Driving assistance method and driving assistance device

Abstract

The present invention provides a driver assistance method and a driver assistance device that allow drivers to practice driving by simulating actual routes they will travel in a vehicle. [Solution] The controller acquires destination information set by the user, executes a simulated driving mode in which the user simulates driving the vehicle in a simulated environment that simulates the driving route to the destination based on the user's operation on a plurality of controls equipped on the vehicle Vc, collects data for evaluating the user's simulated driving as simulated driving data while the simulated driving mode is being executed, evaluates the user's simulated driving based on the simulated driving data, and presents the evaluation results to the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving support method and a driving support device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a driving support device mounted on a vehicle. The driving support device includes a driving support execution unit that executes driving support by a driver of the vehicle performing a predetermined operation using a predetermined operator provided in the vehicle, and a driving support practice control unit that executes a driving support practice process for the driver to practice a predetermined operation. The driving support practice control unit executes the driving support practice process after the vehicle is started and while the vehicle is stopped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, although driving support practice can be performed, it does not fulfill the user's desire to practice driving assuming the actual driving route of the vehicle.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a driving support method and a driving support device that can practice driving assuming the actual driving route of the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A driving assistance method according to one aspect of the present invention includes executing a simulated driving mode in which the vehicle is driven along a route set by the user to a destination based on the user's operation of a plurality of controls equipped on the vehicle, evaluating the simulated driving data during the execution of the simulated driving mode, and presenting the evaluation results to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to practice driving by simulating the actual route that a vehicle will travel. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the driver assistance device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the driver assistance method. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the driver assistance method. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the driver assistance method. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the main parts of the processing of the driver assistance method. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the main parts of the processing of the driver assistance method. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the main parts of the processing of the driver assistance method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes the driver assistance method and driver assistance device according to this embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the driver assistance device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. The driver assistance device 10 is mounted on a vehicle Vc. The driver assistance device 10 is a device that provides the user with an environment in which the vehicle Vc can be driven in a simulated manner. In the simulated driving of the vehicle Vc, the user actually operates several controls provided on the vehicle Vc. The multiple controls operated by the user include the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brake pedal, but may also include a shift lever or control switch, a parking brake lever or control switch, a turn signal control lever, a lighting control switch, and the like.

[0011] The driver assistance system 10 is mounted on the vehicle Vc. The driver assistance system 10 comprises a control device 11, a communication device 12, an input device 13, a display device 14, a storage device 15, and an information acquisition device 16.

[0012] The control device 11 is a microcomputer (controller) mainly composed of a CPU, memory, and input / output interface. The CPU reads various computer programs stored in memory and executes various instructions contained in the programs.

[0013] In this embodiment, the control device 11 is equipped with functions to realize three services provided to the user: simulated driving evaluation, actual driving support, and actual driving evaluation. Simulated driving evaluation is a service that simulates driving of the vehicle Vc and evaluates that simulated driving. In simulated driving evaluation, the control device 11 generates a simulated environment that simulates a real driving route and executes a simulated driving mode in which the user simulates driving the vehicle Vc in the generated simulated environment. While the simulated driving mode is being executed, the control device 11 collects data for evaluating the user's simulated driving as simulated driving data. Based on the simulated driving data, the control device 11 evaluates the user's simulated driving and presents the evaluation results to the user.

[0014] Actual driving support is a service that provides driving assistance to the user when actually driving the vehicle Vc on the driving route simulated in the simulated driving mode. In actual driving support, the control device 11 generates support information for advising on driving methods based on the simulated driving data, and presents the support information to the user from the presentation device 14.

[0015] Actual driving evaluation is a service that evaluates the actual driving of the user when actually driving the vehicle Vc on the driving route simulated in the simulated driving mode. In actual driving evaluation, the control device 11 collects actual driving history data for evaluating the actual driving of the user when the user actually drives the vehicle Vc on the driving route. The control device 11 evaluates the actual driving of the user based on the current actual driving history data and the simulated driving data when simulating the same driving route or the past actual driving history data when actually driving the same driving route in the past, and presents the evaluation result to the user.

[0016] The communication device 12 communicates with an external device, for example, the data server 20 described later. The communication device 12 may be a device equipped with a mobile communication function such as 4G / LTE or 5G, or a device equipped with a Wifi communication function. The control device 11 can obtain simulated environment data for executing the simulated driving mode from the data server 20 via the communication device 12.

[0017] The input device 13 is a device that receives input operations by the user, for example, a touch pad. The input device 13 may be a device that receives input operations by voice such as a microphone. The presentation device 14 is a device that presents information to the user, and for example, includes a display for displaying information and a speaker for outputting voice. Also, the method by which the presentation device 14 displays information is not limited to the method using a display, and may be a method using a projection device that projects information onto a screen inside the vehicle, for example, the front windshield.

[0018] The memory device 15 stores programs for realizing the functions of simulated operation evaluation, actual operation support, and actual operation evaluation. Further, the memory device 15 stores simulated environment data for generating a simulated environment. The simulated environment data includes, in addition to map information, information on road structures and information on facilities existing around the road. The information on road structures includes information on road types such as expressways and general roads, information on road elements such as road white lines, center lines, and lane boundary lines, information on branch points and merging points, information on traffic signs and traffic lights, and the like. The simulated environment data has information on the traffic situation on the road, that is, the traffic flow of other vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians on the road, the degree of congestion, etc., recorded for each time zone. The simulated environment data also includes information on points that the user should pay attention to when driving the vehicle Vc, for example, intersections without traffic lights, sharp curves, and the like.

[0019] The memory device 15 stores simulated operation data when performing a simulated operation, actual operation data when performing an actual operation, and evaluation results when performing an evaluation based on these data. Note that the driving support device 10 does not necessarily have to mount the memory device 15 inside the vehicle Vc, and an external device such as a cloud server may be used as the memory device 15.

[0020] The information acquisition device 16 acquires various types of information necessary for the simulated operation data and the actual operation data. The information acquisition device 16 may be a device that directly acquires information by itself, or may acquire information from the ECU and sensors mounted on the vehicle Vc. In the present embodiment, the information acquired by the information acquisition device 16 includes information such as the user's operation on the operator, the vehicle state, the user's behavior, and the state outside the vehicle.

[0021] User actions include information such as the steering wheel rotation angle, accelerator pedal operation, and brake pedal operation. Vehicle status includes information such as vehicle speed and vehicle position. User behavior includes the direction of the user's gaze and the user's body movements. User behavior is detected by in-vehicle sensors such as cameras mounted inside the vehicle. External conditions include the position of the vehicle Vc on the road and the surrounding conditions of the vehicle, including other vehicles. External conditions are detected by external sensors such as cameras that photograph the outside of the vehicle, LIDAR, and RADAR.

[0022] The data server 20 comprises a computer (controller) mainly consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and input / output interfaces, a communication device, and a storage device. The storage device of the data server 20 stores simulated environment data for generating a simulated environment.

[0023] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the driving assistance method according to this embodiment will be described. The flowcharts shown in Figures 2 to 4 are executed by the control device 11 when the vehicle Vc is powered on.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 11 guides the user through the presentation device 14 to the content of the service (S1). Specifically, the control device 11 presents through the presentation device 14 a description of each service related to simulated driving evaluation, actual driving support, and actual driving evaluation, as well as information for deciding whether or not to use these services, and if so, which service to use.

[0025] If the user chooses to use a service (S2: YES), the control device 11 determines which service has been selected (S3). If the user chooses a simulated driving evaluation, the control device 11 performs the processing from step S10 onwards in Figure 3 (simulated driving evaluation). If the user chooses actual driving support, the control device 11 performs the processing from step S30 onwards in Figure 4 (actual driving support). If the user chooses an actual driving evaluation, the control device 11 performs the processing from step S50 onwards in Figure 4 (actual driving evaluation). In this way, the control device 11 proposes each service and then executes each service only if the user agrees to its execution.

[0026] Referring to Figure 3, the specific procedures for simulated driving evaluation will be explained. Simulated driving evaluation is used by novice drivers who want to practice driving a certain route before actually driving that route in vehicle Vc. However, simulated driving evaluation may also be used by unlicensed individuals to practice driving before obtaining a driver's license.

[0027] The control device 11 performs a deactivation control (S10). In the simulated driving mode described later, the user operates multiple controls equipped on the vehicle Vc to simulate driving of the vehicle Vc. To prevent the vehicle Vc from actually moving due to the operation of the multiple controls, the control device 11 disables the functions of the vehicle Vc.

[0028] The control device 11 acquires the destination and travel time set by the user using the input device 13 (S11). Based on the simulated environment data, the control device 11 determines the travel route from the vehicle Vc's current position to the destination (S12). In this embodiment, the control device 11 determines the travel route by considering the vehicle Vc's current position as the starting point set by the user. However, the control device 11 may also set the travel route using a point set by the user using the input device 13 as the starting point.

[0029] The control device 11 extracts multiple attention points along the driving route based on simulated environmental data (S13). The control device 11 presents information on the extracted multiple attention points to the presentation device 14 and prompts the user to select the attention points to execute the simulated driving mode. The control device 11 identifies the attention points selected by the user based on the information entered by the user using the input device 13 (S14).

[0030] The control device 11 extracts a portion of the route from the starting point to the destination that includes a point of attention selected by the user as a practice route. For example, the control device 11 extracts the route from a point a certain distance before the point of attention to a point a certain distance past the point of attention as a practice route. Then, the control device 11 generates a simulated environment that simulates the practice route based on simulated environment data (S15). This simulated environment includes information on the road structure of the practice route, facilities around the practice route, and traffic conditions on the practice route. Furthermore, if the user has specified a time period in step S11, the control device 11 reflects the traffic conditions during the time period specified by the user in the simulated environment.

[0031] The control device 11 starts a simulated driving mode in the generated simulated environment, allowing the user to simulate driving the vehicle Vc (S16). When the simulated driving mode is executed, the control device 11 displays the simulated environment on the display device 14. The control device 11 then calculates the behavior of the vehicle Vc in response to the user's operations on multiple controls, and changes the simulated environment according to the behavior of the vehicle Vc. This allows the user to simulate driving the vehicle Vc within the simulated environment.

[0032] While the simulated driving mode is running, the control device 11 collects data acquired by the information acquisition device 16 as simulated driving data (S17). The collection of simulated driving data is performed at predetermined intervals. In simulated driving, the vehicle Vc is not actually moving, so the vehicle state information (e.g., vehicle speed and the position of vehicle Vc) acquired by the information acquisition device 16 represents the vehicle state of a stationary vehicle Vc. Therefore, it is desirable for the control device 11 to estimate the vehicle state based on the amount of user operation on multiple controls and collect that value as the simulated driving mode. Similarly, it is desirable for the control device 11 to estimate the external state from the estimated vehicle state and information on traffic conditions on the practice route and collect that value as the simulated driving mode. Thus, the simulated driving data includes simulated vehicle data, which records the state of vehicle Vc in time series; simulated operation data, which records operations on multiple controls in time series; simulated user data, which records the user's actions in time series; and simulated external data, which records the conditions around vehicle Vc in time series.

[0033] When the simulated driving from the start to the end of the practice route is completed, the control device 11 exits the simulated driving mode (S18).

[0034] The control device 11 evaluates the user's simulated driving based on the simulated driving data collected while the simulated driving mode is running (S19). For example, this evaluation is performed on three items for each driving environment: safe driving items, smooth driving items, and eco-driving items. Driving environments include straight roads, curved roads, intersections, stop signs, following distance, lane changes, and merging.

[0035] The following is an example of the evaluation. The evaluation for straight roads is as follows: In the safe driving category, items such as whether the speed limit is not exceeded, whether the driver is concentrating on driving, and whether the driving posture is correct are evaluated. In the smooth driving category, items such as whether the vehicle Vc is moving in line with the flow of other surrounding vehicles are evaluated. In the eco-driving category, items such as whether the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, whether the timing of acceleration and deceleration is appropriate, whether the speed during acceleration and deceleration is appropriate, and whether there was sudden acceleration or deceleration are evaluated. The evaluation for curved roads is as follows: In the safe driving category, items such as whether the vehicle is traveling at a sufficiently reduced speed, whether the steering wheel is being operated correctly, and whether the driver is checking for vehicles to get caught in the vehicle Vc are evaluated. In the smooth driving category, items such as whether the position of the vehicle Vc relative to the lane is appropriate, and whether the accelerator and steering operations are appropriate are evaluated. The eco-driving items are the same as for straight roads. The evaluation for intersections is as follows: In the safe driving category, items such as whether the driver is reacting appropriately to yellow lights, whether the driver is checking for signals and oncoming vehicles, and whether the driver is checking for pedestrians and motorcycles getting caught in the vehicle are evaluated. The eco-driving criteria are the same as for straight roads. The evaluation regarding stopping is as follows: In the safe driving criteria, items such as whether the vehicle Vc has come to a complete stop, whether it has come to a stop in multiple stages, and whether the surroundings have been sufficiently checked are evaluated. The eco-driving criteria are the same as for straight roads. The evaluation regarding following distance is as follows: In the safe driving criteria, items such as whether a sufficient following distance has been maintained are evaluated. In the eco-driving criteria, items such as whether the timing of acceleration and deceleration is appropriate are evaluated. The eco-driving criteria are the same as for straight roads. The evaluation regarding lane changes and merging is as follows: Items such as whether the surroundings have been checked before changing lanes and merging are evaluated. In the eco-driving criteria, items such as whether the timing of activating the turn signal is appropriate and whether the timing of acceleration is appropriate are evaluated. The eco-driving criteria are the same as for straight roads.

[0036] The control device 11 evaluates the user's simulated driving by comparing it with standard driving data, which represents the driving style of a typical driver, prepared for each evaluation item. For example, if the driving style in the simulated driving data is worse than the driving style in the standard data, the control device 11 evaluates that evaluation item as having a problem, and if the driving style in the simulated driving data is better than the driving style in the standard data, it evaluates that evaluation item as having no problem. The control device 11 then presents the evaluation results from the display device 14 (S20). For example, the control device 11 may display the evaluation results as a list of each evaluation item and allow the user to select the evaluation item they wish to check. Each evaluation item includes the position of the vehicle Vc during the simulated drive, the user's line of sight video, and operation data for the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and steering wheel. Each evaluation item also includes items with problems (items that need improvement) and correct driving methods. Note that the method of presenting the evaluation results is not limited to using the display device 14. The control device 11 may also transmit the evaluation results to the user's mobile terminal that has been pre-associated with it.

[0037] Furthermore, the control device 11 records the simulated driving data, including the evaluation results, in the storage device 15, associating it with the date and time and route of the simulated driving (S21). The control device 11 presents information to the presentation device 14, allowing the user to choose whether to repeat the practice, start an actual drive, or end the practice (S22). If the user chooses to repeat the practice, the control device 11 performs the processing from step S14 onwards. If the user chooses to start a drive, the control device 11 performs the processing from step S34 onwards in Figure 4. If the user chooses to end the practice, the control device 11 terminates this process.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4, the specific processes related to actual driving support will be explained. If the device determines that the storage device 15 contains the user's past actual driving data (S30: YES), the control device 11 extracts multiple problem locations that were identified as problematic in the actual driving evaluation described later, based on the actual driving data (S31). The control device 11 acquires the destination and driving time set by the user using the input device 13 (S32). The control device 11 determines the driving route from the vehicle Vc's current position to the destination and extracts multiple points of concern along the driving route (S33).

[0039] The control device 11 identifies the problem points included in the driving route from the vehicle Vc's current position to the destination, as well as the attention points extracted in step S33, as support points, and generates support information (S34). The support information is information to advise on how to drive when driving the vehicle Vc to each support point. The control device 11 presents the information of the multiple support points to the presentation device 14 and allows the user to select the support points for which support information is presented. Based on the information input from the input device 13, the control device 11 selects the support points selected by the user (S35).

[0040] When the start of vehicle Vc's journey is identified (S36), the control device 11 provides driving assistance (S37). During driving assistance, when the control device 11 determines that vehicle Vc has reached a support point selected by the user, it presents support information corresponding to the support point from the presentation device 14. This allows the user to drive vehicle Vc while referring to the support information. When the end of vehicle Vc's journey is identified (S38), the control device 11 terminates this process.

[0041] Next, the specific processes related to the actual driving evaluation will be explained. When the start of vehicle Vc's journey is identified (S50), the control device 11 collects data acquired by the information acquisition device 16 as actual driving data while vehicle Vc is in motion. When the end of vehicle Vc's journey is identified (S38), the control device 11 determines whether or not there is simulated driving data corresponding to the route traveled by vehicle Vc (S53). If there is simulated driving data (S53: YES), the control device 11 reads the simulated driving data from the storage device 15 (S54). If there is no simulated driving data (S53: NO), the control device 11 determines whether or not there is past actual driving data corresponding to the route traveled by vehicle Vc (S55). If there is actual driving data, the control device 11 reads the actual driving data from the storage device 15 (S56).

[0042] The control device 11 evaluates the current actual operation data (S57). If simulated operation data is available, the control device 11 compares the actual operation data with the simulated operation data to evaluate the user's actual operation. The evaluation items for the actual operation are the same as those used in the simulated operation evaluation. For example, if the driving characteristics in the actual operation data are worse than those in the simulated operation data, the control device 11 evaluates that evaluation item as having a problem, and if the driving characteristics in the actual operation data are better than those in the simulated operation data, it evaluates that evaluation item as having no problem. In addition, if past actual operation data is available, the control device 11 compares the current actual operation data with past actual operation data to evaluate the user's actual operation. If neither simulated operation data nor past actual operation data is available, the control device 11 compares the actual operation data with the reference operation data described above to evaluate the user's actual operation.

[0043] Once the evaluation is complete, the control device 11 presents the evaluation results from the display device 14, similar to the process in step S20 (S58). Note that the method of presenting the display results is not limited to using the display device 14. The control device 11 may also transmit the evaluation results to a user's mobile terminal that has been pre-associated. The control device 11 also records the actual operation data, including the analysis results, in the storage device 15, associated with the date and time and route of the operation (S59).

[0044] Thus, the driving assistance method of this embodiment includes acquiring destination information set by the user, executing a simulated driving mode in a simulated environment that simulates the driving route to the destination based on the user's operations on a plurality of controls equipped on the vehicle Vc, collecting data for evaluating the user's simulated driving as simulated driving data while the simulated driving mode is being executed, evaluating the user's simulated driving based on the simulated driving data, and presenting the evaluation results to the user.

[0045] According to the driving assistance method of this embodiment, the driving route to the destination set by the user is simulated and reproduced, so the user can practice driving by imagining that driving route before actually driving the route in the vehicle Vc. Furthermore, since the simulated driving mode allows the user to operate the vehicle Vc that they will actually use, the driving practice can be conducted more realistically. In addition, by presenting an evaluation, the user can recognize their own driving skills, and will be able to drive with a higher awareness of safe driving in the future.

[0046] The driving assistance method of this embodiment further includes suggesting to the user that they run a simulated driving mode. The simulated driving mode is executed if the user agrees to run the simulated driving mode. With this method, the user can choose whether to actually drive the vehicle Vc or to run the simulated driving mode as well.

[0047] The driving assistance method of this embodiment further includes extracting a portion of the driving route that includes points of caution that the user should pay attention to, as a practice route. The simulated driving mode is performed on the practice route. This method allows for driving practice at points of caution, and since it is not necessary to practice the entire driving route, practice time can be saved.

[0048] The driving assistance method of this embodiment further includes presenting support information to advise on driving methods based on evaluation results when the user is actually driving the vehicle Vc along a driving route. According to this method, during actual driving, the user is advised on areas where the evaluation was poor during the simulated driving. As a result, by driving in accordance with the advice, the user can drive the vehicle Vc safely.

[0049] The driving assistance method of this embodiment further includes collecting data to evaluate the user's actual driving when the user actually drives the vehicle Vc along the route, and recording this data as actual driving data in the storage device 15. By collecting and recording the actual driving data using this method, the actual driving data can be effectively utilized.

[0050] In this embodiment, if there is no simulated driving data for the driving route, the driving assistance method presents assistance information based on actual driving data from when the user has driven the route in the past. This method allows the system to advise the user during the current drive on areas where the user performed poorly in past actual driving. As a result, by driving in accordance with the advice, the user can safely drive the vehicle Vc.

[0051] In this embodiment, when executing the simulated driving mode, the driver assistance method displays a simulated environment on a display mounted on the vehicle Vc, or projects the simulated environment onto a screen inside the vehicle Vc. This method allows the user to practice driving in an environment that closely resembles a real driving environment.

[0052] In the driving assistance method of this embodiment, the simulated environment includes information on the road structure of the driving route and the traffic conditions along the route. When the user specifies a time period when executing the simulated driving mode, the traffic conditions during the time period specified by the user are reflected in the simulated environment. This method allows the user to practice driving in an environment close to that of a real driving environment.

[0053] In the driving assistance method of this embodiment, the simulated driving data includes simulated vehicle data that records the state of the vehicle Vc in chronological order, simulated operation data that records operations on multiple controls in chronological order, and simulated user data that records the user's actions detected by in-vehicle sensors installed inside the vehicle Vc in chronological order. In this case, the multiple controls include the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and steering wheel. With this method, data indicating the user's driving is collected, so that shortcomings in the user's driving can be appropriately evaluated.

[0054] (Second Embodiment) The following describes the driver assistance device and driver assistance method according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the application to novice drivers was described as a service for simulated driving evaluation. However, the driver assistance device and driver assistance method according to this embodiment may be used not only by novice drivers but also by experienced drivers. This is because even experienced drivers may want to practice driving vehicle Vc in foreign countries.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the data server 20 stores simulated environment data for each country in the world, in order to generate simulated environments corresponding to each region of that country. The driver assistance device 10 can download simulated environment data for the country and region requested by the user from the data server 20. The downloaded simulated environment data is installed in the driver assistance device 10. As a result, the driver assistance device 10 can execute a simulated driving mode for the country and region desired by the user.

[0056] Referring to Figure 5, the region selection process in the driving assistance method according to this embodiment will be explained. The flowchart shown in Figure 5 is executed between the processes of step S2 and step S3 shown in Figure 3.

[0057] First, the control device 11 presents information from the presentation device 14 for selecting a country or region to be served from among the countries or regions of the world. When the user selects a country or region (S70), the control device 11 obtains the corresponding simulated environment data from the data server 20 (S71). The control device 11 then installs the simulated environment data (S72). Once the data is installed in this way, the control device 11 can generate a simulated environment for the country or region selected by the user.

[0058] Thus, the driving assistance method of this embodiment further includes acquiring simulated environment data necessary for generating a simulated environment from a data server 20, which is an example of an external device, and generating a simulated environment based on the simulated environment data. With this configuration, it is possible to acquire simulated environment data for each country and region from the data server 20, so that simulated driving can be performed in a variety of driving environments.

[0059] (Third embodiment) The following describes the driver assistance device and driver assistance method according to the third embodiment. The driver assistance device and driver assistance method according to this embodiment perform simulated driving using an actual vehicle Vc. Therefore, the simulated driving may be performed in an environment that takes safety into consideration.

[0060] Referring to Figure 6, the environmental evaluation process in the driving assistance method according to this embodiment will be described. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is executed between the processes of step S2 and step S3 shown in Figure 3.

[0061] The control device 11 refers to the current location of the vehicle Vc and map information to determine whether the vehicle Vc is parked in a safe environment (S80). For example, if the vehicle Vc is parked on the shoulder of a road rather than in a large open space such as a parking lot, the control device 11 determines that it is not in a safe environment. If it determines that it is not in a safe environment (S80: NO), the control device 11 extracts a safe environment based on the map information and guides the user to the safe environment from the display device 14 (S81). Then, if the user determines that the vehicle Vc has moved to a safe environment (S82: YES, S80: YES), the control device 11 guides the user to start the service from the display device 14 (S83).

[0062] Thus, the driving assistance method of this embodiment includes determining whether the vehicle Vc is parked in a safe environment before executing the simulated driving mode. If it is determined that the vehicle Vc is parked in a safe environment, the control device 11 executes the simulated driving mode. If it is determined that the vehicle Vc is not parked in a safe environment, the control device 11 provides guidance on changing the location of the vehicle Vc. This method makes it possible to provide the user with a safer simulated driving experience.

[0063] In the first embodiment described above, users utilizing the driving simulation evaluation include individuals who do not yet have a driver's license. Therefore, the driving function may be locked before individuals without a license can perform the simulation.

[0064] Referring to Figure 7, the lock setting process in the driving assistance method according to this embodiment will be explained. The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 7 is executed between the process in step S2 and the process in step S3 shown in Figure 3.

[0065] The control device 11 presents information to the presentation device 14 that allows the user to choose whether or not to lock the driving functions. In response to this presentation, the user can choose to lock by setting an unlock password using the input device 13 or by operating a mobile terminal linked to the vehicle Vc. If the user chooses to lock (S90: YES), the control device 11 performs the lock setting (S91). This lock setting locks all functions except the driving functions, i.e., the functions that realize the simulated driving evaluation service.

[0066] Thus, the driving assistance method of this embodiment includes setting a lock to lock the vehicle Vc's driving functions in response to user input before executing the simulated driving mode. This method allows even those without a driver's license to use the simulated driving function safely and with peace of mind.

[0067] The present invention includes not only the driving assistance methods described above, but also the driving assistance device described in this embodiment. This driving assistance device is mounted on a vehicle and includes a controller (control device). The controller acquires destination information set by the user, and based on the user's operation on a plurality of controls equipped on the vehicle, executes a simulated driving mode in a simulated environment that simulates the driving route to the destination, allowing the user to simulate driving the vehicle. While the simulated driving mode is being executed, data for evaluating the user's simulated driving is collected as simulated driving data, the user's simulated driving is evaluated based on the simulated driving data, and the evaluation results are presented to the user. With this driving assistance device, since the driving route to the destination set by the user is simulated, the user can practice driving by imagining that driving route before actually driving the route in the vehicle Vc.

[0068] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been presented, but the statements and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 10: Driving assistance device, 11: Control device (controller), 12: Communication device, 13: Input device, 14: Display device, 15: Storage device, 16: Information acquisition device, 20: Data server

Claims

1. A driver assistance method performed by a driver assistance device installed in a vehicle, Retrieve destination information set by the user, Based on the user's operation of a plurality of controls equipped on the vehicle, a simulated driving mode is executed in a simulated environment that simulates the driving route to the destination, allowing the user to simulate driving the vehicle. While the simulated driving mode is running, data for evaluating the user's simulated driving is collected as simulated driving data. Based on the aforementioned simulated operation data, the user's simulated operation is evaluated. A driving assistance method that includes presenting the evaluation results to the user.

2. The further includes suggesting to the user that they perform the simulated driving mode, The driving assistance method according to claim 1, wherein the simulated driving mode is executed when the user consents to the execution of the simulated driving mode.

3. This further includes extracting a portion of the aforementioned driving route that includes points of caution that the user should pay attention to while driving, as a practice route. The driving assistance method according to claim 1, wherein the simulated driving mode is performed on the practice route.

4. The driving assistance method according to claim 1, further comprising providing support information that advises on driving methods based on the simulated driving data when the user actually drives the vehicle along the driving route.

5. The driving assistance method according to claim 4, further comprising collecting data for evaluating the user's actual driving when the user actually drives the vehicle along the driving route, and recording it in a storage device as actual driving data.

6. If no simulated driving data exists for the aforementioned driving route, the driving support method according to claim 5, wherein the support information is presented based on the actual driving data from when the user previously drove the aforementioned driving route.

7. The driving assistance method according to claim 1, wherein when the simulated driving mode is executed, the simulated environment is displayed on a display mounted on the vehicle, or the simulated environment is projected onto a screen inside the vehicle.

8. The simulated environment includes information on the road structure of the driving route and the traffic conditions along the driving route. The driving assistance method according to claim 1, wherein, when the user specifies a time period when executing the simulated driving mode, the driving assistance method reflects the traffic conditions during the time period specified by the user in the simulated environment.

9. The aforementioned simulated operation data is Simulated vehicle data that records the state of the aforementioned vehicle in chronological order, Simulated operation data that records operations on the aforementioned multiple operators in chronological order, Simulated user data that records the user's actions in chronological order, The driving assistance method according to claim 1, further comprising simulated external vehicle data that records the conditions around the vehicle in a time series.

10. The driving assistance method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of controls include an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a steering wheel.

11. The simulated environment data necessary for generating the simulated environment is acquired from an external device. The driving support method according to claim 1, further comprising generating the simulated environment based on the simulated environment data.

12. Before executing the simulated driving mode, it is determined whether the vehicle is parked in a safe environment. When it is determined that the vehicle is parked in a safe environment, the simulated driving mode is executed. The driving assistance method according to claim 1, further comprising providing guidance to change the location of the vehicle if it is determined that the vehicle is not parked in a safe environment.

13. The driving assistance method according to claim 1, further comprising, before executing the simulated driving mode, performing a lock setting to lock the vehicle's driving functions in response to an operation from the user.

14. A driver assistance system mounted on a vehicle and equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller, Retrieve destination information set by the user, Based on the user's operation of a plurality of controls equipped on the vehicle, a simulated driving mode is executed in a simulated environment that simulates the driving route to the destination, allowing the user to simulate driving the vehicle. While the simulated driving mode is running, data for evaluating the user's simulated driving is collected as simulated driving data. Based on the aforementioned simulated operation data, the user's simulated operation is evaluated. A driving assistance device that performs the action of presenting the evaluation results to the user.

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