Vehicle driving support system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle driving assistance system capable of setting various setting values of driving assistance items appropriately according to the driving ability of the driver.SOLUTION: A personalization setting unit 81 is configured to be able to change an enable / disable setting of a plurality of driving assistance functions and setting values of the plurality of driving assistance functions for each of registered drivers who are drivers registered in a driver information registration unit 82. When there is a new driving assistance function for the registered driver, which is a driving assistance function enabled for the first time for the registered driver among a plurality of driving assistance functions to be enabled for the registered drivers, a test execution unit 84 executes a driving ability test according to the new driving assistance function for the registered driver. In addition, the personalization setting unit determines recommended setting values of the new driving assistance function on the basis of the result of the driving ability test.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a driving assistance system for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a driving assistance system for a vehicle for a driver has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for diagnosing the cognitive function of an elderly driver. In this system, various questions are asked of the driver from a speaker. This system also includes a microphone for collecting the oral answers from the driver. Then, this system evaluates the cognitive function of the driver based on the correct answer rate for the questions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] This specification discloses a driving assistance system for a vehicle that can appropriately set various set values of driving assistance items according to the driving ability of the driver.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The driving support system for a vehicle disclosed in this specification includes a registration unit, a setting unit, and a test execution unit. The registration unit can register driver information. The setting unit can change the availability setting of each of a plurality of driving support functions and the setting values of the plurality of driving support functions for each registered driver who is a driver registered in the registration unit. When there is a new driving support function that is a driving support function that is newly and effectively set for the registered driver among the plurality of driving support functions that are effectively set for the registered driver, the test execution unit performs a driving ability test corresponding to the new driving support function on the registered driver. Further, the setting unit obtains a recommended setting value for the new driving support function based on the result of the driving ability test.

[0006] According to the above configuration, so-called personalization is performed in which the availability setting of the driving support function and the setting value of the function are set for each registered driver. Regarding this personalization, when setting the setting value of a new driving support function for which there is no history data regarding the registered driver, a setting value corresponding to the registered driver can be set based on the result of the driving ability test.

[0007] Also, in the above configuration, the setting unit may output a guidance message asking the registered driver whether the recommended setting value can be set. In this case, the vehicle driving support system includes a service providing unit that provides an additional service when an input operation agreeing to the setting of the recommended setting value is performed.

[0008] According to the above configuration, by setting according to the recommended value, a driving support function suitable for the registered driver can be provided. Also, by executing a driving support function suitable for the registered driver, the accident rate and failure rate of the vehicle are reduced. Also, as an additional service provider, advantages such as an improvement in the reliability of the vehicle can arise that exceed the additional service provision cost.

[0009] In the above configuration, the vehicle driving support system may include a projector and an input unit. The projector is capable of projecting an image onto the windshield glass of the vehicle. The input unit receives an input operation from a registered driver. The new driving support function is a function for pedestrians. The test execution unit projects a human image onto the side portion of the windshield glass from the projector, and outputs a message requesting an input operation to the input unit when the human image is recognized. Further, the test execution unit obtains a recommended setting value of the new driving support function based on the elapsed time from the time of projection of the human image to the time of the input operation to the input unit.

[0010] According to the above configuration, when executing the driving support function for pedestrians, it is possible to investigate in advance how a pedestrian is visually recognized from the driver's seat of the vehicle actually driven by the registered driver.

[0011] In the above configuration, the vehicle driving support system may include a projector and an input unit. The projector is capable of projecting an image onto the windshield glass of the vehicle. The input unit receives an input operation from a registered driver. The new driving support function is a function for other vehicles. The test execution unit projects a vehicle image onto the central portion of the windshield glass from the projector, and outputs a message requesting an input operation to the input unit when the vehicle image is recognized. Further, the test execution unit obtains a recommended setting value of the new driving support function based on the elapsed time from the time of projection of the vehicle image to the time of the input operation to the input unit.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when executing the driving support function for other vehicles, it is possible to investigate in advance how a vehicle is visually recognized from the driver's seat of the vehicle actually driven by the registered driver.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the vehicle driving support system described in this specification, various setting values of the driving support items can be appropriately set according to the driving ability of the driver.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] <Overall Configuration> FIG. 1 illustrates the overall configuration of a vehicle 100 including a driving support system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, mainly devices related to the driving support function of the vehicle 100 are illustrated, and illustration of devices having low relevance to the above functions is omitted as appropriate.

[0016] The vehicle 100 may be, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) equipped with a rotary electric machine 11 as a drive source. The vehicle 100 may also be a hybrid vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). As will be described in detail below, the driving support system for the vehicle according to the present embodiment includes a center display 40, a head-up display projector 45, an ADAS-ECU 70, and a meter ECU 90.

[0017] The vehicle 100 is equipped with various driving assistance functions. The driving assistance functions are roughly classified into convenience functions and safety functions. The convenience functions are functions that reduce the burden of driving operations, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The safety functions are functions that avoid, suppress vehicle accidents, and reduce the scale of accidents, such as Lane Tracing Assist (LTA). The details of these functions will be described later.

[0018] The driving assistance system of the vehicle according to this embodiment has a so-called personalization function that enables the setting of driving assistance functions for each driver. In this personalization, it is possible to select whether to enable a certain function among a plurality of driving assistance functions. Furthermore, in this personalization, the setting values of the enabled driving assistance functions can be set for each driver.

[0019] For example, taking the above example, for a certain driver, Adaptive Cruise Control is enabled, and Lane Tracing Assist is disabled. Furthermore, as the setting value of the enabled Adaptive Cruise Control, the inter-vehicle distance is set to an arbitrary value (long, medium, short).

[0020] Regarding such setting values of the driving assistance functions, according to the driving system of the vehicle according to this embodiment, in order to assist the driver's input operation, for example, the ADAS-ECU 70 proposes a recommended value. For example, when the personalization function is activated and the driver selects the driving assistance functions to be enabled, the ADAS-ECU 70 proposes a recommended setting value.

[0021] When obtaining the recommended setting value, for example, the driving history of the driver is referred to. For example, when a certain driving assistance function is enabled, the recommended setting value is obtained based on the actual number of times the function has been executed, etc.

[0022] Furthermore, when obtaining the recommended setting values, if there is a new driving assistance function among the driving assistance functions that are effectively set during the personalization setting, the ADAS-ECU 70 performs a driving ability test on the driver. The new driving function refers to a driving assistance function that is effectively set for the first time for the driver during the setting input (that is, there is no driving history). The ADAS-ECU 70 obtains the recommended setting values for the new driving assistance function based on the results of the driving ability test. The details of the driving ability test will be described later.

[0023] <Drive system equipment> For example, the vehicle 100 includes a battery 17, a step-up / down DC / DC converter 12, an inverter 13, and a rotating electric machine 11 as a high-voltage circuit of the drive system. The DC power output from the battery 17 is stepped up, for example, by the step-up / down DC / DC converter 12, and further orthogonally converted by the inverter 13. The converted AC power is supplied to the rotating electric machine 11 to drive the rotating electric machine 11. This driving force is transmitted to the drive wheels 16 via the steering mechanism 14. The drive wheels 16 are provided with a brake mechanism 15.

[0024] The vehicle 100 is also provided with a steering wheel 20, an accelerator pedal 21, and a brake pedal 22 as mechanisms for manual driving. These devices are provided with sensors 20A-22A, and the operation amounts of these devices by the driver are transmitted from the sensors 20A-22A to the central gateway ECU 110 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as the CGW-ECU) as electrical signals, for example. In response to this, the CGW-ECU 110 transmits drive commands, brake commands, and steering commands to the power train / chassis ECU 18.

[0025] Furthermore, the power train / chassis ECU 18 transmits a switching signal corresponding to the drive command to the inverter 13. The power train / chassis ECU 18 also transmits a drive signal corresponding to the brake command to the motor of the brake mechanism 15. Furthermore, the power train / chassis ECU 18 transmits a drive signal corresponding to the steering command to the steering motor of the steering mechanism 14.

[0026] <Sensor> FIG. 1 illustrates sensors for enabling a driving assistance function for the vehicle 100. As sensors for the steering system, the vehicle 100 is provided with a torque sensor 20A, an accelerator position sensor 21A, and a brake position sensor 22A.

[0027] Also, as sensors for grasping the external situation of the vehicle, the vehicle 100 includes an external camera unit 50, a lidar sensor 61, and radar sensors 62, 63.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates the front portion of the vehicle 100. A front center radar sensor 63 is provided on the front surface of the vehicle 100, for example, on the back side of the emblem at the center in the vehicle width direction. Also, front side radar sensors 62A, 62B are provided on both side portions of the front surface of the vehicle 100. These radar sensors are each composed of, for example, a millimeter-wave radar.

[0029] Furthermore, a lidar sensor 61 is provided on the front surface of the vehicle 100, for example, at the center in the vehicle width direction, below the license plate mounting position. In the lidar sensor 61, a technique for measuring the distance to surrounding objects using lidar (Light Detection and Ranging), that is, laser light (for example, infrared light) is used. The lidar sensor 61 is, for example, a solid-state type unit. By the lidar sensor 61 scanning the laser light in a planar manner toward the front of the vehicle 100, three-dimensional point cloud data in front of the vehicle 100 can be obtained.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, an external camera unit 50 and an in-vehicle camera 51 are provided on the back surface of the windshield glass 30, that is, the exposed surface to the passenger compartment. The external camera unit 50 and the in-vehicle camera 51 are provided, for example, at the center in the vehicle width direction and above the windshield glass 30.

[0031] The external camera unit 50 is, for example, a stereo camera unit composed of two cameras, and can image the front of the vehicle through the windshield glass 30.

[0032] The in-vehicle camera 51 is, for example, a monocular camera and is capable of imaging, for example, the face of the driver in the vehicle interior.

[0033] <Audio-visual equipment> FIG. 3 illustrates the front portion of the vehicle interior. As audio-visual equipment, the instrument panel 42 is provided with a center display 40, a head-up display projector 45 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as the HUD projector), and a meter display 35.

[0034] The center display 40 is, for example, a touch panel display in which an input unit and an output unit are integrated. The center display 40 is, for example, on the ceiling surface of the instrument panel 42 and is erected at the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] The center display 40 displays various information of the vehicle 100. For example, when performing personalized settings for the driving support functions described later, a screen for selecting whether or not to enable various driving support functions is displayed on the center display 40.

[0036] Furthermore, among the driving support functions that are effectively set (turned on), if there is a new driving support function that is effectively set for the first time for the driver (registered driver) during the personalized setting, a driving ability test image is displayed on the center display 40. Details of the driving ability test will be described later.

[0037] The meter display 35 is provided in the meter panel 34. The meter display 35 is arranged, for example, in front of the steering wheel 20. For example, a warning message in the driving support function is displayed on the meter display 35.

[0038] The HUD projector 45 projects an image onto the windshield glass 30. The HUD projector 45 is capable of projecting an image, for example, across the entire vehicle width of the windshield glass 30.

[0039] For example, when the driving assistance function is activated, the HUD projector 45 projects a warning image. For example, a highlight image is superimposed on the lane that seems to deviate. Also, when performing the driving ability test, the HUD projector 45 projects a vehicle image 120 (see FIG. 8) indicating the leading vehicle and a person image 125 (see FIG. 9) walking along the side of the road onto the windshield 30.

[0040] In the passenger compartment, a speaker 33 is provided as an acoustic device. For example, the speakers 33 are respectively provided above and in the front part of a pair of front doors 32, 32. The speaker 33 is, for example, a so-called tweeter that outputs high-frequency sound. Also, the output surface of the speaker 33 is directed toward the driver or the passenger in the passenger seat.

[0041] <ecu> As illustrated in FIG. 1, a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) are provided in the vehicle 100. These electronic control units are provided, for example, according to the functions of the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle 100 includes a power train - chassis ECU 18, a seat ECU 27, an ADAS - ECU 70, and a meter ECU 90.

[0042] Furthermore, as a higher - level ECU that integrates these function - specific ECUs, a central gateway ECU 110 (CGW - ECU) is provided in the vehicle 100. The CGW - ECU 110 commands each function - specific ECU, for example, when performing cooperative control in which a plurality of function - specific ECUs emphasize and execute one function. Also, the CGW - ECU 110 is signal - connected to a torque sensor 20A, an accelerator position sensor 21A, and a brake position sensor 22A, which are sensors for detecting the operation amount of the vehicle 100 by the driver.

[0043] The power train - chassis ECU 18, the seat ECU 27, the ADAS - ECU 70, and the meter ECU 90 can communicate with each other via the CGW - ECU 110. Also, for example, the ADAS - ECU 70 can communicate with the power train - chassis ECU 18, the seat ECU 27, and the meter ECU 90 without going through the CGW - ECU 110. Each ECU is connected by a signal line, for example, in accordance with the CAN (Controller Area Network) standard.

[0044] The power train - chassis ECU 18 controls the rotating electric machine 11, the steering mechanism 14, and the brake mechanism 15. The seat ECU 27 controls the seat adjuster 26. The seat adjuster 26 includes a plurality of electric actuators and adjusts the position of the driver's seat 25 and the passenger seat (not shown), the height of the seat cushion of each seat, and the tilt angle of the seat back of each seat. The meter ECU 90 performs display control and audio control of the HUD projector 45, the speaker 33, the meter display 35, and the center display 40.

[0045] The ADAS-ECU 70 is an ECU for ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) which means an advanced driver assistance system. The ADAS-ECU 70 is signal-connected to an out-of-vehicle camera unit 50 which is a sensor for grasping out-of-vehicle situations, an in-vehicle camera 51, a lidar sensor 61, and radar sensors 62 and 63.

[0046] Any of the above function-specific ECUs and the CGW-ECU 110 are composed of electronic devices as exemplified in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 exemplifies the hardware configuration of the ADAS-ECU 70. The ADAS-ECU 70 (and other ECUs) includes an input I / F 70A, an output I / F 70B, a CAN bus I / F 70C, a microcomputer 70D, and a memory 70E.

[0047] The CAN bus I / F 70C is a device for connecting the ADAS-ECU 70 to other ECUs. The input I / F 70A is a connection device for the ADAS-ECU 70 to receive signals from in-vehicle sensor devices such as the out-of-vehicle camera unit 50. The output I / F 70B is a connection device for transmitting signals from the ADAS-ECU 70 to devices other than the ECU.

[0048] The microcomputer 70D (microcomputer) executes various controls and calculations in accordance with a given program. For example, the microcomputer 70D is composed of a CPU, a memory, and peripheral devices such as input / output devices. Further, a memory 70E which is a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) is connected to the microcomputer 70D.

[0049] By the CPU executing a program stored in the memory of the meter ECU 90, function blocks as exemplified in FIG. 5 are configured in the meter ECU 90. That is, the meter ECU 90 includes an input / output unit 91, a display control unit 92, and an audio control unit 93.

[0050] Also, the CPU of the microcomputer 70D in the ADAS-ECU 70 executes a program stored in the internal memory or an external memory 70E, whereby the ADAS-ECU 70 is configured with the functional blocks illustrated in FIG. 5. That is, the ADAS-ECU 70 includes an out-vehicle image recognition unit 71, an in-vehicle image recognition unit 72, a distance measurement unit 73, a determination unit 74, a warning control unit 75, and an assist operation control unit 76. Further, the ADAS-ECU 70 includes a personalization table storage unit 80, a personalization setting unit 81, a driver information registration unit 82, a service providing unit 83, and a test execution unit 84.

[0051] Note that for both the ADAS-ECU 70 and the meter ECU 90, instead of storing the control program in the memory, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as a DVD, and the CPU may read and execute this. Even by such means, each ECU is configured with the various functional blocks illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0052] The out-vehicle image recognition unit 71 recognizes the image area of an object outside the vehicle from the captured image by the out-vehicle camera unit 50. For example, the out-vehicle image recognition unit 71 is implemented with a convolutional neural network (CNN) capable of executing SSD (Single Shot Multibox Detector) using supervised learning as an image recognition algorithm. By such image recognition, the attributes of various objects (vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, structures, etc.) included in the captured image by the out-vehicle camera unit 50 are recognized.

[0053] Also, the distance measurement unit 73 acquires the captured image data for which image recognition has been performed from the out-vehicle image recognition unit 71. Further, the distance measurement unit 73 acquires the three-dimensional point cloud data of the distance measurement information from the lidar sensor 61. The distance measurement unit 73 obtains what kind of attribute the object is and how far it is from the host vehicle by combining the three-dimensional point cloud data and the captured image data.

[0054] The determination unit 74 determines whether the driving support functions can be executed for the warning control unit 75 and the auxiliary operation control unit 76 based on the object information (attributes and distance from the own vehicle) around the own vehicle from the distance measurement unit 73.

[0055] The in-vehicle image recognition unit 72 performs face recognition of the driver from the captured image by the in-vehicle camera 51. For example, the in-vehicle image recognition unit 72 performs face recognition of the driver sitting in the driver's seat using the above-described image recognition algorithm. Further, the in-vehicle image recognition unit 72 determines whether the face-recognized driver corresponds to any of the registered drivers stored in the personalization table storage unit 80.

[0056] When the face-recognized driver corresponds to any of the registered drivers stored in the personalization table storage unit 80, the determination unit 74 acquires the driving support functions effectively set for the corresponding registered driver and their set values from the personalization table storage unit 80. Further, the determination unit 74 controls the execution timing of the driving support functions for the warning control unit 75 and the auxiliary operation control unit 76, the amount of auxiliary operation, etc. based on the acquired set values of the driving support functions.

[0057] The personalization setting unit 81 performs personalization settings of the driving support functions for each registered driver who is a driver registered in the driver information registration unit 82. The personalization setting includes whether the multiple driving support functions can be effectively set and the change of the set values of the effectively set driving support functions. For example, by the registered driver performing an input operation from the center display 40, it is possible to switch the effective / invalid setting of the driving support functions in the personalization table (see FIG. 6) and change various set values.

[0058] In addition, as an input assistance function, when changing the setting value of the personalization table, the Personalization Setting Unit 81 obtains the recommended setting value and displays it on the center display 40. When obtaining the recommended setting value, if there is a driving support function (new driving support function) that is valid for the driver for the first time during setting input (that is, there is no driving history), the Test Execution Unit 84 conducts a driving ability test on the driver. The Personalization Setting Unit 81 obtains the recommended setting value of the new driving support function based on the result of the driving ability test. The details of the driving ability test will be described later.

[0059] The Driver Information Registration Unit 82 enables new registration of registered drivers and modification of registration information stored in the Personalization Table Storage Unit 80. The details will be described later.

[0060] When the setting value of the personalization table is changed to a value according to the recommended setting value, the Service Provision Unit 83 provides an additional service to the registered driver during the setting operation. The details of this provision function will be described later.

[0061] <Driving Support Function> The ADAS-ECU 70 can execute various driving support functions. As described above, the driving support functions are roughly classified into convenience functions and safety functions.

[0062] The convenience functions are functions that aim to reduce the burden of driving operations. Among the items of the personalization table illustrated in FIG. 6, the convenience functions correspond to Adaptive Cruise Control and Road Sign Assist.

[0063] In Adaptive Cruise Control, the Rider Sensor 61 and Radar Sensors 62, 63 detect the preceding vehicle, and the accelerator operation and brake operation are automatically performed while maintaining a constant inter-vehicle distance. When there is no preceding vehicle, the vehicle 100 is driven at the set speed.

[0064] The road sign assist is a function for suppressing a driver's oversight of signs. The road sign assist is activated when the outside vehicle image recognition unit 71 (see FIG. 5) recognizes a road sign in the captured image of the outside vehicle camera unit 50. For example, when the outside vehicle image recognition unit 71 recognizes a speed limit sign and its speed limit, it transmits the recognition result to the determination unit 74. For example, when the determination unit 74 determines that the current speed of the vehicle 100 exceeds the speed limit, the warning control unit 75 causes a warning message to be displayed on the meter display 35 via the meter ECU 90. Further, the warning control unit 75 causes a warning message voice to be output from the speaker 33 via the meter ECU 90.

[0065] The safety system function is a function for avoiding and suppressing vehicle accidents and reducing the scale of accidents. Among the items of the personalized table illustrated in FIG. 6, the safety system functions correspond to lane tracing assist, proactive driving assist, and pre-crash safety.

[0066] In the lane tracing assist, the outside vehicle image recognition unit 71 (see FIG. 5) recognizes the lanes in the captured image of the outside vehicle camera unit 50. When the determination unit 74 determines that the distance between the recognized lane and the host vehicle becomes less than the set value of the warning timing (see FIG. 6), the warning control unit 75 causes a warning message to be displayed on the meter display 35 via the meter ECU 90. Further, the warning control unit 75 causes a warning message voice to be output from the speaker 33 via the meter ECU 90.

[0067] Furthermore, after the warning is reported, when the possibility of deviating from the lane becomes higher, that is, when the determination unit 74 determines that the distance between the lane and the host vehicle becomes less than the set value of the assist timing, the assist operation control unit 76 supports a part of the course correction in order to avoid deviating from the lane. For example, the assist operation control unit 76 finely adjusts the course by operating the steering mechanism 14 via the power train and chassis ECU 18 so that the vehicle 100 approaches the center of the lane.

[0068] Proactive driving is activated when the out-of-vehicle image recognition unit 71 (see FIG. 5) recognizes a pedestrian in the captured image of the out-of-vehicle camera unit 50. For example, when the out-of-vehicle image recognition unit 71 recognizes a pedestrian, it transmits the recognition result to the determination unit 74.

[0069] When the determination unit 74 determines that the separation distance between the vehicle 100 and the pedestrian is equal to or less than the set value of the warning timing, the warning control unit 75 causes the meter display 35 to display a warning message via the meter ECU 90. Further, the warning control unit 75 causes the speaker 33 to output a warning message voice via the meter ECU 90.

[0070] Furthermore, when the determination unit 74 determines that the separation distance between the vehicle 100 and the pedestrian is equal to or less than the set value of the assistance timing, an assistance operation is executed. That is, the assistance operation control unit 76 controls the steering mechanism 14 and the brake mechanism 15 via the power train and chassis ECU 18 to slightly change the driving route within the lane so as to avoid the pedestrian while decelerating the vehicle 100.

[0071] <Personalization of the driving assistance function> The personalization setting is also called the my setting. For example, the set value of the driver's seat 25 (see FIG. 1) and the volume of the guidance voice on the center display 40 can be set according to the driver. The set value of the driver's seat 25 includes the front-rear position of the driver's seat 25, the height of the seat cushion, and the tilt angle of the seat back.

[0072] As an extended function of this my setting, individual settings of the driving assistance function are included. Therefore, for example, data such as the registered driver's ID and name are shared among the seat ECU 27, the meter ECU 90, and the ADAS-ECU 70.

[0073] In the personalization of the driving assistance function, as illustrated in FIG. 6, it is possible to select whether each driving assistance function is enabled or disabled. Further, for the driving assistance functions that are effectively set, the set values can be changed.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when performing personalized settings, for example, the setting screen of the center display 40 is opened. For example, the display control unit 92 of the meter ECU 90 causes the center display 40 to display an icon image for personalized settings. Note that this setting icon image may be displayed only when the vehicle is stopped.

[0075] When a selection operation such as the driver tapping the above icon image is executed, the driver information registration unit 82 causes the center display 40 to display an input screen for the driver's identification information via the display control unit 92. The identification information may be, for example, an account name and a password. These identification information are stored in the personalized table storage unit 80.

[0076] When the driver inputs the identification information, the personalized setting unit 81 calls out various setting data of the vehicle associated with the identification information from the personalized table storage unit 80. Further, the personalized setting unit 81 causes the center display 40 to display the enabled / disabled settings and setting values of the various driving support functions called out via the display control unit 92. This enables the setting change of the various driving support functions.

[0077] Also, when performing personalized settings, new registration of registered drivers is possible from the center display 40. For example, the driver information registration unit 82 causes the center display 40 to display a new registration button image via the display control unit 92.

[0078] When the driver who is the inputter taps the new registration button image, the driver information registration unit 82 causes the center display 40 to display an input screen for the driver's name, account name, and password via the display control unit 92.

[0079] In addition, the in-vehicle image recognition unit 72 recognizes the face of a newly registered driver from the captured image of the in-vehicle camera 51. The driver information registration unit 82 trims the recognized face image from the captured image and stores the image data in the personalization table storage unit 80 in a state linked to an account name or the like.

[0080] When the above-described new registration step is completed, the personalization setting unit 81 causes a setting image regarding the availability setting and setting value of the target function of personalization, including the driving support function, to be displayed on the center display 40 via the display control unit 92.

[0081] Regarding the setting value of the target function of personalization, for example, in lane tracing assist, the warning timing and assist timing can be changed. For example, the warning timing and assist timing according to the distance from the own vehicle to the lane can be set. In FIG. 6, since these timings are indicated by their values as distances, they are hereinafter also appropriately described as "actual distance".

[0082] Also, in adaptive cruise control, the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle and the driving speed when there is no preceding vehicle can be set. In proactive driving assist, the warning timing and assist timing according to the distance between the own vehicle and a pedestrian ahead can be set.

[0083] In pre-crash safety, the warning timing and assist timing can be set according to the distance between the own vehicle and the preceding vehicle or a pedestrian. Further, in road sign assist, the signs to be notified and the vehicle speed for notifying exceeding the speed limit can be set.

[0084] <Setting Flow for New Driving Support Function> When the personalization setting unit 81 changes the personalization setting by the registered driver stored in the personalization table storage unit 80, if there is a new driving support function among the driving support functions that are effectively set, a driving ability test is performed on the driver.

[0085] The new driving support function refers to a driving support function that is validly set for the registered driver for the first time during the setting operation. Also, as will be described later, recommended setting values for the registered driver are obtained through a driving ability test. Therefore, compared with the initial values set uniformly in advance, setting values more suitable for the registered driver can be proposed through the driving ability test.

[0086] Fig. 7 illustrates a setting flow for the new driving support function. This flow is activated when a driving support function that was invalidly set becomes validly set on the personalization setting screen. In addition to this, this flow is also executed when a new driver is registered.

[0087] The personalization setting unit 81 determines whether the driving support function switched from invalid setting to valid setting is a new driving support function (S10). For example, in the personalization table storage unit 80, the number of times each driving support function has been validly set for each registered driver is stored as history data. In step S10, the personalization setting unit 81 refers to this history data.

[0088] If the driving support function switched from invalid setting to valid setting is not a new driving support function, the flow in Fig. 7 ends. On the other hand, if the driving support function switched from invalid setting to valid setting is a new driving support function, a driving ability test is performed.

[0089] The in-vehicle image recognition unit 72 analyzes the captured image of the in-vehicle camera 51 to determine whether the registered driver is seated in the driver's seat (S12). For example, the in-vehicle image recognition unit 72 recognizes the driver's seat image area from the captured image of the in-vehicle camera 51. Further, the in-vehicle image recognition unit 72 determines whether a person is seated in the driver's seat image area. In addition, the in-vehicle image recognition unit 72 determines whether the person seated in the driver's seat is the same person as the registered driver whose personalization is to be changed. For this determination, the face image of the registered driver stored in the personalization table storage unit 80 is used.

[0090] When the registered driver is not seated in the driver's seat, the test execution unit 84 outputs a seating guidance announcement via the voice control unit 93 or via the display control unit 92 (S14). For example, text prompting the driver to sit in the driver's seat is displayed on the center display 40. Alternatively, a guidance voice prompting the driver to sit in the driver's seat is output from the speaker 33. After the announcement is output, the flow returns to step S12 again.

[0091] In step S12, when the registered driver is seated in the driver's seat, the test execution unit 84 executes an auditory test (S16). Although the details of the auditory test will be described later, for example, in the auditory test, the ability to hear sample voices is examined for each frequency.

[0092] After the auditory test is performed, the personalization setting unit 81 obtains a recommended setting value for the volume of the driving support function based on the test (S18). For example, the volume when the registered driver hears the sample voice of the warning sound defined for each driving support function is set as the recommended setting value.

[0093] Furthermore, the test execution unit 84 executes a visual recognition test on the registered driver (S20). Although the details of the visual recognition test will be described later, for example, the elapsed time (reaction time) from the projection time of the vehicle image 120 in FIG. 8 and the person image 125 in FIG. 9 until the registered driver notices these images is measured.

[0094] After the visual recognition test is performed, the personalization setting unit 81 obtains a recommended setting value for the distance (actual distance) between the host vehicle and the object, which is the setting value of the new driving support function, based on the test (S22). Referring to FIG. 6, in the personalization setting, the distance between the host vehicle and the object that serves as the reference for outputting an alarm and the distance between the host vehicle and the object that serves as the reference for executing an assist operation can be set as the warning actual distance (warning timing) and the assist actual distance (assist timing). These recommended setting values for the actual distances are obtained based on the results of the visual recognition test.

[0095] Qualitatively, the longer the reaction time, the farther the actual travel distance is set. That is, warnings and auxiliary operations are executed from the time when the object is far away.

[0096] When recommended setting values for volume and actual travel distance are required, the personalization setting unit 81 outputs a guidance message for requesting the recommended setting values, additional service information, and the availability of setting the recommended setting values via the display control unit 92 (S24). For example, the guidance message text is displayed on the center display 40. Also, together with this, an approval button image is displayed on the center display 40.

[0097] When the approval button (button image such as "YES") is input-operated by the registered driver, the personalization setting unit 81 sets various setting values of the new driving support function to the recommended setting values. As a result, compared with the initial values preset for the new driving support function, setting values suitable for the registered driver can be set from the start of using the new driving support function.

[0098] Also, the driving ability test is performed with the registered driver seated in the driver's seat 25 of the vehicle 100 where the driving support function is actually applied. That is, the effective viewing angle of the registered driver when seated in the driver's seat 25 and looking ahead, for example, can be detected based on the driving ability test. Therefore, compared with the case where the driving ability test is performed using a simulator or a smartphone, for example, a highly accurate recommended setting value can be proposed.

[0099] The service providing unit 83 provides an additional service to the registered driver when the approval button is input-operated in step S26, that is, when an input operation agreeing to the setting of the recommended setting value is performed (S28). When the rejection button is input-operated in step S26, the additional service is not provided and the flow ends. The additional service may be, for example, a service that allows a paid additional function of the new driving support function to be experienced free of charge for a certain period.

[0100] By performing personalized settings according to the recommended values, it becomes possible to provide a driving support function suitable for the registered driver. Also, by executing the driving support function optimal for the registered driver, the accident and failure rates of the vehicle 100 decrease. Therefore, the reliability of the vehicle 100 improves, and for vehicle manufacturers and the like that provide additional services, advantages exceeding the additional service provision costs can arise.

[0101] <Driving ability test> As described above, the driving ability test includes a hearing test and a visual recognition test. For example, the warning sounds of the driving support functions may have different frequencies depending on the function. In order to identify whether there are frequencies that are difficult for the registered driver to hear, the test execution unit 84 outputs sample sounds of various frequencies from the speaker 33 as a hearing test via the voice control unit 93.

[0102] In conjunction with the output of the sample sound, the test execution unit 84 causes the center display 40 to display a guidance message that requests the registered driver to perform an input operation (for example, a tap) when the sample volume is heard, and an input operation button image via the display control unit 92.

[0103] Here, the sample sound may be set to gradually increase in volume from a predetermined initial volume. The test execution unit 84 records the volume at the time of the input operation. Thereafter, the test execution unit 84 outputs a sample sound from the speaker 33 while changing the frequency. In this way, the volume as the recommended setting value is determined for each frequency.

[0104] Examples of the visual recognition test are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In the visual recognition test, the reaction speed to other vehicles and pedestrians outside the vehicle 100 is inspected.

[0105] FIG. 8 shows an example of the visual recognition test for the driving support function of the oncoming vehicle. The driving support function of the oncoming vehicle includes, for example, adaptive cruise control and pre-crash safety among the driving support functions in FIG. 6.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the test execution unit 84 projects the vehicle image 120 from the HUD projector 45 onto the windshield glass 30 via the display control unit 92. Assuming actual driving, the vehicle image 120 is projected at the center in the vehicle width direction of the windshield glass 30.

[0107] In conjunction with the projection of the vehicle image 120, the test execution unit 84 causes the center display 40 to display a guidance message requesting an input operation (e.g., a tap) from the registered driver when the vehicle image 120 is visible, and an input operation image 130 via the display control unit 92.

[0108] Note that as the input operation image 130, an image of the windshield glass 30 may be displayed on the center display 40. Further, the test execution unit 84 may request the registered driver to indicate on the input operation image 130 at which position on the windshield glass 30 the vehicle image 120 is projected as an input operation.

[0109] The test execution unit 84 records the elapsed time from the projection time of the vehicle image 120 to the input operation on the input operation button image as the reaction time. By performing such a visual recognition test, it is possible to inspect the reaction time to the preceding vehicle when the registered driver actually sits in the driver's seat 25.

[0110] FIG. 9 shows an example of a visual recognition test for the pedestrian driving support function. The pedestrian driving support function includes, for example, proactive driving assist and pre-crash safety among the driving support functions in FIG. 6.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the test execution unit 84 projects the person image 125 from the HUD projector 45 onto the windshield glass 30 via the display control unit 92. Assuming actual driving, the person image 125 is projected on the side portion in the vehicle width direction of the windshield glass 30.

[0112] In conjunction with the projection of the human image 125, the test execution unit 84 causes the center display 40 to display a guidance message requesting an input operation (e.g., a tap) from the registered driver when the human image 125 is visible, via the display control unit 92, and an input operation image 130. Note that an image of the windshield glass 30 may be displayed on the center display 40 as the input operation image 130. Further, the test execution unit 84 may request the registered driver to indicate, on the input operation image 130, the position on the windshield glass 30 where the vehicle image 120 is projected as an input operation.

[0113] The test execution unit 84 records the elapsed time from the projection time of the human image 125 to the input operation on the input operation button image as the reaction time. By performing such a visual recognition test, it is possible to examine the reaction time to pedestrians when an actual registered driver is seated in the driver's seat 25.

[0114] As described above, in the visual recognition test, the test is performed with the registered driver seated in the driver's seat 25 of the vehicle 100 to which the driving support function is actually applied. That is, the effective visual field angle (viewing aspect) of the registered driver when seated in the driver's seat 25 can be detected based on the visual recognition test. For example, the effective visual field angle in an actual vehicle on a rainy day or at night, where it is known that the effective visual field angle becomes relatively narrow, can be detected based on the visual recognition test.

[0115] Also, in the visual recognition test, the test execution unit 84 may execute an effective visual field angle test. For example, the test execution unit 84 causes an announcement for the registered driver to face forward to be output from the speaker 33 via the voice control unit 93. Further, the test execution unit 84 causes a test image to be projected onto the windshield glass 30 from the HUD projector 45 via the display control unit 92. This test image, for example, moves and projects the human image 125 from the side edge in the vehicle width direction of the windshield glass 30 toward the center. The registered driver, who is the subject, performs an input operation (e.g., a tap) on the center display 40 when the human image 125 is visually recognized.

[0116] In this case, the personalization setting unit 81 sets a longer actual distance in the pedestrian function as the effective viewing angle becomes narrower. Also, in the so-called front cross traffic alert that detects a vehicle intersecting in front of the vehicle 100, a longer actual distance is set.

Explanation of Signs

[0117] 14 Steering mechanism, 15 Brake mechanism, 25 Driver's seat, 30 Windshield glass, 33 Speaker, 35 Meter display, 40 Center display (input unit), 45 Head-up display projector, 50 Outdoor camera unit, 61 Rider sensor, 62, 63 Radar sensors, 70 ADAS-ECU, 71 Outdoor image recognition unit, 72 Indoor image recognition unit, 73 Distance measurement unit, 74 Judgment unit, 75 Warning control unit, 76 Auxiliary operation control unit, 80 Personalization table storage unit, 81 Personalization setting unit, 82 Driver information registration unit, 83 Service provision unit, 84 Test execution unit, 90 Meter ECU, 91 Input / output unit, 92 Display control unit, 93 Voice control unit, 100 Vehicle, 110 Central gateway ECU, 120 Vehicle image, 125 Person image.< / ecu>

Claims

1. A vehicle driving support system, comprising: a registration unit capable of registering driver information; a setting unit capable of changing the availability of each of a plurality of driving support functions and the setting values of the plurality of driving support functions for each registered driver registered in the registration unit; a test execution unit that, when there is a new driving support function that is a driving support function newly and effectively set for the registered driver among the plurality of driving support functions effectively set for the registered driver, performs a driving ability test corresponding to the new driving support function on the registered driver; characterized by comprising: the setting unit obtains a recommended setting value of the new driving support function based on the result of the driving ability test; A vehicle driving support system.

2. The vehicle driving support system according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit outputs a guidance message for asking the registered driver whether to set the recommended setting value, and comprises a service providing unit that provides an additional service when an input operation agreeing to the setting of the recommended setting value is performed.

3. The vehicle driving support system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a projector capable of projecting an image on a windshield of a vehicle, and an input unit that receives an input operation from the registered driver; characterized by comprising: the new driving support function is a function for pedestrians, and the test execution unit: projects a human image from the projector onto a side portion of the windshield, and outputs a message for asking for an input operation to the input unit when the human image is recognized, and obtains the recommended setting value of the new driving support function based on the elapsed time from the time of projecting the human image to the time of the input operation to the input unit. A vehicle driving support system.

4. The vehicle driving support system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a projector capable of projecting an image on a windshield of a vehicle, and an input unit that receives an input operation from the registered driver; characterized by comprising: the new driving support function is a function for vehicles, and the test execution unit: projects a vehicle image from the projector onto a central portion of the windshield, and outputs a message for asking for an input operation to the input unit when the vehicle image is recognized, and obtains the recommended setting value of the new driving support function based on the elapsed time from the time of projecting the vehicle image to the time of the input operation to the input unit. Vehicle driving support system.

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