Vehicle control device

The vehicle control device addresses the issue of varying driver perceptions by allowing feedback-based parameter adjustments, ensuring autonomous vehicles adapt their behavior to individual preferences, thereby enhancing comfort and reducing anxiety.

JP2025007922AActive Publication Date: 2025-01-17TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023109664
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-07-03
Publication Date
2025-01-17
Estimated Expiration
2043-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing autonomous vehicles do not adjust their behavior based on individual driver preferences during driving support functions, leading to varying perceptions of vehicle behavior among drivers, with some feeling frightened or uncomfortable.

Method used

A vehicle control device that includes an evaluation window on the navigation system for drivers to provide feedback on driving support functions, allowing parameter adjustments based on driver input or facial recognition to tailor vehicle behavior to individual preferences.

Benefits of technology

Enables personalized adjustment of vehicle behavior during driving support functions, enhancing comfort and reducing anxiety by aligning vehicle actions with driver preferences.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To adjust vehicle behavior when a travel support function is activated.SOLUTION: A vehicle 10 comprises an automatic operation device 13 and a navigation device 11. A control device 15 of the vehicle 10 causes the navigation device 11 to display an evaluation window asking a driver to evaluate a travel support function activated by the automatic operation device 13. The control device 15 also adjusts a parameter when the automatic operation device 13 activates the travel support function based on input operation of the driver in response to the evaluation window.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, autonomous vehicles have become more common.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a driving evaluation device that estimates the ride comfort of a passenger based on the facial expressions and behavior of the passenger, and evaluates the driving of a vehicle under automatic driving control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-042642 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An autonomous vehicle can perform various driving assistance functions, such as automatically changing lanes.

[0006] When lane changes are automatically performed, drivers may react differently to the vehicle's behavior. For example, drivers who are not used to driving may feel scared of the vehicle accelerating quickly when changing lanes.

[0007] However, the behavior of the vehicle when executing the driving assistance function is the same for all drivers.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to adjust the behavior of a vehicle when executing a driving assistance function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The vehicle control device according to the present disclosure includes: A control device for a vehicle, The vehicle includes an automatic driving device and a navigation device, The control device includes: displaying, on the navigation device, an evaluation window for evaluating the driving support function executed by the automatic driving device; Based on the driver's input operation into the evaluation window, the automatic driving device adjusts parameters when executing the driving assistance function. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to adjust the behavior of the vehicle when a driving assistance function is executed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the navigation device displays an evaluation window. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which a navigation device displays a pop-up window. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example in which the navigation device displays a pop-up window. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration and overview of the vehicle 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0014] The vehicle 10 is a vehicle capable of autonomous driving. The vehicle 10 may be, for example, a gasoline-powered automobile, an electric automobile (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), a hybrid automobile (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid automobile (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). The driving of the vehicle 10 may be automated at any level. The level of automation may be, for example, any of levels 1 to 5 of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

[0015] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a navigation device 11, an operation unit 12, an automatic driving device 13, an in-vehicle camera 14, and a control device 15.

[0016] The navigation device 11 is a device that provides route guidance for the vehicle 10. For example, the navigation device 11 includes a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, a communication module, an input interface, a memory, a processor, and a display. The GPS receiver acquires position information of the vehicle 10 based on signals received from each GPS satellite. The communication module receives traffic information. The input interface accepts input operations by the driver. The memory stores any information used for the operation of the navigation device 11. For example, the memory stores map information, traffic information, position information of the vehicle 10, and position information of the destination. The processor controls the operation of the entire navigation device 11. For example, the processor executes processing for route guidance for the vehicle 10, and displays the processing results on the display.

[0017] The operation unit 12 receives instructions from the driver for the vehicle 10. The operation unit 12 may be, for example, a turn signal, a button provided near the driver's seat of the vehicle 10, or the like. For example, when the vehicle 10 executes a predetermined driving assistance function, the vehicle 10 may start executing the predetermined driving assistance function based on an operation on the operation unit 12 by the driver.

[0018] The automatic driving device 13 is a device that performs automatic driving of the vehicle 10. For example, the automatic driving device 13 includes one or more on-board sensors, a memory, and a processor. The on-board sensors include, for example, a camera, a millimeter wave radar, a lidar, a steering angle sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and the like. The memory stores any information used in the operation of the automatic driving device 13. For example, the memory stores parameters when the automatic driving device 13 executes a driving assistance function. The processor controls the operation of the entire automatic driving device 13. For example, the processor performs automatic driving processing of the vehicle 10 using the detection results of each on-board sensor. Specifically, the processor performs steering control, accelerator control, brake control, and the like of the vehicle 10.

[0019] The in-vehicle camera 14 captures an image of the driver of the vehicle 10. The in-vehicle camera 14 transmits the captured image to the control device 15. The image captured by the in-vehicle camera 14 may be a still image or a moving image.

[0020] The control device 15 is a device that controls the navigation device 11, the automatic driving device 13, etc. The control device 15 may be, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control device 15 includes, for example, a communication module, a memory, and a processor. The communication module is capable of communicating with the navigation device 11, the operation unit 12, the automatic driving device 13, and the in-car camera 14. The memory stores any information used for the operation of the control device 15. The processor is capable of controlling the navigation device 11 and the automatic driving device 13.

[0021] (Vehicle operation) The operation of the vehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0022] As described above, the vehicle 10 is a vehicle capable of automatic driving. The automatic driving device 13 performs automatic driving of the vehicle 10. The automatic driving device 13 can execute various driving assistance functions as a function of automatically driving the vehicle 10.

[0023] Examples of driving assistance functions that the automatic driving device 13 can execute include a function for automatically changing lanes, a function for automatically overtaking, and a function for automatically avoiding collisions.

[0024] The automatic driving device 13 may start the driving assistance function in response to an operation of the operation unit 12 by the driver. Alternatively, the automatic driving device 13 may automatically start the driving assistance function even if there is no operation of the operation unit 12 by the driver.

[0025] For example, if the driving assistance function is a function of automatically changing lanes or a function of automatically overtaking, the automatic driving device 13 starts the driving assistance function in response to an operation on the operation unit 12 by the driver.

[0026] For example, if the driving assistance function is a function for automatically executing collision avoidance, the automatic driving device 13 automatically starts the driving assistance function even if the driver does not operate the operation unit 12.

[0027] The navigation device 11 can display an evaluation window on the navigation device 11 for the driver to evaluate the driving assistance function executed by the automatic driving device 13.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows an example of the navigation device 11 displaying an evaluation window 20.

[0029] The navigation device 11 may display an evaluation button 30 for displaying the evaluation window 20. When the driver presses the evaluation button 30 displayed by the navigation device 11, the control device 15 causes the navigation device 11 to display the evaluation window 20.

[0030] The evaluation window 20 is a display for the driver to evaluate the driving support function executed by the automatic driving device 13. The content displayed by the evaluation window 20 corresponds to the type of driving support function executed immediately before the evaluation window 20 was displayed. That is, the content displayed by the evaluation window 20 differs depending on whether the driving support function executed immediately before the evaluation window 20 was displayed was a function for automatically executing lane changes or a function for automatically executing overtaking.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows an example of a case where the evaluation window 20 is displayed immediately after the automatic driving device 13 executes a function for automatically executing a lane change.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the evaluation window 20 displays the question "Where did you feel uncomfortable or anxious?" along with three items: "Safety check, starting lane change," "Acceleration," and "Time taken to change lanes."

[0033] The control device 15 adjusts parameters when the automatic driving device 13 executes the driving assistance function based on the driver's input operation to the evaluation window 20.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up window 21 displayed on the navigation device 11 when the driver selects "acceleration" in the evaluation window 20 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a pop-up window 22 displayed on the navigation device 11 when the driver selects "time required for lane change" in the evaluation window 20 shown in Fig. 2.

[0035] When the driver selects "Slow" in the pop-up window 21 shown in Fig. 3, the control device 15 increases the acceleration parameter in the function of automatically executing lane changes by a predetermined value. When the driver selects "Fast" in the pop-up window 21 shown in Fig. 3, the control device 15 decreases the acceleration parameter in the function of automatically executing lane changes by a predetermined value.

[0036] When the driver selects "Long" in the pop-up window 22 shown in Fig. 4, the control device 15 adjusts the values ​​of various parameters in the function of automatically executing lane changes so that the time it takes to change lanes is shortened. When the driver selects "Short" in the pop-up window 22 shown in Fig. 4, the control device 15 adjusts the values ​​of various parameters in the function of automatically executing lane changes so that the time it takes to change lanes is lengthened.

[0037] When adjusting the parameters, the control device 15 adjusts the parameters within a range that does not exceed an upper limit value and a lower limit value. For example, in a function that automatically executes lane changes, the acceleration parameter has a settable upper limit value and a settable lower limit value. When adjusting the acceleration parameter of the function that automatically executes lane changes, the control device 15 adjusts the parameter within a range that does not exceed the upper limit value and the lower limit value.

[0038] In this way, the control device 15 adjusts the parameters when the automatic driving device 13 executes the driving support function based on the driver's input operation on the evaluation window. This allows the driver to adjust the behavior of the vehicle 10 when the driving support function is executed to his / her preference. For example, if the driver feels uneasy because the acceleration is fast when changing lanes, the driver can reduce the parameter of the acceleration when changing lanes by selecting "fast" in FIG. 3.

[0039] <Display of evaluation window based on driver's facial expression> In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which when the driver presses the evaluation button 30 displayed by the navigation device 11, the control device 15 causes the navigation device 11 to display the evaluation window. However, the control device 15 may also cause the navigation device 11 to automatically display the evaluation window based on the facial expression of the driver.

[0040] The in-vehicle camera 14 captures the facial expression of the driver of the vehicle 10.

[0041] When the automatic driving device 13 executes the driving support function, the control device 15 analyzes the facial expression of the driver captured by the in-vehicle camera 14 while the driving support function is being executed.

[0042] When it is determined that the analyzed facial expression of the driver is an expression expressing a predetermined emotion toward the driving support function, the control device 15 automatically displays an evaluation window on the navigation device 11. Here, the facial expression expressing the predetermined emotion may be, for example, an expression expressing anxiety, an expression expressing fear, an expression expressing discomfort, or the like.

[0043] This allows the control device 15 to automatically display the evaluation window on the navigation device 11 based on the driver's facial expression, even if the driver does not press the evaluation button 30 displayed by the navigation device 11. Therefore, the driver can easily adjust the parameters of the driving support function when he / she feels anxious, scared, or uncomfortable, for example.

[0044] The operation of the vehicle 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0045] The automatic driving device 13 executes a driving assistance function in response to an operation on the operation unit 12 by the driver or automatically (S101).

[0046] When the driver presses the evaluation button 30 displayed by the navigation device 11, the control device 15 causes the navigation device 11 to display an evaluation window (S102). Alternatively, the control device 15 analyzes the facial expression of the driver captured by the in-vehicle camera 14 while the driving support function is being executed. When the control device 15 determines that the analyzed facial expression of the driver expresses a predetermined emotion toward the driving support function, the control device 15 causes the navigation device 11 to automatically display an evaluation window (S102).

[0047] Based on the driver's input operation to the evaluation window, the control device 15 adjusts parameters when the automatic driving device 13 executes the driving assistance function (S103).

[0048] As described above, in the vehicle 10 according to this embodiment, the control device 15 causes the navigation device 11 to display an evaluation window for evaluating the driving support function executed by the automatic driving device 13. The control device 15 also adjusts parameters when the automatic driving device 13 executes the driving support function based on the driver's input operation on the evaluation window. This allows the control device 15 to obtain the driver's evaluation of the driving support function and adjust the behavior of the vehicle 10 when the driving support function is executed to match the driver's preferences. For example, if the driver of the vehicle 10 is not good at driving, the control device 15 can adjust the behavior of the vehicle 10 when the driving support function is executed to a behavior that does not make the driver feel fear or anxiety.

[0049] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing multiple steps shown in the flowchart in chronological order as described, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step, or as necessary. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0050] For example, a part of the processing operations performed in the navigation device 11 in the above-described embodiment may be executed in the automatic driving device 13 or the control device 15. Also, a part of the processing operations performed in the automatic driving device 13 in the above-described embodiment may be executed in the navigation device 11 or the control device 15. Also, a part of the processing operations performed in the control device 15 in the above-described embodiment may be executed in the navigation device 11 or the automatic driving device 13.

[0051] For example, a general-purpose electronic device such as a computer may be configured to function as the control device 15 according to the embodiment. Specifically, a program describing the processing contents for realizing each function of the control device 15 according to the embodiment may be stored in the memory of the electronic device, and the program may be read and executed by the processor of the electronic device. Thus, the disclosure according to one embodiment may be realized as a program executable by a processor.

[0052] Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below as examples. However, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples. [Appendix 1] A control device for a vehicle, The vehicle includes an automatic driving device and a navigation device, The control device includes: displaying, on the navigation device, an evaluation window for evaluating the driving support function executed by the automatic driving device; A vehicle control device that adjusts parameters when the automatic driving device executes the driving assistance function based on the driver's input operation on the evaluation window. [Appendix 2] In the control device for a vehicle according to claim 1, A vehicle control device, wherein when the driver presses an evaluation button displayed by the navigation device, the control device causes the navigation device to display the evaluation window. [Appendix 3] In the control device for a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, The vehicle further includes an in-vehicle camera for photographing the driver, The control device includes: When the autonomous driving device executes the driving assistance function, the autonomous driving device analyzes the facial expression of the driver captured by the in-vehicle camera, The vehicle control device causes the navigation device to display the evaluation window when it is determined that the facial expression of the driver represents a predetermined emotion toward the driving support function. [Appendix 4] In the vehicle control device according to any one of appendix 1 to 3, The control device displays, in the evaluation window, content corresponding to the type of the driving support function executed immediately before displaying the evaluation window. [Appendix 5] In the vehicle control device according to any one of appendix 1 to 4, A vehicle control device, wherein the control device adjusts the parameter within a range not exceeding an upper limit value and a lower limit value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 Vehicles 11 Navigation devices 12 Control section 13 Automatic Driving Device 14 In-car camera 15 Control device 20 Evaluation Window 21, 22 Pop-up windows 30 Rating button

Claims

1. A control device for a vehicle, The vehicle includes an automatic driving device and a navigation device, The control device includes: displaying, on the navigation device, an evaluation window for evaluating the driving support function executed by the automatic driving device; A vehicle control device that adjusts parameters when the automatic driving device executes the driving assistance function based on the driver's input operation on the evaluation window.

2. 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, A vehicle control device, wherein when the driver presses an evaluation button displayed by the navigation device, the control device causes the navigation device to display the evaluation window.

3. 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, The vehicle further includes an in-vehicle camera for photographing the driver, The control device includes: When the autonomous driving device executes the driving assistance function, the autonomous driving device analyzes the facial expression of the driver captured by the in-vehicle camera, The vehicle control device causes the navigation device to display the evaluation window when it is determined that the driver's facial expression is an expression that expresses a predetermined emotion toward the driving support function.

4. 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, The control device displays, in the evaluation window, content corresponding to the type of the driving support function executed immediately before displaying the evaluation window.

5. 2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, A vehicle control device, wherein the control device adjusts the parameter within a range not exceeding an upper limit value and a lower limit value.

Citation Information

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