Control device

Abstract

To provide a technique that can improve convenience in a control device that allocates a vehicle function to an operation unit.SOLUTION: In a control device 30, a specification unit 52 specifies a vehicle function which has a relatively high usage frequency among the vehicle functions allocated to multiple operation units installed in a vehicle as a first vehicle function. A proposal unit 56 proposes to a user of the vehicle that the specified first vehicle function is allocated to a second operation unit different from a first operation unit to which the first vehicle function is allocated in advance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for allocating vehicle functions to an operation unit. [Background technology]

[0002] A steering switch function allocation device that allows a driver to freely allocate functions to steering switches according to his / her preferences is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this device, a user can select a steering switch function code to be allocated to a steering switch group from among a plurality of steering switch function codes by operating an operation switch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-308136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology of Patent Document 1, the user must voluntarily select the vehicle function to be assigned to the steering switch. Some users may not know which vehicle function to assign to increase convenience, so they may hardly use the assigned function. Therefore, there is room for improvement in usability.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of improving the convenience of a control device that assigns vehicle functions to an operation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a control device of one embodiment of the present invention includes an identification unit that identifies a vehicle function that is used relatively frequently as a first vehicle function among vehicle functions assigned to each of a plurality of operating units mounted on a vehicle, and a suggestion unit that suggests to a user of the vehicle that the identified first vehicle function be assigned to a second operating unit different from the first operating unit to which the first vehicle function is pre-assigned. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that can improve the convenience of a control device that assigns vehicle functions to an operation unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the steering wheel according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the process of the control device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing another process of the control device of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The control device of the embodiment records the frequency of use of multiple vehicle functions of the vehicle, identifies a vehicle function that is used relatively frequently among the multiple vehicle functions, and suggests to the user of the vehicle that the identified vehicle function be assigned to an operation unit such as a steering switch. The user is, for example, the driver of the vehicle. If the user accepts the suggestion, the control device assigns the proposed vehicle function to the operation unit. Since the vehicle function that is used relatively frequently is assigned to an easy-to-operate steering switch or the like, convenience can be improved.

[0010] The operation unit of the candidate destination for the vehicle function is, for example, an operation unit provided at a position that is easy for the user to operate. In the following, an example in which the operation unit of the candidate destination for the vehicle function is a steering switch will be described. Note that the operation unit of the candidate destination for the vehicle function may include an operation unit other than a steering switch.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a steering wheel 10 according to an embodiment. The steering wheel 10 is connected to a steering shaft of a vehicle and rotates when steered by a driver who is a user of the vehicle to rotate the steering shaft. The vehicle may be an autonomous vehicle. The steering wheel 10 includes a ring portion 12, a central portion 14, a plurality of spoke portions 16, and operation portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. Hereinafter, the operation portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are collectively referred to as operation portions 20 as appropriate. The operation portions 20 can also be referred to as steering switches. In the embodiment, four operation portions 20 are illustrated as an example, but the number of operation portions 20 may be less than "four" or more than "four."

[0012] The ring portion 12 is formed in an annular shape and is gripped by a driver. The central portion 14 is located in the center of the ring portion 12 and is connected to a steering shaft. The spoke portions 16 extend in the radial direction and connect the ring portion 12 and the central portion 14.

[0013] The multiple operation units 20 are provided on the front side of each of the left and right spoke parts 16. The multiple operation units 20 are arranged at positions where the driver can operate them without taking his / her hands off the ring part 12. Therefore, the driver can easily operate the operation units 20. For example, a vehicle function such as an audio device control function, an air conditioner control function, or a vehicle driving assistance function is assigned to each of the multiple operation units 20 in advance. Examples of vehicle driving assistance include ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LKA (Lane Keeping Assist). When the operation unit 20 is operated, the vehicle function assigned to the operated operation unit 20 is executed. The operation unit 20 can be operated to be turned on or off. The operation unit 20 may be capable of changing a set value such as a vehicle speed or a volume. The multiple operation units 22 include mechanical buttons and mechanical switches. As the multiple operation units 20, various known steering switches can be used.

[0014] 2 shows a functional configuration of a control system 100 according to an embodiment. The control system 100 is mounted on a vehicle. The control system 100 includes operation units 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, a plurality of operation units 22, a control device 30, a display unit 40, and an audio output unit .

[0015] When operated, each of the multiple operation units 20 supplies information indicating that the operation has been performed to the control device 30. The control device 30 can change the vehicle functions assigned to each of the multiple operation units 20. The multiple operation units 20 are candidate operation units to which vehicle functions can be assigned.

[0016] The multiple operation units 22 are operation units other than steering switches. A vehicle function is assigned in advance to each of the multiple operation units 22. The vehicle functions assigned in advance to the operation unit 20 are also assigned to the operation unit 22. The vehicle functions include, for example, the above-mentioned audio device control function, air conditioner control function, vehicle driving support function, as well as a power window opening / closing function, a hazard function, and a wiper function. In this way, the multiple operation units 22 include a power window switch, a hazard switch, a wiper switch, and the like. The multiple operation units 22 include a mechanical button, a mechanical switch, a touch panel sensor corresponding to a button or switch displayed as an image on the display unit 40, and the like. As the operation unit 22, various known operation units can be used.

[0017] The multiple operation units 22 are operation units that are not candidates for the allocation of vehicle functions. In other words, the control device 30 cannot change the vehicle functions allocated to each of the multiple operation units 22. As described above, some of the multiple operation units 22 may be operation units that are candidates for the allocation of vehicle functions. For example, a touch panel type sensor corresponding to a predetermined button or switch displayed as an image on the driver's seat side of the center display, which is the display unit 40, may be an operation unit that is a candidate for the allocation of vehicle functions. The operation unit 22 in this position is also an operation unit provided in a position that is easy for the user to operate.

[0018] When each of the multiple operation units 22 is operated, it supplies the control device 30 with information indicating that it has been operated.

[0019] The display unit 40 includes, for example, a touch display provided in the interior of the vehicle, and includes a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The display unit 40 may be, for example, a center display capable of displaying images of a car navigation system or the like. The audio output unit 42 includes a speaker provided in the vehicle cabin for outputting audio.

[0020] The control device 30 includes an acquisition unit 50, an identification unit 52, a learning unit 54, a proposal unit 56, a control unit 58, a reception unit 60, and a presentation unit 62. The configuration of the control device 30 can be realized in hardware by the CPU, memory, and other LSI of any computer, and in software by a program loaded into the memory, but here, functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these are depicted. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by only hardware, only software, or a combination of these.

[0021] The acquisition unit 50 acquires the use frequency of the multiple vehicle functions and the use frequency of the multiple operation units 20 in a predetermined target period based on the operation information of the multiple operation units 20 and the multiple operation units 22, and supplies the acquired information to the identification unit 52. The use frequency is determined based on the number of uses in a period in which the ignition switch is on, for example. The predetermined target period may be, for example, about several tens of hours, and can be appropriately determined by experiments or simulations.

[0022] The identification unit 52 identifies a vehicle function that is used relatively frequently among the vehicle functions based on the received usage frequencies of the vehicle functions as a first vehicle function. The identification unit 52 identifies a vehicle function that is used next most frequently after the first vehicle function as a second vehicle function among the vehicle functions.

[0023] The identification unit 52 identifies the first vehicle function and the second vehicle function by excluding proposed vehicle functions that have been rejected by the user a predetermined number of times in the past. The predetermined number may be "1" or more, and can be appropriately determined through experiments or simulations. This makes it possible to prevent the allocation of vehicle functions that are likely to be rejected from being proposed.

[0024] The identification unit 52 further excludes vehicle functions assigned to the multiple candidate operation units 20 and identifies a first vehicle function and a second vehicle function. For example, the identification unit 52 identifies the most frequently used vehicle function as the first vehicle function from the multiple vehicle functions excluding the control function of an audio device, the control function of an air conditioner, and the like assigned to the operation unit 20.

[0025] The identification unit 52 may not identify a vehicle function with a relatively high usage frequency as a first vehicle function if the usage frequency is lower than a predetermined frequency threshold. The frequency threshold is, for example, once every 10 hours, and can be appropriately determined by experiment or simulation. This makes it possible to prevent a proposal to assign a vehicle function that is hardly used. In this case, the acquisition unit 50 acquires the usage frequencies of a plurality of vehicle functions in the next predetermined target period.

[0026] An example will be described below in which the first vehicle function is a hazard function and the second vehicle function is a power window opening / closing function.

[0027] The specifying unit 52 specifies, as the second operation unit, an operation unit 20 that is used relatively infrequently among the multiple allocation destination candidate operation units 20. For example, when a user frequently uses operation units 20a and 20b but rarely uses operation units 20c and 20d, the specifying unit 52 specifies operation unit 20c as the second operation unit.

[0028] The identification unit 52 supplies information on the identified first vehicle function and second vehicle function, and information on the second operation unit to the suggestion unit 56.

[0029] The learning unit 54 acquires vehicle operation information, and based on the acquired operation information, machine-learns in advance the timing suitable for making a suggestion to the user (hereinafter also referred to as the suggestion timing). The learned suggestion timing may differ for each user. The vehicle operation information includes operation information of the operation unit 20 and the operation unit 22, and operation information related to driving operations. The operation information related to driving operations includes operation information of the ignition switch, accelerator pedal, brake pedal, shift lever, parking brake, etc.

[0030] The learning unit 54 may learn that when one or more specific operations are performed and the next operation is not performed for a certain period of time or more after the execution of one or more specific operations, the execution of the specific operation is a suitable timing for making a suggestion to the user. The certain period of time may be, for example, several tens of seconds to several minutes, and may be appropriately determined by experiments or simulations. The learning unit 54 may machine-learn a model that estimates that it is the suggestion timing.

[0031] For example, if the user tends not to perform any vehicle operations for a period of several tens of seconds to several minutes after turning on the ignition switch, the learning unit 54 may learn that the time when the ignition switch is turned on is a suitable timing for making a suggestion to the user. In this case, the user may be less likely to feel bothered by the suggestion after turning on the ignition switch, and may be more likely to consider whether to accept the suggestion.

[0032] Also, for example, if the user tends not to perform any vehicle operations for a period of several tens of seconds to several minutes after setting the shift lever from the drive position to the parking position, the learning unit 54 may learn that the time when the shift lever is set from the drive position to the parking position is a suitable timing for making a suggestion to the user. In this case, the user may have set the shift lever to the parking position, expecting a relatively long stop time at a traffic light or the like, and may be less likely to find the suggestion annoying and more likely to consider whether to accept the suggestion.

[0033] The suggestion unit 56 suggests to the user of the vehicle, at the suggestion timing, that the identified first vehicle function be assigned to a second operation unit different from the first operation unit to which the first vehicle function is assigned in advance. The suggestion unit 56 makes the suggestion via at least one of the display unit 40 and the audio output unit 42.

[0034] The proposal timing includes a predetermined proposal timing and a proposal timing learned by the learning unit 54. The predetermined proposal timing is a timing that does not depend on the user and is not related to the learning result by the learning unit 54. The predetermined proposal timing is, for example, a timing when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off. When the ignition switch is turned off, the user is less likely to feel bothered by the proposal and is more likely to consider whether to accept the proposal.

[0035] The display unit 40 may display a suggestion in text, for example, "The hazard function is frequently used. Would you like to assign the hazard function to the steering switch C?" The audio output unit 42 may output this suggestion in audio. It is assumed that "steering switch C" represents the operation unit 20c. The display unit 40 may display an image showing the position of the second operation unit. This allows the user to easily grasp the position of the second operation unit.

[0036] In this way, since a proposal is made to assign a vehicle function to an operation unit 20 that is used relatively infrequently among the multiple operation units 20, a proposal that is relatively likely to be accepted by the user can be made. The user has the possibility of efficiently using each of the multiple operation units 20. The user does not need to keep track of operation units 20 that are not being used, which is highly convenient. Since a proposal is not made to assign a vehicle function to an operation unit 20 that is used relatively frequently, a proposal that is likely to reduce convenience if accepted can be suppressed.

[0037] When a proposal is made, the reception unit 60 receives an operation input indicating whether the user accepts or rejects the proposal. This operation input may be an operation input to a touch panel type sensor corresponding to an image of an accept button or a reject button displayed on the display unit 40, or may be an operation input by the user's voice via a microphone in the vehicle cabin (not shown).

[0038] When the reception unit 60 receives an operation input indicating that the proposal is accepted, that is, when the proposal is accepted by the user, the control unit 58 assigns the first vehicle function to the second operation unit. That is, the control unit 58 changes the vehicle function assigned to the second operation unit to the first vehicle function. When the second operation unit is operated after the assignment change, the control unit 58 supplies information indicating that the second operation unit has been operated to a control device such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) corresponding to the first vehicle function. Therefore, when the operation unit 20c corresponding to the second operation unit is operated, a hazard function is executed instead of a driving assistance function. When the proposal is accepted by the user, the control unit 58 does not change the assignment of the first operation unit to which the first vehicle function has been assigned in advance. Therefore, even if the hazard switch, which is the first operation unit, is operated, the hazard function is executed.

[0039] When the reception unit 60 receives an operation input indicating rejection of the proposal, or when the reception unit 60 does not receive an operation input indicating acceptance of the proposal for a predetermined period of time, that is, when the proposal is rejected by the user, the control unit 58 does not assign the first vehicle function to the second operation unit. In other words, the control unit 58 does not change the vehicle function assigned to the second operation unit. The predetermined period of time can be appropriately determined by experiment or simulation.

[0040] When the user rejects the proposal regarding the first vehicle function, if the number of rejections is less than a predetermined number, the proposal unit 56 will again propose to the user that the first vehicle function be assigned to the second operation unit at the next proposal timing. If the predetermined number is "2", even if the proposal is rejected once, for example, the next time the user turns the ignition switch on and then off, the same proposal will be made again. This provides high convenience because the same proposal is made even if the user rejects the first proposal due to an operation error.

[0041] If the user rejects the proposal regarding the first vehicle function a predetermined number of times, the suggestion unit 56 does not make the proposal regarding the first vehicle function again. This makes it possible to make the user feel less bothered. If the user rejects the proposal regarding the first vehicle function a predetermined number of times, the suggestion unit 56 newly suggests to the user that the identified second vehicle function be assigned to a second operation unit different from the third operation unit to which the second vehicle function is assigned in advance. The suggestion unit 56 proposes the new assignment without waiting until the next proposal timing.

[0042] For example, if the predetermined number is "2", when the user rejects the suggestion about the hazard function twice, the suggestion unit 56 will suggest, following the second suggestion, that the next most frequently used function of opening and closing the power window be assigned to the operation unit 20c, which is the second operation unit different from the power window switch, which is the third operation unit. This can widen the range of choices for the user and improve convenience.

[0043] When the receiving unit 60 receives an operation input indicating acceptance of the proposal regarding the second vehicle function, the control unit 58 assigns the second vehicle function to the second operation unit.

[0044] If the user rejects the proposal regarding the second vehicle function, the control unit 58 does not assign the second vehicle function to the second operation unit. If the user rejects the proposal regarding the second vehicle function, and the number of rejections is less than a predetermined number, the suggestion unit 56 again suggests to the user to assign the second vehicle function to the second operation unit at the next proposal timing. If the user rejects the proposal regarding the second vehicle function a predetermined number of times, the suggestion unit 56 does not make the proposal regarding the second vehicle function again.

[0045] The receiving unit 60 may receive an operation input by the user to specify an operation unit 20 as a candidate for assignment destination to be excluded. In this case, the specifying unit 52 may exclude the operation unit 20 as a candidate for assignment destination specified by the user from the multiple operation units 20 as candidate for assignment destination, and specify an operation unit 20 with a relatively low operation frequency among the remaining multiple operation units 20 as a second operation unit.

[0046] For example, the user can specify an operation unit 20 that is used infrequently but always, and for which the user does not want to change the allocation of vehicle functions. Alternatively, the user can specify an operation unit 20 that is located in a position that is difficult to operate with the way the user holds the steering wheel 10, and for which the user does not plan to use. This makes it possible to make appropriate suggestions according to the user's usage situation.

[0047] The receiving unit 60 may also receive an operation input by the user to specify vehicle functions to be excluded from the allocation. In this case, the identifying unit 52 may exclude the vehicle functions specified by the user from the plurality of vehicle functions, and identify the first vehicle function and the second vehicle function from the remaining plurality of vehicle functions.

[0048] For example, the user can specify a vehicle function that is pre-assigned to a specific operation unit 22 that is located in a position that is easy for the user to operate. This is because there is little need to assign such a vehicle function to a steering switch. This allows appropriate suggestions to be made to the user.

[0049] Incidentally, the reception unit 60 can also receive an operation input for starting the registration of a vehicle function by the user. Starting the registration of a vehicle function means starting a process for assigning a vehicle function voluntarily selected by the user to the operation unit 20 selected by the user.

[0050] When the reception unit 60 receives an operation input for starting registration of a vehicle function, the presentation unit 62 presents a history of past assignment proposals to the user via the display unit 40. The history of past proposals includes assignment proposals rejected by the user and assignment proposals accepted by the user. The presentation unit 62 also presents information indicating whether each of the one or more proposals was rejected or accepted.

[0051] When the presentation unit 62 presents the proposal history, the reception unit 60 receives an operation input for registering a vehicle function. The operation input for registering a vehicle function is an operation input for designating a vehicle function and an operation unit 20 to which the vehicle function is to be assigned. When the reception unit 60 receives an operation input for registering a vehicle function, the control unit 58 assigns the vehicle function designated by the operation input to the designated operation unit 20.

[0052] Since the user can check the history of past assignment proposals, it becomes easier for the user to consider which vehicle function to assign to the operation unit 20. For example, since a vehicle function that the user rejected in the past is used frequently, the user may wish to assign that vehicle function.

[0053] Next, a description will be given of the overall operation of the control system 100 configured as above.

[0054] The control device 30 acquires the usage frequency of a plurality of vehicle functions (S10), and identifies a vehicle function that is used relatively frequently (S12). As described above, in S12, the proposed vehicle functions that have been rejected by the user a predetermined number of times in the past are excluded. The control device 30 determines whether it is time to make a proposal (S14), and if it is not time to make a proposal (N in S14), the control device 30 returns to the process of S14. If it is time to make a proposal (Y in S14), the control device 30 proposes to the user to assign the identified vehicle function to the operation unit 20 that is a candidate for assignment (S16).

[0055] If the proposal is accepted (Y of S18), the control device 30 executes the allocation (S20) and ends the process. If the proposal is not accepted (N of S18), and the proposal has not been rejected a predetermined number of times (N of S22), the control device 30 returns to the process of S14. If the proposal has been rejected a predetermined number of times (Y of S22), and the proposal end condition is not met (N of S24), the control device 30 identifies the next most frequently used vehicle function (S26) and returns to S16. The proposal end condition is, for example, that a proposal has been made regarding a predetermined number of vehicle functions. The predetermined number may be, for example, 2 or more. If the proposal end condition is met (Y of S24), the control device 30 ends the process.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing another process of the control device 30 of Fig. 2. The process of Fig. 4 is executed in parallel with the process of Fig. 3.

[0057] The control device 30 determines whether or not a registration start operation has been performed (S40), and if there is no registration start operation (N in S40), returns to the processing of S40. If there is a registration start operation (Y in S40), the control device 30 presents the allocation proposal history to the user (S42), accepts the registration operation by the user (S44), executes the allocation according to the registration operation (S46), and ends the processing.

[0058] According to the embodiment, a suggestion is made to the user to assign a vehicle function that is used relatively frequently to the operation unit 20, so that the suggestion can be made that is easy for the user to accept. The user can assign a highly convenient vehicle function that matches his / her preference to the operation unit 20 at a position that is easier for the user to operate, without having to know the user's own tendency to use vehicle functions. This can improve convenience.

[0059] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. The embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component and each processing step, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0060] For example, the control device 30 does not need to include the learning unit 54. In this case, the processing can be simplified.

[0061] The acquisition unit 50 may have a learning function using AI (artificial intelligence), and the use frequency of the multiple vehicle functions and the use frequency of the multiple allocation destination candidate operation units 20 may be learned by AI.

[0062] Furthermore, if the second operation unit is not used for a certain period of time after the control unit 58 assigns the first vehicle function or the second vehicle function to the second operation unit, the acquisition unit 50 may newly acquire the usage frequency and the identification unit 52 may newly identify the first vehicle function. Then, the suggestion unit 56 may newly propose assigning the newly identified first vehicle function to the second operation unit. The certain period of time can be appropriately determined by an experiment or a simulation. In this modified example, if the second operation unit is not used for some reason, a new proposal may be made, thereby improving convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10...steering wheel, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 22...operation unit, 30...control device, 40...display unit, 42...audio output unit, 50...acquisition unit, 52...identification unit, 54...learning unit, 56...suggestion unit, 58...control unit, 60...reception unit, 62...presentation unit, 100...control system.

Claims

1. an identification unit that identifies a vehicle function that is used relatively frequently as a first vehicle function among vehicle functions assigned to each of a plurality of operation units mounted on the vehicle; a suggestion unit that suggests to a user of the vehicle that the identified first vehicle function be assigned to a second operation unit that is different from a first operation unit to which the first vehicle function is assigned in advance; A control device comprising:

2. a control unit that assigns the first vehicle function to the second operation unit when the proposal is accepted by the user; The identification unit identifies a vehicle function having a second highest usage frequency after the first vehicle function as a second vehicle function among the plurality of vehicle functions, When the user rejects the proposal a predetermined number of times, the proposal unit proposes to the user that the identified second vehicle function be assigned to the second operation unit different from the third operation unit to which the second vehicle function is assigned in advance. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. The second operation unit is a steering switch of the vehicle.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A learning unit that learns a suitable timing for making a suggestion to the user based on operation information of the vehicle, The suggestion unit suggests the learned suggestion to the user at a timing suitable for the suggestion.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the identification unit identifies, as the second operation unit, an operation unit that is used relatively infrequently among a plurality of operation units that are candidates for assignment mounted on the vehicle; 3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

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