Information notification device, information notification method, and computer program for information notification

Abstract

To notify a driver of just a right amount of information regarding drive assistance functions installed in a vehicle according to a driver's level of proficiency.SOLUTION: An information notification device includes a notification unit 25 that notifies a driver of a vehicle 30 of information, and an information acquisition unit 26 that acquires proficiency information indicating a driver's proficiency in using a drive assistance function installed in the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information notification device, an information notification method, and an information notification computer program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle driving warning device configured to detect a driver's fatigue level or arousal level as driver state information, determine the necessity of a warning based on the driver state information, etc., and issue a warning output in a manner corresponding to this determination.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a driving support device configured to switch the content of notification to the driver based on the degree of dissociation between a risk area around the vehicle and the position of the driver's line of sight.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a warning device configured to, when it is determined that it is necessary to draw the driver's attention based on the driver state recognized from the captured image of a driver monitoring camera, give the driver a stimulus for directing attention to the driving of the vehicle with an intensity corresponding to the driving mode being executed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, in recent years, with the development of sensing technology and the like, vehicles having a driving support function have been developed. In order to assist the driver in appropriately using the driving support function, it is desirable to notify the driver of information regarding the driving support function.

[0007] However, depending on the driver's proficiency level with respect to the driving support function, the granularity of the information necessary for the driver to smoothly use the driving support function differs. For this reason, if the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function is uniform, there is a risk that the information may be excessive for a driver with a high proficiency level or insufficient for a driver with a low proficiency level.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to notify the driver of appropriate information according to the driver's proficiency level regarding the driving support function mounted on the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0010] (1) An information notification device having a notification unit that notifies the driver of the vehicle of information, and an information acquisition unit that acquires proficiency information indicating the driver's proficiency level with respect to the use of the driving support function mounted on the vehicle, wherein the notification unit switches the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information.

[0011] (2) The driver monitoring device according to (1) above, wherein the notification unit increases the amount of information notified to the driver as the driver's proficiency level is lower.

[0012] (3) The information notification device according to (1) or (2) above, further having a determination unit that determines the driver's proficiency level based on the usage status of the driving support function by the driver.

[0013] (4) The proficiency information is stored in a mobile terminal carried by the driver, and the information acquisition unit acquires the proficiency information from the mobile terminal via short-range wireless communication. The information notification device according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0014] (5) The mobile terminal is a wireless key of the vehicle. The information notification device according to (4) above.

[0015] (6) The proficiency information is stored in a server outside the vehicle, and the information acquisition unit acquires the proficiency information from the server via wide-area wireless communication. The information notification device according to any one of (1) to (3) above.

[0016] (7) An information notification method executed by a computer, including acquiring proficiency information representing the proficiency of the driver of the vehicle with respect to the use of a driving support function mounted on the vehicle, and switching the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information when notifying the driver of the information regarding the driving support function. An information notification method.

[0017] (8) A computer program for information notification that causes a computer to acquire proficiency information representing the proficiency of the driver of the vehicle with respect to the use of a driving support function mounted on the vehicle, and to switch the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information when notifying the driver of the information regarding the driving support function.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, regarding the driving support function mounted on the vehicle, it is possible to notify the driver of information that is appropriate according to the proficiency of the driver without excess or deficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are assigned to similar components.

[0021] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4D, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle control system 1 including an information notification device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle control system 1 is mounted on a vehicle and executes various controls of the vehicle.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle control system 1 includes a driver monitor camera 2, a surrounding information detection device 3, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver 4, a map database 5, a navigation device 6, a vehicle behavior detection device 7, an actuator 8, a human machine interface (HMI) 9, a communication device 10, and an electronic control unit (ECU) 20. The driver monitor camera 2, the surrounding information detection device 3, the GNSS receiver 4, the map database 5, the navigation device 6, the vehicle behavior detection device 7, the actuator 8, the HMI 9, and the communication device 10 are electrically connected to the ECU 20 via an in-vehicle network or the like compliant with a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network).

[0023] The driver monitor camera 2 captures the face of the driver of the vehicle and generates an image representing the driver's face. The output of the driver monitor camera 2, that is, the image generated by the driver monitor camera 2, is transmitted to the ECU 20.

[0024] The surrounding information detection device 3 acquires data (images, point cloud data, etc.) around the vehicle and detects the surrounding information of the vehicle (for example, surrounding vehicles, lanes, pedestrians, bicycles, traffic lights, signs, etc.). For example, the surrounding information detection device 3 includes a camera (monocular camera or stereo camera), a millimeter-wave radar, a lidar (LIDAR: Laser Imaging Detection And Ranging), or an ultrasonic sensor (sonar), or any combination thereof. Note that the surrounding information detection device 3 may further include an illuminance sensor, a rain sensor, etc. The output of the surrounding information detection device 3, that is, the surrounding information of the vehicle detected by the surrounding information detection device 3, is transmitted to the ECU 20.

[0025] The GNSS receiver 4 detects the current position of the vehicle (for example, the latitude and longitude of the vehicle) based on positioning information obtained from a plurality (for example, three or more) of positioning satellites. Specifically, the GNSS receiver 4 captures a plurality of positioning satellites and receives radio waves transmitted from the positioning satellites. Then, the GNSS receiver 4 calculates the distance to the positioning satellite based on the difference between the transmission time and reception time of the radio wave, and detects the current position of the vehicle based on the distance to the positioning satellite and the position (orbital information) of the positioning satellite. The output of the GNSS receiver 4, that is, the current position of the vehicle detected by the GNSS receiver 4, is transmitted to the ECU 20. A GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver is an example of a GNSS receiver.

[0026] The map database 5 stores map information. The ECU 20 acquires map information from the map database 5. Note that the map database may be provided outside the vehicle (for example, a server, etc.), and the ECU 20 may acquire map information from outside the vehicle.

[0027] The navigation device 6 sets the driving route of the vehicle to the destination based on the current position of the vehicle detected by the GNSS receiver 4, the map information of the map database 5, the input by the vehicle occupant (for example, the driver), etc. The driving route set by the navigation device 6 is transmitted to the ECU 20.

[0028] The vehicle behavior detection device 7 detects vehicle behavior information. The vehicle behavior detection device 7 includes, for example, a vehicle speed sensor that detects the vehicle speed, a yaw rate sensor that detects the yaw rate of the vehicle, etc. The output of the vehicle behavior detection device 7, that is, the vehicle behavior information detected by the vehicle behavior detection device 7, is transmitted to the ECU 20.

[0029] The actuator 8 operates the vehicle. For example, the actuator 8 includes a driving device for accelerating the vehicle (for example, at least one of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor), a brake actuator for braking (decelerating) the vehicle, a steering actuator for steering the vehicle, etc. The ECU 20 controls the actuator 8 to control the behavior of the vehicle.

[0030] The HMI9 transmits information between the vehicle and the vehicle occupants (e.g., the driver). The HMI9 includes an output unit (e.g., a display, a speaker, a vibration unit, etc.) that provides information to the vehicle occupants, and an input unit (e.g., a touch panel, an operation button, an operation switch, a microphone, etc.) through which information is input by the vehicle occupants. The output of the ECU20 is notified to the vehicle occupants via the HMI9, and the input from the vehicle occupants is transmitted to the ECU20 via the HMI9. The HMI9 is an example of an input device, an output device, or an input / output device. Note that an input / output terminal (such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal) of the vehicle occupants may be communicably connected to the ECU20 by wire or wirelessly and function as the HMI9. Further, the HMI9 may be integrated with the navigation device 6.

[0031] The communication device 10 is capable of communicating with the outside of the vehicle and enables communication between the vehicle and the outside of the vehicle. The communication device 10 includes, for example, a wide-area wireless communication module that enables wide-area wireless communication between the vehicle and the outside of the vehicle (e.g., a server) via a communication network such as a carrier network and the Internet, and a short-range wireless communication module that enables short-range wireless communication based on a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or ZigBee (registered trademark) or short-range wireless communication using a frequency of LF (Low Frequency) or RF (Radio Frequency). The ECU10 communicates with the outside of the vehicle via the communication device 10.

[0032] The ECU20 executes various controls of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, the ECU20 includes a communication interface 21, a memory 22, and a processor 23. The communication interface 21 and the memory 22 are connected to the processor 23 via signal lines. In this embodiment, one ECU20 is provided, but a plurality of ECUs may be provided for each function. The ECU20 is an example of an information notification device.

[0033] The communication interface 21 has an interface circuit for connecting the ECU 20 to the in-vehicle network. The ECU 20 is connected to other in-vehicle devices via the communication interface 21.

[0034] The memory 22 has, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory and a non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory 22 stores programs, data, etc. that are used when various processes are executed by the processor 23.

[0035] The processor 23 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and its peripheral circuits. Note that the processor 23 may further have an arithmetic circuit such as a logical arithmetic unit or a numerical arithmetic unit.

[0036] In this embodiment, a plurality of driving support functions are mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle control system 1 functions as an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS: Advanced Driving Assistant System) and realizes each of the plurality of driving support functions.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the processor 23 of the ECU 20 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the processor 23 has a notification unit 25 and an information acquisition unit 26. The notification unit 25 and the information acquisition unit 26 are functional modules realized by the processor 23 of the ECU 20 executing a computer program stored in the memory 22 of the ECU 20. Note that these functional modules may each be realized by a dedicated arithmetic circuit provided in the processor 23.

[0038] The notification unit 25 notifies the driver of the vehicle of information. In this embodiment, the notification unit 25 notifies the driver of information via the HMI 9 when a predetermined notification event occurs. For example, the notification unit 25 notifies the driver of information regarding the driving support function when a notification event regarding the driving support function occurs. This can assist the driver in appropriately using the driving support function.

[0039] However, depending on the driver's proficiency with the driving support function, the granularity of the information necessary for the driver to smoothly utilize the driving support function differs. Therefore, if the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function is uniform, there is a risk that the information may be excessive for a driver with a high proficiency level, or insufficient for a driver with a low proficiency level.

[0040] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the information acquisition unit 26 acquires proficiency information indicating the driver's proficiency with the use of the driving support function mounted on the vehicle, and the notification unit 25 switches the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information acquired by the information acquisition unit 26. By doing so, it is possible to notify the driver of appropriate information corresponding to the driver's proficiency level regarding the driving support function mounted on the vehicle.

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, the above-described control will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a control routine for information notification processing in the first embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed at a predetermined execution interval by the processor 23 of the ECU 20 (specifically, the notification unit 25 and the information acquisition unit 26).

[0042] First, in step S101, the information acquisition unit 26 acquires proficiency information indicating the driver's proficiency with the use of the driving support function mounted on the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the driver's proficiency level is determined based on a prior declaration by the driver. For example, the driver inputs the proficiency level for each of a plurality of driving support functions to the HMI 9, and the proficiency level input by the driver is stored in the memory 22 of the ECU 20 or the like as the proficiency information. Note that the driver may input the proficiency levels for the plurality of driving support functions collectively.

[0043] Also, when multiple people use a single vehicle, typically, wireless keys with different identification numbers are given to each of the multiple people. Therefore, when the proficiency level is input by the driver via the HMI9, the identification number of the wireless key present inside the vehicle may be stored as proficiency information together with the proficiency level. In this case, the information acquisition unit 26 identifies the driver based on the identification number of the vehicle's wireless key and acquires the proficiency information corresponding to the identified driver. Also, when the proficiency level is input by the driver via the HMI9, an image of the driver generated by the driver monitor camera 2 may be stored as proficiency information together with the proficiency level. In this case, the information acquisition unit 26 identifies the driver based on the image of the driver generated by the driver monitor camera 2 and acquires the proficiency information corresponding to the identified driver. Also, the driver may input the identification information of the driver (for example, user ID, user name, etc.) together with the proficiency level, and the identification information of the driver may be stored as proficiency information together with the proficiency level. In this case, the information acquisition unit 26 identifies the driver based on the identification information input to the HMI9 by the driver and acquires the proficiency information corresponding to the identified driver. According to these methods, even when multiple people use a single vehicle, it is possible to suppress the reference to the proficiency levels of other people.

[0044] Next, in step S102, the notification unit 25 determines whether a notification event regarding the driving support function has occurred. The notification event occurs at a timing when the operating status, operation method, etc. of the driving support function are notified to the driver. If it is determined that the notification event has not occurred, this control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification event has occurred, this control routine proceeds to step S103.

[0045] In step S103, the notification unit 25 determines the notification mode of information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information acquired by the information acquisition unit 26. For example, the lower the driver's proficiency, the more information is notified to the driver. By doing so, it is possible to provide necessary information to drivers with low proficiency and suppress the annoyance of notifications for drivers with high proficiency.

[0046] Figures 4A to 4D are diagrams showing specific examples of notification modes according to the driver's proficiency. In these examples, the driver's proficiency is classified into three levels (low, medium, and high), and information is notified to the driver by visual notifications and auditory notifications. In the visual notification, a text message or a text message and an image are displayed on the display of the HMI 9, and in the auditory notification, a notification sound or a voice message is output from the speaker of the HMI 9.

[0047] In the examples of Figures 4A to 4C, information regarding advanced driving support is notified. Advanced driving support is a driving support function that automatically controls the running of a vehicle on an expressway under the supervision of the driver. Therefore, when the advanced driving support is activated, the ECU 20 performs autonomous driving of the vehicle using the actuator 8 and the like.

[0048] In the example of Fig. 4A, when the advanced driver assistance is not activated, the driver is notified that the advanced driver assistance can be started. When the driver's proficiency level is "high", the driver is informed only by a visual notification. Specifically, a text message indicating that the advanced driver assistance can be started is displayed on the display of the HMI 9. When the driver's proficiency level is "medium", the driver is informed by both visual and auditory notifications. Specifically, a text message indicating that the advanced driver assistance can be started and how to start the advanced driver assistance is displayed on the display of the HMI 9, and a notification sound (buzzer sound) is output from the speaker of the HMI 9. When the driver's proficiency level is "low", the driver is informed by both visual and auditory notifications. Specifically, in addition to the text message indicating that the advanced driver assistance can be started and how to start the advanced driver assistance, an image showing how to start the advanced driver assistance is displayed on the display of the HMI 9, and the text message displayed on the display is output as an audio message from the speaker of the HMI 9. Therefore, in the example of Fig. 4A, the lower the driver's proficiency level, the greater the amount of information notified to the driver.

[0049] In the example of FIG. 4B, in response to an operation to start advanced driving assistance being performed by the driver, the driver is notified that the advanced driving assistance has started. When the driver's proficiency level is "high", information is notified to the driver only by visual notification. Specifically, a character message indicating that the advanced driving assistance has started and brief precautions is displayed on the display of the HMI 9. When the driver's proficiency level is "medium", information is notified to the driver by visual and auditory notifications. Specifically, a character message indicating that the advanced driving assistance has started and detailed precautions is displayed on the display of the HMI 9, and a notification sound (buzzer sound) is output from the speaker of the HMI 9. When the driver's proficiency level is "low", information is notified to the driver by visual and auditory notifications. Specifically, in addition to a character message indicating that the advanced driving assistance has started and detailed precautions, an image meaning a warning is displayed on the display of the HMI 9, and the character message displayed on the display is output as an audio message from the speaker of the HMI 9. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 4B, the lower the driver's proficiency level, the greater the amount of information notified to the driver.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 4C, in a state where advanced driver assistance is unavailable, the driver is notified of the cause for the unavailability of advanced driver assistance (specifically, the dirt on the front camera). When the driver's proficiency level is "high", information is notified to the driver only by visual notification. Specifically, a text message indicating the cause for the unavailability of advanced driver assistance is displayed on the display of the HMI 9. When the driver's proficiency level is "medium", information is notified to the driver by both visual and auditory notifications. Specifically, a text message indicating the cause for the unavailability of advanced driver assistance and the fact that advanced driver assistance is unavailable is displayed on the display of the HMI 9, and a notification sound (buzzer sound) is output from the speaker of the HMI 9. When the driver's proficiency level is "low", information is notified to the driver by both visual and auditory notifications. Specifically, in addition to a text message indicating the cause for the unavailability of advanced driver assistance, the fact that advanced driver assistance is unavailable, and the method for eliminating the cause, an image indicating the location of the cause is displayed on the display of the HMI 9, and the text message displayed on the display is output as an audio message from the speaker of the HMI 9. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 4C, the lower the driver's proficiency level, the greater the amount of information notified to the driver.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 4D, information regarding the electric parking is notified while the electric parking is activated. The electric parking is a driving assistance function that activates the parking brake by an electric motor in response to a switch operation by the driver or the like. When the driver's proficiency level is "high", the driver is notified of the information only by visual notification. Specifically, a character message indicating that the electric parking is in operation is displayed on the display of the HMI9. When the driver's proficiency level is "medium", the driver is notified of the information by both visual notification and auditory notification. Specifically, a character message indicating that the electric parking is in operation and the method for releasing the electric parking is displayed on the display of the HMI9, and a notification sound (buzzer sound) is output from the speaker of the HMI9. When the driver's proficiency level is "low", the driver is notified of the information by both visual notification and auditory notification. Specifically, in addition to a character message indicating that the electric parking is in operation and the method for releasing the electric parking, an image indicating the method for releasing the electric parking is displayed on the display of the HMI9, and the character message displayed on the display is output as an audio message from the speaker of the HMI9. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 4D, the lower the driver's proficiency level, the greater the amount of information notified to the driver.

[0052] Note that the notification unit 25 may notify the driver of the information by only one of visual notification and auditory notification. Further, the notification unit 25 may increase the notification intensity to the driver as the driver's proficiency level is lower. By this, it is possible to direct the attention of a driver with a low proficiency level to the notification and to suppress a driver with a high proficiency level from feeling bothered by the notification. For example, when visual notification is provided to the driver, the luminance or chroma of the character message or the image is increased as the driver's proficiency level is lower. When auditory notification is provided to the driver, the volume of the notification sound or the audio message is increased as the driver's proficiency level is lower. When tactile notification (for example, vibration of the steering wheel or the seat belt) is provided to the driver, the intensity of the vibration applied to the driver is increased as the driver's proficiency level is lower.

[0053] After step S103, in step S104, the notification unit 25 notifies the driver of information via the HMI 9 according to the notification mode determined in step S103. After step S104, this control routine ends.

[0054] <Second Embodiment> The information notification device according to the second embodiment is basically the same as the configuration and control of the information notification device according to the first embodiment, except for the points described below. Therefore, hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described centering on the parts different from the first embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the processor 23 of the ECU 20 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the processor 23 has a determination unit 27 in addition to the notification unit 25 and the information acquisition unit 26. The notification unit 25, the information acquisition unit 26, and the determination unit 27 are functional modules realized by the processor 23 of the ECU 20 executing a computer program stored in the memory 22 of the ECU 20. Note that these functional modules may be realized by dedicated arithmetic circuits provided in the processor 23, respectively.

[0056] The determination unit 27 determines the driver's proficiency in using the driving support function based on the usage status of the driving support function by the driver. By this, it is possible to obtain the driver's proficiency without forcing the driver to declare the proficiency. Also, by determining the proficiency based on objective judgment criteria rather than the driver's subjectivity, a more accurate proficiency can be obtained.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control routine for proficiency determination processing in the second embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed at a predetermined execution interval by the processor 23 (specifically, the determination unit 27) of the ECU 20. When a plurality of driving support functions are mounted on the vehicle, this control routine is executed for each of the plurality of driving support functions.

[0058] First, in step S201, the determination unit 27 determines whether an operation related to the driving support function has been performed by the driver. For example, the determination unit 27 determines whether an operation related to the driving support function has been performed based on an input to the HMI 9 by the driver or the like. When the driving support function is highly automated driving, the operation related to the driving support function includes, for example, a switch operation of the HMI 9, an operation for eliminating the cause of inability to use highly automated driving, and the like. When the state where highly automated driving cannot be used is eliminated, it is determined that an operation for eliminating the cause of inability to use highly automated driving has been performed by the driver. When the driving support function is electric parking, the operation related to the driving support function includes, for example, a switch operation of the HMI 9, an accelerator operation for releasing electric parking, and the like.

[0059] If it is determined in step S201 that no operation related to the driving support function has been performed, this control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that an operation related to the driving support function has been performed, this control routine proceeds to step S202.

[0060] In step S202, the determination unit 27 updates the driver's proficiency according to the operation related to the driving support function. For example, the determination unit 27 calculates the frequency of the operation related to the driving support function and updates the proficiency based on the frequency. In this case, the higher the frequency, the higher the proficiency is set. The proficiency is determined by a numerical value (for example, 0 to 100) or a rank (for example, low, medium, and high). The correspondence between the frequency and the numerical value or rank of the proficiency is determined in advance by a map or a calculation formula. When an operation for starting the driving support function is performed in a state where the driving support function cannot be used, the determination unit 27 may decrease the driver's proficiency. When the driving support function is highly automated driving, the determination unit 27 may determine the driver's proficiency based on the time required to eliminate the cause of inability to use highly automated driving. In this case, the shorter the time required to eliminate the cause, the higher the driver's proficiency is set.

[0061] Next, in step S203, the determination unit 27 stores the proficiency updated in step S202 in the memory 22 of the ECU 20 or the like as proficiency information. Note that the determination unit 27 may store the identification number of the wireless key existing inside the vehicle as proficiency information together with the proficiency. Further, the determination unit 27 may store the driver's image generated by the driver monitoring camera 2 as proficiency information together with the proficiency. According to these methods, the proficiency of the driver determined by the determination unit 27 can be stored in association with the driver's identification information. After step S203, this control routine ends.

[0062] Also, in the second embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, the control routine of the information notification process in FIG. 3 is executed. At this time, in step S101, the information acquisition unit 26 acquires proficiency information including the proficiency determined by the determination unit 27. Further, when the driver's identification information is included in the proficiency information, the information acquisition unit 26 identifies the driver and acquires the proficiency information corresponding to the identified driver. By this, even when a plurality of people use one vehicle, it is possible to suppress the reference to the proficiency of other people.

[0063] <Third Embodiment> The information notification device according to the third embodiment is basically the same as the configuration and control of the information notification device according to the first embodiment except for the points described below. Therefore, hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described centering on the parts different from the first embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a mobile terminal communicable with a vehicle. The vehicle 30 includes the vehicle control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 and performs short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal carried by a driver via the short-range wireless communication module of the communication device 10.

[0065] In the third embodiment, proficiency information representing the proficiency of the driver is stored in the mobile terminal, and the information acquisition unit 26 acquires the proficiency information from the mobile terminal via short-range wireless communication. By doing so, even when a plurality of people use a single vehicle, it is possible to easily acquire the proficiency of the driver riding in the vehicle 30. In addition, it is possible to avoid the storage capacity of the storage device of the vehicle 30, such as the memory 22 of the ECU 20, being consumed for storing the proficiency information.

[0066] Also in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the control routine of the information notification process in FIG. 3 is executed. At this time, in step S101, the information acquisition unit 26 acquires the proficiency information stored in the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal via short-range wireless communication. Note that the mobile terminal may be able to communicate with a plurality of vehicles. In this case, in each of the plurality of vehicles, it is possible to realize the notification of information based on the proficiency of the owner of the mobile terminal.

[0067] The mobile terminal is, for example, the wireless key 40 of the vehicle 30. The wireless key 40 has an individual identification number, and a plurality of wireless keys 40 having different identification numbers are assigned to each of the plurality of users of the vehicle 30. For example, when the proficiency is input by the driver via the HMI 9, the proficiency information representing the proficiency input by the driver is transmitted to the wireless key 40 existing inside the vehicle 30 and stored in the memory of the wireless key 40.

[0068] In this embodiment, in addition to the lock button 41 and the unlock button 42 for opening and closing the door lock of the vehicle 30, the wireless key 40 has an information transmission stop button 43 for stopping the transmission of familiarity information between the vehicle 30 and the wireless key 40. When the information transmission stop button 43 is operated (for example, long-pressed), the transmission of familiarity information between the vehicle 30 and the wireless key 40, that is, the acquisition of familiarity information from the wireless key 40 and the update of the familiarity information stored in the wireless key 40 are stopped. Therefore, even if the wireless key 40 is temporarily lent to a person other than the owner, it is possible to suppress the notification based on the owner's familiarity level and suppress the reflection of the familiarity level of a person other than the owner in the familiarity information.

[0069] Also, the mobile terminal in which the familiarity information is stored may be a smartphone 50. The smartphone 50 is owned by each of a plurality of users of the vehicle 30. In this case, an information transmission application is installed in the smartphone 50, and familiarity information is transmitted between the vehicle 30 and the smartphone 50 via this application. For example, when the familiarity level is input by the driver via the HMI9, the familiarity information representing the familiarity level input by the driver is transmitted to the smartphone 50 in which the information transmission application is installed and stored in the memory of the smartphone 50. Note that the owner of the smartphone 50 may input the familiarity level on the information transmission application, that is, on the smartphone 50. Further, the smartphone 50 may also have a function of opening and closing the door lock of the vehicle 30. Also, the mobile terminal may be a tablet terminal or the like owned by a user of the vehicle 30.

[0070] <Fourth Embodiment> The information notification device according to the fourth embodiment is basically the same as the configuration and control of the information notification device according to the first embodiment except for the points described below. Therefore, hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described centering on the parts different from the first embodiment.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a server capable of communicating with a vehicle. The vehicle 30 includes the vehicle control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 and performs wide-area wireless communication with a server 60 outside the vehicle 30 via the wide-area wireless communication module of the communication device 10. Specifically, the vehicle 30 accesses a wireless base station 80 using the communication device 10 and communicates with the server 60 via the wireless base station 80 and a communication network 70. The server 60 includes a communication interface, a storage device, a memory, a processor, and the like.

[0072] In the fourth embodiment, proficiency information representing the proficiency of the driver is stored in the server 60, and the information acquisition unit 26 acquires the proficiency information from the server 60 via wide-area wireless communication. By doing so, it is possible to avoid consuming the storage capacity of the storage device of the vehicle 30, such as the memory 22 of the ECU 20, for storing the proficiency information.

[0073] For example, when proficiency is input by the driver via the HMI 9, proficiency information representing the proficiency input by the driver is transmitted from the vehicle 30 to the server 60 via wide-area wireless communication. When proficiency is input by the driver, the identification number of the wireless key existing inside the vehicle 30 may be transmitted to the server 60 as proficiency information together with the proficiency. Also, when proficiency is input by the driver via the HMI 9, an image of the driver generated by the driver monitoring camera 2 may be transmitted to the server 60 as proficiency information together with the proficiency. Further, when the driver inputs the identification information of the driver (for example, user ID, user name, etc.) together with the proficiency, the identification information of the driver may be transmitted to the server 60 as proficiency information together with the proficiency. According to these methods, even when a plurality of people use a single vehicle, it is possible to suppress the reference of the proficiency of other people.

[0074] Also, in the fourth embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, the control routine of the information notification process in FIG. 3 is executed. At this time, in step S101, the information acquisition unit 26 acquires the proficiency information stored in the server 60 from the server 60 via wide area wireless communication. When the identification information of the driver is stored in the server 60, the information acquisition unit 26 transmits information for identifying the driver (for example, the identification number of the wireless key of the vehicle 30, the image of the driver generated by the driver monitor camera 2, the identification information input by the driver, etc.) to the server 60. By this, in the server 60, the driver riding in the vehicle 30 can be identified, and the proficiency information of the identified driver can be acquired.

[0075] Note that statistical information on proficiency (for example, comparison information with other users) etc. may be generated in the server 60, and such statistical information may be transmitted from the server 60 to the vehicle 30 and notified to the driver of the vehicle 30 via the HMI 9.

[0076] <Other Embodiments> As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims.

[0077] For example, a part of the configuration of the vehicle control system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted. Also, the driving support functions mounted on the vehicle may be Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that automatically controls the speed of the vehicle according to the presence or absence of a preceding vehicle, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) or Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) that automatically controls the steering of the vehicle so that the vehicle is maintained within the lane, etc.

[0078] In addition, a computer program that causes a computer to realize the functions of each part of the processor 23 of the ECU 20 may be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium is, for example, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0079] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in any combination. For example, when the second embodiment and the third embodiment are combined, proficiency information representing the proficiency determined by the determination unit 27 is stored in a portable terminal (for example, the wireless key 40 or the smartphone 50), and the information acquisition unit 26 acquires the proficiency information from the portable terminal via short-range wireless communication. Also, when the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment are combined, proficiency information representing the proficiency determined by the determination unit 27 is stored in the server 60, and the information acquisition unit 26 acquires the proficiency information from the server 60 via wide-area wireless communication.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0080] 20 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 23 Processor 25 Notification Unit 26 Information Acquisition Unit 30 Vehicle

Claims

1. A notification unit that notifies a driver of a vehicle of information, and an information acquisition unit that acquires proficiency information indicating the proficiency of the driver with respect to the use of a driving support function mounted on the vehicle, and has, the notification unit switches a notification mode of information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information, and the lower the proficiency of the driver, the stronger the notification intensity to the driver, the proficiency information is stored in a portable terminal carried by the driver, the information acquisition unit acquires the proficiency information from the portable terminal via short-range wireless communication, an information notification device.

2. A notification unit that notifies a driver of a vehicle of information, and an information acquisition unit that acquires proficiency information indicating the proficiency of the driver with respect to the use of a driving support function mounted on the vehicle, and has, the notification unit switches a notification mode of information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information, and the lower the proficiency of the driver, the stronger the notification intensity to the driver, the proficiency information is stored in a server outside the vehicle, the information acquisition unit acquires the proficiency information from the server via wide-area wireless communication, an information notification device.

3. The notification unit increases the amount of information notified to the driver as the proficiency of the driver decreases, the information notification device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information notification device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a determination unit that determines the proficiency of the driver based on the usage status of the driving support function by the driver.

5. The portable terminal is a smartphone, the information notification device according to claim 1.

6. An information notification method executed by a computer, comprising: acquiring, from the portable terminal via short-range wireless communication, proficiency information indicating the proficiency of the driver of the vehicle with respect to the use of a driving support function mounted on the vehicle, the proficiency information being stored in the portable terminal carried by the driver; and when notifying the driver of information regarding the driving support function, switching a notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information, and increasing the notification intensity to the driver as the proficiency of the driver decreases. An information notification method.

7. An information notification method executed by a computer, comprising: Proficiency information representing the proficiency of the driver of the vehicle with respect to the use of a driving support function mounted on the vehicle, obtaining the proficiency information stored in a server outside the vehicle from the server via wide-area wireless communication, when notifying the driver of information regarding the driving support function, switching the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information, and the lower the proficiency of the driver, the stronger the notification intensity to the driver An information notification method including this.

8. Proficiency information representing the proficiency of the driver of the vehicle with respect to the use of a driving support function mounted on the vehicle, obtaining the proficiency information stored in a portable terminal carried by the driver from the portable terminal via short-range wireless communication, when notifying the driver of information regarding the driving support function, switching the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information, and the lower the proficiency of the driver, the stronger the notification intensity to the driver An information notification computer program that causes a computer to execute this.

9. Proficiency information representing the proficiency of the driver of the vehicle with respect to the use of a driving support function mounted on the vehicle, obtaining the proficiency information stored in a server outside the vehicle from the server via wide-area wireless communication, when notifying the driver of information regarding the driving support function, switching the notification mode of the information regarding the driving support function based on the proficiency information, and the lower the proficiency of the driver, the stronger the notification intensity to the driver An information notification computer program that causes a computer to execute this.

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