Vehicle control device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle control device capable of providing an in-vehicle environment according to a user's desire.SOLUTION: In the vehicle control device, a processor acquires biological data of a user of a vehicle from a sensor provided in the vehicle, determines a consciousness level of the user from the biological data based on a kinesiology test, and changes an in-vehicle environment by controlling an interface mounted on the vehicle according to the determined consciousness level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for acquiring biometric information of a user and autonomously controlling the operation of an in-vehicle device based on the biometric information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-126818 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] David R. Hawkins, "Power or Force? Revised Edition (Kindle Edition)," Natural Spirit Co., Ltd., August 18, 2019, pp. 80-125 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can grasp the user's conscious mind through biometric information, but cannot grasp the deeper subconscious mind, making it difficult to control the operation of the in-vehicle device in accordance with the user's wishes.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a vehicle control device that can provide an in-vehicle environment that meets the user's desires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The vehicle control device of the present disclosure has a processor that acquires biometric data of a vehicle user from sensors equipped in the vehicle, determines the user's level of consciousness from the biometric data based on a kinesiology test, and changes the in-vehicle environment by controlling an interface installed in the vehicle according to the determined level of consciousness. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle control device that can provide an in-vehicle environment that meets the user's desires. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a vehicle control method executed by a vehicle control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the first kinesiology test in the vehicle control method executed by the vehicle control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the second kinesiology test in the vehicle control method executed by the vehicle control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the third kinesiology test in the vehicle control method executed by the vehicle control device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components in the following embodiments include those that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

[0011] (Vehicle control device) The configuration of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The vehicle control device according to the embodiment determines the level of consciousness of a vehicle user (e.g., a driver) through a kinesiology test, and controls an in-vehicle interface according to the determined level of consciousness.

[0012] A kinesiology test is a muscle reflex test in response to external stimuli (see Non-Patent Document 1). In a kinesiology test, for example, when a positive stimulus is applied to the body, a strong muscle response is induced, and when a negative stimulus is applied to the body, a weak muscle response is induced. Furthermore, the "level of consciousness" in a kinesiology test does not refer to the user's level of wakefulness, but rather to a subconscious state that is deeper than the user's conscious mind. By focusing on the user's muscle responses, a kinesiology test can determine whether the external environment (in-car environment in this embodiment) is appropriate (optimal) for the user, based on a subconscious state that the user is not aware of.

[0013] For example, even if a user is satisfied (consciously satisfied) with the current in-car environment (e.g., the type of background music in the car, the volume, the brightness in the car, the temperature in the car, etc.), the user's body may accumulate strain, fatigue, stress, etc. For example, in the hot midsummer, people often turn up the air conditioning in the car, but spending a long time in an air-conditioned car can cause dry skin and other physical problems. In this embodiment, a truly beneficial in-car environment for the user is provided by using a kinesiology test to determine the physical (muscle) reactions that the user is not aware of.

[0014] A vehicle 1 to which the vehicle control device according to the embodiment is applied is, for example, a general engine vehicle (conventional vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 may also be, for example, a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV: Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle), an electric vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle), etc.

[0015] The vehicle 1 is configured to be able to communicate with a center server 2 via a network N such as the Internet network, a mobile phone network, etc. The center server 2 is connected to a database 3.

[0016] The vehicle 1 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a sensor 13, and an interface 14. Note that Fig. 1 shows only the components necessary to realize the vehicle control device according to the embodiment from the actual configuration of the vehicle 1, and the other components are not shown.

[0017] The control unit 11 is an electronic control unit (ECU) whose main components are a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and the like.

[0018] The control unit 11 performs the following processes: In the following explanation, the step numbers of the flowcharts in Figures 2 to 5 corresponding to each process are also listed as necessary. (1) Biometric data of the user of the vehicle 1 is acquired from the sensor 13 provided in the vehicle 1 (step S13). (2) Based on the kinesiology test, the user's level of consciousness is determined from the acquired biological data (steps S14 to S19). (3) The interface 14 mounted on the vehicle 1 is controlled in accordance with the determined level of consciousness to change the in-vehicle environment (step S4).

[0019] Here, the process of determining the level of consciousness includes the following processes. (1) A predetermined sound is output while the sensor 13 is measuring the biological data (steps S15 and S16). (2) The consciousness level is determined from the biological data measured after the predetermined sound is output (steps S17 to S19).

[0020] The process of determining the level of consciousness includes the following steps. (1) During measurement of biological data by the sensor 13, a first voice indicating that a predetermined consciousness level is met and a second voice indicating that the predetermined consciousness level is not met are output (steps S15 and S16). (2) The value of the first biometric data measured after the first voice is output is compared with the value of the second biometric data measured after the second voice is output (step S17). (3) If the value of the first biological data is greater than the value of the second biological data (Yes in step S17), the consciousness level is determined to be a predetermined consciousness level (step S18). (4) If the value of the first biometric data is less than or equal to the value of the second biometric data (No in step S17), the interface 14 is controlled to change the in-vehicle environment to one that was previously applied to a user with attributes similar to the user's (step S9).

[0021] The process for changing the vehicle interior environment includes the following processes. (1) The in-vehicle environment is changed by controlling the interface 14 (step S4). (2) Measure the biological data after the change in the vehicle environment (step S33). (3) If the value of the measured biometric data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the changed in-vehicle environment is maintained; if the value of the measured biometric data is less than the predetermined threshold, the change to a different in-vehicle environment and the measurement of the biometric data are repeated until the value of the biometric data is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (steps S4 to S6).

[0022] The process for changing the vehicle interior environment includes the following processes. (1) If the user accepts the changed in-car environment, the changed in-car environment is maintained.

[0023] The communication unit 12 is configured by, for example, a DCM (Data Communication Module), etc. The communication unit 12 exchanges information with the center server 2 through communication via the network N.

[0024] The sensor 13 is for acquiring biometric information of the user. The sensor 13 includes a pressure gauge 131 and a camera 132. The pressure gauge 131 is built into, for example, the steering wheel of the vehicle 1, and detects the grip strength of the user when gripping the steering wheel. The camera 132 is installed, for example, in the vehicle interior, at a position where it can capture an image of the user's body. The camera 132 captures, for example, the user's facial expression, pupil size, body movements such as arms, skin color (complexion), etc.

[0025] The interface 14 is, for example, an in-vehicle device provided in the cabin of the vehicle 1. The interface 14 includes a display device 141, a speaker 142, a microphone 143, a lighting device 144, an air conditioning device 145, and a fragrance emitting device 146.

[0026] The display device 141 is realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting display (OLED), etc. The speaker 142 speaks predetermined phrases to the user under the control of the control unit 11, for example, during a kinesiology test. The microphone 143 records the user's speech and transmits it to the control unit 11, for example, during a kinesiology test. The lighting device 144, the air conditioning device 145, and the fragrance emitting device 146 are provided in the vehicle interior.

[0027] The center server 2 is realized by, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or a personal computer. When the center server 2 receives user attribute information from the vehicle 1, it obtains in-vehicle environment information of another user who is similar to the user from the database 3 and transmits the in-vehicle environment information to the vehicle 1.

[0028] "Attribute information" includes, for example, the user's physical characteristics (e.g., age, sex, body shape, etc.) and mental characteristics (e.g., personality, behavioral patterns, etc.). "In-vehicle environment information" is information about the in-vehicle environment of multiple users who have previously ridden in vehicle 1. In-vehicle environment information includes, for example, information about the type of background music in the vehicle, volume, brightness in the vehicle, temperature in the vehicle, airflow rate of the air conditioner in the vehicle, scent in the vehicle, etc. Database 3 stores in-vehicle environment information collected in advance from multiple users, categorized by attribute information.

[0029] (Vehicle control method) The flow of a vehicle control method executed by a vehicle control device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In the following description, an example will be described in which grip strength is used as biometric data of a user, that is, a kinesiology test is performed using the grip strength of the user acquired by a pressure meter 131.

[0030] First, the control unit 11 performs a first kinesiology test (step S1). The first kinesiology test is a test for determining the user's current level of consciousness. Details of the first kinesiology test will be described later (see FIG. 3). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the level of consciousness determined by the first kinesiology test is 200 or higher (step S2).

[0031] In the vehicle control method according to the embodiment, a total of three kinesiology tests are performed, as shown in Fig. 2. The determination in step S2 is a requirement for proceeding to the two kinesiology tests from step S3 onwards. That is, only if the level of consciousness is determined to be 200 or higher in step S2, the kinesiology tests from step S3 onwards are performed, and if the level of consciousness is determined to be less than 200, the subsequent kinesiology tests are not performed.

[0032] If it is determined in step S2 that the level of consciousness is 200 or higher (Yes in step S2), the control unit 11 performs a second kinesiology test (step S3). The second kinesiology test is a test for setting a threshold value. Details of the second kinesiology test will be described later (see FIG. 4). Next, the control unit 11 changes the in-vehicle environment by controlling the interface 14 (step S4).

[0033] Next, the control unit 11 performs a third kinesiology test (step S5). The third kinesiology test is a test to determine whether the in-vehicle environment changed in step S4 was useful or useless for the user. Details of the third kinesiology test will be described later (see FIG. 5).

[0034] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the user's grip strength acquired by the pressure meter 131 is equal to or greater than the threshold set in step S3 (step S6). In step S6, the control unit 11 compares the user's grip strength (threshold) measured in the second kinesiology test (step S3) before changing the in-vehicle environment with the user's grip strength measured in the third kinesiology test (step S5) after changing the in-vehicle environment. This determines whether the change in the in-vehicle environment has had a positive or negative effect on the user's body (here, grip strength).

[0035] For example, if the change in the in-car environment has a positive effect on the user's body, the user's grip strength measured in the third kinesiology test (step S5) will be equal to or greater than the user's grip strength (threshold) measured in the second kinesiology test (step S3). On the other hand, if the change in the in-car environment has a negative effect on the user's body, the user's grip strength measured in the second kinesiology test (step S5) will be less than the user's grip strength (threshold) measured in the second kinesiology test (step S3).

[0036] If it is determined in step S6 that the user's grip strength is equal to or greater than the threshold (Yes in step S6), the control unit 11 completes this process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the user's grip strength is less than the threshold (No in step S6), the control unit 11 returns to step S4, controls the interface 14 to change to a different in-vehicle environment, and performs the processes from step S5 onward. That is, if the user's physical reaction (here, grip strength) to the in-vehicle environment is not good in the third kinesiology test, the in-vehicle environment (e.g., air volume of the air conditioner, etc.) is changed little by little without informing the user until the user's physical reaction improves. In this case, for example, in step S4, if the air volume of the air conditioner is increased and the grip strength decreases (below the threshold), the in-vehicle environment is changed by, for example, decreasing the air volume of the air conditioner.

[0037] Here, if it is determined in step S2 that the consciousness level is less than 200 (No in step S2), the control unit 11 transmits the user's attribute information to the center server 2 (step S7). Next, the center server 2 acquires in-vehicle environment information of another user whose attribute information is similar to that of the user from the database 3 (step S8), and transmits it to the vehicle 1. Next, the control unit 11 changes the in-vehicle environment based on the in-vehicle environment information acquired from the center server 2, and returns to the processing of step S1.

[0038] <First Kinesiology Test> The details of the first kinesiology test will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] First, the control unit 11 speaks to the user via the speaker 142, saying, "Please grip the steering wheel" (step S11). Next, when the user grips the steering wheel (step S12), the control unit 11 measures the grip strength of the user with the pressure gauge 131 (step S13).

[0040] Next, the control unit 11 speaks to the user through the speaker 142, "The measurement will be performed with the best intentions" (step S14). Next, the control unit 11 speaks through the speaker 142, "The consciousness level is less than 200" (step S15). Next, the control unit 11 speaks through the speaker 142, "The consciousness level is 200 or more" (step S16).

[0041] Next, the grip strength measured after the utterance in step S15 (hereinafter referred to as "A's grip strength") is compared with the grip strength measured after the utterance in step S16 (hereinafter referred to as "B's grip strength"), and it is determined whether B's grip strength is greater than A's grip strength (step S17).

[0042] If it is determined in step S17 that B's grip strength is greater than A's grip strength (Yes in step S17), the control unit 11 determines that the user's level of consciousness is 200 or greater (step S18) and ends this process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that B's grip strength is equal to or less than A's grip strength (No in step S17), the control unit 11 determines that the user's level of consciousness is less than 200 (step S19) and ends this process. In this way, in the first kinesiology test, by uttering a predetermined phrase and measuring grip strength, it is determined whether the user's level of consciousness is 200 or greater.

[0043] <Second Kinesiology Test> Details of the second kinesiology test will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] First, the control unit 11 speaks to the user through the speaker 142, saying, "Please grip the steering wheel" (step S21). Next, when the user grips the steering wheel (step S22), the control unit 11 measures the user's grip strength using the pressure gauge 131 (step S23). Next, the control unit 11 sets the value of the grip strength measured in step S23 as a threshold value (step S24), and completes this process. In this way, in the second kinesiology test, the user's grip strength before the change in the vehicle environment (step S4) is measured, and this grip strength is set as the threshold value.

[0045] <The Third Kinesiology Test> The details of the third kinesiology test will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] First, the control unit 11 speaks to the user through the speaker 142, saying, "Please grip the steering wheel" (step S31). Next, when the user grips the steering wheel (step S32), the control unit 11 measures the user's grip strength using the pressure gauge 131 (step S33), and then completes this process. In this way, in the third kinesiology test, the user's grip strength is measured after the in-vehicle environment is changed (step S4).

[0047] Thus, in the vehicle control method according to the embodiment, first, a first kinesiology test is performed to determine whether the user's consciousness level is 200 or higher (steps S1 and S2), and only if the consciousness level is 200 or higher, the subsequent second and third kinesiology tests are performed.

[0048] A "consciousness level of 200 or higher" state indicates that the user's consciousness level is good, and indicates a state in which the user's body (muscles) reacts positively to, for example, changes in the in-car environment (step S4). In this way, if the user's consciousness level is such that the user's body reacts positively, the second and third kinesiology tests can be performed accurately, and the reliability of the results will be high. On the other hand, if the user's consciousness level is below 200, the user's body (muscles) will react negatively to, for example, changes in the in-car environment (step S4), and the accuracy and reliability of the results of the second and third kinesiology tests will also decrease.

[0049] According to the vehicle control device according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide an in-vehicle environment that meets the user's desire.

[0050] Here, in the vehicle control device according to the embodiment, the user is the driver of the vehicle 1, but the user may be a passenger other than the driver of the vehicle 1. Also, there may be multiple users.

[0051] Furthermore, in the first kinesiology test described with reference to FIG. 3, two phrases are uttered (see steps S15 and S16), but three or more phrases may be uttered.

[0052] In addition, the user's biometric data used in the first, second, and third kinesiology tests may be other than biometric data obtained by stimulating the five senses, such as data correlated with muscle strength, such as the following: (1) Data collected by vital wear, such as the user's body movements (rotation, acceleration), body temperature, electrocardiogram, sweat pH, microRNA, exosomes, and simple health check results. (2) The number of steps, walking speed, sole temperature, and sole force distribution of the user obtained by biometric shoes (3) The user's usual hand and finger movements, etc., acquired by the bionic glove (4) Blood flow is read from changes in the skin color of the user captured by the camera 132, and electrocardiogram data is reproduced, brain activity data is evaluated from changes in the user's facial expression, etc. (5) The user's heart rate, heartbeat interval, etc. acquired by the millimeter wave vital sensor

[0053] Further advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 vehicle 11 Control section 12 Communications Department 13 Sensors 131 Pressure gauge 132 Camera 14 Interface 141 Display device 142 Speaker 143 Mike 144 Lighting Equipment 145 Air conditioning equipment 146 Fragrance Generator 2. Center Server 3 Database

Claims

1. The processor: Acquiring biometric data of a vehicle user from a sensor provided in the vehicle; determining a level of consciousness of the user from the biometric data based on a kinesiology test; changing an in-vehicle environment by controlling an interface mounted in the vehicle according to the determined consciousness level; Vehicle control device.

2. Determining the level of consciousness includes: outputting a predetermined sound while the biological data is being measured by the sensor; determining the level of consciousness from the biological data measured after the predetermined sound is output; The vehicle control device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. Determining the level of consciousness includes: outputting a first voice indicating that a predetermined consciousness level is met and a second voice indicating that the predetermined consciousness level is not met during measurement of the biological data by the sensor; comparing a value of the first biometric data measured after the first sound is output with a value of the second biometric data measured after the second sound is output; If the value of the first biological data is greater than the value of the second biological data, the consciousness level is determined to be the predetermined consciousness level. The vehicle control device according to claim 2 , further comprising:

4. Changing the in-vehicle environment includes: Changing the in-vehicle environment by controlling the interface; measuring the biological data after the change in the vehicle interior environment; If the measured value of the biological data is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the changed in-vehicle environment is maintained; If the measured value of the biological data is less than a predetermined threshold, changing to another in-vehicle environment and measuring the biological data are repeated until the value of the biological data becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. The vehicle control device according to claim 3 , further comprising:

5. Determining the level of consciousness includes: outputting a first voice indicating that a predetermined consciousness level is met and a second voice indicating that the predetermined consciousness level is not met during measurement of the biological data by the sensor; comparing a value of the first biometric data measured after the first sound is output with a value of the second biometric data measured after the second sound is output; This includes:

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein changing the in-vehicle environment includes controlling the interface to change the in-vehicle environment to one that was previously applied to a user with attributes similar to those of the user when the value of the first biometric data is equal to or less than the value of the second biometric data.

6. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 , wherein changing the in-vehicle environment includes maintaining the changed in-vehicle environment if the changed in-vehicle environment is accepted by the user.

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