Information providing system

Abstract

To provide an information providing system which provides a crewman of a vehicle with visual information and makes the crewman more likely to become aware of information change.SOLUTION: An information providing system mounted on a vehicle comprises: a vision device which provides a crewman of a vehicle with visual information; and a controller which controls the vision device. The controller makes the vision device provide first information when the vehicle is at a first automatic operation level, and the vision device provide second information when the vehicle is at a second automatic operation level. The controller temporarily makes lower, when changing the information that the vision device provides from the first information to the second information, at least one of luminance of the vision device and saturation thereof relative to that of the first information and the second information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing system mounted on a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information display device used in an autonomous vehicle. The information display device includes a display means for displaying an image and a display control means for simultaneously displaying an image of the vehicle's steering wheel and an image of a person's hands on the display means. The display control means changes at least one of the image of the vehicle's steering wheel and the image of the person's hands depending on the autonomous driving level.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an information providing device for a vehicle, which indicates whether or not automatic driving control is possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-182624 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-185641 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As exemplified in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in recent years, information is sometimes visually provided to an occupant (e.g., a driver) from an in-vehicle device. When the information changes, it is desirable for the occupant to easily notice the change in information, since the changed information may be important to the occupant. However, in the case of the technology described in Patent Document 1, the image displayed on the display means simply changes from a first image showing the information before the change to a second image showing the information after the change. Therefore, it is difficult for the occupant to notice the change in information.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can visually provide information to vehicle occupants and make it easier for the occupants to notice changes in information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an information provision system mounted on a vehicle. The information providing system includes a visual device that visually provides information to a vehicle occupant, and a controller that controls the visual device. The controller causes the visual device to provide first information when the vehicle is at a first autonomous driving level, and causes the visual device to provide second information when the vehicle is at a second autonomous driving level. When switching the information provided by the visual device from the first information to the second information, the controller temporarily lowers at least one of the luminance and saturation of the visual device below those of the first information and the second information.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention has the following characteristics in addition to the first aspect. Visual devices include light-emitting devices that do not display an image but instead emit light in different colors to represent different information. The visual device further includes a display panel disposed on the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention has the following characteristics in addition to the second aspect. The light emitting device is disposed on the steering wheel of the vehicle.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention has the following characteristics in addition to the second aspect. The controller displays first information on the display panel during a first period. The controller displays second information on the display panel during a second period. The controller reduces at least one of the luminance and saturation of the display panel during at least a part of the information switching period between the first period and the second period compared to that during the first period and the second period.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to an information providing system mounted on a vehicle. The information providing system includes a visual device that visually provides information to a vehicle occupant, and a controller that controls the visual device. The controller causes the vision device to provide first information during a first time period. The controller causes the visual device to provide second information different from the first information during a second time period that is later than the first time period. The controller reduces the saturation of the visual device during at least a portion of the information switching period between the first period and the second period compared to that during the first period and the second period.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention has the following features in addition to any one of the first to fifth aspects. The vehicle is an autonomous vehicle that performs autonomous driving. One of the first information and the second information is information that requests the driver of the vehicle to hold the steering wheel during automated driving. The other of the first information and the second information is information notifying the driver that they may take their hands off the steering wheel during automated driving.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention has the following features in addition to any one of the first to fifth aspects. The controller switches the information provided through the visual device from the first information to the second information in response to the trigger. Triggers include changes in the driving environment that require the attention of the driver of the vehicle.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention relates to an information providing system mounted on a vehicle. The information provision system is a visual device for providing visual information to an occupant of the vehicle; A controller that controls the visual device Equipped with. If the vehicle driver does not perform the expected action, the controller causes the visual device to blink. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, an information provision system provides information to a vehicle occupant through a visual device. More specifically, the information provision system causes the visual device to provide first information when the vehicle is at a first autonomous driving level, and causes the visual device to provide second information when the vehicle is at a second autonomous driving level. When switching the information provided by the visual device from the first information to the second information, the information provision system temporarily lowers at least one of the luminance and saturation of the visual device compared to those of the first information and the second information. In other words, the information provision system temporarily lowers at least one of the luminance and saturation of the visual device when switching information. At this time, due to human visual characteristics, the vehicle occupant is more likely to focus on the visual device. As a result, the vehicle occupant is more likely to notice a change in the information provided through the visual device.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, when the driver does not perform an operation expected of the driver, the information provision system blinks the visual device. The blinking of the visual device provides a visual stimulus to the driver, thereby making it possible to call the driver's attention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram that schematically shows a vehicle and an information provision system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a visual device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the visual device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the visual device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating yet another example of the visual device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining information switching processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a modified example of the information switching process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of an information providing process and an information switching process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of information providing processing and information switching processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart showing a specific example of information providing processing and information switching processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an information providing process according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] 1. First embodiment 1-1.Vehicle control system 1 is a conceptual diagram that schematically illustrates a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment. The vehicle 1 is equipped with a vehicle control system 10 that controls the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 may be an autonomous vehicle that performs autonomous driving.

[0020] The vehicle control system 10 includes sensors 20. For example, the sensors 20 include a position sensor that detects the position and orientation of the vehicle 1, a surrounding condition sensor that detects the conditions around the vehicle 1, a vehicle condition sensor that detects the condition of the vehicle 1, and a driver monitor that detects the condition of the driver of the vehicle 1. An example of the position sensor is a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor. Examples of the surrounding condition sensor include a camera, a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging), a radar, etc. Examples of the vehicle condition sensor include a vehicle speed sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, a steering angle sensor, a steering torque sensor, an accelerator sensor, a brake sensor, etc. Examples of the driver monitor include a steering touch sensor, a camera, etc.

[0021] The vehicle control system 10 acquires "driving environment information" indicating the driving environment of the vehicle 1 based on the detection results of the sensor 20. For example, the driving environment information includes position information, surrounding situation information, vehicle state information, driver state information, and the like.

[0022] The position information is information indicating the position and direction of the vehicle 1, and is obtained from the detection results of the position sensor.

[0023] The surrounding situation information is information indicating the situation around the vehicle 1, and is obtained from the detection results of the surrounding situation sensor. Typically, the surrounding situation information includes the relative positions and relative speeds of objects around the vehicle 1. Examples of objects around the vehicle 1 include nearby vehicles (leading vehicles, following vehicles, etc.), pedestrians, roadside objects, white lines, etc.

[0024] The vehicle state information is information indicating the state of the vehicle 1, and is obtained from the detection results of the vehicle state sensors.

[0025] The driver status information indicates the driver's status and is obtained from the detection results of the driver monitor. For example, the driver status information indicates whether the driver is gripping the steering wheel or has their hands off the steering wheel.

[0026] The vehicle control system 10 executes "vehicle driving control" that controls at least one of steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle 1 based on driving environment information.

[0027] An example of vehicle travel control is "automatic driving control" when the vehicle 1 is an autonomous vehicle. For example, the vehicle control system 10 generates a target trajectory that includes at least a target position of the vehicle 1 based on map information and driving environment information. The target trajectory may further include a target speed of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control system 10 controls the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 follows the target trajectory.

[0028] During autonomous driving of the vehicle 1 (autonomous vehicle), the vehicle control system 10 may request the driver to "hands-on." Hands-on means that the driver holds the steering wheel during autonomous driving. A zone where hands-on is required is hereinafter referred to as a "hands-on zone." For example, the vehicle control system 10 sets a zone where autonomous driving control is difficult as a hands-on zone based on surrounding situation information. As another example, the hands-on zone may be determined in advance. In this case, the vehicle control system 10 can recognize the hands-on zone based on map information.

[0029] On the other hand, "hands-off" means that the driver may take their hands off the steering wheel during automated driving. In zones other than the above-mentioned hands-on zones, the driver may be in a hands-off state, i.e., may take their hands off the steering wheel.

[0030] Another example of vehicle driving control is "driving assistance control" that assists the driver in driving the vehicle 1. Examples of driving assistance control include collision avoidance control and lane departure prevention control. Collision avoidance control controls at least one of steering and deceleration to assist in avoiding a collision between the vehicle 1 and a surrounding object. Lane departure prevention control controls steering to prevent the vehicle 1 from deviating from the driving lane. When the activation conditions for driving assistance control are met, the vehicle control system 10 activates the driving assistance control.

[0031] As an example of driving assistance control, consider collision avoidance control. The vehicle control system 10 recognizes an object to be avoided (e.g., a nearby vehicle or a pedestrian) ahead of the vehicle 1 based on surrounding situation information. Furthermore, the vehicle control system 10 predicts the future positions of the vehicle 1 and the object to be avoided based on the vehicle state information and surrounding situation information, and calculates the possibility of the vehicle 1 colliding with the object to be avoided. The condition for activating collision avoidance control is that the possibility of the vehicle 1 colliding with the object to be avoided exceeds an activation threshold.

[0032] As another example of driving assistance control, consider lane departure prevention control. For example, when vehicle 1 stumbles within its lane and approaches a lane marking (white line), lane departure prevention control steers vehicle 1 to return it to the center of the lane. To achieve this, vehicle control system 10 recognizes the lane marking of the lane in which vehicle 1 is traveling based on surrounding situation information, and monitors the distance between vehicle 1 and the marking. The condition for lane departure prevention control to be activated is that the distance between vehicle 1 and the marking is less than a predetermined distance threshold.

[0033] The vehicle control system 10 includes a processor and a storage device in addition to the sensor 20. The storage device stores the driving environment information and the like. The processing by the vehicle control system 10 is realized by the processor executing a vehicle control program, which is a computer program stored in the storage device. The vehicle control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0034] 1-2. Overview of the information provision system The vehicle 1 is further equipped with an information provision system 100. The information provision system 100 provides various types of information to the passengers of the vehicle 1 (for example, the driver).

[0035] Examples of information provided to the occupants of the vehicle 1 include the above-mentioned driving environment information, the control state of the vehicle 1, the situation around the vehicle 1, operations required of the driver, warnings to the driver, etc. These pieces of information are acquired, recognized, or determined by the above-mentioned vehicle control system 10. In other words, the vehicle control system 10 can provide various types of information to the occupants of the vehicle 1 through the information provision system 100. In this sense, the information provision system 100 may be a concept that includes the vehicle control system 10. Specific examples of information provided through the information provision system 100 include the following.

[0036] As a first example, if the vehicle 1 is an autonomous vehicle, the "current autonomous driving level" is provided as information. For example, the vehicle control system 10 calculates the degree of difficulty of autonomous driving control based on surrounding situation information and dynamically determines the autonomous driving level according to that degree of difficulty. Alternatively, the feasible autonomous driving levels may be set in advance for each location or zone and registered in map information. In this case, the vehicle control system 10 determines the autonomous driving level of the vehicle 1 based on the location information and map information.

[0037] As a second example, during autonomous driving of the vehicle 1, information is provided indicating that the driver should hold the steering wheel, i.e., a request for hands-on driving from the driver. As described above, the hands-on zone is obtained based on surrounding situation information or map information. Therefore, the vehicle control system 10 can determine whether to request the driver to keep their hands on the road based on the surrounding situation information or map information.

[0038] As a third example, information is provided that "the driver may take his / her hands off the steering wheel," i.e., "notification to the driver of hands-off driving," during automatic driving of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control system 10 can determine whether or not to permit the driver to take his / her hands off the steering wheel based on surrounding situation information or map information.

[0039] As a fourth example, the information provided is a warning indicating that the driver is not taking his / her hands on the steering wheel despite being requested to do so. The vehicle control system 10 can determine, based on the driver state information, whether the driver is holding the steering wheel, i.e., whether the driver state is a hands-on state.

[0040] As a fifth example, a "notification that driving assist control has been activated" is provided as information. As described above, the vehicle control system 10 activates the driving assist control when the activation conditions for the driving assist control are met. The vehicle control system 10 can determine whether to activate the driving assist control based on the activation conditions for the driving assist control and the driving environment information.

[0041] As a sixth example, an "advance warning of activation of driving assistance control" is provided as information. The vehicle control system 10 can detect that driving assistance control is likely to be activated, i.e., the pre-activation stage of driving assistance control, based on the activation conditions of the driving assistance control and the driving environment information. For example, for collision avoidance control, a warning threshold lower than the activation threshold is set. Then, when the possibility of the vehicle 1 colliding with the object to be avoided exceeds the warning threshold, this is detected as the pre-activation stage of collision avoidance control.

[0042] As a seventh example, a "request for the driver to apply the brakes" is provided as information. For example, the vehicle control system 10 recognizes a preceding vehicle ahead of the vehicle 1 based on the surrounding situation information, and calculates the TTC (Time-To-Collision) for the preceding vehicle. If the TTC falls below a predetermined threshold, the vehicle control system 10 requests the driver to apply the brakes.

[0043] As an eighth example, the information provided is a warning indicating that the driver is not performing a brake operation despite being requested to perform a brake operation. The vehicle control system 10 can determine whether the driver is performing a brake operation based on the vehicle state information.

[0044] As a ninth example, when vehicle 1 is stopped, a notification that a preceding vehicle in front of vehicle 1 has started moving is provided as information. Vehicle control system 10 can detect the start of the preceding vehicle based on the surrounding situation information.

[0045] As a tenth example, information provided is a "notification (warning) that a nearby vehicle (e.g., a following vehicle traveling at high speed) is approaching vehicle 1." For example, vehicle control system 10 recognizes a following vehicle behind vehicle 1 based on surrounding situation information and calculates the TTC for that following vehicle. If the TTC falls below a predetermined threshold, vehicle control system 10 determines that a following vehicle traveling at high speed is approaching.

[0046] The vehicle control system 10 generates an information provision control signal CON. The information provision control signal CON includes an information provision instruction to the information provision system 100 and information to be provided through the information provision system 100 (see the first to tenth examples above). The vehicle control system 10 outputs the information provision control signal CON to the information provision system 100. The information provision system 100 receives the information provision control signal CON from the vehicle control system 10. Then, the information provision system 100 provides the information included in the information provision control signal CON to the occupant of the vehicle 1 in accordance with the information provision instruction.

[0047] 1-3. Example of information provision system configuration The information provision system 100 according to this embodiment is configured to provide information "visually" to the occupants of the vehicle 1. Fig. 1 also shows an example of the configuration of the information provision system 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the information provision system 100 includes a visual device 110, a controller 120, and an interface 130.

[0048] The visual device 110 visually provides information to the occupants of the vehicle 1. Examples of the visual device 110 include a display panel and a light-emitting device. Examples of the display panel include a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, and a touch panel. Examples of the light-emitting device include an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0049] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the visual device 110, and mainly shows the dashboard 50 of the vehicle 1. The dashboard 50 is a group of components arranged in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat. For example, the dashboard 50 includes an instrument panel 51, a steering wheel 52, and a glove compartment 53. It is preferable that the visual device 110 is arranged on the dashboard 50. In this case, the visual device 110 is likely to be included in the driver's effective visual field (central vision and peripheral vision).

[0050] For example, a display panel 60 is disposed on a dashboard 50. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the instrument panel 51 behind the steering wheel 52 includes a first display panel 61. The instrument panel 51 located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat includes a second display panel 62.

[0051] 3 shows the first display panel 61 and its periphery. The first display panel 61 includes a character display section 61A. Character information is displayed on the character display section 61A. For example, the character information "HANDS-ON" that requests the driver to put their hands on the vehicle is displayed on the character display section 61A.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a strip-shaped light-emitting device 70 is disposed above the first display panel 61. This light-emitting device 70 includes a group of LEDs arranged in a strip. Such a light-emitting device 70 can provide (express) different information by emitting light in different colors. For example, a "hands-on request" is associated with a first color, and a "hands-off notification" is associated with a second color different from the first color. In this case, the light-emitting device 70 expresses a "hands-on request" by emitting light in the first color, and expresses a "hands-off notification" by emitting light in the second color.

[0053] The shape of the light emitting device 70 is not limited to a strip shape. For example, the light emitting device 70 may be arranged so as to surround the first display panel 61, as shown in FIG.

[0054] 5 shows the second display panel 62 and its surroundings. For example, the second display panel 62 displays map information, surrounding situation information (e.g., recognition results by the sensor 20), operations required of the driver (e.g., HANDS-ON), etc. Furthermore, light-emitting devices 70 may be arranged to surround the second display panel 62.

[0055] Alternatively, the light emitting device 70 may be located on the handle 52 .

[0056] The visual device 110 includes at least one of a display panel 60 and a light-emitting device 70 .

[0057] As an example other than the dashboard 50, the visual device 110 may be disposed on the door trim.

[0058] The controller 120 (see FIG. 1) controls the visual device 110. More specifically, the controller 120 includes a processor 121 and a memory 122. Various types of information are stored in the memory 122. The processor 121 controls the visual device 110 by executing a control program stored in the memory 122. The control program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0059] The controller 120 is communicatively connected to the vehicle control system 10 via an interface 130. The controller 120 receives an information provision control signal CON from the vehicle control system 10 via the interface 130. The information provision control signal CON is stored in a memory 122.

[0060] Then, the controller 120 controls the visual device 110 to provide the information included in the information provision control signal CON according to the information provision instruction. If the visual device 110 is a display panel 60, the controller 120 controls the display panel 60 to display the information included in the information provision control signal CON. If the visual device 110 is a light-emitting device 70, the controller 120 controls the light-emitting device 70 to emit light in a color associated with the information included in the information provision control signal CON.

[0061] The processing by the controller 120 of the information providing system 100 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0062] 1-4. Information provision processing and information switching processing As described above, the controller 120 provides information through the visual device 110. This process is hereinafter referred to as "information provision process." The controller 120 also performs "information switching process" to switch the information provided through the visual device 110. The information before switching is hereinafter referred to as "first information." The information after switching is information different from the first information and is hereinafter referred to as "second information." In other words, in the information switching process, the controller 120 switches the information to be provided from the first information to second information different from the first information. Here, "different information" means that at least one of the content, type, purpose, and meaning of the information is different.

[0063] For example, the controller 120 switches between a "hands-on request" and a "hands-off notification." In this case, one of the first information and the second information is a "hands-on request," and the other is a "hands-off notification." For example, when the vehicle 1 enters a hands-on zone, the controller 120 switches the information to be provided from a "hands-off notification (first information)" to a "hands-on request (second information)."

[0064] As another example, when the autonomous driving level of the vehicle 1 changes, the controller 120 switches the information it provides from the "autonomous driving level before the change (first information)" to the "autonomous driving level after the change (second information)."

[0065] As yet another example, when a preliminary stage of the operation of driving assist control is detected, the controller 120 provides information indicating an "advance warning of the operation of driving assist control." In this case, the controller 120 switches the information to be provided from another information (first information) to an "advance warning of the operation of driving assist control (second information)."

[0066] As yet another example, when a nearby vehicle (e.g., a following vehicle traveling at high speed) approaches the vehicle 1, the information providing system 100 provides information indicating that a nearby vehicle is approaching. In this case, the controller 120 switches the information to be provided from another information (first information) to a notification indicating that a nearby vehicle is approaching (second information).

[0067] In this way, the controller 120 executes the information switching process in response to a predetermined trigger. Examples of triggers for the information switching process include a change in the operation required of the driver (e.g., hands-on, hands-off, brake operation), a change in the autonomous driving level of the vehicle 1, activation of driving assistance control, detection of a pre-activation stage of driving assistance control, the departure of a preceding vehicle, and the approach of a surrounding vehicle. In general, triggers for the information switching process can be said to include a change in the driving environment that requires the driver of the vehicle 1 to pay attention.

[0068] A trigger for the information switching process is first recognized by the vehicle control system 10 described above. Upon recognizing the trigger, the vehicle control system 10 generates an information provision control signal CON including new information to be provided, i.e., second information. The vehicle control system 10 then outputs the information provision control signal CON including the second information to the information provision system 100. The controller 120 of the information provision system 100 receives the new information provision control signal CON and controls the visual device 110 to provide the second information included in the information provision control signal CON. In other words, the controller 120 switches the information to be provided from the first information to the second information in response to the trigger.

[0069] The second information after the switch is likely to be important to the occupants of the vehicle 1. Therefore, it is desirable for the occupants to easily notice the change in information from the first information to the second information. For example, if the trigger for the information switching process includes a change in the driving environment that requires the driver's attention, it is desirable for the driver to easily notice the change in information from the first information to the second information. In particular, during autonomous driving of the vehicle 1, the driver's concentration is lower than in the case of manual driving, and the driver may overlook the change in information.

[0070] Therefore, this embodiment provides a technique that can make it easier for the occupants of the vehicle 1 to notice the information change. Specifically, the controller 120 executes the information switching process as described below.

[0071] 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the information switching process according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the luminance L of the visual device 110. In a first period P1 before time t1, the controller 120 causes the visual device 110 to provide first information. Time t2 is after time t1. In a second period P2 after time t2, the controller 120 causes the visual device 110 to provide second information. Therefore, the period from time t1 to time t2, that is, the period between the first period P1 and the second period P2, is the "information switching period PA" in which the information switching process is performed.

[0072] The luminance L of the visual device 110 in the first period P1 is a first luminance L1. The luminance L of the visual device 110 in the second period P2 is a second luminance L2. The first luminance L1 and the second luminance L2 may be the same or different from each other. The first luminance L1 and the second luminance L2 may be fixed values ​​or may be variably set by a setting operation of the visual device 110. The set values ​​of the first luminance L1 and the second luminance L2 may be included in the information provision control signal CON.

[0073] 6, the controller 120 temporarily reduces the luminance L of the visual device 110 during the information switching period PA. In other words, for at least a part of the information switching period PA, the controller 120 sets the luminance L of the visual device 110 to a "transition luminance LA" that is lower than the first luminance L1 and the second luminance L2. A transition luminance LA=0 means that the visual device 110 is temporarily turned off. In other words, for at least a part of the information switching period PA, the controller 120 may turn off the visual device 110.

[0074] Thus, according to this embodiment, the luminance L of the visual device 110 temporarily decreases during the information switching period PA. Human vision reacts sensitively to differences in luminance L. Even the peripheral vision around the central vision is highly sensitive to changes in luminance L. Therefore, when the luminance L of the visual device 110 temporarily decreases, the occupants of the vehicle 1 are more likely to focus their attention on the visual device 110. As a result, the occupants of the vehicle 1 are more likely to notice changes in the information provided through the visual device 110.

[0075] 7 shows a modified example of the information switching process according to the present embodiment. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the saturation S of the visual device 110. The saturation S of the visual device 110 in the first period P1 is the first saturation S1. The saturation S of the visual device 110 in the second period P2 is the second saturation S2. The first saturation S1 and the second saturation S2 may be the same or different from each other. The first saturation S1 and the second saturation S2 may be fixed values, or may be variably set by a setting operation of the visual device 110. The set values ​​of the first saturation S1 and the second saturation S2 may be included in the information provision control signal CON.

[0076] 7, the controller 120 temporarily reduces the saturation S of the visual device 110 during the information switching period PA. In other words, during at least a portion of the information switching period PA, the controller 120 sets the saturation S of the visual device 110 to a "transition saturation SA" that is lower than the first saturation S1 and the second saturation S2. When the saturation S of the visual device 110 is temporarily reduced, the occupants of the vehicle 1 are more likely to focus their attention on the visual device 110. As a result, the occupants of the vehicle 1 are more likely to notice changes in the information provided through the visual device 110.

[0077] The effect is achieved by temporarily reducing at least one of the brightness L and saturation S of the visual device 110. Both the brightness L and saturation S of the visual device 110 may also be temporarily reduced.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the information providing process and the information switching process according to this embodiment.

[0079] In step S100, the information providing system 100 (controller 120) provides information through the visual device 110. The information provided in step S100 is first information.

[0080] In step S200, the vehicle control system 10 determines whether a trigger for the information switching process has occurred. If a trigger has not occurred (step S200; No), the process returns to step S100. On the other hand, if a trigger has occurred (step S200; Yes), the process proceeds to step S300.

[0081] In step S300, the vehicle control system 10 outputs an information provision control signal CON including the new information to be provided, that is, the second information, to the information provision system 100. The information provision system 100 receives the new information provision control signal CON.

[0082] In the following step S400, the information provision system 100 (controller 120) executes an information switching process. That is, the information provision system 100 switches the information provided through the visual device 110 from the first information to the second information. During this information switching process, the information provision system 100 temporarily reduces at least one of the luminance L and the saturation S of the visual device 110. In other words, the information provision system 100 reduces at least one of the luminance L and the saturation S of the visual device 110 to a value lower than that in the first period P1 and the second period P2.

[0083] When the information switching process is completed, the process returns to step S 100. The second information after the switch becomes the new first information.

[0084] 1-5.Specific examples A specific example of the information provision process and the information switching process will be described below. In this example, the vehicle 1 is an autonomous vehicle, and the visual device 110 includes a light-emitting device 70 (see FIGS. 3, 4, and 5). The light-emitting device 70 can provide (express) different information by emitting light in different colors. In this example, the light-emitting device 70 separately expresses a "hands-on request" and a "hands-off notification" by emitting light in different colors. The color associated with a "hands-on request" is hereinafter referred to as a "hands-on color." On the other hand, the color associated with a "hands-off notification" is hereinafter referred to as a "hands-off color."

[0085] 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing this specific example. First, the flow shown in Fig. 9 will be described. At the start of the flow shown in Fig. 9, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is located in a zone other than a hands-on zone and the driver is able to take his / her hands off the vehicle.

[0086] In step S510, the controller 120 of the information provision system 100 causes the light emitting device 70 to emit light in the hands-off color. This step S510 corresponds to step S100 (information provision processing) in FIG.

[0087] In the following step S520, the vehicle control system 10 determines whether or not it is necessary to request the driver to put their hands on the road. For example, if the vehicle 1 is located in a hands-on zone or is about to enter a hands-on zone, the vehicle control system 10 determines that it is necessary to request the driver to put their hands on the road. This step S520 corresponds to step S200 in FIG. 8. If a hands-on request is not necessary (step S520; No), the process returns to step S510. On the other hand, if a hands-on request is necessary (step S520; Yes), the process proceeds to step S530.

[0088] In step S530, the vehicle control system 10 instructs the information provision system 100 to provide a "hands-on request." That is, the vehicle control system 10 instructs the information provision system 100 to switch from the hands-off color to the hands-on color. This step S530 corresponds to step S300 in FIG. 8.

[0089] In the following step S540, the controller 120 of the information provision system 100 executes a color switching process corresponding to the information switching process. Specifically, the controller 120 temporarily reduces at least one of the luminance L and saturation S of the light-emitting device 70. Next, the controller 120 changes the color of the light-emitting device 70 from the hands-off color to the hands-on color. Thereafter, the controller 120 restores the luminance L and saturation S of the light-emitting device 70 to their original values. This step S540 corresponds to step S400 in FIG. 8.

[0090] In step S550, the controller 120 causes the light-emitting device 70 to emit light in the hands-on color.

[0091] In step S560, the vehicle control system 10 determines whether the driver has gripped the steering wheel, that is, whether the driver has entered a hands-on state, based on the driver state information. If the driver has not entered a hands-on state (step S560; No), the process proceeds to step S570.

[0092] In step S570, the vehicle control system 10 instructs the information provision system 100 to issue a warning to the driver. In response to this instruction, the controller 120 of the information provision system 100 issues a warning to the driver. For example, the controller 120 causes the light-emitting device 70 to blink in the hands-on color. Then, the process returns to step S560.

[0093] If the driver state is the hands-on state (step S560; Yes), the process proceeds to the flow shown in FIG.

[0094] In step S610, the controller 120 of the information provision system 100 causes the light-emitting device 70 to emit light in the hands-on color. This step S610 corresponds to step S100 (information provision processing) in FIG.

[0095] In the following step S620, the vehicle control system 10 determines whether hands-off driving is possible. For example, if the vehicle 1 is located in a zone other than a hands-on zone, the vehicle control system 10 determines that hands-off driving is possible. This step S620 corresponds to step S200 in FIG. 8. If hands-off driving is not yet possible (step S620; No), the process proceeds to step S660. On the other hand, if hands-off driving is possible (step S620; Yes), the process proceeds to step S630.

[0096] In step S630, the vehicle control system 10 instructs the information provision system 100 to provide a "hands-off notification." That is, the vehicle control system 10 instructs the information provision system 100 to switch from the hands-on color to the hands-off color. This step S630 corresponds to step S300 in FIG. 8.

[0097] In the following step S640, the controller 120 of the information provision system 100 executes a color switching process corresponding to the information switching process. Specifically, the controller 120 temporarily reduces at least one of the luminance L and saturation S of the light-emitting device 70. Next, the controller 120 changes the color of the light-emitting device 70 from the hands-on color to the hands-off color. Thereafter, the controller 120 restores the luminance L and saturation S of the light-emitting device 70 to their original values. This step S640 corresponds to step S400 in FIG. 8.

[0098] In step S650, the controller 120 causes the light-emitting device 70 to emit light in the hands-off color. Then, the process proceeds to the flow shown in FIG.

[0099] In step S660, the vehicle control system 10 determines whether the driver state is maintained in a hands-on state based on the driver state information. If the driver state is maintained in a hands-on state (step S660; Yes), the process returns to step S610. On the other hand, if the driver state is not a hands-on state (step S660; No), the process proceeds to step S670.

[0100] In step S670, the vehicle control system 10 instructs the information provision system 100 to issue a warning to the driver. In response to this instruction, the controller 120 of the information provision system 100 issues a warning to the driver. For example, the controller 120 causes the light-emitting device 70 to blink in the hands-on color. Then, the process returns to step S660.

[0101] 1-6.Effects As described above, the information provision system 100 according to this embodiment provides information to the occupant of the vehicle 1 through the visual device 110. The first information is provided during a first period P1, and the second information is provided during a second period P2 after the first period P1. During an information switching period PA between the first period P1 and the second period P2, the information switches from the first information to the second information. During at least a portion of the information switching period PA, the information provision system 100 reduces at least one of the luminance L and the saturation S of the visual device 110 to a value lower than those during the first period P1 and the second period P2. In other words, the information provision system 100 temporarily reduces at least one of the luminance L and the saturation S of the visual device 110 during the information switching period PA. Due to human visual characteristics, the occupant of the vehicle 1 is more likely to focus on the visual device 110. As a result, the occupant of the vehicle 1 is more likely to notice a change in the information provided through the visual device 110.

[0102] As a first comparative example, consider the prior art described in Patent Document 1. In this prior art, the image displayed on the display means simply changes from a first image showing the information before the change to a second image showing the information after the change. Therefore, it is difficult for the occupant to notice the change in information.

[0103] As a second comparative example, it is possible to notify the passenger of changes in information with an audible alarm. However, if an audible alarm is sounded every time there is a change in information, the passenger feels annoyed. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, it is possible to make the passenger more aware of changes in information without sounding an audible alarm. Therefore, the annoyance felt by the passenger is reduced.

[0104] The visual device 110 is preferably disposed on the dashboard 50 of the vehicle 1. In this case, the visual device 110 is more likely to be included in the driver's effective visual field (central and peripheral visual fields), making it easier for the driver to notice changes in information.

[0105] Furthermore, during automatic driving of the vehicle 1, the driver's concentration is lower than in the case of manual driving, and the driver may overlook changes in information. Therefore, the information switching process according to this embodiment is particularly suitable for application to an automatic driving vehicle.

[0106] 2. Second embodiment In the second embodiment, the controller 120 of the information provision system 100 warns the driver of the vehicle 1 by blinking the visual device 110. Note that the visual device 110 in the second embodiment may be not only the display panel 60 or the light-emitting device 70, but also an interior light or the like.

[0107] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the information providing process according to the second embodiment.

[0108] In step S710, the vehicle control system 10 determines whether there is an operation expected of the driver. For example, if the vehicle 1 is located within a hands-on zone, the driver is expected to hold the steering wheel, that is, a hands-on state is expected. As another example, if the TTC relative to the preceding vehicle becomes less than a predetermined threshold, the driver is expected to perform a braking operation. If there is an operation expected of the driver (step S710; Yes), the process proceeds to step S720.

[0109] In step S720, the vehicle control system 10 determines whether the driver is actually performing the operation expected of the driver. For example, the vehicle control system 10 can determine whether the driver is holding the steering wheel, i.e., whether the driver is in a hands-on state, based on the driver state information. As another example, the vehicle control system 10 can determine whether the driver is performing a brake operation, based on the vehicle state information. If the driver is not actually performing the operation expected of the driver (step S720; No), the process proceeds to step S730.

[0110] In step S730, the vehicle control system 10 instructs the information provision system 100 to issue a warning to the driver. In response to the instruction, the controller 120 of the information provision system 100 issues a warning to the driver. Specifically, the controller 120 blinks the visual device 110. Thereafter, the process returns to step S720.

[0111] If the operation expected of the driver is actually performed (step S720; Yes), the process returns to step S710.

[0112] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the driver does not perform an operation expected of the driver, the information provision system 100 blinks the visual device 110. The blinking of the visual device 110 provides a visual stimulus to the driver, thereby making it possible to call the driver's attention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 vehicle 10 Vehicle Control System 20 sensors 50 Dashboards 51 Instrument panel 52 Handle 53 Glove box 60 Display Panel 61 First display panel 62 Second display panel 70 Light-emitting device 100 Information Provision System 110 Visual Devices 120 Controller 121 processors 122 memory 130 Interface P1 1st period P2 2nd period PA information switching period

Claims

[Claim 1] An information provision system mounted on a vehicle, a visual device for providing visual information to an occupant of the vehicle; a controller for controlling the visual device; Equipped with The controller causing the vision device to provide first information when the vehicle is at a first level of autonomous driving; causing the vision device to provide second information when the vehicle is at a second level of autonomous driving; When the information provided by the visual device is switched from the first information to the second information, at least one of the luminance and saturation of the visual device is temporarily made lower than those of the first information and the second information. Information provision system.

Images