Automobiles and automotive programs

Abstract

To provide a car that is easy to use. [Solution] The vehicle is equipped with a battery and / or fuel level detection unit that detects the remaining amount of battery and / or fuel, a car navigation function unit, and a control unit, and is equipped with an autonomous driving mode for autonomous driving. The control unit is equipped with a reception means that receives a specification from the passenger regarding the driving time to be used, a calculation means that calculates the driving time based on the remaining amount of battery and / or fuel detected by the battery and / or fuel level detection unit, a determination means that determines whether the driving time calculated by the calculation means is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger, a search means that searches for a route for the specified driving time using the car navigation function unit when the determination means determines that the driving time is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger, and a route notification means that displays the route found by the search means on a display screen and notifies the passenger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to automobiles and automobile programs.

Background Art

[0002] Automobiles are mainly for driving purposes. Generally, first, upon receiving a startup operation by a passenger, they supply a power voltage from the installed battery to the main driving system to become in a state ready to start driving, and also supply the power voltage to accessory function parts such as a car audio part and a car navigation part, making these accessory function parts also available. That is, in a conventional automobile, when a passenger gets in the car, first, they perform a startup operation for driving purposes. Then, after power-on by that startup operation, the passenger makes detailed settings of the accessory function parts, for example, setting the music source to be played in the car audio part or setting the destination using the car navigation part.

[0003] By the way, accessory functions for uses other than driving in recent automobiles, in addition to, for example, a TV viewing function and a DVD playback viewing function, a massage function (see Patent Document 1) and the like have come to be installed in automobiles, and the possibility of installing various uses other than driving has been increasing.

[0004] Also, in recent years, the development of automobiles equipped with an autonomous driving mode in which a driver can drive autonomously without performing a manual driving operation has been progressing. In the future, it is expected that fully autonomous vehicles that do not require any manual driving operation by a driver will also appear (see Non-Patent Document 1). With the appearance of such automobiles (autonomous vehicles) equipped with an autonomous driving mode, passengers no longer need to be involved in driving operations.

[0005] Combined with the appearance of such autonomous vehicles, it is expected that the possibility of using accessory functions that can be used inside the car regardless of the driving of the automobile will increase even when the automobile is parked without driving.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-071237 [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Newsweek Japan, October 18, 2016 issue, pp. 21-30 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Given the above background, the uses of automobiles are no longer limited to just driving. Beyond driving, the interior of a car can be used as a space for enjoying audio, watching AV content via television or DVD, playing games, receiving massages, or simply resting quietly.

[0009] Considering this background, even if a passenger gets into a car, their intended use may not be limited to driving the vehicle, but may be solely for purposes other than driving. Therefore, the situation where accessory functions cannot be selected or set until the vehicle has been started and power supplied to the drivetrain is activated, as in the past, is extremely inconvenient, and the power supplied to the drivetrain during the startup process may be wasted.

[0010] This invention aims to provide an automobile that is easy for passengers to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is: A battery and / or fuel level detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the battery and / or fuel, Car navigation function unit, Control unit and In an automobile equipped with an autonomous driving mode that enables self-driving, The control unit, A means of receiving passengers to specify the duration of travel they wish to use, A calculation means for calculating the remaining driving time based on the remaining amount of the battery and / or fuel detected by the battery and / or fuel remaining amount detection unit, A determination means for determining whether the driving time calculated by the calculation means is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger, If the determination means determines that the available driving time is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger, the search means searches for a route for the specified driving time using the car navigation function unit. A route notification means that displays the route resulting from the search means on a display screen and notifies the passenger, The present invention provides an automobile characterized by having the following features.

[0012] The automobile according to claim 1, with the configuration described above, receives a specification from the passenger regarding the driving time to be used, determines whether the remaining driving time is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger based on the remaining battery and / or fuel amount calculated by the calculation means, and if it is determined that the remaining driving time is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger, it searches for a route for the specified driving time using the car navigation function unit, and displays the search result route on the display screen and notifies the passenger.

[0013] Therefore, in the automobile according to claim 1 with the above configuration, when a passenger specifies the amount of time they will be using the vehicle, if the specified driving time is longer than the available driving time calculated based on the remaining battery and / or fuel levels, the route for the specified driving time will be displayed on the display screen. As a result, the passenger can use the automobile without worrying about the remaining battery and / or fuel levels. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the automobile of the present invention, a passenger can use the automobile for driving without worrying about the remaining amount of the battery and / or fuel, which is convenient.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic control circuit unit of an autonomous vehicle as an embodiment of the automobile according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of the history content of the history memory included in the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a flowchart for explaining a part of the flow of the processing operation example of the electronic control circuit unit of the autonomous vehicle in the example of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example display illustrating the processing operation of the electronic control circuit section of the autonomous vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example display illustrating the processing operation of the electronic control circuit section of the autonomous vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example display illustrating the processing operation of the electronic control circuit section of the autonomous vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example display illustrating the processing operation of the electronic control circuit section of the autonomous vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the automobile according to this invention will be described with reference to the figures. The first embodiment of the automobile described below is an automobile (autonomous vehicle) that has a manual driving mode in which the vehicle is driven in response to manual driving operations by the driver, as in the conventional case, and an automatic driving mode in which the vehicle is driven autonomously without driver operation. Of course, this invention can also be implemented in an automobile (fully autonomous vehicle) that has only an automatic driving mode in which the vehicle is driven autonomously and does not require any manual driving operations by the driver (manual driving operations are not possible).

[0017] In the autonomous vehicle embodiments described below, the following is given particular consideration. That is, even without considering uses other than driving, if we consider a fully autonomous vehicle that does not require any manual driving operation by a driver, it is unclear what route the vehicle should take if a destination is not set. For this reason, setting a destination is always necessary after startup, but in conventional procedures, the passenger has to set the destination using the car navigation unit after the startup operation, which is cumbersome. The autonomous vehicle embodiments described below improve this point.

[0018] Furthermore, in autonomous vehicles equipped with both an autonomous driving mode and a manual driving mode that allows for the same driving operations as before, setting a destination is unnecessary when driving the vehicle in manual driving mode and not using the car navigation system. However, even while driving in manual driving mode, there may be times when the driver wants to switch to autonomous driving mode for a while for some reason, such as wanting to perform an action other than driving.

[0019] Furthermore, autonomous vehicles may have a function that forcibly switches from manual driving mode to autonomous driving mode to ensure traffic safety (for example, if there are pedestrians crossing a crosswalk, the vehicle will forcibly switch to autonomous driving mode and stop, or if the vehicle detects driver drowsiness or drunk driving, it will forcibly switch to autonomous driving mode). In such cases, if the destination is not set in advance, the vehicle will be unsure of which route to take in autonomous driving mode. The autonomous vehicle in the following embodiment addresses this problem as well.

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electronic control circuit unit 10 of the autonomous vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the autonomous vehicle 1 is an example of an electric vehicle and is equipped with a battery 11 as a power source.

[0021] Furthermore, the autonomous vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a manual driving mode and an autonomous driving mode. The manual driving mode is a mode in which the vehicle can be driven in accordance with the driver's accelerator pedal operation, brake pedal operation, shift lever operation and steering operation (steering wheel operation), just like a normal automobile that is not an autonomous vehicle.

[0022] Furthermore, the autonomous driving mode is a driving mode in which the autonomous vehicle 1 automatically (autonomously) changes course while avoiding obstacles without the driver having to operate the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, shift lever, or steering wheel. This mode can be automatically switched to manual driving mode by a predetermined action by the driver. Here, the predetermined action by the driver includes predetermined operations such as the driver's driving operations, the driver's input through the touch panel described later, and the driver's voice input.

[0023] For example, the driver of the autonomous vehicle 1 can switch the autonomous vehicle 1, which is currently driving in manual driving mode, to normal autonomous driving mode by performing a predetermined operation via the touch panel 112 described later. Furthermore, if the driver performs an operation such as operating the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, shift lever, or steering wheel while driving in normal autonomous driving mode, the system is configured to automatically return to manual driving mode.

[0024] Furthermore, while autonomous driving 1 performs autonomous driving in the same way as the above-described autonomous driving mode, it may also have a forced autonomous driving mode that does not switch to manual driving mode even if the driver takes a predetermined action. This forced autonomous driving mode can be switched from manual driving mode or normal autonomous driving mode by the autonomous vehicle's control when predetermined switching conditions are met, for example, and can be switched back to manual driving mode or normal autonomous driving mode after predetermined deactivation conditions are met. In this forced autonomous driving mode, the driver's driving operations are invalid. Also, switching from other modes to forced autonomous driving mode, and deactivating forced autonomous driving mode, are also performed by the autonomous vehicle's own control, without the driver's actions being required.

[0025] An example of the above-mentioned predetermined switching conditions is when the system detects the presence of a pedestrian crossing, in which case the autonomous vehicle 1 switches to forced autonomous driving mode and comes to a temporary stop. Another example of a switching condition is when the system detects driver drowsiness or drunk driving, in which case the autonomous vehicle 1 switches to forced autonomous driving mode and, if a destination is set, drives to the destination by autonomous driving; if no destination is set, it drives to a stop, for example, on the shoulder of the road by autonomous driving.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the electronic control circuit unit 10 is connected to the control unit 101, which is equipped with a computer, via the system bus 100 to the motor drive control unit 102, steering drive control unit 103, manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104, manual driving operation detection unit 105, radar group 106, camera group 107, sensor group 108, surrounding moving object detection unit 109, current position detection unit 110, display unit 111, touch panel 112, car navigation (hereinafter abbreviated as car navigation) function unit 113, image recognition unit 114, voice recognition unit 115, application navigation (hereinafter abbreviated as application navigation) function unit 116, AV (Audio-Visual) entertainment function unit 117, massage mechanism drive unit 118, history memory 119, history analysis unit 120, voice input / output unit 121, clock unit 122, battery level detection unit 123, wireless communication unit 124, and game function unit 125.

[0027] The motor drive control unit 102 is connected to the motor drive unit 131. The steering drive control unit 103 is connected to the steering drive unit 132. The car navigation function unit 113 is connected to the car navigation database 133. The image recognition unit 114 is connected to the user image information storage unit 134. The audio input / output unit 121 is connected to the speaker 135 and the microphone 136.

[0028] The motor drive control unit 102, under the control of the control unit 101, controls the supply of drive signals to the motor drive unit 131 of the autonomous vehicle 1, which is composed of an electric vehicle in this embodiment, in order to control the start of driving of the autonomous vehicle 1, driving speed control (including brake control and accelerator control), stopping of driving, etc.

[0029] The steering drive control unit 103 controls the supply of drive control signals to the steering drive unit 132 of the autonomous vehicle 1 in this embodiment, under the control of the control unit 101, thereby controlling the changing of the autonomous vehicle 1's course.

[0030] The manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104 controls the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 1 to either manual driving mode or automatic driving mode in response to a selection input via the touch panel 112. Furthermore, in automatic driving mode, if a predetermined action by the driver, such as a manual driving operation described later in this example, is detected, the manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104 controls the vehicle to switch to manual driving mode.

[0031] Furthermore, the input that triggers the manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104 to switch the driving mode of the autonomous vehicle 1 between manual driving mode and automatic driving mode is not limited to selection operation input via the touch panel 112, but may also be voice input of a switching instruction via the microphone 136. In the case of voice input, the voice input of the switching instruction via the microphone 136 is recognized by the voice recognition unit 115, and the recognition result is supplied to the manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104. The manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104 switches the driving mode based on the received voice recognition result.

[0032] The manual driving operation detection unit 105 receives information on the driver's operation of the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, shift lever, and steering wheel, and supplies this manual driving operation information to the manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104.

[0033] When the autonomous vehicle 1 is in manual driving mode, the manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104 supplies manual driving operation information from the manual driving operation detection unit 105 to the motor drive control unit 102 and the steering drive control unit 103, and controls the motor drive unit 131 and the steering drive unit 132 in accordance with the driver's pedal operation, shift lever operation, and steering operation (handlebar operation).

[0034] Furthermore, when the autonomous vehicle 1 is in autonomous driving mode, the manual / autonomous driving mode switching control unit 104 supplies the motor drive control unit 102 and the steering drive control unit 103 with autonomous driving operation information generated by the control unit 101 based on the outputs of the radar group 106, camera group 107, sensor group 108, and surrounding moving object detection unit 109, as will be described later. This controls the motor drive unit 131 and the steering drive unit 132 to drive according to the autonomous driving operation information, enabling autonomous driving. In autonomous driving mode, the car navigation function unit 113 searches for a route from the current location to a destination set by the driver or the like, and controls the vehicle to drive along the searched route.

[0035] Then, in automatic driving mode, when the driver performs a predetermined operation such as operating the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, shift lever, or steering wheel, the manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit 104 performs mode switching control to automatically return the driving mode of the automatic driving vehicle 1 to manual driving mode based on the manual driving operation detection information from the manual driving operation detection unit 105.

[0036] In the case of a fully autonomous vehicle, there is only an autonomous driving mode, so there is no need to switch between manual driving mode and autonomous driving mode, and therefore neither the manual / autonomous driving mode switching control unit 104 nor the manual driving operation detection unit 105 exists.

[0037] The radar array 106 is used to measure the distance to people and objects around the autonomous vehicle 1, and consists of one or more laser radars (formally known as LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging)) and millimeter-wave radars. Laser radars are embedded, for example, in the roof or near the bumper, while millimeter-wave radars are installed, for example, at the front and rear of the vehicle. Both laser radars and millimeter-wave radars may be provided, or only one of them may be provided. Other radars, such as microwave radars, may also be used. Furthermore, sonar (not shown) can be used for the same purpose as radars.

[0038] The camera group 107 includes one or more cameras for capturing images of the interior of the autonomous vehicle 1, and one or more cameras for capturing images of the surrounding area outside the autonomous vehicle 1, such as the front, sides, and rear. The cameras for capturing images of the interior include, for example, cameras mounted on the rearview mirror (rearview mirror, room mirror) installed between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, or on the top of the front windshield, to capture the actions of the person (driver) sitting in the driver's seat, as well as cameras for capturing the actions of passengers (co-passengers) sitting in the passenger seat or rear seats. The cameras for capturing images of the surrounding area of ​​the autonomous vehicle 1 include, for example, two cameras (stereo cameras) mounted on the left and right sides of the rearview mirror to mainly capture the left front and right front of the autonomous vehicle 1, as well as cameras mounted on, for example, the door mirrors or fender mirrors of the autonomous vehicle 1 to capture the left and right sides, and a camera to capture the rear of the autonomous vehicle 1.

[0039] The sensor group 108 includes open / close detection sensors for detecting the opening and closing of doors and windows, sensors for detecting seat belt fastening, seat occupancy sensors (e.g., weight sensors) for detecting when an occupant is seated in a seat such as the driver's seat or passenger seat, touch sensors (e.g., capacitive sensors) for detecting when a person touches the steering wheel in the driver's seat, as well as motion sensors (e.g., infrared sensors) for detecting people in the vicinity outside the vehicle, and various sensors for acquiring information that assists in autonomous driving. Examples of sensors for acquiring information that assists in autonomous driving include vibration sensors for detecting vibrations of the vehicle and tires, rotation speed sensors for detecting the rotation speed of the tires, geomagnetic sensors for detecting direction, acceleration sensors for detecting acceleration, and gyro sensors (gyroscopes) for detecting angle and angular velocity. In this embodiment, the sensor group 108 also includes sensors for detecting the illumination of the right turn signal, left turn signal (direction indicator), and hazard lights (emergency flashing lights).

[0040] The surrounding moving object detection unit 109 uses the radar group 106, the sensor group 108, and the images captured by the camera group 107 to detect moving objects (including people) around the vehicle. The surrounding moving object detection unit 109 also detects surrounding obstacles and moving objects by performing processing based on machine learning, such as Bayesian theory or deep learning.

[0041] The current position detection unit 110 detects the vehicle's current position by receiving radio waves from GPS satellites. Because the accuracy of the position detected by radio waves from GPS satellites is poor, the current position detection unit 110 uses not only the current position information detected by receiving radio waves from GPS satellites, but also one or more sensors included in the sensor group 108, as well as images captured by the radar group 106 and camera group 107 (in combination with the navigation function), and performs processing based on machine learning, such as Bayesian theory or deep learning, to detect and confirm the current position with higher accuracy.

[0042] In autonomous driving mode, the autonomous vehicle 1 processes various information, such as position information obtained from the radar group 106, camera group 107, sensor group 108, and radio waves from GPS satellites, using machine learning methods such as Bayesian theory and deep learning. This information corresponds to information obtained from the human eyes and ears. Based on this, the control unit 101 performs intelligent information processing (artificial intelligence) and control (artificial intelligence) such as changing the vehicle's course and avoiding obstacles to generate autonomous driving operation information.

[0043] The display unit 111 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The touch panel 112 is configured such that a touch sensor capable of receiving touch input with a finger or stylus is superimposed on the display screen of the LCD display unit 111. The display screen of the display unit 111 displays an image including software buttons (including keyboard character input buttons) based on the control of the control unit 101. When the touch panel 112 detects a touch by a finger or stylus on a software button displayed on the display screen, it transmits that touch to the control unit 101. The control unit 101, upon receiving this, is configured to execute control processing corresponding to the software button.

[0044] The car navigation database 133, which is connected to the car navigation function unit 113, has domestic map and route guidance data pre-stored in it. The car navigation function unit 113 is a function unit that guides the autonomous vehicle 1 to move to a specified destination based on the map and route guidance data stored in the car navigation database 133. In this embodiment, the car navigation function unit 113 is configured to perform slightly different processing in manual driving mode and autonomous driving mode.

[0045] In other words, in manual driving mode, the car navigation function unit 113 displays an image on the display screen of the display unit 111 that overlays the vehicle's current position, as detected by the current position detection unit 110, onto a map that explicitly displays the route to the destination. Furthermore, as the vehicle moves, the vehicle's position (current position) on the map moves, and voice guidance is provided at intersections, junctions, and other points along the route where route guidance is needed. This is the same as a normal car navigation function.

[0046] On the other hand, in autonomous driving mode, the car navigation function unit 113 notifies the control unit 101 of the direction and distance of the vehicle's current position when it is off the route to the destination, and when the vehicle is on the route to the destination, it notifies the control unit 101 of instructions to change the direction of travel along the route before intersections and junctions along the route as the vehicle moves. Based on the information notified from the car navigation function unit 113, the current position confirmation result from the current position detection unit 110, and the detection result from the surrounding moving object recognition unit 109, the control unit 101 controls the motor drive unit 131 via the motor drive control unit 102 and generates autonomous driving operation information to control the steering drive unit 132 via the steering drive control unit 103 so that the vehicle moves along the route as instructed.Therefore, with the route guidance to the destination by the car navigation function unit 113 and the control unit 101 in autonomous driving mode, the autonomous vehicle 1 can move to the destination even when there are no passengers.

[0047] The image recognition unit 114 captures and recognizes passengers from images taken by the camera in the camera group 107 that photographs the interior of the vehicle. The user image information storage unit 134, which is connected to the image recognition unit 114, stores image information for identifying users (for example, family members, car-sharing members, acquaintances, friends, etc.) who are registered to use the autonomous vehicle 1, such as facial images of the users, and associates this information with the user's identification information (hereinafter referred to as user ID (Identification)). When the image recognition unit 114 captures images from the camera in the camera group 107 that photographs the interior of the vehicle and determines that the passenger is a registered user, it recognizes each user based on the image information stored in the user image information storage unit 134 and sends the user ID as a result of the recognition to the control unit 101.

[0048] Furthermore, the image recognition unit 114 is equipped with functions to recognize railway crossings by recognizing, for example, a person standing on a crosswalk or a railway crossing barrier, from images captured by the camera in the camera group 107 that captures the outside of the vehicle. In addition, the image recognition unit 114 is equipped with a function to extract road signs and road markings from images captured by one or more cameras in the camera group 107 that capture the front, sides, and rear of the outside of the autonomous vehicle 1.

[0049] The speech recognition unit 115 receives audio information from the microphone 136 via the audio input / output unit 121 and recognizes the spoken language uttered by the speaker (passenger). The control unit 101 receives the recognized spoken language from the speech recognition unit 115 as audio input and recognizes the meaning and content of that spoken language.

[0050] The application navigation function unit 116 is activated by the control unit 101 when the door opening and closing is detected by the door sensor of the sensor group 108, and when the presence of a passenger is detected by the camera of the camera group 107. When the application navigation function unit 116 detects a passenger's presence, before activating the autonomous vehicle 1, it asks the passenger about the intended use of the autonomous vehicle 1, and confirms the intended use after receiving a response from the passenger.

[0051] In this case, "when a passenger is detected to be in the vehicle" means when a passenger is detected to be in the vehicle while the vehicle is not running, and basically assumes the first passenger to enter the vehicle when there are no passengers in the vehicle. In this case, the first passenger can be one person or multiple people, and if there are multiple people, a representative will answer the question regarding the purpose of use.

[0052] Furthermore, if the vehicle is not started, it is acceptable even if there are already passengers. In that case, an inquiry will be made to the new passenger, and if a response regarding the new purpose of use is received, the newly set purpose of use will be executed. If the purpose of use has already been set by a passenger already in the vehicle and the purpose of use is not to be changed, the system may respond with something like "Execute the previous purpose of use (without setting a new purpose of use)" to allow the previous purpose of use to continue to be used.

[0053] In this embodiment, two types of usage are defined as examples of intended use: driving and non-driving uses.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the intended use is driving, two types are defined: "a specific destination is determined (known destination use)" and "a specific destination is undecided (undecided destination use)." The intended use navigation function unit 116 asks the passenger which of these to select, and also asks whether to use the selected driving use in automatic driving mode or manual driving mode. In addition, if there are two types of automatic driving modes, such as a normal automatic driving mode that can be switched to manual driving mode based on a predetermined action by the driver, and a forced automatic driving mode that cannot be switched to manual driving mode even if a predetermined action is performed by the driver, the user may be asked whether to use the normal automatic driving mode or the forced automatic driving mode. Note that in the case of a fully autonomous vehicle that does not require any manual driving operation by the driver, i.e., a vehicle without a manual driving mode, the selected driving use will be used in automatic driving mode. Using this automatic driving mode is the same as using the forced automatic driving mode in the sense that it cannot be switched to manual driving mode.

[0055] When a known destination is selected, the destination navigation function unit 116 accepts destination settings from the passenger.

[0056] Furthermore, when an unspecified destination is selected, the usage navigation function unit 116, in this embodiment, will ask the passenger whether to "select a destination attribute" such as "mountain," "river," "sea," "lake," or "amusement park," or to "specify only the usage time." When "select a destination attribute" is selected, the usage navigation function unit 116 will present a list of destination attributes to the passenger and accept their selection from the list. The destination attribute may also be specified by the passenger directly by inputting it as a free keyword. In addition, even when a known destination is selected, the passenger can also "select a waypoint attribute" such as "mountain," "river," "sea," "lake," or "amusement park" as a waypoint to the destination.

[0057] Furthermore, when "Specify only the driving time to be used" is selected, the navigation function unit 116 will allow the passenger to specify the driving time to be used and accept the request. Alternatively, instead of specifying the driving time, the end time of the driving from the current time may be set.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an AV entertainment function unit 117, a game function unit 125, and a massage mechanism drive unit 118 are provided for uses other than driving. When a passenger specifies a use other than driving, the navigation function unit 116 presents the passenger with various AV-related functions, game-related functions, and massage functions that can be provided by the AV entertainment function unit 117, as described later, asks for their use, and accepts their selection as a response.

[0059] The application navigation function unit 116 then prompts the passenger to input a startup command after the passenger has selected and set the intended use. Once the control unit 101 confirms the passenger's input of the startup command, it controls the power supply from the battery 11 and the electronic control circuit unit 10 of the autonomous vehicle 1 to execute the intended use confirmed by the application navigation function unit 116. The details of the processing flow in the application navigation function unit 116 will be described in detail later.

[0060] The AV entertainment function unit 117, the game function unit 125, and the massage mechanism drive unit 118 are examples of function units that provide uses other than driving. These uses are not limited to driving and include quiet rest such as sleeping, enjoying food and drink, reading, and concentrating on work or studying.

[0061] For quiet resting purposes such as sleeping, the autonomous vehicle 1 will have a car air conditioner that maintains a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle at 20-21 degrees Celsius in winter and 27-28 degrees Celsius in summer. It will also have a function to block out sunlight and other external light by lowering the window curtains or switching the windows to a blackout mode, and to turn off or dim the interior lights to ensure conditions suitable for restful sleep. Furthermore, the seats will be able to recline or flatten to suit restful sleep.

[0062] Furthermore, for use in enjoying food and drinks, the autonomous vehicle 1 will be equipped with a table set up inside the vehicle, and if a refrigerator is provided, the passenger will be able to select drinks and food from the refrigerator. The lighting will also be set to a level suitable for the passenger's preference for eating and drinking. When selecting drinks, it will also be possible to select alcoholic beverages, but the selection of alcoholic beverages will be limited to cases where the vehicle is used for purposes other than driving, or when driving is also in an autonomous driving mode.

[0063] For reading purposes, the autonomous vehicle 1 is configured to allow the user to select an ebook (electronic book) (it may also access an internet ebook provider server via the wireless communication unit 124 to obtain the ebook), and to display the content of the selected ebook on the display screen of the display unit 111, and to read it aloud through the speaker 135 as needed.

[0064] For use in work or study, the autonomous vehicle 1 is configured to block out the outside view by lowering the window curtains or switching the windows to blackout mode, and to brighten the interior lighting, ensuring an environment conducive to concentration. It is also configured to display necessary materials for work or study on a computer (not shown).

[0065] The AV entertainment function unit 117 is a function unit that plays audio information, music information and / or image information, and includes, for example, a television broadcast reception function unit, an AM and FM radio broadcast reception function unit, and a disc playback function unit for CDs, DVDs, BDs (Blu-ray discs), etc. Although not shown in the figures, the AV entertainment function unit 117 includes an antenna for receiving television broadcasts, an antenna for receiving AM and FM radio broadcasts, and a multi-disc drive for the disc playback function unit.

[0066] Audio and music information played back by the AV entertainment function unit 117 is emitted through the speaker 135, and image information played back by the AV entertainment function unit 117 is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 111 for use by passengers.

[0067] The game function unit 125 is a function unit that plays various games, such as action games, simulation games, shooting games, role-playing games, and competitive games. One or more game controllers are provided for the game function unit 125 (not shown), and the user operates the game using these game controllers. Game audio and music information is emitted through the speaker 135, and game image information is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 111 for use by passengers.

[0068] The massage mechanism drive unit 118 drives a massage mechanism incorporated into, for example, the driver's seat or passenger seat. The massage mechanism is a mechanism that provides a massage effect to the occupant seated in the seat in which it is incorporated. Of course, the mechanism may be movable so that the seat can be reclined or flattened to suit the massage. The massage mechanism drive unit 118 may also incorporate a mechanism for rotating the seat. In this case, the massage mechanism drive unit 118 can be used not only for massage but also to rotate the seat to face multiple occupants when eating or drinking, or to face opponents in competitive games. Furthermore, it can be used for reading, concentrating on work or studying, allowing users to perform their respective uses with their preferred seat orientation.

[0069] Furthermore, the AV entertainment function unit 117, the game function unit 125, and the massage mechanism drive unit 118 are not only usable when the autonomous vehicle 1 is stopped and the driving system, including the motor drive unit 131, is not activated, but can also be used when the autonomous vehicle 1 is in motion, upon instruction from the passenger to start using them.

[0070] The power supply from the battery 11 is configured to be able to be supplied independently to each of the AV entertainment function unit 117, such as the television broadcast reception function unit, the AM and FM radio broadcast reception function unit, and the CD, DVD, and BD disc playback function unit, as well as to the game function unit 125 and the massage mechanism drive unit 118. Of course, the power supply to the driving system and the power supply to the AV entertainment function unit 117, the game function unit 125, and the massage mechanism drive unit 118 are also configured to be able to be supplied independently to each of them.

[0071] The history memory 119 stores information on the past uses of the autonomous vehicle 1 by users (passengers) whose identification images (e.g., facial images) are stored and registered in the user image information storage unit 134, and this information is associated with the user ID.

[0072] Figure 2 shows an example of the information stored in this history memory 119. As shown in Figure 2, for pre-registered users, the user name and usage history information are stored, associated with their user ID. In this embodiment, the usage history information consists of the date and day of the week of use, and items such as the type of use, content of use, details of use, and usage time, as described above.

[0073] The usage history is stored in the history memory 119 with either the aforementioned driving usage or non-driving usage. In this case, if the usage type is driving usage, the information is stored according to whether the driving was in automatic driving mode or manual driving mode. In the example in Figure 2, "Driving; Automatic" indicates driving in automatic driving mode, and "Driving; Manual" indicates driving in manual driving mode. In this example, whether the driving is in automatic driving mode or manual driving mode is determined by the driving mode at the start of the drive. Of course, if the driving mode is switched during the trip, that switch may also be recorded in the history.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the usage type is for driving, the usage details will store either "a usage with a specific destination (known destination)" or "a usage with an undecided destination (undecided destination)". If the usage details are for a usage with a known destination, the usage details will store the departure point (current location) and destination, for example, "Home - XX Station", as shown in Figure 2. The departure point (current location) is recorded as the current location at the start of driving, as detected by the current location detection unit 110. If the usage details are for a usage with an undecided destination, the usage details will store, for example, the usage time, such as "return in 30 minutes", the usage end time, such as "return by 3 PM", and attributes of the destination, such as "to the nearby sea", as shown in Figure 2.

[0075] Furthermore, if the usage type is for purposes other than driving, the usage details will be either "AV / Game related" using the AV entertainment function unit 117 or the game function unit 125, a massage application using the massage mechanism drive unit 118, or "Massage and Others," which are other uses. If the usage details are "AV / Game related," the usage details will store either an AV entertainment function of the AV entertainment function unit 117 or a game function of the game function unit 125, as shown in Figure 2, for example, "Music Playback" or "Game." If the usage details are "Massage and Others," the usage details will store either "Massage" or "Others," as shown in Figure 2.

[0076] Furthermore, the history memory 119 may also store information for each of the above items as "other users" history information, without distinguishing between individual passengers, even for passengers who have not been assigned a user ID.

[0077] The information stored in the history memory 119 may be partially or completely deleted by the user or passenger. However, security measures must be taken to prevent the deletion of information other than that of the user or passenger themselves.

[0078] The history analysis unit 120 analyzes the history information for each user (for each user ID) stored in the history memory 119 and detects any habitually used purposes (hereinafter referred to as habitual uses). Furthermore, it may also detect the frequency of use. In this case, habitual uses may be notified by prioritizing inquiries. In addition, uses with higher usage frequency may be given higher priority in the display order. In this embodiment, habitual uses are those found in the "Usage Details" item of the information stored in the history memory 119.

[0079] In this embodiment, the history analysis unit 120 detects habitual uses (use details) that are habitually used on specific days of the week or at specific times of the day. The detection of habitual uses is not limited to this; for example, uses (use details) that are habitually used during specific periods of the year such as New Year's Day, Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), Easter, and Obon, or on specific dates in specific months of the year such as birthdays, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Christmas Eve, and Christmas, may also be detected as habitual uses. Alternatively, uses (use details) that are used periodically every day or every few days may also be detected as habitual uses. Of course, uses (use details) that are habitually used on specific days each month, such as eating at a specific restaurant on payday in the case of a monthly salary, may also be detected as habitual uses.

[0080] Furthermore, users may be allowed to provide feedback on how they used the service, and the service may be prioritized in future presentations based on their high ratings.

[0081] A speaker 135 and a microphone 136 are connected to the audio input / output unit 121. In the first embodiment, the speaker 135 is used for voice inquiries about usage purposes and warnings in the application navigation function unit 116. In this embodiment, the speaker 135 is also used to notify the driver and passengers when switching from manual driving mode to automatic driving mode, and when switching from automatic driving mode to manual driving mode.

[0082] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the microphone 136 is used to collect voice input from passengers for voice recognition, and in this embodiment, as mentioned above, it is also used to collect the sirens of emergency vehicles such as police cars and the sounds of railroad crossings. In this example, the microphone 136 consists of multiple microphones, some of which are installed inside the autonomous vehicle 1, and others that are installed on the outside of the autonomous vehicle 1, such as on the ceiling or door mirrors, for collecting the sirens of emergency vehicles such as police cars.

[0083] The audio input / output unit 121, although not shown in the diagram, incorporates a memory for storing voice message data to be broadcast externally, as well as a voice synthesizer and DA converter that convert the voice message data read from the memory into an analog voice signal. The audio input / output unit 121 then supplies the voice message selected by the control unit 101 to the speaker 135 for external broadcast as voice. Examples of voice messages to be stored include notification messages for switching driving modes, such as "Switched to automatic driving mode," and "Switched to manual driving mode," as well as inquiry messages prompting destination setting in the navigation function unit 116.

[0084] The clock unit 122 is equipped with a calendar function that provides the year, month, day, day of the week, and current date and time, and also has a timer function that measures time from a predetermined timing based on the control unit 101.

[0085] The battery 11 is connected to the battery level detection unit 123. The battery level detection unit 123 constitutes the drive source level detection unit, and in this embodiment, it detects the remaining charge of the battery 11 as a drive source. In this embodiment, the battery level detection unit 123 has the function of detecting how far the vehicle can be driven or how long it can be driven with the remaining charge when used for driving, and when used for purposes other than driving, it has the function of detecting how long each of the AV entertainment functions of the AV entertainment function unit 117, the game function unit 125, and the massage mechanism drive unit 118 can be used continuously with the remaining charge. In this embodiment, the control unit 101 has the function of notifying the rider of the detected battery level information.

[0086] The wireless communication unit 124 is for connecting to AV information provision servers, game content provision servers, and surrounding area search servers via the Internet. In other words, in this embodiment, the control unit 101 is configured to access AV information provision servers on the Internet via the wireless communication unit 124 and to play AV information obtained from those servers using the AV entertainment function unit 117. The control unit 101 is also configured to access game content provision servers on the Internet via the wireless communication unit 124 and to use game content downloaded from those servers with the game function unit 125, or to allow the game function unit 125 to participate in online games via the game content provision server. Furthermore, the control unit 101 has the function of accessing surrounding area search servers via the wireless communication unit 124 to request a search for locations around the current location that match specified destination attributes, and to obtain the search results from the surrounding area search server and present them to the passenger.

[0087] As described above, the electronic control circuit unit 10 of the autonomous vehicle 1 is configured as such, but of the blocks shown in Figure 1, the motor drive control unit 102, steering drive control unit 103, manual / autonomous driving mode switching control unit 104, surrounding moving object detection unit 109, current position detection unit 110, car navigation function unit 113, image recognition unit 114, voice recognition unit 115, application navigation function unit 116, AV entertainment function unit 117, massage mechanism drive unit 118, battery level detection unit 123, and game function unit 125 can be implemented by the control unit 101 as software processing.

[0088] [Example of processing flow by the application navigation function unit 116] Next, an example of the processing flow by the application navigation function unit 116 when a passenger is in the autonomous vehicle 1 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 3 to 11 and the display examples on the display screen of the display unit 111 in Figures 12 to 15. In the following explanation, the processing functions of the application navigation function unit 116 and the motor drive control unit 102, steering drive control unit 103, manual / autonomous driving mode switching control unit 104, surrounding moving object detection unit 109, current position detection unit 110, car navigation function unit 113, image recognition unit 114, voice recognition unit 115, AV entertainment function unit 117, massage mechanism drive unit 118, battery level detection unit 123, and game function unit 125 will be explained assuming that the control unit 101 implements these processing functions as software processing.

[0089] In the electronic control circuit unit 10 of the autonomous vehicle 1, even before activation, the control unit 101 and the sensor group 108 are in a standby state with power supply voltage supplied from the battery 11. In this standby state, the control unit 101 monitors passengers boarding the vehicle (step S101 in Figure 3).

[0090] Then, in step S101, when it is determined that a passenger has boarded the vehicle, the control unit 101 supplies power voltage to at least one of the camera group, which is a camera inside the vehicle, and captures an image of the passenger's face with that camera. The image recognition unit 114 then determines whether or not the passenger is a registered user whose face image is stored in the user image information storage unit 134 (step S102).

[0091] In step S102, if the control unit 101 determines that the passenger is a registered user, it obtains the passenger's user ID and refers to the history information stored in the history memory 119 associated with that user ID (step S103). The control unit 101 then obtains the current year, month, day, and day of the week information from the clock unit 122 and uses the functions of the history analysis unit 120 to analyze whether there are any habitual usage purposes related to the passenger at that time (step S104).

[0092] Then, based on the results of the analysis in step S104, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the passenger has a habitual use of the vehicle (step S105). If it determines that a habitual use of the vehicle exists, it asks the passenger whether or not to perform that habitual use by displaying an inquiry message on the display screen of the display unit 111 and by broadcasting an audio message through the speaker 135 (step S106).

[0093] For example, if the current time is 7:00 a.m. on a weekday, and the passenger always drives the autonomous vehicle 1 from their home to the parking lot of the nearest station for their commute, the control unit 101 will determine that this is a habitual use and, as shown in Figure 12(A), will display an inquiry message on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111, saying, "At this time, you always drive autonomously to XX station. Do you want to do it again today?" and will also emit an audible message through the speaker 135 to execute the inquiry.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, if the current time is 3:00 PM on a Saturday, and the passenger is always receiving a massage for purposes other than driving, the control unit 101 will determine that this is a habitual use and, as shown in Figure 12(B), will display an inquiry message on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111, saying, "You always use the massage at this time, will you use it again today?", and will also emit an audible message through the speaker 135 to execute the inquiry.

[0095] At this time, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), the control unit 101 displays both "Execute" and "Do not execute" response options on the display screen. Passengers can select one of these options on the display screen, or they can provide their selection via voice input. Once a passenger provides a response, that response information is transmitted to the control unit 101 via the touch panel 112 or the voice recognition unit 115.

[0096] Therefore, the control unit 101 determines whether the passenger's response information is "execute" (step S107), and if it determines that it is "execute", it performs the passenger's habitual usage purpose determined in step S104 (step S108).

[0097] In other words, if the habitual use is driving as shown in the example in Figure 12(A), the control unit 101 supplies power voltage from the battery 11 to the drive system and other components necessary for driving the vehicle, and controls them to perform driving in manual or automatic driving mode. If the habitual use is for purposes other than driving as shown in the example in Figure 12(B), the control unit 101 supplies power voltage from the battery 11 to the AV entertainment function unit 117, the game function unit 125, or the massage mechanism drive unit 118, which provide the non-driving function for that habitual use, and controls them to perform that non-driving function. The history of the executed uses is associated with the passenger's user ID, and the contents shown in Figure 2 above are stored in the history memory 119.

[0098] In step S102, when it is determined that the passenger is not a registered user; in step S105, when it is determined that the passenger does not have a habitual use of the vehicle; and in step S107, when the passenger replies that they will not perform any habitual use of the vehicle, the control unit 101 inquires about the vehicle's intended use by displaying an inquiry message on the display screen of the display unit 111 and by broadcasting an audio message through the speaker 135 (step S111 in Figure 4).

[0099] In step S111, the type of use is indicated as follows: "1. Driving" for driving purposes and "2. Other than driving" for purposes other than driving. These are displayed on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111, for example, as shown in Figure 13(A), and are also presented audibly through the speaker 135 to the passenger for inquiry.

[0100] In response to this inquiry, the passenger can either select one of the options on the display screen or provide their answer via voice input. Once the passenger has given their answer, that answer information is transmitted to the control unit 101 via the touch panel 112 or the voice recognition unit 115.

[0101] Therefore, the control unit 101 determines whether the passenger's response information is for automobile driving purposes (step S112). If it determines that it is for automobile driving purposes, it asks whether the destination is known or undecided, and whether the driving mode to be used is manual driving mode or automatic driving mode (step S113). Figure 13(B) shows an example of the display on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111 for the inquiry in step S113. As described above, the inquiry is also made by voice through the speaker 135.

[0102] In response to the inquiry in step S113, the passenger can answer by selecting either "destination known" or "destination undecided" on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111, as well as by selecting either manual driving mode or automatic driving mode, and can also answer by voice input. Once the passenger has answered, the answer information is transmitted to the control unit 101 via the touch panel 112 or via the voice recognition unit 115.

[0103] Therefore, the control unit 101 determines whether the passenger's response information indicates that the destination is known (step S114), and if it determines that the destination is known, it executes the destination setting routine by the car navigation function unit 113 (step S115). In other words, the control unit 101 displays a destination setting acceptance screen on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111, for example, as shown in Figure 13(C), and accepts destination setting input. As shown in Figure 13(C), when accepting destination setting input, in addition to the destination, waypoints, and priority conditions such as time priority, distance priority, general road priority, or toll road priority can also be set. Setting input can be done not only by touch panel 112 superimposed on the display screen 111D, but also by voice input through microphone 136.

[0104] After receiving the destination setting input in step S115, the control unit 101 detects the remaining charge of the battery 11 using the function of the battery charge detection unit 123 (step S116). Then, the control unit 101 determines whether the detected remaining charge of the battery 11 is sufficient for traveling to the set destination (step S117).

[0105] In step S117, if the control unit 101 determines that the remaining charge of the battery 11 is sufficient to travel to the set destination, it notifies the passenger of this fact via the display screen 111D of the display unit 111, as shown in Figure 13(D), and also notifies the passenger of this fact via the speaker 135, prompting the passenger to start the vehicle (step S118). The display screen 111D shows a "start" button icon 201 for instructing the vehicle to start, as shown in Figure 13(D).

[0106] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether it has received a startup instruction via the touch panel 112 by operating the button icon 201, or via voice command via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S121 in Figure 5). If it has not received a startup instruction, it returns to step S121 and waits for a startup instruction to be received.

[0107] Then, when it is determined in step S121 that a start command has been received, the control unit 101 refers to the response result obtained in step S113 and determines whether or not manual driving mode has been set as the driving mode (step S122). If it is determined in step S122 that manual driving mode has been set, the control unit 101 executes the car navigation function for manual driving mode and sets the driving mode to manual driving mode and drives the vehicle in accordance with the manual driving operations of the passenger (step S123).

[0108] Furthermore, if in step S122 the control unit 101 determines that the automatic driving mode has been set instead of the manual driving mode, it executes the car navigation function for the automatic driving mode and sets the driving mode to automatic driving mode and starts driving the vehicle (step S124).

[0109] Furthermore, the usage history performed in step S123 or step S124 is associated with the passenger's user ID, and the contents as shown in Figure 2 above are stored in the history memory 119.

[0110] Furthermore, if the control unit 101 determines in step S117 that the battery 11 is not sufficiently charged, it notifies the passenger, for example, as shown in Figure 13(E), via the display screen 111D of the display unit 111 and also via the speaker 135 that the battery 11 is not sufficient to travel to the destination (step S131 in Figure 6).

[0111] In this case, the passenger can choose from three possible responses to the notification in step S131: canceling the execution of the selected usage purpose, resetting the setting of the usage purpose, or forcibly executing the selected usage purpose. As shown in Figure 13(E), button icons 202, 203, and 204 for selecting these options are displayed on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111.

[0112] Then, the control unit 101 determines whether it has received an "execution cancellation instruction" via the touch panel 112 by operating the button icon 202, or an "execution cancellation instruction" via voice through the voice recognition unit 115 (step S132). If it determines that it has received an "execution cancellation instruction," it terminates this processing routine.

[0113] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S132 that no "cancel execution instruction" has been received, the control unit 101 determines whether a "redo instruction" has been received due to the operation of the button icon 203 via the touch panel 112, or via voice command via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S133). If it is determined that a "redo instruction" has been received, the process returns to step S111 in Figure 4, and the usage settings are redone.

[0114] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S133 that no "redo instruction" has been received, the control unit 101 determines whether or not it has received a "forced execution instruction" via the operation of the button icon 204 through the touch panel 112, or a "forced execution instruction" via voice through the voice recognition unit 115 (step S134). If it is determined that a "forced execution instruction" has been received, the process returns to step S121 in Figure 5, and the processing from step S121 onwards is performed. If it is determined that no "forced execution instruction" has been received, the process returns to step S132, and the processing from step S132 onwards is performed.

[0115] Furthermore, if step S114 in Figure 4 determines that the destination is not known and is undecided, the control unit 101 refers to the response result obtained in step S113 to determine whether or not manual driving mode is set (step S141 in Figure 7).

[0116] Then, in step S141, if the control unit 101 determines that the manual driving mode has been set, it determines whether or not it has received an activation command via the touch panel 112 or an activation command via voice recognition unit 115 (step S142). If it has not received an activation command, it returns to step S142 and waits for an activation command to be received. If it determines in step S142 that an activation command has been received, the control unit 101 sets the driving mode to manual driving mode and starts driving the vehicle in accordance with the driver's manual driving operation (step S143).

[0117] Furthermore, if the control unit 101 determines in step S141 that the automatic driving mode has been set, it displays a menu for undetermined destinations on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111 and accepts the selection of an item from that menu (step S144).

[0118] An example of the display of the usage menu for an undetermined destination is shown in Figure 14(B). That is, when a passenger selects "automobile driving usage" and then selects "undetermined destination," the display screen 111D of the display unit 111 changes from the inquiry screen for automobile driving usage shown in Figure 14(A), which is the same as in Figure 13(B), to the menu for an undetermined destination shown in Figure 14(B). The menu contents are also presented to the passenger by voice through the speaker 135.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 14(B), the menu for undecided destinations includes a list of selectable destination attributes and a field for setting the travel time. If a passenger has not decided on a specific destination but has a preferred destination attribute, such as wanting to go to the sea, see the mountains, or go to a river, they can select the desired destination attribute from the list of destination attributes. Alternatively, if a passenger has not decided on a specific destination but wishes to travel in the autonomous vehicle 1 for a predetermined time, they can set the desired travel time. Selection from the list of destination attributes and setting the travel time are done via the touch panel 112 or via the voice recognition unit 115.

[0120] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether the passenger has selected a destination attribute in the unspecified destination menu (step S145). If it determines that a destination attribute has been selected, it detects the remaining charge of the battery 11 (step S146). The control unit 101 then searches for destination candidates that match the selected destination attribute within the range that can be traveled with the detected remaining charge of the battery 11, and displays one or more destination candidates from the search results on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111, as shown in Figure 14(C), and also presents them to the passenger by broadcasting them as sound through the speaker 135 (step S147). Note that the display of the search results is not limited to text; it may also be an image or video display. Furthermore, guides and explanations of the destination candidates may be added.

[0121] The search for a location matching the attributes of this destination is performed using the car navigation database 133 and the functions of the car navigation function unit 113. If a suitable search result is obtained, the process is terminated within that range. However, if a suitable search result is not obtained, the wireless communication unit 124 accesses a nearby search server via the internet and obtains the search result from the nearby search server.

[0122] Following step S147, the control unit 101 determines whether a destination candidate has been selected from the destination candidates displayed on the display screen 111D (step S148). If no destination has been selected, it determines whether a cancellation instruction has been given by the passenger via the touch panel 112 or the voice recognition unit 115 (step S149). If it determines in step S149 that a cancellation instruction has been given, the control unit 101 terminates this processing routine. If it determines in step S149 that no cancellation instruction has been given, the control unit 101 returns to step S148.

[0123] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S148 that one destination candidate has been selected, the control unit 101 determines whether or not it has received an activation instruction via the operation of the button icon 201 through the touch panel 112, or via voice activation instruction via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S150). If it has not received an activation instruction, it returns to step S150 and waits to receive an activation instruction.

[0124] Then, when it is determined in step S150 that an activation command has been received, the control unit 101 executes the car navigation function for the automatic driving mode and sets the driving mode to automatic driving mode and starts driving the vehicle (step S151). At this time, the control unit 101 uses the car navigation function to search for a route from the current location to the location of one of the candidate destinations that was determined to have been selected in step S148, and provides route guidance for the automatic driving mode according to the route search result. The history of the executed usage is associated with the passenger's user ID and stored in the history memory 119 with the contents shown in Figure 2 above.

[0125] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S145 that no destination attribute has been selected, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the setting of the travel time has been accepted (step S161 in Figure 8). Here, the travel time in this example refers to the time from departing the current location, traveling along an arbitrary route, and returning to the current location.

[0126] If the control unit 101 determines in step S161 that no setting for driving time has been received, it determines whether or not it has received a command to discontinue use based on the operation of the button icon 205 on the display screen 111D (see Figure 14(C)) via the touch panel 112, or a voice command to discontinue use of the autonomous vehicle 1 via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S162). If the control unit 101 determines in step S162 that it has received a command to discontinue use, it terminates this processing routine; if it determines that it has not received a command to discontinue use, it returns to step S144 in Figure 7 and proceeds with the processing from step S144 onward.

[0127] In step S161, when it is determined that the setting of the driving time has been accepted, the control unit 101 detects the remaining charge of the battery 11 and calculates the remaining driving time (step S163). Then, the control unit 101 determines whether the remaining driving time is shorter than the driving time set by the rider (step S164).

[0128] Then, in step S164, if the control unit 101 determines that the available driving time is longer than the driving time set by the passenger, the control unit 101 searches for and determines a route for the set driving time using the functions of the car navigation function unit 113, and notifies the passenger of the searched route by displaying it on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111, as shown in Figure 14(D) (step S165).

[0129] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether it has received a startup instruction via the touch panel 112 by operating the button icon 206 (see Figure 14(D)) or via voice command via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S166). If it has not received a startup instruction, it returns to step S166 and waits for a startup instruction to be received.

[0130] Then, when it is determined in step S166 that a start command has been received, the control unit 101 executes the car navigation function for the automatic driving mode and sets the driving mode to automatic driving mode, and performs driving for the set driving time (step S167). The history of the executed usage is associated with the passenger's user ID and stored in the history memory 119 with the contents shown in Figure 2 above.

[0131] Then, in step S164, if the control unit 101 determines that the remaining driving time is shorter than the driving time set by the rider, it notifies the rider that "it is not possible to use the vehicle for the set driving time" via the display screen 111D of the display unit 111 and via the speaker 135, along with an indication of the driving time that is possible with the remaining battery 11, as shown in Figure 14(E) (step S171 in Figure 9).

[0132] In this case, the passenger can choose from three possible responses to the notification in step S171: resetting the driving time, discontinuing the use of the autonomous vehicle 1, or continuing the operation for the remaining driving time of the battery 11. As shown in Figure 14(E), button icons 207, 208, and 209 for selecting these options are displayed on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111.

[0133] Then, the control unit 101 determines whether it has received an instruction to "reset" the driving time by operating the button icon 207 via the touch panel 112, or by voice via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S172). If it determines that it has received an instruction to "reset," it returns to step S161 in Figure 8 and repeats the process in step S161.

[0134] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S172 that no "reset" instruction has been received, the control unit 101 determines whether or not an "execute" instruction has been received via the operation of the button icon 207 through the touch panel 112, or via voice command through the voice recognition unit 115 (step S173).

[0135] When the control unit 101 determines that it has received an "execute" instruction, it uses the functions of the car navigation function unit 113 to search for and determine a route for the amount of driving time corresponding to the remaining battery charge 11, and displays the searched route on the display screen 111D of the display unit 111 in the same way as the display image shown in Figure 14(D) to notify the passenger (step S174). In this case, the display section related to driving time on the display screen 111D is changed from "driving time 30 minutes" in Figure 14(D) to "driving time 25 minutes corresponding to the remaining battery charge".

[0136] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether it has received a startup instruction via the touch panel 112 by operating the button icon 206 (see Figure 14(D)) or via voice command via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S175). If it has not received a startup instruction, it returns to step S175 and waits for a startup instruction to be received.

[0137] Then, when it is determined in step S175 that a start command has been received, the control unit 101 executes the car navigation function for the automatic driving mode, sets the driving mode to automatic driving mode, and performs driving for a duration equal to the remaining battery charge 11 (step S176). The history of the executed usage is associated with the passenger's user ID and stored in the history memory 119 with the contents shown in Figure 2 above.

[0138] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S173 that it has not received an "execute" instruction, the control unit 101 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to "stop using" the autonomous vehicle 1 (step S177). Then, if the control unit 101 determines in step S177 that it has received an instruction to "stop using", it terminates this processing routine, and if it determines that it has not received an instruction to "stop using", it returns to step S172 and repeats the processing from step S172 onward.

[0139] Next, in step S112 of Figure 4, if it is determined that the response to the inquiry about the intended use is for purposes other than driving, rather than for driving an automobile, the control unit 101 detects the remaining charge of the battery 11 (step S181 of Figure 10), and then the control unit 101 uses the determination result from step S102 to determine whether or not the passenger is a registered user (step S182).

[0140] In step S182, if the control unit 101 determines that the passenger is a registered user, it presents non-driving uses that can be provided with the remaining battery capacity detected in step S181, in order of priority based on the passenger's usage history (step S183). For example, non-driving uses that the passenger has used more frequently in the past are presented with a higher priority.

[0141] An example of the display for uses other than driving in this case is shown in Figure 15(B). That is, when a passenger selects a use other than driving, the display screen 111D of the display unit 111 changes from the usage inquiry screen shown in Figure 15(A), which is the same as Figure 13(A), to the list of uses other than driving shown in Figure 15(B). The contents of this list of uses other than driving may also be presented to the passenger by voice through the speaker 135.

[0142] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not it has accepted the selection of an application other than driving (step S184). If it determines that it has not accepted the selection of an application other than driving, it determines whether or not it has received a command to discontinue use based on the operation of the button icon 210 on the display screen 111D (see Figure 15(B)) via the touch panel 112, or a voice command to discontinue use of the autonomous vehicle 1 via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S185).

[0143] Then, in step S185, if the control unit 101 determines that it has received a command to discontinue use, it terminates this processing routine. If, in step S185, it determines that it has not received a command to discontinue use, the control unit 101 determines whether it has received a redo command based on the operation of the button icon 211 on the display screen 111D (see Figure 15(B)) via the touch panel 112, or a voice-based redo command via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S186). If, in step S186, it determines that it has not received a redo command, it returns to step S184 and repeats the processing from step S184 onward. If, in step S186, it determines that it has received a redo command, the control unit 101 returns to step S111 in Figure 4 and performs the processing from step S111 onward.

[0144] Next, in step S184, when it is determined that a selection for a purpose other than driving has been received, the control unit 101 displays a list of the selected non-driving use items on the display screen 111D in order of priority based on the passenger's usage history, and also notifies the passenger by voice through the speaker 135 (step S187). In other words, the non-driving use items that the passenger has used most frequently in the past are presented with a higher priority.

[0145] Examples of the display screen 111D at this time are shown in Figures 15(C) and 15(D). Specifically, Figure 15(C) is a list of usage items when AV / game-related functions are selected as non-driving uses, and Figure 15(D) is a list of usage items when massage and other non-driving uses are selected. In this case, as shown in Figures 15(C) and 15(D), the display screen 111D also displays information on the available time for each non-driving use based on the remaining battery charge detected in step S181.

[0146] Next, the control unit 101 waits for an item to be selected (step S188), and when it determines that an item has been selected, it determines whether it has received a startup instruction (execution instruction) based on the operation of button icon 212 (see Figure 15(C)) or button icon 213 (see Figure 15(D)) on the display screen 111D via the touch panel 112, or a voice startup instruction (execution instruction) via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S189).

[0147] Then, in step S189, when it is determined that a start instruction (execution instruction) has been received, the control unit 101 executes the selected usage item for purposes other than driving (step S190). The history of the executed usage items is associated with the passenger's user ID and stored in the history memory 119 with the contents shown in Figure 2 above.

[0148] Furthermore, if step S182 determines that the passenger is not a registered user, the control unit 101 presents non-driving uses that can be provided with the remaining battery capacity 11 detected in step S181 (step S201 in Figure 11). In this case, since the passenger has no past usage history, non-driving uses are presented in an arbitrary order of priority (see, for example, Figure 15(B)).

[0149] Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not it has accepted the selection of an application other than driving (step S202). If it determines that it has not accepted the selection of an application other than driving, it determines whether or not it has received a command to discontinue use based on the operation of the button icon 210 on the display screen 111D (see Figure 15(B)) via the touch panel 112, or a voice command to discontinue use of the autonomous vehicle 1 via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S203).

[0150] Then, in step S203, if the control unit 101 determines that it has received a command to discontinue use, it terminates this processing routine. If, in step S203, it determines that it has not received a command to discontinue use, the control unit 101 determines whether it has received a redo command based on the operation of the button icon 211 on the display screen 111D (see Figure 15(B)) via the touch panel 112, or a voice-based redo command via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S204). If, in step S204, it determines that it has not received a redo command, it returns to step S202 and repeats the processing from step S202 onward. If, in step S204, it determines that it has received a redo command, the control unit 101 returns to step S111 in Figure 4 and performs the processing from step S111 onward.

[0151] Next, in step S202, when it is determined that a selection for a use other than driving has been received, the control unit 101 displays a list of the selected non-driving use items on the display screen 111D in any order, for example, in the default order, and also notifies the user by voice through the speaker 135 (step S205).

[0152] The display example of the display screen 111D at this time will be as shown in Figures 15(C) and 15(D).

[0153] Next, the control unit 101 waits for an item to be selected (step S206), and when it determines that an item has been selected, it determines whether it has received a startup instruction (execution instruction) based on the operation of button icon 212 (see Figure 15(C)) or button icon 213 (see Figure 15(D)) on the display screen 111D via the touch panel 112, or a voice startup instruction (execution instruction) via the voice recognition unit 115 (step S207).

[0154] Then, in step S207, when it is determined that a start instruction (execution instruction) has been received, the control unit 101 executes the selected usage item for purposes other than driving (step S208).

[0155] [Effects of the Embodiment] As explained above, in the invention of the autonomous vehicle 1 of the above embodiment, the use of the automobile is not limited to driving, but rather considered as a device that provides uses other than driving. At the moment when a passenger is about to start using the vehicle by getting in, the system is configured to ask whether the passenger wants to use the vehicle for driving or for a use other than driving, and to activate the specified use in response to the passenger's activation command.

[0156] In other words, according to the autonomous vehicle 1 of the above embodiment, when a passenger gets into the vehicle, the vehicle asks the passenger about the intended use, including uses other than driving, and in response to the answer to that inquiry, it identifies the passenger's intended use and behaves to perform that identified intended use. This makes it possible to realize a very user-friendly automobile for the passenger.

[0157] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the usage history of the user's vehicle, which has been registered in advance, is stored not only for driving purposes but also for purposes other than driving. This allows the system to understand the passenger's habitual usage patterns and present them to the passenger preferentially at the appropriate time. Therefore, passengers can perform their habitual usage patterns according to the recommendations of the autonomous vehicle 1, making it very user-friendly.

[0158] Furthermore, according to the autonomous vehicle 1 of the above embodiment, since the vehicle is driven for the predetermined purpose only after the intended use has been determined and the vehicle has received a start command from the passenger, unnecessary consumption of power sources such as batteries is reduced.

[0159] Furthermore, according to the autonomous vehicle 1 of the above embodiment, when using the vehicle for driving purposes, the destination is always set before the use is activated. Therefore, the passenger does not need to perform the procedure of setting the destination after activation, and there is no risk of forgetting to set the destination, making it easy to use. Also, when using the vehicle for driving purposes, if the destination is known, the destination is always set before the use is activated, not only when the autonomous driving mode is selected, but also when the manual driving mode is selected. Therefore, even if the mode is switched from manual driving mode to autonomous driving mode during driving, the destination will not become unknown, and the vehicle will be able to reach the destination reliably.

[0160] [Modified versions of the above embodiments] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S114 that the destination is undecided and in step S141 that manual driving mode is selected, the system will wait for the rider's activation command and start immediately. However, even if it is determined in step S114 that the destination is undecided and in step S141 that manual driving mode is selected, the processes in steps S144 to S148 and steps S161 to S168 may be executed before step S142, which waits for the activation command, in the same manner as when automatic driving mode is selected in step S141, to allow detection of the battery level 11 and acceptance of settings for destination attributes and driving time.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the habitual use was defined as a detailed use, but the type of use and the content of the use may also be presented to the passenger as a habitual use. However, in that case, when the habitual use is selected, it is necessary to further inquire with the passenger about the detailed use and have them set it.

[0162] In the above-described embodiment, the remaining charge of the battery 11 was not considered when performing habitual usage. However, it is certainly possible to detect the remaining charge of the battery 11 in this case as well, and notify the user whether it is possible to use the device for its usual purposes, or whether it is only possible to use the device up to the remaining charge due to insufficient battery charge.

[0163] In the above-described embodiment, when the battery level is low, only that fact is notified to the passenger. However, in the case of use other than driving that is possible while the vehicle is stopped, the passenger may be suggested to use the vehicle while charging.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the system is configured to receive the rider's activation command after the intended use has been determined. However, it is also possible to configure the system to determine the intended use after the rider has given the activation command.

[0165] [Other embodiments or modifications] Needless to say, uses other than driving are not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above, and of course, the system may be configured so that the rider can select and activate it while driving.

[0166] Furthermore, depending on the remaining battery level, the vehicle may suggest recommended uses from among driving and non-driving uses. Also, depending on the remaining battery level, the vehicle may suggest recommended driving routes and other information for driving purposes.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the passenger selected one specific non-driving use, but it is also possible to allow the simultaneous use of multiple non-driving uses, such as listening to music while getting a massage or playing games while listening to music. In that case, a dedicated selection button for selecting multiple non-driving uses simultaneously may be provided. Alternatively, it is possible to allow the selection of multiple non-driving uses in a conversational format (dialogue format) using voice transmitted through the voice recognition unit 115.

[0168] In the above embodiment, when the user selected "2. Other than driving" on the usage inquiry screen in Figure 15(A), the screen changed to the list of non-driving uses shown in Figure 15(B). However, it is also possible to change the screen to the list of non-driving uses shown in Figure 15(B) when "1. Driving a car" is selected. In this case, however, in addition to "A. AV / game related" and "B. Massage, etc.", "C. Driving a car only," which does not require a non-driving use, will be added. Of course, the list of non-driving uses is not limited to these, and may also include sleep and other rest-related uses, food and drink-related uses, reading-related uses, work / study-related uses, etc.

[0169] Alternatively, the opposite approach could be used: a screen listing uses other than driving could be presented first, followed by a selection of whether or not to drive the vehicle.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the attributes of the passengers were not considered. However, personal attributes such as the passenger's age, gender, and nationality could be associated with the user ID and stored, and the available uses and content items could be varied according to the passenger's personal attributes, such as age, gender, and nationality, for purposes other than driving. For example, massage is essential for the elderly but not so necessary for schoolchildren and adolescents, so age is a significant factor. Whether or not DVDs and Blu-rays are rated for adults also depends on age. Furthermore, since preferences for AV / games differ greatly by gender, the genre of content presented could be changed depending on gender.

[0171] Although the above embodiment did not mention cosmetic use, it is certainly possible to have cosmetic use. Cosmetic use is an option primarily for women, and in this case, the display unit 111 is configured as a mirror display, and the display screen is converted to a mirror surface for use with makeup. Furthermore, nationality has a particular impact on language-dependent uses, and is effective for DVD and BD playback, such as subtitles and dubbing. Personal attributes of the passenger, such as age, gender, and nationality, are stored as a user ID or linked to the user ID. Of course, personal attributes are not limited to age, gender, and nationality, but may also include religion, place of residence or origin, occupation, hobbies, etc.

[0172] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the use other than driving was not changed depending on the number of passengers. However, in the case of games, for example, competitive games such as shogi, go, and chess can only be played by two people, and mahjong can only be played by four people. Since there are uses that depend on the number of passengers, it may be possible to count the number of passengers and change the content presented. If there were initially three passengers, but one more was added to make it four, then mahjong would be added as a use at that point.

[0173] For example, the camera group 107 can detect the number of passengers and / or the composition of the passengers in the vehicle from the captured images, and the displayed uses and content items can be varied depending on whether the detected number and / or composition of passengers is, for example, one person, a couple, same-sex friends, a group of three or more, or a family.

[0174] For example, if the number and / or composition of detected passengers is, for instance, a passenger holding a crying baby, the system will inquire about the purpose of the journey for a predetermined time with no known destination, in order to soothe the crying baby. In the case of a family, the system will primarily inquire about the purpose of the journey, especially for a known destination.

[0175] In addition, to detect the number of passengers and / or the composition of passengers in the vehicle, the following may also be used: in addition to the image captured by the camera, the voices of the passengers picked up through the microphone 136, the opening and closing sensors of the vehicle's doors (driver's side door, passenger side door, rear passenger door, etc.), and the seat occupancy sensors installed in the seats.

[0176] The automobile in the above-described embodiment is an example of an electric vehicle, in which the only power source is a battery. However, in the case of gasoline engine vehicles or diesel engine vehicles, the power source is not only a battery but also gasoline or diesel fuel. In such cases, when used for driving, the remaining amount to be detected should of course include not only the battery level but also the remaining amount of fuel such as gasoline or diesel fuel. Furthermore, the automobile according to this invention may also be a fuel cell vehicle or the like.

[0177] Although the above-described embodiment of the automobile is an autonomous vehicle capable of self-driving, it goes without saying that this invention is also applicable to automobiles with only a manual driving mode, or automobiles equipped with both a manual driving mode and a mode that enables specific autonomous driving such as automatic tracking.

[0178] Furthermore, the invention is applicable not only to ordinary cars and light vehicles, but also to trucks, buses, taxis, and single-person vehicles in the above-described embodiments. Of course, the vehicles in the above-described embodiments may also be amphibious vehicles or amphibious vehicles (flying cars). In the case of amphibious vehicles or amphibious vehicles (flying cars), navigation is added to the driving purpose, and furthermore, underwater photography and aerial photography can be selected as uses other than driving and navigation.

[0179] Furthermore, the vehicle in the above-described embodiment may display and announce externally, or audibly, information indicating whether the vehicle is being used for driving or for purposes other than driving. In this case, the vehicle may be equipped with a display unit on a door or other visible from the outside, or with a speaker that emits sound externally. The vehicle may also transmit the information on the current use of the vehicle to other vehicles in the vicinity that are driving, stopped, or parked, or to nearby smartphones, using wireless communication. In this case, the vehicle may be equipped with means for wirelessly communicating with other nearby vehicles or nearby smartphones. In addition, the information on the current use of the vehicle may be uploaded to the cloud via the wireless communication unit 124. By announcing and transmitting this information on the current use of the vehicle, external observers can assess the vehicle's safety by knowing that if the vehicle is being used for purposes other than driving, it will not move, thus eliminating concerns about sudden acceleration.

[0180] Furthermore, the vehicle in the above-described embodiment can also be configured to receive emergency disaster notifications via the wireless communication unit 124, such as emergency earthquake warnings (preliminary reports), tsunami advisories and warnings, river flood advisories and warnings, landslide advisories and warnings, and volcanic eruption advisories and warnings, thus enabling it to respond to emergency disaster applications. In this case, when an emergency disaster notification is received, the emergency disaster application takes precedence over the vehicle's intended use, which includes both driving and non-driving uses. In the case of an emergency disaster application, the vehicle determines whether the interior of the vehicle is safe, whether it should be driven or not, and if it should be driven, where and how to drive. If the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, it selects and executes the determined use and presents it to the passengers. If the vehicle is not an autonomous vehicle and only has a manual driving mode, it presents the determined use to the passengers and, if driving is to be done, uses the car navigation function to guide the passengers to drive. This is done not only when the passengers are in the vehicle, but also after they are in the vehicle, by interrupting the currently executed use.

[0181] Furthermore, in emergency disaster situations, the vehicle will be able to select and execute actions such as not driving (not starting) in the event of an earthquake alert, turning on the hazard lights and moving to the shoulder of the road to stop (in the case of an autonomous vehicle), or being guided to do so (in the case of a manually driven vehicle). In the event of a tsunami warning, the car navigation function unit 113 will be able to select and execute actions such as driving to a safe location such as high ground (in the case of an autonomous vehicle), or being guided to do so (in the case of a manually driven vehicle). In addition, in the event of a landslide or volcanic eruption warning, the car navigation function unit 113 will be able to select and execute actions such as driving to a safe location that will not be affected by mudslides, pyroclastic flows, or volcanic ash (in the case of an autonomous vehicle), or being guided to do so (in the case of a manually driven vehicle).

[0182] In addition to driving during an emergency disaster, the vehicle may, depending on the content of the emergency disaster notification it receives, select and perform the following uses: for example, watching television broadcasts related to the emergency disaster using the television broadcasting receiving function, or listening to radio broadcasts related to the emergency disaster using the AM and FM radio broadcasting receiving function.

[0183] Of course, in the case of disasters, it can be used not only in emergency situations but also in cases where disasters or damage continue for several days, such as typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires, in the same way as for emergency situations.

[0184] Furthermore, if the vehicle receives a warning or alert regarding air pollution such as photochemical smog, yellow dust, or PM2.5 via the wireless communication unit 124, it will select and execute driving or non-driving operations in the same manner as in the embodiments described above. However, operations that require opening windows to avoid damage from air pollution will be prohibited, and any open windows will be closed and the windows will not be opened. The same measures would be taken in the case of sandstorms or dust storms, but this can be determined by image recognition from the camera group 107 without using the wireless communication unit 124 in the vehicle. This also applies to air pollution such as yellow dust; in severe cases, the determination can be made similarly by image recognition from the camera group 107. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 1...Autonomous vehicle, 10...Electronic control circuit unit, 11...Battery, 101...Control unit, 102...Motor drive control unit, 104...Manual / automatic driving mode switching control unit, 107...Camera group, 108...Sensor group, 110...Current position detection unit, 111...Display unit, 111D...Display screen, 112...Touch panel, 113...Car navigation function unit, 114...Image recognition unit, 115...Voice recognition unit, 116...Application navigation function unit, 117...AV entertainment function unit, 118...Massage mechanism drive unit, 119...History memory, 120...History analysis unit, 121...Voice input / output unit, 122...Clock unit, 123...Battery level detection unit, 134...User image information storage unit, 135...Speaker, 136...Microphone

Claims

1. A battery and / or fuel level detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the battery and / or fuel, Car navigation function unit, Control unit and In an automobile equipped with an autonomous driving mode that enables self-driving, The control unit, A means of receiving passengers to specify the duration of travel they wish to use, A calculation means for calculating the remaining driving time based on the remaining amount of the battery and / or fuel detected by the battery and / or fuel remaining amount detection unit, A determination means for determining whether the driving time calculated by the calculation means is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger, If the determination means determines that the available driving time is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger, the search means searches for a route for the specified driving time using the car navigation function unit. A route notification means that displays the route resulting from the search means on a display screen and notifies the passenger, An automobile characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned reception means accepts the specified driving time or the end time of the driving as a designation regarding the driving time to be used. The automobile according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned designation regarding the travel time to be used is made without specifying a destination. The automobile according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control means is When the driver receives an instruction from the passenger to begin using the route notified by the route notification means, the driver will execute the journey along the route. The automobile according to claims 1 to 3, characterized by the features described above.

5. The control means is If the determination means determines that the available driving time is shorter than the driving time specified by the passenger, the system includes an unavailability notification means that notifies the passenger that the vehicle cannot be used for the specified driving time. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned unavailability notification means notifies the passenger that the vehicle cannot be used for the specified driving time, along with the driving time that is possible based on the remaining battery and / or fuel. The automobile according to feature 5.

7. The control means is If the determination means determines that the available driving time is shorter than the driving time specified by the passenger, it accepts the passenger's request to reset the driving time to be used. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control means is If the determination means determines that the available driving time is shorter than the driving time specified by the passenger, it receives an instruction from the passenger to discontinue use. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The control means is If the determination means determines that the remaining driving time is shorter than the driving time specified by the passenger, it receives an instruction from the passenger to drive for the amount of time possible with the remaining battery and / or fuel. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. The aforementioned designation regarding the travel time is based on the premise of returning to the current location. The automobile according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The aforementioned vehicle is an amphibious vehicle, an aerial-amphibious vehicle, or a water-air-amphibious vehicle, and its operation includes navigation. An autonomous vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. If the battery charge level detection means detects that the battery charge level is insufficient, the user is informed that the battery will be charged while the vehicle is stopped. An autonomous vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. It includes a history storage unit that stores usage history, including the date, day of the week, and / or time when the vehicle was driven. An autonomous vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A battery and / or fuel level detection unit that detects the remaining amount of the battery and / or fuel, Car navigation function unit, A computer in a car equipped with an autonomous driving mode that enables self-driving, A means of receiving passengers to specify the duration of their journey. A calculation means for calculating the remaining driving time based on the remaining amount of the battery and / or fuel detected by the battery and / or fuel remaining amount detection unit. A determination means for determining whether the driving time calculated by the calculation means is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger. If the determination means determines that the available driving time is longer than the driving time specified by the passenger, the search means searches for a route for the specified driving time using the car navigation function unit. Route notification means that displays the route found by the search means on a display screen and notifies the passenger, An automotive program designed to function as such.

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