Starting support device

Abstract

To cause a notification timing of a vehicle starting operation delay by a driver to be brought closer to the driver's preferred timing.SOLUTION: Notification processing of a starting operation delay of a vehicle by a driver is carried out. In the notification processing, a timing for notifying the starting operation delay is set using a first variable number set using fellow passenger information, a second variable number set using driving environmental information, and a third variable number set using learning value information. When a starting operation by the driver is not detected from a time at which it is determined that the vehicle is permitted to start until a time to notify the starting operation delay has elapsed, a notification device is actuated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device that assists a driver of a vehicle in starting the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-152494 discloses a device that notifies a driver of a delay in a vehicle's start operation after a traffic light changes from red to green. This conventional device determines whether the timing at which the vehicle can start will be delayed based on road alignment information, traffic light information, or traffic congestion information. For example, if other vehicles are stranded at an intersection where a traffic light is installed, it determines that the timing at which the vehicle can start will be delayed. If it determines that the timing at which the vehicle can start will be delayed, the conventional device delays the timing at which it notifies the driver of the delay in the start operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-152494 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The timing of a start operation varies from person to person. Therefore, notifying a driver of a delay in a start operation, who recognizes that the vehicle is ready to start and plans to start the vehicle at a timing of his or her own preference, is intrusive and causes inconvenience to the driver. In this regard, if customization settings for the notification of a delay in a start operation are possible, it is expected that the timing of the notification of a delay in a start operation will approach the driver's preferred timing. However, the provision of detailed customization settings for the notification of a delay in a start operation may actually hinder the driver from actually customizing the settings.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that can make the timing of notification of a delay in the driver's operation to start the vehicle closer to the timing preferred by the driver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a device for assisting a driver of a vehicle in starting the vehicle, and has the following features. The device includes a storage device in which various information is stored, a processor that performs processing based on the various information, and a notification device that notifies the driver of a delay in the driver's start operation of the vehicle. The various information includes passenger information of the vehicle, driving environment information of the vehicle, and learning value information relating to the timing of a start operation by the driver. The processing based on the various information includes processing for setting a first variable using the passenger information, processing for setting a second variable using the driving environment information, processing for setting a third variable using the learning value information, and processing for notifying the driver of a delay in the starting operation. In the notification process, the processor uses the first variable, the second variable, and the third variable to set the timing for notifying the delay in the starting operation, uses the driving environment information to determine whether to allow the vehicle to start, and if the starting operation by the driver is not detected between the time it is determined that the vehicle is allowed to start and the time for notifying the delay in the starting operation has passed, activates the notification device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in the notification process, the timing for notifying the driver of a delay in a starting operation is set. This timing is set using a first variable set using passenger information, a second variable set using driving environment information, and a third variable set using learning value information. The learning value information used to set this third variable is information related to the timing of the driver's starting operation. Therefore, by setting the timing using the first to third variables, it is possible to bring the timing for notifying the driver of a delay in a starting operation closer to the driver's preferred timing, without relying on detailed customization of the notification of a delay in a starting operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a starting assistance device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for notifying a delay in a starting operation performed in the embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a process for generating learning value information performed in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the structures and the like described in the following embodiments are not necessarily essential to the present disclosure unless specifically stated or clearly specified in principle.

[0010] 1.Configuration example A starting support device according to an embodiment is a device that supports a driver DR of a vehicle in starting the vehicle. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a starting support device according to an embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a starting support device 1 includes sensors 2, an HMI (Human Machine Interface) unit 3, a notification device 4, an information processing device 5, a map database 6, and a driver database 7. The starting support device 1 is mounted on a vehicle. A part of the starting support device 1 may be included in an external server.

[0011] The sensors 2 include a recognition sensor, a position sensor, and a status sensor. The recognition sensor recognizes the surrounding conditions of the vehicle. Examples of the recognition sensor include a camera, a millimeter-wave radar, and a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging). The position sensor acquires the position and orientation data of the vehicle. Examples of the position sensor include a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. The status sensor detects the vehicle's speed, acceleration (e.g., longitudinal acceleration and lateral acceleration), yaw rate, wheel turning angle, steering angle, etc. The information acquired by the recognition sensor, position sensor, and status sensor constitutes the vehicle's driving environment information ENV. The driving environment information ENV is transmitted to the information processing device 5.

[0012] The sensors 2 also include an occupant sensor. The occupant sensor recognizes or detects occupants of the vehicle. Examples of sensors that recognize occupants include an interior camera and an infrared sensor. Examples of sensors that detect occupants include a seating sensor provided on the seat. Information acquired by the occupant sensor constitutes passenger information PAS. The passenger information PAS is transmitted to the information processing device 5.

[0013] The HMI unit 3 is a terminal for providing information to the driver DR and receiving information from the driver DR. The HMI unit 3 includes, for example, an input device, a display device, a microphone, a buzzer, and a speaker. Examples of the input device include a touch panel, a switch, and a button. The information provided to the driver DR includes information regarding the vehicle's running state and notification information NOT for notifying the driver DR of a delay in the vehicle's starting operation by the driver DR. When the notification information NOT is provided, the HMI unit 3 functions as the "notification device" of the present disclosure. Information is provided to the driver DR using at least one of the display device, the buzzer, and the speaker.

[0014] The information received from the driver DR includes customization information CUS regarding the starting operation. In order to minimize the burden on the driver DR, the customization information CUS is composed of information indicating whether the driver DR needs to be notified of a delay in the starting operation (notification needs information) and information indicating whether the driver DR needs to learn the starting operation (learning needs information). Information from the driver DR is received using at least one of an input device and a microphone. When the customization information CUS is received, the customization information CUS is transmitted to the information processing device 5.

[0015] The notification device 4 is a device that prompts the driver DR to perform a starting operation. Examples of the notification device 4 include a vibration device for the steering wheel and a vibration device for the driver's seat. When notification information NOT is received from the information processing device 5, the notification device 4 is activated.

[0016] The information processing device 5 includes at least one processor 51 and at least one storage device 52. The processor 51 executes various processes. Examples of the processor 51 include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The storage device 52 stores various pieces of information. Examples of the storage device 52 include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD).

[0017] The map DB 6 is formed in a predetermined storage device (for example, a non-volatile recording medium such as a hard disk or flash memory). The map DB 6 stores map information MAP. The map information MAP includes a general navigation map. Examples of information included in the navigation map include information on road locations, road classification information (for example, general roads, expressways), lane layout information, lane shape information (for example, curves, straight lines), and information on the locations of intersections and structures (for example, traffic lights).

[0018] Like the map DB6, the driver DB7 is formed in a predetermined storage device. The driver DB7 stores driver information DRV. Examples of the driver information DRV include identification information of the driver DR (biometric authentication information such as a fingerprint or a face image), vehicle key information used by the driver DR, customization information CUS of the driver DR, and learning value information LER related to the timing of the start operation of the vehicle by the driver DR. The latest information is stored in the driver information DRV and the learning value information LER. For example, when customization information CUS is input via the HMI unit 3, the customization information CUS is updated by the input information. When a learning value related to the timing of the start operation of the vehicle by the driver DR is generated, the learning value information LER is updated by the generated information.

[0019] 2. Features of the embodiment As described above, there are individual differences in the timing of starting a vehicle. Furthermore, there are also individual differences in the degree of starting assistance, such as notification of a delayed starting operation. Therefore, in the embodiment, the notification of a delayed starting operation and the timing of this notification are set for each driver DR by referring to the customization information CUS and the learning value information LER for each driver DR. Below, processing particularly related to the features of the embodiment will be described.

[0020] 2-1. Notification of delayed starting operation Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for notifying the driver of a delayed starting operation performed in this embodiment. The routine shown in Fig. 2 is realized, for example, by the processor 51 executing a predetermined program stored in the storage device 52 shown in Fig. 1. The routine shown in Fig. 2 is also repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0021] 2, first, the driver DR is identified (step S10). The driver DR is identified by, for example, fingerprint authentication or facial authentication of the driver DR. In another example, the driver DR is identified based on vehicle key information used by the driver DR.

[0022] Following the process of step S10, customization information CUS is acquired (step S11). The customization information CUS is for the driver DR identified in the process of step S10. Depending on the driver DR, there may be cases where no customization information CUS exists.

[0023] Following the processing of step S11, it is determined whether or not there is a notification need for the starting operation (step S12). Information on the notification needs is included in the customizing information CUS acquired in the processing of step S11. If there is no customizing information CUS, there is also no information on the notification needs. In this case, the notification of the starting operation is set to OFF, and the notification processing is terminated. If there is a notification need included in the customizing information CUS, the processing of step S13 is performed.

[0024] In the process of step S13, it is determined whether there are learning needs for starting operations. Information on the learning needs is included in the customization information CUS acquired in the process of step S11. There are cases where information on notification needs is included in the customization information CUS, but learning needs are not included in the customization information CUS. In this case, the determination result of step S13 is deemed negative, and the process of step S14 is performed. If learning needs are included in the customization information CUS, the process of step S15 is performed.

[0025] In the process of step S14, timing TM1 [s] for starting notification of the starting operation is set. The timing TM1 is set to, for example, a standard timing (default value). In another example, the customization information CUS includes sensitivity information set by the driver DR. In this other example, the timing TM1 is set to a standard timing, a timing earlier than the standard timing, or a timing later than the standard timing based on the sensitivity information.

[0026] In the process of step S15, a variable γ[s] is set from the learning value information LER. The variable γ is an example of a "third variable" in the present disclosure. The learning value information LER is acquired by referring to the driver DB7 using information on the vehicle's starting scene estimated from the driving environment information ENV and information on the driver DR identified in the process of step S10. The starting scene is estimated by extracting factors of the starting scene, such as information on road classification, information on the number of lanes, and information on the driving conditions of surrounding vehicles, from the driving environment information ENV, and using variables corresponding to each of the extracted factors. For example, if the road classification variable is x, the number of lanes variable is y, and the driving conditions of surrounding vehicles variable is z, the starting scene is estimated from the variables x, y, and z.

[0027] Following the processing of step S15, a variable α [%] is set from the passenger information PAS (step S16). The variable α (0-100%) is an example of the "first variable" of the present disclosure. The variable α is set taking into consideration that when there are passengers, notification of a delayed starting operation can be bothersome to the driver DR. Therefore, the variable α increases as the number of passengers increases. Note that even when the driver DR provides a service to the passengers, notification of a delayed starting operation can be bothersome to the driver DR and the passengers. Therefore, the variable α may be set using the passenger information PAS, which combines the type of vehicle (private car, commercial car) and the seating positions of the passengers.

[0028] Following the processing of step S16, a notification device is selected (step S17). The notification device 4 and the HMI unit 3 shown in FIG. 1 are considered as candidate notification devices. If there are multiple candidate notification devices, it is undesirable for all notification devices 4 to issue a notification of a delayed starting operation. Therefore, in the processing of step S17, a notification device is selected using the variable α related to the annoyance set in the processing of step S16. For example, the smaller the variable α, the more notification devices are used, and the larger the variable α, the fewer notification devices are used. In another example, when the variable α is small, a notification device (HMI unit 3) that easily notifies the user of a delayed starting operation is selected, and when the variable α is large, a notification device 4 (vibration device) that lessens the severity of this notification is selected.

[0029] Following the processing of step S17, a variable β[s] is set from the driving environment information ENV (step S18). The variable β is an example of a "second variable" in the present disclosure. The variable β is set taking into consideration that, depending on the driving environment of the vehicle, it may be acceptable to delay the notification of a delay in the starting operation. The variable β is set based on factors of the vehicle's starting scene estimated from the driving environment information ENV. When setting the variable γ, information on the starting scene and information on the driver DR are taken into consideration, whereas when setting the variable β, only information on the starting scene is taken into consideration.

[0030] Following the process of step S18, the timing TM2 [s] for starting the notification of the starting operation is set (step S19). The timing TM2 is set using the following formula (1) including the variables γ, α, and β set in steps S15, S16, and S18, respectively. TM2=γ(x,y,z,…)+f(α)+β(x,y,z,…) …(1)

[0031] Following the processing of step S14 or S19, it is determined whether or not to permit the vehicle to start (step S20). Whether or not to permit the vehicle to start is determined based on the driving environment information ENV. For example, if a change in the display color of a traffic light is recognized or if the start of a preceding vehicle is recognized, the vehicle is permitted to start. If the start of a preceding vehicle is recognized but the stop of the vehicle before that is recognized, the vehicle is not permitted to start. The processing of step S20 is repeated until a positive result is obtained.

[0032] If the determination result of step S20 is positive, it is determined whether or not a start operation by the driver DR has been detected (step S21). The start operation by the driver DR is detected, for example, by operating the accelerator pedal or releasing the brake pedal. If a start operation is detected, there is no need to notify the driver of a delay in the start operation, and therefore the notification process is terminated.

[0033] If the determination result in step S21 is negative, it is determined whether the time elapsed since the timing at which it was determined that the vehicle should be permitted to start has exceeded a threshold value TH (step S22). The timing at which it was determined that the vehicle should be permitted to start is, for example, the timing at which the processing in step S20 is completed. The threshold value TH is a value (TS2+δ) obtained by adding a predetermined margin δ to the timing TS1 set in step S14 or the timing TS2 set in step S19.

[0034] If the determination result of step S22 is negative, the process returns to step S21. On the other hand, if the determination result of step S22 is positive, the operation of the notification device is started (step S23). By performing the process of step S23, the driver DR is notified of the delay in the starting operation.

[0035] 2-2. Generation process of learning value information Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of generating the learned value information LER performed in the embodiment. The routine shown in Fig. 3 is realized, for example, by the processor 51 executing a predetermined program stored in the storage device 52 shown in Fig. 1. The routine shown in Fig. 3 is also repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0036] In the routine shown in Fig. 3, steps S30, S31, and S32 are first performed. The steps S30 and S31 are the same as the steps S10 and S11 in Fig. 2. The step S32 is the same as the step S13 in Fig. 2.

[0037] If the determination result of step S32 is positive, timing TM3 [s] for starting notification of the starting operation is set (step S33). Timing TM3 is set to, for example, a timing later than timing TM1 described in step S14 of FIG. 2. If the notification process of the delayed starting operation is executed at timing TM1, generation of the learning value information LER is hindered, and the learning value information LER specific to the driver DR cannot be obtained. In particular, in the early stage of learning, there is no or little learning value information LER. Therefore, when the generation process of the learning value information LER is executed, the process of step S33 is executed to actively collect the learning value information LER.

[0038] Following the process of step S33, the processes of steps S34, S35, and S36 are performed. The process of step S34 is to estimate a departure scene from the driving environment information ENV. The process of step S35 is the same as the process performed in step S18 in FIG. 2. The process of steps S35 and S36 is the same as the process of steps S20 and S21 in FIG. 2, respectively.

[0039] If the determination result of step S36 is positive, the time elapsed from the time it was determined that the vehicle should be permitted to start until the time the vehicle start operation was detected is recorded in association with the start scene estimated in the process of step S34 and the driver DR identified in step S30 (step S37). The information on this elapsed time is the learning value information LER.

[0040] 3.Effects As described above, according to the embodiment, in the process of notifying a delay in a starting operation, the timing TM2 for notifying a delay in a starting operation is set. The timing TM2 is set using a variable α set using the passenger information PAS, a variable β set using the driving environment information ENV, and a variable γ set using the learning value information LER. The learning value information LER used to set the variable γ is information related to the timing of the starting operation by the driver DR. Therefore, by setting the timing using the variables α, β, and γ, it is possible to make the timing for notifying a delay in a starting operation closer to the timing preferred by the driver DR, without relying on detailed customization of the notification of a delay in a starting operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1...Starting assistance device, 2...Sensors, 3...HMI unit, 4...Notification device, 5...Information processing device, 6...Map database, 7...Driver database, 51...Processor, 52...Storage device, DR...Driver, CUS...Customization information, DRV...Driver information, ENV...Driving environment information, MAP...Map information, NOT...Notification information, PAS...Passenger information

Claims

1. A device for assisting a driver of a vehicle in starting a vehicle, a storage device in which various information is stored; a processor that performs processing based on the various information; a notification device that notifies the driver of a delay in a start operation of the vehicle by the driver; Equipped with the various information includes passenger information of the vehicle, driving environment information of the vehicle, and learning value information related to the timing of a start operation by the driver; the processing based on the various information includes a process of setting a first variable using the passenger information, a process of setting a second variable using the driving environment information, a process of setting a third variable using the learning value information, and a notification process of notifying the driver of a delay in the starting operation; In the notification processing, the processor setting a timing for notifying the driver of a delay in the starting operation using the first variable, the second variable, and the third variable; determining whether to permit the vehicle to start using the driving environment information; When the start operation by the driver is not detected from the time when it is determined that the start of the vehicle is permitted until the time when the start operation delay is notified has passed, the notification device is activated. A starting assistance device characterized by:

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, The notification device includes at least two notification devices; The processing based on the various information further includes a selection process of selecting a notification device to be activated in the notification process from among the at least two notification devices using the first variable. A starting assistance device characterized by:

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, The processing based on the various information further includes a process of generating the learning value information, In the generation process, the processor estimating a starting scene of the vehicle using the driving environment information; determining whether to permit the vehicle to start using the driving environment information; measuring the elapsed time from the time when it is determined that the vehicle is permitted to start to the time when the driver performs a start operation; The learning value information is generated by associating the elapsed time with the starting scene. A starting assistance device characterized by:

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, The processing based on the various information further includes a process of determining whether or not there is a learning need for the driver of the starting operation, the processor executes the generation process when it is determined in the determination process that there is a learning need; When the generation process is performed, the timing of notifying the delay in the starting operation is set to a timing later than that set when it is determined in the determination process that there is no learning need. A starting assistance device characterized by:

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