Support system and support method

Abstract

To provide a support system and support method that prevent an erroneous-operation of a switch irrespective of a steering wheel manipulation.SOLUTION: A support system includes a processor. The processor designates a predetermined reference angle for a steering wheel on which a plurality of switches having assigned functions are installed, acquires a steering quantity of the steering wheel, determines an angle, to which the acquired steering quantity belongs, on the basis of the reference angle, and re-defines the allocations of features of the switches according to the determined angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assistance device and an assistance method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology related to a switch installed on a steering wheel. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for displaying a predetermined message on a display unit installed in a vehicle while minimizing the occupant's discomfort and the risk of the occupant being unable to recognize the displayed information. In the technology of Patent Document 1, the display is controlled by operating the switch. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-047176 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the steering wheel is turned, it is difficult to grasp the layout of the switches installed on the steering wheel, which can cause confusion for the user.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an assistance device and an assistance method that prevent erroneous switch operation regardless of steering wheel operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The assistance device described in claim 1 includes a processor, which sets a predetermined reference angle when a steering wheel having a plurality of switches with assigned functions is rotated, acquires the steering amount of the steering wheel, determines the angle to which the acquired steering amount belongs based on the reference angle, and redefines the assignment of functions of the plurality of switches according to the determined angle.

[0007] The assistance device according to claim 1 realizes allocation of switch functions according to the steering angle, thereby preventing confusion when the user operates the switch while operating the steering wheel.

[0008] The support device of claim 2 is the support device of claim 1, in which the processor allows the user to specify whether the redefinition is enabled or disabled.According to the support device of claim 2, the function of the switch can be redefined when necessary by the user.

[0009] The support device according to claim 3 is the support device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processor determines, among the plurality of switches, switches for which function assignment is to be redefined so that the layout is fixed when viewed from the user, and switches for which function assignment is not to be redefined. According to the support device according to claim 3, it is possible to specify and redefine a required function.

[0010] The assistance device according to claim 4 is the assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor sets a plurality of first reference angles as reference angles determined from a default fixed position of the steering wheel, sets a second reference angle when the steering wheel is steered from the first reference angle in the steering direction, and sets a third reference angle when the steering wheel is steered from the second reference angle in the opposite direction to the steering direction, and redefines the assignment of functions of the plurality of switches when the steering wheel is steered from the first reference angle to the second reference angle or more for the acquired steering amount, and redefines the assignment of functions of the plurality of switches so as to return to the original position when the steering wheel is steered in the opposite direction to the steering direction to the third reference angle or more after reaching the second reference angle for the acquired steering amount. According to the assistance device according to claim 4, the functions of the switches can be appropriately redefined according to the steering amount of the steering wheel by using each of the reference angles.

[0011] The support method described in claim 5 is a computer-executed process in which a processor sets a predetermined reference angle when a steering wheel having multiple switches with assigned functions is rotated, acquires the steering amount of the steering wheel, determines the angle to which the acquired steering amount belongs based on the reference angle, and redefines the assignment of functions of the multiple switches so that they are rotated according to the determined angle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the technology of the present disclosure, erroneous switch operation is prevented regardless of steering wheel operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the layout of switches according to this method. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the support system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the support device. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the support device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the support process as the support method executed by the support device of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An overview of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. When a driver steers a steering wheel, the switches mounted on the steering wheel rotate from their fixed positions and change as the steering wheel rotates. This has led to concerns about erroneous switch operation. As an example, in a drive-through or traffic jam on a highway, a switch may be operated while the steering wheel is turned, i.e., while the steering wheel is steered in the steering direction. Therefore, this embodiment proposes a method for controlling the arrangement of functions assigned to steering wheel switches. In this embodiment, the arrangement of switch functions as seen by the user is controlled so as not to change regardless of the steering wheel rotation state, i.e., whether the steering wheel is not being rotated or is being rotated.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the switch layout of this method. (X) shows the layout of switch functions when conventional control is not performed, and (Y) shows the layout of switch functions when controlled using this method. A switch is located on the left spoke of the steering wheel, with four switches arranged at the top, bottom, left, and right. When viewed from the default position of the steering wheel, the top switch is numbered 1, the bottom switch is numbered 2, the left switch is numbered 3, and the right switch is numbered 4. (X-1) and (Y-1) respectively show the layout of the default position of the steering wheel. When in the default position, the switch functions of (X-1) and (Y-1) are arranged in the same way. By default, the layout of functions is as follows: switch number 1: A (upward), switch number 2: B (downward), switch number 3: C (leftward), and switch number 4: D (rightward). (X-2) and (Y-2) show the case where the steering direction is turned to the right from the default position, resulting in a change in the switch direction as seen by the user. In the conventional (X-2) system, the layout of functions is switch number 1:A (rightward), switch number 2:B (leftward), switch number 3:C (upward), and switch number 4:D (downward). Therefore, in this method, the layout of switch functions is also redefined according to the rotation of the steering wheel. In the present method (Y-2), the layout of functions is redefined as switch number 1:D (rightward), switch number 2:C (leftward), switch number 3:A (upward), and switch number 4:B (downward). In this way, the layout of switch functions is also rotated and redefined to correspond to the rotation of the steering wheel. This keeps the layout of switch functions as seen by the user constant regardless of the steering operation situation, preventing user confusion. Note that the number and layout of switches are not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to any suitable design, such as arranging switches at each vertex of a polygon.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the assistance system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the assistance system 1 includes an assistance device 12 provided inside a vehicle 10, a steering wheel 13 equipped with a switch unit 40, a multimedia device 14 including a screen that displays a setting screen for functions related to the assistance of this embodiment and allows the user to operate the screen, and a mobile terminal 15 carried by the driver and brought inside the vehicle 10. An example of the assistance device 12 is a computer such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0017] 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the assistance device 12. The assistance device 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, a wireless communication I / F (Interface) 23, an in-vehicle communication I / F 24, and a communication unit 25. The CPU 20, the ROM 21, the RAM 22, the wireless communication I / F 23, the in-vehicle communication I / F 24, and the communication unit 25 are connected via a bus 27 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0018] The CPU 20 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various parts. That is, the CPU 20 reads out programs from the ROM 21 and executes the programs using the RAM 22 as a work area.

[0019] The ROM 21, which serves as a storage unit, stores various programs and various data. In this embodiment, the ROM 21 stores an assistance program 30 and setting data 31. The RAM 22 temporarily stores programs and data as a working area. The assistance program 30 is a program that performs control related to the assistance of this embodiment. The setting data 31 is data that records the settings of functions to be assigned to each switch of the switch unit 40 and the setting of a reference angle. The reference angle will be explained in the control flow described below. Note that the other hardware configurations may be the hardware configuration of a general computer, and therefore explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The steering wheel 13 is provided with a switch unit 40. The switch unit 40 is a switch interface equipped with a plurality of switches arranged on the top, bottom, left, and right sides as described above. The steering angle sensor 51 is a sensor that acquires the steering amount of the steering wheel. Note that other sensors are not directly related to the aspects of this embodiment and are therefore omitted. Functions that can be assigned to the switches include an audio operation function, a multimedia device 14 operation function, a hands-free function, a panoramic view monitor function, etc. Examples of the mobile terminal 15 include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a computer such as a smartwatch.

[0021] The multimedia device 14 has a touch panel display and displays various setting screens. The multimedia device 14 is also capable of notifying and displaying information related to the assistance processing of this embodiment. The multimedia device 14 also has a navigation function for displaying maps using GPS and other multimedia functions. The driving assistance ECU 50 is an ECU that controls various driving assistance functions and autonomous driving of the vehicle 10.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the support device 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the support device 12 has, as its functional components, a setting unit 200 and a support control unit 202. Each functional component of the support device 12 is a unit that functions when the CPU 20 executes the support program 30.

[0023] The setting unit 200 sets a predetermined reference angle for the steering wheel 13. As the reference angle, a plurality of first reference angles (A), second reference angles, and third reference angles are set, as will be described later.

[0024] The setting unit 200 may also set functions to be redefined and functions not to be redefined in the switch unit 40. For example, it is conceivable to set functions to be redefined only in a limited manner, such that only the panoramic view monitor function is always set to the top, while the layout of other functions is not redefined. In this way, the setting unit 200 may determine, among the multiple switches, switches whose function assignments are redefined so that they are arranged in a fixed manner when viewed from the user, and switches whose functions are not to be redefined. The setting unit 200 may also display a setting screen related to the switches on the multimedia device 14 or the mobile terminal 15, allowing the user to specify whether to enable or disable the support related to the switches of this embodiment.

[0025] The assistance control unit 202 determines the angle to which the acquired steering amount belongs based on the reference angle, and redefines the allocation of functions of the multiple switches according to the determined angle. The manner of redefinition according to the angle will be explained in the control flow.

[0026] (Flow of Control) FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of assistance processing as an assistance method executed by the assistance device 12 of this embodiment. As a premise for the assistance processing, the reference angle and steering direction will be described. Regarding the reference angle, a first reference angle (A) determined from the default fixed position of the steering wheel 13 is set to 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees. Furthermore, the steering direction is set to a rightward or leftward steering direction based on the default position of 0 degrees. Regarding the reference angle, a second reference angle when steering in the steering direction from the first reference angle is set to 60 degrees, and a third reference angle when steering in the opposite direction to the steering direction from the second reference angle is set to 30 degrees. Note that the values ​​set as the first reference angle, second reference angle, and third reference angle are merely examples, and any values ​​can be set as appropriate.

[0027] In step S100, the CPU 20 acquires the steering amount of the steering wheel 13. The steering amount includes the steering direction and the rotation angle.

[0028] In step S102, the CPU 20 determines whether the steering wheel 13 has been steered by 60 degrees (second reference angle) or more in the steering direction from the first reference angle (A) based on the acquired steering amount. If the steering wheel 13 has been steered by 60 degrees or more, the process proceeds to step S104. If the steering wheel 13 has not been steered by 60 degrees or more, the process returns to step S100 as there is no change (no redefinition). Note that the processing of this step may be performed by updating the first reference angle (A) every time the steering amount angle becomes (A) or more. If the first reference angle (A) is 0 degrees, steering between 60 degrees and 89 degrees is considered to be steering by 60 degrees or more, and can be said to be an angle to which the steering amount belongs.

[0029] In step S104, the CPU 20 redefines the allocation of functions of the multiple switches in the switch section 40 in accordance with the determined angle. The arrangement of the allocation of the redefined functions may be determined in the setting data for each combination of the steering direction, the first reference angle (A), and the second reference angle, with the default fixed position as the reference.

[0030] In step S106, the CPU 20 acquires the steering amount of the steering wheel 13 again.

[0031] In step S108, the CPU 20 determines, based on the reacquired steering amount, whether or not the steering has been performed in the opposite direction to the steering direction to return to 30 degrees (third reference angle) or more after reaching 60 degrees (second reference angle) from the first reference angle (A). That is, if the first reference angle (A) is 0 degrees and the second reference angle is 60 degrees, steering from 30 degrees to 0 degrees is considered to be steering to return to 30 degrees or more, and can be said to be an angle to which the steering amount belongs. If steering has been performed to return, the process proceeds to step S110, and if steering has not been performed to return, the process returns to step S100 as there is no change (no redefinition).

[0032] In step S110, the CPU 20 redefines the function allocation of the multiple switches of the switch unit 40 so as to return it to its original state. That is, in the redefinition of this step, control is performed to return the function allocation from the arrangement redefined in step S104 to the arrangement of the function allocation defined before the redefinition. In the example of FIG. 1 above, if the state redefined in step S104 is (Y-2), the state is redefined to return to (Y-1). After processing of this step, the process returns to step S100 and is repeated. The assistance process repeats its processing routine until driving of the vehicle 10 is stopped or the assistance process is disabled by a user's specification from the setting screen displayed by the setting unit 200 on the multimedia device 14 or the mobile terminal 15.

[0033] As described above, the assistance device 12 of this embodiment prevents erroneous switch operation regardless of steering wheel operation.

[0034] In the above embodiment, various processes executed by the CPU 20 after reading software (programs) may be executed by various processors other than a CPU. Examples of such processors include dedicated electrical circuits, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs) (such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)) whose circuit configuration can be changed after fabrication, graphics processing units (GPUs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processes. Each of the above processes may be executed by one of these various processors, or by a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). The hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the information processing program is described as being pre-stored (installed) in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. For example, the information processing program is pre-stored in ROM 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Each program may be provided in a form recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The information processing program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0036] The processing flow described in the above embodiment is an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10 vehicles 12 Support equipment 13. Steering wheel

Claims

1. a processor, the processor comprising: A steering wheel with multiple switches assigned functions is set at a predetermined reference angle, acquiring a steering amount of the steering wheel; determining an angle to which the acquired steering amount belongs based on the reference angle, and redefining assignment of functions of the plurality of switches in accordance with the determined angle; Support equipment.

2. The support device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor allows a user to specify whether the redefinition is valid or invalid.

3. The support device according to claim 1 , wherein the processor determines, among the plurality of switches, switches for which function assignments are redefined so that the switches have a fixed arrangement when viewed from the user, and switches for which function assignments are not redefined.

4. The processor: As the reference angles, a plurality of first reference angles determined from a default fixed position of the steering wheel are provided, and a second reference angle when the steering wheel is steered in a steering direction from the first reference angle and a third reference angle when the steering wheel is steered in a direction opposite to the steering direction from the second reference angle are provided, redefining assignment of functions of the plurality of switches when the steering angle is equal to or greater than a second reference angle from the first reference angle with respect to the acquired steering amount; redefining the allocation of the functions of the plurality of switches so as to return to the original state when the acquired steering amount is steered in a direction opposite to the steering direction to the third reference angle or more after reaching the second reference angle; The support device according to claim 1 .

5. The processor: For a steering wheel equipped with multiple switches with assigned functions, a predetermined reference angle is set when the wheel is rotated, acquiring a steering amount of the steering wheel; determining an angle to which the acquired steering amount belongs based on the reference angle, and redefining the allocation of functions of the plurality of switches so as to rotate them according to the determined angle; A method for assisting a computer in carrying out a process.

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