Support system, support method, and support program

Abstract

To provide a support system capable of helping maintain and improve brain health depending on driving state, a support method, and a support program.SOLUTION: A support system relevant to the disclosure has an identification unit, a selection unit, and a proposal unit. The identification unit identifies the expected increase BHQ (Brain Healthcare Quotient) of a driver of a vehicle regarding multiple proposal items. The selection unit selects one out of the multiple proposal items according to the identified expected increase. The proposal unit proposes the selected proposal item to the driver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support device, a support method, and a support program.

Background Art

[0002] A support device mounted on a vehicle can support a driver in driving the vehicle by proposing predetermined information to the driver.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, if a proposal can be made to improve the driver's BHQ (Brain Healthcare Quotient), it is expected that the health of the brain can be maintained and improved by driving.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a support device, a support method, and a support program that can maintain and improve the health of the brain by driving.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The support device according to the present disclosure includes a specifying unit, a selecting unit, and a proposing unit. The specifying unit specifies the predicted increase amount of the BHQ (Brain Healthcare Quotient) of the driver of the vehicle for a plurality of proposal items. The selecting unit selects one proposal item from the plurality of proposal items according to the specified predicted increase amount. The proposing unit proposes the selected proposal item to the driver.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the support device, support method, and support program according to the present disclosure, the health state of the brain can be maintained and improved by driving.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the support device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Embodiment) The support device according to the embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and can support the driving of the vehicle by a driver by proposing predetermined information to the driver. However, a device is provided to maintain and improve the health state of the brain by driving.

[0011] The support device 1 can be mounted on the vehicle 100, for example, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the vehicle 100 on which the support device 1 is mounted.

[0012] The support device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 100 and can support the driving of a driver (not shown) who gets on in the passenger compartment 101. The passenger compartment 101 is a space formed by being surrounded by a substantially box-shaped vehicle body 103. Inside the passenger compartment 101, a display 104 is arranged at a position visible to the driver. Inside the passenger compartment 101, speakers 105 and 106 are arranged near the driver.

[0013] The support device 1 can be configured, as shown in FIG. 2, in terms of hardware. FIG. 2 shows the hardware configuration of the support device 1.

[0014] The support device 1 includes a CPU 12, an input unit 13, a communication unit 14, a display unit 15, an audio output unit 16, a volatile memory unit 17, a non-volatile memory unit 18, and a bus 20. The CPU 12, the input unit 13, the communication unit 14, the display unit 15, the audio output unit 16, the volatile memory unit 17, and the non-volatile memory unit 18 are connected to each other via the bus 20 so as to be communicable with each other.

[0015] The CPU 12 comprehensively controls each part of the support device 1.

[0016] The input unit 13 performs user interface operations for the driver. The input unit 13 can receive instructions from the driver via buttons, a touch panel, etc. When the input unit 13 receives an instruction from the driver, it supplies the instruction to the CPU 12.

[0017] The communication unit 14 can receive predetermined information from the outside via a wireless communication line and / or a wired communication line.

[0018] The display unit 15 includes a display 104. The display unit 15 can display predetermined information on the display 104 under the control of the CPU 12.

[0019] The audio output unit 16 includes speakers 105 and 106. The audio output unit 16 can output predetermined information as audio from the speakers 105 and 106 under the control of the CPU 12.

[0020] The volatile memory unit 17 temporarily stores information. The volatile memory unit 17 can also be used as a working area for the CPU 12.

[0021] The non-volatile memory unit 18 stores information non-volatily. The non-volatile memory unit 18 may store a program 19 for executing the support method by the support device 1.

[0022] The display unit 15 may display the driving support information on the display 104. Instead of or in addition to the display of the driving support information by the display unit 15, the audio output unit 16 may output the driving support information as audio from the speakers 105 and 106.

[0023] The driving support information includes, for example, vehicle speed information, navigation information, pedestrian information, information on the vehicle ahead, lane departure information, and vehicle condition. The navigation information includes right turn guidance, left turn guidance, straight-ahead guidance, stop guidance, parking guidance, parking guidance, right lane change guidance, left lane change guidance, etc.

[0024] Thereby, the support device 1 can perform driving support for the driver boarding the driver's seat 102.

[0025] Driver operation support is also considered from other aspects. A change in values is occurring from material and monetary desires to spiritual richness. The change in values is sometimes described as from things to deeds, from prosperity to happiness, and from lifespan to healthy lifespan. In such a situation, an improvement in BHQ (Brain Healthcare Quotient) is desired. If a proposal can be made to improve the BHQ of the driver of vehicle 100, it is expected that the healthy state of the brain can be maintained and improved through driving.

[0026] BHQ is based on brain images such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) that have mainly been used in the medical field. BHQ is obtained by analyzing images in the brain health management area and standardizing the degree of brain health. BHQ is a concept aiming to establish brain information that anyone can easily use and to realize a society where individuals can enjoy spiritual richness.

[0027] There are GM-BHQ (Grey-Matter Brain Healthcare Quotient) and FA-BHQ (Fractional Anisotropy Brain Healthcare Quotient) in BHQ. GM-BHQ is the average value of a group of grey matter mass data contained in the brain and is a single scalar quantity. FA-BHQ is the average value of a group of nerve fiber anisotropy data contained in the brain and is a single scalar quantity.

[0028] In this specification, BHQ may be GM-BHQ, may be FA-BHQ, may be the average value of GM-BHQ and FA-BHQ, may be the larger value of GM-BHQ and FA-BHQ, or may be the smaller value of GM-BHQ and FA-BHQ.

[0029] The support device 1 acquires a plurality of proposed items, specifies the predicted increase amount of BHQ by the plurality of proposed items, selects one or more proposed items according to the predicted increase amount, and proposes them to the driver. Thereby, the support device 1 can support the driver's operation of the vehicle regarding spiritual richness.

[0030] For making such a proposal, the support device 1 can be functionally configured as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the support device 1.

[0031] The support device 1 includes an acquisition unit 2, a specification unit 3, a correction unit 4, a selection unit 5, a determination unit 6, a proposal unit 7, and a storage unit 8. In the support device 1, a part of the storage unit 8 can be realized by a volatile storage unit 17, and another part of the storage unit 8 can be realized by a non-volatile storage unit 18. The proposal unit 7 can be realized by a display unit 15 and / or an audio output unit 16. In the support device 1, each unit other than the proposal unit 7 and the storage unit 8 may be realized hardware-wise (e.g., as a circuit), may be realized software-wise, or a part may be realized hardware-wise and the remainder may be realized software-wise. When each unit other than the proposal unit 7 and the storage unit 8 is realized software-wise, the CPU 12 (see FIG. 2) may execute the program 19 to functionally construct each unit other than the proposal unit 7 and the storage unit 8 shown in FIG. 3 on the volatile storage unit 17 collectively at compile time or sequentially as the processing progresses.

[0032] The acquisition unit 2 acquires a plurality of proposed items. Each of the plurality of proposed items may include a target, characteristics, or a combination of a target and characteristics. The target relates to the content to be proposed to the driver. The target includes at least one of a destination, a route, a driving support function, a driving method, and cabin space control. The route may include that a roadside store has been changed, that it is a unique road, that it is a difficult road (e.g., a road with many right and left turns, a narrow road, a road with many pedestrians and bicycles), etc. The driving support function may include displaying different driving support information on the display 104, coasting without braking, etc. The driving method may include driving in a game-like manner, performing manual cruise control, driving with all left turns restricted, passing as many convenience stores as possible, etc. The cabin space control may include operating the auto air conditioner, operating the recirculation, playing music randomly, etc. The characteristics relate to additional elements of the content to be proposed to the driver. The characteristics include at least one of novelty, fun, and momentum.

[0033] For example, information serving as the basis for the plurality of proposed items may be stored in the storage unit 8, and the acquisition unit 2 may equivalently acquire the plurality of proposed items by acquiring the information serving as the basis for the plurality of proposed items.

[0034] The storage unit 8 may store the target information 9 as information serving as the basis for the plurality of proposed items. The target information 9 may be stored in the non-volatile storage unit 18 (see FIG. 2). The target information 9 may be stored in the non-volatile storage unit 18 at the time of shipment of the support device 1. Alternatively, the target information 9 may be dynamically acquired by the communication unit 14 from the cloud server via the communication line and stored in the non-volatile storage unit 18 after the shipment of the support device 1. This dynamic acquisition may be performed each time, once every multiple times, or once at regular intervals.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the target information 9 may be information in which a target and an expected increase amount are associated with a plurality of target candidates. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the target information 9.

[0036] The target information 9 has a target column 91 and an expected increase amount column 92. The target column 91 records the content of the target or information identifying the target. In the target column 91, destination A, destination B, ···, route A, route B, ···, driving support function A, driving support function B, ···, driving method A, driving method B, ···, passenger compartment space control A, passenger compartment space control B, ··· can be recorded. "Destination A, destination B, ···" represents specific candidates for the target "target value". "Route A, route B, ···" represents specific candidates for the target "route". "Driving support function A, driving support function B, ···" represents specific candidates for the target "driving support function". "Driving method A, driving method B, ···" represents specific candidates for the target "driving method". "Passenger compartment space control A, passenger compartment space control B, ···" represents specific candidates for the target "passenger compartment space control". The expected increase amount column 92 records the expected increase amount. In the expected increase amount column 92, ΔQ1a, ΔQ1b, ···, ΔQ2a, ΔQ2b, ···, ΔQ3a, ΔQ3b, ···, ΔQ4a, ΔQ4b, ···, ΔQ5a, ΔQ5b, ··· can be recorded. The expected increase amount for each candidate of the target is experimentally obtained in advance and may be recorded in the expected increase amount column 92. By referring to the target information 9, the expected increase amount for each candidate of the target can be specified.

[0037] In the case of FIG. 4, the expected increase amount due to the candidate "target value A" of the target "destination" is specified as ΔQ1a. The expected increase amount due to the candidate "target value B" of the target "destination" is specified as ΔQ1b. ··· The expected increase amount due to the candidate "route A" of the target "route" is specified as ΔQ2a. The expected increase amount due to the candidate "route B" of the target "route" is specified as ΔQ2b. ··· The expected increase amount due to the candidate "driving support function A" of the target "driving support function" is specified as ΔQ3a. The expected increase amount due to the candidate "driving support function B" of the target "driving support function" is specified as ΔQ3b. ··· The expected increase amount due to the candidate "driving method A" of the target "driving method" is specified as ΔQ4a. The expected increase amount due to the candidate "driving method B" of the target "driving method" is specified as ΔQ4b. ··· The expected increase amount due to the candidate "passenger compartment space control A" of the target "passenger compartment space control" is specified as ΔQ5a. The expected increase amount due to the candidate "passenger compartment space control B" of the target "passenger compartment space control" is specified as ΔQ5b. ···

[0038] For example, the acquisition unit 2 shown in FIG. 3 accesses the storage unit 8 and reads the target information 9 from the storage unit 8. Thereby, the acquisition unit 2 acquires a plurality of proposed items corresponding to a plurality of targets included in the target information 9. The acquisition unit 2 supplies the plurality of proposed items to the specifying unit 3. The acquisition unit 2 may supply the target information 9 to the specifying unit 3 as information indicating the plurality of proposed items.

[0039] The specifying unit 3 receives the plurality of proposed items from the acquisition unit 2. The specifying unit 3 specifies the predicted increase amount of the BHQ of the driver for each of the plurality of proposed items. The specifying unit 3 may specify the predicted increase amount of the BHQ of the driver for each proposed item according to the predicted increase amount included in the target information 9.

[0040] Alternatively, the target information 9 is information in which the predicted increase amount column 92 is omitted, and the specifying unit 3 may specify the predicted increase amount of the BHQ of the driver for each proposed item by calculating the predicted increase amount for each of the plurality of targets included in the target information 9.

[0041] For example, the acquisition unit 2 shown in FIG. 3 accesses the storage unit 8, reads the target information 9 from the storage unit 8, and supplies it to the specifying unit 3. The specifying unit 3 calculates the predicted increase amount of each of the plurality of characteristics for each of the plurality of target candidates included in the target information 9, and generates characteristic information 10 as the calculation result. The characteristic information 10 for each of the plurality of target candidates may be stored in the volatile storage unit 17 (see FIG. 2), or may be stored in the non-volatile storage unit 18 (see FIG. 2). The characteristic information 10 for each of the plurality of target candidates may be stored in the non-volatile storage unit 18 at the time of shipment of the support device 1. Alternatively, the characteristic information 10 for each of the plurality of target candidates may be dynamically acquired by the communication unit 14 from the cloud server via the communication line and stored in the non-volatile storage unit 18 after the shipment of the support device 1. This dynamic acquisition may be performed each time, once every several times, or once every certain period.

[0042] The characteristic information 10 for the candidate "Destination A" may be information in which characteristics and predicted increase amounts are associated for a plurality of characteristics, as shown in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the characteristic information 10.

[0043] The characteristic information 10 has a characteristic column 101 and a predicted increase amount column 102. The characteristic column 101 records the content of the characteristic or information for identifying the characteristic. Novelty, fun, and momentum may be recorded in the characteristic column 101. The predicted increase amount column 102 records the predicted increase amount. ΔQ1a0, ΔQ1a1, ΔQ1a2 may be recorded in the predicted increase amount column 92. By referring to the characteristic information 10, the predicted increase amount by each characteristic candidate can be specified.

[0044] In the case of FIG. 5(a), the predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "novelty" for the candidate "Destination A" is specified as ΔQ1a0. The predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "fun" for the candidate "Destination A" is specified as ΔQ1a1. The predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "momentum" for the candidate "Destination A" is specified as ΔQ1a2.

[0045] Similarly, the characteristic information 10 for the candidate "Destination B" may be information in which characteristics and predicted increase amounts are associated for a plurality of characteristics, as shown in FIG. 5(b). In the case of FIG. 5(b), the predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "novelty" for the candidate "Destination B" is specified as ΔQ1b0. The predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "fun" for the candidate "Destination B" is specified as ΔQ1b1. The predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "momentum" for the candidate "Destination B" is specified as ΔQ1b2.

[0046] Similarly, the characteristic information 10 for the target candidate "Cab space control B" may be information in which characteristics and predicted increase amounts are associated for a plurality of characteristics, as shown in FIG. 5(c). In the case of FIG. 5(c), the predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "novelty" for the target candidate "Cab space control B" is specified as ΔQ5b0. The predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "fun" for the target candidate "Cab space control B" is specified as ΔQ5b1. The predicted increase amount due to the characteristic "momentum" for the target candidate "Cab space control B" is specified as ΔQ5b2.

[0047] For example, the specifying unit 3 may equivalently specify the predicted increase amount of the driver's BHQ for a plurality of proposed items by generating the proposed item information 11 according to the characteristic information 10 for a plurality of target candidates. The proposed item information 11 may be stored in the volatile storage unit 17 (see FIG. 2).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the proposed item information 11 may be information in which a target, a characteristic, and a predicted increase amount are associated for a plurality of combinations of the target and the characteristic. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the characteristic information 10. The plurality of combinations of the target and the characteristic correspond to a plurality of proposed items.

[0049] The proposed item information 11 has a target column 111, a characteristic column 112, and a predicted increase amount column 113. The target column 111 records the content of the target or information for identifying the target. In the target column 111, destination A, destination B, ···, route A, route B, ···, driving support function A, driving support function B, ···, driving style A, driving style B, ···, cab space control A, cab space control B, ··· may be recorded. The characteristic column 112 records the content of the characteristic or information for identifying the characteristic. In the characteristic column 112, novelty, fun, momentum may be recorded. The predicted increase amount column 113 records the predicted increase amount. In the predicted increase amount column 113, ΔQ1a, ΔQ1b, ···, ΔQ2a, ΔQ2b, ···, ΔQ3a, ΔQ3b, ···, ΔQ4a, ΔQ4b, ···, ΔQ5a, ΔQ5b, ··· may be recorded. The predicted increase amounts due to a plurality of characteristics may be multiplied and recorded in the predicted increase amount column 113.

[0050] That is, the specific part 3 uses the characteristic information 10 for a plurality of candidate objects to ΔQ1a = ΔQ1a0 × ΔQ1a1 × ΔQ1a2 ΔQ1b = ΔQ1b0 × ΔQ1b1 × ΔQ1b2 ··· ΔQ2a = ΔQ2a0 × ΔQ2a1 × ΔQ2a2 ΔQ2b = ΔQ2b0 × ΔQ2b1 × ΔQ2b2 ··· ΔQ3a = ΔQ3a0 × ΔQ3a1 × ΔQ3a2 ΔQ3b = ΔQ3b0 × ΔQ3b1 × ΔQ3b2 ··· ΔQ4a = ΔQ4a0 × ΔQ4a1 × ΔQ4a2 ΔQ4b = ΔQ4b0 × ΔQ4b1 × ΔQ4b2 ··· ΔQ5a = ΔQ5a0 × ΔQ5a1 × ΔQ5a2 ΔQ5b = ΔQ5b0 × ΔQ5b1 × ΔQ5b2 ··· By performing the calculation of, the proposed item information 11 may be generated. The calculation method may be an addition of the predicted increase amounts by a plurality of characteristics instead of a multiplication of the predicted increase amounts by a plurality of characteristics.

[0051] By referring to the proposed item information 11, the predicted increase amount by each combination of the object and the characteristic (that is, the candidate of each proposed item) can be specified.

[0052] In the case of FIG. 6, for the proposed item in which the candidate "destination A" of the object "destination" is combined with the plurality of characteristics "novelty, fun, momentum", the predicted increase amount ΔQ1a is specified.

[0053] Similarly, for the proposed item in which the candidate "destination B" of the object "destination" is combined with the plurality of characteristics "novelty, fun, momentum", the predicted increase amount ΔQ1b is specified.

[0054] Similarly, for a proposed item in which the candidate "Vehicle Interior Space Control B" for the target "Vehicle Interior Space Control" is combined with a plurality of characteristics "novelty, fun, momentum", a predicted increase amount ΔQ5b is specified.

[0055] Alternatively, the specifying unit 3 may specify a predicted increase amount due to a combination of a plurality of targets as one proposed item. The specifying unit 3 may also specify a predicted increase amount due to a combination of a plurality of targets by synthesizing the predicted increase amounts of the plurality of targets. For example, the specifying unit 3 calculates a predicted increase amount ΔQ6 for the combination of the candidate "Destination A" for the target "Destination" and the candidate "Route B" for the target "Route" ΔQ6 = ΔQ1a × ΔQ2b by synthesis. The synthesis method may be to add the predicted increase amounts of the plurality of targets instead of multiplying the predicted increase amounts of the plurality of targets.

[0056] The specifying unit 3 shown in FIG. 3 supplies the predicted increase amounts of a plurality of proposed items to the selection unit 5.

[0057] The selection unit 5 receives the predicted increase amounts of a plurality of proposed items from the specifying unit 3. The selection unit 5 selects one or more proposed items from among the plurality of proposed items according to the predicted increase amounts of the plurality of proposed items. The selection unit 5 may select one or more proposed items among the plurality of proposed items whose predicted increase amounts are equal to or greater than a threshold value. The selection unit 5 may select one or more proposed items among the plurality of proposed items whose predicted increase amounts are in the top N positions (N is an integer of 1 or more). The selection unit 5 supplies one or more proposed items to the proposing unit 7.

[0058] The proposing unit 7 proposes one or more proposed items to the driver. The proposing unit 7 may propose one or more proposed items by visual means. The proposing unit 7 may propose one or more proposed items to the driver by displaying them on the display 104 (see FIG. 1). The proposing unit 7 may propose one or more proposed items by auditory means. The proposing unit 7 may propose one or more proposed items to the driver by outputting sound from the speaker 105 (see FIG. 1).

[0059] Next, the operation of the support device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the support device 1.

[0060] The support device 1 starts the operation shown in FIG. 7 in response to the establishment of a predetermined trigger condition. The predetermined trigger condition may be that an instruction to start the operation shown in FIG. 7 is input to the input unit 13. The predetermined trigger condition may be the start of driving of the vehicle 100, such as the ignition of the vehicle 100 being turned on. The predetermined trigger condition may be the activation of the power supply of the vehicle 100. The predetermined trigger condition may be the detection of the driver boarding the vehicle 100, such as the vehicle 100 door sensor detecting a transition from the closed state to the open state. The predetermined trigger condition may be the detection of the driver sitting on the driver's seat 102, such as the pressure sensor on the driver's seat 102 detecting a pressure equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0061] When the support device 1 starts the operation shown in FIG. 7, it acquires a plurality of proposed items (S1) and characterizes the predicted increase amount of BHQ by each proposed item (S2). The support device 1 selects one or more proposed items from among the plurality of proposed items according to the specified predicted increase amount (S3). For example, the support device 1 may select one or more proposed items among the plurality of proposed items whose predicted increase amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value, or may select one or more proposed items among the plurality of proposed items whose predicted increase amount is in the top N positions. The support device 1 proposes the proposed items selected in S3 to the driver (S4). The support device 1 may propose to the driver by displaying one or more proposed items on the display 104 (see FIG. 1), or may propose to the driver by outputting the voice of one or more proposed items from the speaker 105 (see FIG. 1).

[0062] As described above, in the embodiment, the support device 1 acquires a plurality of proposed items, specifies the predicted increase amount of BHQ by the plurality of proposed items, selects one or more proposed items according to the predicted increase amount, and proposes them to the driver. Thereby, the support device 1 can support the driver's driving of the vehicle with respect to the richness of the heart.

[0063] Note that the display unit 15 shown in FIG. 2 may include a head-up display instead of or in addition to the display 104. The head-up display is disposed in a space provided below the windshield. The space may be a dashboard. The space has an opening on the upper side. The head-up display can irradiate light onto the windshield through the opening from below the windshield.

[0064] Thereby, when the head-up display projects a display object onto the windshield, the display object reflected by the windshield as a display medium can be visually recognized by the driver. The head-up display projects a display object as a virtual image onto a virtual screen disposed in front of the vehicle 100. The driver will visually recognize the display object through the windshield.

[0065] The head-up display can cause the driver to visually recognize a display object indicating driving support information. The driving support information includes, for example, vehicle speed information, navigation information, pedestrian information, information on a vehicle ahead, lane departure information, and vehicle condition. The navigation information includes a right turn guide, a left turn guide, a straight-ahead guide, a stop guide, a parking guide, a parking guidance, a right lane change guide, a left lane change guide, and the like.

[0066] Alternatively, the support device 1 may correct the predicted increase amount in consideration of the driver's current BHQ.

[0067] The support device 1 shown in FIG. 3 may further include a correction unit 4. The acquisition unit 2 acquires the driver's current BHQ. The correction unit 4 receives the predicted increase amounts of a plurality of proposed items from the specifying unit 3 and receives the driver's current BHQ from the acquisition unit 2. The correction unit 4 corrects the predicted increase amounts of the plurality of proposed items according to the current BHQ. The correction unit 4 supplies the corrected predicted increase amounts to the selection unit 5. Thereby, the selection unit 5 can select one or more proposed items among the plurality of proposed items according to the predicted increase amount corrected in consideration of the current BHQ.

[0068] The support device 1 may operate as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the support device 1 according to the first modification of the embodiment.

[0069] The support device 1 performs the processes of S11 to S12 and the process of S13 in parallel.

[0070] In the processes of S11 to S12, when the support device 1 acquires a plurality of proposed items (S11), it characterizes the predicted increase amount of BHQ by each proposed item (S12).

[0071] In the process of S13, the support device 1 acquires the current BHQ of the driver. The support device 1 may acquire the current BHQ of the driver by measuring the driver's BHQ. The support device 1 may approximately measure the driver's BHQ by imaging the driver's face image and analyzing the face image. Alternatively, the support device 1 may conduct a predetermined questionnaire for the driver. The support device 1 may display predetermined question information on the display 104, receive response information from the driver at the input unit 13, and acquire the current BHQ of the driver by estimating the driver's BHQ according to the received response information. Alternatively, the support device 1 may acquire the measurement result of the driver's BHQ from the outside. The support device 1 may inquire of a medical institution via a communication line through the communication unit 14 and receive information regarding the driver's BHQ measured by MRI or the like at the medical institution in the past via the communication line, thereby acquiring the current BHQ of the driver.

[0072] When both the processes of S11 to S12 and the process of S13 are completed, the support device 1 corrects the predicted increase amount specified in S12 according to the BHQ of the driver acquired in S13 (S14). For example, the predicted increase amounts included in the target information 9 shown in FIG. 4 and the predicted increase amounts included in the characteristic information 10 shown in FIG. 5 are experimentally acquired in advance with respect to the standard BHQ. The support device 1 may correct the predicted increase amount specified in S12 according to the difference between the current BHQ of the driver and the standard BHQ. The support device 1 may correct the predicted increase amount specified in S12 by adding a difference to the predicted increase amount.

[0073] Hereafter, the processes of S3 and S4 in FIG. 7 are performed in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0074] Even by such an operation, the support device 1 can support the driver's operation of the vehicle with respect to the richness of the mind.

[0075] Alternatively, the support device 1 may use the decrease amount of the driver's BHQ as a trigger for a proposal.

[0076] The support device 1 shown in FIG. 3 may further include a determination unit 6. The acquisition unit 2 acquires the current BHQ of the driver. The determination unit 6 holds the previous BHQ of the driver. The determination unit 6 receives the current BHQ of the driver from the acquisition unit 2 and obtains the decrease amount from the BHQ immediately before the current BHQ. The determination unit 6 determines whether or not the decrease amount exceeds a threshold value, and supplies the determination result to the proposal unit 7. Thereby, the proposal unit 7 can selectively make a proposal when a proposal should be made according to the determination result.

[0077] The support device 1 may perform an operation as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the support device 1 according to the second modification of the embodiment.

[0078] The support device 1 performs the processes of S11 to S12 and the process of S13 in parallel in the same manner as in the first modification of the embodiment.

[0079] When both the processes of S11 to S12 and the process of S13 are completed, the support device 1 subtracts the BHQ of the driver acquired in S13 from the BHQ of the driver acquired in the previous S13, obtains the amount of decrease in BHQ, and determines whether the amount of decrease in BHQ exceeds a threshold value (S21). If the amount of decrease in BHQ exceeds the threshold value (Yes in S21), the support device 1 determines that a proposal should be made and performs the processes of S3 and S4 in FIG. 7 in the same manner as in the embodiment. If the amount of decrease in BHQ does not exceed the threshold value (No in S21), the support device 1 determines that a proposal is unnecessary, skips S3 and S4, and ends the process.

[0080] Even with such an operation, the support device 1 can support the driver in driving the vehicle with regard to the richness of the mind.

[0081] Alternatively, the support device 1 may correct the predicted increase amount in consideration of the characteristics of the driver.

[0082] The support device 1 shown in FIG. 3 may further include a correction unit 4. The acquisition unit 2 acquires characteristic information. The characteristic information may include the hobbies and / or orientations of the driver. The correction unit 4 receives the predicted increase amounts of a plurality of proposal items from the specification unit 3 and receives the characteristic information from the acquisition unit 2. The correction unit 4 corrects the predicted increase amounts of the plurality of proposal items according to the characteristic information. The correction unit 4 supplies the corrected predicted increase amounts to the selection unit 5. Thereby, the selection unit 5 can select one or more proposal items among the plurality of proposal items according to the predicted increase amounts corrected in consideration of the characteristics of the driver.

[0083] The support device 1 may perform an operation as shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the support device 1 according to the third modification of the embodiment.

[0084] The support device 1 performs the processes of S11 to S12 and the process of S31 in parallel.

[0085] In the processes of S11 to S12, the same processes as those in the first modification of the embodiment are performed.

[0086] In the process of S31, the support device 1 acquires feature information. The feature information may include the hobbies and / or tendencies of the driver.

[0087] When both the processes of S11 - S12 and S31 are completed, the support device 1 corrects the predicted increase amount specified in S12 according to the feature information acquired in S31 (S32). For example, the predicted increase amounts included in the target information 9 shown in FIG. 4 and the predicted increase amounts included in the characteristic information 10 shown in FIG. 5 are experimentally acquired in advance for the standard BHQ. The support device 1 may hold variation amount information indicating the variation amount of the BHQ statistically obtained in advance according to the hobbies and / or tendencies. The variation amount information may be stored in advance in the non-volatile storage unit 18. The support device 1 may obtain the variation amount of the BHQ according to the hobbies and / or tendencies of the driver according to the variation amount information and the feature information, and correct the predicted increase amount specified in S12 according to the obtained variation amount. The support device 1 may correct the predicted increase amount specified in S12 by adding the variation amount to the predicted increase amount.

[0088] Thereafter, the processes of S3 and S4 in FIG. 7 are performed in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0089] Even by such an operation, the support device 1 can support the driver in driving the vehicle with respect to the richness of the mind.

[0090] Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the support device 1 may be implemented to perform control using a low BHQ flag. FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the operations of the support device 1 according to the fourth modification of the embodiment, respectively.

[0091] When the ignition of the vehicle 100 is turned on (S41), the support device 1 sets the low BHQ flag to the non-active level (S42), measures the BHQ of the driver (S43), and acquires the current BHQ of the driver. The support device 1 subtracts the past BHQ from the current BHQ, and if the subtraction result is not less than the threshold (No in S44), the process ends.

[0092] If the subtraction result is below the threshold (Yes in S44), the support device 1 sets the low BHQ flag to the active level (S45). If the automatic destination proposal setting at low BHQ is not on (No in S46), the support device 1 ends the process.

[0093] On the other hand, when the support device 1 receives a request for destination setting interruption, it waits until the low BHQ flag becomes active (No in S51). If the automatic destination proposal setting at low BHQ is on (Yes in S46) or the low BHQ flag becomes active (Yes in S51), the support device 1 presents the inquiry information "A decrease in BHQ has been detected. Do you want to propose a BHQ improvement destination?" to the driver via the display unit 15 and / or the voice output unit 16 (S52).

[0094] When the support device 1 receives a user affirmative response within a predetermined time (Yes in S53), it assumes that support for BHQ improvement is requested and calculates the surrounding BHQ predicted improvement score (S54). The user affirmative response may be an affirmative response by pressing a button, an affirmative response by voice input, or an affirmative response by gesture. The BHQ predicted improvement score is a score obtained by scaling the predicted increase amount of BHQ so that the maximum value is 100. The support device 1 selects a destination whose BHQ predicted improvement score exceeds the threshold as a destination candidate (S55) and displays the destination candidate on the display 104 or the like (S56).

[0095] If the support device 1 does not receive a user response within a predetermined time or receives a user negative response within a predetermined time (No in S53), it assumes that support for BHQ improvement is not requested, ends its own process, and delegates the process to other devices in the vehicle 100. Other devices include a driving support device and a cabin space control device. For example, the driving support device displays information prompting the selection of a destination setting method on the display 104 or the like.

[0096] If "Input" is selected as the destination setting method (i.e., "Input" in S57), the driving support device receives the input of the destination at the input unit 13 and performs a search (S58), and displays the searched destination as a destination candidate on the display 104 or the like (S56).

[0097] If "Phone Number" is selected as the destination setting method (i.e., "Phone Number" in S57), the driving support device receives the input of the phone number at the input unit 13 and performs a search (S58), and displays the searched destination as a destination candidate on the display 104 or the like (S56).

[0098] If "History" is selected as the destination setting method (i.e., "History" in S57), the driving support device searches for the history of past destinations (S60), and displays the searched destination as a destination candidate on the display 104 or the like (S56).

[0099] Even with such operations, the support device 1 can maintain and improve the healthy state of the brain through driving.

[0100] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0101] 1 Support Device 2 Acquisition Unit 3 Identification Unit 4 Correction Unit 5 Selection Unit 6 Judgment Unit 7 Proposal Unit 8 Storage Unit

Claims

1. a specifying unit that specifies an expected increase amount of the BHQ (Brain Healthcare Quotient) of a driver of a vehicle for a plurality of proposed items; a selection unit that selects one or more proposed items from the plurality of proposed items according to the specified expected increase amount; a proposal unit that proposes the one or more proposed items to the driver; An assistance device comprising:

2. Each of the plurality of proposed items includes a target related to the content to be proposed to the driver The assistance device according to claim 1.

3. Each of the plurality of proposed items includes characteristics related to additional elements of the content to be proposed to the driver The assistance device according to claim 1.

4. The target includes at least one of a destination, a route, a driving assistance function, a driving manner, and vehicle interior space control The assistance device according to claim 2.

5. The characteristics include at least one of novelty, fun, and amount of exercise The assistance device according to claim 3.

6. an acquisition unit that acquires the current BHQ of the driver; a correction unit that corrects the specified expected increase amount according to the current BHQ; The assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising: The assistance device according to claim 1.

7. an acquisition unit that acquires the current BHQ of the driver; The proposal unit proposes the one or more proposed items to the driver in response to a decrease amount from the BHQ immediately before the current BHQ exceeding a threshold value The assistance device according to claim 1.

8. an acquisition unit that acquires characteristic information regarding characteristics of the driver; a correction unit that corrects the specified expected increase amount according to the acquired characteristic information; The assistance device according to claim 1, further comprising: The assistance device according to claim 1.

9. The proposal unit proposes the one or more proposed items to the driver together with the BHQ expected according to the specified expected increase amount The assistance device according to claim 1.

10. specifying an expected increase amount of the BHQ (Brain Healthcare Quotient) of a driver of a vehicle for a plurality of proposed items; selecting one or more proposed items from the plurality of proposed items according to the specified expected increase amount; proposing the one or more proposed items to the driver; An assistance method comprising:

11. Each of the plurality of proposed items includes a target related to the content to be proposed to the driver The assistance method according to claim 10.

12. Each of the plurality of proposed items includes Including characteristics related to additional elements of the content to be proposed to the driver The support method according to claim 10.

13. The object includes at least one of a destination, a route, a driving support function, a driving manner, and a vehicle interior space control. The support method according to claim 12.

14. The characteristics include at least one of novelty, fun, and momentum. The support method according to claim 12.

15. Obtaining the current BHQ of the driver; Correcting the specified predicted increase amount according to the current BHQ; Further including The support method according to claim 10.

16. Obtaining the current BHQ of the driver; Proposing the one or more proposed items to the driver in response to the decrease amount from the BHQ immediately before the current BHQ exceeding a threshold value; Further including The support method according to claim 10.

17. Obtaining characteristic information regarding the characteristics of the driver; Correcting the specified predicted increase amount according to the obtained characteristic information; Further including The support method according to claim 10.

18. The proposing Includes proposing the one or more proposed items to the driver together with the BHQ predicted according to the specified predicted increase amount. The support method according to claim 10.

19. In a support device, Specifying a predicted increase amount of the BHQ (Brain Healthcare Quotient) of a driver of a vehicle for a plurality of proposed items; Selecting one or more proposed items from the plurality of proposed items according to the specified predicted increase amount; Proposing the one or more proposed items to the driver; A support program for causing the above to be executed.

20. Each of the plurality of proposed items Includes an object related to the content to be proposed to the driver. The support program according to claim 19.

21. Each of the plurality of proposed items Includes characteristics related to additional elements of the content to be proposed to the driver. The support program according to claim 19.

22. The object includes at least one of a destination, a route, a driving support function, a driving manner, and a vehicle interior space control, The support program according to claim 20.

23. The characteristics include at least one of novelty, fun, and momentum. The support program according to claim 21.

24. In the support device, Obtaining the current BHQ of the driver; correcting the specified predicted increase amount according to the current BHQ; and further causing to execute The support program according to claim 19.

25. The support device further causes to execute acquiring the current BHQ of the driver; proposing the one or more proposed items to the driver in response to a decrease amount from the BHQ immediately before the current BHQ exceeding a threshold value; and further causing to execute The support program according to claim 19.

26. The support device further causes to execute acquiring characteristic information regarding the characteristics of the driver; correcting the specified predicted increase amount according to the acquired characteristic information; and further causing to execute The support program according to claim 19.

27. The proposing includes proposing the one or more proposed items to the driver together with a value of BHQ according to the specified predicted increase amount The support program according to claim 19.

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