to the user.

13. A computer program product comprising a computer program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: Detecting user operations on the vehicle before the vehicle is started; and When a predetermined number of user operations are detected that differ from the vehicle start-up method selectively set from a plurality of operation methods, a predetermined notification is sent to the user.

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