Vehicle control device

Abstract

To promote compliance with regulations relating to road traffic.SOLUTION: A vehicle control device causes, with instructions included in a program stored in a storage medium, a processor to execute: a process of acquiring current regulation information with respect to the regulation information regarding road traffic; a process of determining the presence / absence of a revised matter changed from the past regulation information with respect to the acquired current regulation information; and a process of causing a presentation section of the own vehicle to present a notification prompting a response for complying with the revised matter when it is determined that the revised matter exists.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a vehicle control device for promoting compliance with road traffic regulations. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technique is known in which a driver is notified of the current traffic regulation status in response to updates to traffic regulation information for the road on which the vehicle is traveling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-269681 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, road traffic laws and regulations such as the Road Traffic Act are revised over time, but it is not easy for drivers and other passengers to keep up with all of these revisions. Therefore, there is a need for technology that can notify vehicle passengers of the content of road traffic laws and regulations as they are revised.

[0005] Therefore, this technology proposes a method for notifying passengers of changes to road traffic regulations at an appropriate time in order to prevent unintentional violations of regulations due to passengers failing to be aware of the changes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle control device of the present technology includes one or more processors and a storage medium on which a program executed by the one or more processors is stored, the program including one or more instructions that cause the one or more processors to execute the following processes: acquiring current regulatory information regarding road traffic regulations; determining whether the acquired current regulatory information contains any amendments to the previous regulatory information stored in a memory unit of the vehicle; and, if it is determined that there are any amendments, displaying a notification on a display unit of the vehicle urging the user to take action to comply with the amendments.

[0007] This allows the vehicle occupants to recognize that information on road traffic regulations has been changed due to amendments or the like, and what steps should be taken to comply with the amendments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present technology, it is possible to prevent unintentional violations of laws and regulations by vehicle occupants. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 shows an outline of the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 shows a flowchart of a process executed by a vehicle control device before a vehicle starts moving in an embodiment. [Figure 3] 3 shows a flowchart of a process executed by a vehicle control device after a vehicle starts moving in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Note that the configurations shown in the drawings referred to in the description are only essential components of the present technology. Furthermore, the configurations shown in the drawings can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present technology. The inventions included in the present technology are not limited to the present embodiments, and include modifications, improvements, etc., within the scope of achieving the object of the invention.

[0011] In addition, road traffic laws and regulations (hereinafter referred to as traffic laws and regulations) in this technology refer to the rules that vehicles must follow, established by each country. For example, in Japan, traffic laws and regulations include the Road Traffic Act, the Enforcement Regulations of the Road Traffic Act, and the Enforcement Order of the Road Traffic Act. The content of these traffic laws and regulations is subject to change over time.

[0012] The configuration of a vehicle 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Examples of vehicle 1 include an engine vehicle that uses gasoline as fuel, a hybrid vehicle such as an HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) that uses an engine and a motor, an electric vehicle that runs using only a motor, a fuel cell vehicle, and an engine vehicle that uses synthetic fuel produced by synthesizing carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

[0013] The vehicle 1 is equipped with an in-vehicle system 10. The in-vehicle system 10 includes a communication unit 11, a memory unit 17, a position information processing unit 12, sensors 13, a presentation unit 14, and a vehicle control device 15. The communication unit 11, the memory unit 17, the position information processing unit 12, the presentation unit 14, and the vehicle control device 15 are connected to each other via a bus 16.

[0014] The communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with an external organization. The communication unit 11 communicates with a server device of the external organization, for example, via a communication network such as the Internet. The external organization is, for example, an organization (hereinafter also referred to as a regulation management organization) that manages information related to traffic regulations (hereinafter also referred to as regulation information). The communication unit 11 acquires current regulation information NW from a server device of the regulation management organization, for example, via wireless communication. The current regulation information NW is information on the latest traffic regulations currently in effect. Note that the communication unit 11 can also acquire, for example, surrounding environment information and road information of the current location, etc., via the communication network.

[0015] Legal information is stored in the storage unit 17. Every time legal information is supplied from a legal management organization via the communication unit 11, it is stored in the storage unit 17. In other words, when current legal information NW is supplied from the communication unit 11, past legal information OD is stored in the storage unit 17.

[0016] The position information processing unit 12 performs processing to identify the position of the vehicle 1. For example, the current position of the vehicle 1 is determined as latitude and longitude information acquired by a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Furthermore, by referring to map information based on the current position information, the environment of the current position, i.e., the situation around the vehicle 1, can be determined. The position information processing unit 12 can determine the situation around the vehicle 1, such as whether the current position is on a road, in a tunnel, in a home garage, or in a parking lot. Note that the vehicle control device 15, which will be described later, can also determine the situation outside the vehicle 1 based on the latitude and longitude information and map information supplied from the position information processing unit 12.

[0017] Sensors 13 collectively refer to various sensors provided in vehicle 1. Signals detected by sensors 13 are used to determine the conditions inside and outside vehicle 1 and to determine whether passengers in vehicle 1 are complying with traffic laws and regulations. Sensors 13 include, for example, an inside-vehicle sensor 21, an outside-vehicle sensor 22, and a vehicle sensor 23.

[0018] The interior sensor 21 is configured with a sensor that detects the presence and status of passengers inside the vehicle. For example, the interior sensor 21 is configured with one or more cameras that capture images of the interior of the vehicle, and the captured image signals are supplied to the vehicle control device 15. That is, the interior sensor 21 is configured as a camera that functions as a so-called driver monitoring system. Furthermore, the interior sensor 21 may be provided with a weight sensor or a contact sensor provided on a seat in addition to or instead of a camera. Furthermore, the interior sensor 21 may be provided with a sensor that detects passengers and their movements, such as an infrared sensor.

[0019] The in-vehicle sensors 21 also include sensors related to various in-vehicle facilities, such as sensors that detect whether windows are open or closed, sensors that detect whether doors are open or closed, and sensors that detect whether seat belts are fastened or undone.

[0020] The vehicle exterior sensor 22 is configured with a sensor that detects the situation outside the vehicle. For example, the vehicle exterior sensor 22 is configured with one or more cameras that capture images outside the vehicle, and the captured image signals are supplied to the vehicle control device 15. The one or more cameras may be configured to capture images of the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle 1, or to capture images of the area around the muffler of an engine vehicle.

[0021] Furthermore, a vehicle height sensor that detects the vehicle height of the vehicle 1 may be provided as the external sensor 22. The vehicle height sensor is, for example, an ultrasonic sensor that measures the distance between the vehicle 1 and the ground. Furthermore, a sensor such as a millimeter wave radar or LiDAR may be provided as the external sensor 22. Furthermore, an outside air temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, etc. may be provided as the external sensor 22.

[0022] The vehicle sensor 23 is composed of sensors that detect the status of the vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle sensor 23 may be a vehicle speed sensor that detects the speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle 1. The vehicle sensor 23 may also be a wheel speed sensor that detects the rotation speed of the wheels, an accelerator opening sensor that detects the accelerator opening from the depression amount of the accelerator pedal, a brake sensor that detects the brake operation amount from the depression amount of the brake pedal, etc. The signals detected by the vehicle sensor 23 are supplied to the vehicle control device 15.

[0023] As described above, various signals detected by the sensors 13 are supplied to the vehicle control device 15. Note that the sensors 13 also include various other sensors as long as they detect signals used to determine whether or not the passengers of the vehicle 1 are complying with traffic laws and regulations.

[0024] The presentation unit 14 presents a notification inside the vehicle urging the driver to take action to comply with traffic laws and regulations. The notification includes, for example, a notification that there are amendments to traffic laws and regulations, a notification of the details of the amendments, and a notification urging the driver to take action to comply with the details of the amendments (hereinafter also referred to as a notification urging the driver to take action to comply with the amendments). For example, the presentation unit 14 is a display unit that presents the notification by displaying it on a display or the like in the front console. Alternatively, the presentation unit 14 is an audio output unit that presents the notification by outputting an alarm sound, a voice message, or the like.

[0025] The vehicle control device 15 includes one or more processors and a storage medium storing a program executed by the one or more processors. The program includes one or more instructions that cause the one or more processors of the vehicle control device 15 to execute a process for issuing a notification urging the driver to take action to comply with traffic laws and regulations.

[0026] For example, the vehicle control device 15 stores the legal information supplied via the communication unit 11 in the storage unit 17. The vehicle control device 15 then determines whether or not there are any amendments to traffic laws and regulations based on the current legal information NW supplied from the communication unit 11 and the past legal information OD already stored in the storage unit 17. If it is determined that there are any amendments to traffic laws and regulations, the vehicle control device 15 causes the presentation unit 14 of the vehicle 1 to present a notification urging the vehicle 1 to take action to comply with the traffic laws and regulations.

[0027] At this time, the vehicle control device 15 analyzes various signals supplied from the sensors 13 and the like to determine the status of the inside or outside of the vehicle or the vehicle 1. This allows the vehicle control device 15 to issue a notification urging the driver to take action to comply with traffic laws and regulations at the timing appropriate for the content of the amendments.

[0028] The vehicle control device 15 can also determine whether or not the passenger is complying with traffic laws by analyzing various signals supplied from the sensors 13 and the like. If it is determined that the passenger is not complying with traffic laws, the vehicle control device 15 can also perform control to restrict the departure of the vehicle 1 while the vehicle 1 is activated. Details of the processing performed by the vehicle control device 15 will be described later.

[0029] An example of processing executed by the vehicle control device 15 in the embodiment of the present technology will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. First, the vehicle control device 15 executes the processing in Fig. 2 before the vehicle 1 starts moving. For example, the vehicle control device 15 executes the processing in Fig. 2 when the vehicle 1 is started. The vehicle 1 is started when, for example, the driver switches the ignition switch from an off state to an on state.

[0030] In step S101, the vehicle control device 15 acquires current regulatory information NW from a regulatory authority via the communication unit 11. The vehicle control device 15 also acquires past regulatory information OD from the storage unit 17. For example, the vehicle control device 15 acquires the most recent regulatory information from the present perspective as the past regulatory information OD. The past regulatory information OD was acquired from the regulatory authority and stored in the storage unit 17 when the vehicle control device 15 previously executed the process of FIG. 2.

[0031] The vehicle control device 15 stores the current legal regulation information NW in the storage unit 17. The legal regulation information stored here can be used as past legal regulation information OD in the process that is executed the next time the vehicle 1 is started.

[0032] In the next step S102, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not there are any amendments to the current legal regulation information NW that have been made since the past legal regulation information OD. For example, the vehicle control device 15 performs an analysis process on the current legal regulation information NW and the past legal regulation information OD, and determines the differences between the legal regulation information as amendments.

[0033] Note that information indicating whether or not there are any amendments may be linked in advance to the current regulatory information NW supplied from the regulatory management organization. In this case, the vehicle control device 15 can determine whether or not there are any amendments based on the information linked to the current regulatory information NW.

[0034] If it is determined in step S102 that there are no amendments, the vehicle control device 15 ends the processing in Fig. 2. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are amendments, the vehicle control device 15 proceeds from step S102 to step S103, and extracts the contents of one or more amendments by performing an analysis process on the differences in the current legal information NW.

[0035] The content of the amendments refers to the content of rules that have been changed or added due to amendments to traffic laws and regulations. The content of the amendments includes things that occupants of vehicle 1 must do in order to comply with the rules. For example, this could include matters related to the position and behavior of occupants in the vehicle, matters related to items brought into or installed in the vehicle, matters related to the standards of vehicle 1, matters related to the driving operation of vehicle 1, etc. Specific examples of the content of the amendments include, for example, "making it mandatory for passengers in the rear seats to wear seat belts," "making it mandatory for passengers to use child seats when there are infants in the vehicle," "changes to vehicle height restrictions," "changes to speed limits in specific driving sections," and various other things.

[0036] Here, the vehicle control device 15 can extract the contents of one or more amendments based on machine learning using an AI (artificial intelligence) engine. The vehicle control device 15 performs machine learning by accumulating the contents of amendments to be generated according to, for example, differences in regulatory information. By performing such machine learning, the vehicle control device 15 can generate the contents of amendments based on the differences in regulatory information obtained by analysis processing.

[0037] Note that, for example, the contents of amendments corresponding to the difference in the legal information obtained by the analysis may be linked and stored in advance in the storage unit 17. In this case, the vehicle control device 15 can obtain the contents of amendments corresponding to the difference in the legal information obtained by the analysis process by referring to the storage unit 17.

[0038] In addition, the contents of one or more amendments may be linked in advance to the current regulatory information NW provided by the regulatory management organization. In this case, the vehicle control device 15 can obtain the contents of the amendments from the information linked to the current regulatory information NW.

[0039] The vehicle control device 15 sets each of the extracted revision contents as a content for which a notification urging the user to comply with the revision is required. For example, the vehicle control device 15 associates a flag (hereinafter also referred to as a notification flag) with each revision content and sets the notification flag to an ON state. The vehicle control device 15 determines that a notification urging the user to comply with the revision is required for the revision content for which the notification flag is ON. The setting status of the notification flag for the revision content is stored in the memory unit 17, for example.

[0040] In step S103, the vehicle control device 15 notifies the driver that there are amendments to traffic regulations and the details of the amendments by having the presentation unit 14 present the notification. The vehicle control device 15 performs the notification, for example, by displaying the notification on a display or the like in the vehicle, or by outputting a sound from a speaker in the vehicle.

[0041] In the next step S104, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not there is any item among the contents of the amendments that needs to be addressed before starting the vehicle 1. The contents of the amendments that need to be addressed before starting the vehicle 1 include, for example, items that are necessary to safely start and run the vehicle 1, and items that can be addressed while the vehicle 1 is running but that should be addressed before starting. Specifically, these include, for example, "making it mandatory for passengers in the rear seats to wear seat belts," "making it mandatory for passengers to use child seats," and "changing vehicle height restrictions."

[0042] For example, the timing at which each of the revisions should be addressed may be linked and stored in the storage unit 17. In this case, the vehicle control device 15 can determine whether there is any revision that should be addressed before the vehicle 1 starts moving by referring to the storage unit 17.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle control device 15 can use machine learning with an AI engine to determine whether there are any amendments that need to be addressed before the vehicle 1 starts. The vehicle control device 15 performs machine learning by accumulating, for example, the timing at which each amendment in the legal information needs to be addressed. By performing such machine learning, the vehicle control device 15 can determine whether there are any amendments that need to be addressed before the vehicle 1 starts.

[0044] The timing for taking action for each amendment may be linked in advance to the regulatory information provided by the regulatory management organization. In this case, the vehicle control device 15 can determine whether there is an amendment that needs to be taken before the vehicle 1 starts, based on the information linked to the acquired current regulatory information NW.

[0045] The vehicle control device 15 extracts the contents of the amendments that require a notification urging the driver to take action on the amendments, and then determines whether or not each of the extracted contents of the amendments requires action before starting the vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle control device 15 refers to the storage unit 17 and extracts the contents of the amendments whose notification flags are on as those that require a notification urging the driver to take action on the amendments.

[0046] If it is determined in the subsequent step S104 that there is no correction that needs to be addressed before the vehicle 1 starts, the vehicle control device 15 ends the processing in Fig. 2. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a correction that needs to be addressed before the vehicle 1 starts, the vehicle control device 15 proceeds from step S104 to step S105.

[0047] In step S105, the vehicle control device 15 executes control to restrict the start of the vehicle 1. For example, the vehicle control device 15 can restrict the start of the vehicle 1 by restricting the operation of a shift lever. Alternatively, the vehicle control device 15 can restrict the start of the vehicle 1 by controlling the transmission mechanism to cut off the transmission of power to the drive wheels. This restricts the start of the vehicle 1 when the occupant has not responded to the content of the amendment.

[0048] In the next step S106, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not the passenger has completed the action to be taken regarding the content of the amendments that the passenger should take before starting the vehicle 1. Here, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not the passenger has completed the action based on signals supplied from the sensors 13. Note that the vehicle control device 15 can also determine whether or not the action has been completed based on information supplied via the communication unit 11 or information obtained from the position information processing unit 12.

[0049] For example, if the amendment is "making it mandatory for passengers in the rear seats to wear seat belts," the vehicle control device 15 determines whether the passengers are wearing seat belts based on a detection signal supplied from a sensor included in the in-vehicle sensor 21 that detects the fastening and unfastening status of the seat belt.

[0050] Furthermore, if the amendment includes, for example, "making it mandatory to use a child seat when the passenger is a small child," the vehicle control device 15 performs image analysis processing on the image signal of the interior of the vehicle supplied from the camera included in the in-vehicle sensor 21, thereby determining whether a small child is seated in a child seat in the vehicle 1, whether the position of the child seat is appropriate, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, if the content of the amendment is, for example, "change in vehicle height limit," the vehicle control device 15 determines whether the vehicle height of the vehicle 1 is within the limit range based on the detection signal supplied from the vehicle height sensor included in the external sensor 22.

[0052] If it is determined that the passenger has not completed the actions that should be taken before the vehicle 1 starts, the vehicle control device 15 proceeds to step S108, and causes the display unit 14 to display a notice urging the passenger to take corrective action. For example, the display unit 14 displays a notice such as "Please fasten your seat belt," "Please place your child in a child car seat," or "The vehicle height exceeds the limit."

[0053] Thereafter, in step S108, the vehicle control device 15 causes the presentation unit 14 to present a notification urging the user to take action on the revision until it is determined in step S106 that the action has been completed.

[0054] If it is determined in step S106 that the measures have been taken, the vehicle control device 15 proceeds to step S107 and releases the control that restricts the start of the vehicle 1. The vehicle control device 15 also causes the presentation unit 14 to present a notification that the measures regarding the revised matters have been taken. The driver of the vehicle 1 can now start the vehicle 1 once the measures regarding the revised matters have been taken.

[0055] At this time, the vehicle control device 15 also cancels the setting that requires a notification prompting the user to take action on the revisions for which the action has been completed. For example, the vehicle control device 15 sets a notification flag for the content of the revisions for which the action has been determined to have been completed to an OFF state. By canceling the setting in this manner, the notification prompting the user to take action on the revisions will no longer be sent. Note that, for example, the condition for setting the notification flag to an OFF state can be set to send a notification prompting the user to take action multiple times, so that the notification prompting the user to take action on the revisions can be sent multiple times. After the processing of step S107, the vehicle control device 15 ends the processing shown in FIG. 2.

[0056] Next, the vehicle control device 15 executes the processing in Fig. 3 after the vehicle 1 starts moving. That is, the vehicle control device 15 executes the processing in Fig. 3 while the vehicle 1 is traveling.

[0057] In step S201, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not there is any item among the contents of the revisions that needs to be addressed while the vehicle 1 is traveling. The revisions that need to be addressed while the vehicle 1 is traveling include the contents necessary for the vehicle 1 to travel safely, such as "changing the speed limit in a specific traveling section."

[0058] The vehicle control device 15 extracts the contents of the amendments that require a notification urging the vehicle to respond to the amendments, and then determines whether or not each of the extracted contents of the amendments requires a response while the vehicle 1 is traveling. The vehicle control device 15, for example, refers to the storage unit 17 and extracts the contents of the amendments whose notification flags are in an on state as those that require a notification urging the vehicle to respond to the amendments.

[0059] The vehicle control device 15 can also use machine learning by an AI engine, for example, to determine whether there are any amendments that need to be addressed while the vehicle 1 is traveling. Note that in cases where the timing for addressing each amendment is linked in advance to the regulatory information provided by the regulatory management organization, the vehicle control device 15 can determine whether there are any amendments that need to be addressed while the vehicle 1 is traveling, based on the information linked to the acquired current regulatory information NW.

[0060] If it is determined in step S201 that there is no amendment that needs to be addressed while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the vehicle control device 15 ends the processing in Fig. 3. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an amendment that needs to be addressed while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the vehicle control device 15 proceeds from step S201 to step S202.

[0061] In step S202, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not there is any revision item that requires a notification to prompt the driver to take action on the revision among the revision items that need to be addressed while the vehicle is traveling. In other words, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not it is time to issue a notification to prompt the driver to take action on the revision.

[0062] At this time, the vehicle control device 15 determines the timing of the notification based on signals supplied from the sensors 13. Note that the vehicle control device 15 can also determine whether the response has been completed based on information supplied via the communication unit 11 and information obtained from the position information processing unit 12.

[0063] For example, if the content of the amendment is "a change in the speed limit in a specific driving section," it is possible to determine whether the vehicle 1 is driving in a specific driving section or whether it is approaching that driving section by performing image analysis processing on the location information obtained from the location information processing unit 12 and the image signal of the outside of the vehicle supplied from the camera included in the in-vehicle sensor 21.

[0064] Furthermore, the vehicle control device 15 can determine whether the speed of the vehicle 1 is within the speed limit range based on a detection signal supplied from a vehicle speed sensor included in the vehicle sensor 23, for example.

[0065] In this case, the vehicle control device 15 can determine that it is time to issue a notification urging the vehicle 1 to comply with the revision, for example, when it has determined that the vehicle 1 is located within a specific section and the vehicle speed is outside the speed limit. Note that the vehicle control device 15 may also determine that it is time to issue a notification urging the vehicle 1 to comply with the revision, when it has determined that the vehicle 1 is approaching a specific section.

[0066] In the next step S203, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not the passenger has completed the action to be taken regarding the content of the amendments that the passenger should take while the vehicle 1 is traveling. Here, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether or not the passenger has completed the action based on signals supplied from the sensors 13. Note that the vehicle control device 15 can also determine whether or not the action has been completed based on information supplied via the communication unit 11 or information obtained from the position information processing unit 12.

[0067] For example, if the content of the amendment is "change in the speed limit in a specific driving section," the vehicle control device 15 determines whether the vehicle speed is within the speed limit range based on a detection signal supplied from a vehicle speed sensor included in the vehicle sensor 23. Furthermore, based on the position information of the vehicle 1 obtained from the position information processing unit 12, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether the vehicle 1 is located within the specific driving section.

[0068] The vehicle control device 15 determines that the passenger's response has been completed when, for example, the vehicle speed is within the speed limit. Alternatively, the vehicle control device 15 determines that the passenger's response has been completed when, for example, the vehicle 1 is located outside a specific driving section. On the other hand, the vehicle control device 15 determines that the passenger's response has not been completed when, for example, the vehicle 1 is located within a specific driving section and the vehicle speed is outside the speed limit.

[0069] If it is determined in step S203 that the passenger has not completed the action to be taken while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the vehicle control device 15 proceeds to step S205, and causes the presentation unit 14 to present a notice urging the passenger to take action on the revised regulations. For example, a notice such as "You are outside the range of the vehicle speed limit in the travel section" is presented on the presentation unit 14.

[0070] Thereafter, in step S205, the vehicle control device 15 causes the presentation unit 14 to present a notification urging the user to take action on the revision until it is determined in step S203 that the action has been completed.

[0071] If it is determined in step S203 that the action has been completed, the vehicle control device 15 proceeds to step S204, and causes the presentation unit 14 to present a notification that the action regarding the content of the amendment has been completed. This allows the passengers of the vehicle 1 to confirm that the action regarding the amendment has been completed.

[0072] At this time, the vehicle control device 15 also cancels the setting that requires a notification prompting the user to take action on the revisions for which the action has been completed. For example, the vehicle control device 15 sets a notification flag for the content of the revisions for which the action has been determined to have been completed to an OFF state. By canceling the setting in this manner, the notification prompting the user to take action on the revisions will no longer be sent. Note that, for example, the condition for setting the notification flag to an OFF state can be set to send a notification prompting the user to take action multiple times, so that the notification prompting the user to take action on the revisions can be sent multiple times. After the processing of step S204, the vehicle control device 15 ends the processing shown in FIG. 3.

[0073] As described above, the vehicle control device 15 in the embodiment of the present technology executes a process of acquiring current legal regulation information NW for legal regulation information. The vehicle control device 15 also executes a process of determining whether or not the acquired current legal regulation information NW has been revised since the past legal regulation information OD stored in the storage unit 17 of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, if the vehicle control device 15 determines that there is a revision, it executes a process of causing the presentation unit 14 of the vehicle 1 to present a notification urging the user to comply with the revision (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0074] This allows the passengers of the vehicle 1 to know that traffic laws have been amended or otherwise changed, and what steps they should take to comply with the amendments. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the passengers of the vehicle 1 from unintentionally violating traffic laws.

[0075] In addition, in the embodiment, when it is determined that there are revisions, the vehicle control device 15 executes a process of causing the presentation unit 14 to present a urging notice to respond to the revisions at a timing according to the content of the revisions (see S102 to S108 in Figure 2, S201 to S205 in Figure 3, etc.).

[0076] This allows passengers to be notified of the changes at the appropriate time, allowing them to recognize the actions they need to take to comply with the changes when necessary. This prevents passengers from forgetting to take action after a certain amount of time has passed since the notification, and further promotes compliance with traffic laws by passengers.

[0077] Furthermore, the vehicle control device 15 in the embodiment executes a process of acquiring the current legal information NW in response to the start of the vehicle 1. Then, if the amendment is one that needs to be addressed before the vehicle 1 starts, the vehicle control device 15 executes a process of causing the presentation unit 14 to present a notification urging the vehicle to address the amendment before the vehicle 1 starts (see S102 to S108 in FIG. 2, etc.).

[0078] This allows the passengers of vehicle 1 to confirm that traffic laws have been amended or otherwise changed, and what steps they should take to comply with the amendments, before starting vehicle 1. Therefore, by being able to take steps to comply with amendments before starting vehicle 1, compliance with traffic laws is promoted, and the safety of passengers after vehicle 1 starts moving can be ensured.

[0079] Furthermore, in the embodiment, when the revised matters are matters that must be addressed before the vehicle starts, the vehicle control device 15 executes processing to restrict the departure of the vehicle 1. Then, the vehicle control device 15 determines whether the measures that must be taken before the vehicle starts based on the revised matters have been completed, and when it determines that the measures have been completed, executes processing to release the restriction on the departure of the vehicle 1 (see S105 to S107 in FIG. 2, etc.).

[0080] This restricts the departure of the vehicle 1 until the passengers have completed the necessary measures based on the amendments. By restricting the departure of the vehicle 1 itself in this way, the passengers are forced to comply with traffic laws and regulations, which further encourages the passengers to comply with traffic laws and regulations before the vehicle 1 starts.

[0081] In addition, in the embodiment, if the amendment is something that needs to be addressed while the vehicle 1 is traveling, the vehicle control device 15 executes a process to have the presentation unit 14 present a notification urging the vehicle 1 to take action to comply with the amendment at a timing appropriate to the situation around the vehicle 1 (see S201 to S202 in Figure 3, etc.).

[0082] This makes it possible to make the occupants aware of the actions they need to take to comply with the amendments at an appropriate timing according to the circumstances around the vehicle 1. This prevents the occupants from forgetting to take action after time has passed since they were notified, and further promotes compliance with traffic laws by the occupants.

[0083] Finally, the effects described in this disclosure are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may be achieved, or a part of the effects described in this disclosure may be achieved. Furthermore, the embodiments described in this disclosure are merely examples, and not all of the combinations of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily required to solve the problems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 vehicle 10 In-Vehicle Systems 11 Communications Department 13 Sensors 14 Presentation section 15 Vehicle control device 17 Memory section

Claims

1. one or more processors; a storage medium storing a program to be executed by the one or more processors; The program includes one or more instructions, The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: A process of acquiring current information on road traffic regulations; a process of determining whether or not there are any amendments to the acquired current regulatory information that have been changed from the past regulatory information stored in a storage unit of the vehicle; When it is determined that there is a revision, a notification prompting the driver to take action to comply with the revision is displayed by a display unit of the vehicle. Vehicle control device.

2. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: When it is determined that there is a revision, the notification is presented by the presentation unit at a timing according to the content of the revision. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

3. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: A process of acquiring the current legal information in response to startup of the host vehicle; If the amendment is a matter that should be addressed before the host vehicle starts, the notification is presented by the presentation unit at a timing before the host vehicle starts. The vehicle control device according to claim 2.

4. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: If the amendment is a matter that should be addressed before the host vehicle starts, a process for restricting the host vehicle from starting; a process of determining whether or not the measures to be taken before starting based on the revised matters have been completed; When it is determined that the measures to be taken before starting based on the revised matters have been completed, a process of canceling the restriction on starting the host vehicle is executed. The vehicle control device according to claim 3.

5. The instructions may cause the one or more processors to: If the amendment is a matter that should be addressed while the vehicle is traveling, a process is executed to cause the notification unit to present the notification at a timing according to the situation around the vehicle. The vehicle control device according to claim 2.

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