Control device of driving simulator

Abstract

To bring a driving feeling reproduced by a driving simulator close to a driving feeling of an actual vehicle.SOLUTION: A control device for controlling a driving simulator includes a control condition storage section that stores information on a control condition for setting an operation condition of a driving operation apparatus and an output condition of an output apparatus in association with information on a predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator. The control device executes processing of: acquiring the information on the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator; setting at least one of the operation condition of the driving operation apparatus and the output condition of the output apparatus on the basis of the information on the predetermined setting environment and the information on the control condition; and controlling operation of the driving operation apparatus and an output of the output apparatus according to the operation of the driving operation apparatus by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Driving simulators are known that reproduce the functions and performance of a vehicle by controlling, via a computer, the display of scenic images on a monitor, the production of driving sounds through speakers, and the rocking of a seat using a rocking device in response to simulated driving operations by a user. A driving simulator is constructed with a unit that simulates a driver's seat of a vehicle and is provided with a steering wheel, pedals, a seat, etc., a monitor that displays scenic images, a speaker that outputs driving sounds, a rocking device that rocks the seat to allow the user to experience the sensation of acceleration and vibration, and a computer. Driving simulators are used in a variety of situations, including research and amusement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-44649 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-165048 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-186387 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if a driving simulator reproduces the same behavior as a real vehicle, the driving sensation felt by the user may differ from that of the real vehicle. For example, there are various settings for driving simulators, such as monitor size and the presence or absence of a rocking device, and the driving sensation felt by the user may differ depending on the setting environment. Furthermore, the way in which performance changes are felt when changing the settings of a vehicle or part that is intended to reproduce functions or performance may differ between the real vehicle and the driving simulator, or between driving simulators with different setting environments, even if the values ​​representing performance are the same.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device for a driving simulator that adjusts the control conditions of the driving operation devices and output devices of the driving simulator to match the setting environment of the driving simulator, and makes the driving feel reproduced by the driving simulator closer to the driving feel of a real vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control device for controlling a driving simulator that includes driving operation devices operated by a user and output devices that provide output that can be felt by the user, and that allows the user to experience the driving sensation of a vehicle in accordance with the operation of the driving operation devices by the user. The control device includes one or more processors, one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors, and a control condition memory unit that stores information on control conditions for setting the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices in association with information on a predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator (including C3 and C4), and the one or more processors perform the following processes: acquire information on the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator; set at least one of the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices based on the information on the predetermined setting environment and the information on the control conditions; and control the operation of the driving operation devices and the output of the output devices in accordance with the operation of the driving operation devices by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, according to the present disclosure, the driving sensation reproduced by the driving simulator can be made closer to the driving sensation of an actual vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a driving simulator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device of the driving simulator according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information on setting values ​​(control conditions) set in accordance with information on driving operation devices. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information on setting values ​​(control conditions) set in accordance with information on an output device. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information on correction coefficients (control conditions) set according to a target vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information on correction coefficients (control conditions) set according to setting components. [Figure 7] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information on the setting environment of the driving operation device and the output device acquired by the control device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information on the setting environment of a target vehicle and setting components acquired by the control device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of operating conditions of driving operation devices and output conditions of output devices set by the control device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine of a processing operation executed by the control device according to the embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining functions of a control device of a driving simulator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control device of a driving simulator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control device of a driving simulator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] <<1. First Embodiment>> <1-1. Overall configuration of the driving simulator> First, an example of the configuration of a driving simulator to which the control device for a driving simulator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied will be described.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a driving simulator 1. The driving simulator 1 is constructed as a device that reproduces the sensation of driving a vehicle in response to a user's simulated driving actions. The driving simulator 1 includes a seat 11, a steering device 17, an accelerator pedal 21, a brake pedal 22, a clutch pedal 23, and a shift device 25, and constitutes a simulation of a driver's seat of a vehicle. The shift device 25 is a so-called H-type shift device, and is a shift device for a manual transmission. The steering device 17, the accelerator pedal 21, the brake pedal 22, the clutch pedal 23, and the shift device 25 constitute driving operation equipment for performing simulated driving operations of the vehicle.

[0012] The driving simulator 1 includes monitors 13a to 13c (sometimes collectively referred to as monitors 13), speakers 15a to 15e (sometimes collectively referred to as speaker system 15), a rocking device 19, an input device 27, and a control device 50. The monitors 13a to 13c (sometimes collectively referred to as monitors 13), speakers 15a to 15e (sometimes collectively referred to as speaker system 15), and rocking device 19 constitute an output device for reproducing the sensation of driving a vehicle.

[0013] The control device 50 is configured with one or more processors and one or more memories communicatively connected to the processors, and executes various arithmetic processes to control the driving of the output device. The input device 27 is operated by a user and accepts input operations to the control device 50. The input device 27 may be a touch panel display, or may include at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, a button, and a switch. The input device 27 may also be an audio input device equipped with a microphone for receiving the user's voice.

[0014] The monitor 13 includes three monitors 13a to 13c in total, one in front and one on each side, and is driven by the control device 50 to display an image of the scenery around the vehicle while it is running.

[0015] The speaker system 15 includes five speakers 15a to 15e in total, located in the front, on the left and right front sides, and on the left and right rear sides, and is configured as a stereophonic speaker system 15 that allows sounds to be heard from the positions of virtual sound sources. The speaker system 15 is driven by the control device 50 to output sounds and reproduce the sound of the vehicle running. Note that the number of speakers included in the speaker system 15 is not particularly limited.

[0016] The rocking device 19 includes one or more actuators and is configured to be able to rock the seat 11. The rocking device 19 is driven by the control device 50 to change the inclination of the seat 11 or to apply vibrations to the seat 11, thereby reproducing the acceleration feeling, vibrations, etc. of the vehicle.

[0017] The steering device 17, accelerator pedal 21, brake pedal 22, clutch pedal 23, and shift device 25 are each configured to be operable by a user. The steering device 17, accelerator pedal 21, and brake pedal 22 are each equipped with a steering angle sensor 17a, an accelerator sensor 21a, and a brake sensor 22a that detect the amount of operation. For example, the steering angle sensor 17a, the accelerator sensor 21a, and the brake sensor 22a are each rotation sensors that detect the angle of rotation, and output sensor signals corresponding to the left / right steering angle of the steering device 17 or the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22.

[0018] The clutch pedal 23 is equipped with a clutch sensor 23a that detects whether the clutch is on or off. For example, the clutch sensor 23a outputs a sensor signal indicating that the clutch is off while the clutch pedal 23 is depressed by a predetermined amount or more. The shift device 25 is equipped with a shift position sensor 25a that detects the position of the shift lever. For example, the shift position sensor 25a includes multiple Hall elements and outputs a sensor signal according to the position of the shift lever.

[0019] Sensor signals from the steering angle sensor 17 a, accelerator sensor 21 a, brake sensor 22 a, clutch sensor 23 a, and shift position sensor 25 a are sent to the control device 50.

[0020] The steering device 17, accelerator pedal 21, brake pedal 22, clutch pedal 23, and shift device 25 are each equipped with a steering drive unit 17b, accelerator pedal drive unit 21b, brake pedal drive unit 22b, clutch pedal drive unit 23b, and shift lever drive unit 25b. The drive of each of these drive units is controlled by the control device 50, and is configured to be able to control the operation feel of the steering device 17, accelerator pedal 21, brake pedal 22, clutch pedal 23, and shift device 25. For example, each drive unit is configured to be able to adjust the stiffness (resistance), weight, reaction force, etc. when operating the steering device 17, accelerator pedal 21, brake pedal 22, clutch pedal 23, and shift device 25.

[0021] <1-2.Control device> Next, the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described.

[0022] (1-2-1. Configuration example) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to this embodiment. The control device 50 includes a processing unit 51, a storage unit 53, and a control condition storage unit 55. The storage unit 53 and the control condition storage unit 55 are communicably connected to the processing unit 51. The processing unit 51 includes one or more processors such as CPUs (Central Processing Units). Part or all of the processing unit 51 may be configured with updatable firmware or the like, or may be a program module or the like executed by commands from the CPU or the like.

[0023] The processing unit 51 is communicatively connected to a steering angle sensor 17a and a steering drive unit 17b provided in the steering device 17, an accelerator sensor 21a and an accelerator pedal drive unit 21b provided in the accelerator pedal 21, a brake sensor 22a and a brake pedal drive unit 22b provided in the brake pedal 22, and a clutch sensor 23a and a clutch pedal drive unit 23b provided in the clutch pedal 23. The processing unit 51 is also communicatively connected to a shift position sensor 25a and a shift lever drive unit 25b provided in the shift device 25. The processing unit 51 is also communicatively connected to a monitor 13, a speaker system 15, a rocking device 19, and an input device 27.

[0024] The storage unit 53 is configured by a recording medium (memory) such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). However, the number and type of storage units 53 are not particularly limited. The storage unit 53 records information such as computer programs executed by the processing unit 51, various parameters used in calculation processing, detection data, and calculation results. The storage unit 53 also stores data on one or more experience courses that allow the user to experience the driving sensation. A part of the storage unit 53 is used as a work area for the processing unit 51.

[0025] (1-2-2. Control condition storage unit) The control condition storage unit 55 is configured with a recording medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a solid state drive (SSD), a USB flash drive, or a storage device. However, the type of recording medium is not particularly limited. The control condition storage unit 55 may be configured integrally with the control device 50, or a part or all of the control condition storage unit 55 may be stored in a server that can communicate with the control device 50 via wireless or wired communication means.

[0026] The control condition storage unit 55 stores control conditions for setting the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices in association with information about a predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator 1. The information about the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator 1 includes information about the driving operation devices and the output devices.

[0027] For example, the information about the driving operation devices is information about the product names, specifications, functions, and performance of the steering device 17, pedals (accelerator pedal 21, brake pedal 22, and clutch pedal 23), and shift device 25, which are driving operation devices provided in the driving simulator 1. The information about these driving operation devices is information that can identify operability such as stiffness (resistance), weight, or reaction force.

[0028] The information about the output devices is information about the product names or specifications, functions, and performance of the monitor 13, speaker system 15, and rocking device 19, which are output devices provided in the driving simulator 1. The information about these output devices is information that can identify information indicating the user's bodily sensation due to the output from each output device. For example, the larger the screen size of the monitors 13, and the more monitors 13 are installed and the higher the sense of realism, the higher the sense of realism. Furthermore, the more speaker systems 15 are installed around the vehicle and the wider the sound range, the higher the sense of realism. Furthermore, the more complex the movement of the rocking device 19, the higher the sense of realism.

[0029] The control condition storage unit 55 stores the control conditions for driving each of the driving operation devices and output devices, which are set in accordance with the information on each of the driving operation devices and output devices, in association with the information on the driving operation devices and output devices.

[0030] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of information on setting values ​​(control conditions) for driving the driving operation devices and output devices, which are set according to the information on the driving operation devices and output devices. As shown in Figure 3, for example, setting values ​​for lock-to-lock, force feedback, inertia torque, and damping are determined for each type (product name) of steering device. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the movement amount of the actuator in response to acceleration / deceleration and the movement amount of the actuator in response to angular velocity are determined for each type (product name) of swing device.

[0031] In addition, although not shown, the control condition memory unit 55 stores control conditions for controlling each driving operation device and output device provided in the driving simulator 1 in association with information about the driving operation device and output device, depending on the product name or specifications, functions, and performance of each driving operation device and output device.

[0032] Furthermore, the information on the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator 1 includes information on the target vehicle or parts set in the target vehicle for which the driving sensation is reproduced.

[0033] For example, the information about the target vehicle includes information about the manufacturer, model name, and grade or type, as well as information about specifications that can identify the spring rate, bump stop rate, and damper damping force of the suspension that suspends the wheels, the output of driving power sources such as the engine and drive motor, and the operability of the steering device, pedals, and shift device.

[0034] The information about the parts to be set for the target vehicle includes, for example, the product name or specifications, functions and performance of tires, wheel size, product names or specifications, functions and performance of brakes and pedals, etc. In addition to this, information about any part whose settings can be changed for the target vehicle of the simulation may be included.

[0035] 5 and 6 show examples of information on correction coefficients (control conditions) for driving the respective driving operation devices and output devices, which are set according to information on the target vehicle for which the driving sensation is to be reproduced and the parts set in the target vehicle. As shown in FIG. 5, correction coefficients for reproducing the acceleration sensation are determined, for example, for each vehicle model, vehicle type, and engine displacement. The correction coefficients for reproducing the acceleration sensation are used, for example, to correct the set value of the movement amount of the actuator of the rocking device 19. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, correction coefficients for output sounds for reproducing running sounds are determined, for example, for each type, model, and specification of tires.

[0036] In addition, although not shown, the control condition memory unit 55 stores correction coefficients (control conditions) for controlling the operation of each driving operation device and the drive of output devices, which are set according to the specification information of each target vehicle or part set in the target vehicle, in association with the information of the target vehicle or part set in the target vehicle.

[0037] (1-2-3. Functional configuration of the processing unit) 2, the processing unit 51 of the control device 50 includes a setting environment acquisition unit 61, a control condition setting unit 62, an experience information setting unit 63, a driving behavior detection unit 64, an output control unit 65, and a driving skill determination unit 66. Each of these units may have a function realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a computer program, but may also be configured partially or entirely by analog circuits. Below, the function of each unit of the processing unit 51 will be briefly described, and then the processing operation of the processing unit 51 will be specifically described.

[0038] (setting environment acquisition part) The setting environment acquisition unit 61 acquires information about the setting environments of the driving operation devices and output devices that make up the driving simulator 1. For example, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 acquires signals or messages including information about product names, specifications, functions, and performance from the driving operation devices and output devices connected to the control device 50. Alternatively, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 may acquire this information by having the user input information about the product names, specifications, functions, and performance of the driving operation devices and output devices into the input device 27.

[0039] Furthermore, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 acquires information about the setting environment of the target vehicle for which the driving sensation is to be reproduced and the parts to be set in the target vehicle. For example, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 sequentially displays information about options for the manufacturer, model name, and grade or type of the target vehicle on the monitor 13 or the like, allows the user to select one, and acquires information about the manufacturer, model name, and grade or type of the target vehicle selected by the user. Similarly, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 displays information about options for parts to be set in the target vehicle on the monitor 13 or the like, allows the user to select one, and acquires information about the parts selected by the user. Alternatively, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 may acquire this information by having the user arbitrarily input information about the target vehicle and the parts to be set in the target vehicle into the input device 27.

[0040] Fig. 7 shows an example of information on the setting environment of the driving operation devices and output devices acquired by the setting environment acquisition unit 61. The example shown in Fig. 7 shows product names and detailed information of the steering device 17, pedals, shift device 25, rocker device 19, speaker system 15, monitor 13, and software acquired by the setting environment acquisition unit 61. Fig. 8 shows an example of information on the setting environment of the target vehicle and parts to be set in the target vehicle acquired by the setting environment acquisition unit 61. The example shown in Fig. 8 shows setting information of the target vehicle and tires acquired by the setting environment acquisition unit 61.

[0041] (Control condition setting section) The control condition setting unit 62 sets the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices based on the information on the setting environments of the driving operation devices and the output devices acquired by the setting environment acquisition unit 61 and the information on the control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 55. The control condition setting unit 62 may be configured to set at least one of the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices.

[0042] 9 shows an example of the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices set by the control condition setting unit 62. For example, the control condition setting unit 62 references the information on the control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 55 and sets characteristic values ​​such as lock-to-lock, force feedback, inertia torque, and damping according to the type of steering device 17. In this way, the steering wheel operation characteristics are set to suit the product.

[0043] Furthermore, the control condition setting unit 62 references the information on the control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 55 and sets the characteristic values ​​of the damping forces of the dampers of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22 according to the type of pedals, thereby setting the operation characteristics of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22 in accordance with the product.

[0044] The control condition setting unit 62 also references the information on the control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 55 and sets the shift stiffness depending on the type of shift device 25. This allows the operation characteristics of the shift lever to be set according to the product. The control condition setting unit 62 also references the information on the control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 55 and sets the operation amounts of the actuators for the magnitudes of acceleration / deceleration and angular velocity depending on the type of rocking device 19. This allows the operation characteristics of the rocking device 19 to reproduce the acceleration / deceleration and turning state of the vehicle to be set according to the product.

[0045] Furthermore, the control condition setting unit 62 references the information on the control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 55 and sets the volume of each of the road noise, wind noise, and engine noise according to the type of software used for the simulation. In this way, the characteristics of the output sound for reproducing the running sound of the vehicle are set according to the product.

[0046] Furthermore, the control condition setting unit 62 sets the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices according to the information on the setting environment of the target vehicle and the parts set in the target vehicle acquired by the setting environment acquisition unit 61. The control condition setting unit 62 adjusts the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices according to the specifications of the actual vehicle set as the target vehicle. This makes it possible to make the driving sensation reproduced by the driving simulator closer to that of an actual vehicle.

[0047] (Experience Information Setting Section) The experience information setting unit 63 sets an experience course that allows the user to experience the driving sensation. The experience course may be selected by the user from a plurality of experience course candidates, or may be selected randomly.

[0048] (Driving behavior detection unit) The driving operation detection unit 64 detects the driving operation of the user. The driving operation detection unit 64 acquires sensor signals transmitted from the steering angle sensor 17a, the accelerator sensor 21a, the brake sensor 22a, the clutch sensor 23a, and the shift position sensor 25a. Based on each sensor signal, the driving operation detection unit 64 detects the left and right steering angles, the operation amounts of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22, the on / off status of the clutch, and the shift position.

[0049] (Output control section) The output control unit 65 controls the driving of the steering drive unit 17b, accelerator pedal drive unit 21b, brake pedal drive unit 22b, clutch pedal drive unit 23b, and shift lever drive unit 25b based on the control conditions of the driving operation devices, thereby reproducing the user's driving operation feel. For example, the output control unit 65 applies torque from a motor in accordance with the specifications of the steering device 17, pedals, and shift device 25, and reproduces the resistance (stiffness) to the operation of the steering wheel, accelerator pedal 21, brake pedal 22, clutch pedal 23, and shift lever. The output control unit 65 also reproduces the reaction force to the operation of the steering wheel in accordance with the specifications of the steering device 17, the tire specifications set for the vehicle to be simulated, and the road surface conditions.

[0050] The output control unit 65 also controls the drive of the monitor 13, the speaker system 15, and the rocking device 19 in accordance with the user's driving behavior. For example, the output control unit 65 causes the monitor 13 to display an image of the experience course set by the experience information setting unit 63. The output control unit 65 also causes the speaker system 15 to output the engine sound, wind noise, and other ambient sounds of the vehicle being simulated as stereophonic sound in accordance with the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal 21 and the position of the shift lever. The output control unit 65 also drives the rocking device 19 in accordance with the amount of operation of the steering wheel, the amount of operation of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22, the on / off state of the clutch pedal 23, the road surface condition and weather conditions of the experience course, thereby reproducing the feeling of acceleration / deceleration and the acceleration and vibration during cornering.

[0051] (Driving Skill Assessment Department) The driving skill determination unit 66 determines the user's driving skill based on the user's driving operation using the driving simulator 1. In this embodiment, the steering angle of the steering device 17, the operation amounts of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22, the clutch operation, and the shift operation when the user performs a simulated driving operation are compared with data on the steering angle of the steering device 17, the operation amounts of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22, the clutch operation, and the shift operation of a model driver, and the degree of deviation for each is found to determine the user's driving skill. However, the method of evaluating driving skill is not limited to the above example.

[0052] <1-3. Operation of the control device> Next, an example of the processing operation by the processing unit 51 of the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the processing executed by the processing unit 51. After the control device 50 is started, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 of the processing unit 51 acquires the setting environment of the driving operation devices and output devices connected to the driving simulator 1 (step S11). For example, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 acquires signals or messages output from the driving operation devices and output devices, respectively, and acquires information on the product names, specifications, functions, and performance of the driving operation devices and output devices. The setting environment acquisition unit 61 may acquire this information by having the user input information on the product names, specifications, functions, and performance of the driving operation devices and output devices into the input device 27.

[0054] Next, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 acquires information about the setting environment of the target vehicle for which the driving sensation is to be reproduced and the parts to be set in the target vehicle (step S13). For example, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 sequentially displays information about options for the manufacturer, model name, and grade or type of the target vehicle on the monitor 13 or the like, allows the user to select one, and acquires information about the manufacturer, model name, and grade or type of the target vehicle selected by the user. Similarly, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 displays information about options for parts to be set in the target vehicle on the monitor 13 or the like, allows the user to select one, and acquires information about the parts selected by the user. Alternatively, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 may acquire this information by having the user arbitrarily input information about the target vehicle and the parts to be set in the target vehicle into the input device 27.

[0055] Next, the control condition setting unit 62 of the processing unit 51 sets the control conditions for the driving operation devices and the output devices in accordance with the information on the setting environments for the driving operation devices and the output devices acquired by the setting environment acquisition unit 61 (step S15). For example, the control condition setting unit 62 reads out the control conditions corresponding to the information on the setting environments for the driving operation devices and the output devices acquired by the setting environment acquisition unit 61 from the information on control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 55, and sets the operating conditions for the driving operation devices and the output conditions for the output devices.

[0056] Next, the experience information setting unit 63 of the processing unit 51 sets an experience course for allowing the user to experience the driving sensation (step S17). The method for setting the experience course is not particularly limited, and the same experience course may always be set, or the experience course may be set randomly or by user selection from among a plurality of experience courses.

[0057] Next, the processing unit 51 starts the simulation (step S19). For example, the output control unit 65 of the processing unit 51 displays an image of the trial course on the monitor 13, and notifies the user of the start of the simulated driving.

[0058] Next, the driving operation detection unit 64 of the processing unit 51 detects the driving operation of the user (step S21). For example, the driving operation detection unit 64 acquires sensor signals transmitted from the steering angle sensor 17a, the accelerator sensor 21a, the brake sensor 22a, the clutch sensor 23a, and the shift position sensor 25a. Based on the sensor signals, the driving operation detection unit 64 detects the left and right steering angles, the operation amounts of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22, the clutch on / off, and the shift position.

[0059] Next, the output control unit 65 controls the driving of the driving operation devices based on the driving behavior of the user (step S23). For example, the output control unit 65 controls the driving of the steering drive unit 17b, the accelerator pedal drive unit 21b, the brake pedal drive unit 22b, the clutch pedal drive unit 23b, and the shift lever drive unit 25b in accordance with the driving behavior of the user, and reproduces the driving operation feeling of the user by applying a reaction force to the driving operation.

[0060] Next, the output control unit 65 controls the drive of the output device based on the driving behavior of the user (step S25). For example, the output control unit 65 displays an image according to the direction and speed of the target vehicle according to the driving behavior of the user, and outputs ambient sounds such as the running sounds of the target vehicle as stereophonic sound from the speaker system 15. In addition, the output control unit 65 controls the drive of the rocking device 19 in accordance with the acceleration / deceleration and turning behavior of the target vehicle, allowing the user to experience a sense of acceleration / deceleration, lateral acceleration, vibration, etc.

[0061] Next, the output control unit 65 determines whether or not to end the simulation (step S27). For example, the output control unit 65 determines to end the simulation when the user performs a simulated driving operation and reaches the end point of the trial course. The output control unit 65 may also determine to end the simulation when the user performs an operation to interrupt the simulation. If the output control unit 65 does not determine to end the simulation (S27 / No), it returns to step S21.

[0062] On the other hand, if the output control unit 65 determines to end the simulation (S27 / Yes), the driving skill assessment unit 66 collects measurement data of the user's driving behavior during the simulated driving and assesses the user's driving skill (step S29). For example, the driving skill assessment unit 66 acquires measurement data of the left and right steering angles of the steering device 17, the operation amounts of the accelerator pedal 21 and the brake pedal 22, the on / off of the clutch, and the shift position as time-series data associated with the driving position on the trial course.

[0063] The driving skill assessment unit 66 compares the acquired time-series measurement data with pre-stored driving data of a model driver and calculates the degree of deviation for each of the following items: steering operation, accelerator operation, brake operation, clutch operation, and shift operation. For example, the driving skill assessment unit 66 calculates the percentage of the period during which each operation amount or operation timing exceeds a predetermined error as the degree of deviation for each item. The driving skill assessment unit 66 then evaluates and records the user's driving skill based on the degree of deviation of the measurement data for each item or the average value of the degrees of deviation of the measurement data for all items.

[0064] Next, the driving skill assessment unit 66 notifies the user of the assessment result of the driving skill by, for example, displaying the assessment result on the monitor 13 (step S31). This allows the user to know the driving actions and driving skill level that the user is weak at, which can increase the motivation to improve their driving skills. At the same time, the user can also know the driving actions that the user is good at, which can be used to understand their own driving skills.

[0065] <1-4. Effects> As described above, the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to this embodiment is a driving simulator 1 equipped with driving operation devices operated by a user and output devices that produce output that can be experienced by the user, and is a control device 50 for controlling the driving simulator 1 that allows the user to experience the driving sensation of a vehicle in accordance with the user's operation of the driving operation devices. The control device 50 is equipped with a processing unit 51 equipped with one or more processors, one or more memories (storage units) 53 communicably connected to the one or more processors, and a control condition storage unit 55 that stores information on control conditions for setting the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices in association with information on a specified setting environment of the driving simulator 1. The processing unit 51 is configured to perform the following processes: acquire information on the specified setting environment of the driving simulator 1; set at least one of the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices based on the information on the specified setting environment and the information on the control conditions; and control the operation of the driving operation devices and the output of the output devices in accordance with the user's operation of the driving operation devices.

[0066] This allows the operating feel of the driving operation devices and the output of the output devices of the driving simulator 1 to be adapted according to the setting environment of the driving simulator 1 or the performance of the actual vehicle, making it possible to make the driving feel reproduced by the driving simulator 1 closer to that of an actual vehicle. Therefore, in various applications such as research applications such as vehicle design and when users considering purchasing a vehicle want to experience the driving feel of an actual vehicle, it is possible to experience a driving feel close to that of an actual vehicle, and the driving simulator 1 can be effectively utilized.

[0067] Furthermore, the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to this embodiment stores information about the specifications, functions, performance, and installation environment of the driving operation devices and output devices as information about the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator 1. This allows the operation feel of the driving operation devices and the output of the output devices to be adapted according to the specifications, functions, performance, and installation environment of the driving operation devices and output devices, making it possible to reproduce a driving sensation close to that of a real vehicle.

[0068] Furthermore, in the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to this embodiment, information about the target vehicle for which the driving sensation is to be reproduced or about parts set in the target vehicle is stored as information about the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator 1. This allows the operational feel of the driving operation devices and the output of the output devices to be adapted according to the specifications of the actual vehicle for which the driving sensation is to be reproduced, making it possible to reproduce a driving sensation close to that of the actual vehicle.

[0069] <<2. Second Embodiment>> Next, a control device for a driving simulator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0070] The control device of the driving simulator according to the second embodiment is an application of the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to the first embodiment, and is configured to acquire product data of an actual product corresponding to a part to be set in a target vehicle selected by a user, determine setting values ​​for the specifications of the target vehicle, and present the setting values ​​for the specifications to the user or set them as the specifications of the target vehicle. In this embodiment, even if part information is not stored in the control condition storage unit 55 in advance, at least one of the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices can be set based on the product data of the actual product.

[0071] 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of the functions of the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to this embodiment. For example, a user H uses a mobile terminal 81 such as a smartphone to read two-dimensional barcodes 83a, 83b displayed together with a real vehicle or part (tires in the illustrated example) for which the user wants to experience the driving sensation at a vehicle dealership or a vehicle accessories dealership, and the mobile terminal 81 acquires the product data.

[0072] When using the driving simulator 1, the user H selects product data of a vehicle or part for which he or she wishes to experience the driving sensation from the product data stored in the mobile terminal 81 and transmits the product data to the control device 50. The control device 50 acquires the product data from the mobile terminal 81, and determines the setting values ​​of the specifications of the target vehicle of the simulation from the information on the control conditions stored in the control condition storage unit 55, and presents the setting values ​​to the user H. Instead of presenting the setting values ​​of the specifications of the target vehicle of the simulation to the user H, the control device 50 may set them as the specifications of the target vehicle.

[0073] 10, the control device 50 acquires some or all of the product data from the mobile terminal 81 as the setting environment for the target vehicle and set parts, and sets the specifications of the target vehicle. Then, in the following step S15, the control device 50 reads out correction coefficients (setting conditions) set for the target vehicle or parts that are identical to or similar to the specifications of the set target vehicle from the control condition information stored in the control condition storage unit 55, and sets the control conditions.

[0074] This allows the user to set any vehicle or part that they see at a dealership or the like as the target vehicle for the simulation and experience the driving sensation. Therefore, according to the control device 5 of the driving simulator 1 according to this embodiment, even for vehicles or parts that are not stored in the control condition storage unit 55, the operation feel of the driving operation devices and the output of the output devices of the driving simulator 1 can be adapted according to the setting environment of the driving simulator 1 or the performance of the actual vehicle, and the driving sensation reproduced by the driving simulator 1 can be made closer to the driving sensation of the actual vehicle.

[0075] <<3. Third Embodiment>> Next, a control device for a driving simulator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0076] The control device of the driving simulator according to the third embodiment is configured in the control device 50 of the driving simulator 1 according to the first embodiment so that the user can adjust at least one of the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices, and the control device is configured to correct the control conditions (setting values ​​or correction coefficients) set for each driving operation device and output device, or to store correction information for correcting the information on the control conditions.

[0077] 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device 50A of a driving simulator 1 according to the third embodiment. The control device 50A includes a correction information storage unit 57 in addition to the functions of the control device 50 according to the first embodiment.

[0078] For example, while using the driving simulator 1, the user adjusts the control conditions for setting the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices via the input device 27. For example, when the user selects one of the driving operation devices or the output device, the setting environment acquisition unit 61 displays the items of the control conditions and adjusts the control conditions according to the user's selection or input operation. The setting environment acquisition unit 61 stores the adjusted items of the control conditions in the correction information storage unit 57 as information on the adjusted control conditions.

[0079] The control condition setting unit 62 sets the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices based on the control condition information stored in the control condition storage unit 55 and the correction information stored in the correction information storage unit 57 when other users, not just the user who adjusted the control conditions, use the driving simulator 1. The control condition adjustment function is preferably used by users with extensive experience driving various vehicles and excellent driving sense, such as experienced drivers. This allows the driving feel reproduced by the driving simulator 1 to be even closer to the driving feel of a real vehicle.

[0080] <<4. Fourth Embodiment>> Next, a control device for a driving simulator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0081] The control device for the driving simulator according to the fourth embodiment has a function of presenting the setting of the control conditions of the driving simulator to the user.

[0082] For example, the control device may acquire information on the specifications of a specific vehicle that the user has set as the target vehicle for the simulation, acquire information on the user's preferences regarding vehicle performance, and present to the user setting values ​​for the control conditions based on the information on the control conditions corresponding to the specifications of the specific vehicle and the user's preference information. In other words, when the user has set a specific vehicle as the target vehicle for the simulation, the control device has a function of suggesting setting values ​​for the control conditions in accordance with the user's preferences regarding vehicle performance.

[0083] 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device 50B of a driving simulator 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In addition to the functions of the control device 50 according to the first embodiment, the control device 50B includes a driving preference determination unit 67 as a function of the processing unit 51, and a preference information storage unit 59.

[0084] The preference information storage unit 59 stores information on preferences of individual users regarding vehicle performance. "Preferences regarding vehicle performance" refers to individual preferences regarding, for example, the acceleration performance and turning performance of the vehicle, the stiffness of the suspension, the reaction force (weight) of the steering wheel, the stiffness of the pedals, and the like.

[0085] The driving preference determination unit 67 executes a process of acquiring information on the user's driving characteristics, determining the user's preferences regarding vehicle performance, and storing the information in the preference information storage unit 59. The driving preference determination unit 67 acquires the information on the user's driving characteristics based on data on the answers of each driver to questions presented on a questionnaire such as a known Driving Style Check Sheet (DSQ) or Driving Stress Sensitivity Sheet (WSQ), a dedicated website, or via the input device 27. Alternatively, the driving preference determination unit 67 may acquire, as the information on the driving characteristics, the setting history of the target vehicle and setting parts when the user used the driving simulator 1 in the past.

[0086] The driving preference determination unit 67 evaluates the acquired driving characteristic information based on a preset evaluation formula and classifies the user's preferences for vehicle performance. For example, preferences for suspension stiffness, steering wheel reaction force (weight), and pedal stiffness are evaluated on a three-level scale. The driving preference determination unit 67 then stores the information on the user's preferences for vehicle performance in the preference information storage unit 59 together with identification information for identifying the user.

[0087] The user may be identified based on image data of a camera capturing an image of the user's face, for example, or by inputting identification information such as account information into the input device 27.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the control device 50B acquires information on the setting environment of the target vehicle and the setting parts in step S13 of the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, the control device 50B refers to the user's preference information stored in the preference information storage unit 59 and proposes setting values ​​for the control conditions in accordance with the user's preferences regarding vehicle performance. For example, if the settings of the target vehicle and setting parts set by the user do not match the user's preferences stored in the preference information storage unit 59, the control device 50B presents appropriate setting values ​​for the control conditions. When the user performs an operation to select the presented setting values, the control device 50B sets the control conditions by reflecting the presented setting values.

[0089] This allows the specifications of the specific vehicle to be simulated to be closer to the user's preferences, and the driving feel of a vehicle that matches the user's preferences can be reproduced by the driving simulator 1. Therefore, the user can experience the driving feel of a vehicle equipped with parts that are suitable for the specific vehicle, and can use this as a reference when purchasing a vehicle or parts.

[0090] Furthermore, instead of proposing setting values ​​tailored to the preferences of each individual user, the control device may acquire the results of a specific skill assessment performed by multiple users using a specific vehicle and information on the parts installed in the specific vehicle when the simulation was performed, and present setting values ​​for the control conditions to the user based on the information on the parts installed in the specific vehicle when the simulation was performed in which the driving skill assessment results satisfied a predetermined standard and correction information according to the specifications of the specific vehicle. In other words, in this case, the control device presents to the user settings for a target vehicle that will result in an above-average stable driving state for multiple users, rather than for an individual user.

[0091] This allows the settings of the specific vehicle being simulated to be closer to settings that allow multiple users to drive it stably, and allows users to experience the driving sensation of a vehicle with parts that are generally accepted for that specific vehicle, which can be used as a reference when purchasing a vehicle or parts.

[0092] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0093] For example, the technology disclosed herein can also be realized as a control method using the control device described in the above embodiment, a computer program that causes a computer to function as the above control device, and a non-transitory tangible recording medium on which the computer program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1: Driving Simulator 5: Control device 11: Sheet 13: Monitor 15: Speaker system 17: Steering device 19: Oscillating device 50·50A·50B: Control device 51: Processing section 53: Storage section 55: Control condition memory unit 57: Correction information storage unit 59: Preference information storage unit 61:Setting environment acquisition section 62: Control condition setting section 63: Experience information setting section 64: Driving behavior detection unit 65: Output control section 66: Driving Skill Assessment Department 67: Driving preference determination unit

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a driving simulator that includes a driving operation device operated by a user and an output device that outputs an output that can be felt by the user, and that allows the user to feel a driving sensation of a vehicle in accordance with the operation of the driving operation device by the user, comprising: The control device one or more processors; one or more memories communicatively coupled to the one or more processors; a control condition storage unit that stores information on control conditions for setting the operating conditions of the driving operation devices and the output conditions of the output devices in association with information on a predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator, the one or more processors: A process of acquiring information about the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator; a process of setting at least one of the operating conditions of the driving operation device and the output conditions of the output device based on the information of the predetermined setting environment and the information of the control condition; a process of controlling the operation of the driving operation device and the output of the output device in response to the operation of the driving operation device by the user; A control device for a driving simulator that executes the above.

2. 2. The driving simulator control device according to claim 1, wherein the information on the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator is information on at least one of the specifications, functions, performance and installation environment of the driving operation device and the output device.

3. 2. The control device for a driving simulator according to claim 1, wherein the information on the predetermined setting environment of the driving simulator is information on a target vehicle for which the driving sensation is to be reproduced or on a part set in the target vehicle.

4. the information on the control conditions includes information for setting the operating conditions and the output conditions in accordance with specifications of the target vehicle, the one or more processors:

4. The driving simulator control device according to claim 3, wherein specifications of the target vehicle are set based on information about the target vehicle or parts set in the target vehicle, and the control condition information corresponding to the specifications is selected from the control condition information stored in the control condition storage unit.

5. The control device Information on the driving operation device and the output device; Information on the target vehicle and parts to be set for the target vehicle; and acquiring information on the control conditions when the user adjusts at least one of the operating conditions or the output conditions; The control device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a storage unit for storing correction information for correcting the information on the control conditions.

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