Control device

Abstract

To enable a user to know a change in operation feeling or appearance when the user uses a vehicle accompanying a change of vehicles.SOLUTION: A control device 10 includes a communication unit that communicates with a terminal device 20 of a user 21, and a control unit that acquires first vehicle type data indicating the type of vehicle ordered by the user 21 as a first vehicle type and second vehicle type data indicating the type of vehicle used by the user 21 as a second vehicle type, generates a first image that represents at least a portion of a first field of view range visible inside a vehicle of the first vehicle type indicated by the acquired first vehicle type data, and a second image that represents at least a portion of a second field of view range visible inside a vehicle of the second vehicle type indicated by the acquired second vehicle type data, and transmits both generated first image and second image to the terminal device 20 of the user 21 via the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information providing device that provides a user with the progress status of a specific vehicle up to vehicle parking. This device provides, for example, a captured image during assembly or position information during conveyance to a user terminal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional device, a customer cannot know a change in the operation feeling or appearance when using a vehicle due to a vehicle change, and the convenience is insufficient.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to enable a user to know a change in the operation feeling or appearance when using a vehicle due to a vehicle change.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control device according to the present disclosure is a communication unit that communicates with a user's terminal device, Obtain first vehicle type data indicating the type of vehicle ordered by the user as a first vehicle type, and second vehicle type data indicating the type of vehicle being used by the user as a second vehicle type. Generate a first image representing at least a part of a first visual field range visible inside the vehicle of the first vehicle type indicated by the obtained first vehicle type data, and a second image representing at least a part of a second visual field range visible inside the vehicle of the second vehicle type indicated by the obtained second vehicle type data. A control unit that transmits both the generated first image and the second image to the user's terminal device via the communication unit comprises.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the user can know the changes in the operation feeling or appearance when using the vehicle accompanying the change of vehicles, so the convenience is improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of the present embodiment, the description of the same or corresponding parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0012] The system 1 according to this embodiment includes a control device 10 and a terminal device 20. The control device 10 can communicate with the terminal device 20 via a network 30.

[0013] In this embodiment, the control device 10 is a server computer such as a cloud server, but it may also be a general-purpose computer such as a PC, a microcomputer installed in a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a dedicated computer. "PC" is an abbreviation for personal computer. In this embodiment, the control device 10 is operated by a vehicle manufacturer. The control device 10 may be integrated with the terminal device 20, for example, it may be a microcomputer installed in the terminal device 20.

[0014] The terminal device 20 is a computer capable of installing and executing application programs, such as a PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet. The terminal device 20 is used by the user 21.

[0015] The network 30 includes the Internet, at least one WAN, at least one MAN, or any combination thereof. "WAN" is an abbreviation for wide area network. "MAN" is an abbreviation for metropolitan area network. The network 30 may include at least one wireless network, at least one optical network, or any combination thereof. The wireless network is, for example, an ad hoc network, a cellular network, a wireless LAN, a satellite communication network, or a terrestrial microwave network. "LAN" is an abbreviation for local area network.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, the outline of this embodiment will be described.

[0017] In this embodiment, the control device 10 communicates with the terminal device 20 of the user 21. The control device 10 acquires first vehicle type data indicating the type of vehicle N ordered by the user 21 as a first vehicle type, and second vehicle type data indicating the type of vehicle C used by the user 21 as a second vehicle type. In this embodiment, the "vehicle type" refers to a unique name individually assigned by a vehicle manufacturer as the type of vehicle, that is, the vehicle model, but may also refer to a broader classification such as a legal classification, or a finer classification such as the model year or grade of the vehicle. The control device 10 generates a first image representing at least a part of a first visual field range visible inside the vehicle of the first vehicle type indicated by the acquired first vehicle type data, and a second image representing at least a part of a second visual field range visible inside the vehicle of the second vehicle type indicated by the acquired second vehicle type data. The control device 10 transmits both the generated first image and second image to the terminal device 20 of the user 21.

[0018] According to this embodiment, since the user 21 can know the change in the operation feeling or appearance when using the vehicle accompanying the change of vehicles, the convenience is improved.

[0019] In this embodiment, the user 21 is a purchaser who has ordered vehicle N and is waiting for delivery. The user 21 is currently using a vehicle C of a second vehicle type different from the first vehicle type.

[0020] The data indicating the first vehicle type is input to a dedicated server by, for example, a vehicle manufacturer at the time of order by the user 21 as the first vehicle type data. The dedicated server is a cloud server or an on-premises server installed at a business office or the like of the vehicle manufacturer. Alternatively, the first vehicle type data may be input to the terminal device 20 by the user 21. That is, the first vehicle type data is stored in the dedicated server or the terminal device 20.

[0021] Data indicating the second vehicle type is input to the terminal device 20 by the user 21 as the second vehicle type data. Alternatively, the second vehicle type data may be input to a dedicated server by, for example, a vehicle manufacturer at the time of an order by the user 21. That is, the second vehicle type data is stored in the dedicated server or the terminal device 20.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0023] The control device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0024] The control unit 11 includes at least one processor, at least one programmable circuit, at least one dedicated circuit, or any combination thereof. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU, or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. "CPU" is an abbreviation for central processing unit. "GPU" is an abbreviation for graphics processing unit. The programmable circuit is, for example, an FPGA. "FPGA" is an abbreviation for field-programmable gate array. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an ASIC. "ASIC" is an abbreviation for application specific integrated circuit. The control unit 11 executes processing related to the operation of the control device 10 while controlling each part of the control device 10.

[0025] The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, at least one magnetic memory, at least one optical memory, or any combination thereof. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. "RAM" is an abbreviation for random access memory. "ROM" is an abbreviation for read only memory. The RAM is, for example, an SRAM or a DRAM. "SRAM" is an abbreviation for static random access memory. "DRAM" is an abbreviation for dynamic random access memory. The ROM is, for example, an EEPROM. "EEPROM" is an abbreviation for electrically erasable programmable read only memory. The flash memory is, for example, an SSD. "SSD" is an abbreviation for solid-state drive. The magnetic memory is, for example, an HDD. "HDD" is an abbreviation for hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. The storage unit 12 stores data used for the operation of the control device 10 and data obtained by the operation of the control device 10.

[0026] The communication unit 13 includes at least one communication module. The communication module is, for example, a module compatible with a wired LAN communication standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a wireless LAN communication standard such as IEEE802.11, or a mobile communication standard such as LTE, 4G standard, or 5G standard. "IEEE" is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. "LTE" is an abbreviation for Long Term Evolution. "4G" is an abbreviation for 4th generation. "5G" is an abbreviation for 5th generation. The communication unit 13 communicates with the terminal device 20 via the network 30. The communication unit 13 receives data used for the operation of the control device 10 and transmits data obtained by the operation of the control device 10.

[0027] The functions of the control device 10 are realized by executing the program according to the present embodiment with a processor as the control unit 11. That is, the functions of the control device 10 are realized by software. The program causes a computer to execute the operations of the control device 10, thereby making the computer function as the control device 10. That is, the computer functions as the control device 10 by executing the operations of the control device 10 according to the program.

[0028] The program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Examples of the non-transitory computer-readable medium include flash memory, magnetic recording devices, optical discs, magneto-optical recording media, or ROM. The distribution of the program can be performed, for example, by selling, transferring, or lending a portable medium such as an SD card, DVD, or CD-ROM storing the program. "SD" is an abbreviation for Secure Digital. "DVD" is an abbreviation for digital versatile disc. "CD-ROM" is an abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. The program may be stored in the storage of a server and transferred from the server to other computers to distribute the program. The program may be provided as a program product.

[0029] The computer temporarily stores, for example, a program stored in a portable medium or a program transferred from a server in the main memory device. Then, the computer reads the program stored in the main memory device with the processor and executes the processing according to the read program with the processor. The computer may directly read the program from the portable medium and execute the processing according to the program. Each time a program is transferred from the server to the computer, the computer may sequentially execute the processing according to the received program. The processing may be executed by a so-called ASP-type service that realizes the function only by execution instructions and result acquisition without transferring the program from the server to the computer. "ASP" is an abbreviation for application service provider. The program includes information for use in processing by an electronic computer that conforms to the program. For example, data that is not a direct instruction to the computer but has the property of defining the processing of the computer corresponds to "something that conforms to the program".

[0030] Some or all of the functions of the control device 10 may be realized by a programmable circuit or a dedicated circuit as the control unit 11. That is, some or all of the functions of the control device 10 may be realized by hardware.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, the operation of the control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operations described below correspond to the control method according to the present embodiment. That is, the control method according to the present embodiment includes steps S1 to S6 shown in FIG. 3.

[0032] For example, when the user 21 presses the "Compare" button on the terminal device 20, the step of S1 is started.

[0033] In S1, the control unit 11 acquires the first vehicle type data. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires the first vehicle type data from a dedicated server or from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. The acquired first vehicle type data is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0034] In S2, the control unit 11 acquires the second vehicle type data. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires the second vehicle type data from the terminal device 20 via the communication unit 13. Alternatively, the control unit 11 may acquire the second vehicle type data from a dedicated server via the communication unit 13. The acquired second vehicle type data is stored in the storage unit 12.

[0035] In S3, the control unit 11 generates the first image. In the present embodiment, the first image is generated by the control unit 11 selecting and, if necessary, editing a part of the first field of view data. The first field of view data is image data of vehicles of a plurality of vehicle types including the first vehicle type. For example, the first field of view data includes images of the exterior, interior, parts, or operation buttons of various vehicles. The first field of view data is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. Alternatively, the first field of view data may be stored in a dedicated server. The control unit 11 acquires one or more images of the vehicle of the first vehicle type included in the first field of view data from the storage unit 12 or from a dedicated server via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 edits the acquired images as necessary to generate the first image. Alternatively, when the control unit 11 acquires two or more images, it combines these two or more images to generate the first image.

[0036] As a first example, the control unit 11 may generate, as the first image, an image of a screen displayed on a display mounted on a vehicle of the first vehicle type as at least a part of the first field of view range. The screen of the display mounted on the vehicle of the first vehicle type is, for example, the screen of an operation button, an electronic meter, a navigation system, or a rear monitor displayed on an in-vehicle display. The user 21 may operate the screen displayed in the image to pseudo-experience functions such as connected services.

[0037] As a second example, the control unit 11 may generate, as the first image, an image of a physical object used for operation within the vehicle of the first vehicle type as at least a part of the first visual field range. The operation may be, for example, a driving operation and an operation of in-vehicle devices. The physical object used for the operation may be, for example, a steering wheel, pedals, and a handbrake used for a driving operation, a switch used for an operation of an air conditioner which is an in-vehicle device, or a window opening / closing button. The user 21 may operate these physical objects displayed in the image to pseudo-experience functions such as how to start the engine.

[0038] As a third example, the control unit 11 may generate, as the first image, an image of a view visible from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the first vehicle type as at least a part of the first visual field range. The view visible from the driver's seat through the window is, for example, a view outside the vehicle of the first vehicle type visible through the window during driving or parking. For example, the user can check blind spots during driving by looking at the view visible from the driver's seat.

[0039] As a fourth example, the control unit 11 may generate, as the first image, an image included in a model of the vehicle of the first vehicle type reproduced in a virtual space. The virtual space is, for example, a metaverse. The metaverse is a three-dimensional virtual space constructed on the Internet. The user 21 may pseudo-experience getting into the vehicle of the first vehicle type reproduced in the metaverse or opening / closing the door.

[0040] In S4, the control unit 11 generates a second image. In the present embodiment, the second image is generated by the control unit 11 selecting and, if necessary, editing a part of the second field data. The second field data is image data of vehicles of a plurality of vehicle types including the second vehicle type. For example, the second field data includes images of the exteriors, interiors, parts, or operation buttons of various vehicles. The second field data is stored in advance in the storage unit 12. Alternatively, the second field data may be stored in a dedicated server. The control unit 11 acquires one or more images of the vehicle of the second vehicle type included in the second field data from the storage unit 12 or from the dedicated server via the communication unit 13. The control unit 11 edits the acquired images as necessary to generate the second image. Alternatively, when the control unit 11 acquires two or more images, it combines these two or more images to generate the second image.

[0041] The second image generated by the control unit 11 in S4 is an image of a visual field range corresponding to the first visual field range of the first image. That is, the control unit 11 generates, as the second image, an image representing the visual field range corresponding to the first visual field range of the first image generated in S3.

[0042] Corresponding to the first example of the first image, the control unit 11 may generate, as the second image, an image of a screen displayed on a display mounted on a vehicle of the second vehicle type as at least a part of the second range. The screen of the display mounted on the vehicle of the second vehicle type is, for example, a screen of an operation button, an electronic meter, a navigation system, or a rear monitor displayed on an in-vehicle display. The user 21 may operate these screens displayed in the image to reconfirm functions such as connected services.

[0043] Corresponding to the second example of the first image, the control unit 11 may generate, as at least a part of the second visual field range, an image of a physical object used for operations inside the vehicle of the second vehicle type as the second image. The operations are, for example, driving operations and operations of in-vehicle devices. The physical objects used for operations are, for example, the steering wheel, pedals, and handbrake used for driving operations, switches used for operating the air conditioner which is an in-vehicle device, or window opening and closing buttons. The user 21 may operate these physical objects displayed in the image to reconfirm functions such as how to start the engine.

[0044] Corresponding to the third example of the first image, the control unit 11 may generate, as at least a part of the second visual field range, an image of the view seen from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the second vehicle type as the second image. The view seen from the driver's seat through the window is, for example, the view outside the vehicle of the second vehicle type seen through the window during driving or parking. For example, the user can reconfirm the blind spots during driving by looking at the view seen from the driver's seat. For example, the user can confirm, by steps S5 and S6 described later, that as blind spots, the area around the vehicle body and close to the ground is less visible than that of the vehicle of the second vehicle type, or that the view is blocked because the pillars of the window of the vehicle of the first vehicle type are thicker than those of the second vehicle type.

[0045] Corresponding to the fourth example of the first image, the control unit 11 may generate, as the second image, an image included in the model of the vehicle of the second vehicle type reproduced in the same virtual space as the first image. The virtual space is, for example, the metaverse. For example, the user 21 may reconfirm getting into the vehicle of the second vehicle type reproduced in the metaverse, or opening and closing the door, etc.

[0046] In S5, the control unit 11 transmits the first image generated in S3 to the terminal device 20 of the user 21 via the communication unit 13. The terminal device 20 displays the received first image.

[0047] In S6, the control unit 11 transmits the second image generated in S4 to the terminal device 20 of the user 21 via the communication unit 13. The terminal device 20 displays the received second image.

[0048] In S5 and S6, the control unit 11 may simultaneously display the first image generated in S3 and the second image generated in S4 on the terminal device 20. Specifically, the control unit 11 may display the first image and the second image side by side or superimposed on the terminal device 20. When the first image and the second image are displayed superimposed, it is desirable that they be displayed in a distinguishable manner, such as one of the first image and the second image being displayed semi-transparently. In the first example, the control unit 11 may display the image of the screen of the navigation system of the vehicle of the first vehicle type and the image of the screen of the navigation system of the vehicle of the second vehicle type side by side or superimposed on the screen of the terminal device 20. In the second example, the control unit 11 may display the image of the steering wheel of the vehicle of the first vehicle type and the image of the steering wheel of the vehicle of the second vehicle type side by side or superimposed on the screen of the terminal device 20. In the third example, the control unit 11 may display the image of the view seen from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the first vehicle type and the image of the view seen from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the second vehicle type side by side or superimposed on the screen of the terminal device 20. In the fourth example, the control unit 11 may reproduce the models of the vehicle of the first vehicle type and the vehicle of the second vehicle type side by side within the same metaverse. By simultaneously displaying the images of the vehicle of the first vehicle type that the user 21 switches to and the vehicle of the second vehicle type that is currently in use, the user 21 can know the changes in the current operation feeling or appearance associated with the switch.

[0049] As another example, in S5 and S6, the control unit 11 may selectively display the first image generated in S3 and the second image generated in S4 on the terminal device 20. Specifically, the control unit 11 may display the first image generated in S3 and the second image generated in S4 on the terminal device 20 so as to automatically or manually switch. In the first example, the control unit 11 may automatically display an image of the navigation system screen of the vehicle of the first vehicle type 1 second or several seconds after displaying an image of the navigation system screen of the vehicle of the second vehicle type on the screen of the terminal device 20. Alternatively, after the control unit 11 displays an image of the navigation system screen of the vehicle of the second vehicle type on the screen of the terminal device 20, when a button for switching the image is pressed by the user 21 or the screen of the terminal device 20 is swiped horizontally by the user 21, an image of the navigation system screen of the vehicle of the first vehicle type may be displayed. In the second example, the control unit 11 may automatically display an image of the steering wheel of the vehicle of the first vehicle type 1 second or several seconds after displaying an image of the steering wheel of the vehicle of the second vehicle type on the screen of the terminal device 20. Alternatively, after the control unit 11 displays an image of the steering wheel of the vehicle of the second vehicle type on the screen of the terminal device 20, when a button for switching the image is pressed by the user 21 or the screen of the terminal device 20 is swiped horizontally by the user 21, an image of the steering wheel of the vehicle of the first vehicle type may be displayed. In the third example, the control unit 11 may automatically display an image of the view seen from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the first vehicle type 1 second or several seconds after displaying an image of the view seen from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the second vehicle type on the screen of the terminal device 20. Alternatively, after the control unit 11 displays an image of the view seen from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the second vehicle type and a button for switching the image is pressed by the user 21 or the screen of the terminal device 20 is swiped horizontally by the user 21, an image of the view seen from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the first vehicle type may be displayed. By selectively displaying the images of the vehicle of the first vehicle type that the user 21 is switching to and the vehicle of the second vehicle type that is currently being used, the user 21 can know the changes in the current operation feeling or the view due to the transfer.

[0050] After S6, the flow shown in FIG. 3 ends.

[0051] As described above, in S1 to S6, the control unit 11 communicates with the terminal device 20 of the user 21. The control unit 11 acquires first vehicle type data indicating the type of the vehicle N ordered by the user 21 as the first vehicle type, and second vehicle type data indicating the type of the vehicle C used by the user 21 as the second vehicle type. The control unit 11 generates a first image representing at least a part of the first visual field range visible inside the vehicle of the first vehicle type indicated by the acquired first vehicle type data, and a second image representing at least a part of the second visual field range visible inside the vehicle of the second vehicle type indicated by the acquired second vehicle type data. The control unit 11 transmits both the generated first image and second image to the terminal device 20 of the user 21.

[0052] According to the present embodiment, since the user 21 can know the change in the operation feeling or the appearance when using the vehicle due to the change of the vehicle, the convenience is improved.

[0053] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, two or more blocks described in the block diagram may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Instead of executing two or more steps described in the flowchart in time series according to the description, each step may be executed in parallel or in a different order according to the processing ability of the device that executes the steps, or as necessary. In addition, changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1 System 10 Control Device 11 Control Unit 12 Storage Unit 13 Communication Unit 20 Terminal Device 21 User 30 Network

Claims

1. A communication unit that communicates with the user's terminal device, obtains first vehicle type data indicating the type of vehicle ordered by the user as a first vehicle type and second vehicle type data indicating the type of vehicle used by the user as a second vehicle type, and generates a first image representing at least a part of a first visual field range visible inside the vehicle of the first vehicle type indicated by the obtained first vehicle type data, and a second image representing at least a part of a second visual field range visible inside the vehicle of the second vehicle type indicated by the obtained second vehicle type data, and a control unit that transmits both the generated first image and the second image to the user's terminal device via the communication unit A control device comprising.

2. The first image includes, as at least a part of the first visual field range, a screen displayed on a display mounted on the vehicle of the first vehicle type, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second image includes, as at least a part of the second visual field range, a screen displayed on a display mounted on the vehicle of the second vehicle type.

3. The first image includes, as at least a part of the first visual field range, a physical object used for operation inside the vehicle of the first vehicle type, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second image includes, as at least a part of the second visual field range, a physical object used for operation inside the vehicle of the second vehicle type.

4. The first image includes, as at least a part of the first visual field range, a view visible from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the first vehicle type, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second image includes, as at least a part of the second visual field range, a view visible from the driver's seat through the window of the vehicle of the second vehicle type.

5. The first image is an image included in a model of the vehicle of the first vehicle type reproduced in a virtual space, The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second vehicle type is an image included in a model of the vehicle of the second vehicle type reproduced in the virtual space.

Images