Assistance function presentation device

Abstract

To present an operation method of a driving support function at appropriate timing.SOLUTION: The assistance function presentation device 100 presents a method of operating the driving assistance function of the host vehicle V. The assistance function presentation device 100 includes the information acquisition unit 11 that acquires the surrounding environment information of the host vehicle V, the state determination unit 12 that determines whether or not the host vehicle V is in the high load state where the load of the driving operation of the driver of the host vehicle V is high based on the surrounding environment information, and the presentation control unit 13 that presents the operation method to the driver when the driving assistance function is available or in operation and the state determination unit determines that the host vehicle V is not in the high load state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assistance function presentation device that presents an operation method for a driving assistance function of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that notifies a vehicle user that a driving assistance function is executable. This device determines whether or not the activation conditions for the driving assistance function are met based on vehicle driving data. Then, when the activation conditions are met, this device notifies the vehicle user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-93162 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this case, even if the driving assistance function is executable, there may be cases where the vehicle user does not know how to operate the driving assistance function. For this reason, it may be possible to present the operation method of the driving assistance function, but it may not be appropriate to present the operation method uniformly.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure describes an assistance function presentation device that can present an operation method for a driving assistance function at an appropriate timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An assistance function presentation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is [1] "an assistance function presentation device that presents an operation method for a driving assistance function of a vehicle, the assistance function presentation device comprising: an information acquisition unit that acquires surrounding environment information of the vehicle; a situation determination unit that determines whether the driving situation is high-load based on the surrounding environment information, and a presentation control unit that presents the operation method to the driver when the driving assistance function is available or in operation and the situation determination unit has determined that the situation is not high-load."

[0007] This assistance function presentation device presents a method for operating a driving assistance function to a driver based on whether the driving assistance function is available or in operation, as well as whether the driver is currently in a high-load situation where the driver's driving operation is highly loaded. Here, when the driver is currently in a high-load situation where the driver's driving operation is highly loaded, the driver needs to concentrate on the driving operation. If the method for operating the driving assistance function is presented in such a situation, the driver's attention may be diverted from the driving operation. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device presents the method for operating the driving assistance function to the driver when it is determined that the driving assistance function is available and the situation is not highly loaded. This allows the assistance function presentation device to present the method for operating the driving assistance function at an appropriate time. The driver can then easily operate the driving assistance function based on the presented method for operating the driving assistance function.

[0008] An assistance function presentation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be the assistance function presentation device described in [1] above, [2] "wherein the surrounding environment information includes information about other vehicles around the vehicle, the driving assistance function is a vehicle speed maintenance function that causes the vehicle to travel at a set speed, and the presentation control unit, when the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating, the situation determination unit determines that the vehicle is not in a high-load situation, and the speed of the vehicle and the speed of the other vehicle obtained from the surrounding environment information deviate by more than a predetermined speed threshold, presents, as the operation method, a method of changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function."

[0009] For example, when the speed of the vehicle differs from the speed of other surrounding vehicles, it is possible that the vehicle is not traveling in accordance with the flow of other surrounding vehicles. In other words, it may be preferable to change the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function so that the vehicle matches the flow of other surrounding vehicles. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device presents a method for changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the speed of the vehicle differs from the speed of other surrounding vehicles by more than a predetermined threshold. This allows the assistance function presentation device to present a method for changing the set speed as an operation method of the vehicle speed maintenance function at a more appropriate timing. Then, the driver can easily perform an operation to change the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function based on the presented operation method.

[0010] An assistance function presentation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be [3] "the assistance function presentation device described in [1] above, wherein the surrounding environment information includes a recognition result of a road sign indicating the speed limit of the road on which the vehicle is traveling, the driving assistance function is a vehicle speed maintenance function that causes the vehicle to travel at a set speed, and the presentation control unit presents, as the operation method, a method of changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating, the situation determination unit determines that the high-load situation is not present, and the speed limit indicated by the road sign obtained from the surrounding environment information deviates from the speed of the vehicle by more than a predetermined speed threshold."

[0011] For example, if the vehicle speed deviates from the speed limit indicated by a road sign, it is possible that the vehicle is not traveling in accordance with the speed limit. In other words, it may be preferable to change the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function so that the vehicle follows the speed limit. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device presents a method for changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the vehicle speed deviates from the speed limit indicated by a road sign by a predetermined threshold or more. This allows the assistance function presentation device to present a method for changing the set speed as an operation method for the vehicle speed maintenance function at a more appropriate timing. The driver can then easily perform an operation to change the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function based on the presented operation method.

[0012] An assistance function presentation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be [4] "the assistance function presentation device described in [1] above, wherein the information acquisition unit further acquires information about a route along which the vehicle is traveling, the driving assistance function is a vehicle speed maintenance function that causes the vehicle to travel at a set speed, and the presentation control unit, when the vehicle is traveling on a highway, calculates a distance to an exit where the vehicle is to exit the highway based on the route information, and when the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating and the situation determination unit determines that the vehicle is not in a high-load situation, the vehicle is traveling on the highway, and the calculated distance to the exit is within a predetermined distance threshold, presents, as the operation method, a method of canceling the vehicle speed maintenance function."

[0013] For example, in places other than expressways, it may be inappropriate or impossible to use a vehicle speed maintenance function that keeps the vehicle traveling at a set speed. Therefore, it is preferable for the driver to deactivate the vehicle speed maintenance function before exiting the expressway. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device presents a method for deactivating the vehicle speed maintenance function when the distance to the expressway exit is within a predetermined distance threshold while the vehicle speed maintenance function is activated. This allows the assistance function presentation device to present a method for deactivating the vehicle speed maintenance function at a more appropriate timing as a method for operating the vehicle speed maintenance function. The driver can then easily deactivate the vehicle speed maintenance function based on the presented method.

[0014] The assistance function presentation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be [5] "the assistance function presentation device described in any of [1] to [4] above, wherein the information acquisition unit further acquires usage history information of the driving assistance function by the driver of the vehicle, and the presentation control unit further determines, based on the usage history information, whether the number of times the driver has used the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a predetermined number threshold, and if the number of times the driving assistance function has been used is equal to or greater than the predetermined number threshold, does not present the operating method to the driver."

[0015] If the driver uses the driving assistance function frequently, it is considered that the driver knows or understands how to operate the driving assistance function. On the other hand, if the driver uses the driving assistance function infrequently, it is considered that the driver does not know or understand how to operate the driving assistance function. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device does not present the operation method when the driver uses the driving assistance function more than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the assistance function presentation device presents the operation method when the driver uses the driving assistance function less than the predetermined threshold. This allows the assistance function presentation device to more appropriately present the operation method of the driving assistance function based on the number of times the driving assistance function is used. Furthermore, the assistance function presentation device does not present the operation method to a driver who knows or understands how to operate the driving assistance function. This allows the assistance function presentation device to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the presentation of the operation method of the driving assistance function.

[0016] An assistance function presentation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be [6] "the assistance function presentation device described in any of [1] to [5] above, wherein the information acquisition unit further acquires information on the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function, and the presentation control unit further determines, based on the understanding information, whether the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a predetermined understanding threshold, and if the understanding is equal to or greater than the predetermined understanding threshold, does not present the operating method to the driver."

[0017] When the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is high, it is considered that the driver understands how to operate the driving assistance function. On the other hand, when the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is low, it is considered that the driver does not understand how to operate the driving assistance function. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device does not present the operation method when the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a predetermined understanding threshold. On the other hand, the assistance function presentation device presents the operation method when the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is less than the predetermined understanding threshold. This allows the assistance function presentation device to more appropriately present the operation method of the driving assistance function based on the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function. Furthermore, the assistance function presentation device does not present the operation method to a driver who understands how to operate the driving assistance function. This allows the assistance function presentation device to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the presentation of the operation method of the driving assistance function. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to present a method for operating a driving assistance function at an appropriate timing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an assistance function presentation device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of a display screen on the display when presenting an operation method for starting execution of the inter-vehicle distance control function. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of a display screen when presenting an operation method for changing the settings of the inter-vehicle distance control function. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation method presentation process performed by the assistance function presentation device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the assistance function presentation device 100 is mounted on a host vehicle V (vehicle). The host vehicle V can travel by manual driving, in which the driver performs driving operations. In addition to manual driving, the host vehicle V can also execute a driving assistance function that assists the driver in driving the host vehicle V. The assistance function presentation device 100 presents a method for operating the driving assistance function of the host vehicle V to the driver (passenger) of the host vehicle V. This allows the driver to perform operations such as starting use of the driving assistance function, changing settings, and terminating use based on the presented operation method.

[0022] The assistance function presentation device 100 includes a presentation ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 10 that performs overall management of the device. The presentation ECU 10 is an electronic control unit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit. The storage unit is configured, for example, with a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The presentation ECU 10 realizes various functions by, for example, executing programs stored in the storage unit with the CPU. The presentation ECU 10 may be configured with multiple electronic control units.

[0023] The presentation ECU 10 is connected to an external sensor 20, a display 30, a speaker 40, and a driving assistance ECU 50. These devices connected to the presentation ECU 10 are mounted on the host vehicle V.

[0024] The external sensor 20 is a detection device that detects the surrounding conditions of the host vehicle V. The surrounding conditions include other vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles, road markings, road signs, and the status of traffic lights around the host vehicle V. The external sensor 20 includes at least one of a camera and a radar sensor. The camera is an imaging device that captures images of the external conditions of the host vehicle V. The camera is provided, for example, behind the windshield of the host vehicle V and captures images ahead of the host vehicle V. The camera transmits the captured images related to the external conditions of the host vehicle V to the presentation ECU 10. The radar sensor is a detection device that detects objects around the host vehicle V using radio waves (for example, millimeter waves) or light. The radar sensor includes, for example, millimeter wave radar or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). The radar sensor transmits information about the detected objects to the presentation ECU 10.

[0025] The display 30 is a display device that visually presents information to the driver of the host vehicle V. The display 30 is provided in the cabin of the host vehicle V. The display 30 may be a center display, a multi-information display (MID), or a head-up display (HUD). The display 30 displays various types of information in response to control signals from the presentation ECU 10.

[0026] The speaker 40 is a device that presents information by sound to the driver of the vehicle V. The speaker 40 outputs sound or the like in response to a control signal from the presentation ECU 10.

[0027] The driving assistance ECU 50 is an electronic control unit configured with the same devices as the presentation ECU 10. The driving assistance ECU 50 can execute a driving assistance function that assists the driver in driving the vehicle V. The driving assistance ECU 50 executes the driving assistance function using detection results from the external sensors 20 and the like.

[0028] The driving assistance ECU 50 can execute a driving assistance function by controlling the behavior of the host vehicle V. In this case, the driving assistance ECU 50 controls the behavior of the host vehicle V by outputting a control signal to an actuator mounted on the host vehicle V. This actuator includes, for example, at least one of a steering actuator that controls the steering of the host vehicle V, a power actuator that controls the speed of the host vehicle V, and a brake actuator that controls the brakes of the host vehicle V. The power actuator controls the output of a power source (such as an engine or motor) of the host vehicle V.

[0029] The driving assistance ECU 50 can execute various driving assistance functions to assist the driver in driving operations, such as a vehicle speed maintenance function, a vehicle distance control function, and a lane keeping assistance function. The vehicle speed maintenance function is, for example, a function to make the host vehicle V travel at a preset vehicle speed. This set vehicle speed can be set, for example, by the driver. The vehicle speed maintenance function may be configured to be executed, for example, on a highway. The vehicle distance control function is, for example, a function to make the host vehicle V travel while maintaining a constant vehicle distance from another vehicle ahead. The vehicle distance control function may be configured to be executed, for example, on a highway. The lane keeping assistance function is, for example, a function to control the steering of the host vehicle V so that the host vehicle V does not deviate from the traveling lane.

[0030] When a driving assistance function becomes available, the driving assistance ECU 50 starts executing the driving assistance function based on an instruction from the driver. A driving assistance function becomes available when an execution condition for the driving assistance ECU 50 to execute the driving assistance function is met. The execution condition is predetermined for each driving assistance function based on, for example, the vehicle speed of the host vehicle V, the situation around the host vehicle V, and the type of road on which the host vehicle V is traveling (general road or expressway). Furthermore, when a driving assistance function is in operation (executing), the driving assistance ECU 50 can terminate the execution of the driving assistance function based on an instruction from the driver.

[0031] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the presentation ECU 10. The presentation ECU 10 functionally includes an information acquisition unit 11, a situation determination unit 12, and a presentation control unit 13.

[0032] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires surrounding environment information, which is information about the surroundings of the host vehicle V. The surrounding environment information includes, for example, the positions of other vehicles (or pedestrians, obstacles, etc.) relative to the host vehicle V, the positions and shapes of lane markings on the road, information about road signs on the road (road sign recognition results), and the lighting status of traffic lights. Note that the information acquisition unit 11 may recognize the surrounding environment based on, for example, the detection results of the external sensor 20, and acquire the recognized information as the surrounding environment information. For example, the information acquisition unit 11 may recognize the positions and shapes of lane markings, road signs, and the contents of the road signs from an image captured by a camera serving as the external sensor 20, based on well-known image processing technology.

[0033] The information acquisition unit 11 may acquire the position and shape of lane markings, road sign information, etc. based on map information. The information acquisition unit 11 may acquire surrounding environment information based on multiple information sources, such as the external sensor 20 and map information.

[0034] The information acquisition unit 11 can further acquire driving route information along which the vehicle V will travel. The driving route information includes the route along which the vehicle V will travel, the type of road (such as an ordinary road or an expressway) along which the vehicle V will travel, and, when the vehicle V is traveling on an expressway, the location information of the entrances and exits of the expressway. The information acquisition unit 11 can acquire the driving route information from, for example, a navigation system that guides the vehicle V to a set destination.

[0035] The information acquisition unit 11 can further acquire usage history information of the driving assistance functions by the driver of the vehicle V. The usage history information of the driving assistance functions includes, for each driving assistance function, the number of times that the driving assistance function has been used. The usage history information of the driving assistance functions may also include, for each driving assistance function, the date and time that the driving assistance function was used. The information acquisition unit 11 can acquire the usage history information from the driving assistance ECU 50, for example.

[0036] The information acquisition unit 11 can further acquire information on the driver's understanding of the driving assistance functions of the vehicle V. The information on the understanding of the driving assistance functions includes the understanding of the driving assistance functions. The understanding of the driving assistance functions is the degree to which the driver understands the assistance content of the driving assistance functions (the behavior content of the vehicle V controlled by the assistance) and the operation method. The understanding is determined for each driving assistance function among the multiple driving assistance functions.

[0037] For example, a confirmation test may be conducted in advance for the driver to confirm his / her understanding of the driving assistance function. The understanding level information may be determined based on the results of the confirmation test. For example, the assistance function presentation device 100 may conduct the confirmation test using the display 30 or the like, and acquire the understanding level information based on the results of the confirmation test. This is not limiting, and the confirmation test may be conducted by a tester or the like, and the results may be input to the assistance function presentation device 100 as the understanding level information. In this way, the information acquisition unit 11 can acquire understanding level information of the driving assistance function that has been set by various methods.

[0038] The situation determination unit 12 determines whether or not the situation is a high-load situation in which the driver of the host vehicle V is under a high driving load, based on the surrounding environment information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11. Criteria for determining whether or not the situation is a high-load situation are set in advance. The high-load situation may be, for example, a situation in which there are many other vehicles around the host vehicle V and there are many places to check around the host vehicle V, or a situation in which the host vehicle V is entering or traveling around a sharp curve.

[0039] Specifically, for example, the situation determination unit 12 may determine that the situation is high-load when the number of other vehicles present within a predetermined range around the host vehicle V is equal to or greater than a predetermined vehicle number threshold. For example, the situation determination unit 12 may determine that the situation is high-load when the curvature of the curved road that the host vehicle V is entering or traveling on is equal to or greater than a predetermined curvature threshold (when the curve is sharp). In this way, the high-load situation is determined based on at least the situation outside the host vehicle V.

[0040] Furthermore, the situation determination unit 12 may determine whether or not the situation is high-load, taking into account the vehicle speed of the host vehicle V. In this case, the situation determination unit 12 lowers the criteria for determining a high-load situation when the vehicle speed of the host vehicle V is fast compared to when the vehicle speed is slow. In other words, the situation determination unit 12 makes it easier to determine that the situation is high-load when the vehicle speed of the host vehicle V is fast compared to when the vehicle speed is slow.

[0041] For example, when the vehicle speed is high, the surrounding situation changes quickly. Therefore, the driver needs to check the surroundings more carefully and perform driving operations more carefully, which tends to increase the load on the driver. Therefore, the situation determination unit 12 is more likely to determine that the situation is high-load when the vehicle speed is high.

[0042] When the determination is made based on the number of other vehicles around the vehicle V, it is possible to make it easier to determine that the vehicle is in a high-load situation by reducing the number threshold. When the determination is made based on the curvature of the curved road, it is possible to make it easier to determine that the vehicle is in a high-load situation by reducing the curvature threshold.

[0043] The presentation control unit 13 presents the operation method of the driving assistance function to the driver of the vehicle V. The presentation control unit 13 can present the operation method using at least one of the display on the display 30 and the audio output from the speaker 40. The presentation of the operation method by the presentation control unit 13 includes presenting the installation positions of operation switches (including touch positions on a touch panel) to be operated when operating the driving assistance function. The presentation of the operation method by the presentation control unit 13 may also include presenting what control is executed by operating which switch.

[0044] The presentation control unit 13 presents the operation method when the driving assistance function is available or in operation and the situation determination unit 12 has determined that the situation is not high-load. The presentation control unit 13 does not present the operation method when the driving assistance function is not available. Furthermore, even if the driving assistance function is available or in operation, the presentation control unit 13 does not present the operation method when the situation determination unit 12 has determined that the situation is high-load. Note that the presentation control unit 13 can, for example, acquire information on whether the driving assistance function is available or in operation from the driving assistance ECU 50.

[0045] For example, assume that a vehicle distance control function is available as a driving assistance function and that the situation determination unit 12 has determined that the vehicle is not in a high-load situation. In this case, the presentation control unit 13 can display an operation method for starting the execution of the vehicle distance control function on the display 30. Specifically, the presentation control unit 13 displays an operation method display F1 on the display 30, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The operation method display F1 indicates the installation position of an execution start switch B1 that starts the execution of the vehicle distance control function. Here, the illustration shows that the execution start switch B1 is provided in a portion closer to the right of the center of the steering wheel W.

[0046] This allows the driver of the host vehicle V to recognize the installation location of the execution start switch B1 of the inter-vehicle distance control function and operate the execution start switch B1. When the driver actually operates the execution start switch B1 provided on the steering wheel W, the display screen of the display 30 may also change in response to the driver's operation. For example, a message indicating that the execution start switch B1 has been operated may be displayed, or the color of the execution start switch B1 on the display 30 may be changed.

[0047] For example, suppose that the following distance control function is activated as a driving assistance function, and the situation determination unit 12 has determined that the vehicle is not in a high-load situation. In this case, the presentation control unit 13 can display on the display 30 a method for changing the setting of the following distance control function as an operation method for the following distance control function. Here, changing the setting of the following distance control function means changing the preset following distance between the vehicle V and another vehicle ahead. Specifically, the presentation control unit 13 displays an operation method display F2 on the display 30, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The operation method display F2 indicates the installation position of a setting change switch B2 for changing the following distance set in the following distance control function. Here, the illustration shows that the setting change switch B2 is provided in a portion toward the right of the center of the steering wheel W.

[0048] This allows the driver of the host vehicle V to recognize the installation location of the setting change switch B2 for the following distance control function and operate the setting change switch B2. When the driver actually operates the setting change switch B2 provided on the steering wheel W, the display screen of the display 30 may also change in response to the driver's operation. For example, a message indicating that the setting change switch B2 has been operated may be displayed, or the color of the setting change switch B2 on the display 30 may be changed.

[0049] (First specific example) Hereinafter, further specific examples will be described in which the presentation control unit 13 presents a method for operating a driving assistance function. First, a first specific example will be described. In the first specific example, the surrounding environment information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 includes information on other vehicles around the host vehicle V. This information on the other vehicles includes information on the positions of the other vehicles relative to the host vehicle V. The information on the other vehicles may include information on the speeds of the other vehicles in addition to information on the positions of the other vehicles relative to the host vehicle V. Furthermore, the driving assistance ECU 50 is assumed to be capable of executing a vehicle speed maintenance function as a driving assistance function, which causes the host vehicle V to travel at a set speed.

[0050] The presentation control unit 13 determines whether the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating, the situation determination unit 12 has determined that the situation is not high load, and the speed of the vehicle V and the speed of other vehicles obtained from the surrounding environment information differ by more than a predetermined speed threshold. If these determination conditions are met, the presentation control unit 13 presents an operation method for changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function.

[0051] The presentation control unit 13 can calculate the speed of the surrounding vehicles based on changes in the positions of the other vehicles included in the surrounding environment information. Alternatively, when the speed of the other vehicles is included in the surrounding environment information, the presentation control unit 13 can use this speed as the speed of the other vehicles. Furthermore, the other vehicles here are other vehicles around the host vehicle V that are traveling in the same direction as the host vehicle V. The other vehicles here are other vehicles around the host vehicle V that are traveling within a predetermined distance from the host vehicle V. When there are multiple other vehicles, the presentation control unit 13 may use, for example, an average value of the speeds of the multiple other vehicles as the speed of the other vehicles, or may use, for example, the speed of the other vehicle traveling closest to the host vehicle V.

[0052] In other words, determining whether the speed of the host vehicle V differs from the speed of the other vehicle by more than a predetermined speed threshold value means determining whether the host vehicle V is able to travel in accordance with the flow of other vehicles traveling around it. In this way, the presentation control unit 13 presents a method for changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the host vehicle V is not in a high-load situation but is unable to travel in accordance with the flow of other vehicles traveling around it. For example, the presentation control unit 13 may present a method for slowing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the speed of the host vehicle V is faster than the speed of the other vehicle. For example, the presentation control unit 13 may present a method for speeding up the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the speed of the host vehicle V is slower than the speed of the other vehicle.

[0053] (Second specific example) Next, a second specific example will be described. In the second specific example, the surrounding environment information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 includes the recognition result of a road sign indicating the speed limit of the road on which the host vehicle V is traveling (the speed limit indicated by the road sign). Furthermore, the driving assistance ECU 50 is assumed to be capable of executing a vehicle speed maintenance function, as a driving assistance function, for causing the host vehicle V to travel at a set speed that has been set.

[0054] The presentation control unit 13 determines whether the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating, the situation determination unit 12 has determined that the vehicle is not in a high-load situation, and the speed of the vehicle V deviates from the speed limit indicated by a road sign obtained from the surrounding environment information by more than a predetermined speed threshold. If these determination conditions are met, the presentation control unit 13 presents, as an operation method, a method for changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function. The presentation control unit 13 can obtain the vehicle speed of the vehicle V based on the detection results of a vehicle speed sensor (not shown). For example, if the speed of the vehicle V is faster than the speed limit indicated by a road sign, the presentation control unit 13 presents a method for slowing down the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function.

[0055] (Third specific example) Next, a third specific example will be described. In the third specific example, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires driving route information in addition to surrounding environment information. Furthermore, the driving assistance ECU 50 is capable of executing a vehicle speed maintenance function, as a driving assistance function, that causes the host vehicle V to travel at a set speed. Furthermore, in the third specific example, when the host vehicle V is traveling on a highway, the presentation control unit 13 calculates the distance to the exit where the host vehicle V will exit the highway based on the driving route information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11.

[0056] The presentation control unit 13 determines whether the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating, the situation determination unit 12 has determined that the vehicle is not in a high-load situation, the vehicle V is traveling on a highway, and the calculated distance to the highway exit is within a predetermined distance threshold. If these determination conditions are met, the presentation control unit 13 presents a method for canceling the vehicle speed maintenance function as an operation method.

[0057] Furthermore, when presenting the operation method in the various examples described above, the presentation control unit 13 can further determine whether or not to present the operation method based on the usage history of the driving assistance function by the driver of the vehicle V. For example, if the driving assistance function is used frequently, it is considered that the driver knows or understands how to operate the driving assistance function. Therefore, if the driving assistance function is used frequently, the presentation control unit 13 does not present the operation method even if it has determined in the various examples described above that the operation method of the driving assistance function should be presented. The presentation control unit 13 determines whether or not to present the operation method for each driving assistance function among the multiple driving assistance functions based on the number of times it has been used.

[0058] Specifically, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires usage history information of the driving assistance function by the driver of the vehicle V. As described above, the usage history information includes the number of times each driving assistance function has been used. The presentation control unit 13 determines whether the number of times the driver has used the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a predetermined number threshold based on the usage history information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11. If the number of times the driving assistance function has been used is equal to or greater than the predetermined number threshold, the presentation control unit 13 does not present the operation method to the driver even if it has determined in the various examples described above that an operation method for the driving assistance function should be presented.

[0059] In addition, the presentation control unit 13 may use the number of uses of the driving assistance function over the entire period from the past to the present as the number of uses to compare with the frequency threshold, or may use the number of uses over a predetermined period from the present to the past.

[0060] The usage history information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 may be determined for each driver. In this case, for example, the driving assistance ECU 50 may identify the driver driving the vehicle V and collect the usage history information for each driver. For example, the driving assistance ECU 50 may identify the driver based on a facial image captured by a driver monitor camera or the like, or, if the driver has input information for identifying himself / herself into the vehicle V, may identify the driver based on the information. The information acquisition unit 11 acquires the usage history information collected for each driver by the driving assistance ECU 50. The presentation control unit 13 may use the usage history information corresponding to the driver driving the vehicle V to determine whether or not to present an operation method based on the number of times the driver has used the driving assistance function. Note that, like the driving assistance ECU 50, the presentation control unit 13 may identify the driver based on a facial image captured by a driver monitor camera or the like, or, if the driver has input information for identifying himself / herself into the vehicle V, may identify the driver based on the information. The method by which the presentation control unit 13 identifies the driver is not particularly limited.

[0061] When presenting the operation method in the various examples described above, the presentation control unit 13 can further determine whether or not the presentation of the operation method is necessary based on the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function of the vehicle V. For example, if the driver has a high level of understanding of the driving assistance function, it is considered that the driver knows or understands how to operate the driving assistance function. Therefore, if the driver has a high level of understanding of the driving assistance function, the presentation control unit 13 does not present the operation method even if it has determined in the various examples described above that the operation method of the driving assistance function should be presented.

[0062] Specifically, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires information on the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function of the vehicle V. The presentation control unit 13 determines whether the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a predetermined understanding threshold based on the understanding information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11. If the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than the predetermined understanding threshold, the presentation control unit 13 does not present the driver with the operation method even if it has determined in the various examples described above that the operation method of the driving assistance function should be presented.

[0063] Next, the flow of the operation method presentation process performed by the assistance function presentation device 100 will be described. The process shown in FIG. 4 starts when the host vehicle V starts traveling. When the process reaches the end, the process restarts from the start after a predetermined time. As shown in FIG. 4, the presentation control unit 13 determines whether the driving assistance function is available or in operation (S101). If the driving assistance function is not available or in operation (S101: NO), the process proceeds to the end.

[0064] If the driving assistance function is available or in operation (S101: YES), the presentation control unit 13 determines whether or not a determination condition for presenting an operation method is met (S102). This determination condition includes at least that the situation determination unit 12 has determined that the situation is not high-load. When presenting the operation method described in the first specific example, the determination condition of S102 further includes that the speed of the host vehicle V and the speed of another vehicle obtained from the surrounding environment information deviate by more than a predetermined speed threshold. In this case, it is also determined in S101 whether or not the vehicle speed maintenance function is in operation.

[0065] When the operation method described in the second specific example is presented, the determination conditions of S102 further include that the speed of the host vehicle V deviates from the speed limit indicated by a road sign obtained from the surrounding environment information by more than a predetermined speed threshold. In this case, it is determined in S101 whether the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating. When the operation method described in the third specific example is presented, the determination conditions of S102 further include that the host vehicle V is traveling on a highway and the calculated distance to the highway exit is within a predetermined distance threshold. In this case, it is determined in S101 whether the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating.

[0066] Next, the presentation control unit 13 determines whether the number of times the driving support function has been used is equal to or greater than a threshold value based on the usage history information of the driving support function (S103). The driving support function to be determined here is a driving support function that has been determined to be available or in operation in S101, and is a driving support function for which an operation method is to be presented. If the number of times the driving support function has been used is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S103: YES), the process proceeds to END.

[0067] If the number of times the driving assistance function has been used is not equal to or greater than the count threshold (S103: NO), the presentation control unit 13 determines whether the understanding of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than the understanding threshold based on the understanding information of the driving assistance function (S104). The driving assistance function to be determined here is the driving assistance function determined to be available or in operation in S101, and is the driving assistance function for which an operation method is to be presented. If the understanding of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than the understanding threshold (S104: YES), the processing proceeds to END. If the understanding of the driving assistance function is not equal to or greater than the understanding threshold (S104: NO), the presentation control unit 13 presents an operation method for the driving assistance function (S105). The driving assistance function for which an operation method is to be presented is the driving assistance function determined to be available or in operation in S101.

[0068] As described above, the assistance function presentation device 100 presents the driver with an operation method for the driving assistance function based on whether the driving assistance function is available or in operation, as well as whether the driver is in a high-load situation where the driver's driving operation is high. Here, when the driver is in a high-load situation where the driver's driving operation is high, the driver needs to concentrate on the driving operation. If the operation method for the driving assistance function is presented in such a case, it is possible that the driver's attention will be diverted from the driving operation. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device 100 presents the operation method to the driver when it is determined that the driving assistance function is available or in operation and the situation is not a high-load situation. This allows the assistance function presentation device 100 to present the operation method for the driving assistance function at an appropriate time. The driver can then easily operate the driving assistance function based on the presented operation method.

[0069] For example, assume that a vehicle speed maintenance function is activated as a driving assistance function. If the speed of the host vehicle V deviates from the speed of other surrounding vehicles while the vehicle speed maintenance function is activated, it is possible that the host vehicle V is not traveling in accordance with the flow of other surrounding vehicles. In other words, it may be preferable to change the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function so that the host vehicle V matches the flow of other surrounding vehicles. For this reason, when the situation determination unit 12 determines that the host vehicle V is not in a high-load situation and the speed of the host vehicle V deviates from the speed of other surrounding vehicles by a predetermined threshold or more, the assistance function presentation device 100 presents a method for changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function at a more appropriate timing as an operation method for the vehicle speed maintenance function. The driver can then easily perform an operation to change the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function based on the presented operation method.

[0070] For example, suppose that a vehicle speed maintenance function is in operation as a driving assistance function. If the speed of the host vehicle V deviates from the speed limit indicated by a road sign while the vehicle speed maintenance function is in operation, it is possible that the host vehicle V is not traveling in accordance with the speed limit. In other words, it may be preferable to change the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function so that the host vehicle V follows the speed limit. For this reason, the assistance function presentation device 100 presents a method for changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the speed of the host vehicle V deviates from the speed limit indicated by a road sign by more than a predetermined threshold. This allows the assistance function presentation device 100 to present a method for changing the set speed as an operation method for the vehicle speed maintenance function at a more appropriate timing. The driver can then easily perform an operation to change the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function based on the presented operation method.

[0071] For example, in places other than expressways, it may be inappropriate or impossible to use the vehicle speed maintenance function that drives the host vehicle V at a set speed. For this reason, it is preferable for the driver to deactivate the vehicle speed maintenance function before exiting the expressway. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device 100 presents a method for deactivating the vehicle speed maintenance function when the distance to the expressway exit is within a predetermined distance threshold while the vehicle speed maintenance function is activated. This allows the assistance function presentation device 100 to present a method for deactivating the vehicle speed maintenance function at a more appropriate timing as an operation method for the vehicle speed maintenance function. The driver can then easily perform the operation to deactivate the vehicle speed maintenance function based on the presented operation method.

[0072] If the driver uses the driving assistance function frequently, it is considered that the driver knows or understands how to operate the driving assistance function. On the other hand, if the driver uses the driving assistance function infrequently, it is considered that the driver does not know or understand how to operate the driving assistance function. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device 100 does not present the operation method when the driver uses the driving assistance function more than a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, the assistance function presentation device 100 presents the operation method when the driver uses the driving assistance function less than a predetermined threshold. This allows the assistance function presentation device 100 to more appropriately present the operation method of the driving assistance function based on the number of times the driving assistance function is used. Furthermore, the assistance function presentation device 100 does not present the operation method to a driver who knows or understands how to operate the driving assistance function. This allows the assistance function presentation device 100 to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the presentation of the operation method of the driving assistance function.

[0073] When the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is high, it is considered that the driver understands how to operate the driving assistance function. On the other hand, when the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is low, it is considered that the driver does not understand how to operate the driving assistance function. Therefore, the assistance function presentation device 100 does not present the operation method when the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is equal to or higher than a predetermined understanding threshold. On the other hand, the assistance function presentation device 100 presents the operation method when the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function is lower than the predetermined understanding threshold. This allows the assistance function presentation device 100 to more appropriately present the operation method of the driving assistance function based on the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function. Furthermore, the assistance function presentation device 100 does not present the operation method to a driver who understands how to operate the driving assistance function. This allows the assistance function presentation device 100 to prevent the driver from feeling annoyed by the presentation of the operation method of the driving assistance function.

[0074] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the assistance function presentation device 100 may be configured not to make a determination based on the number of times the driver uses the driving assistance function when determining whether or not to present an operation method. Furthermore, for example, the assistance function presentation device 100 may be configured not to make a determination based on the driver's understanding of the driving assistance function when determining whether or not to present an operation method. At least some of the embodiments and various modified examples described above may be combined in any manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 11...information acquisition unit, 12...situation determination unit, 13...presentation control unit, 100...assistance function presentation device, V...own vehicle (vehicle).

Claims

1. An assistance function presentation device that presents an operation method for a driving assistance function of a vehicle, an information acquisition unit that acquires information about the surrounding environment of the vehicle; a situation determination unit that determines whether the vehicle is in a high-load situation where the driver of the vehicle is under a high load of driving operations based on the surrounding environment information; An assistance function presentation device comprising: a presentation control unit that presents the operation method to the driver when the driving assistance function is available or in operation and the situation determination unit determines that the situation is not high-load.

2. The surrounding environment information includes information about other vehicles around the vehicle, the driving assistance function is a vehicle speed maintenance function that causes the vehicle to travel at a set speed, 2. The assistance function presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the presentation control unit presents, as the operation method, a method of changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating, the situation determination unit determines that the situation is not high load, and the speed of the vehicle and the speed of the other vehicle obtained from the surrounding environment information deviate by more than a predetermined speed threshold.

3. the surrounding environment information includes a recognition result of a road sign indicating a speed limit of a road on which the vehicle is traveling, the driving assistance function is a vehicle speed maintenance function that causes the vehicle to travel at a set speed, 2. The assistance function presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the presentation control unit presents, as the operation method, a method of changing the set speed of the vehicle speed maintenance function when the vehicle speed maintenance function is operating, the situation determination unit determines that the high-load situation is not present, and the speed limit indicated by the road sign obtained from the surrounding environment information deviates from the vehicle speed by more than a predetermined speed threshold.

4. The information acquisition unit further acquires travel route information on which the vehicle is traveling, the driving assistance function is a vehicle speed maintenance function that causes the vehicle to travel at a set speed, The presentation control unit While the vehicle is traveling on a highway, a distance to an exit at which the vehicle will exit the highway is calculated based on the travel route information; 2. The assistance function presentation device according to claim 1, wherein when the vehicle speed maintenance function is activated, the situation determination unit determines that the vehicle is not in a high-load situation, the vehicle is traveling on a highway, and the calculated distance to the exit is within a predetermined distance threshold, a method of canceling the vehicle speed maintenance function is presented as the operation method.

5. The information acquisition unit further acquires usage history information of the driving assistance function by the driver of the vehicle, The assistance function presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the presentation control unit further determines whether the number of times the driver has used the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value based on the usage history information, and if the number of times the driver has used the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value, does not present the operating method to the driver.

6. The information acquisition unit further acquires information about a driver's understanding of the driving assistance function of the vehicle, The assistance function presentation device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the presentation control unit further determines whether the understanding of the driving assistance function is equal to or greater than a predetermined understanding threshold based on the understanding information, and if the understanding is equal to or greater than the predetermined understanding threshold, does not present the operating method to the driver.

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