Information processing device, information processing method, vehicle control device and vehicle control method

Abstract

Information processing facility comprising the following: - a usage information determination module (214) that determines usage information regarding the lane keeping function during a journey from vehicles (100, 300, 400) each equipped with a lane keeping function that enables each of the vehicles (100, 300, 400) to drive along a lane; - a range extractor (216) that extracts a range in which the lane keeping function usage rate is low based on usage information; - a transmitter (212) that sends notification information based on the usage rate to a relevant vehicle (100, 300, 400) equipped with the lane keeping function; and - a position information determination module (218) that determines position information of the relevant vehicle (100, 300, 400) having the lane keeping function, wherein the transmitter (212) sends the notification information to a vehicle (100, 300, 400) driving in front of the area, wherein the transmitter (212) sends the notification information to stop the lane keeping function when a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function indicating the usage rate is greater than or equal to a first threshold, wherein the transmitter (212) sends as notification information a warning information indicating a possibility of stopping the lane keeping function if a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function specifying the usage rate is less than the first threshold and greater than a second threshold.

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, a control device for a vehicle and a control method for a vehicle. 2. Relevant state of the art

[0002] Nowadays, there are vehicles with a lane-keeping function that detects lane markings using an onboard camera, enabling the vehicles to drive along the lane. For example, the unexamined Japanese patent application publication JP 2011-118603A discloses a method for informing an occupant in advance that automatic driving or autonomous driving, including lane-keeping, is not available in a section of road when automatic driving is unavailable, and for overriding the automatic driving function.

[0003] However, when the lane keeping function described above is executed, lane lines in a camera-captured image may, in some cases, prevent a demonstration of the lane keeping function because the lanes or roadway are damaged or dirty, or bad weather temporarily makes lane recognition difficult. In such cases, the problem with conventional technology is that it must suddenly and temporarily interrupt the lane keeping function when the lanes are difficult to see.

[0004] The technology described in JP 2011-118 603 A uses map data to determine that automatic driving, including lane keeping assist, is unavailable. Therefore, if lane conditions deteriorate after the map data is generated, it is difficult to inform a driver.

[0005] Furthermore, there is the problem that a driver is notified that the lane keeping function is still unavailable, even if the affected lanes no longer exist after the map data has been generated. Additionally, it is difficult to notify a driver that the lane keeping function cannot be used when bad weather makes the lanes difficult to see.

[0006] JP 2004 - 126 888 A concerns a vehicle information display device that displays information relating to the automatic control of one's own vehicle.

[0007] JP 2014 - 186 398 A relates to a method for providing information, a method for controlling output, a device for providing information, a program for providing information, a vehicle device and a program for controlling output.

[0008] EP 3 109 115 A1 relates to an arrangement and a method for facilitating the transfer to and from an automated autonomous driving assistance system of a vehicle in which the arrangement is housed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is desirable to specify a novel and improved information processing device, a novel and improved information processing method, a novel and improved control device for a vehicle, and a novel and improved control method for a vehicle, with which a driver of a vehicle can be informed, based on real-time usage information of a lane keeping function, whether the lane keeping function can be used.

[0010] The invention is defined in the independent claims. The advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation to illustrate a configuration of a control system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation to illustrate a route on which a vehicle travels; Fig. 3. A flowchart to illustrate a processing operation performed by a server; Fig. 4 a schematic representation to explain a temporary stop rate P1 of a category, which is in steps S16 and S18 according to Fig. 3 is generated for a section A; Fig. 5 a schematic representation to explain a temporary stop rate P1 of a category, which is in steps S16 and S18 according to Fig. 3 is generated for a section B; and Fig. 6 a schematic representation to explain a temporary stop rate P1 of a category, which is in steps S16 and S18 according to Fig. 3 is generated for a section C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Preferred embodiments and exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in this description and the accompanying drawings, structural elements with essentially the same function and construction are designated by the same reference numerals, and a repeated description of such structural elements is omitted.

[0013] First, the configuration of a control system 1000 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to Fig. 1 described. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation to describe the configuration of the control system 1000 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, in this control system 1000, a vehicle 100 is capable of communicating with a server (management device) 200. The vehicle 100 is coupled to the server 200 in such a way that communication between them is possible, for example via a network 500, such as the internet, a mobile phone network, a PHS network, wireless LAN, WiMAX, a satellite phone, and a beacon or radio beacon.

[0015] For example, the vehicle 100 and the server 200 can be coupled with base stations, for example via the mobile phone network, the PHS network, the wireless LAN, WiMAX, the satellite phone and the beacon, and the base stations can be coupled to each other via the network 500.

[0016] Server 200 is coupled with other vehicles 300, 400, etc., such as vehicle 100. According to this embodiment, vehicles 100, 300, 400, etc., each have a lane-keeping function. The lane-keeping function is a function for detecting a lane (such as a lane marking) on ​​a road, enabling vehicle 100 to drive along that lane. The lane-keeping function includes a function (a lane deviation alarm) to notify the driver whether vehicle 100 is driving in the lane.

[0017] The lane keeping function also includes a function (a function to prevent lane deviation) that enables the vehicle to drive along the lane, for example on the basis of either a steering control or a rear wheel torque vectoring or torque distribution control.

[0018] The vehicle 100 includes the following: a control unit 110, a memory 130 that stores vehicle data and the like, a communication module 140 that sends and receives information to and from the server 200, a camera arrangement 150, an external vehicle sensor 160, a display unit 170, a speech generation unit 175, a navigation system 180, a GPS 185, and a lane keeping system 190.

[0019] The controller 110, for example, has an electronic control unit (ECU) and a communication processor 111, which performs processing for communication with the server 200, an image analyzer 112, a usage information determination module 114, which determines usage information regarding the lane keeping function, a lane keeping function processor 116, which performs processing for the lane keeping function, a map information modification unit 117, which modifies map information, and an environment information determination module 118, which determines environment information, such as the operating status of a windshield wiper. The controller 110 can be equipped with a central processing unit, such as a CPU, and with a program (software) that initiates the operation of the controller 210.

[0020] The camera arrangement 150 included in the vehicle 100 captures images of the outside of the vehicle and acquires image information from the outside of the vehicle (image information in particular of the road surfaces in front of the vehicle 100, roadways indicating lanes, vehicles ahead, traffic lights and various traffic signs). In a further preferred embodiment, the camera arrangement 150 should include a stereo camera.

[0021] In this case, the camera arrangement 150 has a symmetrical pair of cameras, each equipped with an image sensor, such as a CCD sensor and a CMOS sensor, which image the external environment of the vehicle 100 and send the recorded image information to the image analyzer 112 of the controller 110.

[0022] Based on the triangulation principle, the image analyzer 112 can generate and determine distance information about the distance to a target object (such as a vehicle traveling ahead) from the differences of the corresponding positions in a symmetrical pair of images, which are captured by the symmetrical pair of cameras that map the areas in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0023] Furthermore, the image analyzer 112 can detect three-dimensional object data, lane line data, and the like by performing a generally known grouping process on the distance information generated based on the triangulation principle, and subsequently comparing the distance information subjected to the grouping process with predefined three-dimensional object data and the like. This enables the image analyzer 112 to recognize roadways and display lanes, stop signs, stop lines, electronic toll collection portals (ETC portals), and the like.

[0024] Furthermore, using distance information generated on the basis of the triangulation principle about the distance (vehicle distance L between vehicles) between a vehicle ahead and vehicle 100, the image analyzer 112 can calculate the amount of change in the vehicle distance L as well as the relative speed V to the vehicle ahead.

[0025] The change in the vehicle spacing L between vehicles can be determined by integrating the vehicle spacing L between individual images detected per unit of time. The relative speed V can be determined by dividing the vehicle spacing detected per unit of time by the unit of time.

[0026] The external vehicle sensor 160 has a radar sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like, and acquires environmental information from the outside of the vehicle. The display unit 170 is located near the dashboard of the vehicle 100 and displays map information obtained by the navigation system 180, superimposing, for example, the current position and the route to the destination, which are determined by the GPS 185, onto the map information. Furthermore, the display unit 170 displays various types of information obtained from the server 200.

[0027] The speech generation unit 175 generates speech and warning information for the navigation system 180. The navigation system 180 contains map information, searches for a route to the destination, and causes the display unit 170 to display the route along with the map information.

[0028] Furthermore, the navigation system 180 calculates a route from the current position to the destination, the required travel time, motorway tolls, and similar information based on map data, and it causes the display unit 170 to show the distance, the required travel time, the tolls, and similar information. The GPS 185 determines information about the current position. The information about the current position determined by the GPS 185 is sent by the communication module 140 to the server 200.

[0029] The lane keeping system 190 is controlled by the lane keeping function processor 116 of the controller 110 and includes a steering device of the vehicle 100 as well as electric motors that perform torque distribution control on the rear wheels of the vehicle 100.

[0030] When the vehicle 100 is instructed to drive along a lane, the lane-keeping function processor 116 of the controller 110 obtains information about the lane position from the image analyzer 112 and controls the lane-keeping system 190 in such a way that the vehicle 100 drives along the lane, and furthermore performs steering control and rear-wheel engine torque distribution control. In addition, the lane-keeping function processor 116 of the controller 110 obtains information about the lane position from the image analyzer 112.

[0031] If the vehicle 100 deviates from the lane, the lane keeping function processor 116 of the control unit 110 causes the display device 170 to display a warning, and it also causes the voice generation device 175 to generate voice and warning information. This lane keeping function can be implemented using existing technology. The configuration of the lane keeping system 190 is not subject to any special restrictions.

[0032] If it is difficult for the lane keeping function processor 116 of the controller 110 to detect a lane using the camera array 150, the lane keeping function processor 116 of the controller 110 has a function to temporarily stop the lane keeping function. The lane keeping function processor 116 also has a function to resume the lane keeping function when the situation changes from one in which lane detection using the camera array 150 is difficult to one in which lane detection using the camera array 150 is possible.

[0033] Furthermore, the lane keeping function processor 116 initiates a temporary stop of the lane keeping function when it receives notification information from the server 200 requesting a temporary stop of the lane keeping function. Additionally, the lane keeping function processor 116 displays a warning on the display unit 170 and generates voice and warning information, etc., from the voice generation unit 175 when it receives notification information from the server indicating the possibility of a temporary stop of the lane keeping function.

[0034] The usage information determination module 114 of the control unit 110 determines usage information about the usage status of the lane keeping function and also determines information indicating, for example, whether the lane keeping function is being used normally or whether the lane keeping function is temporarily stopped due to a difficulty in detecting a lane using the camera array 150. This usage information is transmitted by the communication module 140, after processing by the communication processor 111, to the server 200.

[0035] When the map information change unit 117 of the control 110 receives notification information indicating that the map information has been changed by the server 200, the map information change unit 117 of the control 110 changes the map information of the navigation system 180.

[0036] The environmental information determination module 118 of the control unit 110 determines such information as the operating status of the windshield wipers and headlights of the vehicle 100, as well as the time at which the lane keeping function temporarily stops, as environmental information.

[0037] The environmental information detection module 118 can determine the operating status of the windshield wipers and headlights, for example, based on information from a rain sensor and an automatic light sensor located at the top of the windshield. This environmental information is transmitted by the communication module 140 to the server 200, where it is processed by the communication processor 111.

[0038] The configurations of the additional vehicles 300, 400, etc., connected to the server 200 are similar to the configuration of vehicle 100. In this way, the server 200 is connected to a large number of vehicles via communication links, each of which has a lane-keeping assist system. The server 200 includes a controller 210 and a database 220. The controller 210 can be equipped with a central processing unit, such as a CPU, and with a program (software) that controls the operation of the controller 210.

[0039] The controller 210 of the server 200 includes the following: a communication module 212, which sends information to and receives information from vehicles 100, 300, 400...; a usage information determination module 214, which determines lane keeping function usage information during driving from vehicles 100, 300, 400... equipped with the lane keeping function; a usage rate calculator 215, which calculates the lane keeping function usage rate (temporary stop rate) based on the lane keeping function usage information; an area extractor 216, which extracts an area (a section) with a low usage rate; and an environment information determination module 217, which determines environment information from vehicles 100, 300, 400... a position information determination module 218, which determines position information for vehicles 100, 300, 400 ...; and a notification information generator 219, which is associated with vehicles 100, 300, 400 ...The notification information to be transmitted is determined based on the usage rate.

[0040] The communication module 212 sends usage-rate-based notification information to a vehicle equipped with the lane-keeping function. Furthermore, the server 200 can have a notification module separate from the controller 110, and the communication module can send and receive information to and from vehicles 100, 300, 400, etc., depending on the processing performed by the communication module 212.

[0041] If, as explained above, lane markings in an image captured by camera assembly 150 are damaged or dirty, then in some cases the lane markings are difficult to see. Not only the condition (the extent of the impairment or damage) of the actual lane markings, but also the weather influences whether camera assembly 150 can easily detect lane markings. For example, puddles of rainwater on roads make image analysis of the lane markings difficult. In this case, control unit 110 can no longer correctly detect the lane markings. Therefore, vehicle 100 would no longer be able to adequately demonstrate the lane keeping function.

[0042] If it becomes difficult to detect the lane markings while the vehicle is traveling at 100 km / h and following the lanes using the lane keeping assist, the lane keeping assist will be temporarily deactivated. Specifically, if the image analyzer can no longer detect lane markings, the lane keeping assist will be temporarily deactivated. Once lane markings can be detected again, the lane keeping assist will resume. When the lane keeping assist is temporarily deactivated, the display unit will indicate that the lane keeping assist is temporarily deactivated.

[0043] It is desirable for the driver of vehicle 100 to drive the vehicle 100 in a situation where the lane keeping function can be used as continuously as possible. If a driver is notified in advance that the lane keeping function will soon be temporarily stopped, the driver can prepare for this temporary stop. This makes it possible to switch back to normal driving when the lane keeping function temporarily stops.

[0044] If there is a possibility that the lane keeping function might temporarily stop, the driver is notified in advance in this embodiment that a temporary stop of the lane keeping function is possible. Server 200 makes information (usage information) about temporary stops of the lane keeping function more accurate and reliable by collecting usage information from vehicles. For example, if a particular section of a particular road has impaired or damaged lanes, there is a higher probability that the lane keeping function of a vehicle traveling through this section will temporarily stop.

[0045] Server 200 collects information about temporary stops of the lane-keeping function by vehicles traveling in this section and determines the probability (temporary stop rate) of a temporary stop based on this information. The temporary stop rate is a parameter that represents the utilization rate of the lane-keeping function. If the temporary stop rate is high, the lane-keeping function is not being used sufficiently in this section, and there is a possibility that the lane-keeping function of vehicles traveling through this section will temporarily stop.

[0046] For this reason, the server generates 200 notification messages based on the temporary stop rate and sends this information in advance to vehicles ahead of this section. This informs them of the possibility that the lane keeping assist function may temporarily stop. This allows drivers of the notified vehicles to anticipate a high probability of the lane keeping assist function temporarily stopping and to drive their vehicles optimally when the function does.

[0047] If the temporary stop rate is significantly high, notification information for automatically stopping the lane keeping function is generated and sent from server 200 to vehicles. This allows vehicles that have received the notification information to temporarily stop the lane keeping function in advance in a section where the possibility of a temporary stop of the lane keeping function is high.

[0048] Notification information regarding map changes is sent by server 200 to vehicles in a region with low lane-keeping assist usage, based on the temporary stop rate. This prompts the map information change unit 117 of control unit 110 to update the map information in the vehicle's navigation system 180. Based on this updated map information, the driver can thus anticipate a region where the lane-keeping assist is likely to be temporarily deactivated.

[0049] If the temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function is relatively high, it is also conceivable to maintain the lane keeping function without temporary stops by displaying a complementary message on the map information indicating that the temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function is relatively high. This allows for a simple system design without the use of a new sensor or extensive map data.

[0050] In the present embodiment, as described above, the server analyzes temporary stop information of the lane keeping function determined by vehicles, and it determines information regarding the probability that the lane keeping function will temporarily stop, and notifies the driver in advance based on this information or takes this information into account in the map information of the navigation system 180 for a vehicle.

[0051] Furthermore, the situation in which there is a possibility of triggering a temporary stop of the lane keeping function is calculated in the form of a probability depending on environmental information such as time and weather, and notification information is transmitted to the vehicle based on the temporary stop rate depending on the environmental information, in order to inform the driver step by step about the possibility of temporary stops depending on the respective situation.

[0052] The driver can be informed quantitatively about the possibility of temporary stops based on numerical values. The driver knows in advance that the lane keeping function will temporarily stop. Therefore, the driver does not need to quickly attend to the temporary stop and can drive calmly.

[0053] The following is an example where, if a vehicle is on Route 10 as shown in the illustration in Fig. As vehicle 2 drives, server 200 collects information about the probability that the lane-keeping function will temporarily stop in three sections A, B, and C on route 10. As an example, sections A, B, and C are assumed to be based on driving locations where the lane-keeping function temporarily stops N times or more within X [m]. The probability that the lane-keeping function temporarily stops can be determined for each pre-divided area based on the map data.

[0054] Fig. Figure 3 shows a flowchart to illustrate the processing performed by Server 200. First, in step S10, Server 200 communicates with the control units for vehicles 100, 300, 400, etc., which are connected to Server 200, and determines whether the lane keeping function in a given vehicle temporarily stops. If the lane keeping function temporarily stops, the process continues with step S12.

[0055] In step S12, environmental information is collected from a vehicle that temporarily stops the lane keeping function, such as the operating status of the windshield wipers and headlights at the time of the temporary stop, as well as the time of the temporary stop, and position information (GPS information) of the region in which the vehicle temporarily stops the lane keeping function.

[0056] If the lane keeping function does not temporarily stop, the process terminates (END). In this step S12, all information about temporary stops of the lane keeping function that have occurred so far in all vehicles communicating with server 200 is collected from all vehicles.

[0057] After step S12, the process continues with step S13. In step S13, based on the position information, it is determined whether the lane keeping function temporarily stops N times or more in a specific area (e.g., a section with a distance of X [m] or less). If the lane keeping function temporarily stops N times or more, the process continues with step S14.

[0058] In the Fig. In the example shown, the lane-keeping function temporarily stops N times or more within X [m] in each of the sections A, B, and C. Sections A, B, and C thus satisfy the condition of step S13. Advance notification of temporary stops can be based on data containing only information that includes N or more temporary stops.

[0059] In step S14, usage information about the operating state of the lane keeping assist function is collected from all vehicles that can communicate with server 200 in the respective area (each of sections A, B, and C) where the lane keeping assist function temporarily stops N times or more. The information to be collected includes environmental information such as the time at which the lane keeping assist function temporarily stops, the operating state of the windshield wipers, and the operating state of the headlights, in addition to information about the presence or absence of temporary stops.

[0060] In the next step, S16 categories are formed taking into account environmental information, such as the operating status of the windshield wipers and headlights at the time of a temporary stop, as well as the duration of the temporary stop in the respective sections A, B, and C. This makes it possible to estimate the weather at the time of a temporary stop based on the operating status of the windshield wipers at that time.

[0061] If the windshield wipers are in operation at the time of the temporary stop, it can be assumed that it is raining. It is also possible to estimate the duration during which the lane keeping assist function temporarily stops (i.e., whether the lane keeping assist function temporarily stops during the day or during the night) depending on the time of the temporary stop and the operating state of the headlights at that time.

[0062] In this way, it is possible to determine environmental information such as the time period in which the lane keeping function temporarily stops, as well as the weather in which the lane keeping function temporarily stops, based on information such as the time of the temporary stop, the operating state of the windshield wipers and the operating state of the headlights, and to categorize the information collected in each of sections A, B and C depending on the environmental information.

[0063] Subsequently, in step S18, a rate P1 (temporary stop rate P1) of the number of vehicles that temporarily stop the lane keeping function is calculated as a percentage of the total number of vehicles that can communicate with server 200 in the categories of sections A, B and C.

[0064] The Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows schematic representations to explain temporary stop rates P1 of categories that are in steps S16 and S18 according to Fig. 3 for sections A, B and C. The temporary stop rates P1 of the categories of the in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. The 6 illustrated sections A, B and C are calculated by the usage rate calculator 215 of server 200 and stored in database 220.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the overall temporary stop rate P1, which includes all time periods (day and night) and all types of weather (sunny, cloudy, and rainy), has a value of 80% in section A. If it is sunny or cloudy during the day, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 80%. If it rains during the day, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 70%. If it rains at night, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 70%. If it is sunny, clear, or cloudy at night, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 90%. If it rains at night, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 80%. Time periods are categorized as day and night on a 12-hour basis; however, a more granular categorization (e.g., on a 6-hour basis) is also possible.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the temporary stop rate P1 has a total value of 47% in section B. If it is sunny or cloudy during the day, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 1%. If it rains during the day, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 90%. If it is sunny, clear, or cloudy at night, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 2%. If it rains at night, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 95%.

[0067] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the temporary stop rate P1 has a total value of 50% in section C. If it is sunny or cloudy during the day, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 45%. If it rains during the day, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 55%. If it is sunny, clear, or cloudy at night, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 40%. If it rains at night, the temporary stop rate P1 has a value of 60%.

[0068] During processing in step S20 and the subsequent steps according to Fig. 3. Vehicle 100 is notified based on the temporary stop rate P1. In step S20, the temporary stop rates P1 of the categories from each of sections A, B, and C are compared to a predetermined threshold α to determine if P1 ≥ 1 is met. For example, the value of α is 70%. If P1 ≥ α, the process continues with step S22. In step S22, the driver of a vehicle traveling Y [m] ahead of the area is notified in advance that the lane-keeping function will temporarily stop. For example, Y equals 100 m.

[0069] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the temporary stop rates P1 have a value of 70% or higher under all conditions in section A. The determination of whether the lane keeping function temporarily stops is therefore "high" under all conditions, regardless of time or weather.

[0070] Thus, the server generates 200 notification information indicating that the lane keeping function will temporarily stop, and sends the generated notification function under all conditions, regardless of time or weather, to vehicles traveling 100 m before section A, in order to notify the drivers in advance and to generate and send notification information to force the lane keeping function to stop automatically.

[0071] Vehicles that have received the notification issue a warning to drivers and deactivate the lane keeping assist. Vehicles that received the notification 100 meters before section A issue the warning to drivers first and then deactivate the lane keeping assist. This allows drivers a smooth transition from driving with the lane keeping assist to normal driving.

[0072] The temporary stop rates P1 in section A consistently reach 70% or higher under all conditions, regardless of time or weather, leading to the assumption that road conditions significantly contribute to these temporary stops. Furthermore, notification information, intended to be reflected in the map information of navigation system 180, is generated by server 200 and sent to each vehicle.

[0073] The map information in each vehicle takes into account that the road conditions in section A may cause the lane keeping assist to temporarily stop, and this map information is displayed on the display unit 170. In this way, drivers can be warned, based on the map information, that the lane keeping assist is likely to temporarily stop in section A.

[0074] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the temporary stop rate P1 in section B is only 70% or higher when it is raining. Therefore, the indication of whether the lane keeping function temporarily stops only shows "high" when it is raining.

[0075] The controller 210 of server 200 thus generates notification information indicating that the lane keeping function will temporarily stop and sends this notification information to vehicles traveling 100 m before section B when it is raining, in order to notify the drivers in advance. Furthermore, the controller 210 of server 200 generates and sends notification information to force the lane keeping function to stop automatically.

[0076] Vehicles that have received the notification information issue a warning to their drivers and deactivate the lane keeping assist function. By receiving environmental information from each vehicle, the driver can determine whether the vehicle is driving in the rain based on the windshield wiper's operating status. This allows the server to send notification information only to vehicles driving in the rain.

[0077] Server 200 can also generate notification information indicating a temporary deactivation of the lane keeping assist function only when it is raining, and can send this notification information to all vehicles traveling within 100 meters of section B. In this case, the vehicles determine from the operating status of the windshield wipers whether vehicles are driving in the rain and issue a warning to the drivers, temporarily deactivating the lane keeping assist function only when vehicles are driving in the rain.

[0078] The temporary stop rates P1 in section B are only 70% or higher when it is raining, and therefore it is assumed that section B is slightly flooded. Furthermore, notification information for consideration in the map information of navigation system 180 is generated by server 200 and sent to each vehicle.

[0079] The map information in each vehicle reflects that section B is slightly flooded, with the map information displayed on display unit 170. This allows drivers to be warned, based on the map information, that the lane keeping function in section B is likely to temporarily stop.

[0080] If in step S20 the Fig. If P1 < α, the process continues with step S24. In step S24, P1 is compared with predetermined threshold values ​​α and β. It is then determined whether the condition α > P1 > β is met. For example, the value of β is 30%. If α > P1 > β, the process continues with step S26, and the driver is informed in advance that there is a possibility of the lane keeping function being temporarily deactivated. The processing sequence ends after steps S22 and S26.

[0081] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the temporary stop rates P1 in section C are 30% or more and less than 70% under all conditions. Therefore, the determination of whether the lane keeping function temporarily stops, regardless of time or weather, indicates "medium" under all conditions. In this case, it is also possible for vehicles traveling in section C to proceed without the lane keeping function temporarily stopping.

[0082] A notification information is generated to warn drivers, and this information is sent under all conditions to vehicles traveling within 100 m of section C. Vehicles receiving this notification warn their drivers that the lane keeping assist function may be temporarily deactivated. Examples of driver warning procedures include displaying a warning on the display unit 170 and generating warning tones from the voice-generating unit 175.

[0083] If the condition α > P1 > β is not met in step S24, the processing sequence terminates. Server 200 therefore does not send any vehicle information if P1 ≤ β.

[0084] According to the present embodiment, as described above, the server can collect information about temporary stops of the lane keeping function and send notification information to vehicles approaching sections where there is a high probability of a temporary stop of the lane keeping function. Vehicles that have received the notification information can take appropriate measures in advance, such as automatically stopping the lane keeping function, and issue warnings to drivers based on the notification information.

[0085] Although the preferred embodiments and exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or variations are possible insofar as they fall within the technical scope of the accompanying claims or their equivalents. It is understood that such modifications or variations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0086] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to inform a driver of a vehicle, based on real-time usage information of a lane keeping function, whether the lane keeping function can be used. Reference symbol list 100 vehicles 110 Control 111 Communication processor 112 Image analyzer 114 Usage Information Collection Module 116 Lane Keeping Function Processor 117 Map Information Change Device 118 Environmental Information Detection Module 130 vehicle data 140 Communication module 150 camera arrangement 160 external vehicle sensor 170 Display unit 175 Speech generation device 180 Navigation system 185 GPS 190 Lane Keeping System 200 servers (management device) 210 Control 212 Communication module 214 Usage Information Collection Module 215 Usage Rate Calculators 216 Area Extractors 217 Environmental Information Detection Module 218 Position Information Determination Module 219 Notification Information Generator 220 database 300 vehicles 400 vehicles 500 network 1000 control system L distance between vehicles V relative velocity

Claims

[1] Information processing facility comprising: - a usage information determination module (214) that determines usage information regarding the lane keeping function during a journey from vehicles (100, 300, 400) each equipped with a lane keeping function that enables each of the vehicles (100, 300, 400) to drive along a lane; - a range extractor (216) that extracts a range in which the lane keeping function usage rate is low based on usage information; - a transmitter (212) that sends notification information based on the usage rate to a relevant vehicle (100, 300, 400) equipped with the lane keeping function; and - a position information determination module (218) that determines position information of the relevant vehicle (100, 300, 400) having the lane keeping function, wherein the transmitter (212) sends the notification information to a vehicle (100, 300, 400) driving in front of the area, wherein the transmitter (212) sends the notification information to stop the lane keeping function when a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function indicating the usage rate is greater than or equal to a first threshold, wherein the transmitter (212) sends as notification information a warning information indicating a possibility of stopping the lane keeping function if a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function specifying the usage rate is less than the first threshold and greater than a second threshold. [2] Information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter (212) sends information as notification information requesting a stop of the lane keeping function. [3] Information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter (212) sends as notification information a warning information indicating a possibility of temporarily stopping the lane keeping function. [4] Information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter (212) sends the notification information for the vehicle in question (100, 300, 400) for consideration of the notification information in map information of a navigation system (180). [5] Information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a usage rate calculator (215) which calculates the usage rate on the basis of the usage information. [6] Information processing device according to claim 5, comprising an environment information detection module (217) that determines environment information from the vehicles (100, 300, 400), displays environments outside the vehicles (100, 300, 400), wherein the usage rate calculator (215) calculates the usage rate as a function of the environment information for each area, and wherein the transmitter (212) sends the notification information generated on the basis of the usage rate and the environment information. [7] Information processing device according to claim 6, wherein the environmental information is a time at which the lane keeping function temporarily stops, information indicating an operating state of a windshield wiper at the time of a temporary stop of the lane keeping function, or information indicating an operating state of a headlight at the time of a temporary stop of the lane keeping function. [8] Information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a notification information generator (219) which generates the notification information based on the usage rate. [9] Information processing procedure comprising the following steps: - Determining usage information of the lane keeping function during a journey by vehicles (100, 300, 400), each of which has a lane keeping function that enables the respective vehicles (100, 300, 400) to drive along a lane; - Extracting an area where the lane keeping function usage rate is low, based on usage information; - Sending notification information based on the usage rate to a relevant vehicle equipped with lane keeping assist (100, 300, 400); and - Determining position information of the vehicle (100, 300, 400) equipped with the lane keeping function, wherein notification information is sent to a vehicle (100, 300, 400) traveling in front of the area, wherein notification information is sent to stop the lane keeping function if a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function indicating the usage rate is greater than or equal to a first threshold, wherein notification information is sent as a warning information indicating a possibility of stopping the lane keeping function if a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function indicating the usage rate is less than the first threshold and greater than a second threshold. [10] Control device for a vehicle, wherein the control device comprises: - a usage information determination module (114) that determines usage information of a lane keeping function that enables the vehicle (100, 300, 400) to drive along a roadway; - a transmitter (140) that sends the usage information to a server (200); - a receiver (140) that receives notification information based on a usage rate of the lane keeping function from the server (200) for an area where the usage rate calculated by the server (200) based on the usage information determined by the vehicles (100, 300, 400) is low; and - a lane keeping function processor (116) that performs lane keeping function processing based on the notification information wherein the receiver (140) receives the notification information when the vehicle (100, 300, 400) is driving in front of the area, wherein the receiver (140) receives the notification information to stop the lane keeping function when a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function indicating the usage rate is greater than or equal to a first threshold, wherein the receiver (140) receives as notification information a warning information indicating a possibility of stopping the lane keeping function if a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function specifying the usage rate is less than the first threshold and greater than a second threshold. [11] Control device for a vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the lane keeping function processor (116) stops the lane keeping function on the basis of the notification information. [12] Control device for a vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the lane keeping function processor (116) generates a warning indicating a possibility of a temporary stopping of the lane keeping function based on the notification information. [13] Control device for a vehicle according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the control device further comprises a map information modification device (117) which modifies the map information of a navigation system (180) on the basis of the notification information. [14] Control device for a vehicle according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the control device has an environment information detection module (118) that detects environment information, wherein the transmitter (140) sends the environment information together with the usage information, and where the receiver (140) receives the notification information based on the usage rate in the area calculated by the server (200) depending on the environmental information. [15] Control device for a vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the environmental information is a time at which the lane keeping function temporarily stops, information indicating an operating state of a windscreen wiper at the time of a temporary stop of the lane keeping function, or information indicating an operating state of a headlight at the time of a temporary stop of the lane keeping function. [16] Control method for a vehicle, the control procedure comprises the following steps: - Determining usage information of a lane keeping function that enables the vehicle (100, 300, 400) to drive along a lane; - Sending usage information to a server (200); - Receiving notification information based on a lane keeping function usage rate from the server (200) for an area where the usage rate calculated by the server (200) based on the usage information determined by the vehicles (100, 300, 400) is low; and - Performing processing for the lane keeping function based on the notification information, where the notification information is received when the vehicle (100, 300, 400) drives in front of the area, where the notification information to stop the lane keeping function is received when a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function indicating the usage rate is greater than or equal to a first threshold, where notification information is received as a warning information indicating a possibility of stopping the lane keeping function if a temporary stop rate of the lane keeping function, specifying the usage rate, is less than the first threshold and greater than a second threshold.

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