Driving assistance device, vehicle, driving assistance method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of efficiently and safely updating a function equipped on a vehicle.SOLUTION: A driving support device for supporting driving of a vehicle comprises: detection means configured to detect a current position of the vehicle; acquisition means configured to acquire data for updating a driving support function equipped on the vehicle; and control means configured to control update of the driving support function based on the data acquired by the acquisition means. The control means is configured to execute the update in a state in which an ignition of the vehicle is on, in the case of determining, based on the current position detected by the detection means, that the update is to be completed before the driving support function is likely to be activated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Functions installed in a vehicle can be updated using OTA (Over The Air) etc. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for prioritizing data set transmission to an application in updating vehicle software via the application (smartphone). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6722198 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In general, update data for updating functions installed in a vehicle can be acquired (downloaded) while the ignition is on. Then, updating (activating, installing) the function using the acquired update data can be performed while the function is definitely stopped, that is, while the ignition is off. However, if function updates are only performed while the ignition is off, it takes a considerable amount of time (e.g., several days) to complete the updates for all of the multiple functions for which update data has been distributed, and some functions may not be updated by the time the ignition is next turned on.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables functions installed in a vehicle to be updated efficiently and safely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a driving assistance device according to one aspect of the present invention is a driving assistance device for a vehicle. Controlling driving operations or informing occupants of the vehicle A driving assistance device that performs the above-mentioned, comprising: a detection means for detecting a current position of the vehicle; and an acquisition means for acquiring data for updating a driving assistance function mounted on the vehicle. For each of the multiple types of driving assistance functions, and a control means for controlling an update of the driving assistance function based on the data acquired by the acquisition means, the control means being configured to: For each of the plurality of types of driving assistance functions, it is determined whether the update will be completed by the time a situation occurs in which the driving assistance function is likely to be activated, If it is determined that the update will be completed before the situation arises in which a driving assistance function may be activated, the update is performed with the ignition of the vehicle turned on. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a technique that enables functions installed in a vehicle to be updated efficiently and safely. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Block diagram of a vehicle and its control device [Diagram 2] A diagram showing the driving assistance provided in each mode [Diagram 3] A block diagram showing a configuration example of a driving assistance device. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a plurality of types of driving assistance functions installed in a driving assistance device; [Diagram 5] Flowchart showing a method for updating a driving assistance function DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features among the multiple features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0010] First Embodiment A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle V and its control device CNT according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the vehicle V is shown in a plan view and a side view. The vehicle V of this embodiment is, as an example, a four-wheeled sedan-type passenger vehicle, and may be, for example, a parallel hybrid vehicle. Note that the vehicle V is not limited to a four-wheeled passenger vehicle, and may be a saddle-type vehicle (motorcycle, motor three-wheeler), or a large vehicle such as a truck or a bus.

[0011] [Vehicle control device configuration] The control device CNT includes a controller 1 which is an electronic circuit that executes control of the vehicle V including driving assistance of the vehicle V. The controller 1 includes a plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units). An ECU is provided, for example, for each function of the control device CNT. Each ECU includes a processor represented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, an interface with an external device, and the like. The storage device stores programs executed by the processor and data used by the processor for processing, and the like. The interfaces include an input / output interface and a communication interface. Each ECU may include a plurality of processors, a plurality of storage devices, and a plurality of interfaces.

[0012] The controller 1 controls the drive (acceleration) of the vehicle V by controlling a power unit (power plant) 2. The power unit 2 is a traveling drive unit that outputs a driving force to rotate the drive wheels of the vehicle V, and may include an internal combustion engine, a motor, and an automatic transmission. The motor can be used as a drive source to accelerate the vehicle V, and can also be used as a generator during deceleration, etc. (regenerative braking).

[0013] In this embodiment, the controller 1 controls the output of the internal combustion engine and the motor and changes the gear of the automatic transmission in response to the driving operation of the driver and the vehicle speed detected by the operation detection sensor 2a provided on the accelerator pedal AP and the operation detection sensor 2b provided on the brake pedal BP. The automatic transmission is provided with a rotation speed sensor 2c that detects the rotation speed of the output shaft of the automatic transmission as a sensor that detects the running state of the vehicle V. The speed of the vehicle V can be calculated from the detection result of the rotation speed sensor 2c.

[0014] The controller 1 controls the braking (deceleration) of the vehicle V by controlling the hydraulic device 3. The driver's braking operation on the brake pedal BP is converted into hydraulic pressure in the brake master cylinder BM and transmitted to the hydraulic device 3. The hydraulic device 3 is an actuator capable of controlling the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil supplied to the brake devices 3a (e.g., disc brake devices) provided on each of the four wheels, based on the hydraulic pressure transmitted from the brake master cylinder BM.

[0015] The controller 1 can control the braking of the vehicle V by controlling the driving of an electromagnetic valve or the like provided in the hydraulic device 3. The controller 1 can also configure an electric servo brake system by controlling the distribution of the braking force by the brake device 3a and the braking force by regenerative braking of the motor provided in the power unit 2. The controller 1 may turn on the brake lamps 3b during braking.

[0016] The controller 1 controls the steering of the vehicle V by controlling the electric power steering device 4. The electric power steering device 4 includes a mechanism for steering the front wheels in response to the driver's driving operation (steering operation) with respect to the steering wheel ST. The electric power steering device 4 includes a drive unit 4a including a motor that generates a driving force (sometimes referred to as steering assist torque) for assisting the steering operation or for automatically steering the front wheels, a steering angle sensor 4b, a torque sensor 4c that detects the steering torque borne by the driver (called steering burden torque and distinguished from steering assist torque), and the like.

[0017] The controller 1 controls an electric parking brake device 3c provided on the rear wheels. The electric parking brake device 3c has a mechanism for locking the rear wheels. The controller 1 can control the locking and unlocking of the rear wheels by the electric parking brake device 3c.

[0018] The controller 1 controls an information output device 5 that notifies the inside of the vehicle of information. The information output device 5 includes, for example, a display device 5a that notifies the driver of information by image and / or a voice output device 5b that notifies the driver of information by voice. The display device 5a may be provided, for example, on an instrument panel or a steering wheel ST. The display device 5a may be a head-up display. The information output device 5 may notify the occupants of information by vibration or light.

[0019] The controller 1 receives instruction inputs from a passenger (e.g., the driver) via the input device 6. The input device 6 is disposed in a position operable by the driver, and includes, for example, a switch group 6a with which the driver issues instructions to the vehicle V, and / or a turn signal lever 6b for activating a turn signal (blinker).

[0020] The controller 1 recognizes and determines the current position and course (attitude) of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the vehicle V is provided with a gyro sensor 7a, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor 7b, and a communication device 7c. The gyro sensor 7a detects the rotational motion (yaw rate) of the vehicle V. The GNSS sensor 7b detects the current position of the vehicle V. The communication device 7c wirelessly communicates with a server that provides map information and traffic information to acquire this information. In this embodiment, the controller 1 determines the course of the vehicle V based on the detection results of the gyro sensor 7a and the GNSS sensor 7b, and sequentially acquires high-precision map information related to the course from the server via the communication device 7c and stores it in the database 7d (storage device). The vehicle V may be provided with sensors for detecting the state of the vehicle V, such as a speed sensor for detecting the speed of the vehicle V and an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration of the vehicle V.

[0021] The controller 1 executes driving assistance for the vehicle V based on the detection results of various detection units provided in the vehicle V. The vehicle V is provided with surrounding detection units 8a-8b, which are external sensors that detect the outside of the vehicle V (surrounding conditions), and interior detection units 9a-9b, which are interior sensors that detect the conditions inside the vehicle (the driver's state). The controller 1 can grasp the surrounding conditions of the vehicle V based on the detection results of the surrounding detection units 8a-8b, and execute driving assistance in accordance with the surrounding conditions. In addition, the controller 1 can determine whether the driver is performing a predetermined operational obligation imposed on the driver when executing driving assistance based on the detection results of the interior detection units 9a-9b.

[0022] The surroundings detection unit 8a is an imaging device that captures an image in front of the vehicle V (hereinafter, may be referred to as the forward camera 8a), and is attached, for example, to the inside of the passenger compartment of the windshield at the front of the roof of the vehicle V. The controller 1 can extract the contours of targets and lane markings (white lines, etc.) on the road by analyzing the image captured by the forward camera 8a.

[0023] The surroundings detection unit 8b is a millimeter wave radar (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as radar 8b), which detects targets around the vehicle V using radio waves and detects (measures) the distance to the target and the direction (azimuth) of the target relative to the vehicle V. In the example shown in Fig. 1, five radars 8b are provided, one at the center of the front of the vehicle V, one at each of the left and right corners of the front, and one at each of the left and right corners of the rear.

[0024] In addition, the surrounding detection unit installed in the vehicle V is not limited to the above configuration, and the number of cameras and the number of radars may be changed, or a lidar (Light Detection and Ranging: LIDAR) that detects targets around the vehicle V may be installed.

[0025] The in-vehicle detection unit 9a is an imaging device that captures images of the interior of the vehicle (hereinafter, may be referred to as the in-vehicle camera 9a), and is attached, for example, to the inside of the vehicle compartment at the front part of the roof of the vehicle interior V. In the case of this embodiment, the in-vehicle camera 9a is a driver monitor camera that captures images of the driver (for example, the driver's eyes and face). The controller 1 can determine the driver's line of sight and the direction of the driver's face by analyzing the image (driver's facial image) captured by the in-vehicle camera 9a.

[0026] The in-vehicle detection unit 9b is a grip sensor that detects the driver's grip of the steering wheel ST (hereinafter, may be referred to as grip sensor 9b), and is provided, for example, on at least a part of the steering wheel ST. Note that, as the in-vehicle detection unit, the torque sensor 4c that detects the steering torque of the driver may be used.

[0027] Examples of driving assistance for the vehicle V include acceleration / deceleration assistance, lane keeping assistance, and lane change assistance. The acceleration / deceleration assistance is driving assistance (ACC: Adaptive Cruise Control) that controls the acceleration / deceleration of the vehicle V within a predetermined vehicle speed while maintaining a distance from the preceding vehicle by controlling the power unit 2 and the hydraulic device 3. The lane keeping assistance is driving assistance (LKAS: Lane Keeping Assist System) that keeps the vehicle V inside the lane by controlling the electric power steering device 4. The lane change assistance is driving assistance (ALC: Auto Lane Changing, ALCA: Active Lane Change Assist) that changes the driving lane of the vehicle V to an adjacent lane by controlling the electric power steering device 4. In addition, the driving assistance executed by the controller 1 may include a collision mitigation brake, an ABS function, traction control, and / or attitude control of the vehicle V that assists in avoiding a collision with a target (e.g., a pedestrian, another vehicle, or an obstacle) on the road by controlling the hydraulic device 3.

[0028] Driving assistance (acceleration / deceleration assistance, lane keeping assistance, lane change assistance) for the vehicle V is performed in a plurality of driving modes including a manual driving mode, a normal assistance mode, and an enhanced assistance mode. Fig. 2 shows driving assistance performed in each of the manual driving mode, the normal assistance mode, and the enhanced assistance mode of this embodiment. In the manual driving mode, acceleration / deceleration assistance, lane keeping assistance, and lane change assistance are not performed, and the driver manually drives the vehicle V.

[0029] In the manual driving mode, when the driver inputs an instruction to set acceleration / deceleration assist (ACC) via the input device 6 (e.g., the switch group 6a), acceleration / deceleration assist is started and the system transitions from the manual driving mode to the normal assistance mode. In the normal assistance mode, in addition to acceleration / deceleration assist, lane keeping assist (LKAS) can be executed. Lane keeping assist is started when the driver inputs an instruction to set lane keeping assist via the input device 6 (e.g., the switch group 6a) while acceleration / deceleration assist is set. Acceleration / deceleration assist and lane keeping assist are ended when the driver inputs an instruction to cancel the setting via the input device 6 (e.g., the switch group 6a).

[0030] In the normal assistance mode, the driver is required to perform certain actions such as monitoring the surroundings and holding the steering wheel. If it is determined that the driver is not performing the certain actions based on the detection result of the in-vehicle detection unit 9b, a notification is issued via the information output device 5 to prompt the driver to perform the certain actions.

[0031] When driving on a specific road is started during execution of the normal support mode, highly accurate map information is acquired by the communication device 7c. Then, when matching between the highly accurate map information and the image captured by the front camera 8a is successful, the normal support mode is automatically switched to the extended support mode. The specific road is a road for which highly accurate map information is provided, such as an expressway or a motorway. The highly accurate map information includes information on the detailed shape of the specific road, such as the presence or absence of a curve on the specific road, the curvature, the increase or decrease of lanes, and the gradient, in addition to normal information such as the route and position of the specific road. When the normal support mode is switched to the extended support mode, the information output device 5 issues a notification indicating that the mode has been switched to the extended support mode, for example by changing the light emission color of the display device 5a provided on the steering wheel ST.

[0032] In the extended support mode, acceleration / deceleration support (and lane keeping support) is performed in cooperation with highly accurate map information. For example, the controller 1 can perform more advanced acceleration / deceleration support than in the normal support mode, such as decelerating the vehicle V before a curve or before a point where the lanes decrease, or adjusting the speed of the vehicle V according to the curvature of the curve, based on the highly accurate map information. Note that, in the extended support mode, the driver is required to perform certain actions, such as monitoring the surroundings and holding the steering wheel, as in the normal support mode. If it is determined based on the detection result of the in-vehicle detection unit 9b that the driver is not performing the certain action, a notification is performed via the information output device 5 to prompt the driver to perform the certain action.

[0033] In addition, in the extended assistance mode, lane change assistance can be further executed. In this embodiment, the lane change assistance includes system-driven lane change assistance (ALC: Auto Lane Changing) in which lane change is automatically performed according to the judgment of the controller 1, and driver-driven lane change assistance (ALCA: Active Lane Change Assist) in which lane change is automatically performed according to an instruction input by the driver. In both the system-driven lane change assistance (ALC) and the driver-driven lane change assistance (ALCA), the driver is required to perform certain actions, such as monitoring the surroundings and holding the steering wheel, when performing lane change assistance.

[0034] The system-driven lane change assist (ALC) is started when the driver inputs an instruction to set the ALC in the extended assist mode via the input device 6 (for example, the switch group 6a). During the ALC setting, the controller 1 sequentially determines whether or not it is necessary to execute a lane change to arrive at a destination previously set by the driver based on highly accurate map information (information such as an increase or decrease in lanes or branching), and automatically executes a lane change when it is determined that it is necessary to execute a lane change. During the ALC setting, one or more lane changes can be executed according to the determination of the controller 1. The ALC ends when the destination is reached or when the specific road ends. The ALC may end when the driver inputs an instruction to cancel the setting via the input device 6 (for example, the switch group 6a).

[0035] The driver-initiated lane change assist (ALCA) performs one lane change in response to an instruction input by the driver, and is executed when an instruction input for executing ALCA is made by the driver through the input device 6 (e.g., the blinker lever 6b) in the extended assistance mode. In ALCA, the driver can input an instruction for a direction requesting a lane change through the input device 6 (the blinker lever 6b), and the controller 1 automatically performs a lane change to an adjacent lane in the direction instructed and input by the driver. In this embodiment, ALCA may be executed based on highly accurate map information, but is not limited thereto, and may be executed without using highly accurate map information. ALCA can also be executed while the system-initiated lane change assist (ALC) is set.

[0036] [Configuration of driving support device] Hereinafter, a configuration example of the driving assistance device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the driving assistance device 10, and shows configurations and functions particularly related to the present invention extracted from the control device CNT described above. The driving assistance device 10 of this embodiment is a device that performs driving assistance for a vehicle V, and may include, for example, a surroundings detection unit 11, an interior detection unit 12, a reception unit 13, an information output unit 14, a state detection unit 15, an acquisition unit 16, and an assistance control unit 17. The units 11 to 17 of the driving assistance device 10 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a system bus.

[0037] 1, and detects the surrounding conditions of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the surrounding detection unit 11 detects targets (e.g., obstacles, other vehicles, and pedestrians) around the vehicle V, and can also measure the distance to the detected targets and the position and direction of the targets relative to the vehicle V.

[0038] The interior detection unit 12 includes an interior camera 9a and a grip sensor 9b shown in Fig. 1, and detects the state of the driver of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the interior detection unit 12 captures an image of the driver (e.g., the driver's eyes and face) using the interior camera 9a, and can detect the driver's line of sight and the direction of the face by analyzing the image thus obtained. The interior detection unit 12 can also detect the driver's grip state of the steering wheel ST (i.e., whether or not the steering wheel ST is being gripped) using the grip sensor 9b.

[0039] The reception unit 13 includes the input device 6 (switch group 6a, blinker lever 6b) shown in Fig. 1, and receives instruction inputs for instructing settings related to various driving assistance from the occupant (driver). The information output unit 14 is the information output device 5 (display device 5a, audio output device 5b) shown in Fig. 1, and notifies (announces) information related to various driving assistance to the occupant (driver).

[0040] The state detection unit 15 detects the running state of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the state detection unit 15 includes the GNSS sensor 7b shown in Fig. 1 and detects the current position of the vehicle V as the running state. The state detection unit 15 may include the gyro sensor 7a shown in Fig. 1 and detect the rotational motion of the vehicle V as the running state. The state detection unit 15 may also include a speed sensor (rotation speed sensor 2c) and / or an acceleration sensor and detect the speed and / or acceleration of the vehicle V as the running state.

[0041] The acquisition unit 16 includes the communication device 7c shown in FIG. 1, and acquires various data from the server by performing wireless communication with the server using OTA (Over The Air) or the like. In the case of this embodiment, the acquisition unit 16 acquires data (update data) for updating the functions of the various driving assistance functions. The update data is provided from the server at any timing. The update data may be understood as an update program for updating the software of the various driving assistance functions.

[0042] The assistance control unit 17 is configured by a computer including a processor represented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, an interface with external devices, and the like, and functions as a part of the controller 1 (ECU) shown in Fig. 1. The storage device stores a program (driving assistance program) for controlling various driving assistance functions in the vehicle V, and the assistance control unit 17 reads out and executes the driving assistance program stored in the storage device.

[0043] The assistance control unit 17 of this embodiment controls various driving assistance functions based on the detection results of the surrounding detection unit 11. For a driving assistance function that imposes a predetermined operational obligation on the driver, the assistance control unit 17 executes the driving assistance function when it is determined that the driver is fulfilling the predetermined operational obligation based on the detection results of the in-vehicle detection unit 12. In addition, although details will be described later, the assistance control unit 17 acquires (downloads) update data for the various driving assistance functions by the acquisition unit 16 and stores it in a storage device, and executes updates (activation, installation) of the various driving assistance functions using the update data.

[0044] [Driving assistance function updates] The driving assistance device 10 is equipped with a plurality of types of driving assistance functions, and the assistance control unit 17 controls the vehicle V by each of the plurality of types of driving assistance functions. Fig. 4 shows an example of the plurality of types of driving assistance functions equipped in the driving assistance device 10. The plurality of types of driving assistance functions may include a collision avoidance function, a specific road assistance function, a low speed assistance function, a visual assistance function, and a recognition assistance function.

[0045] The collision avoidance support function is a function that supports avoiding a collision with a target on the road, and may include a collision mitigation brake system (CMBS) and a road departure mitigation function (RDM). The driving support function (specific road support function) is a function that supports driving on a specific road, and may include a lane keeping assist system (LKAS) and an acceleration / deceleration support function (ACC). As described above, a specific road is a road for which highly accurate map information is provided, and examples of such roads include expressways and motorways. The parking support function (low speed support function) is a function that supports parking of the vehicle V in a parking lot, and may include an automatic parking function and a multi-view camera system. The multi-view camera system is a function that displays an image of the surroundings of the vehicle V on the information output device 5 (display device 5a) using a camera provided in the vehicle V.

[0046] The visual support function is a function that supports the driver's vision, and may include a multi-view camera system, a lane watch function, a camera monitor system, etc. The lane watch function and the camera monitor system are functions that use a camera provided in the vehicle V to display images of the sides and rear of the vehicle V on the information output device 5 (display device 5a). The recognition support function is a function that supports recognition of the surroundings of the vehicle V, and may include the functions of the camera 8a and the radar 8b themselves, sensor fusion, etc.

[0047] In such various driving assistance functions, in order to improve and / or enhance the functions, update data for updating the functions is provided (distributed) from an external server at any time, and the functions can be updated (enabled, installed) using the update data. In general, update data can be acquired (downloaded) from the server while the ignition of the vehicle V is on. Then, updating of the functions using the acquired update data can be performed while the function is definitely stopped, that is, while the ignition of the vehicle V is off. However, if the execution of function updates is limited to the period when the ignition is off, it takes a considerable amount of time (e.g., several days) to complete the update for all of the multiple driving assistance functions for which update data is provided, and some driving assistance functions may not be updated by the time the ignition is next turned on.

[0048] Therefore, when the assistance control unit 17 of this embodiment determines that the update of the driving assistance function is completed by the time the situation in which the driving assistance function may be activated occurs, the assistance control unit 17 executes the update (activation, installation) of the driving assistance function with the ignition of the vehicle V turned on. Hereinafter, a method of updating the driving assistance function in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which the vehicle V arrives at a candidate location where the driving assistance function may be activated will be described as a situation in which the driving assistance function may be activated. A candidate location is a candidate location (place, area) where the driving assistance function may be activated, and may be simply referred to as a "candidate location" below. There may be multiple candidate locations, and for example, they are set (specified) in map information acquired in advance by the acquisition unit 16 (communication device 7c).

[0049] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a method for updating a driving assistance function according to this embodiment, which can be executed by the assistance control unit 17 when a driving assistance program is executed in the driving assistance device 10. The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is started when the ignition of the vehicle V is on, and can be executed individually for each of the multiple types of driving assistance functions. In the following description, when the term "driving assistance function" is used, it refers to one driving assistance function of interest among the multiple types of driving assistance functions mounted on the driving assistance device 10 (vehicle V). In the following description, the state in which the ignition of the vehicle V is on may be referred to as the "IG-ON state," and the state in which the ignition of the vehicle V is off may be referred to as the "IG-OFF state."

[0050] In step S101, the assistance control unit 17 determines whether or not update data for the driving assistance function is provided from the server. For example, the assistance control unit 17 can determine that update data is provided when the assistance control unit 17 receives a notification (information) from the server that update data is provided by the acquisition unit 16. If it is determined that update data is provided, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0051] In step S102, the assistance control unit 17 acquires (downloads) update data for the driving assistance function from the server using the acquisition unit 16. For example, in the IG-ON state, the assistance control unit 17 can acquire the update data from the server by wirelessly communicating with the server using OTA or the like using the acquisition unit 16.

[0052] In step S103, the assistance control unit 17 judges whether the driving assistance function for which the update data was acquired in step S102 is a function that can be updated (enabled, installed) in the IG-ON state. Whether or not the driving assistance function can be updated in the IG-ON state is set in advance for each driving assistance function, as shown in FIG. 4. For example, the collision prevention assistance function may be activated at any time in the IG-ON state, so updating in the IG-ON state is avoided. The same is true for the visual assistance function and the recognition assistance function. In contrast, the driving assistance function (specific road assistance function) may be activated only on specific roads (expressways, motorways) for which highly accurate map information is provided, and is unlikely to be activated on roads other than the specific roads (for example, general roads). In addition, the parking assistance function may be activated only in places (locations) that have parking lots, and is unlikely to be activated on specific roads where the vehicle V cannot be parked. Therefore, the driving assistance function and the parking assistance function can be updated in the IG-ON state under certain conditions.

[0053] In step S103, if the assistance control unit 17 determines that the driving assistance function cannot be updated in the IG-ON state, that is, that the driving assistance function cannot be updated in the IG-ON state, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the assistance control unit 17 determines whether the ignition of the vehicle V is turned off (IG-OFF). Then, if the ignition of the vehicle V is turned off, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the assistance control unit 17 executes (starts) an update of the driving assistance function in the IG-OFF state using the update data acquired in step S102. On the other hand, in step S103, if the assistance control unit 17 determines that the driving assistance function can be updated in the IG-ON state, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0054] In step S106, the assistance control unit 17 predicts an arrival time (first time) when the vehicle V arrives at the candidate location, and an update completion time (second time) when the update of the driving assistance function using the update data is completed. Here, the candidate location for the driving assistance function may be a specific road (an entrance to a specific road), etc. Also, the candidate location for the parking assistance function may be a parking lot of a store, a rest facility (service area, parking area) on a specific road, a parking lot at home, etc.

[0055] The assistance control unit 17 can predict the arrival time by calculating the distance between the current position of the vehicle V detected by the state detection unit 15 and the candidate location. Specifically, the assistance control unit 17 can predict the arrival time by calculating the distance between the current position of the vehicle V and the candidate location closest to the vehicle V based on the map information acquired in advance, and adding the time obtained by dividing the distance by an arbitrary speed to the current time. As the arbitrary speed, the legal speed included in the map information may be used, or the average value of the speed of the vehicle V detected by the state detection unit 15 so far may be used. The prediction of the arrival time may be performed using a known calculation method used in a car navigation system or the like. In addition, the assistance control unit 17 can predict the update completion time by calculating the data size of the update data acquired by the acquisition unit 16 in step S102. The prediction of the update completion time may be performed using a known calculation method used when installing an update program on a computer, or the like.

[0056] In step S107, the assistance control unit 17 compares the arrival time predicted in step S106 with the update completion time to determine whether the arrival time is later than the update completion time. This determination may be understood as determining whether the update of the driving assistance function using the update data will be completed by the time the vehicle V reaches a candidate location (for example, a candidate location closest to the vehicle V). If the arrival time is later than the update completion time, it is determined that the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle V reaches the candidate location, and the process proceeds to step S108. On the other hand, if the arrival time is earlier than the update possible time, i.e., if the update possible time is earlier than the arrival time, it is determined that the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle V reaches the candidate location, and the process proceeds to step S110.

[0057] Here, in this embodiment, the arrival time and the update possible time are predicted, but the prediction is not limited to time, and time may be predicted. In this case, in step S106, the assistance control unit 17 predicts the arrival time required for the vehicle V to arrive at the candidate location and the update time required for the update of the driving assistance function by the update data to be completed. Then, in step S107, the assistance control unit 17 compares the predicted arrival time with the update time, and if the arrival time is longer than the update time, determines that the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle V arrives at the candidate location.

[0058] In the present embodiment, the determination is made as to whether the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle V reaches the candidate location by comparing the arrival time with the update possible time, but the determination may be made according to the distance from the current position of the vehicle V to the candidate location. For example, the assistance control unit 17 obtains the distance from the current position of the vehicle V detected by the state detection unit 15 to the candidate location based on map information acquired in advance, and if the distance is equal to or greater than a threshold, determines that the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle V reaches the candidate location. The threshold may be determined as a mileage (hereinafter, simply referred to as "mileage") obtained when the vehicle V travels at an arbitrary speed during the update time required for the update of the driving assistance function by the update data to be completed. The assistance control unit 17 may determine the threshold by sequentially calculating the update time and the mileage, but may also obtain information indicating the relationship between the data size and the mileage in advance, and determine the mileage obtained from the information according to the data size of the update data acquired in step S102 as the threshold. As mentioned above, the arbitrary speed may be the legal speed included in the map information, or the average value of the speed of the vehicle V detected by the state detection unit 15 up to that point may be used.

[0059] In step S108, the assistance control unit 17 determines whether or not the additional condition for permitting the update of the driving assistance function is satisfied. The additional condition can be set individually for each type of driving assistance function, as shown in FIG. 4. If it is determined that the additional condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S109, where the assistance control unit 17 executes (starts) the update of the driving assistance function in the IG-ON state using the update data acquired in step S102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the additional condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S110. Note that for driving assistance functions that do not have any additional condition, this step S108 is omitted.

[0060] For example, the driving assistance function (specific road assistance function) operates while driving on a specific road, and does not operate while driving on roads other than the specific road. Therefore, the additional condition (first additional condition) for permitting the update of the driving assistance function may include that the vehicle V is driving on a road other than the specific road (e.g., a general road). In addition, since there is a possibility that the vehicle V will enter the specific road before the update of the driving assistance function is completed, the first additional condition may further include that the distance from the current position of the vehicle V detected by the state detection unit 15 to the entrance of the specific road (e.g., an interchange) is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. The first predetermined value may be determined as the travel distance obtained when the vehicle V is assumed to travel at an arbitrary speed during the update time required for the update of the driving assistance function by the update data to be completed, similar to the above-mentioned threshold value.

[0061] The parking assistance function operates in a parking lot or the like, and does not operate while traveling on a specific road. Therefore, an additional condition (second additional condition) for permitting the update of the parking assistance function may include that the vehicle V is traveling on the specific road. In addition, since the vehicle V may exit the specific road or enter a rest facility (e.g., a service area or a parking area) on the specific road before the update of the parking assistance function is completed, the second additional condition may further include that the distance from the current position of the vehicle V detected by the state detection unit 15 to an exit (e.g., an interchange) or a rest facility on the specific road is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. The second predetermined value may be determined as the travel distance obtained when the vehicle V travels at an arbitrary speed during the update time required for the update of the parking assistance function by the update data to be completed, similar to the above-mentioned threshold value.

[0062] The additional condition may also include that the user of the vehicle V has the right necessary to update the driving assistance function. The right may arise when the user fulfills the responsibility necessary to update the driving assistance function. The responsibility may include, for example, applying for an update of the driving assistance function and / or paying a fee in the form of money, reward points, other rewards equivalent to money, etc. The assistance control unit 17 can determine that the additional condition is satisfied (i.e., the update of the driving assistance device is permitted) when it is confirmed that the user of the vehicle V has the right necessary to update the driving assistance function by wirelessly communicating with the server via the acquisition unit 16 (communication device 7c).

[0063] In step S110, the assistance control unit 17 determines whether or not the ignition of the vehicle V has been turned off (IG-OFF). If the ignition of the vehicle V has not yet been turned off, the process returns to step S106, and if the ignition of the vehicle V has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the assistance control unit 17 executes (starts) an update of the driving assistance function in the IG-OFF state using the update data acquired in step S102.

[0064] As described above, the driving assistance device 10 (assistance control unit 17) of this embodiment judges whether or not the update of the driving assistance function using the update data will be completed by the time the vehicle V reaches the candidate location, based on the current position of the vehicle V detected by the state detection unit 15. Then, when it is judged that the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle V reaches the candidate location, the update is executed in the IG-ON state. As a result, since the function update is executed in the IG-ON state for some driving assistance functions, it is possible to efficiently update various driving assistance functions mounted on the driving assistance device 10. In addition, since the update of the driving assistance function in the IG-ON state is executed under the condition that the update of the driving assistance function is completed by the time the vehicle V reaches the candidate location, safety can also be ensured.

[0065] <Second embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment basically follows the first embodiment, and can follow the first embodiment except for the points mentioned below.

[0066] The driving assistance device may be updated with the update data while the vehicle V is stopped with the IG-ON state due to waiting at a traffic light. For example, the driving assistance function and the parking assistance function do not operate when the vehicle V is stopped, so the functions may be updated while the vehicle V is waiting at a traffic light. Regarding the collision prevention assistance, updating while the IG-ON is prohibited in the example of FIG. 4, but since the collision prevention assistance does not operate if the vehicle V is stopped, the functions may be updated while the vehicle V is waiting at a traffic light. In other words, an example in which the driving assistance function may operate is when the vehicle V starts moving from a stopped state due to the traffic light switching from red to green, etc.

[0067] The assistance control unit 17 acquires the timing at which a traffic light showing a red light to the vehicle V changes to a green light (hereinafter, may be referred to as "switching timing") through the acquisition unit 16 by an intelligent transport system (ITS). Then, the assistance control unit 17 compares the switching timing with the update completion time to determine whether the timing is later than the update completion time. If the switching timing is later than the update completion time, the assistance control unit 17 executes an update of the driving assistance function in the IG-ON state while waiting for a traffic light. Here, in this embodiment, an additional condition for allowing the update of the driving assistance function can include the surrounding detection unit 11 detecting a state in which other surrounding vehicles are stopped. This embodiment also allows the update of the driving assistance function to be executed efficiently and safely.

[0068] <Other embodiments> The driving assistance program described in the above embodiment is supplied to the driving assistance device 10 via a network or a storage medium, and the computer of the driving assistance device 10 (for example, one or more processors constituting the assistance control unit 17) can read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized in such an embodiment.

[0069] <Summary of the embodiment> [Item 1] The driving assistance device of the above embodiment is A driving assistance device (e.g., 10) that assists driving of a vehicle (e.g., V), A detection means (e.g., 15) for detecting the current position of the vehicle; An acquisition means (e.g., 16) for acquiring data for updating a driving assistance function installed in the vehicle; A control means (e.g., 17) for controlling the update of the driving assistance function based on the data acquired by the acquisition means; Equipped with When the control means determines, based on the current position detected by the detection means, that the update will be completed by the time a situation arises in which the driving assistance function may be activated, the control means performs the update with the vehicle ignition turned on. According to this item, since the update of the driving assistance function is executed while the vehicle ignition is on, the update of the driving assistance function can be performed efficiently. In addition, since the update of the driving assistance function while the vehicle ignition is on is executed under the condition that the update of the driving assistance function is completed by the time the driving assistance function is activated, safety can be ensured.

[0070] [Item 2] In the driving assistance device according to item 1, The situation includes the vehicle reaching a candidate location where the driving assistance function may be activated. According to this item, the update of the driving assistance function is performed with the ignition of the vehicle on, under the condition that the update of the driving assistance function is completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location, so that the update of the driving assistance function can be performed efficiently and safely.

[0071] [Item 3] In the driving assistance device according to item 2, The control means determines whether the update will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location by comparing a first time at which the vehicle is predicted to reach the candidate location based on the current position detected by the detection means with a second time at which the update is predicted to be completed. According to this item, from a time perspective, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location.

[0072] [Item 4] In the driving assistance device according to item 3, When the first time is later than the second time, the control means determines that the update will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location. According to this item, from a time perspective, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location.

[0073] [Item 5] In the driving assistance device according to item 2, The control means determines, depending on the distance from the current position detected by the detection means to the candidate location, whether or not the update will be completed before the vehicle reaches the candidate location. According to this item, from a spatial perspective (distance perspective), it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location.

[0074] [Item 6] In the driving assistance device according to item 5, When the distance is equal to or greater than a threshold, the control means determines that the update will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location. According to this item, from a spatial perspective (distance perspective), it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the update of the driving assistance function will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location.

[0075] [Item 7] In the driving assistance device according to any one of items 1 to 6, The driving assistance function is a driving assistance function that assists the vehicle in driving on a specific road. According to this item, driving assistance functions on specific roads such as expressways and motorways can be updated efficiently and safely.

[0076] [Item 8] In the driving assistance device according to item 7, When the control means determines that the update will be completed by the time the situation is reached and also determines that a first additional condition is satisfied, the control means executes the update while the ignition of the vehicle is on; The first additional condition includes the vehicle being traveling on a road other than the specific road. This item enables driving assistance functions on specific roads to be updated more safely.

[0077] [Item 9] In the driving assistance device according to item 8, The first additional condition further includes that a distance from the current position detected by the detection means to an entrance of the specific road is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. According to this item, the driving assistance function for a specific road can be updated more safely.

[0078] [Item 10] In the driving assistance device according to any one of items 1 to 6, The driving assistance function is a parking assistance function that assists in parking the vehicle. According to this item, driving assistance functions related to parking of a vehicle can be updated efficiently and safely.

[0079] [Item 11] In the driving assistance device according to item 10, When the control means determines that the update will be completed by the time the situation is reached and also determines that a second additional condition is satisfied, the control means executes the update while the ignition of the vehicle is on; The second additional condition includes that the vehicle is traveling on a particular road. According to this item, driving assistance functions related to parking a vehicle can be updated more safely.

[0080] [Item 12] In the driving assistance device according to item 11, The second additional condition further includes that a distance from the current position detected by the detection means to an exit of the specific road or a rest facility is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. According to this item, driving assistance functions related to parking a vehicle can be updated more safely.

[0081] [Item 13] In the driving assistance device according to any one of items 1 to 12, The control means performs the update if it is determined that the user of the vehicle has the necessary rights for the update. According to this item, if the user of the vehicle does not have the necessary rights to update the driving assistance function, the update can be prevented from being performed.

[0082] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10: driving assistance device, 11: surrounding detection unit, 12: in-vehicle detection unit, 13: reception unit, 14: information output unit, 15: assistance control unit

Claims

1. A driving assistance device that controls a driving operation of a vehicle or notifies an occupant of the vehicle, A detection means for detecting a current position of the vehicle; An acquisition means for acquiring data for updating a driving assistance function installed in the vehicle; A control means for controlling updating of each of a plurality of types of driving assistance functions using the data acquired by the acquisition means; Equipped with The control means determines, based on the current location detected by the detection means, whether the update will be completed for each of the multiple types of driving assistance functions by the time a situation arises in which the driving assistance function is likely to be activated, and if it determines that the update will be completed by the time a situation arises in which the driving assistance function is likely to be activated, performs the update with the vehicle ignition on.

2. A driving assistance device that provides driving assistance for a vehicle, A detection means for detecting a current position of the vehicle; An acquisition means for acquiring data for updating a driving assistance function installed in the vehicle; A control means for controlling an update of the driving assistance function based on the data acquired by the acquisition means; Equipped with The driving assistance function is a driving assistance function that assists the vehicle in driving on a specific road, The driving assistance device is characterized in that when the control means determines, based on the current position detected by the detection means, that the update will be completed by the time a situation arises in which the driving assistance function may be activated, the control means performs the update with the ignition of the vehicle on.

3. A driving assistance device that provides driving assistance for a vehicle, A detection means for detecting a current position of the vehicle; An acquisition means for acquiring data for updating a driving assistance function installed in the vehicle; A control means for controlling an update of the driving assistance function based on the data acquired by the acquisition means; Equipped with The driving assistance function is a parking assistance function that assists in parking the vehicle, The driving assistance device is characterized in that when the control means determines, based on the current position detected by the detection means, that the update will be completed by the time a situation arises in which the driving assistance function may be activated, the control means performs the update with the ignition of the vehicle on.

4. A driving assistance device that provides driving assistance for a vehicle, A detection means for detecting a current position of the vehicle; An acquisition means for acquiring data for updating a driving assistance function installed in the vehicle; A control means for controlling an update of the driving assistance function based on the data acquired by the acquisition means; Equipped with when it is determined that the update will be completed by the time the driving assistance function is likely to be activated based on the current position detected by the detection means, the control means executes the update with an ignition of the vehicle turned on; A driving assistance device, characterized in that the control means executes the update when it is confirmed that a user of the vehicle has a right necessary for the update.

5. The control means, when it has determined that the update will be completed by the time the situation is reached and, in addition, it has determined that an additional condition is satisfied, executes the update with the ignition of the vehicle turned on; The driving assistance device according to claim 1 , wherein the additional conditions are different for the plurality of types of driving assistance functions.

6. The driving assistance device as described in claim 5, characterized in that the additional condition includes the vehicle being stopped.

7. 5. The driving assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the situation includes the vehicle reaching a candidate location where the driving assistance function may be activated.

8. 8. The driving assistance device according to claim 7, wherein the control means determines whether the update will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location by comparing a first time at which the vehicle is predicted to reach the candidate location based on the current position detected by the detection means with a second time at which the update is predicted to be completed.

9. 9. The driving assistance device according to claim 8, wherein the control means determines that the update will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location when the first time is later than the second time.

10. 8. The driving assistance device according to claim 7, wherein the control means determines whether or not the update will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location, depending on a distance from the current position detected by the detection means to the candidate location.

11. The driving support device according to claim 10 , wherein the control means determines that the update will be completed by the time the vehicle reaches the candidate location when the distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

12. When the control means determines that the update will be completed by the time the situation is reached and also determines that a first additional condition is satisfied, the control means executes the update while the ignition of the vehicle is on; The driving assistance function is a driving assistance function that assists the vehicle in driving on a specific road, 6. The driving support device according to claim 2, wherein the first additional condition includes a condition in which the vehicle is traveling on a road other than the specific road.

13. 13. The driving support device according to claim 12, wherein the first additional condition further includes that a distance from the current position detected by the detection means to an entrance of the specific road is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value.

14. When the control means determines that the update will be completed by the time the situation is reached and in addition determines that a second additional condition is satisfied, the control means executes the update while the ignition of the vehicle is on; The driving assistance function is a parking assistance function that assists in parking the vehicle, 6. The driving assistance device according to claim 3, wherein the second additional condition includes that the vehicle is traveling on a specific road.

15. 15. The driving assistance device according to claim 14, wherein the second additional condition further includes that a distance from the current position detected by the detection means to an exit or a rest facility of the specific road is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value.

16. A vehicle comprising the driving assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

17. A driving assistance method for controlling a driving operation of a vehicle or notifying an occupant of the vehicle, comprising: a detection step of detecting a current position of the vehicle; An acquisition step of acquiring data for updating a driving assistance function installed in the vehicle; a determination step of determining whether or not updating of each of a plurality of types of driving assistance functions using the data acquired in the acquisition step will be completed by the time a situation occurs in which the driving assistance function may be activated, based on the current position detected in the detection step; an update process for executing the update while an ignition of the vehicle is on when it is determined in the determination process that the update will be completed before the situation is reached; A driving assistance method comprising:

18. A program for causing a computer to execute the driving support method according to claim 17.

Images