Control device

Abstract

To smoothly encourage yielding behavior.SOLUTION: A control device for a vehicle 2 includes a control unit, a communication unit, and a memory unit. The control unit executes operations including: setting a token-related mode relating to exchanging tokens in the vehicle 2; and communicating with another vehicle 3 or another device via the communication unit in accordance with the token-related mode to exchange tokens between the vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 3 or the other device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a technology for getting a vehicle to give way by using vehicle-to-vehicle communication is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Specifically, the vehicle uses a mechanism called CMMP token to give a token based on blockchain technology to a slower vehicle in front to give way to the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0082590 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned background art has room for improvement in terms of smoothly encouraging yielding behavior.

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure, made in consideration of such circumstances, is to smoothly encourage yielding behavior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A control device for a vehicle, The control device includes a control unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit, and the control unit Setting a token-related mode for token exchange in the vehicle; communicating with another vehicle or another device via the communication unit according to the token-related mode, and exchanging a token between the vehicle and the other vehicle or the other device; The operation includes: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, yielding behavior can be smoothly encouraged. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a held token number table. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data structure of a yielding behavior table. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system when a first token-related mode is set. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system when a second token-related mode is set. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system S according to the present embodiment. The information processing system S includes an information processing device 1, a vehicle 2, and another vehicle 3 that are capable of communicating with each other via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, a mobile communication network, a fixed communication network, or the Internet.

[0010] For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 illustrates one each of an information processing device 1, a vehicle 2, and another vehicle 3. However, the respective numbers of information processing devices 1, vehicles 2, and other vehicles 3 are not limited to this. For example, the process executed by the information processing device 1 of this embodiment may be executed by a plurality of information processing devices 1 that are distributed. In this embodiment, vehicle-to-vehicle communication CM can be executed directly or indirectly between the vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 3.

[0011] The information processing device 1 is installed in a facility such as a data center, etc. The information processing device 1 is a computer such as a server belonging to a cloud computing system or other computing system.

[0012] The vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 3 include any type of automobile, such as a gasoline vehicle, a diesel vehicle, an HEV, a PHEV, a BEV, or an FCEV. "HEV" is an abbreviation for hybrid electric vehicle. "PHEV" is an abbreviation for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. "BEV" is an abbreviation for battery electric vehicle. "FCEV" is an abbreviation for fuel cell electric vehicle. The vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 3 are driven by a driver.

[0013] The internal configuration of the vehicle 2 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2. The vehicle 2 includes a control device 2A, an output unit 24, and an input unit 25. The control device 2A includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, and a storage unit 23. The components of the vehicle 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0014] The control unit 21 includes, for example, one or more general-purpose processors including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 21 may include one or more dedicated processors specialized for specific processing. Instead of including a processor, the control unit 21 may include one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuits may be, for example, a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 21 may include an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control unit 21 transmits and receives any information via the communication unit 22.

[0015] The communication unit 22 includes a communication module for connecting to the network NW. The communication unit 22 may include a module compatible with one or more mobile communication standards including LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation). The communication unit 22 may include a communication module compatible with one or more short-range communication standards or specifications including Bluetooth (registered trademark), AirDrop (registered trademark), IrDA, ZigBee (registered trademark), Felica (registered trademark), or RFID. The communication unit 22 transmits and receives any information via the network NW.

[0016] The memory unit 23 includes, for example, but is not limited to, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or a combination of at least two of these. The memory unit 23 may function as, for example, a main memory device, an auxiliary memory device, or a cache memory. The memory unit 23 may store information resulting from analysis or processing by the control unit 21. The memory unit 23 may store various information related to the operation or control of the vehicle 2, etc. The memory unit 23 may be provided outside the vehicle 2 and accessed from the vehicle 2.

[0017] The output unit 24 is, for example, a display. Instead of being provided in the vehicle 2, the output unit 24 may be connected to the vehicle 2 as an external output device. As a connection method, any method such as USB, HDMI (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. "USB" is an abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. "HDMI (registered trademark)" is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. The output unit 24 may be a touch panel. The output unit 24 may be, for example, a speaker that outputs information by voice.

[0018] The input unit 25 is, for example, a microphone, a physical key, a capacitive key, a pointing device, or a touch screen provided integrally with a display. The input unit 25 accepts an operation for inputting information used for the operation of the vehicle 2. The input unit 25 may be connected to the vehicle 2 as an external input device instead of being provided in the vehicle 2.

[0019] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 may be the same as the hardware configuration of the control device 2 A. The hardware configuration of the other vehicle 3 may be the same as the hardware configuration of the vehicle 2.

[0020] An outline of the information processing method executed in the information processing system S will be described below.

[0021] [1. Conditions for obtaining incentives] When communication or a yielding action is performed using vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the vehicle 2 or the user of the vehicle 2 receives an incentive. Specifically, the incentive is received in the following cases: (1) Yielding behavior through vehicle-to-vehicle communication When changing lanes, merging, passing, or turning right or left, etc., the vehicle receives a request from another vehicle 3 via communication and decides to give way. When the vehicle receives communication from an off-road facility indicating the presence of another vehicle 3 entering an intersecting road, it stops and gives way to the other vehicle. When you send a message with a clear intention to yield, such as when passing on a narrow road (2) Avoiding danger through vehicle-to-vehicle communication When you ask for permission to leave and contribute to avoiding aggressive cutting in line When the presence of vehicle 2 is out of line of sight and is notified to vehicle 3 (3) Thank you messages via vehicle-to-vehicle communication (4) Apology via vehicle-to-vehicle communication (5) Contributing to the environment through vehicle-to-vehicle communications (6) Communication with vulnerable road users (7) Encouragement via vehicle-to-vehicle communication

[0022] For convenience of explanation, the present embodiment describes a case where vehicle-to-vehicle communication is performed. However, as an alternative example, communication may be performed between the vehicle 2 and a device operated by a light vehicle or a pedestrian.

[0023] [2. Penalty conditions] A penalty may be imposed on the user of vehicle 2 when any action is taken that does not contribute to safe driving or fostering traffic culture.

[0024] [3. Types of incentives and means of granting them] The incentives awarded to users include tokens, and embodiments in which tokens are awarded are described in detail below.

[0025] [4. Contents of data stored in information processing device 1 or storage unit 23] (1) Vehicle probe data collected by existing DCM (2) Basic information of the communication partner (e.g., the partner's vehicle ID, vehicle speed, location information, etc.) (3) Content of the communication (4) Information related to the yielding behavior (e.g., yielding vehicle ID, yielding behavior type ID, behavior occurrence location information (location, intersection information), yielding behavior occurrence time, and an index according to the communication service ID) Examples of indicators according to communication service ID are as follows: - When changing lanes or yielding when merging, the distance between vehicles, deceleration, time when the lane change is completed, etc. - In case of crossing approach notification, brake reaction time, stopping position, deceleration, etc.

[0026] [5. Communication method in information processing system S] (1) Information is indirectly transmitted and received between the vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 3 via the information processing device 1 by utilizing a mobile carrier line or the like installed in the vehicle 2 or the other vehicle 3. (2) Use the Internet connection of a mobile terminal connected to vehicle 2 or another vehicle 3. (3) Information is transmitted to a roadside unit by road-to-vehicle communication, and the information is indirectly transmitted to other vehicles 3 via the roadside unit and the Internet, etc. The frequency band for road-to-vehicle communication is the same as that for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, or a different frequency band from that for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. (4) Information is directly transmitted and received between vehicle 2 and other vehicle 3 in the frequency band for vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0027] [6. Association of vehicle information and user information] (1) When a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone) is connected to the vehicle 2, the vehicle ID and user information are associated within a dedicated app. (2) A QR code representing the vehicle ID is displayed on the output unit 24 of the vehicle 2, and the association is performed by reading the QR code using a dedicated app on the user terminal. (3) When getting into vehicle 2, the user inputs his / her unique user ID into input unit 25 of vehicle 2.

[0028] [7. Types of communication] (1) Warning: Warning for crossings, assistance with turning right or left, and notification of approaching vulnerable road users (2) Providing information: Notification of approach or presence (XX is approaching, XX is waiting to enter, etc.), request for handover (please move my vehicle in front of your vehicle, etc.), signal for handover (please go first, etc.)

[0029] [8. Communication Interface] (1) Displaying messages such as thanks, apologies, greetings, or likes on the output unit 24 (2) Audio expression (3) Highlighting the person you are messaging

[0030] [9. Details of how information about tokens is processed] An information processing method when a token is transmitted and received will be described in detail. Here, electronic tokens are transmitted and received between a plurality of vehicles by communication to encourage a user driving the vehicle 2 or another vehicle 3 to give way. The transmitted and received tokens may be distributed by an electronic method from a company such as a completed vehicle manufacturer or an insurance company, or from a service provider. As an alternative, the tokens may be purchased by a user, or may be generated by mining or the like. The user of the vehicle 2, while holding the token, can transmit the token to the other user while driving to express gratitude or to ask for a handover. Since the token received from the user of the other vehicle 3 becomes the user's own, the user of the vehicle 2 can use the received token to further request a handover from another user.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the number of owned tokens is stored in association with the vehicle ID of each vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the number of owned tokens may be stored in association with the user ID of each user. The driver of vehicle 2 is user P01. The driver of the other vehicle 3 is user P02.

[0032] A user of the vehicle 2 can set one of the following token-related modes regarding token exchange via the input unit 25 of the vehicle 2 before or while driving.

[0033] First token-related mode: A mode in which the vehicle wishes to be given the right of way on the condition that the vehicle transmits a token to the other vehicle 3. Second token-related mode: A mode in which you indicate that you will give way to another person on the condition that they send you a token. Third token-related mode: A mode that indicates that it is difficult to give way even if the token is sent Fourth token-related mode: A mode indicating that you will send a token if requested when given the right of way, or that you will give way if given the token.

[0034] The token-related mode can be set arbitrarily as long as it indicates the driver's mental state, driving skill, etc. The setting contents are stored in the storage unit 23 or the information processing device 1.

[0035] For example, the first token-related mode indicates that the user P01 of the vehicle 2 is in a hurry. When the vehicle 2 in which the first token-related mode is set requests other vehicles 3 in the vicinity to yield by vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the vehicle 2 can encourage the other vehicles 3 to yield by transmitting the token it holds. In this case, whether the other vehicles 3 yield to the vehicle 2 is up to the driver of the other vehicles 3.

[0036] The second token-related mode indicates that the user P01 is driving leisurely. When the vehicle 2 in which the second token-related mode is set receives a request to yield from a surrounding vehicle through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the vehicle 2 always yields to the surrounding vehicle on the condition that the token is exchanged. When the vehicle 2 receives a request to yield from another vehicle 3 in which the first token-related mode is set, the vehicle 2 automatically accepts the request. When the vehicle 2 receives a request to yield from another vehicle 3 in which the first token-related mode is not set, the vehicle 2 may transmit a message requesting a token to the other vehicle 3. When the vehicle 2 accepts the request from the other vehicle 3, the vehicle 2 always performs a yielding action. When the vehicle 2 receives a token from the other vehicle 3 and accepts the request but does not perform a yielding action, a penalty (i.e., a penalty) is given to the vehicle 2. As an alternative example, the vehicle 2 may automatically perform a yielding action according to the surrounding situation by autonomous driving.

[0037] The third token-related mode indicates that the user P01 is a beginner and has little time for driving, or that the user P01 is in a bad mood and does not want to give way.

[0038] The fourth token-related mode indicates that the user does not insist on sending a token, but will accept the token if given one.

[0039] The set token-related mode is stored in the storage unit 23 of the vehicle 2. Additionally or alternatively, the token-related mode may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with the vehicle 2.

[0040] When the vehicle 2 requests the other vehicle 3 to yield, the vehicle 2 transmits a token to the other vehicle 3 via the communication unit 22. The transmitted token is stored in the other vehicle 3. Additionally or alternatively, the token may be associated with the other vehicle 3 and stored in the information processing device 1.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, when a yielding behavior is performed, at least one of the following pieces of information may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with the behavior. -Vehicle ID of the vehicle being handed over -Vehicle ID of the vehicle being handed over Type of handover behavior - Location of the yielding action (location information, intersection information, etc.) -Time of occurrence of yielding behavior Number of tokens to be exchanged

[0042] The vehicle 2 may set a minimum level for the amount of tokens sent and received, but may not set an upper limit. A user-predefined amount of tokens may be sent. The settings are stored in the vehicle 2. Additionally or alternatively, the settings may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with the vehicle 2.

[0043] The number of tokens held by each vehicle is stored in the storage unit of the vehicle. Alternatively, the number of tokens held by each vehicle may be stored in the information processing device 1 in association with the vehicle.

[0044] When the vehicle 2 determines the number of tokens held by the vehicle 2, the vehicle 2 may limit the token-related modes that can be set among the multiple token-related modes according to the number of tokens held. For example, if the number of held tokens falls below a preset reference value, or if the vehicle 2 does not hold any tokens, the vehicle 2 cannot request handover and set at least some of the token-related modes. As an additional example or an alternative example, when the vehicle 2 detects that the number of held tokens by the vehicle 2 falls below a reference value while driving, the vehicle 2 may cancel the setting of the set token-related mode. In this case, the token-related mode is not reset until it is reset by the user after the next stop of the vehicle 2 (i.e., IG-OFF state). As an alternative example, the token-related mode may transition to a state in which only tokens can be received, and automatically transition to the first token-related mode when the tokens exceed the preset value again during driving by vehicle-to-vehicle communication. In this case, the vehicle 2 can transmit the token again and transmit the handover request. With this configuration, the vehicle 2 can prevent a contradiction in which the vehicle 2 promises to transmit a token but does not have any tokens to transmit.

[0045] The vehicle 2 can inform the user P01 of the receipt or transmission of the token by a notification sound or a screen display via the output unit 24. When the vehicle 2 receives a request to transmit a token from another vehicle 3 in which the second token-related mode is set, the vehicle 2 may perform a token transfer interrupt process in the normal service sequence of vehicle-to-vehicle communication. When transferring a token, if the token has the nature of virtual currency, the vehicle 2 transmits a message to the other vehicle 3 requesting not only the vehicle ID but also a wallet ID, etc. This interrupt process is set at a lower priority than a highly urgent notification such as an emergency warning of the approach of a nearby vehicle.

[0046] The vehicle 2 may visualize the token holding status of the other vehicles 3 in the vicinity to the user P01 on the output unit 24 by displaying it on a screen or the like.

[0047] Due to a malfunction of the inter-vehicle communication, a situation may occur in which the token does not arrive even though a promise to exchange the token has been made, or a reply indicating an intention to give way does not reach the other party. In this case, when the vehicle 2 is performing inter-vehicle communication via network communication of a cellular line, the vehicle 2 can hold the vehicle ID of the communication partner at the time of the communication handshake, and therefore resumes communication to the vehicle ID again when the communication state is restored. This configuration allows the vehicle 2 to prevent the oversight of token exchange. On the other hand, when the vehicle 2 is performing inter-vehicle communication using direct communication between vehicles, it may be difficult to restore the communication state. However, the vehicle 2 may transmit the token via the Internet when connected to a road-to-vehicle communication infrastructure that can be connected to a network. As an additional example or an alternative example, the vehicle 2 may record in the storage unit 23 that the token transmission by the direct communication between vehicles was not successful, and transmit the record to the information processing device 1 via the Internet. This configuration allows the vehicle 2 to later receive after-sales measures such as a warranty from the manufacturer, etc.

[0048] In FIG. 5, a flow chart showing the operation of the information processing system S when the first token-related mode is set in the vehicle 2 is illustrated.

[0049] At S1, the vehicle 2 sets the first token-related mode. At S2, the vehicle 2 requests the other vehicle 3 to perform a yielding action via the communication unit 22. At S3, the other vehicle 3 receives a selection from the user P02 as to whether or not to accept the requested yielding action. If Yes at S3, the other vehicle 3 notifies the vehicle 2 of the acceptance at S4. At S5, the other vehicle 3 performs the yielding action. On the other hand, if No at S3, the other vehicle 3 does not perform S4.

[0050] In S6, the vehicle 2 transmits the token to the other vehicle 3 via the communication unit 22. In S7, the other vehicle 3 receives the token from the vehicle 2 and stores it in the storage unit or the information processing device 1.

[0051] In FIG. 6, a flow chart showing the operation of the information processing system S when the second token-related mode is set in the vehicle 2 is illustrated.

[0052] At S11, vehicle 2 sets a second token-related mode. At S12, the other vehicle 3 requests vehicle 2 to perform a yielding action via the communication unit. Vehicle 2 notifies the other vehicle 3 of acceptance at S13, and executes the yielding action at S14. At S15, the other vehicle 3 transmits a token to vehicle 2 via the communication unit. At S16, vehicle 2 receives the token via the communication unit 22 and stores it in the memory unit 23 or the information processing device 1.

[0053] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 performs operations including setting a token-related mode for token exchange in the vehicle 2, communicating with another vehicle 3 or another device via the communication unit 22 in accordance with the token-related mode, and exchanging tokens between the vehicle 2 and the other vehicle 3 or another device. With this configuration, the control unit 2A can transmit tokens as an incentive to participants in the communication, smoothly encouraging yielding behavior and thereby motivating drivers to foster a traffic culture and reduce driver stress.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the token-related modes include at least one of a mode indicating that the vehicle 2 would preferentially like to be given the right of way on condition that the vehicle 2 transmits a token to the other vehicle 3, a mode indicating that the vehicle 2 will preferentially give way on condition that the other vehicle 3 transmits a token, a mode indicating that it is difficult to give way even if the other vehicle 3 transmits a token, and a mode indicating that the vehicle 2 will transmit a token if a token is requested or will give way if the other vehicle 3 transmits a token. This configuration enables the control device 2A to indicate the vehicle 2's intention, thereby realizing smooth communication.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the operation of the control unit 21 includes determining the number of tokens held by the vehicle 2 and limiting the settable token-related modes among the multiple token-related modes according to the number of tokens held. With this configuration, the control device 2A limits the modes selectable by the vehicle, which can further facilitate communication.

[0056] According to the present embodiment, communication between the vehicle 2 and another vehicle 3 or another device is performed directly or indirectly via a roadside device or an information processing device 1. With this configuration, the control device 2A can reliably perform communication.

[0057] Although the present disclosure will be described based on various drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations based on the present disclosure. Other modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each means or step can be rearranged so as not to cause logical inconsistencies, and multiple means or steps can be combined into one or divided.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, a program for executing all or part of the functions or processes of the information processing device 1 can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program is distributed by, for example, selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) on which the program is recorded. The program may also be distributed by storing the program in the storage of an arbitrary server and transmitting the program from the arbitrary server to another computer. The program may also be provided as a program product. The present disclosure can also be realized as a program executable by a processor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 2A Control Unit

Claims

1. A control device for a vehicle, The control device includes a control unit, a communication unit, and a storage unit, and the control unit Setting a token-related mode for token exchange in the vehicle; communicating with another vehicle or another device via the communication unit according to the token-related mode, and exchanging a token between the vehicle and the other vehicle or the other device; A control device that performs operations including:

2. 2. The control device according to claim 1, The token-related mode includes: a mode in which the vehicle indicates that it wishes to be given the right of way on condition that the vehicle transmits a token to the other vehicle; A mode in which you indicate that you will give way to another person on the condition that they send you a token. A mode that shows that it is difficult to give way even if you send a token, A mode indicating that the user will send a token if requested, or will give way if the user sends a token; A control device comprising at least one of the following:

3. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation comprises: determining a number of tokens held by the vehicle; Limiting a settable token-related mode among a plurality of token-related modes according to the number of held tokens; A control device comprising:

4. 2. The control device according to claim 1, A control device, wherein communication between the vehicle and the other vehicle or the other device is performed directly or indirectly via a roadside unit or an information processing device.

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