Notification device, and control method for notification device

Abstract

To provide means for notifying crew members including a driver of the presence of the other vehicle moving toward the same destination as an own vehicle.SOLUTION: A notification device comprises: a setting section which sets a destination of a vehicle; a communication section which communicates with the other vehicle that is a vehicle different from the vehicle; a notification section which performs a notification to crew members of the vehicle; and a control section which controls the notification section to execute the notifying operation. The communication section is capable of acquiring destination information relating to a destination which is set to the other vehicle, and the control section detects the other vehicle for which the destination which is set by the setting section coincides with the destination indicated by the destination information, and causes the notification section to execute the notifying operation on the basis of a detection result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification device and a method for controlling a notification device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known technologies for acquiring and using information about a vehicle's destination from another vehicle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that acquires destination information from another vehicle and displays the location information and attribute information of the other vehicle on a display when the destination of the other vehicle matches the destination or the route to the destination set in the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-342888 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since it is difficult for a driver to keep an eye on the display while driving, it has been desirable to provide clear notification to the occupants, including the driver, of the destinations of other vehicles. In order to solve the above problem, the present application aims to provide a means for notifying occupants, including the driver, of the presence of another vehicle heading to the same destination as the own vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a notification device comprising: a setting unit that sets a destination for a vehicle; a communication unit that communicates with other vehicles that are different from the vehicle; a notification unit that notifies occupants of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the notification unit to perform a notification operation, wherein the communication unit is capable of acquiring destination information regarding the destination set in the other vehicle, and the control unit detects the other vehicle whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information, and causes the notification unit to perform a notification operation based on the detection result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, by providing a notification based on the results of detecting other vehicles whose destinations match those of the vehicle, the occupants of the vehicle can be clearly notified of the presence of other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the notification device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a main part showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle interior of a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a notification device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification device of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification device of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [1. First embodiment] A first embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [1-1. Operation of vehicles equipped with notification devices] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of a notification device 10 mounted on a vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. The notification device 10 performs wireless communication with the other vehicle 2 while the host vehicle 1 is stopped and while the vehicle is moving. The host vehicle 1 and the other vehicle 2 are vehicles that can accommodate people, and may be four-wheeled vehicles or other vehicles, and may be large vehicles, commercial vehicles, work vehicles, etc. There are no restrictions on the other vehicle 2 other than that it is a vehicle different from the host vehicle 1, and for example, the other vehicle 2 may have a configuration in common with the host vehicle 1.

[0010] The notification device 10 performs wireless communication with another vehicle 2 present around the vehicle 1, thereby requesting destination information and position information from the other vehicle 2. The destination information is the destination of the other vehicle 2. For example, if the other vehicle 2 is equipped with a car navigation device, the destination information is information indicating the position of the destination set in the car navigation device. The position of the destination may be any information that can identify the place or building that is the destination, such as the name, address, or coordinates of the destination.

[0011] As will be described later, the destination of the host vehicle 1 can be set in the notification device 10. The notification device 10 determines whether the destination indicated in the destination information transmitted by the other vehicle 2 matches the destination set in the host vehicle 1. In this way, the notification device 10 detects the other vehicle 2 heading to the same destination as the host vehicle 1. The notification device 10 executes notification based on the detection result of the other vehicle 2 heading to the same destination as the host vehicle 1.

[0012] Furthermore, the location information requested by the notification device 10 is the location information of the other vehicle 2, and is, for example, coordinates identified using a global positioning system (GPS). When the notification device 10 receives the location information from the other vehicle 2, the notification device 10 may identify the relative location of the other vehicle 2 with respect to the subject vehicle 1, and execute notification according to the identified location.

[0013] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , while the host vehicle 1 is traveling on a road R in a direction of travel F, the notification device 10 communicates with another vehicle 2 traveling in the same direction as the host vehicle 1. In this example, multiple other vehicles 2 are traveling around the host vehicle 1, i.e., within a range in which the notification device 10 can wirelessly communicate. The notification device 10 communicates with the multiple other vehicles 2 and can acquire position information from these multiple other vehicles 2. The notification device 10 identifies the relative positions of the other vehicles 2 that have transmitted destination information and position information to the host vehicle 1. For example, when the traveling direction F of the host vehicle 1 is defined as the forward direction, the notification device 10 calculates the number of other vehicles 2 located to the right of the host vehicle 1 and the number of other vehicles 2 located to the left of the host vehicle 1. In the example of FIG. 1 , two other vehicles 2A and 2B are located to the right of the host vehicle 1, and one other vehicle 2C is located to the left of the host vehicle 1. In addition, the other vehicle 2C is located within a distance r from the host vehicle 1. Here, the distance from the vehicle 1 to the other vehicle 2 can be determined based on the position of the notification device 10.

[0014] [1-2. Device placement in the vehicle cabin] 2 is a perspective view of a main part showing an example of the configuration inside the cabin 100 of the vehicle 1, and shows the front part of the cabin 100. In FIG. 2, a configuration in which a driver's seat is provided on the right side of the cabin 100 is shown.

[0015] A plurality of seats 111 are provided in the vehicle interior 100 for seating occupants U of the vehicle 1. Of the two seats 111A and 111B shown in FIG. 2, the seat 111A is a driver's seat where an occupant U1 who drives the vehicle 1 sits, and a passenger sits in the seat 111B. A steering wheel 113 is located in front of the seat 111A. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the occupants U1 and U2, they will be referred to as occupants U. A display 53 is disposed on the dashboard of the vehicle interior 100, and the notification device 10 is installed, for example, inside the dashboard.

[0016] A speaker 56A is disposed on the right door 115 of the vehicle 1, and a speaker 56B is disposed on the left door 117. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the speaker 56A and the speaker 56B, they will be referred to as speaker 56. Similarly, vibration units 57A and 57B, which will be described later, will be referred to as vibration units 57, and door illumination units 58A and 58B will be referred to as door illumination units 58.

[0017] A door lighting unit 58A is disposed on the door 115. The door lighting unit 58A is rod-shaped overall and is disposed at the upper end of the door trim along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. A door lighting unit 58B is disposed on the door 117. The door lighting unit 58B is rod-shaped overall and is disposed at the upper end of the door trim along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. Each of the door lighting units 58A and 58B is configured with a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged side by side. The door lighting units 58A and 58B can be configured to turn all of the LEDs on and off, as well as to perform so-called sequential lighting, in which each LED is illuminated in order so that light flows in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1.

[0018] A vibration unit 57A that generates vibrations is embedded in seat 111A, and a vibration unit 57B is embedded in seat 111B. Vibration unit 57A includes, for example, an eccentric weight and a motor, and vibrates seat 111A to notify occupant U1. Similarly, vibration unit 57B vibrates seat 111B to notify occupant U2.

[0019] As described above, the vehicle interior 100 is provided with the speaker 56, the vibration unit 57, and the door lighting unit 58 as means for the notification device 10 to notify the occupants U1 and U2. These correspond to the notification unit 55 (FIG. 3).

[0020] Furthermore, the speaker 56A, the vibration unit 57A, and the door lighting unit 58A are arranged on the right side of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the occupant U can be notified to pay attention to the right side. These correspond to the right side notification unit. Furthermore, the speaker 56B, the vibration unit 57B, and the door lighting unit 58B are arranged on the left side of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the occupant U can be notified to pay attention to the left side. These correspond to the left side notification unit.

[0021] [1-3. Notification Device Configuration] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the notification device 10. As shown in FIG. The notification device 10 is connected to a communication unit 51, a GPS sensor 52, a display 53, a touch panel 54, and a notification unit 55 provided in the vehicle 1. The notification unit 55 includes the speaker 56, the vibration unit 57, and the door illumination unit 58 described above.

[0022] The communication unit 51 is a communication interface that includes an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver and that performs wireless communication with devices external to the vehicle 1. The communication unit 51 performs vehicle-to-vehicle communication with a wireless communication interface mounted on another vehicle 2 according to a communication standard such as DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communications) or C-V2X (Cellular-V2X). The communication unit 51 also performs wireless communication with a base station for wide-area wireless communication or an access point for narrow-area wireless communication (not shown). Through this communication, the communication unit 51 connects to a communication network NW and performs data communication with the information providing server 5 via the communication network NW.

[0023] The information providing server 5 is a server computer that has the function of performing data communication with various computers including the notification device 10 and providing various types of information. The information providing server 5 may be composed of multiple servers or may be a cloud server. The information providing server 5 holds information such as attributes, uses, whether or not events are being held, event schedules, and event contents for locations and facilities included in the map data 32, and can provide this information to the notification device 10.

[0024] The GPS sensor 52 receives a GPS signal via an antenna (not shown) to perform positioning and identify the position of the vehicle 1. The display 53 is a display device equipped with a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel. The touch panel 54 is superimposed on the display panel of the display 53. The touch panel 54 detects a touch operation by the occupant U and outputs operation data indicating the detected operation to the notification device 10.

[0025] The notification device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20 and a memory 30 (corresponding to a storage unit) that stores programs and data executed by the CPU 20. The memory 30 is a non-volatile storage device configured from a magnetic storage medium or a semiconductor storage element. The memory 30 stores, for example, a control program 31, map data 32, route data 33, and notification setting data 34.

[0026] The map data 32 is data that the CPU 20 refers to when the notification device 10 functions as a navigation device. The map data 32 includes route data on roads on which the vehicle 1 can travel, data on topography, data on buildings, etc. The route data 33 is data that the notification device 10 generates by referring to the map data 32, and includes, for example, data indicating the destination of the vehicle 1 and data on the route that the vehicle 1 will travel to the destination.

[0027] The notification setting data 34 is data that specifies the content of the notification operation to be executed by the notification device 10. An example of the configuration of the notification setting data 34 will be described later.

[0028] The CPU 20 reads and executes the control program 31 to function as a reception unit 21, a setting unit 22, a route search unit 23, a route guidance unit 24, a communication control unit 25, and a notification control unit .

[0029] The reception unit 21 receives input via the touch panel 54 or the like. The setting unit 22 sets the operation of the notification device 10 in accordance with the input received by the reception unit 21. For example, when the notification device 10 functions as a navigation device and provides route guidance for the vehicle 1, the setting unit 22 sets the destination of the vehicle 1, etc., based on the input received by the reception unit 21.

[0030] The route search unit 23 and the route guidance unit 24 function as a navigation device. The route search unit 23 refers to map data 32 and creates a route for the host vehicle 1 to travel based on the position of the host vehicle 1 identified by the GPS sensor 52 and the destination set by the setting unit 22. The route search unit 23 generates route data 33 for the created route and stores it in the memory 30. The route guidance unit 24 performs route guidance for the host vehicle 1 based on the position of the host vehicle 1 identified by the GPS sensor 52 and the route data 33. For example, the route guidance unit 24 displays a map on the display 53 and displays the position of the host vehicle 1 and the route of the host vehicle 1 superimposed on the map. In addition, the route guidance unit 24 outputs audio guidance for the host vehicle 1, such as the direction in which to travel, from the speaker 56.

[0031] The communication control unit 25 controls the communication unit 51 to perform vehicle-to-vehicle communication with other vehicles 2 and data communication via the communication network NW. The communication control unit 25 uses the communication unit 51 to detect other vehicles 2 within a range where vehicle-to-vehicle communication with the communication unit 51 can be performed, requests the detected other vehicles 2 to transmit information, and obtains the information transmitted in response to this request.

[0032] The notification control unit 26 operates the notification unit 55 to execute notification to the occupant U. Specifically, the notification control unit 26 operates the notification unit 55 based on information acquired by the communication control unit 25 from the other vehicle 2 and information acquired from the information providing server 5. For example, the notification control unit 26 changes the volume of the sound output from the speaker 56. The notification control unit 26 also applies vibrations to the seat 111 using the vibration unit 57. The notification control unit 26 also causes the door lighting unit 58 to emit light.

[0033] The notification control unit 26 causes the notification unit 55 to execute multiple notification operations. A notification intensity is set for each notification operation of the notification unit 55. The notification intensity is an indicator of the strength of the influence that the notification unit 55 has on the occupant U, and refers to the degree of alerting the occupant U. The notification control unit 26 determines the notification intensity based on the information that the communication control unit 25 acquires from the other vehicle 2 and the information that it acquires from the information providing server 5, and causes the notification unit 55 to execute a notification operation corresponding to the determined notification intensity. The communication control unit 25 and the notification control unit 26 correspond to the "control unit" of the present disclosure.

[0034] [1-4. Notification operation details] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a notification operation. Fig. 4 shows an example of the configuration of information that associates notification operations preset in the notification device 10 with notification intensity, and this information is included in the notification setting data 34, for example.

[0035] 4, the notification intensity is set to three levels: weak, medium, and strong. A notification operation using the speaker 56, a notification operation using the vibration unit 57, and a notification operation using the door illumination unit 58 are set corresponding to each of the three levels of notification intensity. For example, the notification operation using the speaker 56 is to increase the output volume, and the amount of increase in the output volume, i.e., the gain, is set corresponding to each of the three levels of notification intensity: weak, medium, and strong.

[0036] Furthermore, for example, the notification operation by vibration unit 57 is set so that the strength of vibration is weak, medium, or strong, corresponding to each of three levels of notification strength: weak, medium, and strong. Furthermore, for example, the notification operation by the door lighting unit 58 is set to lighting up the door lighting unit 58, slow sequential lighting, and fast sequential lighting, corresponding to three levels of notification intensity.

[0037] 4, if the door lighting unit 58 is configured to be able to change the light emission brightness, the light emission brightness of the door lighting unit 58 may be adjusted according to the notification intensity. For example, when the notification intensity is weak, the door lighting unit 58 may emit light at low brightness, when the notification intensity is medium, the door lighting unit 58 may emit light at medium brightness, and when the notification intensity is strong, the door lighting unit 58 may emit light at high brightness.

[0038] [1-5. Operation of the notification device] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the notification device 10. In the operation of FIG. 5, steps S1 to S4 and S10 are executed by the communication control unit 25, and steps S5 to S9 and S11 to S13 are executed by the notification control unit .

[0039] The operation in Fig. 5 is executed when a destination of the vehicle 1 is set in the notification device 10. That is, the notification device 10 receives an input from the occupant U via the reception unit 21, and sets the destination of the vehicle 1 via the setting unit 22 in accordance with the received input. Furthermore, the route search unit 23 may search for and determine a route to the set destination, and the route guidance unit 24 may provide guidance according to the determined route.

[0040] The notification device 10 attempts vehicle-to-vehicle communication using the communication unit 51 to search for other vehicles 2 located within a communication range (step S1). The notification device 10 determines whether there are other vehicles 2 with which vehicle-to-vehicle communication is possible (step S2), and if there are no other vehicles 2 with which communication is possible (step S2: NO), the notification device 10 returns to step S1.

[0041] If there is another vehicle 2 with which vehicle-to-vehicle communication is possible (step S2: YES), the notification device 10 requests the other vehicle 2 to transmit destination information and position information (step S3). The notification device 10 determines whether or not it has received the destination information transmitted by the other vehicle 2 in response to the request (step S4). For example, if the notification device 10 does not receive the destination information within a predetermined time after making the request in step S3, it determines that it has not received the destination information (step S4: NO). In this case, the notification device 10 returns to step S1.

[0042] When the notification device 10 receives destination information from the other vehicle 2 (step S4: YES), it identifies the destination of the other vehicle 2 based on the received destination information (step S5). The notification device 10 determines whether there is another vehicle 2 with a matching destination (step S6). The other vehicle 2 with a matching destination is the other vehicle 2 that has transmitted destination information indicating the same destination as the destination set by the setting unit 22. That is, the notification device 10 compares the destination of the other vehicle 2 identified in step S5 with the destination set by the setting unit 22 to determine whether there is another vehicle 2 with a matching destination.

[0043] If there are no other vehicles 2 with the same destination (step S5: NO), the notification device 10 returns to step S1. If there are other vehicles 2 with the same destination (step S5: YES), the notification device 10 determines whether or not location information has been received from other vehicles 2 with the same destination (step S7). Since the notification device 10 has requested the other vehicles 2 to transmit location information in step S3, other vehicles 2 that are capable of transmitting location information should have transmitted location information to the subject vehicle 1 in response to the request in step S3.

[0044] If position information has not been received from another vehicle 2 with a matching destination (step S7: NO), the notification device 10 proceeds to step S10, which will be described later. If position information has been received from another vehicle 2 with a matching destination (step S7: YES), the notification device 10 calculates the distance between the subject vehicle 1 and the other vehicle 2 based on the position of the subject vehicle 1 measured by the GPS sensor 52 and the position information received from the other vehicle 2 (step S8). If there are multiple other vehicles 2 with a matching destination, the notification device 10 may calculate the distance between the subject vehicle 1 and each of the other vehicles 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the notification device 10 detects a vehicle on the right side and a vehicle on the left side based on the position of the host vehicle 1 measured by the GPS sensor 52 and the position information received from the other vehicle 2 (step S9). A vehicle on the right side is another vehicle 2 that is located to the right of the host vehicle 1 among other vehicles 2 that have the same destination as the host vehicle 1. A vehicle on the left side is another vehicle 2 that is located to the left of the host vehicle 1 among other vehicles 2 that have the same destination as the host vehicle 1. The right side and left side of the host vehicle 1 are determined based on the traveling direction F being in front of the host vehicle 1. In step S9, the notification device 10 may perform processing to count the number of vehicles on the right side and the number of vehicles on the left side.

[0046] The notification device 10 communicates with the information providing server 5 via the communication unit 51 to acquire destination-related information (step S10). The destination-related information is information about the experience of the occupant U at the destination, such as attributes of the location or building of the destination. Specifically, the destination-related information includes information indicating the location of the destination, the purpose and type of the building, the type and content of events held at the destination, etc.

[0047] The notification device 10 determines the notification unit 55 to be used for notification (step S11) and determines the notification intensity (step S12). Steps S11 and S12 determine the content of the notification operation that the notification device 10 causes the notification unit 55 to perform. The notification device 10 causes the notification unit 55 to perform the determined notification operation (step S13).

[0048] In steps S11 and S12, the notification device 10 makes a decision based on the determination result in step S6, the distance calculated in step S8, the detection result of the right-hand vehicle and the left-hand vehicle in step S9, and the destination-related information. A specific example will be described below.

[0049] (Example 1) The notification device 10 may determine the notification intensity based on the distance between the vehicle 1 and the other vehicle 2 calculated in step S8. For example, the notification device 10 determines the notification intensity according to the number of other vehicles 2 that are closer than a predetermined distance set in advance. The predetermined distance is, for example, the distance r shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the notification device 10 sets the notification intensity to weak when the number n of other vehicles 2 that are closer than the predetermined distance is 0, sets the notification intensity to medium when the number n is 1 to 3, and sets the notification intensity to strong when the number n is 4 or more. When performing the operation of Example 1, the notification device 10 may omit step S9.

[0050] (Example 2) The notification device 10 may omit step S8. That is, the notification device 10 may determine the notification unit 55 to be used for notification and the notification intensity regardless of the distance between the vehicle 1 and the other vehicle 2. For example, the notification device 10 may determine the notification intensity according to the number an of other vehicles 2 with the same destination. The notification device 10 sets the notification intensity to weak when the number an is 2 or less, to medium when the number an is 3 to 9, and to strong when the number an is 10 or more.

[0051] (Example 3) The notification device 10 may determine the notification intensity of the right-side notification unit and the notification intensity of the left-side notification unit based on the number of right-side vehicles and the number of left-side vehicles detected in step S9. For example, the notification device 10 may set the notification intensity of the right-side notification unit to weak when the number nr of right-side vehicles is 2 or less, set the notification intensity of the right-side notification unit to medium when the number nr is 3 to 9, and set the notification intensity of the right-side notification unit to strong when the number nr is 10 or more. Furthermore, for example, the notification device 10 may set the notification intensity of the left-side notification unit to weak when the number nl of left-side vehicles is 2 or less, set the notification intensity of the left-side notification unit to medium when the number nl is 3 to 9, and set the notification intensity of the left-side notification unit to strong when the number nl is 10 or more. Furthermore, the notification device 10 may not perform notification by the right-side notification unit when the number nr of right-side vehicles is 0, and may not perform notification by the left-side notification unit when the number nl of left-side vehicles is 0. When performing the operation of Example 3, the notification device 10 may omit step S8.

[0052] (Example 4) The notification device 10 may randomly determine the notification unit 55 to use for notification. For example, the notification device 10 may randomly select one or more of the speaker 56, the vibration unit 57, and the door lighting unit 58 each time step S11 is executed. In this case, the notification device 10 may simultaneously execute notifications using two or more notification units.

[0053] (Example 5) The notification device 10 may determine the notification unit 55 to use for notification based on the destination-related information. For example, if the destination-related information includes information indicating that a music event will be held at the destination, the notification device 10 uses the speaker 56 for notification. Also, for example, if the destination-related information includes information indicating that the destination is an amusement facility, the notification device 10 uses the vibration unit 57 for notification. Also, some of the notification units 55 may be set to always be used for notification. For example, regardless of the content of the destination-related information, the door lighting unit 58 may always be used for notification, and notification may be performed using the notification unit selected by the notification device 10 based on the destination-related information and the door lighting unit 58.

[0054] Furthermore, the notification device 10 may provide a notification with a notification intensity according to the distance between the host vehicle 1 and another vehicle 2 whose destination is the same as the host vehicle 1. For example, the notification device 10 may set the notification intensity to high when the distance between the host vehicle 1 and another vehicle 2 whose destination is the same as the host vehicle 1 is equal to or less than a first threshold, set the notification intensity to medium when the distance between the host vehicle 1 and another vehicle 2 whose destination is the same as the host vehicle 1 is equal to or less than a second threshold but greater than the first threshold, and set the notification intensity to low when the distance between the host vehicle 1 and another vehicle 2 whose destination is the same as the host vehicle 1 is greater than the second threshold. In other words, the notification device 10 may be configured to execute a notification operation with a higher notification intensity as the position of the other vehicle 2 whose destination is the same as the host vehicle 1 is closer.

[0055] The notification device 10 determines the notification unit 55 to be used for notification and the notification intensity by performing one or more of the operations in Examples 1 to 5 above. Then, the notification device 10 determines the notification operation corresponding to the determined notification unit 55 and notification intensity based on the notification setting data 34, for example, as shown in Fig. 4. This allows the occupant U in the host vehicle 1 to be notified of information about the other vehicle 2 heading to the same destination as the host vehicle 1 in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0056] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied will be described. The configurations of the vehicle 1 and the notification device 10 in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, at least one of the destination information and the position information received by the communication control unit 25 from the other vehicle 2 includes identification information of the other vehicle 2. The identification information is information that can identify each other vehicle 2, and examples thereof include the serial number, registration number, vehicle body number, and other IDs of the other vehicle 2. When the vehicle 1 requests destination information, the other vehicle 2 transmits the destination information and position information including the identification information in response to this request. Here, the other vehicle 2 that does not have the function of transmitting position information may transmit only the destination information to the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the other vehicle 2 that does not have identification information may transmit destination information and position information that do not include identification information.

[0057] The notification device 10 stores the notification type of the notification operation in the memory 30 in association with the identification information of the other vehicle 2. For example, the notification setting data 34 includes a notification type table that associates the identification information of the other vehicle 2 with the notification type of the notification operation.

[0058] The notification type is a type of notification mode by the notification unit 55 that is different from the notification intensity. In other words, the vehicle 1 of the second embodiment can execute notification operations of a plurality of different types by the notification unit 55. For example, the vehicle 1 can execute a plurality of modes with different notification intensities as a notification operation by the speaker 56, as described with reference to FIG. 4. The vehicle 1 of the second embodiment can execute a plurality of notification operations with different volume fluctuation patterns and sound quality, and these notification operations can be referred to as notification types.

[0059] The notification type of the vibration unit 57 may be, for example, a change in the vibration pattern or the duration of the vibration. In addition, in the notification operation of the door lighting unit 58, the notification type may be, for example, the light color of the door lighting unit 58.

[0060] The notification device 10 refers to the notification setting data 34 to execute an operation of the notification type associated with the identification information of the other vehicle 2 .

[0061] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification device 10 of the second embodiment. The operations of steps S21 to S27 shown in Fig. 6 are executed instead of steps S12 and S13 of Fig. 5. That is, in the second embodiment, the notification device 10 executes the operations of Fig. 6 after executing steps S1 to S11 (Fig. 5). Steps S21 to S26 in FIG. 6 are executed by the notification control unit 26, and step S27 is executed by the communication control unit 25.

[0062] The notification device 10 determines the notification intensity in the same manner as in step S12 (step S21), and identifies the other vehicle 2 detected in step S2 based on the identification information of the other vehicle 2 (step S22). In step S22, the notification device 10 identifies the other vehicle 2 based on, for example, the identification information included in the destination information or location information transmitted by the other vehicle 2 in response to the request in step S3 and the identification information included in the notification setting data 34.

[0063] The notification device 10 determines whether a notification type has been set in the notification setting data 34 in association with the other vehicle 2 identified in step S22 (step S23). If a notification type has been set in association with the other vehicle 2 (step S23: YES), the notification device 10 acquires the details of the set notification type (step S24) and performs notification (step S25). In step S25, the notification device 10 executes a notification operation of the notification type acquired in step S24, at the notification intensity determined in step S21, by the notification unit determined in step S11.

[0064] Next, the notification device 10 transmits, via the communication unit 51, the information indicating the notification type acquired in step S24 to the other vehicle 2 identified in step S22.

[0065] Furthermore, if the notification type is not set (step S23: NO), the notification device 10 executes a notification operation using the notification unit determined in step S11 at the notification intensity determined in step S21 (step S26).

[0066] In this way, the notification device 10 can set the notification type by the notification unit 55 in association with each other vehicle 2, and the CPU 20 causes the notification unit 55 to perform a notification operation in accordance with the notification type set in association with the other vehicle 2, and causes the communication unit 51 to transmit the notification type of the notification operation performed by the notification unit 55 to the other vehicle 2.

[0067] 3. Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment to which the present disclosure is applied will be described. The configurations of the vehicle 1 and the notification device 10 in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, before the notification device 10 causes the notification unit 55 to perform a notification operation, it determines whether or not to perform notification based on the situation around the vehicle 1.

[0068] Examples of surrounding conditions include the approach of an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or a fire engine, or a condition in which it is desirable for the occupant U1 to concentrate on driving. For example, the notification control unit 26 determines, as the surrounding conditions, whether an emergency vehicle is traveling near the host vehicle 1 by receiving a signal transmitted from the emergency vehicle via the communication unit 51. If the host vehicle 1 is configured to have a microphone, the notification control unit 26 determines whether an emergency vehicle is traveling near the host vehicle 1 by detecting the siren of the emergency vehicle via the microphone. The notification control unit 26 also detects, as the surrounding conditions, whether the location in which the host vehicle 1 is traveling is a road, such as a construction site, where it is desirable for the occupant U1 to concentrate on driving. For example, the notification control unit 26 determines whether the location of the host vehicle 1 measured by the GPS sensor 52 is close to a construction site or the like. In this case, the notification control unit 26 may obtain location information of the construction site in advance from the information providing server 5 or another device. Alternatively, the information providing server 5 may perform the above determination, and the notification control unit 26 may receive the determination result from the information providing server 5 via the communication unit 51.

[0069] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the notification device 10 of the third embodiment. In the operation of Fig. 7, steps S1 to S13 are common to the operation of Fig. 5. Steps S31 and S32 of Fig. 7 are executed by the notification control unit 26.

[0070] After determining the notification intensity in step S12, the notification device 10 detects the situation around the vehicle 1 (step S31). Based on the situation around the vehicle 1 detected in step S31, the notification device 10 determines whether or not to perform a notification operation (step S32). If the notification device 10 determines not to perform a notification operation (step S32: NO), it skips step S13 and ends this processing. If the notification device 10 determines to perform a notification operation (step S32: YES), it causes the notification unit 55 to perform the notification operation in step S13 (step S13).

[0071] As a result, when the situation around the vehicle 1 is such that it is desirable for the occupant U1 to concentrate on driving, or when an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or fire engine is approaching, the notification operation is refrained from being performed, thereby effectively supporting the driving of the occupant U1. This improves the operability of the vehicle 1 and allows for effective notification to be performed without interfering with the driving operation of the occupant U1.

[0072] 4. Other Embodiments The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and can be modified and applied as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0073] In the above embodiments, the notification device 10 is provided with the route search unit 23 and the route guidance unit 24, and is configured to operate as a navigation device for the vehicle 1. However, this is just an example. For example, the notification device 10 may be connected to a navigation device and acquire the position of the vehicle 1 and a set destination from the navigation device.

[0074] In the above embodiments, the configurations for making notifications using the speaker 56, the vibration unit 57, and the door lighting unit 58 have been described, but the configurations used by the notification device 10 for making notifications are not limited to these. For example, lighting devices may be provided on the dashboard or pillars of the vehicle interior 100, and notifications may be made using these lighting devices. The types of notification operations may also be changed as appropriate.

[0075] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of notification device 10 divided by main processing content to facilitate understanding of the present invention, but notification device 10 may also be divided into other sections. Furthermore, the processing of each component may be performed by a single hardware unit or multiple hardware units. Furthermore, the processing of each component shown in each of FIGS. 5 to 7 may be performed by a single program or multiple programs.

[0076] [5. Configurations supported by the above embodiments] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0077] (Configuration 1) A notification device comprising: a setting unit that sets a destination for a vehicle; a communication unit that communicates with other vehicles that are different from the vehicle; a notification unit that notifies occupants of the vehicle; and a control unit that controls the notification unit to perform a notification operation, wherein the communication unit is capable of acquiring destination information regarding the destination set in the other vehicle, and the control unit detects the other vehicle whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information, and causes the notification unit to perform a notification operation based on the detection result. According to the notification device of configuration 1, other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle are detected and a notification is made based on the detection results, so that the vehicle occupants can be notified in an easy-to-understand manner about the presence of other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle.

[0078] (Configuration 2) The notification unit is capable of executing multiple notification operations with different notification intensities, and the control unit causes the notification unit to execute one of the multiple notification operations according to the detection result. This notification device is described in Configuration 1. According to the notification device of configuration 2, by providing notifications with a notification intensity according to the detection results of other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle, more information about the presence of other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle can be easily notified to the vehicle occupants.

[0079] (Configuration 3) The communication unit is capable of acquiring the destination information from a plurality of the other vehicles, and the control unit causes the notification unit to execute the notification operation with a notification intensity according to the number of the other vehicles whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information. The notification device described in Configuration 2. According to the notification device of configuration 3, the number of other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle can be easily notified to the occupants.

[0080] (Configuration 4) The communication unit is capable of acquiring the destination information and location information of the other vehicle, and the control unit causes the notification unit to execute the notification operation with a higher notification intensity the closer the location of the other vehicle whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information is to the vehicle. According to the notification device of configuration 4, the distance between the vehicle and other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle can be easily notified to the occupants.

[0081] (Configuration 5) The notification unit includes a right-side notification unit provided on the right side of the vehicle's traveling direction in the vehicle cabin where the occupant is riding, and a left-side notification unit provided on the left side of the vehicle's traveling direction in the vehicle cabin, and the control unit executes a right-side vehicle detection operation to detect a right-side vehicle located on the right side of the vehicle's traveling direction, which is another vehicle whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information, and a left-side vehicle detection operation to detect a left-side vehicle located on the left side of the vehicle's traveling direction, which is another vehicle whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information, and causes the right-side notification unit to execute the notification operation based on the detection result of the right-side vehicle detection operation, and causes the left-side notification unit to execute the notification operation based on the detection result of the left-side vehicle detection operation. According to the notification device of configuration 5, it is possible to distinguish between other vehicles located to the right of the vehicle and other vehicles located to the left of the vehicle that are heading to the same destination as the vehicle, and to notify the presence of the other vehicles.

[0082] (Configuration 6) A notification device described in any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the communication unit is capable of acquiring destination-related information regarding the destination set by the setting unit, and the control unit controls the notification operation to be performed by the notification unit based on the destination-related information acquired by the communication unit. According to the notification device of configuration 6, when another vehicle heading to the same destination as the own vehicle is detected, notification that reflects information about the destination can be made.

[0083] (Configuration 7) A notification device described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the notification type by the notification unit can be set in association with each of the other vehicles, and the control unit causes the notification unit to perform the notification operation in accordance with the notification type set in association with the detected other vehicle, and causes the communication unit to transmit the notification type of the notification operation performed by the notification unit to the other vehicle. According to the notification device of configuration 7, notification can be performed in a set notification type for each other vehicle heading to the same destination as the vehicle. This allows for a wide variety of notification modes and more effective notification. Furthermore, by transmitting the notification type to be performed in the vehicle to the other vehicle, the other vehicle can perform notification in the same notification type as the vehicle, for example. This allows similar notifications to be performed for multiple vehicles heading to the same destination.

[0084] (Configuration 8) The control unit has a function of determining whether or not to issue a notification by the notification unit based on the situation around the vehicle, and if it determines that the notification unit will not issue a notification, the control unit does not execute the notification operation based on the detection result. According to the notification device of configuration 8, whether or not to provide a notification can be selected depending on the situation around the vehicle, so that notification is provided when there is no problem in providing a notification, and notification is refrained when it is preferable not to provide a notification. This allows for effective notification, and by refraining from providing a notification in situations where it is preferable not to provide a notification, the burden on the occupant when driving the vehicle can be reduced and the operability of the vehicle can be improved.

[0085] (Configuration 9) A control method for a notification device having a notification unit that notifies vehicle occupants, the control method for a notification device including: setting a destination for the vehicle; communicating with another vehicle that is different from the vehicle; acquiring destination information regarding the destination set in the other vehicle; detecting the other vehicle whose destination set in the notification device matches the destination indicated by the destination information; and performing a notification operation by the notification unit based on the detection result. According to the control method of the notification device of configuration 9, other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle are detected and a notification is made based on the detection results, so that the vehicle occupants can be easily notified of the presence of other vehicles heading to the same destination as the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1...own vehicle, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C...other vehicles, 5...information providing server, 10...notification device, 20...CPU, 21...reception unit, 22...setting unit, 23...route search unit, 24...route guidance unit, 25...communication control unit (control unit), 26...notification control unit (control unit), 30...memory, 31...control program, 32...map data, 33...route data, 34...notification setting data, 51...communication unit, 52...GPS sensor, 53...display, 54...touch panel, 55...notification unit, 56...speaker ( notification unit), 56A...speaker (right side notification unit), 56B...speaker (left side notification unit), 57...vibration unit (notification unit), 57A...vibration unit (left side notification unit), 57B...vibration unit (left side notification unit), 58...door lighting unit (notification unit), 58A...door lighting unit (left side notification unit), 58B...door lighting unit (left side notification unit), 100...vehicle compartment, 111, 111A, 111B...seat, 113...steering wheel, 115, 117...door, U, U1, U2...occupants.

Claims

1. a setting unit that sets a destination of the vehicle; a communication unit that communicates with another vehicle that is a vehicle different from the vehicle; a notification unit that notifies an occupant of the vehicle; a control unit that controls the notification unit to execute a notification operation, the communication unit is capable of acquiring destination information related to a destination set in the other vehicle, The control unit detects the other vehicle whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information, and causes the notification unit to perform a notification operation based on the detection result.

2. the notification unit is capable of executing a plurality of notification operations with different notification intensities, The notification device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to execute one of the plurality of notification operations in accordance with the detection result.

3. the communication unit is capable of acquiring the destination information from a plurality of the other vehicles; The notification device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to execute the notification operation with a notification intensity according to the number of other vehicles whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information.

4. the communication unit is capable of acquiring the destination information and position information of the other vehicle, 4. The notification device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to execute the notification operation with a higher notification intensity the closer the position of the other vehicle whose destination set by the setting unit matches the destination indicated by the destination information is to the vehicle.

5. The notification unit includes a right-side notification unit provided on the right side of a vehicle cabin in which the occupant is seated with respect to a traveling direction of the vehicle, and a left-side notification unit provided on the left side of the vehicle cabin with respect to a traveling direction of the vehicle, The control unit a right-side vehicle detection operation for detecting a right-side vehicle located on the right side of the other vehicle in a traveling direction, the other vehicle having a destination set by the setting unit and a destination indicated by the destination information that matches; a left-side vehicle detection operation for detecting a left-side vehicle located on the left side of the other vehicle in a traveling direction of the vehicle, the other vehicle having a destination set by the setting unit and a destination indicated by the destination information that matches; Run causing the right-side notification unit to perform the notification operation based on a detection result of the right-side vehicle detection operation; The notification device according to claim 3 , wherein the left-side notification unit executes the notification operation based on a detection result of the left-side vehicle detection operation.

6. the communication unit is capable of acquiring destination-related information related to the destination set by the setting unit, The control unit The notification device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification operation to be executed by the notification unit is controlled based on the destination-related information acquired by the communication unit.

7. A notification type to be notified by the notification unit can be set in association with each of the other vehicles, The control unit causing the notification unit to perform the notification operation in accordance with a notification type set in association with the detected other vehicle; The notification device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification type of the notification operation executed by the notification unit is transmitted to the other vehicle by the communication unit.

8. The notification device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a function of determining whether or not to issue a notification by the notification unit based on the situation around the vehicle, and if it determines that the notification unit will not issue a notification, the notification operation based on the detection result is not executed.

9. A control method for a notification device including a notification unit that notifies a vehicle occupant, setting a destination for the vehicle; communicate with another vehicle that is a vehicle different from the vehicle, and acquire destination information related to a destination set in the other vehicle; A control method for a notification device, which detects other vehicles whose destinations set in the notification device match the destinations indicated by the destination information, and executes a notification operation by the notification unit based on the detection results.

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